CHAPTER 7

"Maybe I was wrong," Buck smiled at Vin. "Bed now, ya need ta go ta tha bathroom first, get ya a drink a water so's ya don't get back up." Vin directed.

The boys said their good nights and went to bed. Vin went to settle them. Cries for Momma and heartbroken sobs were easily heard. Buck got up and went out on the porch "Tears the heart right out of me listening to 'em cry like that," he muttered. Gradually the boys quieted.

Vin appeared looking shaken. "They's asleep," he grunted as he flopped into the chair. Piercing wails sounded from the boys room. "Reckon I spoke to soon," Vin rose and headed upstairs. The men sat silently as Beau fussed about monsters in the room.

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Chris rose and went to the kitchen. Buck stepped in to watch as Chris marched to the stairs a metal bowl on his head, a broom over his shoulder caring a paper bag in his left hand. Buck grinned and grabbed the Video Camera where it sat in the corner recording the children. Buck climbed the stairs behind Chris followed by the stunned agents.

Vin was speechless as Chris stomped in. "Did you say there were monsters in here?" Chris demanded. Dev nodded with his mouth agape. "You keep up on that bed they can't climb up the legs. Throw a blanket on the floor across the door there Ezra. Blankets are magic if a Under The Bed Monster touches it he'll turn to dust," Chris explained in a serious tone. "Vin get your feet up on that bed. Ezra you and JD help me look for it," Chris began checking out corners and under the dresser.

Beau looked over the edge and squealed. When Chris turned he walloped the floor with the broom. He yelled and walloped a line across the floor. Landing a blow on JD's foot. JD yelped and fell across the foot of the bed. Vin began to laugh as Chris' helmet slid over his eyes. JD and the twins were soon giggling helplessly as Ezra tried to avoid a floor flogging Chris.

Ezra finally took safety by joining the four already on the bed. Ezra couldn't stifle his snickers at Chris. Then Chris stuck his head under the bed daring the monster to come out. Ezra finally was reduced to giggles along with the others. Chris dropped the broom. Opened the bag then pinched the top shut as the others heard the pop of something striking the inside of the bag.

Five heads hung over the edge of the bed. Each face holding an identical look of speechless amazement. Chris stood and picked up his broom putting it once again over his shoulder and carried the struggling bag out of the room. The looks on five members of the magnificent seven were priceless.

Buck's face was wreathed in a smile and his eyes held unshed tears. "Sure glad ta have ya back pardner," he whispered. Been along time Pard remember when yah did that fer Adam. Thank you God, Yah sure knew what you were doing when yah sent us Vin Tanner.

Chris returned without his weapon, helmet or trap. "Go to bed the monster's taken care of". The twins settled happily with a few giggles. Vin go to bed,." Vin grinned and slid under the covers in his sweats. "Ezra since your still there go to bed too."

Ezra's mouth started to open. He quickly snapped it closed when a giggle escaped. Chris glared and Ezra striped to his underwear and T-shirt and joined the trio already there. Chris threw a blanket over the already sleeping JD. "Good Night children," Chris offered.

"Good night Unca Chris," three of the four chorused.

Chris turned and pointed the four remaining headed down stairs. Buck replaced the tape in the camera as he set it in place on the shelf downstairs. Carefully he slipped the used one into Ezra's coat pocket.

Josiah grinned "I'm not certain of the psychological impact of that show. It was certainly effective though."

Nathan chuckled, "Nobody would believe us if we didn't have tape".

Chris glared at Buck "Tape now," he demanded.

"Tapes still in the recorder," Buck spoke as he went to the recorder. "Did ya see the expression on Junior's face," Buck laughed.

"Vin, Ezra and JD didn't look any older then the twins," Nathan smiled.

"Vin and Ezra never had anyone to take care of the monster before," Josiah noted.

"They sure did tonight," Buck laughed.

"Here Chris," Buck handed him the false tape.

Finished

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There was a monster under the bed when I was little. My daddy live captured it one night. Unlike Chris he was wearing a sieve and boxers. After considerable consultation we decided to release it under my older brothers bed.