Present Day: August 2005

The last few months had been extremely hectic for ATF Team Seven. With three on-going cases, the team was stretched thin and working overtime to bring the criminals down and put an end to their operations. After many working hours, juggling time constraints, gathering evidence, and planning the raids, the miscreants were finally brought to justice. Three successful busts on three consecutive days brought it all to an end. All that needed to be finished was the dreaded paperwork.

It was Monday afternoon when Chris, paperwork in hand, headed for a meeting with his boss, Judge Orin Travis, Deputy Director of the ATF, Western Division.

Once the Judge finished reading the reports, he looked over at his team leader and said, "Very impressive work, Chris," he stated. "I'll be recommending your team for commendations. Meanwhile, since nothing is pressing and this is finished," he nodded at the reports, "why don't you and your team take the rest of the week off. I'll see you next Monday."

"Thank you sir, I'll let the guys know." Chris smiled as he rose from his chair and left the room.

Once Larabee informed the men of their unexpected time off, each man went about making his own plans, but they agreed to meet at Chris's ranch on Sunday for a barbeque and to watch the baseball game together.

Since it was early August, Vin and Chris decided it would be a good time to go camping. A National Park abutted the farthest edges of Larabee's property, accessible only by horseback. A phone call secured them a campsite and early on Tuesday morning, they gathered the supplies needed for five days and set out on Pony and Peso, leading a pack mule.

As they ambled along, the stress of the last few months began to fall away from Larabee's shoulders and a calm peaceful feeling descended upon him. He followed Tanner up through the pine trees and around rocky crags. It was a beautiful day, perfect for this ride, warm and sunny. Life was good and so was the view.

The view Larabee was watching happened to be Vin's posterior. The way Tanner sat a horse was amazing. He slumped a little, due to his back problems, but Vin's ass fit that saddle like it was molded to it. Larabee felt his cock begin to harden. Watching Vin was like sipping fine wine, it gave him a nice buzz and made him feel good, but he wouldn't get drunk on it. Chris wondered, not for the first time, if Vin would be interested in a more than friendly relationship.

Being with a man wasn't new for Larabee. While he had attended Northwestern University in Chicago, he'd enjoyed many sexual relationships, men and women. Right out of college, Chris joined the Navy and eventually became a Navy SEAL. Once in the teams, he met Buck and they soon became friends. For awhile, Chris and Buck enjoyed a sexual affair, but Larabee had a dark side that Buck was not interested in, and soon decided to break it off with Chris. However, the two men remained close friends.

Chris was still in the Navy when he met and married Sarah Connelly. A few years later they had a son, Adam, whom they both doted on. Tired of not being home with his family every night, Larabee decided to retire from the service. Once he was out of the Navy he secured a position with the ATF as a field agent. Since his teen years, Larabee had never been happier.

Then tragedy struck; Sarah and Adam were killed in a car bomb meant for Chris, or so everyone assumed. Drowning in his grief, Larabee went berserk and sank into the bottom of a bottle. He stayed there for several months, a bitter and angry man who fought his demons constantly. It was only through Buck's loyal friendship and determination that Chris was finally able to regain some semblance of sanity. He and Buck resumed their affair, but Larabee was out of control, so once again, the ladies' man broke it off.

The Judge introduced Larabee to his widowed daughter-in-law, Mary Travis. They dated for several months, but one evening while they were having dinner, she began talking about their future. Chris had befriended her son, Billy, and Mary felt he would make a good father for Billy. Surprised by her assumption of marriage, he quietly informed her he wasn't ready to be anyone's husband or anyone's father for that matter, and broke it off with her. He continued to date other women and laid claim to a little black book of phone numbers to rival Buck's; he just didn't talk about it.

It was around this time that Chris received his promotion to team leader of the newly-formed Team Seven. He approached Buck first and asked him to join the new team. As the team was assembled, Larabee picked only the best men he could find and relied heavily on Buck's opinion. Then Vin came along.

Larabee couldn't explain it, but when Tanner was around, he felt more relaxed, more in control of his emotions and definitely sported a calmer demeanor.

Tanner had been working as a sharpshooter for the U.S. Marshal's Office. About eight months before, during an inter-agency operation, Vin was stationed in the rafters of the warehouse, where the bust was about to go down. After Larabee shouted, "ATF, throw down your weapons," the gunrunners had tried to make a run for it. Their leader grabbed Nathan and held him hostage. Vin, using his skill as a sharpshooter was able to save Nathan's life and hold off the rest of the gang until they surrendered. Chris had been so impressed with the sharpshooter's abilities, he went straight to Travis and requested the young man be transferred to Team Seven.

Vin had been surprised, but elated when he was offered the transfer and had accepted the change immediately. The sharpshooter and his supervisor, in the Marshal's Office, had a personality conflict and didn't get along, so the change had worked out for the best. After a few months with Team Seven, Tanner began to relax and fit right in with the rest of the group, but he was especially close to Larabee right from the beginning.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

Riding along, Larabee thought he heard Tanner say something. He spurred his horse up along side Vin and looked at him quizzically. Vin, having spotted an old split-rail fence pointed to it and said, "This where your place ends?"

"Not yet." Chris answered, "There's a dry creek bed over that way," he pointed with his chin, "It's not far and it takes you right into the park."

The trail veered off in a westerly direction, but Vin's attention was still on the old fence. "That sure is an old fence, cowboy, who built it? Do you know?"

"One of my ancestors. This property is part of a land grant given to my namesake for some help he gave to a town. Sarah and I came riding out here once and followed it to an old cabin. The cabin is so old, I think it's probably the original one the first Larabee built." Larabee removed his hat and wiped the sweat off his brow and replaced his hat. "Funny thing, Sarah said the house was haunted and it gave her the creeps. She wouldn't come out here again even though I wanted to."

"How long has this property been in your family, cowboy?" Vin asked.

Chris bit his bottom lip in thought. "Right off the top of my head, I'm not sure. Probably a hundred years or more."

"What was the name of the town? I reckon it's a ghost town now." Tanner looked over at his partner.

"I don't know what the name of the town was, but it must have been over that way." Chris smiled, "I think about where Highway Seventy cuts through north of here. Rumor has it he was a gunslinger of some reputation, pretty fast with his gun." Chris grinned wickedly.

"Hmm, from a gunslinger to a federal agent is quite a stretch." Vin grinned back.

They crossed over the dry creek bridge into the park. Both men stopped to admire the beautiful mountain peaks rising before them.

"Sorta takes your breath away," Tanner breathed.

Looking at Vin, Larabee answered, "Yeah, it does, pard."

They continued on for about a mile into the park before they came upon their campsite. Looking around, both watched the mountain stream cascading by, bordered by the peaks that seem to rise up from the ground. Dismounting, they unloaded the pack mule, took care of the horses and began putting their camp together. After securing the tent and building a fire pit, Vin collected the wood they would need while Chris built a fire to cook dinner and to provide them with heat. Even though it was summer, due to the elevation, there was a cool breeze.

Once they were finished setting up their camp, Larabee sat back in a camp-chair with his book and lit a cheroot. As he smoked, Chris watched Vin fish the stream. It wasn't long before they had enough trout for dinner.

As they finished eating, the sun was just setting behind the mountain. Both men enjoyed their whiskey-laden coffee and watched the beautiful sunset, but since it had been a long day, it wasn't long before they retired for the night

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

The mist rose eerily from the ground and early morning noises could be heard from small animals scampering around. An eagle soared above calling to some unknown creature while searching for his breakfast.

Vin rose from his sleeping bag, pulled on his jeans and boots and stepped outside. During the night he'd awakened, cold, and needing to go outside. He'd searched through his duffel, found his long johns and put them on before answering nature's call. He'd slipped back into his sleeping bag leaving his long johns and socks on.

The morning temperature was still cool as Vin stretched, put on his jacket and started to build a fire for coffee.

Larabee soon emerged from the tent, yawning. He shivered, stretched, scratched his belly and after a brief nod to his partner, wandered off to take care of his own call of nature.

As the sun rose in the sky, the mist cleared and the temperature rose, warming the air. Vin was cooking breakfast when the sound of a helicopter could be heard; it then came into view, hovered, and landed. Two forest rangers emerged from the small chopper and walked towards them.

"Carl! Joe!" Chris smiled and shook hands with the two men. Vin grinned, nodded his welcome to them and added more bacon to the skillet.

"Hey guys!" said Carl, "When I saw your name on my list, we just had to stop by. Hopefully we're in time for breakfast," he joked.

"Yer just in time," Tanner invited with a grin.

"If I know Tanner, he's already caught breakfast and made his fry bread," Joe finished.

Vin laughed, "No fish, but we got bacon. Yer welcome to stay."

The sharpshooter finished cooking and served the food, while Chris poured coffee for their friends.

The four men sat around the fire, eating and discussing events of the day. Joe spoke of some of the problems the forestry guys were having, while Chris complained about the paperwork he had to contend with. About an hour later, their guests rose to leave, grousing good-naturedly about checking on inexperienced campers and hikers not yet ready for the rigors of high-mountain walking. During their goodbyes, Carl warned, "You fellas better batten down the hatches, there's a storm front coming in sometime tonight. You'll probably get rain or possibly some snow dumped on you."

"That a fact?" Vin shook his head. "Reckon we oughta put some sorta lean-to up for the horses."

"It's hard to believe, it's such a beautiful morning, but the weather can change in a heartbeat here in the mountains. If it gets too bad, we'll head back down to the valley," Larabee stated.

Vin nodded in agreement, "Yeah, this is suppose to be a fun trip, not an endurance test."

"We'll do a fly-by in a few days and check on things, but you two are experienced campers. You shouldn't run into any trouble, but if you do, you both know what to do. Hey, and thanks again for breakfast." The two rangers boarded the chopper, and took off to continue their rounds.

After their friends left, they cleaned up the area and took a hike on a marked trail. Tanner climbed a small crag, while Larabee sat at the bottom and enjoyed a smoke. Afterwards they headed back to camp and made lunch. Larabee couldn't believe how good he felt as he sat back to read. While Vin fished and tried his hand at panning for gold, Chris dozed off. As the afternoon wore on, they decided to go swimming. The water was cold, but the sun was warm on their bodies as they played and swam in the river. Clouds started to form, but the perfect weather continued to hold.

Larabee threw some foil-wrapped potatoes into the coals to bake as supper-time approached. Working together, they were able to fashion a temporary lean-to for the horses. It had been a fine day and both men felt good, but tired. Chris lit his last cheroot of the night as Vin made one last check of the animals.

As they turned in for the night, the wind picked up and the temperature began to drop.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

As the storm raged around them, Vin lay on his side huddled in his sleeping bag. He listened to the wind and rain as it pelted the tent. Lightening flashed and thunder rumbled and Vin shivered. Even though his long johns were thermal and his sleeping bag thick and soft, Vin continued to feel the cold. Seeking warmth, he scooted closer to Chris.

Vin knew Chris was straight, but he'd noticed Larabee checking him out from time to time. He'd heard of middle-aged men, for whatever reason, wanting a walk on the wild-side. Try something new, something forbidden and dangerous, just to see what it was like, but Vin was in a perilous position. He had taken great pains to stay in the closet. With his career choices of the Army Rangers and now law enforcement, it was imperative he lead a celibate life. He couldn't take any chances of someone discovering his secret.

Recently Chris had began looking at him like he was a first course for a starving man. Vin wondered if his boss had found out he was gay. Not that Vin wasn't interested. Hell, Larabee was a great-looking guy with a body sexy as hell and just begging to be explored, but being with Chris would be foolish and dangerous. Besides Chris would be ruthless if he was ever crossed.

The sharpshooter figured his boss wanted to fuck him to see what being with a man was all about, but to do that, Vin knew he'd have to keep a tight rein on his heart. He already had strong feelings for Chris.

Vin thought that if Chris wanted him, maybe he'd give in, have an affair, then act like nothing had happened when it was over. Show Larabee he wouldn't embarrass him. That way he could keep his job, his life and his friends. He knew he could play it cool, hell, he'd been doing it all his life. He sighed heavily.

"You awake, Vin?"

"Yeah," he answered, sighing again.

"You okay?"

"Just cold is all." Vin rolled over on his back, and looked over at Chris.

"You averse to sharing body heat, pard?" Larabee asked casually.

Tanner grinned, "Not tonight, I'm not."

Working together, they unzipped their sleeping bags, adjusted them together and then rezipped them to form one bag. They huddled under the top cover and Chris wrapped himself around Vin. "Shit, you are cold," Larabee whispered, drawing his partner closer and rubbing his stocking foot up and down Tanner's leg. Getting skin on skin was impossible since both men had on their thermal long johns. The blond lay on his side, cheek resting against his partner's hair, arms wrapped around the body he'd been wanting to hold for a long time.

"How's a cold-blooded West Texas boy like you end up in Colorado, anyway?"

Vin grinned, "You'll laugh if I tell ya."

Chris smiled, "No I won't, I promise."

"Well, I'd run away from the foster home where I was living. I had enough money to get to Denver. Figured I'd stop here, make some money doing odd jobs, then move on to where I was headed, but then, I met Miss Nettie She took me offa the streets, gave me a home and made me go back to school. One of the best things that ever happen to me."

"Where were you headed in the first place?" Chris asked curiously.

"Montana"

"Why?" Chris asked, surprised. "It's colder there than it is here."

"You'll laugh, cowboy." Vin chuckled at himself.

"No I won't, Vin, I promise." Larabee said with a grin.

Well, I'd heard my foster folks reading an article 'bout how they's needing cowboys in Montana to help on the dude ranches, herding cattle and such. So I figured I'd start on my life's journey by going to Montana and getting a job on one a them ranches. I could ride purty good and I figured, how hard can it be to herd cattle? Hell, ain't nothing dumber than a cow"

Larabee smiled, "How old were you?"

"Fourteen."

"Montana's a big state, pard. Where were you planning on getting this job?"

"Hadn't thought that far ahead, hell I's just a kid." Vin chuckled again, a little embarrassed. He snuggled against Larabee, his head under Chris's chin.

Chris snorted, pulling his partner closer, if that was possible. "At least you had a plan, pard. At fourteen I didn't have a clue about what I wanted to do. My dad kept telling me to knuckle down and study agriculture. He wanted me to take over the farm, but there was no way I was going to be a farmer." Larabee paused, and his hand went under Vin's shirt to touch his back.

Vin stiffened, "What're we doing here?" he asked.

"Whatever you want, pard," Chris answered huskily and nuzzled into Vin's temple.

Chris pulled back, looked Vin in the eye, then leaned forward, placing a light kiss on his mouth. He pulled back slightly, looking for doubt in his partner; finding none, he kissed Vin again, putting pressure into the kiss. Tanner opened his mouth and the blond's tongue made it's way into the warm cavern, exploring. Chris's hand pushed Vin's shirt up and latched onto a nipple. The little bud perked up and Vin shivered with delight as his partner's tongue flicked at it. After exploring each other for several minutes, they pushed their pants down to their knees and took ahold of the other's dick and rubbed them together. Larabee spread pre-cum on their hard cocks for better friction as arms wrapped around each other. Both continued caressing, kissing and nipping at the other, mouths playing while bodies were seeking fulfillment. Tanner came first, shooting cum over Larabee's body. The blond jerked as he spilled his seed on Vin. Both lay back, breathing hard, trying to suck air back into their lungs.

"Damn pard!" Larabee whispered, once he could talk again.

"I know," Vin answered with a grin.

Once he could breathe again, Vin fumbled in his duffel, which sat close by, and found his dirty t-shirt. Using that he cleaned them both off.

They pulled their long johns up, adjusted them, then spooned up against each other in a warm embrace. Chris covered them again with the top of the sleeping bag and soon both men were fast asleep.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

Thursday morning came amid a shroud of fog. The skittering noises of early morning woke Larabee. He lay watching Vin sleep and no longer able to resist, gently kissed the tousled head and snuggled closer.

When Vin opened his eyes that morning, he sensed something had changed, someone was holding him close, then he remembered what had happened. He sat straight up, stared wide-eyed at his boss and stammered. "Chris, I... I..."

Chris smiled, sitting up also, "It's all right, Vin, I wanted it too, you know," he said softly. "I've wanted to be with you for a long time now."

Vin frowned, "But I thought... I mean, you're straight and I... I ain't." There, he'd said it out loud for the first time in his life. "I don't want to lose your friendship, cowboy"

"Vin stop," Larabee leaned over and kissed him lightly. "Our friendship's solid. I wanted it too. I have feelings for you, pard, and I hoped you'd like me the same way," Larabee smiled at him.

Vin drew his knees up and considered what the blond was telling him. "I've liked you for a long time, too, cowboy, but what if..."

"No what ifs, Vin, we can make this work!" He shivered slightly, "It's really turned cold, pard, whadda you say we break camp and head back down to the valley? It's got to be a little warmer. We can follow that fence and check out the cabin. Setup a camp there. Sarah swore it was haunted, maybe we can scare up a few ghosts." He smirked at Vin and wagged his eyebrows.

Vin looked into Chris's eyes and seeing only warmth and friendship, he sighed, relaxed and nodded. Displaying a grin, he said, "Sounds good to me, cowboy. I ain't into freezing my balls off. I'll get a fire started, 'cause I'm gonna need coffee."

Once breakfast was finished, Vin made sandwiches out of the leftover cooked bacon and together they packed up the camp. After making sure the fire was out completely and the camp-site cleaned up for others, they saddled the horses and moved off towards home. The weather was cold, wet and miserable as they made their way out of the high country, but within a few hours of traveling down the mountain, the sun came out and the air began to warm.

Once they crossed the dry creek bridge onto Larabee's property, they turned the horses towards the trail where the antique split-rail fence could be found.

When Vin spotted the relic, they stopped for lunch, consuming the sandwiches Vin had made. Back on the trail, following the old fence, Vin was amazed, some of it had fallen down, but for its age, the fence was in remarkable shape. Some grape vines, seeds probably dropped by birds, had taken root alongside the fence and climbed sporadically along the posts. Within a mile, they came to an open glen. Cottonwood and pine trees dotted the landscape, and rock outcroppings could be seen nearby. An old clapboard house, sat off to the side. A couple of rooms had been added at one time and stuck out from the structure. The fence formed a corral of sorts and ended at the far side of the dwelling where a barn sat with a shed attached. The out-buildings were deteriorating and one of them looked to be about ready to fall over. Although the homestead had a sad, dismal look to it now, it was clear this cabin had been lived in at one time.

Vin experienced a feeling of deja-vue. This place had been warm and comfortable at one time, and made him think of home. He felt a shiver run up his spine and sat staring in amazement at the old place. "I've been here b'fore," he muttered to himself.

"What was that, Vin, I didn't hear you." Pony trotted up beside Peso, Chris looked over at his partner. "What was that? I didn't hear you," he repeated.

The sharpshooter was startled by Larabee's question. "What?" he glanced at Chris.

"What's wrong, Vin, you look like you've seen a ghost."

"Don't you feel that?" He whispered to his partner.

"Feel what, Vin?" Chris was worried about his friend.

Vin turned in the saddle and looked into Larabee's eyes. "Sarah was right, this place is haunted. It feels sorta sad, Chris, or lonely. Don't you feel it?"

Starting to dismount, Larabee shook his head. "It's just an old rundown shack, Vin, nothing more." Glancing around, he suggested, "Why don't we make camp over by those trees. I hear running water so there must be a stream nearby."

"There's a river not far from here," Vin stated.

Dismounting, he led Peso away from the homestead with Chris following him.. A few minutes later they came upon a shallow body of running water. It was about twenty foot across and two or three foot deep, but the river became wider as it rapidly run over the rocky streambed and wound its way on through the valley. A rock outcropping cut through the river at this point, sending half of the water on down the river and the other half across a rock formation that created a small waterfall. The waterfall cascaded into a natural pool, forming a pond. The water was crystal clear and warmed by the sun.

They stood at the shore and watched the water as it ran on down its path.

"Know where it goes from here?" Vin asked.

Chris bit his lip and said, "Probably runs past Royal's place. It's over in that direction. Royal's family has owned their spread since white men first came out here looking to tame the land," Chris answered.

"Hmm, Royal? Don't he own that land up from yours?"

"Yeah, he does. Sarah and his wife were good friends. Both of them worked for the school district. They always wanted me and Guy to be buddies so the four of us could hang out together. We never seemed to hit it off, though." Chris smiled, "It was strange really, we had this instant dislike for each other when we met."

"You being the social butterfly and all, I don't understand that neither." Vin laughed. "What happened?"

Chris laughed along with his friend. "Nothing really, they continued being friends, but quit trying to include
me and Royal into their outings." He paused, "She took Sarah's death real hard. Stirred up some kind of ruckus at the funeral. Buck and Royal stepped in to help her, I think."

"Grief and sorrow can make a person do funny things," Vin said, sadly.

"Yeah, odd I just remembered that. I don't know what it was about, I wasn't exactly on top of my game. either." Giving his head a little shake, "Hell, I barely knew where I was at at the time."

Clapping his friend on the shoulder, Vin said, "We better make camp while it's still light out. We can use some of these rocks for a fire pit."

With that they walked away from the water's edge, made camp and built a fire. After tending to the horses, they walked around the old house, peeking in, and then checked the outbuildings.

After making their supper, they relaxed and enjoyed some whiskey-laced coffee while Larabee smoked his cheroot.

Vin wanted to talk to Chris about this new-found relationship, but was too tired to bring it up. They had to establish some ground rules if this affair was going to continue. He wanted to know where he stood in this situation or if this week was all he was going to get with Larabee. If that was the case, Vin knew he would have to steel his heart for the let-down.

******

Old West: Mid 1880's

Chris Larabee, reputed gunslinger, was having his second whiskey of the day when the first gunshots rang out around him. The neck of Larabee's bottle shattered, spilling glass onto the bar, his hand and worse, into his whiskey. The other patrons of the saloon ducked for cover as bullets whizzed around them, shattering more liquor bottles and breaking the mirror behind the bar. Chris glared at the broken bottle, then reached for another shot glass that was sitting upside down on the shelf behind the bar. Taking ahold of the whiskey bottle, he carefully poured himself a goodly measure, tossed it down, then dropped the glass on the bar. Turning, he stepped over bodies as he headed out the swinging doors.

"Town always this lively?" he asked an old man sitting by the side of the saloon doors.

"Cowhands from Texas, all liquored up and looking fer a lynching. It 'pears our healer is their target today," the old man answered.

Larabee looked around at the commotion. A black man was being forced into a wagon by the cowboys, his hands bound. As the wagon started down the street, a woman appeared with a shotgun and tried to stop the men. One of the cowhands kicked the gun out of her hands, and they continued on to Boothill, followed by many of the townsfolk.

"Are you people just going to let this happen?" she shouted. The towns-people turned away, not wanting to involve themselves in the trouble.

Larabee glanced across the street. A young man was sweeping in front of the hardware store. He was on the skinny-side, but good-looking, what Chris would call pretty. He wondered what this kid was doing in a lawless territory, where he was easy prey for any predator.

Chris looked the town over again. When he glanced back to the store front, the kid was gone. When he reappeared, he had his hat on and a rifle in his hands. Gone was the kid and a man stood in his place. The proprietor followed him out of the store, "You leave and you're fired," the storeowner shouted at him.

"That's great!" The young man said in a gravelly voice. "I'm likely gonna get myself killed, now I gotta worry 'bout finding a new job, too."

While watching the young man load the rifle, Larabee revised his opinion of him. The kid looked more like the predator than the prey. Chris smirked at the young man's words to his boss, but felt the impact of his stare when the young man looked up and noticed the gunslinger across the street.

With a tilt of the gunslinger's head and a nod from the kid, both stepped into the street, heading towards Boothill. Neither man knew nor cared about the hands of fate that would bind their souls together for eternity.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

After the shootout at the cemetery, and Nathan's life saved, they formally introduced themselves. "Name's Chris."

"Vin Tanner," the young man answered quietly.

Mary Travis, the woman that tried to intercede on Nathan's behalf, followed them, trying to get an interview for her newspaper, The Clarion. When she asked where they were headed, both men answered, "Saloon!"

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

As fate had intended, Seven men came together that day to form a formidable group. They rode together to save an Indian Village that had been set upon by rogue Confederate raiders.

Besides Chris Larabee, their unofficial leader, there was, Vin Tanner, ex-bounty hunter, buffalo hunter and tracker; Buck Wilmington, Larabee's long-time friend and ladies' man; Nathan Jackson, an ex-slave with natural healing abilities; Ezra Standish, gambler and con-man; Josiah Sanchez, a defrocked priest; and JD Dunne, a naive young man just off the stagecoach from Boston.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

Mary Travis, a comely widow and the Judge's daughter-in-law, understood that to rid a town of lawlessness you had to have hard men of questionable reputations to drive out the bad element. She figured that once law and order was established, these men would be fired and sent on their way. She wanted the kind of town where people from back east could bring families, settle down, buy farms and businesses. Where they would feel safe to raise their children. Mary wanted to see a school started and the church opened up to hold Sunday services. She wanted to see the town grow and prosper. Most of all, she wanted to bring home her son, Billy, who currently lived with the Judge and his wife, Eve Travis.

After saving the Indian Village, Chris and Vin planned on heading to Tascosa, Texas, to clear Vin's name of the murder he had been wrongfully accused of committing. There was a hefty bounty on his head and Vin was anxious to clear up the matter. As the seven men headed back to town from the village, each man was trying to decide where they would head next.

When they entered Four Corners, Lucas James, a cold-blooded killer, decided to intervene in those plans by killing Mr. Potter, owner of the general store. The murder was witnessed by Circuit Judge, Orrin Travis. The Judge had traveled over three hundred miles to bring law and order to the community where his daughter-in-law lived. The seven men backed the Judge, and Lucas was arrested. With the help of his uncle, he escaped from jail, but was soon brought back to face justice. By the end of the week, Lucas had been tried, hung and the seven men hired to keep order in town.

Chris and Vin became close friends and that closeness escalated into the occasional sexual liaison. Neither man would have called it a relationship, if they put a name to it at all. And since they weren't big on idle conversation, their time together was shared in a comfortable silence. Both men seemed to know what the other was thinking, so words weren't necessary.

She couldn't say when it happened, but when Mary looked at Chris, she began to feel a little flutter in the pit of her stomach. She admired the man and wondered, quite wickedly, what he'd be like in bed. When Lydia and the wagon-load of sporting women came to town, trying to escape from Wickes, Mary was determined to get rid of them. It was obvious to her that Lydia and Chris were lovers and there was no way could she compete with a prostitute. Mary was well aware she had to keep the Travis name free from gossip and scandal or the Judge would never return Billy to her. She sighed in relief when Wickes was defeated and the ladies left Four Corners for San Francisco.

Once the peacekeepers established law and order in the small town, Josiah, with Nathan's occasional help, worked to repair and restore the old Church. It was Josiah's dream to hold Sunday services in the old relic someday.

Soon, new businesses began to open up and farmers started to settle in the area. Mary's dream of a prosperous town was showing promise.

As time passed, Mary and Chris became good friends. They shared many lively conversations, but he showed no sign of being interested in her as a suitor. Once the town had settled down, Billy returned to live with Mary Chris, feeling sorry for the fatherless boy, took him fishing and spent time with him.

Noticing how well Billy and Chris got along, Mary began to dream of Larabee someday asking to court her and the three of them making a life together. However, it seemed to her that Chris spent more time and paid more attention to his friend and fellow peacekeeper, Vin Tanner.

A few months after the peacekeepers were hired, a pretty Mexican woman named Inez Recillos settled in town. She went to work in the Standish Tavern as a barmaid and offered food along with drinks. Vin appointed himself her protector and while he wasn't courting her, he watched over her to be sure she was always safe from over-zealous customers.

Chris, tired of the progress in town, decided to homestead a small piece of property. He built a small cabin, a place to get away for a little peace and quiet when the stress of town became too much. Vin helped him lay out the property boundaries and build the shack.

When Don Paulo came to town looking for Inez, he was determined to take her back to Mexico against her wishes. Buck, a champion of women, fought Don Paulo for her honor. The whole town turned out for the sword-fight, which created a carnival-like atmosphere. Buck was able to defeat and kill Don Paulo in the match-up, giving Inez a peace of mind.

Buck loved women, all women and Inez was no exception. He mooned after her, made endless passes, and was nonstop in his pursuit of the lady. She always rebuffed his advances, one of the few women he couldn't seduce. His friends teased him constantly about her, but Buck was not daunted.

Vin seemed to be showing an interest in her as well, and Inez always had a warm smile for her protector. Buck watched Vin as he watched over Inez, but figured the price on Vin's head kept him from courting her. He knew about Larabee and Tanner's sexual fun, but he hoped it would run its course and end a silent death. However, that didn't seem to be happening.

When Judge Travis assigned the seven to escort a wagon train to their destination, all hell broke loose. Dickie O'Shea was determined to go after the land the settlers owned. It seemed gold had been discovered in the streambed of the small river that run through the property, but the farmers were unaware of it.

Gerard Whitman and his young daughter were with the wagon train. As an old friend, he asked Mary to accompany them to the new land. Gerard had been a friend of her late husband, Steven, and had at one courted Mary. However, after she met Steven, they had fallen in love and Gerard had stepped aside. Once the wagon train arrived at the new land, Gerard asked Mary to marry him, again.

Vin, in the meantime, watched Mary dance around Gerard, teasing him with unvoiced promises of marriage. She also hung around Chris, smiling and flirting with him. Vin, upset over Chris's flirtation with Mary, gave in to his attraction of a young married woman, Charlotte. Unable to watch as Mary tried to make Chris jealous of her and Gerard, Vin and Charlotte ran off together. Chris was livid, but not at Mary.

Mary found Chris sitting off by himself one afternoon and decided to tell him about Gerard's marriage proposal. She wanted a jealous Larabee to ask her not to marry, to give him a chance to woo her.

"Gerard has asked me to marry him," she smiled at Chris.

"Do you love him?" He asked her. Watching her face, she looked doubtful. "Not even a little bit?" he questioned.

Mary shrugged, "I am a little confused," she confessed.

"Somehow, I just can't see you as a farmer's wife, Mary," Chris challenged her lightly.

Given this bit of encouragement, Mary turned down Gerard's proposal, deciding to return to town with the peacekeepers.

Once Vin learned that O'Shea had hired more men, he and Charlotte returned to the wagon train to warn everyone. Chris treated him harshly, asking Vin in a hard voice, when he was leaving again. Vin told him he was back to stay, but Chris snorted and said, "I think you're already gone." Vin tried to clear the air, but Larabee was having none of it.

After being forced to give O'Shea the deed to the land, the seven peacekeepers began the trip back to town, taking the settlers to safety. Trying to kill all the witnesses to his underhandedness in getting the land deed, Dickie O'Shea's men placed a large amount of dynamite on a hillside. He lit the fuse hoping to bury the wagon train under the debris, killing the settlers and seven peacekeepers. When Vin saw the sparks from the burning fuse, he jumped off his horse, took aim and shot the fuse out. O'Shea's powder man then threw a stick of dynamite at Vin. Everyone watched as the explosion lifted Vin off his feet. He was launched into the air to land hard on the ground. Chris, the first person to reach him, pulled Vin into his arms, shook him and shouted, "Are you all right?"

Which Vin, dazed by the explosion, answered, "Most of me."

After this near-miss, Chris let go of some of his anger, having almost lost his best friend and lover. He, of all people, understood that life was uncertain and staying mad at Vin just didn't seem smart. Try as he might, though, Chris just couldn't forget it.

Once they returned to Four Corners, Buck noticed their ardor had cooled, but their friendship remained strong as ever. Their leader started paying more attention to Mary, while Vin seemed interested in Inez. The foolishness at the wagon train seem to have been forgotten. Buck knew better, though, Chris never forgot a slight and he had been angry with Vin. Yeah, Buck thought, Chris was just biding his time to strike back at Tanner. Larabee was a take no prisoner's kind of guy, so when he struck, it wouldn't be pretty. Buck almost felt sorry for Vin.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

When Ella Gaines came to town, she turned their lives upside down.

It was the anniversary of the deaths of Sarah and Adam and Larabee wanted to get out of town with Vin Take him to his bed again, let Vin hold him and help soothe the horrible memory of their death. The two men made plans to leave town, camp out under the stars and restore some peace to Larabee's shattered soul.

Mary had other plans, and she approached the Judge asking him to send Tanner on an errand out of town. It was her hope that Chris would turn to her for comfort. The Judge, aware of Mary's growing interest in Larabee, agreed and while sitting in the saloon that afternoon, sharing a drink with the boys said, "Vin I need you to deliver some papers to Eagle Bend. I'd appreciate it if you could leave early tomorrow. These paper need to get to the sheriff as soon as possible"

Chris smiled, "I'll ride along with you, pard."

The Judge, mindful of Mary's plans, said, "I'm sorry, Chris, but I need you here in town. Do you mind?"

Disappointed, Chris shook his head, looked into Vin's eyes and recognized the same let-down.

Tanner left the following day and Larabee spent the day in the saloon drinking. Mary approach him at his table and tried to invite him for supper, but Chris snarled a refusal at her, saddled his horse and rode to Purgatory to spend the night with Maria, a whore he was acquainted with.

Ella paid Buck and JD to bring Chris back to town and sober him up, which they did. She told the others about Handsome Jack wanting her property and something about the Culpepper Copper Mine being a part of his scheme. Once Vin returned from Eagle Bend, he was confronted with the situation and agreed, with the others, to accompany her to the ranch.

Once they arrived at her ranch, Vin instinctively knew things were not as they were supposed to be, but not being a man of words, didn't know how to voice his suspicions. Everything seemed wrong, like a mirage in the desert, you could see it, but it really wasn't there.

Ella could see Mary was smitten with Chris, so in a calm precise manner, and with a shark's smile pasted on her face, she informed Mary, Chris would not be returning to town. Mary was furious and vowed if Larabee did come back to town, she was going to do whatever was necessary to entice him into her bed. He would be hers, one way or another!

Within a few days, Chris was completely hooked on Ella and her ranch. It reminded him of bygone times when he had his own ranch, his wife and family, raised horses and was happy. Ella offered him all that again. How could he turn away from that promise.

He had known Ella before he'd met and married Sarah. She had been overbearing and demanding, stirring up trouble or flirting with strangers, then expecting Chris to fight for her honor. It became so bad, he had to sneak out of town late one night to get away from her. He'd never looked back or given her a second thought, he had been glad to be free of her. Now, here he was, back in her bed, the bad times a distant memory and only the good times remembered.

Vin, however, wasn't fooled. A few days after arriving at Ella's place, Chris announced he wouldn't be returning to town with them. He was staying with Ella.

"Well, good luck," Vin wished him half-heartedly and walked away feeling betrayed.

Later in the day, he approached the blond and asked. "Why're ya staying here, cowboy?"

Larabee looked at him and said, "When you left me for Charlotte, pard, I didn't question you, did I?" Pausing and looking toward the house, continued, "Look around you, Vin, this is my dream. Besides, she's a damn exciting woman." He turned and walked towards the ranch house while Tanner stood and watched him, shaking his head.

The seven peacekeepers had a few run-ins with Handsome Jack and his gang. After a lot of words were exchanged and a few bullets traded, Jack seem to back off. Chris figured Jack had been run off, but to be sure, he assigned Vin the task of riding into Red Fork to check that the rogue really had left the area.

While Tanner was in town, he decided to do some investigating on his own.

Checking the land records, silently thanking Mary for teaching him to read, he discovered that Ella already owned the mine and Jack was actually working for her. Returning to the ranch, he was determined to make Larabee see reason.

Ella arranged a party to be held at the ranch as a celebration for Jack's giving up and leaving. When Vin arrived back at the ranch from Red Fork, the party was in full swing. Everyone enjoyed the food and drink she provided and was having a great time.

Vin spied Chris standing by himself, drink in hand, leaning against a wall. He was wearing a suit and looked more like a banker than a gunslinger. Vin shook his head and walked towards Chris, intending to tell him the news. Before he could say anything, though, Larabee growled, "Where you been?"

Sighing heavily, Vin said, "ain't no easy way to say this, so I'll just spill it. Ella already owns the Culpepper Mine."

"Where'd you get that?" Chris snarled.

"County clerk over in Red Fork. Handsome Jack works for her."

Chris narrowed his eyes. "Who told you to go snooping into her business?"

"She lied to ya, Chris, up and down the line. That woman's no good."

"I'm gonna forget you said that, Vin."

"Well, come sunrise then, I'll be going."

Devastated, Tanner walked outside and rode back to his campsite, determined to put Larabee behind him and move on.

Vin's remarks about Ella raised some suspicions in Larabee's mind, so after she was asleep, Chris took her keys and went to check on a hall closet that she kept locked. Inside the room, he found his wife's locket and pictures of him, Sarah and Adam. Sarah's face was cut out or marred in some way. Adam's likeness had been slashed with a knife.

Ella, pulled the door open and looked at Chris. "How'd you get my wife's locket?" he questioned, bewildered.

Ella proudly answered him, "Fowler brought it to me after the fire," she said with a smile. "See how far I would go for you? This great love we share will always be in our hearts and no one will ever be able to keep us apart."

"You bitch!" Larabee snarled, grabbed her by the throat and started choking her. The first gunshots rang out and Larabee, snarled at her, "What have you done?" and pushing her away from him, turned and left the house.

Her words ringing in his ears, "I'll kill anyone that tries to come between us."

Vin was halfway over the hill when he heard the gunfire. Returning to the house, he found Larabee on the ground, shot by Handsome Jack. On Ella's orders, Jack and his men attacked the bunkhouse trying to kill the six remaining peacekeepers. While the gun battle raged, Vin stood over Chris, protecting him until the shootout was over. After the shooting ended, Jack and his men were either dead or scattered. Ella, unfortunately, escaped into the landscape also.

Chris, was gravely injured and near death. Nathan worked for hours trying to save Chris's life and after succeeding, worked to keep him alive. The peacekeepers stayed at the ranch house until Larabee was strong enough to travel back to town.

Once back in Four Corners, Vin took off to track Ella. Chris hadn't taken the shot to kill her and Vin's shot had missed. Chris continued to heal, but his demeanor refused to improve. He was sullen and withdrawn, difficult and hard to be around. It wasn't long before everyone was tired of his attitude.

When Vin returned to town and told Larabee he'd lost any trail she might have left, Chris was bitterly disappointed. He wanted to blame Vin, but knew he couldn't. Hell, he'd had her in his sights and hadn't pulled the trigger, so he could hardly blame anyone but himself. He'd killed a lot of men in his lifetime, but there was something ugly about killing a woman. He just couldn't do it. He snorted at the absurdity of that. She had killed his beautiful wife and his precious son. Why in the hell couldn't he kill her, was the question that kept running through his mind.

A few days later, Mary dropped the letter in his lap. Inside was a note from Ella and a picture of the two of them at the party. The letter was signed Mrs. Chris Larabee. Well, Chris thought with bitterness, there was just one Mrs. Chris Larabee and she lay cold in her grave. As far as he was concerned, that was all there ever would be.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

Mary watched with trepidation as Chris sank further into depression. She wondered what happened at Ella's, but no one was talking. Not even JD, who she pestered constantly for information. He was usually so forth-coming, but he kept silent, also. The seven peacekeepers had closed ranks and she was on the outside. At least, she thought, Vin and Chris seemed to be on the outs and was keeping away from each other.

Then early one morning, about three months after returning from Ella's, Mary noticed Vin and Chris sitting in front of the saloon. Both men were relaxed, drinking coffee and laughing over a shared joke. The close friendship that had faltered after their return to town had grown close once again. Watching them day after day, she discovered they were closer than ever.

Chris and Vin started working on the homestead again. They added a small room onto the house and planned to add a tack room on the small barn.

Mary began hoping, once again, she and Chris would finally be together.

After joining the group advocating statehood, she found herself busier than ever. Mary attended rallies and wrote editorials in favor of their territory becoming a state. There was to be a rally in Four Corners, to coincide with the territorial governor's visit. He was against statehood and Mary was hoping to get a debate going with him. She loved politics and wished fervently that women could vote and run for office, and found it very unfair she couldn't participate in the process.

Chris had slowly resumed their friendship again, and Mary was hoping to announce their engagement at the rally, but the governor's visit came and went with no promise from Larabee.

However, Buck it seemed, had finally met his match in a saucy woman named Louisa. She heard he'd asked her to marry him, but Louisa had said no.

Mary decided it was time her and Larabee were together and started formulating a plan. First she would send Billy to Mrs. Potter's for the night, invite Chris to supper and ply him with whiskey. Once he was a little drunk, she'd make her plans known and the rest would be simple. Men really were easy when it came to sex, she smiled wistfully to herself.

A few days later, she put her plan into action. She stopped in front of the saloon, where Chris and Vin sat planning an addition to the barn. She greeted Vin politely and asked how he was doing, then turned to Chris and asked him to come by Saturday evening. She wanted to talk to him about town business and would cook supper for them.

Chris answered, "Sure, Mary. It'll be nice to get a home-cooked meal. Vin, you want to come, too?"

Mary held her breath, but Vin answered with a grin, "No, you can handle the town business and tell me 'bout it later." Smiling at Mary, he continued. "Thanks anyway, Mary."

Vin teased Chris about the invitation, but soon, they were once again immersed in their plans for the addition to the barn.

When Larabee arrived at Mary's on Saturday night, she was dressed in a low-cut gown with her breasts spilling out of the top. His eyes landed on her exposed flesh and she knew she had him.

Expecting to find Billy home, he was surprised when Mary told him Billy was at Mrs. Potter's for the night. Larabee removed his gun belt and coat at the door, sat and watched Mary put the food on the table. She leaned over him, letting her bosom brush his arm as she poured them coffee. Larabee couldn't keep his eyes off her breasts.

By keeping Larabee's coffee cup filled and laced with whiskey, he was soon feeling the buzz of the alcohol. Mary blew out several candles, straddled his lap and gently placed his mouth against her bodice. She kissed his forehead and ran her tongue along the shell of his ear.

Chris couldn't resist touching her breast and soon had his hand inside her blouse, lightly playing with her nipple. It wasn't long before he had her cleavage out of her bodice. He squeezed the ample breast with his hand, and sucked the teat into his mouth,

"Let's go to bed," she suggested.

"Mary, stop," he whispered. "We shouldn't be doing this."

"Yes, we should," Mary insisted, placing his hand on her thigh. His hand continued on up the leg and squeezed her buttock, and discovered she wasn't wearing any underdrawers. He found that odd, but let his fingers move to her womanhood. She unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off of his shoulders. Groaning, she kissed his mouth and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Larabee parted his lips accepting her tongue as it invaded his hot mouth.

Putting his hands under her ass, he stood, lifting her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and he carried her into the bedroom. He laid her on the bed, toed off his boots and grimaced as she posed herself on the bed and smiled up at him.

Larabee knew he was drunk, knew he should stop, leave and go to the boarding house, but he simply couldn't muster the strength. Mary's body was on fire and just begging to be ravished. His cock was hard and ready to invade her secret place.

Chris quickly removed his shirt, and lay down beside her. Mary ran her tongue around his male buds, causing them to peak. It was odd the way she licked at his nipples and he thought of Vin. His cock was hard and ready, standing taut against his stomach. He loosened his pants, letting his cock free of its confinement and watched as she slid out of her dress. Mary was naked underneath. Taking her in his arms again, he sucked and bit on her breast, his hand trailing down her belly to the thatch of hair at her crevice. Pulling Mary's legs apart, he crawled between her thighs, pushed his pants to his knees, placed his hard cock at her opening and entered her.

Mary was surprised by the quickness of his entry. She wanted foreplay, sweet words of love and tiny sweet kisses. Gentle sex that ended with overheated bodies climaxing together, but what she was getting was a drunk man, pleasuring himself. Since she had initiated this situation, she felt she could only blame herself. Larabee was squeezing her breast, while the other hand pinched her buttock. Then he was coming.

"Wait," she started to say, but Chris had finished. Rolling off of her body, sated, he went straight to sleep, his pants still around his knees.

Hot bitter tears spilled down her cheeks. She was fairly certain he hadn't treated his wife this way or that Ella woman. What had she done? It was more than apparent Chris held no romantic feelings for her. Larabee was snoring loudly, his alcohol breath fouling the air of her room. How could she be so foolish? Mary wondered. How many times had he spurned her romantic overtures? Disgusted, Mary nudged him hard in the ribs with her elbow. Larabee turned on his side away from her, and his snores quieted for the time being. Finally, hours later, she fell asleep, her eyes swollen from crying.

During the night, Chris half woke and removed his pants. Laying against the warm body, he thought was Vin, he fell back into a deep sleep.

Around dawn, Larabee dreamily awakened and in that space between wakefulness and dreamland, he felt the body next to him. Turning over to spoon up against it, he run his fingers over the curve of warm female flesh. He kissed her shoulder, caressed a breast, gently playing with a nipple. Running his fingers lightly down her belly, he whispered, "Sarah? Sarah, I love you so much." He started to kiss the shoulder again, only to have it fly out of the bed and screech loudly.

"How dare you!" Mary screamed as she flung herself out of bed. Humiliation burned in her as she remembered responding to the gentle touches, but to be called by his dead wife's name was more than she could bear.

Larabee woke up immediately. The hangover was torturous, the headache, a cruel agony. His stomach tried to rebel. He swallowed, trying to keep his stomach contents down. Sitting up on the side of the bed, looking around, he groaned. What the hell was he doing in Mary's bedroom? Then it hit him, "Oh shit no," he muttered, remembering. He sat on the side of the bed, holding his aching head in his hands while Mary screeched about something he'd done. Could it get any worse?

"...And I'm going to tell the Judge you raped me," she finished. Pulling her robe on, she lifted her chin self-righteously and glared at him.

Larabee raised his head and glared at her with bleary eyes. "The Judge is never going to believe that one, and what the hell kinda rotgut did you serve, anyway? My head feels like someone is hitting it with a sledgehammer."

"Get out of my house," Mary snarled. She knew Larabee was right and the Judge would not believe her.

"Gladly, but you don't need to yell, shit," The gunslinger said quietly and looking around for his clothes, dressed slowly and left.

Luckily, no one was in the street to witness his departure from the newspaper office. He ambled slowly down the street to the saloon, sat in one of the chairs on the boardwalk, pulled his hat over his eyes and tried to take a nap. The top of his head felt like it was going to explode any minute. He hadn't drunk that much in a long time and he needed coffee, badly. Everything hurt, even his eyelashes. Knowing he was going to be sick, he went around to the side of the building and threw up.

And that was where Vin found him. Coming from his wagon to the saloon, he saw his lover leaning against the building "Hey cowboy, I missed ya last night."

Chris grunted at him and threw up again.

"Looks like ya might need some coffee there, pard." Vin watched as his partner emptied his stomach. Shaking his head, Vin knew his suspicions were right. When Chris didn't return to the boarding house the night before, Vin figured he'd stayed with Mary. Walking away from Chris, with his lover following, Vin commented, "Ya ain't drunk enough to make ya sick in a long time. Thought you 'n Mary were jest gonna have supper."

Wiping his mouth with his handkerchief, Chris looked over at his friend. "We had supper, Vin, then we had whiskey."

"You and Mary? Mary get drunk too?" Vin said, surprised and disbelieving

"I don't know, you say something about coffee?" Larabee muttered.

Deciding not to argue, Vin nodded, "Come on inta the saloon. Inez says I can make coffee anytime I want. You can rinse yer mouth out at her sink."

"Ezra know about that," he grinned, then winced at the pain of the headache.

"Reckon it wouldn't make any difference no how."

Chris followed Vin into the saloon, primed and pumped a pan of water, splashed it on his face and rinsed his mouth.

"You sleep with Mary?" The question was asked so quietly, that Chris wasn't sure he'd heard it.

"Guess I did. I'm sorry Vin," Larabee answered just as quietly.

Vin was deeply hurt and felt bitterness well up inside of him. Taking a deep breath, he shrugged it off, saying, "Don't matter," and put the coffee on to brew. The thing was, it did matter to him. He and Larabee had made promises to each other and now Chris had broken them. Vin figured Chris would always want a woman and if they were to continue, he'd just have to accept it. The thing was, he wasn't sure he could.

A short while later the coffee was ready and Vin handed Chris a cup. "Here's yer coffee, cowboy. I hope she don't come up with a young'un." Vin added.

"Shit!" The gunslinger muttered.

-

A few months later, Mary made her way to the jail. She looked around, self-consciously, before entering. Chris was sitting at the desk going through the mail and wanted posters. He looked up as Mary stepped into the room, closing the door, she glanced around the room and walked over to the desk.

"I've missed three of my cycles," she stated in a low voice. "Are you going to do your duty or not?"

Chris frowned, "I'll take care of my responsibilities, but know this. I'll never live in your house nor will you live in mine. There'll be no honeymoon or celebration. I'll ask Josiah to perform a quiet ceremony."

"I've already telegraphed the Judge. I'm sure he'll want to say some words, also. Please be civil when he's around, I don't want him taking Billy from me." Bitter tears clouded her eyes.

"I won't let that happen. While the Judge is here, we'll try and act like a normal family, but I'll be staying at my cabin. You can tell him whatever you want." Larabee sighed heavily.

"Okay then," and she turned and left. Vin, who had stepped out the back door just before Mary had entered, stepped back inside the jail. "Weren't ya a little hard on her, cowboy?" Vin asked him.

Chris looked up at Vin and sighed again. "You do remember Ella Gaines, don't you? You want the same thing to happen to her, Billy and the baby that happened to Sarah and Adam? I know I don't!" His voice tightened as he said it.

"Sorry Chris, yer right. I ain't forgot 'bout that bitch, just put her outta my thinking. I wish we could find her and end her miserable life."

"Me too, pard," Chris shook his head, "Not being able to be a Pa to the baby is gonna be tough, but I have to protect them, Vin."

"Whadda you reckon the Judge'll say?" Vin wondered out loud.

Chris snorted, "Hell pard, there aren't that many people in town that can't count. No doubt about it, Mary will be the topic of gossip for awhile, but no one will say anything to her face 'cause they know she has the Judge's protection as well as mine."

"Ours too, cowboy, ya know that," Vin stated with certainty.

Six months later, Mary gave birth to a healthy baby boy. She named him Steven Matthew Larabee. A few days later, the father of Steven Mathew visited the mother and child. As the little boy held tight to his father's finger, a sad smile curled his mouth. Chris Larabee walked away from the house a proud, but bitter man.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

Almost three years to the day that Judge Travis had hired the Seven Peacekeepers to protect the town, he called them together for another meeting at the jail.

"Boys," he started, "A Federal Marshal will be here Sunday and he'll be taking over your duties. A new Governor has been appointed and he wants things to continue to go smoothly, so he's sending someone with a badge out here." Travis looked around at his men. The first time he'd replaced them with Marshal Bryce, they hadn't been happy about it, but this time, the Judge notice a look of relief on their faces. "The Governor wants to show his appreciation for the good job you men have performed by giving each of you a square mile of land. That's about 640 acres, give or take a few. All of the land parcels butt up against each other, so if you boys put them together as a partnership, you'll have quite a large spread." The Judge started handing out the deeds to the land granted to them. "Also, as you know I've been working to get Vin's bounty pulled and the Governor of Texas has agreed to grant him a pardon. He and I will be leaving for Texas on Sunday, so he can receive his papers." The Judge clapped Vin on the shoulder. "Congratulations son," he said, smiling at Vin.

"What's that all mean, Judge?" Tanner asked.

"It means you'll no longer be a wanted man. When Eli Joe came through here a few years ago, he confessed to many in his gang to the killing of Mr. Kincade. And, I admit, it's taken some time, you know these things don't happen overnight, but with the testimony of Yates and a few others, well, we were able to prove you didn't kill Jess Kincade. All charges have been dropped, but you'll need this paper in case bounty hunters come looking."

There were smiles all around. The other six clapped Vin on the back, congratulating him. Vin felt the weight of the world come off his shoulders He looked at Chris, who smiled back at him.

"That's about it, boys. Come Sunday, your job is finished. Oh Chris, Mary asked me to give you this telegram. She said you've been working on your house and hadn't been home." Handing him the wire.

Chris smiled, "Thanks Judge, and yeah, I'm adding on another room."

Judge Travis smiled, "Lil' Steven sure is getting big."

Larabee smiled, "Yeah, he is," was all he said.

Opening the telegram, Chris read it briefly and stuck it in his pocket.

As everyone left the jailhouse heading for the saloon, Chris headed for the telegraph office. Out in the street, Buck let out a loud yell. "Whoowe! Reckon we got some celebrating to do."

As they made their way into the saloon, Inez, curious about what was going on, asked, "Senors, you act like big things have happened." She smiled at them and served their drinks.

"Well, we've all just lost our jobs," Buck gushed, "And Vin here, is going back to Texas to receive a pardon," he finished.

"Is that true?" She looked first at the Judge, then at Vin.

"Reckon it is, Miz Inez." Although Vin was smiling, he was still in shock at this turn of events.

Chris strolled in through the batwing doors and joined the others.

"What's up, pard?" Buck asked.

Chris snorted, "Seems my Pa died and my brother is wanting me to come back to Indiana and help out on the family farm."

"Sorry to hear about your Pa. You going?" Buck was curious.

"Hell no! I wasn't a farmer when I left there and I sure as hell ain't no farmer now!" Chris smirked.

Inez brought Chris his beer and lingered a few moments at the table. "Senor Judge, Vin, I was wondering if I may travel with you to Texas? I have been wanting to visit my family." She hesitated. "My mama is in Mexico. I can pay my own way and will not be a burden." She held her breath.

"Yes, of course," The Judge smiled, "It's too dangerous for you to travel alone and you'll be a lot safer traveling with us. Sunday okay with you?"

Vin nodded in agreement.

"Si, I can be ready by Sunday. Gracias, Senors, gracias."

On Saturday night, Chris and Vin went out to his cabin to say goodbye. After they made love, Vin promised Chris he'd be back as soon as he could.

On Sunday, Vin and Peso, with the Judge and Inez on the stage, left for Texas.

Buck Wilmington sent a telegram to Louisa, asking her to meet him in Kansas City.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

It was 3 months later when Chris received this letter:

Dear Cris,

The judge and I visited with the Governor of Texas and he granted my pardon. He said all charges had been dropped, but to keep the paper with me at all times. I rode with Inez over inta Mexico and met her family. It 'pears her traveling alone with me was wrong, so we got hitched up to keep her family from shunning her. We's gonna be headed home soon. I miss ya and the others and will be happy to git home.

Your friend, Vin


Dear Vin,

I was surprised when I got your letter. I hope the two of you will be happy together. The new Marshal made Nathan close his clinic, so he moved back to the reservation. He and Raine were married a few months ago. JD took the job as the deputy to the new Marshal and is doing a fine job. I think Josiah might be thinking of courting Mrs. Potter. He seems to be taking a lot of meals with her lately. I miss you, Vin, and I hope you'll soon be coming home.

Yours always, Chris

Sometime later, Chris received this letter from Vin:

Dear Cris,

I know it has bin awhile sents you've herd from me, but time has gotten away from me. I already tole ya, me 'n Inez done got hitched up whilst we was in Mexico. A few months ago we had a little feller, cuter 'n a bug ang we cald him Vin Crisofer Tanner. He's really growing up fast and now Inez thinks she may be having another young 'un. We's planning on coming home, but Inez took sucha spell with lil Cris, I don't wanna take any chances with her or the baby. We moved over to El Paso, but her ma lives just across the border, so they are still closeby. We's doing fine, I'm working as a drover. ain't much else to do in these parts. ain't sure when we'll git back, but I want ya to know I ain't fergot ya or the times we spent tagether. We'll be home just as soon as we can. Maybe you an me kin git away and go fishing 'r something. I miss you and the others. I hope you know you'll always be my friend.

Vin
PS. If'n ya want ya kin sell off my land we's giving or jist hang on to it and the deed.


Dear Vin,

It was really good to hear from you. I'm happy that you are reaping the rewards of being a papa. If it's all right, I'll hold on to your piece of land. I've bought all the others out and everyone has moved on to other places. Buck left soon after you did and he and Louisa were married in Kansas City. Louisa had a little boy a few months ago. Ezra left soon after for San Francisco. There he met up with Li Pong and married her. Of course, you already know Nathan and Raine are married. They now have a baby on the way. Josiah married Gloria Potter. I guess she's Gloria Sanchez now. JD, as you know, took a job as deputy to the new Marshal and he and Casey are planning a June wedding.

Mary took the children to Indiana to help my brother with the family farm. I believe they are safe there and no harm will come to them from Ella. Billy stayed with the Judge and Evie for part of this past summer. Some of the land grants we were given borders the mountains and when I'm up there scouting out boundaries, I think of you and all the good times we shared. You'll always be my best friend and I'll never forget you or the times we spent together, but I understand Inez and the children have to come first. Hopefully, we'll meet again, if not in this lifetime, then in the next one.

Yours always, Chris

*******

Present Day: August 2005

They made camp midway between the old homestead and the river. Chris couldn't help but stare at the old shack, and even though he denied it, he could feel the profound loneliness of the house and wasn't that ridiculous? Houses didn't have feelings, they were inanimate objects, right? Chris shivered. Stop it, he admonished himself.

Sarah and Vin claimed the old house was haunted and maybe it was. Looking at it now, it sure looked forlorn. Old and decaying, Larabee shivered again.

Glancing at Vin, he said, "Sarah and Adam are buried in the new cemetery, but there's an old graveyard somewhere around here, over in that direction." He indicated with his chin.

"You mean like a Boothill? Can we check it out?"

"Sure pard, we have a few more days left. We'll ride that way on the way home. I'm sure we'll be able to find it. Right now let's finish getting this camp set up while there's still light."

Once camp was made and the horses tended to, coffee was put on to brew. Chris and Vin walked over to look at the house. The porch looked to be sturdy enough as Vin stepped on it, testing the boards, he walked gingerly across it. Peeking inside, he could see there was a main room with an alcove off to the side. The front area appeared to be a kitchen and sitting room. There was a fireplace on one wall and a pot-belly stove against the other. Crude shelves lined the walls. There were a few chairs with intricate carVin's on the chair-backs and a few tables dotted the room. Everything looked handmade and seemed to Vin that the house was simply biding time, waiting for the owners to return. A box and a few trinkets sat on one table. Although the windows were dirty, some light still shone through them.

"I'd love to get inside, Chris," Vin said. "Look at them chairs. Someone sure spent a lotta time carving 'em."

"I know, pard, I would too, but let's wait until tomorrow when we have good light. There may be critters living inside. I know I don't want to disturb a viper's nest," Chris chuckled. Truth was, what he really wanted was to get as far away from this place as he could. As they had approached the porch, he'd felt a terrible loneliness come over him. Trying to shake the feeling, Larabee stepped away quickly from the doorway and said, "I'm hungry, let's get supper on."

After dinner they relaxed and explored the meadow. There were cottonwood, tall pines and cedar trees, grass that was knee-high and lofty crags sat off in the distance. Looking around, Vin said, "Sure is a purty place."

Larabee relaxed with a cheroot as they watched the sunset, a beautiful array of colors, seemed only to be for them. Chris looked over at Vin, who was completely at ease, and he wished they were back at the ranch in his king-size bed.

Reaching over for Vin's hand, he brought it to his lips and kissed it.

Vin looked at him, smiled shyly, then drawled in his honey-soaked voice, "I'm gonna ask you again, cowboy, what're we doing?"

Chris brought Vin's fingers to his mouth again. "I care about you, pard. I'd like for us to be together, if you agree." Looking into Vin's eyes, Chris went on. "You know, I ain't much for words, pard, but I care about you and I'd like for us to see where this thing might lead us."

Vin grinned, "I ain't asking for a commitment, I just want to know if this is a weekend fling or if it's going somewhere." Glancing away from Chris, he bit his bottom lip in thought, turned and looked at his partner again. "Truth is Chris, I don't think I can do casual. There's too much at stake here. There ain't nothing worth losing our friendship over."

"I don't want casual either, Vin. I want to be with you, see where this thing might take us. As I said, I care a lot about you. Hell, you're my best friend, pard. And there's nothing that could ever change that," Larabee said quietly.

"We'd have to keep it out of the office. You're my boss, for Christ's sakes," Vin grinned.

Chris sobered, "Not out here, I'm not. We walk out of the Federal building, we're just two friends." Sighing, Chris considered carefully his next words. "I love being with you, Vin. I could sit with you for hours, hell, I have sat with you for hours and never once felt crowded or bored. You help calm my soul and make my life bearable. And last night was good, Vin. I just wish we had a real bed out here." He grinned lewdly and quirked an eyebrow at his partner.

Vin snorted, "I reckon I saw how you made our bed up. It looks right cozy."

"So you're agreeable?" Chris glanced at him.

"Won't be easy, but yeah, I'd like that." Vin shrugged, "There's the boys. What do you reckon they'll say when they find out?"

"If it was easy, it wouldn't be worth having." After Chris gave it some thought, he continued, "I'm not sure what the boys will say or think. Ezra and Josiah make their living by studying people, so they'll probably figure it out on their own. The rest, well, I don't know." Chris gave a slight shake of his head. "Tell you what, once we figure out where it's headed, we'll tell the others, okay?"

"Okay." Vin grinned at his partner and said, "I never figured you'd want to walk on the wild side. I mean, I'm gay Chris, it's all I've ever known, but you were married, had a family. I reckon I'm just confused."

"Don't be confused, Vin, this isn't the first time I've jumped the fence. Hell, I've always enjoyed sex, male and female."

Vin frowned at Chris, "Up until last night, I ain't had sex in so long, I figured I'd forgotten how," blushing, he grinned sheepishly at the confession.

"Because of our careers?" the blond asked his friend, surprised.

"Mostly," he paused, "Being in the Rangers, the US. Marshals office and now the ATF, well them fellers would never accept my lifestyle, so instead of taking chances on being outed, I'd just do without."

"That's gotta be hard on a man, looking over your shoulder, doing without someone's touch, not being able to share your feelings with anyone. Shit, I can't even begin to imagine what that would be like."

Vin shrugged, "Weren't so bad. Used to have a friend who I'd get together with on leave or vacations. Share a few weeks, but a few years back, he met someone special and we ended it. We're still friends, though." Vin shrugged again.

"Well, for the record, Vin, I'm not looking for anything casual with you. If you're willing to see where this path will lead us, I want to walk it with you." Chris leaned over and kissed Vin lightly on the mouth.

Pulling back from the kiss, Vin answered quietly, "I'd walk anywhere you wanted to go, cowboy, even to hell and back."

"One thing we need to get straight, Vin," Chris said. "I expect you to be honest with me. We're in this together. If you find someone else you want to be with, come and tell me. I'd never try to hold you." He paused, frowned and continued, "Hell, I couldn't anyway, so just be honest with me, that's all I ask, but if I ever catch you cheating, I will hurt you, pard."

Vin looked at Larabee with narrowed eyes, "That's a two-way street, Larabee," he answered and thunder rumbled in the distance, sealing the pact.

"Agreed pard, we're in this together," he softened his tone. Pulling Tanner to him, they kissed each other chastely at first, then with more fervor as passion rose between them. The bristle of beards rasped against each other's skin.

Chris pulled away from his partner and scratched his cheek, "I really need to shave tomorrow."

Vin laughed and feeling his own two-day growth, replied, "Yeah and a bath would sure feel like heaven, too."

Thunder rumbled across the valley and a flash of lightening lit up the sky. "I think it's gonna rain, cowboy. We gotta get some wood under the tarp if we're gonna have a fire in the morning." Vin pushed lightly against his lover.

"I know," Chris responded, as lightening flashed again across the mountains they had descended from that morning. "It's probably storming up at the old campsite right now."

Rising and working together they finally had enough kindling and logs stored for morning. It had been a long day so the men decided to turn in for the night.

"Chris," the sharpshooter ventured, "if I lose my mind and go out with someone else, would ya just shoot me and put me outta my misery?"

Chris laughed, "Do you mind putting that in writing pard, otherwise, do you know how much paperwork I'd be stuck with and you know how much I hate paperwork!"

Later that night, Vin was snuggled against Chris's shoulder, the blond's arm wrapped around his lover, their passion spent. A light rain fell, making a pitter-patter on the tent. Relaxed, the occupants fell into a peaceful slumber.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

Friday morning dawned bright and clear. The rain was gone, leaving a fresh, clean feeling in the air. The tracker was the first to wake, dress and start the fire. Coffee was soon brewing on the camp stove. The blond was up next and together they fixed breakfast, tended the horses and cleaned up the area. While eating breakfast, Tanner noticed the abundance of rabbits running around the meadow and decided to set some snares. Roasted rabbit sure sounded good.

After the traps were made and set, they headed over to the old cabin. "This porch looks sturdy, but some of them boards are rotting." Vin motioned with his chin towards the other side of the porch.

Making his way to the doorway, Vin looked inside the house, again. Larabee edged in beside him. "Be careful, Vin, that roof looks like it may cave-in."

"Yeah, I know cowboy, but I'd love to get inside and explore the corners." Shivering, Vin said, "I'd swear I've been here before."

Larabee had the same feeling of deja-vu Vin was experiencing, but said, "I don't think it'll be hard to shore up the roof. We can use some of the split-rails used for the fence." They stepped off the porch and headed for the barn. Walking inside, Chris commented, "There's five stalls, looks like someone was working the place."

Tanner nudged his partner with his elbow, "That a tack room over there?"

Moving gingerly into the structure, Vin walked past the stalls and stuck his nose into the small room. "Yep," he said, "it's the tack room." He returned to where Larabee stood by the doorway.

"Let's get that roof shored up in the cabin, Vin," the blond said as he turned and headed back to the small house.

Within a few hours, they had the roof fixed and felt confidant that it wouldn't come down on top of them. After lunch they set out to explore the old homestead.

Inside the shack there were two tables and a few chairs, definitely handmade, and the pot-belly stove. Chris found a large tree limb and cleared away most of the cobwebs. During their work, they uncovered a nest of mice, which ran helter-skelter over their feet, startling them. Laughing at themselves, they gave each other a sheepish grin. Vin was glad they hadn't found any snakes. He really hated the creepy things.

Chris decided to check out the rest of the house. Stepping into the second room, which was no bigger than a large closet, he found a cot in the corner, placed under a window with a table beside it. Moving from that room, he stepped into the alcove. There was no window, so the room was darker than the rest of the house. A iron headboard leaned against the wall, and an old coal-oil lamp sat on the floor next to a small table.

"Vin, look at this," Larabee shivered, and felt ghost-like fingers touch his back. He turned around quickly, searching.

Tanner walked over and looked over the blond's shoulder. Sensing another's presence, he also turned and looked around the main room, but saw nothing.

Moving around Larabee, he squatted and inspected the iron bed. "You could clean this up and use it. It's in real good condition for its age."

"I don't know pard," Chris whispered, "This old bed seems to belong here. I wouldn't feel right moving it."

Rising to his feet, said, "You're right cowboy," Vin smiled, "probably just bring the ghost with ya."

"Don't even joke about that," Chris smirked. "But you know, I can close my eyes and picture this room. The table sat over there against that wall."

"And the bed was turned this way," Vin continued, "The chair in that corner."

"You can feel the sadness in this shack. I think there was love here once, but if it was the old gunslinger who lived here, he must have been alone at the end." Chris sighed, feeling that strange sense of sorrow wrap around him again.

They moved back into the main room again. A wooden box with a crude carving of two birds in flight, the tips of their
wings touching, sat on the table by the window. Vin tried to open it, but the lid was stuck. Taking out his pocket-knife, he pried it open and was shocked by what he found. Inside the box was the cremated remains of a body. At least, he thought they were human.

"Chris," he whispered, "This what I think it is?"

Larabee walked over to the table and stared at the contents. "If you're thinking that's a body, you're probably right. Those ashes look human." Vin felt those fingers creep up his spine and shivered again. He slowly replaced the lid on the box.

Chris ambled back into the small bedroom and looked around. He tried to pull the cot away from the wall, but it was made of wood and very heavy. Chris checked under the bed and found a small chest. He called to his partner. "Vin, come 'ere, I've found a trunk."

Stepping away from the box, Vin answered, "That right?" and walked to where his partner was trying to move the small cot.

"Help me move this bed away from the wall. There's a trunk or some sorta chest under it."

Taking ahold of the bed, both of them worked to move it. "The damn thing's heavy," Vin said, as they struggled to get the cot away from the wall.

Once the bed was moved far enough from the wall, Chris grabbed ahold of the trunk and dragged it into the main room. It was about two by one foot and was made of metal. Black straps wrapped around the chest and and the lid was secured with an antique lock. They looked around for a key, but couldn't find any.

"Let's take this back to the camp. Maybe we can break the lock and find out what's inside," Chris suggested.

Once back at their campsite, Vin checked his traps and found three fat rabbits. He cleaned and spitted them and put the meat over the small fire to cook. He added two foil-wrapped ears of corn and potatoes into the fire to roast. With dinner on, they decided to head to the pond for a swim and to cleanup. Gathering up the canteens and supplies for a bath, they headed towards the pond.

The water was about six foot deep, crystal clear and warmed by the sun. The bottom was rocky, but through the years of having the water cascade over the rocks, the waterfall had eroded into a smooth shelf. Boulders and rocks bordered the edges as water poured into the pool.

They waded into the pond, cautiously, feeling their way, letting their bodies adjust to the temperature of the water. Relaxing, they swam, splashed water on each other and bathe. Using the waterfall as a shower, they washed the sweat, dust and dirt off of themselves. Once they were finished they made their way to the side of the pool. Vin stretched out on a flat rock, soaking up the rays of the sun while he watched Chris shave.

Chris ran the straight razor over his face and Vin suddenly felt an odd sense of fugue come over him. In that instant, Chris changed from Chris to..., to whom? A shimmering wraith had appeared, then seconds later disappeared. Chris was himself, again. Shocked, Vin sat up on the rock and stared at his partner.

As Chris worked to get rid of his whiskers, he noticed Vin sit up and look at him in a strange way. Larabee stopped shaving and looked at his partner perplexed. "You look like you just seen a ghost, pard."

Vin stared at him, "I...," he stammered, cleared his throat and tried again. "I ain't ever seen you use a straight razor before to shave. You always use the electric one. The one with batteries."

"Yeah, and I have it with me, but with two days growth, I knew it wouldn't give me as smooth a shave. I always carry this razor just in case. I usually don't go this long without shaving. You best use your own razor, pard, if you're going to sleep in the tent with me tonight," he joked. Chris knew he was babbling, but Vin was still staring at him, like he'd suddenly sprouted a second head. It made him feel uncomfortable.

Tanner gave his head a little shake to clear it, chuffed out what Larabee figured was a laugh and reached for his own shaving kit.

Chris watched as Vin started to shave and a sad, lonely feeling descended on him, again. He finished shaving, put his razor away and said, "You know Vin, I think you're right, maybe this place is haunted. I just keep feeling like we've done this before."

Vin looked up at the blond and still shaken from what he thought he'd seen, slowly nodded in agreement.

Chris sat down next to Vin, brought his knees up, rested his chin on his arms and continued. "I feel like you and I have sat here, just like this, maybe watched a sunset or made love right here on this rock." His voice ended in a whisper.

Vin nodded and quietly said, "I know, I have the same feeling. I know I been here before, but I ain't."

Once Tanner finished shaving, both men sat back and enjoyed the peacefulness of the place. After a while they rose slowly and made their way back to camp.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

After dinner, Chris brought the trunk out of the tent, took a rag and started cleaning it up. The antique lock hanging from the clasp, holding it closed was probably one of a kind and Chris really didn't want to break it. The initials "CL" was etched into the top.

Fingering the initials, Chris said excitedly, "This chest belonged to my great-great grandfather. I'm sure this was his homestead."

"Just makes sense." Vin was looking at the treasure chest they had uncovered, "CL would be Chris Larabee. You gonna open it?"

Chris touched the old lock. It was rusted, with bits of dirt and cobwebs embedded in it. Although he didn't want to break it, he saw no other choice and began looking around for a rock he could use. It didn't take much to break the lock, just a few well placed hits.

Inside, were some papers, letters, a couple of books and some trinkets. Larabee picked up the antique locket and opened it. Staring back a him was a likeness of himself on one side, and a woman whose face had been marred on the other. Touching the pictures reverently, he passed it to Vin. Picking up a book, he thumbed through it.

"This is my ancestor's diary." Running his fingers over it, said, "I never thought I'd ever find something like this."

Vin closed the locket and returned it to the chest. Taking the diary from Larabee, he read a few pages, sighed and returned it to his partner. "We shouldn't read this Chris, it's private."

His lover looked over at him, "Aren't you curious about what he had to say, Vin?"

"Course I am, it's just, well, I'm not sure I want to know. Hell, if the man was anything like you, he'd be real private like and these are his secret thoughts." Tanner sighed again.

"Tell you what pard, we'll read it when we get home, then put it away, but I have to know what he had to say." Picking up some papers, he glanced through them, shocked, Chris said, "Look at these deeds Vin. Look at these." He shoved them into Tanner's hand. "These are the original land grants to the property, but look at the names on them!"

Vin took the papers and read each one. Amazed he stared back at Chris, "Can it be possible?" Shaking his head, he continued, "I just can't believe this, it ain't possible!" Reading again the names on the deeds, Vin said, "Are ya going to show these to the others?" Vin touched the deeds reverently, feeling like they were a shrine, before handing them back to Larabee. Each land grant held the name of the other members of Team Seven.

"I don't know Vin, what do you think?" Glancing at his partner, "It looks like my great-great grandfather bought the other parcels. They're all signed over to him, but this one has your name on it and it hasn't been signed. It looks like you might still own a piece of the ranch."

"I don't want your home or your land, cowboy," Vin looked at him, "The question is, are we gonna tell the others."

"It appears it was yours to begin with." Larabee paused, "I don't know if we should tell the others. They're coming out Sunday, but let's think this over carefully." Picking up the diary again and thumbing through it, he continued, "Maybe the diary will explain all this." Biting his bottom lip, Larabee went on, "I'm not sure Ezra or Nathan would want to know. JD, well, I'm not sure he would even grasp the significance of it. I think Josiah might accept it at face value. He's a deeply spiritual man. Buck, well again, I just don't know."

"I reckon Buck might want to know," Vin said. "It seems he's been apart of your life forever," he grinned.

Chris hesitated, "Before we decide, let's read the diary and the letters. See what they say, then make the decision, okay?"

"Yeah, sounds good. We'll be home tomorrow, we can read them then."

"That's what we'll do." They put everything back into the trunk and closed the lid. "What do you say we go to bed? We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. I want to look that barn over before we start home."

"Okay by me, I'm curious about that boot hill, too." Vin said, rising up, he doused the fire.

"If I remember right, I think it's over by Royal's place. We'll find it." Larabee promised as he added some whisky to the last of their coffee and lit a cheroot. Both of them sat back and relaxed. It had been one hell of a day.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

The next morning, after a breakfast of biscuits and leftover rabbit, they inspected the barn. Finding nothing of interest, they packed up and headed out for home. As they left, both men promised each other and the ghosts they would return.

He and Sarah had ridden by the cemetery the one time they'd been out this way, so he had a vague idea of where it might be located. It wasn't long before they found the old picket fence that surrounded the graveyard. As they entered the fenced-in area, they silently removed their hats and reverently touched each of the four headstones. The one on the right side had a simple inscription:

Chris Larabee
Died August 1905
A Good Man

********

Vin and Chris decided to take a trip around the property. It would take two days to cover the entire spread, so they planned to camp overnight on the trail. The first day they covered half of the property and Vin was impressed with what he saw. Snuggling that night before the campfire, Vin revealed his dream to Chris.

"I been having this same dream 'bout every night, cowboy. I reckon it's the Spirits trying to tell me something."

"Want to talk about it?" Chris asked him.

Vin was quiet for a few minutes, gathering his thoughts. "Well, it starts off with you and me in an open field. We's walking, but we ain't going nowhere. It's strange, 'cause we's trying to go somewhere, but we ain't really moving. Then this mist starts up from the ground. Like fog, maybe, and we get separated and can't find each other. I'm calling fer you and I can hear you calling me, but we can't find each other. Then outta the fog comes these two eagles, swooping up and soaring inta the sky. Their flying together, their wing tips touching like they's holding hands." Vin shivered, "It's strange, cowboy, but I think them two eagles is supposed to be you and me."

Larabee frowned in thought. "Vin, you know that if you ever need me, all you have to do is send a telegram, I'll come to you right away. I'll always be there for you, you know that, don't you?"

Nodding his head, Vin said, "Yeah cowboy, I know that, but I think this dream goes deeper than that, like it's a sign or something"

Larabee sighed heavily, "I've had a similar dream, but it's you that's lost in the fog. I keep looking for ya, calling you, but I can't find you anywhere." Pausing, trying to remember, he continued. "I can't remember seeing any eagles in my dream." Pulling Vin closer to him, Chris whispered, "I love you, pard. I'm just real thankful for this time we have together. I figure you probably won't be able to come back anytime soon. I know you have to take care of your children. Have you thought about moving here with the kids? We could build you a cabin close to mine."

A sad look crossed Vin's face and he said, "Inez made me promise, when she's dying, to keep the kids close to her ma and pa. I reckon she mighta figured it out 'bout us, our feelings fer each other, 'cause she said I could come back, but she wanted me to promise I wouldn't bring the kids to Four Corners. I kept telling her she's gonna git better, but with what was prob'ly her dying breath, she grabbed my shirt and said promise me! I nodded and she closed her eyes and was gone."

Chris squeezed his lover's shoulder in shared pain. "Inez was a smart woman, she may have suspected us."

Shrugging, Vin said, "There ain't no way I could leave my kids in Mexico and come back here." Vin snuggled closer to Chris. "After Inez's funeral, Mrs. Recillos wanted me to leave the kids with them, but I weren't giving up the kids and you, too. We had a little tiff and she started to yell at me in Spanish, thinking I didn't know what she was saying, 'til I answered her back in Spanish. That settled her right down."

Grinning, Chris said, "I'm sure it did. What happened then?

"Well, The fella I worked for gave his family men a cabin to live in, so I took 'em all back to El Paso. Mrs. Recillos came with us and stayed fer awhile. A real nice neighbor lady, Mrs. Patterson, came over and helped with the kids. After Inez's Ma left, Mrs. Patterson watched the kids whilst I worked. She had a passel of kids of her own, but her and Mrs. Wilson, another neighbor pitched in, kept the baby, cooked fer us and made sure Lil Cris and Elena did their schooling. It was a hard couple a years, but we got through it. Whenever I'd shoot a turkey or a deer, I always shared with the Pattersons and the Wilsons, but I couldn't give up my kids, Chris, not even fer you."

Chris's voice choked up and he kissed Vin's temple, "I wouldn't want you to, Vin. It wouldn't be right and if I forced you to make that choice you'd soon hate me for it. Your children should always come first. Maybe after they've grown up, we can visit more often, but right now they need you."

Vin nodded in agreement. "I couldn't live this close to ya and not be with ya," Vin said quietly. "I ain't sure when I can git back. It's hard gitting away with the kids and all." But kissing his lover, Vin vowed, "I love you too, and when I can, I'll be back to see ya."

After sharing their love, the men settled down to sleep.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

One day in mid August, the two lovers were cleaning the barn when they heard a rider approaching. Slinging their gun belts over their shoulders, both men stepped outside to see JD riding up to the homestead.

"Vin," JD said, as he dismounted, "I got a telegram for you from Mexico. I thought I'd just bring it to you instead of waiting for you two to come into town." Handing Vin the wire, he read it over, shook his head and handed the telegram to Chris. "Reckon I best be getting ready to start home. It says that Mrs. Recillos will be bringing the kids home by the end of the month."

Chris knew it was coming, but he felt an overwhelming sadness and resentment come over him. Vin had been his these last few months and he didn't want him to leave. Walking away, trying to get his emotions under control, Chris went into the house and poured himself a double measure of whiskey.

Vin and JD watched as he entered the house. "Did I do something wrong, Vin?" JD asked, perplexed.

"No JD, Chris and I both knew this day was coming. We'll just have to deal with it. Thanks fer bringing the telegram out here. We'll be in town in a day or two. I can say my goodbyes then."

With that JD mounted his horse and left the two men alone. Vin shook his head and wandered towards the house after Larabee. Chris could be a mean drunk and Vin, being a realist, knew he wouldn't be able to return to Four Corners anytime soon. He didn't want to deal with Larabee's temper his last few days here.

Chris frowned, then tried to smile as Vin walked into the house. "Drink?" He asked holding the bottle up.

"Yeah," he grinned sadly. He put his arms around Larabee and said, "But there's other things I rather do."

Wrapping his arms around his lover, Chris buried his face in Vin's neck. "I know you have to go, but I sure don't want you to," Chris whispered to Vin, kissing him. "Let's skip the drink and go to bed."

Vin grinned, "What about the barn, don't we need to finish cleaning it?"

"Fuck the barn," Larabee smirked at him.

"No thanks, cowboy, I'd rather fuck you." And with that they headed for the bedroom.

A few days later, Vin left Four Corners, promising to return someday.

* 7 *7* 7 * 7 *

Several Years Later: 1899

Dear Chris,

This letter is to introduce your nephews, John and Steven Larabee. They have finished their studies and wanted to venture out west. I suggested they stop at your ranch and make themselves known to you.

John is so much like you, Chris. Out of one fracas and into another.

More than one irate Pa has visited me to warn John to stay away from their daughters. Steven is more settled and enjoys the life of a gentlemen farmer, but decided to join John on this trip to keep him grounded and out of trouble. Mary and I are hoping you might help to settle John down, by talking to him. We are beside ourselves with worry and don't know what else to do. Steven has worked with me and the farm has prospered and grown into an even more successful enterprise. He is a stalwart young man and I have deeded the place to him in my will. If John so wishes, he may return to the farm and share in the work and profits, or settle out west. I worry about him, however.

Billy has finished his studies at Harvard and now practices Law in Boston.

As always, Your Brother Michael

As Chris read the letter, he kept glancing up at the two young man standing before him. Had it been twenty years already, he wondered. He would have known Steven anywhere. John too, for that matter, as both lads favored the Larabee clan.

"Uncle Chris, we'll be staying at the boarding house in town for awhile and we'd like to visit with you while we're here."

"That would be fine, maybe we'll have dinner one evening," Chris allowed.

"I'm also hoping to, well, maybe start a ranch and build a small house," John said. "Maybe you could point me in the right direction where some good acreage might be purchased. Steven is anxious to return to Indiana."

Steven smiled and nodded his head. "Pa will need me to help bring in the crop in a few months."

"No need to buy land, John. We've got several thousand acres here. One piece belongs to another person, but I'm sure you'll be able to find a parcel you'll like. If you two want, we'll ride the property and see if you can find a spot." Chris smiled at the grin on the boys faces.

"You mean it! You'd do that?"

"Sure, we'll ride out tomorrow, if you want."

"Sure, that would be great! Thanks a lot, Uncle Chris. Thank you!"

"Tomorrow, it is then," and he shook both young men's hands. "Be here early, around sun-up," he instructed.

Larabee frowned, was he ever that young, that excitable? Well, the thought of Vin still excited him. It had been a long time since he had seen the tracker. They still wrote, but Vin had a family to support and he worked hard to keep a home for Cris and Elena.

Lil Inez had died a few years ago from a cold and Vin had been devastated by the loss. Chris had made the trip to Texas to be with Vin at the time. He'd met the Tanner children and was proud of the job Vin had done in raising his kids. Cris Tanner was a chip off the old block. He was so much like Vin that Chris had been amazed. Elena looked just like her mama, but she had the Tanner eyes.

Mr. and Mrs. Recillos had insisted the children stay with them while Vin and Chris returned to the Tanner's cabin in the evening. Chris gave Vin what comfort he could, by holding him at night, while Vin grieved for his dead daughter. The time was all too short before Chris had had to return home to his ranch.

Waiting for his nephews the following morning, Chris was impatient as dawn came and went. Around mid-morning, he spied the two riders, huffed out his aggravation, but held his tongue.

"Good Morning, Uncle Chris, are you ready?" John asked.

"Of course, he's ready," Steven laughed, "I'm sorry, Uncle Chris, I tried to get him up and moving earlier."

Chris frowned, "If you're going to be ranching, you'll need to be up with the sun. Let's get going."

They rode the area that Chris was willing to let go of. The section was closer to town than his homestead, and the ground wasn't as rocky, so putting in a wagon road would be a lot easier. John found a section that he felt was perfect and asked Chris what he thought.

"It is a pretty spot, John. There's plenty of trees to build a cabin. The river runs through that copse," pointing to a stand of trees, "so you'll have plenty of water. With a lot of hard work, it could be a real nice place."

"Will you help me, Uncle Chris?"

"I'm getting too old to clear land, but I'll help you any other way I can."

Steven, who had been standing by quietly, spoke up. "I'll help you build a cabin, John, before I leave. Maybe we can get a lean-to up for your horse and a corral built, but you'll need to work hard and stay with it, because I'm leaving for home in two months."

"Okay, I'm gonna do it. Where do I sign, Uncle Chris?"

Larabee smiled at his nephew. "Tell you what, John, you put up your cabin and I'll help you get started. You raising horses or cattle?"

"Cattle," he said without hesitation.

"We'll get you some steers and get you started." Chris continued, "You work hard and do a good job and I'll leave the place to you in my will. Except for Tanner's grant, of course. He'll be leaving that to his son."

"It's a deal! Thanks Uncle Chris, that's great! You hear that Steven, I'll own most of this spread. Who's Tanner?" John finally asked.

"My partner, boys. He still owns a parcel of this place. Steven, are you sure you won't stay, maybe just a year, until your brother really gets settled?" Chris ventured.

"I can't, Uncle Chris, Pa needs me."

Chris wanted to shout at him, I'm your pa, I need to get to know you!, but knowing he couldn't, he turned away, pretending to admire the landscape, while getting his emotions under control.

That little cabin, built by his son and nephew, was the first of many homes, from that time to the present, built on that perfect spot. John surprised everyone. He worked hard and built up a very successful enterprise, not in cattle, but in raising horses.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

The Year 1902:

Chris was sitting on his porch one night, enjoying a glass of whiskey and a cheroot, when he felt an overwhelming sadness come over him. Unable to shake the feeling that something had happened to Vin, he paced the floor until morning. After saddling his horse, he rode into town and sent a telegram to Texas. He shared his thoughts with Josiah over breakfast. The two men waited to hear back from Tanner's family. The wire came just before sunset. Vin had died, quietly, the night before in his sleep. Larabee mourned for his friend, his lover, his partner as he did everything else, stoically.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

A few months later, JD raced across the landscape to Chris's cabin with his message.

"Chris!" He shouted, as he came closer to the house. "Chris, are you home?"

Larabee stepped out on the porch, "What's wrong, JD, what's going on?"

"There's a lady in town wanting to see you. You should see it, Chris, they came in on one of them horseless carriages. Speeding through town, riling the horses, damn near caused a riot. Said, she came to see you."

Larabee had heard of these horseless carriages, but had never seen one and was intrigued. "She have a name, JD?" he asked.

"Oh yeah, said she was Vin's daughter, Elena. Her and her husband are going to Denver and swung through here to see you." JD dismounted and moved to the porch. "She has dark hair like Inez, but she's got Vin's blue eyes. She sure is pretty. Don't tell Casey I said that," JD finished.

Chris looked at him and smiled. Vin did have good-looking children. He imagined Cris Tanner was breaking hearts all over Texas. Shaking his head, Larabee laughed to himself, "So Elena is here? They staying at the hotel?"

"Yeah, she asked if you'd like to meet her and her husband for breakfast at the hotel in the morning. They wanted to come out here themselves, but I told them that that contraption wouldn't make it over the roads out here."

"Tell her I'll be there, JD. Come on in for a drink and sit a spell, before you start back to town."

JD followed Chris into the cabin, sat and shared a drink and gossip, before he left.

Larabee arrived in town early, visited the bathhouse and after changing into clean clothes headed for the hotel.

In front of the hotel sat the damnest thing he'd ever seen. So this is what they look like, Chris thought as he walked around it, wondering how it moved.

Inside, Mrs. Carter, the hotel proprietress, directed him into the dining room, where Elena sat drinking coffee at a table by herself. She saw Larabee, smiled and waved him over. Chris took a seat and ordered coffee. "You're sure a sight for sore eyes, Mr. Larabee," she said. "Please excuse my husband, he'll be down in a minute."

Chris smiled at her, "You're as lovely as ever, Elena, and I'm sure it would be all right if you called me Chris. I can't believe it, you're all grown up now."

She smiled and blushed, her eyes, so like Vin's were downcast. A few minutes later a young man slipped into a chair next to Elena and squeezed her hand. She cast a shy smile at him and said, "Thank you Mr. Larab..., ahem, Chris. I'd like you to meet my husband, Samuel Carson. Sam, this is Papa's friend, Chris Larabee."

Chris nodded to the young man, who smiled back and helped himself to coffee.

"I want to tell you what happened with Papa, Chris. I started to write you a few times, but couldn't find the right words. I knew Sam and I would be headed this way soon, so I decided to wait until I saw you."

The blond braced himself and nodded.

"Sometime last year, there was an accident at the cattle chute. Cows were being herded into it and the chute broke and collapsed. A cowboy was trapped in the middle of all those cows, so Papa rode his horse into the middle of that mess and helped that man. You knew Papa had a bad back, didn't you?"

Larabee nodded that yes, he knew, just as Mrs. Carter came to the table to see what they wanted. After giving her their order, Elena continued.

"Well, in helping that man, he did something more to hurt his back and was plagued with troubles and aches constantly. I believe Papa knew he was dying, 'cause soon after, he started working on making this box. He put it tagether and carved these pictures in the lid. He said when the time came, I was to put his ashes into that box and bring 'em to you. You know Papa set such store in the People's way and beliefs?"

Larabee smiled, remembering Vin talking about the Kiowa and Comanche People he lived with.

"Well," she continued, "he had a friend that was a Shaman or Medicine Man over on the reservation."

"Yes, I met Grey Horse when I was there after your sister died," Chris answered.

Elena nodded, "Grey Horse performed the ritual and he put the remains of Papa in the box. I have it with me, but if you don't want it, I'll understand, of course."

Larabee almost choked on his coffee. "Yes, of course, I want them. And please, don't worry, Elena, I'll make sure they're taken care of respectfully."

She smiled, "I reckon you heard that Cris went and joined up with Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders."

"Yes, your Pa mentioned it in one of his letters. I know he was concerned for his safety. How is your brother?"

"Well, Cris is back home now and married to Becky Logan. They're gonna have a young 'un in a few months. Oh, and he said to tell you to hold onta Papa's land. He's gonna try and come here to look it over. Once Becky has the baby, that is."

"I'll write Cris and let him know that he and his wife are welcome anytime." Chris smiled.

"He'll appreciate that, I know." Elena grinned back at him.

After breakfast, Sam went to retrieve the wooden box and gave it to Chris. Vin had carved two eagles, wing tips touching, taking flight. He touched it reverently, and thanked them.

As they walked out of the hotel, Chris saw Josiah and Gloria standing on the boardwalk. He called them over to meet Elena and her husband. "Gloria, Josiah, this is Vin's little girl, Elena, and her husband Samuel Carson. Elena, this is Josiah Sanchez, and his wife Gloria."

Elena smiled, her charm showing through. "Papa talked very kindly 'bout you and Mrs. Sanchez. I'm so pleased to get to meet you."

Josiah beamed, "It's a pleasure meeting you young folks also. Vin was a special man and I was proud to call him my friend."

Gloria couldn't help herself and hugged Elena. "You look so much like your Mama. She was a special lady. Vin was a lucky man and I always said they'd make a nice couple."

Elena smiled, "Thank you," she said, hugging Gloria back.

JD walked over to where they were standing. "You're on your way, already? I was hoping you could spend a few days. I know Nathan and Raine would like to meet you."

Sam spoke up, "We'd like to stay, but my folks are expecting us in Denver. My father has a job for me and we really need to be going, but it's been real nice meeting you folks. Come on Elena, we better get started."

Everyone watched as the two young people donned long coats, hats and goggles. Sam tied their valise to the back of the car, cranked the wheel and the motor sputtered to life. The couple took off, waving, causing all kinds of ruckus among animals and towns-people alike. No one had ever seen anything like the horseless carriage before. Sam had told Chris it was a 1899 Stanley Steam car and he bought it almost new from a friend in San Antonio.

Chris and the others couldn't help but laugh as the thing coughed twice and went chugging down the road towards Denver. Shaking his head, he thought, it'd be a miracle if they made it in one piece.

Gloria headed back to the store, so Josiah, JD and Chris headed for the saloon. As they sat at their table, drinking coffee, Chris explained about the box he was holding and told them that when he passed away, that box was to be buried with him. JD and Josiah promised to fulfill Chris's wishes.

Once he arrived back at his homestead, Chris set the box holding Vin's remains on a table that sat by the window.

"Here ya go pard, you can look out this window and feel the sun shine on your face. The view is one you'll appreciate, too."

He sat down in the rocking chair, his one extravagance, by the table and talked to his soul mate and lover. "Here we are cowboy, together again in our old age, keeping each other company. Bet you never thought you'd get to ride in a horseless carriage, did you?"

The apparition appeared and sat in a chair next to the rocker. "Hell no cowboy," it said amicably. "'Bout shook my insides to pieces. I's damn glad when that ride was over with."

Larabee laughed and relaxed. His tracker was back with him where he belonged.

A few years later, Chris Larabee died quietly in his sleep. Unfortunately, Josiah had preceded him in death by a few months and JD was out of town, escorting a prisoner to Yuma Prison. So, when friends and neighbors gathered to lay the gunslinger to rest, the box with the carving was left on the table, beside the rocking chair.

***

Present Day: August 2005

It was late Saturday afternoon when Chris and Vin arrived back at the ranch. After rubbing down the horses, cleaning and putting away the tack and camping equipment, both men headed for the house.

Larabee set the chest, from the old cabin, on his desk and started for the kitchen. There, he removed seven steaks from the freezer, for the barbeque on Sunday, while Tanner called and ordered a pizza to be delivered. After taking showers, both men settled on the floor, in front of the lit fireplace to read Chris's ancestor's diary. The reading was fascinating and informative. The man wrote everything down, from his feelings on the day's politics to his love for Tanner. The journal had been started the same day he had glanced across the street and fallen into a pair of sky-blue eyes. The book was voluminous and offered a rare glimpse into the past.

Excerpts from the Diary of Chris Larabee:

Diary Entry;
Today I met a new friend. He's young, but seems to have more experience than most men his age. The two of us joined together to save a man neither of us knew, but was being hung by drunken scum because of the color of the man's skin. I told him my name was Chris and he told me his was Vin Tanner. I recognized Tanner's name from a wanted poster I chanced to see in a sheriff's office in Eagle Bend. He doesn't look like a cold-blooded killer, but he sure can shoot.


Diary Entry;
We left yesterday to journey to an Indian Village that some renegade Johnny Rebs were threatening. Normally, I wouldn't care, but the place has women and children living there. You never threaten a man's family. We were able to put together six men for this fight. I'm not sure if that'll be enough, but we'll soon find out.
A greenhorn kid wanted to join us, but I sent him packing. He followed us, though, and after he begged to stay, I let him. I hope I'm not sorry.
PS, I was lucky enough to get Buck to join with us. It's been awhile since I've seen the big fellow, and it sure felt good to see him.


Diary Entry;
It's been over a week now since I brought together this small band of men. We were able to save the Indian Village. Vin told me about the $500 bounty. Shoot, I could have killed him and been $500 richer. Why would he trust me that much? The kid did alright. I think he said his name was JD.


Diary Entry;
We're back in four Corners and have been hired by Circuit Judge Orin Travis to watch over the town. His daughter-in-law runs the newspaper here in town. She's a good-looking woman, but nosy and pushy as hell. She's already printed a lie about me, proving I could never trust her. Vin and I have become good friends. I can't figure out, what it is about this young man that I find so appealing, but his quiet demeanor calms my soul.


Diary Entry;
Vin and I fucked today for the first time. We were skinny-dipping in the pond and something just came over me. Came over him, too, I guess.


Diary Entry;
Buck and I brought a young girl into town for Nathan to treat. She'd been brutally beaten by Wickes. I really expected Mary to feel a little compassion for the girl, but all she could talk about was decency while the poor girl layed there battered and bruised, barely alive. The next thing I know, here comes Lydia with a whole wagon full of women. What the hell? Mary is looking at me with her self-righteous stance, like I brought them here. God, I hate when she poses like that.


Chris and Vin looked at each other, smiled and thumbed further into the book.


Diary Entry;
Vin left town to track Ella Gaines. Will he come back? God, I hope so, because I cannot imagine life without him. Even when he's giving me hell, I need him. I hurt him badly while we were at Ella's and I just hope he'll give me the chance to make it up to him. Ella promised me everything I'd ever wanted. I was blinded by that promise and made a damn fool of myself. She killed my family and I just let her go.


Diary Entry;
Mary just dropped a letter in my lap. It's from Ella. I hope that bitch rots in hell. Vin's back. He said he couldn't find her, that she'd leaked out of the landscape.


They stopped reading. "You ever have a girlfriend like that?" Vin asked.

"No, thank God. I was gone so much when I was with the SEAL's, I didn't have time to form any kind of steady relationship. Well, that was until I met Sarah. Want another beer?" Chris finished.

"Yeah, but I'll get 'em." Vin answered, "You reckon this fella ever figured anyone would read this book?" he asked as he was rising and headed for the kitchen.

On his return, he handed a bottle to his lover and sat down next to him. "No, I don't think so. He's been pretty candid here," Larabee said, as he picked up the book again.


Diary Entry;
Vin and I are together again. Vin and I are going to settle here, once the peace-keeping job is over and raise horses.


Diary Entry;
It hasn't been more than a month since Vin and I made promises to each other and I've gone and broken them. Mary, damn her soul to hell, and I spent the night together. I can't blame it all on her, I wasn't so drunk I didn't know what I was doing. He said it didn't matter, so maybe it doesn't.


Diary Entry;
Well, Mary's carrying my baby. I'll have to marry her, it's the only right thing to do. Vin says he understands, and I guess he does. I'll take care of Mary and the baby, but I sure can't have anything to do with them. Every time I see a stranger in town, I worry it's someone Ella has sent to spy on me. I won't take a chance on anything happening to Mary, Billy, or the baby.


Diary Entry;
Mary had the baby a few days ago. He sure is a strong little guy. He has mine and Mary's blond hair. I went to see him, but this will be the last time I can claim him.


Chris put the diary down again and sighed. "He really is an honorable man, but I'm not sure I'd be able to do what he did, Vin." Chris frowned.

"I know, Chris, but come on, he knew what he was getting into. Spending the night with the lady, what did he think was gonna happen? Did they even have condoms back then?" Vin reasoned.

Larabee shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know. He must have liked her or he wouldn't have been there in the first place."

"That's true," Vin agreed and took a drink of his beer.


Diary Entry;
We are out of a job. The Judge informed us that a marshal would be replacing us. I'm glad it's finally happened. When Marshal Bryce came here to replace us, he didn't have a clue about the West. He figured everyone was law-biding citizens and would conform to his way. He was killed the second day on the job. He really was a good man and if he'd allowed us to back him up, he'd probably brought order to this town. The Judge is taking Vin back to Texas to receive a pardon. That's a good thing and when he returns, he'll be a free man.
My Pa died recently and now my brother, Michael, wants me to come home and help him run the farm. I hated that place when I lived there and I'm sure not going back. When the war came I left to fight for my country. After the war I went home to visit my Mama, but my Pa and I couldn't get long. He wanted me to help him work the farm, so I left and headed west. That's when I met Ella. I was escaping from Ella, when I happened to meet Buck. He's been a good friend to me ever since.


Diary Entry;
Got a letter from Vin today. He and Inez have gotten married. I feel like I've been punched in the gut. He says their coming back to Four Corners, but I'll believe that when I see them. I miss him so much. Mary took Billy and Steven to Indiana to live. My brother sent several telegrams begging me to come help out, so Mary decided to go to Indiana with the kids for a new start. He was happy for her to come and said he'd move out of the main house and into the bunkhouse. That way, her and the kids could live in the main house without the neighbors talking about her. I guess she's had enough of people whispering behind her back here in town. Maybe she'll meet someone and get married for real. I'd like to see her happy.


Diary Entry;
Vin's a pa, now. He'll probably never be back. His letter said there was another baby on the way. I know Vin wants to come home, but Inez is in charge now. I'll never figure why he married her. I understand that unmarried women aren't supposed to travel without a chaperone, but she came here from Mexico by herself. Why couldn't she return the same way? I miss you, cowboy.


Chris put the diary down and went to the liquor cabinet. Taking down two glasses, he fixed a healthy measure of Jack Daniels and walked back to where Vin sat on the floor. He handed Vin his drink. Patting Vin on the knee, he said, "It seems he really loved his partner."

Vin nodded in agreement. It was hard reading this man's words and thoughts. There was so much anguish and sadness in his soul. It appeared he'd lost his family and now he'd lost his friend and lover.

After taking a hefty swallow of the liquor, Larabee picked up the book again and started reading.


Diary Entry;
Inez has died. I'm sorry to hear that, but maybe Vin will move the kids here and we can start over. I wrote and told him we have a nice school in town and Josiah holds Sunday services at the church every week. Maybe he'll come home.


Diary Entry;
Vin's coming home. It's only for a visit, but I'm going to try my best to get him to stay. His kids are going to be with their grandparents in Mexico, so I'll have him all to myself.


Diary Entry;
Vin's home for the summer. We've been sitting on the porch every night after supper. There's a full moon tonight. It's been damn hot during the day, but there is a cool breeze at night. Inez made Vin swear a deathbed promise he wouldn't bring the kids to Four Corners. Why would she want to be married to someone she knew didn't love her? Mary was the same way, always trying to get me to court her. Couldn't take no for an answer. Look how that mess turned out. Inez decided to trap Vin into a loveless marriage and had the kids to hold him there. She knew Vin would never leave his family, and would always take care of the kids. Now she's dead and Vin is stuck in Texas. I know I sound like a bitter old man and I guess I am. I want Vin with me. He belongs with me.


Diary Entry;
I just returned from El Paso. Vin's youngest daughter, Inez, passed away from what seemed to be a sore throat and cold.
Vin was devastated and I traveled to Texas to be with him. Mr. and Mrs Recillos kept the children at their home in the evenings while Vin and I went back to his cabin. She was buried next to Inez in the Recillos family plot. I stayed for a month before I had to get back to my own spread.
Vin works for a real nice fella. While we was burying Lil Inez, he gave Vin the week off and paid him his full wage. Not many men would do that. We also rode over to the reservation where I met his friend Grey Horse. He's a nice man, but I was a bit surprised that Vin still cottons to the Indian ways. I figured Inez wouldn't allow that.


Diary Entry;
My son, Steven and his brother have presented themselves on my doorstep with a letter introducing them. Of course, Steven doesn't know I'm his father and he seems anxious to return to Indiana. Why, I don't know, hell, I couldn't wait to leave! Young John Larabee is going to settle here and build a home, but he seems to restless to stay in one place. I see so much of myself in him, one would think he was my son, instead of Steven. I cringe every time Steven says he wants to get home to help out his Pa. I was hoping he'd stay around and I could get to know him better. John picked out a real nice spot to build a cabin, so maybe he'll will stay with it.


Diary Entry;
Vin is home to stay. His ashes are sitting next to me and we talk every night. Funny thing is, I can actually 'see' him and we do 'talk' to each other. His daughter Elena brought me his ashes and I'll always be grateful to her for that. I've asked JD and Josiah to be sure Vin is buried with me when my time is up and they have assured me my wishes will be carried out.


Diary Entry;
We buried Josiah today. I'll miss him. We've had some very interesting conversations through the years and he has always been a good friend. Buck and Louisa came for the funeral, along with Nathan and Raine. JD and Casey were a big comfort to Gloria. Ezra and Li Pong wanted to come, but couldn't get away. Buck's kids are all grown up and his son looks just like him. They're all headed for Los Angeles, California.


They finished reading around midnight and as Chris closed the book, he leaned back against the couch and said to Vin, "I was born and raised in Indiana. My Dad assumed that Michael Larabee was my great-great grandpa, but it looks like it actually was Chris Larabee." He paused, sighed and went on, "I always hated farming and by the time I was seventeen, all I could think about was leaving. When I was in high school I studied hard and kept good grades because I knew I wanted to go into the Navy, and to do that I had to go to college. My father could never understand where that restlessness came from. He told me time and time again that Larabees had always been farmers and had farmed our land for close to a hundred and fifty years. Chris Larabee was an enigma that was rarely discussed, but when he was, it was more as a legend. No one in Indiana really knew anything about him or what happened to him, other than he was a gunslinger of some notoriety."

"I reckon we know what happened to him now, cowboy. Who'd he leave this land to?" Vin added.

"Well," Chris started, picking up the will they had found in the box, "According to this, he left it to John Larabee on the stipulation it stay in the family. It also says that the remains of Vin Tanner were to be buried with him." Looking up at Vin he bit his bottom lip. "I wonder why no one honored that request?" Larabee mused, "Anyway, I don't know who John left it too, but my Uncle Mike and Aunt Jen lived here for years. My Dad inherited it from them. We used to come to Colorado on vacations when I was a kid. I always loved it here and Uncle Mike was a great guy to be around"

"Is that why you settled in Denver when you left the Navy?" Vin asked.

"Yeah," Chris nodded, "the house was empty and Mom told me we could stay here. Sarah and I came out on weekends and worked on the place. It didn't take long to spruce it up, so we could move in. She loved the old place, too. That was when Dad deeded the place to me." Smiling at the memory of fixing the place up. "Mom and Dad called it a wedding present. Sarah and I did a lot of repairs and updates. We put in the new kitchen and just before Adam was born, we added the dining room and master bedroom suite."

Vin watched Chris as he recalled old memories and was heartened to see the thoughts of Sarah and Adam didn't cause his face to draw-up into a frown and scowl. Instead it softened, and Chris grinned.

"So, cowboy," Vin brought them back to the present, "Are we gonna tell the other's 'bout what we found? Show 'em the grants?"

Larabee pursed his mouth. "Think they'll believe it?" he asked.

"No, I hardly believe it myself," Vin mused, "but, one thing we need to do is honor the man's wishes. Spread them ashes on his grave. There's ghosts there, Chris, and maybe if the others were there, it'll give those two men some kind of closure. Let 'em really rest in peace. I reckon Josiah might agree to say a few words."

"You're right, but let's go to bed," Larabee yawned, "and sleep on it."

Vin yawned also and the men headed off to bed.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

The following morning, the men had decided to tell the others a half truth. They'd tell them about the diary and the old gunslinger's wishes but leave out the part about the land grants. Thinking it would be a real tribute to the past, they decided to invite the rest of the team to the burial site and ask Josiah to say some words as the ashes were scattered. The matter settled, Vin and Chris ate breakfast, then proceeded to get ready for their team-mates arrival.

Ezra was the first one to arrive. He'd brought a couple bottles of wine and a case of imported beer. One by one each man brought something to add to the day's feast and Larabee's table was soon full of food. Once the steaks were ready, everyone grabbed their plate and helped themselves. Flopping down on the couch or floor of the den, everyone made themselves comfortable, the game was turned on and the normal revelry ensued. Most of the group was rooting for the Colorado Rockies, but Vin loved his Texas team, the Houston Astros. Ezra didn't care for the game of baseball, but loved the camaraderie of these get-togethers.

Once the game was over, the kitchen cleaned up and the food put away, Larabee made coffee and announced to the others that a group meeting was being called. Moans were heard throughout, but Larabee laughed and assured this meeting had nothing to do with work.

Mollified, everyone relaxed and listened as Chris began. "While Vin and I were camping, we came upon an old cabin that my ancestor, probably my great-great grandfather lived in a hundred years ago. We found his diary, and also, some suspicious remains. Vin and I read parts of the diary and it seems he wanted the remains buried with him. Now," He looked around at his friends, "for whatever reason they weren't, and Vin and I would like to go back out there and see that his wishes are carried out. You know, scatter the remains on top of his grave. We'd also like for you guys to come with us. Josiah, we were hoping maybe, you'd say some words as Vin scatters the ashes."

"Yeah, Chris, of course we'll come and I'd be honored to say something," Josiah nodded. "When do you want to go?"

Ezra agreed, "I think my horse needs to be exercised and a good ride would do him good."

JD readily nodded, "Cool! I'd love to go and see that old cabin, I can't wait."

Buck looked at Larabee and could see there was something he wasn't telling them. After years of knowing the Chris, he could read his friend like a book and he wondered what information was being left out. "I'd like to go too, Chris," he agreed, "I think it'd be real interesting."

Nathan smiled, "I'll sure go. I love history and getting a chance to explore an old homestead that hasn't been commercialized will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When are we going?"

Chris saw the look of doubt that Buck sent his way and knew he'd have to pull the big man aside and explain a few things, but first they'd have to decide when they were going. His teammates had lives away from the office, so he said, "Okay, when can we all get together for a weekend? It's a four-hour ride on horseback, so I think we should plan on spending the night. It's going to start getting cooler in a few weeks, so we should get together on this."

Nathan said, "Raine will be on call over the Labor Day weekend, so she'll probably spend most of it at the hospital. That's two weeks from now. How's that sound to everyone?"

After some discussion, everyone agreed that Labor Day was the best bet, since it was a three-day weekend.

As everyone was getting ready to leave, Buck asked JD to see if Josiah would drop him off, as he wanted to visit with Chris awhile longer. Ezra volunteered to drop the young man at home, so Buck, along with Chris and Vin watched from the porch as the others drove off.

As the three men started into the house, Buck clapped his friend on the back and said, "Okay stud, what's going on? What aren't you saying?"

Chris frowned, "What do you mean? We just want to honor the man's wish."

"Why?" Buck asked.

"What do you mean, why?" Chris countered.

"Why? It's a simple question. Why? The guys been dead a hunnert years. Why the rush? It could've waited 'til Spring. So why the rush? That's all I'm asking."

Vin and Chris looked at each other and Vin, with a crooked grin, nodded silently.

"Sit down Buck, I'm going to share something with you that you're not going to believe."

The trio made their way back to the den and made themselves comfortable. Chris brought out a bottle of Jack Daniels and poured each of them a measure. "I'm going to tell you a story, Buck, as I said, you can believe it or not, hell, I'm not sure I believe it myself." Taking a deep breath, Chris continued, "But it seems a hundred years ago my grandsire, Chris Larabee, had a good friend named Vin Tanner. They were such good friends that when Vin Tanner died, my grandfather ended up with his ashes. He asked a couple of friends to be sure the ashes were buried with him, but they weren't and those ashes are still sitting in that cabin. Vin and I are just trying to do what's right."

Buck sat there dumbfounded. He swallowed his drink and looked at his friends, then started laughing. When he could talk, he guffaw "You're making that up, ain't cha pard." Still chortling, Buck said, "What? You and Vin decide to stop circling each other and get down to business?" Buck wiped his eyes. "That's it, ain't it! You two are fucking each other, aren't ya. Well shit, it's about time."

Chris smiled and took another swallow of his drink. "Yeah Buck, that's it. We didn't think you'd figure it out right away. And if you want to wait until Spring to scatter the ashes, that'd be fine." Chris held his breath, waiting for the answer.

Vin gave his friends a cocky grin, "Yeah Bucklin, you done figured it out."

"I'm real happy for you two. You guys have been dancing around each other for as long as Vin's been on the team." Buck cocked an eye at Larabee, "And don't you go screwing it up, you hear me? Don't pull none of your bullshit and scare him off."

Chris squeezed Vin's hand, "I won't, Buck."

"ain't no reason to wait until Springtime to scatter those ashes. We have the trip planned already. We'll go over Labor Day."

Chris and Vin breathed a sigh a relief. Judging from Buck's reaction, no one would believe the truth, anyway, so they decided to keep it to themselves.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

Saturday, September 3rd arrived, a bright and sunny day. The seven teammates met at Larabee's ranch around 7am and while Vin cooked breakfast, the other six men prepared the horses and pack mule. After breakfast they hit the trail. The early morning had been cool, but as they wound their way up towards the meadow where they were headed, the sun warmed the land. A little over four hours later, the men arrived at the homestead and began making camp. Once the camp was set-up, the men wandered over to the cabin and began exploring. Chris warned them to be careful, as the place was old and could conceivably and literally come down on their heads. After exploring the shack and barn, they headed for the river.

None of the others seemed to feel the pull of the place or felt it was haunted. That eased Chris's conscience, somewhat, about not relating to the others what they'd found. Maybe, in truth, the others had no bond with the house.

For their dinner, Vin trapped some rabbits and made a rich rabbit stew. The men drank their coffee with whiskey and told stories around the camp fire. As the moon rose, the seven decided to turn in as they had a busy day ahead of them.

The following morning was dark and cloudy, so the men decided to spread the ashes and start for home. Vin went to collect the box that held the ashes. Laying a hand reverently on its top, he whispered, "I hope this is what y'all really want and we're doing the right thing." A good feeling descended upon him and once again, felt that ghostly hand at his back Feeling relieved, Vin grinned, "Yep, reckon we are."

The group broke camp, but the men kept their dusters tied behind their saddles in case it rained. After making sure the area was clean, they mounted their horses and headed for the old grave yard.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

At the cemetery the men gathered around the old gunslinger's grave. Josiah started reading the Twenty-Third Psalm from his Bible, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside still waters..."

As Josiah continued to read, his voice clear in the morning air, Vin gently shook the ashes out of the box onto the grave and stepped back.

As the seven men stood there, Josiah still reciting, "He restoreth my Soul..." a fog started rising from the ground.

Chris reached for Vin's hand and held tight, the others shared a collective gasp. The mist seemed to roll around them, enshrouding them in a cocoon.

Josiah kept reading, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff comfort me..."

An eagle call split the air as the cloud of fog lifted gently into the sky. Through the mist, two eagles appeared, flying close to each other, their wings in full spread with the tips touching. Upward and upward they soared, calling joyously to each other. A sunbeam so bright, it hurt their eyes, opened up the heavens and shone down on the seven teammates. The eagles continued on their way until completely out of sight. As the haze disappeared, the clouds rolled back together and thunder rumbled across the valley.

Before the haze cleared, JD crossed himself and said a Hail Mary, while Nathan recited a prayer from his youth.

"Holy Mother of God," Buck whispered as the mist swirled around him and and upward.

Josiah continued, his deep voice resonating throughout the valley, "Goodness and mercy shall follow me in all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen."

"What in God's name was that?" Ezra asked, his voice croaked.

Josiah answered, "Two lost Souls were reunited, Ezra. We've just witnessed a miracle. Go in peace, brothers," he finished, one arm held his Bible, the other arm was lifted to the sky.

Speechless, Vin and Chris looked at each other. Vin opened his mouth to speak but closed it again when he realized he couldn't think of anything to say.

Josiah glanced over at Vin and Chris. "Is there anything you want to tell us, brothers?" he asked.

Dumbstruck, they looked at the profiler, shook their heads and looked around at the group, questioning.

Buck smiled, and indicated with a nod at the two men. Chris still had a tight hold of Vin's hand. "You two oughta fess up," he said amused.

Embarrassed, Chris let go of Vin's hand and shrugged. "Hell, why not, Vin and I are together. Anyone don't like it, see me on Tuesday when we get back to work." With that, Chris started to walk away from the cemetery

Vin stood there, unsure of what to say, and not sure what his team mates would think.

Buck, always the first to put a person at ease, slapped Vin on the back, "Congratulations, Junior. He's needed you for a long time. Hell, you're the only one who can keep him in line."

The others followed suit and Vin was greeted with pats on the back and congratulatory smiles. Ezra grinned and held out his hand. The others dug out their wallets and handed the con man his money.

"You all had a bet going? 'Bout me 'n Chris?" Vin queried, stunned.

At that moment, Chris walked back to the men and said, "We have a long ride ahead of us, fellas and the weather isn't looking too good. Are you gonna stand around jawing all day or we getting this show on the road?"

"Congratulations, Chris," Josiah spoke for all of the men. "We're happy for ya."

"Thanks fellas," he said with a grin.

"Did you know they had a bet on us, cowboy?" Vin added.

Laughing as he looked at Ezra, Chris said, "Well, where's our cut?"

There were a few, "Yeah, Ezra's" as the team headed for the horses and home.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

Epilogue:

Chris Larabee sat across from his attorney. "Are you sure this is what you want to do, Chris?"

"Yes, it is. When I'm gone I want Vin Tanner to have the ranch house, and 650 acres surrounding it. The rest of the property is to be divided up evenly between these men." He handed the lawyer a legal-size sheet of paper with his friends names, addresses and other information on it. "If they've passed on, then it goes to their heirs. If there are no heirs, then the surviving men divide it, equally," he said.

"I'll have this ready for you to sign by Monday. You know, my great-great grandmother's maiden name was Tanner. Elena Tanner, before she married my grandsire. I wonder if they could be related?"

Larabee laughed, "I don't think so, Vin's from Texas."

"Oh, no, you're right, she's of Spanish heritage, I think her family was originally from Mexico."

"With a name like Tanner?" Chris mused.

"Well, it's a complicated story. I'm sure you wouldn't be interested," his attorney smiled.

"I might be at that. I'll call you, Bob." Chris rose and left the attorney's office. He took notice of the sign on the door that read; Robert Samuel Carson, Atty at Law.

* 7 * 7 * 7 * 7 *

Meeting Vin at the restaurant, he slipped into the booth. Vin's eyes asked the question on his mind.

Chris spoke, "I took care of it, everyone will get an equal share of the property. I put the land grants and the other papers from the chest in a safety deposit box at the bank. Here's a key and the signature card you'll need to sign. You get a key and I'll have a key. When the time comes, pard, you'll be the one taking care of things and it'll be up to you, whether you tell the others or not. By the way, I think I may have found Elena Tanner's family. Anyway, this will bring our lives full circle, Vin."

Vin nodded and smiled, life was good and their circle of life was about to be closed. He and Chris had no heirs, Josiah had his sister, Hannah, but no children. Nathan had Raine and they'd probably have a couple of kids. JD and Casey most likely would get married and have a family. The others, well you could never tell. Life was funny that way. He looked at Chris and grinned, "I love you, cowboy," and as Chris returned the smile, he whispered, "Me too, pard."

END

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