"Penance Vinification"

Vin demonstrated his incredible loyalty in “Penance“. I felt it was a very strong Vin episode, but there was so much potential for it to be a Vin fan’s dream episode. I have made a slight alteration to the end few scenes. We pick up the action in the jail when Josiah has just realized the monster they are hunting is Poplar.

**********

Poplar stepped out of the sheriff’s office and closed the door. He stared at the crowd of people collected for the contest between J.D. Dunne and one of the carnival performers in town. The noise was deafening.

Poplar’s emotions boiled. He had to fulfil his promise to himself. She had to die and she had to die now. The event unfolding in the middle of the street had drawn every person’s attention and would provide the perfect cover. But, what of Josiah? He knew Poplar’s secret. The detective’s supple but racing mind began to weave a plan. He would perform his service to humanity by removing her from this existence and then he would return to the jail, force Josiah to the scene of the crime and shoot him claiming that he had come across Sanchez in the act... crime? No, not a crime in the eyes of God. It was only a crime in the eyes of men.

Poplar scanned the street for the two-faced vixen he was being called to eradicate, for it was a calling - an insistent cry from the darkest depths of his soul. He spotted the source of his pain amongst the crowd, her bright blue eyes excited and alive.

Poplar’s eyes narrowed. He felt such hatred towards her. The longing was almost unbearable. He had to have satisfaction now! Poplar pushed his way through the crowd toward Mary Travis, each step taking him closer to redemption. His hand fell to the knife hidden in his jacket. The cold steel sent shivers of anticipation rippling through him.

Out of the corner of his eye, Poplar spotted a man lingering a few steps back from the crowd. He was standing alone, away from the excitement. Tanner turned and headed down the alley toward his wagon. The Pinkerton Detective frowned. Vin Tanner had proved more than troublesome. Despite all of the evidence that clearly pointed to Sanchez, this dusty pile of rags was relentless in his efforts to prove Josiah’s innocence. Everyone else in town, even Larabee, had his doubts. Poplar had seen it in their eyes, but Tanner’s held something no evidence would shake. This regulator’s unflinching gaze reflected only complete and absolute loyalty. He would never stop believing in Josiah’s innocence - no, that wasn’t quite accurate. It wasn’t the innocence of Josiah that was the true issue for Tanner. Vin Tanner would never stop believing in Josiah. There was a difference and that was what made him a threat.

Poplar found himself drawn. His need to release the emotion that had built up was unbearable. Mary Travis had to die. The trembling man turned toward the woman and his stomach exploded with fire. All of the hatred and passion he felt rose up. He had to purge her life. He had to! He needed to. It was his calling.

The voice of logic found purchase in the very back of his mind. Poplar’s head snapped back to Tanner. He was the only stumbling block. He had to be taken care of or he could stand in the way of Poplar’s mission.

The detective forced his way out of the crowd and strode toward Vin, who was facing away from the advancing man. Tanner didn’t like crowds and he was extremely private. Why? Poplar asked himself. What was he hiding... or whom was he hiding from? Poplar’s hand fell to the hidden blade under his jacket.

The race was about to start. Cheers rose up as J.D. and the cowboy appeared. Poplar continued on toward the troublesome man in the buckskin coat.

Tanner, who was leaning against his wagon about halfway down the alley, sensed the approach of another. The thunder of the excited citizens of Four Corners drowned out the sound of Poplar’s approaching steps, but Tanner’s sixth sense warned him. Vin glanced back over his shoulder. Poplar’s cruel face loomed up behind him.

The detective plunged his long handled hunting knife into Vin’s back. Tanner cried out startled, twisting toward his attacker, but burning pain sapped his energy and his back arched as the knife shifted with his own movement. Vin reached around, groping for the blade embedded in his flesh. Poplar threw his arm around Tanner’s chest and dragged him in behind the wagon. Vin’s struggles were weak. His focus was wholly on removing the knife. He wrestled frantically but he was fighting a losing battle. Without warning, Vin’s legs buckled. Pain and loss of blood had combined in a deadly combination. Poplar let his victim fall to the ground.

“You bastard,” Tanner spat in a panted breath. Red and black blotches rose up in front of his eyes as he desperately tired to reach the source of his agony.

Shocked, Poplar stared down at his victim as he struggled. Victim?! Tanner was not the one Poplar had set out to cleanse. What the hell was he doing? Horrified, Poplar stood frozen. What had he done? Abruptly, everything became clear. Tanner knew his secret, therefore he had to be eliminated. Nothing could stand in the way of Poplar’s mission. The frenzied detective lunged forward, but an explosion of cheering caused him to look up and recoil. He was exposed here. He needed to get away... to return to his essential purpose before it was too late.

Poplar stepped back, and without giving Vin a second thought, raced back down the alley and back into the crowd.

Vin’s mouth had gone dry. He saw Poplar’s feet heading toward the people. Why had Poplar attacked him? The others! Poplar may go after the others. Vin needed to warn his friends. The injured man attempted to cry out, but nothing of substance was released. The pain was excruciating. His fingers brushed the knife. An inferno exploded though him, a scream forced from ashen lips. Vin could feel himself sinking into unconsciousness, but he wouldn’t let go. Poplar may go after the others!

Vin’s only chance to warn his friends was to attract attention. Tanner reached down for his Mare’s leg. His world began to spin. His fingers were failing to respond to his demands to draw the sawn-off rifle.

*********

Chris watched as J.D. and the cowboy traded words. Buck and Ezra were standing together smiling like Cheshire cats. Chris grinned. He could only imagine what they were up to.

Amongst the din of the crowd, Chris heard a shot. Larabee glanced in the direction the sound had come from. The regulator made his way behind the throng and peered down into the alley. His eyes widened.

“Vin?!” Larabee raced between the buildings and dropped beside his best friend.

“Poplar,” Vin panted, inclining his head toward the crowd. “Go! Get him.”

Chris paused a moment. “Are you all right?”

“Go!” Vin screamed, dragging himself backwards to rest against the side of the building.

Chris leapt up and raced in the direction his companion had indicated. Something made him glance back and he saw Vin topple onto his side. Larabee spun around and returned to his friend’s side. As he crouched, he spotted the knife protruding from Vin’s blood splattered back.

“VIN?!”

“Get it out,” Vin whispered, his voice quaking with agony.

“Hang on.” Chris withdrew his six shooter and emptied it into the air. Seconds later, Ezra burst out of the crowd, his gun drawn. “Nathan! Get Nathan!” Larabee screamed.

Ezra’s face shadowed with horror before he turned to carry out Chris‘ desperate order.

Chris was at a loss. He didn’t know what to do to help Vin so he clamped his hand on Vin’s trembling shoulder to steady him and offer whatever comfort and support he could. “Nathan’ll be here in a moment.”

“Poplar,” Vin repeated, writhing on the ground.

“We’ll get him,” Larabee promised, squeezing Vin’s shoulder. “Lay still. You’re bleeding.” Chris knew he needed to stop the blood flow, but he wasn’t sure how. He couldn’t put his hand over the wound because the knife was in the way.

Nathan and Ezra rushed from the swarm of people, the healer dropping beside Vin. His face flooded with alarm. “Help me get him to my clinic. Chris, put your hand here.” Nathan grabbed Larabee’s right hand and pushed it against the wound just below the knife. Tanner’s body jerked and then he slumped as merciful unconsciousness consumed him. “Ezra, take his shoulders. Chris, keep your hand there. We have to stop the blood loss.” Together, the trio carried their unconscious friend around the back of the buildings and up the stairs to Nathan’s clinic.

Those below were blissfully unaware of the events that had unfolded.

**

Vin was lowered onto the cot in the clinic and rolled onto his stomach. “Ezra, boil some water. Chris, don’t remove your hand,” Nathan repeated. Jackson rushed across to a basin of water and began washing his hands. “What the hell happened?”

“Poplar,” Chris growled.

“Poplar?” Ezra cried, as he placed the kettle on the small stove.

“Ezra, go down and warn the others,” Chris growled.

Standish nodded, took one last look at Vin and then raced off.

**********

Buck was feeling particularly happy with himself. He was about to enjoy his revenge against the cowboy who had drugged his horse. Buck smiled at J.D. “You show him, kid!”

Abruptly, a boot crashed through the window of the sheriff’s office. Buck retrieved it and then wandered into the building to investigate.

**********

Nathan licked his lips and glanced up at Chris, who had his arms across Vin’s back. “Hold him.”

The gunfighter nodded.

Jackson curled his fingers around the knife. “Ready?”

Larabee’s green eyes reflected his deep concern. Jackson withdrew the knife with a heave. Vin’s body spasmed, but went still immediately. Chris swallowed, watching as Nathan pressed a cloth firmly against the gaping wound. “Nathan?”

“He’s lost some blood. I... I don’t know yet.”

Larabee’s face blanketed with rage. He stared down at Vin. He had not felt like this for a long time, but then, Chris hadn’t allowed himself to care about anybody or anything since the death of his wife. For some reason he didn’t truly understand, he had allowed himself to care about this town and the people in it. He cared more than he dared... more than he ever thought he’d be able to care again and it had started with Vin. Chris and the dusty buffalo hunter had taken a single look to sum up one another. One look and Chris had found a kindred spirit. Tanner understood him with a completeness that Larabee would never have thought possible. Vin didn’t ask any questions. He didn’t make any judgments or demands. He needed no guarantees and had only the simplest expectations.

Chris placed his hand on Vin’s shoulder, his eyes drawn to the blood soaked material of the unconscious man’s shirt, which Nathan had torn away. The healer was working swiftly, wiping the blood away to check the extent of the damage. Larabee swallowed. His and Tanner’s friendship was based on an uncomplicated, yet powerful foundation. They trusted each other. That was all each wanted and all both needed. At least, that was how it had started. Now, what they shared couldn’t be described by the confines of the term friendship, Chris realized. What they shared now, was brotherhood.

“Get him!“ Vin’s cry echoed in Chris’ mind. Larabee squeezed his friend’s shoulder, spun around and exited the room, his boots smashing out his rage. Nathan paused to watch Larabee leave. The medic swallowed. Poplar was a dead man. Quickly, Nathan returned his attention of his patient. He needed to clean the wound and stitch it. Then, it would just be a matter of waiting and hoping.

**********

The carnival ringmaster raised his voice above the crowd.“All right, ladies and gentlemen. Finally, the race you been waitin' for, between the incomparable Pace McCormick and your very own J.D. Dunne! Are you ready? Place your bets. Place your bets.”

The crowd began to bustle with increased excitement. Poplar squeezed up beside Mary. “Mrs. Travis, I need to speak to you,” he yelled above the noise.

Mary glanced at him, but her attention was still on J.D. and McCormick. This event was just what the town needed after the horrifying murders that had left the citizen gripped with fear. Mary wanted to report this on the front page of the paper to assist everyone try and forgot. “Oh. Uh,” she started, but Poplar took her arm.

“Would you care to come with me?”

“Oh, well...,” Mary found herself being pulled gently, her eyes still on J.D. and his opponent.

Pace McCormick, who was decidedly green around the gills, turned to J.D. “I've won races in worse shape than this. And I'm even faster when I'm mad.”

J.D. shook his head in disgust. He knew his friends had done something to his opponent, but he wasn’t quite sure what.”

Josiah and Buck exploded out of the sheriff’s office. “It’s Poplar!” Josiah yelled to Ezra as he approached.

“Yes, I know.”

“On your mark...” the carnival announcer called. J.D. spotted the looks to concern and anger on his friend’s faces. He had heard Josiah yell Poplar’s name. What was going on?

Buck, Josiah and Ezra scanned the street. ”There he is!” Buck cried, pointing.

“Get ready...”

“Mary! Get away from him!” Josiah screamed as he forced himself through the mob.

J.D. heard the shouted warning. Dunne’s eyes shot to Mary and Poplar. The starting gun exploded. Dunne looked for his friends. They were struggling to press through the crowd. J.D. knew what he had to do. He sent his horse racing down the street, pulled in close to the crowd and plucked Mary from Poplar’s grasp.

“Hang on, Mrs. Travis!”

Poplar gasped. He spotted Josiah, Ezra and Buck ploughing through the people. With a shout of terror, he spun around and raced down between two buildings. “I got him!” Josiah bellowed, bursting into the alley.

“I'll go around back!” Buck called.

By the time Poplar got to the end of the alley, Ezra had appeared, the gambler having anticipated the regulators’ quarry would use the alley for his retreat.

The fleeing man came to an abrupt halt and turned, only to find Josiah a few steps behind him. “Stay back!” Poplar screamed, wildly. His face was contorted with fear and desperation. In his hand, he held a knife. It wasn’t like the one used in the other murders, Josiah noted, but that didn’t change the fact that Poplar was guilty.

Buck appeared beside Ezra, and J.D. rushed down the alley to stand behind Josiah. The men began to advance, but Josiah raised his hand for them to pause. Poplar was deranged and if pressured, there was no telling how he would react. “Now, you can't undo what's already done,” Josiah stated firmly to Poplar, who was flinching and twitching nervously. “But you can put an end to it now.” The ex-preacher lowered the tone of his voice. “They torment you. They haunt you, those women.” Poplar’s eyes glazed. “You see them when you close your eyes. There's no rest. Pay your penance, Poplar. Pay it... And be free. Hand me the knife.”

Poplar stared down at the blade in his hand. All of the torment exploded within him. There was a great rushing in his ears and then a strange feeling of calm blanketed his emotions. He knew how to end it. Poplar lifted his eye to Josiah in defiance and then spun the knife around and sent it rocketing toward his own stomach. Josiah lunged forward, his bear sized hand encapsulating Poplar’s and pulling his arm back.

“Noooooo!” the psychotic detective screamed as the knife was reefed from his grasp.

Buck and Ezra stepped up behind the disarmed murderer. Josiah stared into Poplar’s frenzied eyes. “Your day of judgment draws near,” the preacher predicted.

Josiah noted the change of expression on his two companion’s faces and so followed the line of their startled gaze. Chris had appeared at the top of the alley. Larabee stood frozen at the entrance to the lane for several seconds and then strode toward the group, his black duster flying out behind him. Chris stepped around Josiah and threw a punch that knocked Poplar to the ground.

Josiah’s eyes widened when he spotted the blood smeared over Larabee’s fist... blood that didn’t belong to Poplar and which obviously didn’t belong to Larabee.

Chris reached down and dragged Poplar to his feet. “If he dies, I’ll kill you myself.” It was a lethal promise and Larabee meant every word.

“He? Who?” Josiah asked, his voice rising with alarm.

“Vin,” Ezra offered, quietly. “Nathan’s...”

Josiah didn’t wait for more. He raced to the clinic, pounding up the stairs two at a time. As he entered the small room, he turned to Nathan who was standing at the basin washing his bloodied hands. Nathan paused. “He’s lucky. It didn’t hit any of his organs, but he lost some blood.”

The anguish on Josiah’s face cut Nathan to the quick. Sanchez was blaming himself for this. He rightly deduced that Poplar had gone after Vin because of the young man’s stanch support for Josiah. Sanchez approached the bed where Vin was laying on his stomach. “Father in Heaven, why?” Josiah lowered his hand to the back of Vin’s head and shut his eyes. “Father, don’t take him. I... I haven’t had a chance to thank him.”

Nathan walked across to his distressed companion. “I think he’ll make it. Like I said, he lost some blood and there’s the shock, but I’m pretty sure he’ll be okay.” Chris had entered as the last sentence was said. Josiah turned to Chris. The pair exchanged a nod and then Josiah strode from the clinic. He needed to deal with his emotions and he couldn’t here.

Larabee patted Nathan’s arm in silent thanks as he walked up to Vin and crouched beside his friend. “We got him, Vin. We got him.”

**********

The night in the tiny room above the livery was long and emotionally demanding. Vin developed a fever that left him lathered in perspiration.

Nathan sponged his patient constantly, fighting to save his friend’s life. The hours passed. At four a.m., Nathan stepped back from Vin and nodded to Chris who had been seated in the chair beside the bed all night. “His fever’s broken.”

Chris leaned forward and dropped his face, his hands clasped, his elbows resting on his knees. The relief was overwhelming. Nathan patted his back. Chris glanced up, turned to Vin and gripped his best friend’s shoulder. As he did so, Tanner stirred.

Nathan bent over Vin. “Easy there, Vin.” Tanner’s eyes flickered and then opened. “You’re just fine.”

“Poplar?” Tanner asked, weakly.

“Chris?“ Vin asked, confused. He was facing away from his best friend.

“It’s been taken care of,” Larabee assured. He squeezed Vin’s shoulder. Confident that all was in hand, Vin closed his eyes and went to sleep. Chris glanced up at Nathan who smiled.

“He’s going to be just fine,” the healer stated with relieved confidence.

**********

J.D. handed the final paperwork to one of the four prison guards who had been sent to escort Poplar to Red Fork to stand trial for all murders. Two of the guards assisted the shackled criminal into the prison wagon and locked the door.

“So, he really kill two women and man here?” the guard asked.

J.D. flicked his eyes to Vin Tanner who was walking slowly along the street. J.D. smiled. It was good to see Vin up and about. “Nope. Just two women.”

Vin climbed the three steps to the veranda of the saloon, Larabee at his shoulder. The pair moved to the couple of chairs to the right and Vin stiffly lowered himself into one, Chris the other. Tanner was still a little pale, but he was growing in strength with each passing hour.

“So, he’s going to face trial?” Vin asked, gazing at the prison wagon.

“Yeah. He’ll hang,” Chris predicted.

“Reckon so. Don’t bring them ladies back, though.”

Chris glanced at his friend. “He won’t be hurting any others.”

Silence fell between them for almost a full minute. “What makes a man do something like that?” Vin asked.

Chris drew in a deep breath and released it slowly. He didn’t have an answer. J.D. signalled the Seven‘s leader from across the street.

Larabee rose to his feet. “You be alright here?”

“Ain’t fixin’ on movin’.”

Chris smiled. The recent incident had made Chris acutely aware of just how much his friendship with Vin meant to him. “Nathan’ll want your hide if you do. Mine too, no doubt.”

“The man’s worse than an old she wolf,” Vin grumbled, watching as Chris headed across the street to investigate what J.D. wanted.

Josiah exited the saloon and spotting Vin, strode across to his friend and filled Chris’ recently vacated chair.

Through the small window in the carriage, Vin and Josiah could see Poplar’s pale face.

“Of all the tyrannies of humankind, the worst is that which persecutes the mind,” Sanchez murmured.

Vin turned to his companion. He realized Josiah wasn‘t simply talking about Poplar. “Josiah... What you told me about your sister and all... I just want you to know that... That's between you and me.”

Josiah drew in a deep breath “Appreciate that, Vin, but you know, saying it out loud... kind of made it a little easier to bear.”

Tanner considered the words. “Mm. Well, now you're free and clear.”
Josiah’s face blanketed with great sorrow. “Oh... I'll never be free and clear,” he whispered, tragically. Josiah would always carry the burden of guilt, for he would never forgive himself for not doing more for his sister at a time when there may have been a chance to save her. Sanchez turned to Vin. “Thank you... for believing in me.”

Vin smiled easily. Josiah offered his hand and Vin took it warmly. As they dropped the grip, the prison guard gave the cry for the carriage to begin its journey to Red Fork. The armoured wagon moved off slowly, the lone prisoner peering out through the small window. Josiah’s and Poplar’s eyes brushed for a brief moment. “May God take pity on your soul,” Sanchez whispered.

The carriage continued down the street, the citizens of Four Corners stopping to watch as the monster who had caused so much terror was removed from their midst.

Scene draws to a close.

Return to Vincentric Episode Enhancement Page.

May 2003 Brigitta B.

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