One Thing and Another
by Tapestri
Two men stood outside of the small town jail waiting for their friend. Vin Tanner inhaled deeply and sighed in delight. “Now that’s a right welcome smell for a man that’s been on the trail for three days.”
Ezra Standish grinned at him. “Indeed it is. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a fresh baked apple pie.”
“Apple pie?” Vin replied with a scowl. “Who wants apple pie when there’s peach cobbler around?”
Chris Larabee had come out of the Sheriff’s office in time to hear the whole conversation. He stepped in just as Ezra took a breath to make his rebuttal.
“Boys, it would be a shame to waste time arguing when we could be eating.” He slapped each man on a shoulder as he moved between. “Besides, you’re both wrong. Nothing beats a pecan pie.” With that he strode ahead.
The two men left behind darted quick looks at each other before hurrying after him. A friendly debate ensued as each man tried to convince the others about the merits of their preferred dessert.
“Hold up.” Vin interrupted the argument and trotted across the street. He’d noticed a woman struggling to nail up a sign. He came up to her intending to offer his help.
“Ma’am?”
Startled, she dropped the sign and swung around.
Across the street Chris and Ezra saw what was about to happen but were unable to stop it. Both men winced as the hammer caught Vin on the nose.
Vin staggered back, his hands covering his face.
The young woman dropped the hammer in horror, just missing Vin’s toes. “Oh! Oh dear! I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean. Oh, dear! I’m sorry.”
The others had crossed the street by this time and Ezra stepped up to the flustered woman while Chris moved to see to the tracker.
“It’s all right, my dear,” Ezra soothed, and drew her a short distance away, murmuring further assurances.
“Vin?”
“Damn! That hurts.” Vin’s voice was muffled and strained.
“Let me see.”
Vin took his hands away. His eyes were watering from shock and pain, and blood was running from his nostrils as well as from a cut on the bridge of his nose.
Chris frowned, reaching out to touch the injury.
Vin hissed and slapped the hand away.
“Don’t think it’s broken,” Chris said.
“I coulda told you that.” Vin glared over the bandana he now held to his face. “Didn’t have to touch it.”
Chris smirked. “Let’s get you cleaned up so we can see better.”
Some time later Ezra found them in the restaurant. As he sat down a waitress brought over the lunch the others had ordered for him.
“What took you so long?” Chris asked.
Ezra let out a dramatic sigh. “Mrs. Barker felt the need to share her troubles with me. It took some time to calm her down enough for me to extricate myself.”
“You put the sign up for her?” Vin asked slyly.
Ezra glared at the knowing smirks the others wore. “It was preferable to seeing the lady injure herself or some other unsuspecting passerby.”
“Uh huh.”
“You really should learn not to sneak up on people, Mr. Tanner.”
“Weren’t sneaking. Just wanted to help.”
“You gonna eat that?” Chris had spent the last few minutes watching Vin push food around on his plate.
Vin shoved the plate away in disgust. “Don’t taste the same. Can’t even smell it now.”
Chris grinned wolfishly and snatched the plate towards him.
“Mr. Larabee! I thought you said you preferred pecan pie.”
“I did. I do. Be a shame to let this go to waste though.”
Vin glowered, as well as he could, at his friend.
“You are fortunate, Vin.”
“Just how do you figure that, Ezra?”
“She could have been swinging the hammer when she struck you, rather than just grazing you. Thank you, my dear,” he said, smiling at the waitress as she set a slice of apple pie before him. “As it is, while your nose is quite swollen, it appears that it won’t get much worse.”
“He’s right Vin. You should count your blessings.”
“Fine. I’ll go outside and count it a blessing that you two are inside.” He strode out, hearing soft laughter following him.
Ezra watched him exit then turned back to his plate. He paused, his expression turning serious. “He is all right, is he not Mr. Larabee?”
“He’ll hurt for a while, but he’ll be fine.” Scraping the last bit of cobbler from his plate, Chris pushed back his chair and stood. “Finish your lunch, then we’ll head out.”
“Another night on the trail,” Ezra grumbled.
“Cheer up. It’s just one night. Clear Ridge has some right nice hotels and saloons.”
Ezra snorted. “The difference between your idea of ‘right nice’ and my idea of acceptable are miles apart.”
Chris just grinned and slapped the conman on the shoulder, then he, too, left the restaurant, neglecting to mention that the bill had not yet been paid
******* ******* ******* ******* *******
When the three men stopped for the night Vin slid off his horse with a sigh. During the first part of their ride from the town his injury had been annoying but manageable. The pain had increased over time until his head throbbed with each step his horse took.
He snapped his eyes open when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“Ezra and I’ll see to things. You go sit down before you fall down.”
Vin nodded and staggered towards a comfortable looking tree where he sat down. He closed his eyes and leaned back.
“Mr. Tanner?”
He opened his eyes to see Ezra crouched next to him. He was holding a dripping rectangle of cloth.
“You may find application of this to be beneficial.”
“Thanks, Ez.” He took the compress and laid it across his eyes. In moments he was asleep, oblivious to the activities around him.
******* ******* ******* ******* *******
“Vin?” An hour had passed and Chris had decided it was time to wake him up. The tracker muttered something and Chris grinned. “Sorry, pard. You gotta wake up.”
One eye opened, giving Chris a skeptical look. “Why?”
“’Cause if you don’t, the rest of your body’s going to hurt as much as your face, sleeping like that.”
Vin grunted and slowly stretched before standing up.
“How’s the head?”
“Better.”
They walked over to the fire where Ezra had just finished preparing the meal.
“Are you ready to partake in our evening repast, Mr. Tanner?”
“I reckon I could eat. ‘Specially since you’re the one doin’ the cooking.”
Somewhat surprisingly, the best trail cooks among the seven had proven to be Nathan and Ezra. They could all cook passable food, and Vin was the best at providing basic ingredients while on the trail. But Nathan and Ezra would able to perform what, at times, seemed to be magic with whatever was provided.
Vin may have been feeling better than he had before his nap, but it was clear to his companions that he was still in pain. He ate his meal slowly and with little apparent enjoyment.
“I take it the food is not to your taste?”
“That’s it exactly, Ez. Still can’t taste anything.” Vin sighed “Didn’t stop you from cleaning your plate,” Chris observed.
“Damn straight. Know the food’s good. Not going to pass up on Ezra’s cooking.” He grinned, wincing at the pain. “Just wish I could’ve enjoyed it.”
Ezra tipped his head, acknowledging the compliment.
Chris picked up the plates to start cleaning up.
“I can do that,” Vin offered. “You boys have done all the work already.”
Chris shook his head. “You’re going to your bedroll.”
Vin started to object, but the two glares he received convinced him there’d be no use arguing. He doubted they’d wake him for a turn at watch either. He smiled. It was good to have friends looking out for him.
Vin woke a bit before dawn. It took him a moment to remember why his face hurt, but he was pleased that the pain had subsided to a dull ache. He lightly touched the side of his nose, nodding in satisfaction with what he found. He stood and stretched, enjoying the beginnings of a new day.
Looking across the camp, he saw Chris watching him. Their eyes met and after a moment, Chris nodded and headed for his bedroll to get another hour of so of sleep.
Relaxed, Vin enjoyed the stillness of the early morning, taking in the sights and sounds of the world greeting a new day. After some time a look at the sun told him that Chris, at least, would be getting up soon. In minutes he had a fresh pot of coffee sitting on the fire to brew. He looked over their provisions and then at the stream. Some fresh fish would make a good breakfast. Quickly he removed his boots, socks and pants, rolled up his sleeves and waded into the water.
When Chris got up he saw Vin in the water and two fish on the bank. With a grin, he took out his knife and started cleaning the fish. Once they were cooking the smell of them and the coffee should wake Ezra up.
Vin glanced over to Chris then turned back to the water. One more fish should do it, if he could get a big one. In only a few seconds he had one in his hands, and was starting back to dry ground. A rock move under his foot at the same time the fish jerked strongly. It was enough to throw off his balance and he landed on his backside with a splash.
The string of curses assured Chris that the tracker was all right. It also brought Ezra out of his bedroll with a gun in his hand. A quick look assured him there was no danger. He put the gun away and strolled towards the stream.
“It is customary to remove one’s clothing before bathing, Mr. Tanner.”
“Very funny, Ezra.” Vin scooped his hand through the water the water sending a spray towards the laughing gambler, who danced nimbly out of range.
“Best get out of there and dry off if we want to make Clear Ridge by nightfall.”
Vin nodded and put his hands down to lever himself up. As he pressed down, as a sharp pain sliced through his left hand.
“Shit!”
“Vin?” Two voices expressed their concern.
“I’m all right.” He searched through the stream bottom with his right hand until he came up with a rusty knife blade.
As soon as Ezra saw the blood running from his friend’s hand he went to retrieve their medical supplies.
“What happened?” Chris asked.
“Put my hand down on this.” Vin showed him the blade.
“Damn! Best let it bled a bit more before we clean it.”
Vin nodded his agreement. He’d seen a man die of lockjaw before. It wasn’t a pretty sight. And all he’d done was get scratched by a rusty nail. He did wrap his hand lightly, though, while changing out of his wet clothes.
When they felt it had bled enough, Vin let Chris clean it out.
“It needs stitches. Don’t think it should wait, either,” Chris said, then waited for Vin’s decision.
Vin studied his hand, then nodded his head in agreement.
“Who do you want to do it? Ezra or me?”
“No offense, but Ezra’s got the daintier hand.”
“Excuse me?”
Vin grinned at Ezra’s affronted look. “You know what I mean.”
“You could have found a more flattering way to phrase it.”
Vin and Chris chuckled.
By the time Ezra had finished stitching and binding Vin’s hand, Chris had breakfast ready. They did not linger over the meal, but packed up quickly to continue on their journey.
Once again Vin was finding riding uncomfortable. The ache in his head increased only a little, but now his hand was throbbing. The most comfortable way to hold it was tucked into his shirt between buttons. He saw Ezra watching him and warned, “No one word.”
Ezra closed his mouth with a snap.
Vin smiled in satisfaction. He didn’t need a sling, and wasn’t going to listen to anyone say otherwise. He’d settled that before they broke camp, and was not going to change his mind.
******* ******* ******* ******* *******
Three appreciative men rode into Clear Ridge that evening.
“Ah, civilization.” Ezra beamed.
“Whiskey.” Vin smiled in anticipation.
“A hot bath,” Ezra sighed.
“Whiskey.” Chris agreed with Vin.
“An exquisitely prepared meal.”
“Whiskey.”
Ezra frowned at Vin, who just grinned back him with mischief in his eyes.
“A lucrative card game,” Ezra stated firmly, his eyes daring the other two to continue.
“Whisky,” Chris said with a grin to match Vin’s.
Ezra dropped his shoulders in defeat and sighed dramatically. “I do not know why I continue to ride with you gentlemen.” The others waited. After a moment a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth and he nodded. “Whiskey.”
“Right,” Vin said. “First things first.”
They settled their horses in the livery then went in search of a saloon. With several to choose from they bypassed a few before finding one to their liking. They chose a table. Ezra went to the bar and came back with three glasses and a half full bottle. As they relaxed over their drinks, each man took care observing their surroundings. Ezra’s attention kept returning to a lively card game taking place across the room. When he observed two men leaving the game, he stood up.
“Thought you wanted a bath,” Vin drawled.
Ezra smirked, “As you said, Mr. Tanner, ‘first things first.’” He tapped his hat brim and moved off.
They watched as he took a place at the table and began working his magic, relaxing the other players so that they would be easier to read.
Once they saw that it was going to be a friendly game, they relaxed.
Chris looked over at Vin and shook his head.
“What?”
Chris chose not to answer, and Vin scowled at him. Shrugging, Chris said, “Swelling’s gone down, but you’re getting downright colorful.”
Vin sighed. “Least I can breathe better now. Smell things, too.”
“How’s the hand?”
It was Vin’s turn to shrug. “Hurts.”
“There’s a doc in town. Might want to let him have a look.”
“Couldn’t hurt.” He pushed his chair back and stood. “I’ll go see if I can find ‘im. You gonna stay here for a while?”
“Yep. Come back when you’re done and we’ll go eat.”
Vin nodded and made his way out of the saloon.
When Vin came back, he stood near the door and caught Chris’ eye, then looked over to Ezra’s table and saw the man collecting his winnings and excusing himself from the game.
“Profitable game?” Vin asked.
“One could say so,” Ezra replied with a grin.
“They don’t look too unhappy,” Chris said, indicating the men still at the table.
“I was in a good mood.”
“Thought you might be ready for that ‘exquisitely prepared’ meal you mentioned earlier.”
“You thought correctly, Vin.”
“C’mon. I found just the right place.” He led them to the restaurant he’d noticed while looking for the doctor’s place.
They were enjoying coffee after their meal and waiting for dessert, which they had been told would be coming out of the oven shortly.
“What’d the doc say,” Chris asked.
“Said you boys did a fine job on my hand. Should heal up fine. Long as I don’t do anything foolish.
Ezra choked as he sipped his coffee. “You, Mr. Tanner? Do something foolish? I cannot imagine that.”
“Shut up, Ez,” Vin growled.
The others just laughed.
“Guess you don’t want to know what he said about the stitching.”
Ezra pretended indifference and Vin gave in.
“Said he couldn’t have done better himself,” he said softly, looking Ezra in the eyes as he spoke.
“Thank you, Vin.”
The waitress brought their desserts just then. Fresh Blackberry pie. They dug in with pure enjoyment.
Something made Vin laugh just as he put the last bite in his mouth. Amusement turned to alarm as his airway was blocked. He started coughing.
“Vin?” Chris jumped up from his chair and started pounding the tracker’s back.
Ezra looked on, unable to think of anything he could do to help. When he finally saw Vin cough out the food and draw in a breath of air he sat back in his chair in relief.
Chris grasped Vin’s shoulders tightly then released and sat back down.
Vin took in several gasping breaths, oblivious to the tears streaming down his face.
Ezra handed him a glass of water.
“Thanks.” Vin drank it slowly. When he was done, his breathing was back under control.
“You all right, pard?”
“Yeah.” Vin wiped his face with his hands.
Ezra sighed. “Mr. Tanner. That is the third time in two days you have scared us. Please refrain from doing so for the remainder of our trip.” Abruptly, he stood and left.
“What was that all about?” Vin wondered.
“Not sure. But he left us with the check this time.”
The end
