Larabee and his men retired to the saloon, discussing whether or not they were actually being targeted. Ezra and Nathan joined the group after only twenty minutes, Standish insisting that outside of a headache and “an incessant need to place my hands around the throat of the satanic individual who had the audacity to grin at me as I struggled for breath, “ he was fine.

While Vin appeared convinced that someone was gunning for the group, the others were less committed. Josiah had checked with the sheriff and discovered that there had been at least seventeen attacks of some description in the last two days. Josiah's, Ezra's and Buck's were only three of them.

"When so many are forced together, it is not surprising that such things take place."

After thinking it through, Buck tended to believe that Josiah had been attacked by some louts out for some fun and Ezra’s prowess at the table had probably been noted by more than a couple of individuals who had decided to exterminate him before he did any winning.

"If the word had leaked out about the lease, there would have been mention of it in town. There are a lot of cattlehands here. News like that would spread quickly," Nathan pointed out.

"Which leaves us with random attacks."

"Or someone gunnin' for us. Might not have anything to do with the lease. Just some bastard who's come after us," Vin murmured, blowing his nose into his handkerchief.

“Come on, Vin. I can understand someone wanting to get rid of us in Four Corners, but here?” Buck argued. “And as for the signing of the lease, it’s got nothing to do with us. We’re just here to protect Macquarie once he arrives.”

“I’m afraid I agree with Mr. Wilmington, which I must say, concerns me,” Ezra stated.

“Shut up, Ezra."

"We look like we're on the Sheepmen's side because we're here to protect Macquarie," J.D. reflected. "That wouldn't be popular."

"Come on, fellas. I think we're gettin' a bit carried away. Josiah was attacked by some thugs for no reason other then they like to beat on people. I was robbed because of my stylish clothes and...”

“Your what?!” Ezra exclaimed.

“It’s obvious they took one look at my hat and...”

“It’s obvious that they saw a sap coming,” Ezra argued.

“I’m not the one that was almost drowned in a bathtub!” Buck taunted.

“Boys,” Chris calmed.

“Chris?” Josiah asked. “What do you think?”

“I don’t think we take any chances. Whether they were random attacks or calculated attempts to stop us ensuring the lease is signed, it doesn’t change the fact the we need to be taking precautions.” All of the men agreed with that.

Chris glanced at Vin. He sensed his friend’s discomfort and suggested that Vin retire, but the tracker was steadfast in his reply. “I will as soon as we’ve dealt with the mob. You‘ll need me up there on the roof.”

It wasn‘t long before J.D. changed the subject and began filling Chris and Vin in on ‘the clues’ he had gathered during the day.

“He said she’s white and kinda see through. Like you can’t see her clearly. And that she tries to talk to you but you can’t hear her. Isn’t that amazing?!”

After sitting through J.D.’s plans for tracking down the bones of Elsa‘s lover, the men separated. They had decided to cover each of the saloons and study the occupants to see if they could identify anyone who may have been responsible for the attack on Ezra, in particular the drunk who had tipped the alcohol on him.

Ezra and Josiah moved to the saloon at the end of the street and Buck and J.D. to the one near the boarding house they were staying in. Nathan stayed in the Whisky Cask with Vin and Chris. The healer seated himself at the bar, scanning the room continuously while his companions remained at their table.

The room was full of men becoming drunk. However, up until this point, the rowdy crowd had be happy and well behaved.

Chris flicked his eyes to the clock on the wall. It was about time for the sheriff to warn his citizens. As if on cue, Brewer appeared, but he headed for Larabee and Tanner‘s table. A beaming smile of satisfaction and triumph was plastered on his face.

“My plan worked.”

“What plan?” Chris demanded.

“I sent two of my deputies out to intercept the mob.”

“You did what?” Larabee snapped.

“Relax. It worked. They told them we didn’t want any blood shed and...”

“And so they moved on out of the goodness of their hearts?!” Tanner growled. “All you’ve done is warn them that we’re expectin’ ‘em!”

“... And they told them that the Larabee Gang was in town. They believed us. Seems they saw you in action in Purgatory Hill the day before yesterday and didn’t fancy coming up against you. Which is what I was counting on.”

Chris glared at the other man. “Are you sure they turned around?”

Brewer nodded. “My deputies said it was real clear they didn’t want to come anywhere near Peter’s Gap once they knew you lot were here. I was told you’d put on a real show in Purgatory Hill. I was counting on the fact they saw it. By the sound of it, it must have been...” Brewer’s voice faded out. The acid reflected in both Larabee and Tanner’s faces caused him to step back. “I thought you’d be pleased.”

“Brewer, next time, tell us everything.”

The sheriff nodded. “Sorry. I wasn’t sure if it would come off. I... well, I’ll leave you to your drinks.” Brewer backed away and left quickly realizing he wasn’t exactly popular with Larabee.

“Asshole,” Chris muttered. “We better let the boys know. I’ll take Buck and J.D. You go and tell Ezra and Josiah. And then you go to bed! That‘s an order, you stubborn bastard!” With that, Chris stood and left the saloon.

Vin released a long, tired breath and slowly rose to his feet. Ezra and Josiah would have to wait. The tracker crossed the room and stopped directly in front of Nathan.

“Nathan,“ he stated quietly. Jackson stared at his friend. The healer immediately recognized that the single word was a quiet a plea for help. Vin swallowed. Nathan said nothing. Instead, he stood and then together he and Vin left the room.

Side by side they entered the boarding house. As Vin started up the stairs, Nathan reached for his arm and held it firmly as they climbed. The healer cursed inwardly. He could feel the heat radiating off his young friend. Jackson was angry - at himself and at Vin. He knew that Tanner had attempted to tell him more than once that he was feeling unwell. There was little sense taking out his anger on his stubborn friend now. The young man looked like he was about to collapse.

The pair entered Vin’s room and Nathan ‘tipped’ the ill man down onto the bed. The tracker moaned.

“Easy, Vin.” Nathan physically rolled his patient onto his back and reached for his brow. Vin was burning up, the heat searing from him like an inferno.

“Wanted to tell you earlier but... then the mob...”

“Hush. Right now we need to get that temperature down.” Jackson could not hide his concern. Vin’s temperature was approaching the point where he may begin to take fits.

“Side’s throbbin‘.”

“Sounds like it’s infected,” Nathan mumbled, pulling Vin up so he could remove his buckskin coat and shirt. The young man gave no resistance, but could give little assistance either. He was saturated in perspiration and whatever strength he’d been using to force himself on, was now gone. Vin Tanner willingly surrendered knowing that he was in Nathan’s capable hands.

“Feel like shit.”

The healer gently lowered the tracker back down onto the bed once he was free of the garments. “That’s because you’re ill.” For a moment, Nathan paused, staring down at his friend. He laid his hand on Vin’s arm in encouragement. Two weeks earlier, he too, had gone through this. “Easy, Vin. I know you feel like hell, but you’ll be okay. I’ve got to go and get my bag. I won’t be a moment. Vin? You hear me?”

“Yeah.” Tanner started coughing again.

“I’ll only be a minute.”

Nathan dashed out of the room and returned only seconds later with everything he required.

“I need you to drink some laudanum for me.”

“Knew you’d say that,” Vin panted softly, reaching for his head. His temples felt like they were collapsing in.

“Come on,” Nathan encouraged, lifting his weak companion’s head and tipping the bottle to his lips. “That’s it. Good.”

“Enough,” Tanner complained, trying to push the bottle away after only a few swallows.

“No, it’s not. Come on, Vin. More. I’m gonna have some work to do on that wound. It must be infected. Keep drinking.”

Finally, the healer removed the bottle and lowered Vin’s head to the pillow. Nathan took a cloth from his bag and dipped it in the jug of water that was on the dresser. Returning to Vin’s side he placed it on Tanner’s head. The ill tracker shivered. Nathan cursed.

“You should have told me, Vin.”

Tanner swallowed. “Tried to, but...”

“I know. I know,” Nathan apologised.

Vin drew his arm up and laid it across his forehead. “Kinda snuck up on me,” he panted. “Can’t breathe proper. All stuffed up.” His head was beating like a drum.

“Just rest,” Nathan ordered, removing his friend’s arm and laying it beside him so he could sponge him down.

“Knew I had a fever but...” Vin swallowed, a groan escaping his pale lips.

“Easy, Vin. As soon as the laudanum starts to take effect, I’ll take a look at the wound.” Nathan re-dipped the cloth.

“Side’s achin’.”

“It’s infected. Stop talking and try to rest. Let the laudanum take effect.”

“Do ya reckon we have to tell Chris?” Vin chuckled weakly.

“I get the feeling he may notice when he comes up to bed tonight.”

Again Vin swallowed. He felt worse now than he had riding into Peter‘s Gap. His face creased with discomfort.

“You’ll be okay, Vin. Let the laudanum take you.”

“Didn’t mean for it to get this bad. I was gonna come and lay down but... things kept gettin‘ in the way. Couldn‘t let you deal with the mob on your own.”

“I know. Just try to rest.” Nathan continued to struggle against his patient’s temperature while he waited for the laudanum to do its work. The healer knew he was going to need help in a few minutes. He didn’t know how Vin would react once he started probing the wound. The question was, how did he get a message to his friends without leaving Vin alone?

**********

**********

Josiah and Ezra exchanged a puzzled glance. There was no sign of Nathan, Chris or Vin in the crowded room. The pair had left the other saloon at the designated time, just as Larabee had told them to.

“I thought they meant to meet here.”

“Where would they have gone?”

**********

In the small room in the boarding house, Nathan tended to his patient.

Vin moaned. Thankfully, he was losing the battle for his consciousness.

“It’s alright Vin. Let go... man, you‘re stubborn!” Nathan glanced at the door. He couldn’t afford to leave his patient. Not after the attacks on Josiah and Ezra. Random or calculated, it wasn’t safe to leave anyone on their own. As the thought passed through his mind, two men rushed into the room!

**********

“So that’s it then?” J.D. asked. “No attack?”

“No attack,” Chris agreed, glancing around the room. There were fewer people in this saloon, but then, that was probably because this establishment provided rooms with feminine company... for a price. No doubt the quarters above were full.

“Well, that’s mighty fine,” Buck stated with true satisfaction. “I’ve got my eye on that little filly over there. She is mighty fine.” The young woman smiled and waved seductively. “Hello there, darlin’,” Buck returned. “Well, boys, I’m off. Don’t wait up.”

J.D. grinned. “Try not to be robbed this time.”

“Shut up, boy!”

“You’re not going on your own, Buck.”

Wilmington stared at Chris puzzled and then startled and then disappointed. “You mean I can’t...?”

“No. If Vin’s right and someone is gunning for us, what better time to attack than when you’re distracted?”

“Oh, boy, and that little filly could certainly distract a man,” Buck lamented.

**********

Adrenaline flooded Nathan’s system. He drew a knife and poised to throw. His reflexes and calm mind saved Ezra’s life for it was the gambler and preacher who had burst into the room unannounced.

“Nathan?” Ezra asked. His eyes fell on Vin. “What happened?” The pair had decided to check the rooms to see if the boys had come back here to ready themselves for the battle.

“I’ve never been so pleased to see anyone,” Nathan cried, putting the knife away.

“Nathan?” Ezra repeated, walking to stand above Vin.

“It‘s hit him.”

“He’s burning up!” Josiah exclaimed, placing his hand on Vin’s brow.

“I know. Wound must be infected. I was going to check it this morning but we got called down to that brawl. He tried to tell me couple of times too, but...” Nathan shook his head in frustration. “Ezra, you better go and tell the others and...”

“I’ll get him,” Standish stated crisply, turning and jogging from the room.

“We only have a half an hour before we’re expecting that mob!” Josiah pointed out.

“That is the least of my worries at the moment, Josiah. I need you to keep sponging him down. We’ve got to get his temperature down or he’ll start taking fits. I’m going to cut the bandage off and see if I can find what’s fuelling his fever,” Nathan explained, reaching into his bag.

“None of us got a fever like this.“

“None of us had a wound like that, either.“

“Is this because he got wet when those fellas attacked me?” Josiah asked, grabbing the cloth Nathan had discarded.

“That and this morning tracking down the robbers. And when he went off searching for the men who attacked Ezra. You can’t keep getting wet like that when you‘re ill!”

Vin, who had been hovering between laudanum-induced consciousness and unconsciousness, began to move on the bed.

“Hey there, brother,” Josiah whispered gently. “You just lay there and let us take care of you.“

Tanner’s eyes opened briefly. He mumbled something and then lost the battle against the laudanum.

“Hell, he’s hot,” Josiah muttered.

“We’ve got to get his temperature down,” Nathan repeated, leaning over Vin and cutting the bandage. “If you need... oh, hell,” Nathan muttered, lifting away the last strip of dressing to reveal Vin’s infected side. “Damn. I cleaned it yesterday morning and it was fine. I should have kept a closer eye on it.”

Josiah reached up and patted Nathan’s arm. Jackson couldn’t blame himself for this. “We were a little distracted this morning, brother.

Jackson grabbed the bottle of carbolic from his bag. The sound of short, sharp strides echoed down the hallway - short, sharp strides accompanied by the jingling of spurs.

Chris stepped into the crowded room. Both Nathan and Josiah looked up. Larabee’s eyes fell on Vin’s infected wound.

“Hell.” The gunfighter glanced at Nathan.

“Yeah. I‘m about to drain it.”

Larabee stepped closer, watching as Josiah returned to sponging Vin‘s face and chest. “Fever?”

“Yeah, a ripsnorter. You could fry eggs on this boy’s chest at the moment.”

“Chris, I’m about to pour this on him. It’s going to sting like hell. I don’t know how much he’ll feel. I’ve filled him up with enough laudanum to knock him out until tomorrow night, but you better get ready to hold him down.”

Larabee nodded and crouched beside his best friend. He reached for Vin’s shoulder with one hand and laid his arm across Vin’s chest with other. The heat radiating from his young companion visibly surprised the gunfighter.

“Ready?” Nathan asked.

“Yeah.”

Vin didn’t flinch as the carbolic sizzled against his skin. Neither did he twitch as Nathan inserted his scalpel and drained the wound. The healer worked swiftly but with a great deal of care.

Half an hour later, Nathan pinned a clean dressing in place. “Well, it’s clean."

“He should have said something,” Larabee murmured.

Nathan sighed. “Believe it or not I think he tried to, but let’s face it, things have been chaotic since we got up today.”

Josiah handed the cloth to Chris and rose to his feet. He needed to stretch his cramped legs. “My knees are killing me, brother. Your turn.”

Larabee accepted the cloth and moved closer to Vin’s head. Tanner’s breathing sounded regular, but his face was the colour of the pillow he was lying on and there was still considerable heat radiating from his body. “Fever’s still bad.”

“It’s coming down,” Nathan claimed, placing his hand on Vin’s brow. “Now that the infection is gone, it should fall. He’s going to be alright,” Nathan repeated gently. Larabee glanced up at the healer and his eyes flashed an apology. This was no one‘s fault. Just a result of circumstances out of the Seven‘s control.

“I’m going to go and wash up and then I’ll be back. He shouldn’t cause you any trouble. There’s enough laudanum in his system to knock out a horse.”

Josiah watched Nathan go and then slid down the wall, supporting his ribs as he did so.

“We need to get ready to face that mob.”

“They’re not coming.”

“What?”

“It’s a long story.”

“And some people don’t believe in the power of prayer,” Josiah murmured. The preacher sighed, considering the day’s events. “It’s them ‘two’ and us ‘nil‘... and we have one down.”

Chris dipped the cloth in the water and then ran it over Vin’s brow. “I know. It worries me.”

“Maybe we should tear the place apart?”

“We don’t know who we’re looking for. We have no way of finding out who instigated the attack on you last night. Vin and I only saw the back of the two men who attacked Ezra this morning. Hell, we don‘t even know if there is a conspiracy. Maybe Buck’s right and it‘s just a coincidence. A lot of people have been attacked. Peter's Gap is a dangerous place at the moment."

“And we’re stuck here,” Josiah murmured, glancing up at the window. The rain continued to come down relentlessly.

“We are now,” Chris agreed, staring down at Vin. Tanner’s pallor was disturbing, as was the fine layer of perspiration that covered his chest and face. “There‘s no way we can ride back in this rain now. He can’t get soaked again.”

“Nathan would have a cow if he did!”

Movement in the hallway drew Josiah and Chris’ attention. Both men drew weapons. Buck, J.D., Nathan and Ezra appeared.

“Anything we can do?” J.D. asked from the hallway. There was no way he or the others could fit into the room.

“No. I filled him with laudanum. It will knock him out until tomorrow some time,” the healer stated. “Probably shouldn’t have given him so much but there isn’t any need for him suffer.

Josiah climbed to his feet with a grimace. “Chris, you want something to eat? It must be one o‘clock.”

Larabee nodded. “You boys stay together.” The men glanced at each other. No matter what the reason behind the attacks, coincidence or planned, they were in hostile territory and needed to guard each others’ backs.

**********

“When did it happen?” Brewer asked Buck.

“About two hours ago.”

“Is he alright?”

“Ezra’s fine now, but if Vin and Chris hadn’t turned up when they did...”

Brewer shrugged. “Perhaps it was a robbery?”

Buck grunted. He hadn’t expected any help from the sheriff, but he had wanted the man to know what had taken place just in case they tracked the two men down... and then, Buck wouldn’t be held accountable for his actions! “Come on, J.D. Let’s get some food.”

Brewer watched the pair leave. A thoughtful frown formed on his face as he sank down into his chair.

**********

An hour later, all of the seven had retired to their rooms. Ezra’s ordeal appeared to have caught up with him and so Nathan sent him to bed. The healer, too, was tired and so decided to lay down. They had been on the trail for for over a week before coming to Peter’s Gap and that was tiring.

“Get off the floor, Standish.”

“There is no need for that tone,” Ezra insisted as he settled himself on his bedroll. “I have a most obnoxious headache. Besides, I believe it is my turn to...”

“Get up,” Nathan repeated taking Standish’s arm and dragging him to his feet.

“We decided that we would take turns sleeping in the bed and I do not want it said that I...“

“You’re body’s had a shock this morning. I don’t want you getting cold on the ground. Get into the bed.”

“But..?”

“IN!”

**

Buck and J.D. were playing cards in their room - playing cards and arguing continuously. Josiah, who had no partner to watch his back due to the room allocations, decided to join Chris who was monitoring Vin’s condition.

“Fever looks like it’s come down,” the preacher muttered.

Chris nodded, reaching for Vin’s brow to confirm what he already knew was true. “He’s stirred a couple of times but hasn’t woken up.”

“Nathan said he filled him with laudanum.” There was a deep frown on Chris’ face and his blue eyes reflected pressing worry. Clearly the gunfighter had a lot weighing on his mind. “He’ll be okay, Chris.”

“He’s been through a lot in the last few weeks.” Vin had almost lost his life several months earlier. It was not something Chris liked to think about.

“By choice,” Josiah pointed out. “He could get on his horse and ride out of here any time. Any of us could. We choose to stay and therefore have to accept the consequences.”

“He didn’t choose to be attacked by that bastard!”

“No, but he chose to save Nathan's life. That’s why he was in the path of the 'bastard'. Whether he was here with us or off on his own, Vin would choose to help others and that can sometimes get a man into trouble. He chooses to stay because he can do and be who he is knowing that we’ll watch his back... and that you’ll be there to support him when he falls... just as he’s there for you.”

Larabee stared at Sanchez allowing what the other man had said to sink in. Surprisingly, Chris found his fears and concerns ease. Josiah truly had a way with words and a knack of hitting right on the mark. “You’re good, preacher.”

Josiah smiled. “Yep.“

The pair became the silent. The only sound in the room was Vin’s slightly wheezed breathing and the rain on the roof.

“The others?” Chris asked quietly.

“Ezra and Nathan are lying down. I‘ll wake them in time for dinner.”

“How’s Ezra?”

“Feeling worse than he’s letting on. Nathan will keep an eye on him. Some sleep should help.” Josiah paused. “So, what are we going to do tomorrow?”

Larabee shrugged. “Try and keep out of trouble.”

Josiah grinned. “I’m not so sure that will be on the agenda. J.D. starts body hunting tomorrow.”

Chris smirked at the other man. “I wouldn’t put it past him to find one.”

“That’s what worries me,” Josiah laughed. He paused listening for Buck and J.D.’s voices.