Larabee stretched his right arm across Vin’s chest to hold him still and gripped his friend’s shoulder with his left hand.

“Here we go.” Nathan tipped the carbolic onto the wound.

Vin’s eyes shot open, his shoulders lifted off the bed, his hand grabbed for his side and a strangled roar escaped his lips.

“Easy,” Chris soothed, holding the injured man down. Vin glanced up at Chris blinking. “Nathan’s got to drain away the infection.”

“Well, that’s made my day,” Vin panted sarcastically.

Chris smirked at his friend and squeezed his shoulder. It’ll be over in a minute.

Vin sighed and closed his eyes.

“Vin, this is going to hurt,” Nathan warned, lowering the scalpel toward the infected wound.

“No, kiddin’.” Tanner swallowed as the healer set to work. The tracker’s hands gripped the side of the cot and he squeezed his eyes shut, riding out the burning pain.

Chris held his companion firmly. The gunfighter could feel his best friend’s heart thundering in his chest. “Nathan?” Chris urged.

“Almost done. The wound was pretty clear, all things considered.”

“Terrific,” Vin ground out through clenched teeth. Blotches of red and black obscured his vision.

“Okay, I’ve just got to wipe it clean and I’m done,” the healer informed his patient.

Vin swallowed and nodded.

“Hang on, Cowboy,” Chris encouraged softly.

Moments later, Nathan was wrapping the wound in the clean bandage he had taken from his bag.

Chris lifted his arm from across Vin’s chest and squeezed his best friend’s shoulder. “He’s done, Vin.”

Tanner muttered something as his eyelids fell. A mixture of pain, fatigue, laudanum and illness sent him spiralling down into the painless world of oblivion.

“What did he say?” Nathan asked.

Chris shrugged. “I didn’t catch it. Everything okay?”

“Yeah, the wound doesn’t look too bad, considering what‘s happened. As for his condition, he needs to rest. Probably sleep right through until tomorrow. He‘s going to be sore, though.”

Larabee nodded, watching as Nathan pulled the single blanket up over Vin. The young tracker looked pale, but at least he was resting comfortably for the first time since he had started to develop the influenza.

Nathan stood up and noting the look of concern on Chris’ face, clapped his hand onto the gunfighter’s shoulder. “He’s as tough as they come, Chris. Some sleep will do him a world of good.“ The healer set about packing his instruments away. “He’s worried about bounty hunters.”

Larabee nodded, standing. He had been crouched beside Vin, his hand still firmly attached to the injured man’s shoulder. “We’ll keep someone with him at all times.” It would put Vin’s mind at rest and ensure that if there were any bounty hunters in town, they would have to face two men, not one.

Nathan smiled, shutting his bag. “That’ll go down well.”

Chris winked at Nathan. “I don’t need no nursemaidin’ bastards minding my business?” Larabee predicted.

“Can’t a man go to the privy without being hounded by the likes of you?” Nathan added.

“Yep,” Chris agreed. He turned to his friend. “I don’t know what we’d do without you, Nathan.“

Jackson grinned. “You’d be full of holes.“

Tanner shivered.

“He’s cold.”

“Still chilled. I’ll go and get the blanket from my bed,” Nathan offered, disappearing.

Chris glanced down at his own bedroll. It was soaking wet and of no use. Nathan returned both with the blanket from the bed in his room and the one from Buck and J.D.’s room. Quickly, the healer spread them over his patient.

“That should help. His buckskin coat kept his chest dry so he shouldn’t be as chilled as we are.”

“You go on and get a bath, Nathan. I’ll sit with him until one of the others return.”

“I would say that my timing is impeccable, then,” Ezra claimed, entering the room. The gambler was dressed in an old pair of trousers and checked shirt. “And if you are even considering commenting on my attire, I warn you, I am not in a convivial mood and will probably do something unpleasant if you entertain any criticism.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Ezra. I think it suits you.”

“I do not find that amusing. How is Mr. Tanner?”

“Sleeping,” Nathan replied. “The best medicine in the world.”

Ezra stared down at his friend. “It’s about time,” the gambler muttered with genuine sympathy. “Well, go on you two. I’ll sit with our friend while you go and get warm.”

“You were quick.”

“The experience of sitting in a small bathtub in a room with a dozen crude men making disgusting comments hastened my bathing. The others are still there. Mr. Wilmington is regaling his attentive audience with stories of his conquests.”

Nathan moved to the door. “He should be fine. If he starts shivering, come and get me. If he wakes, get him to drink some water.”

“I shall do so.”

Chris lingered beside Vin’s bed.

“Go on, Mr. Larabee. Your lips are blue. Mr. Tanner will be quite safe, I assure you.” The Seven’s leader didn’t move. “Chris,” Ezra urged softly. “Go on. You’re chilled to the bone.“ Larabee glanced at Ezra. “Go on,“ the gambler prompted. Chris brushed Ezra’s arm as he turned and left the room - a wordless but sincere thanks.

Standish watched his companion go, closed the door and then peered around the barren room. There was no chair for him to sit on. “Charming. I get to share the floorboards with the cockroaches!”

**********

Chris and Nathan stepped out of the boarding house and hugged the side of buildings on their way to the bathhouse. Few took any notice of them.

**********

The curtains of a top floor window parted an inch. The eyes hidden there reflected interest. There was something deep and intense about the look reflected in them. The owner of the eyes felt deep emotion sweep over them. The time was near. Soon, what they had longed for, for so long, would come to fruition.

**********

As Chris and Nathan approached the bathhouse, Buck’s booming voice reached their ears. “... so I says, why don’t you and your sister join me for the night?”

Nathan smiled. “Ezra was right. Buck’s on fire.”

“Buck always is,” Chris muttered.

“You’re full of crap, Buck. Ain’t no way the queen of whatever the place was, spent the night with you!”

“It’s as true as I’m sittin’ here in this... Hey, boys,” Buck greeted Nathan and Chris as they entered. The bathhouse was little more than a shed with more than a dozen large tin bathtubs scattered around it. Steam was rising into the air due to the hot water the three attendants kept boiling and tipping into the tubs. Buck, Josiah and J.D. were lounging in three tubs side by side. There were only two other occupants and they seemed very content listening to Buck’s outlandish claims.

“How’s Vin?” Josiah asked.

“Resting,” the healer stated simply as he began to undress. “Ezra’s with him.”

“Grab a tub, fellas. This is heaven,” Buck announced.

“Hey, Josiah, are you gonna go and see your friend when you leave here?” J.D. asked.

The preacher grinned. “Want to talk to him about the Peter’s Gap Ghost?”

“Yeah. Vin saw it.”

“When?” Chris asked, sinking down into the warm water. His body shuddered unconsciously. He was chilled to the bone. The warmth made his body tingle. The gunfighter allowed his eyes to close. His tense muscles spasmed as they were forced to loosen and relax.

“When? Before. He must have seen it when we first got here,” J.D. explained.

“And he told you that?” Nathan asked.

“No, you did!”

“I did?“

“Yeah.“

“When?” Nathan enquired.

“Upstairs.”

“Upstairs?”

“In Vin’s room,” J.D. cried in exasperation.

Nathan stared at the boy puzzled. “Vin never mentioned any ghost.”

“But you said he saw it when he saw the bounty hunter!”

All at once Nathan and Chris started laughing.

**********

**********

There were eighteen boards along the left wall of the room and scurrying around on the floor were six cockroaches, three spiders and one insect Ezra couldn’t identify. The place truly was a dump, but, Standish decided with disgust, beggars couldn’t afford to be fussy. At least the men had a roof over their heads and Vin was dry and able to rest.

The gambler sighed long and deep, tipped his head back against the wall and allowed his eyes to close. He felt weary and hungry. The group hadn’t eaten breakfast. Standish estimated that the time had to be around 13:00pm. Once the others had finished at the bathhouse, they would probably bring some food to the room for him. After that, one of them would take over here.

A smile creased Ezra’s lips. He had never been to Peter’s Gap. The people here didn’t know him, which meant it should be a fruitful stay.

Vin grunted softly in his sleep. Standish sat up and lowered his hand to the tracker’s arm. “Easy, my friend.” Tanner failed to stir. “It looks like we will be here for several days.” If not because of the rain, because Vin wouldn’t be strong enough to travel for some time, Ezra decided.

Standish rose to his feet and moved to the two-foot square window. Outside, the rain was still pelting down. The street had become a slush, impassable for carriages. Ezra swept the town with his eyes. He was surprised at the number of buildings, but then, Josiah had explained that for nine months of the year the place was practically a ghost town. It was only when the rains came that all of the buildings were used.

What was particularly pleasing was that there were no less than three saloons which Ezra intended visiting. It was only fair that he shared himself around. Again a smile lit up the gambler’s face. A lot of bored people with nothing to do. He would do well here.

Movement from the bed drew the young man’s attention. Vin blinked up at the other man.

“Ahh, Mr. Tanner. How do you feel?”

Vin grunted, his eyes flicking around the room cautiously.

“We are in Peter’s Gap,” Ezra explained.

“How long?”

“Just over an hour. The others have gone to the bathhouse to warm their chilled bones.” Ezra studied Vin critically. His friend looked absolutely exhausted. “Nathan insisted that I persuade you to drink some water.”

“Nathan always wants me to drink somethin’,” Tanner muttered quietly. His voice lacked any strength. It sounded a little breathy and hollow and his eyes were heavy lidded.

Ezra retrieved the glass of water Buck had left on the dresser and moved across to his companion. “Let me help you,” the gambler offered, attempting to lift Vin’s shoulders with one hand while raising the glass to Vin’s lips with the other. Tanner gasped. Ezra quickly lowered the injured man back onto the pillow watching as Vin reached for his side, a grimace settling on his pale features.

“I am sorry, Vin. I’ll shall deposit the glass on the ground and lift you up. Then we will concern ourselves with the water.”

“Got a better idea. Forget it,” Vin panted.

Ezra frowned. “Nathan said you were to drink some water.”

“What he don’t know won’t hurt him,” Vin insisted, shutting his eyes.

“Now, Mr. Tanner, if our good friend says that you must drink water, then water you must drink.” The only reply Ezra received was the rhythmical rise and fall of Vin’s chest. “Mr. Tanner? Vin?” Ezra’s frown deepened. “Mr. Tanner, if you are still conscious, I ardently insist that you have some of this water.”

Vin sighed and opened his eyes. “You’re a pain in the ass, Ezra.” The pale tracker’s voice reflected his fatigue and resignation.

“Sticks and stones, my friend. Now, I shall help you sit up and then we shall appropriate the glass.” Ezra slipped his hands under Vin’s shoulders and elevated his torso. Tanner’s body stiffened but with Ezra’s help, he managed to raise himself. Vin paused, panting, his eyes shutting momentarily. “Okay?” Ezra asked.

Vin nodded. “Hurts more now than it did ridin’ here.”

“I imagine Mr. Jackson’s probing didn’t help. Here.”

Vin accepted the glass.

“It is still raining. Looks like we are going to have to reside in this rat hole for several days.”

"Just until I'm fit to ride," Vin stated, sipping the water.

Ezra’s right eyebrow arched curiously. “I see.”

“Soon as them documents are signed and I can get on my horse, we'll head back to Four Corners. It ain't a long ride."

“And how long before you believe you will be fit enough to make the journey?”

“Maybe tomorrow. I don’t feel sick. Just a bit tired and sore,” Vin explained, passing Ezra the empty glass. “A day’s rest and I should be...” The final word was drowned out in coughing.

“And you have discussed this with Mr. Larabee?”

“Larabee wants to get out of here, too.”

Ezra smiled ruefully. “I happen to think that is wishful thinking on your part.”

“Huh?”

“Come on. Let’s lay you back.” Vin gripped his side as Ezra eased him down. The gambler tucked the blankets around his friend. “Are you warm enough?”

“Yeah, I’m okay.”

“If you are cold I will endeavour to find more blankets.”

Vin grinned. “You’re startin’ to sound like Nathan. I’m fine. Head doesn‘t feel too bad.”

Ezra settled on the ground beside his friend. “So, you have been to this humble town before?”

“Couple of times,” Vin sighed. Sleep was tugging at him once again.

“And is there any local talent?”

“Gamblers?”

“Men of skill and dexterity at the card table,” Ezra corrected.

“Gamblers. Not that I know of. You thinkin’ of scorin’ here?”

“I admit the idea of engaging in the odd game of chance has crossed my mind.”

Vin began moving around as he fought to find a comfortable position on the hard mattress. “Ain’t got nothin’ to do with chance when you’re involved, Ezra.”

Standish flashed his friend a mortified look. “Are you suggesting that I am less than honest?”

“Nope, I’m comin’ straight and sayin’ ya cheat.”

“Lower you voice, Mr. Tanner. The walls have ears.”

Vin smiled and his eyelids fell.

“I’ll have you know that I use skill, not slight of hand, to outwit my opponents.”

“And every trick in the book,” Vin muttered as sleep engulfed him.

“True,” Ezra agreed smirking. Deep, even breathing echoed out of the tracker. “It worries me that you seem to have such an accurate interpretation of my intentions.”

**********

Less than thirty minutes later, Ezra heard someone striding down the hallway. The gambler leaped to his feet and drew his revolver. Adrenaline flooded his system. There had been mention of a bounty hunter. If this was one coming to collect, he was about to meet his maker!

There was a quiet tap on the door.

“Me,” Nathan announced quietly, before opening the door and walking in. Ezra and the healer exchanged a nodded greeting and Ezra re-holstered his gun.

Nathan leaned over Vin and placed his hand on the injured man’s forehead.

“He woke briefly and I managed to convince him to drink some water.”

“Good,” but the healer frowned. “He’s clammy.”

“I inquired if he desired another blanket, but he declined.” The jingle of spurs informed the pair that Chris had reached the top of the stairs and was making his way down the corridor.

“I think another blanket may be a good idea,” Nathan mused. “His body is still trying to warm up.”

“He believes that he will be ready to return to Four Corners tomorrow,” Ezra informed the other man.

“Then he believes wrong,” Chris growled, stepping into the room.

“Don’t worry, Chris. By tomorrow, Vin’s not going to be wanting to do anything except lay there and die, if he’s anything like we were.“

Chris snorted. Not if he knew Vin.

“He’s going to be stiff and sore too. The last thing he’s going to want to do is get on a horse. Trust me.”

“Well, howdy fellas. I picked up a few more blankets on my way up here. Thought maybe Vin could do with a few more. You look a sight, Ezra!“

“Mr. Wilmington, you are treading very inhospitable ground. My wardrobe is drying and I should be able to attire myself appropriately by the end of the day.“

“Uh-huh. How’s Vin doing?” Buck asked.

“Vin’s tryin’ to sleep,” Tanner muttered.

“So you’re awake,” Nathan chuckled.

Vin grunted but didn’t open his eyes. He was content to lie listening to the reassuring sounds of his companions.

“Where did you get the blankets?”

“Passed a couple of empty cots on my way up here.”

“You pilfered them from some poor unsuspecting soul’s bed,” Ezra accused.

“Well, that’s one way of putting it,” Buck chuckled.

“Mr. Wilmington, you are incorrigible. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am beginning to feel claustrophobic,” Ezra stated, squeezing past his companions.

“Ezra, we don’t want any trouble,” Chris warned.

“I fully understand that.”

“Be careful,” the Seven’s leader added.

“I fully intend to.”

“Ezra,” Chris growled firmly. He could see the glint of devilry in Standish’s eyes, which only appeared when the gambler was about to make himself a killing.

“Relax, Mr. Larabee. I will simply engage in a few friendly games.”

“There he goes lying again,” Buck laughed.

“I beg your pardon?”

“We don’t want any trouble... and watch your back.” Ezra smiled and left the room. “How do you feel?” Chris asked, turning to his injured companion.

Vin grunted, but his eyes didn’t open.

“You hungry?” Buck asked. “J.D. and Josiah are rustling us up some grub.”

Vin opened his eyes and nodded. “Reckon I’m a bit hungry.”

Nathan spread the two new blankets over his patient.

“How are things out there?” Vin asked, sleepily.

“Pretty quiet, all things considered,” Chris mused, settling himself on the ground.

“It won’t stay that...” Vin sighed and blinked several times. “... way for long.”

“Close them eyes of yours and get some sleep, Vin. I’ll wake you when the food arrives,” Nathan offered.

Vin’s eyes shut immediately. “Hell, I’m tired.”

Chris grinned and patted his best friend’s arm. “Can’t think why, you lazy bastard.”

“In your ass, Chris.”

The seven’s leader glanced up at Buck. “Take a look around the town. And keep an eye on Ezra.”

“He won‘t go lookin‘ for trouble. And Ez can look after himself, Chris. You should know that by now.” With that, Buck exited the room.

Larabee frowned. Buck was right. Yet, Chris didn’t see why they should take any chances. Standish was one man who could hold his own against most men and with Vin injured, Ezra would keep a low profile. Still, having someone watch your back was a privilege the men could now afford.

“I’ve got a few things I want to get in town. You right to stay with him?” Nathan asked.

Larabee nodded watching the healer go.

“Soon as I’m well enough, we should head home,” Vin mumbled. He didn’t sound fully awake, but was obviously determined to conduct this conversation.

“Yep,” Chris agreed.

“Ain’t that far.”

“Nope.”

"Have to supervise them papers being signed tomorrow, don't we?"

"That's right."

"Ain't no reason to stay after that."

"Suppose not."

“Horses should have recovered by tomorrow.”

“They should have,” Larabee agreed with amusement.

“Probably leave late in the day.”

Chris smiled. Vin waited.

“Probably should leave late in the day,” Tanner repeated, forcing his eyes open. Chris continued to grin at his companion. “In your ass, Chris.”

“I think we should give it a few days.”

“Thought you might,” Vin grumbled.

“You’re becoming predictable.”