Ezra was propped up a bit higher by extra pillows and listened attentively as Buck filled him in on the events of the day before. Chris and JD had headed out early – Ezra vaguely recalled their well wishes as he tried with little success to rouse himself from his slumber. The day had passed with him in that state, and he was now, he thought, ready for company. Nathan and Vin were sitting down with the Chamberlains having dinner, giving the two men some privacy at Buck's request. He was heading out himself the next morning and wanted to try to set things back on track before, if that was possible, before leaving. He started by filling him in on the twins unwitting complicity in the robbery.

"Wanted poster is being put out on this Trent fella. Chris let Judge Travis know, and it looks like there's gonna be a good price on his head."

There was no mistaking the look of disbelief on Ezra's face. "That is the end of it? A report to the Judge and a wanted poster?" It wasn't that he was offended. He was, truth be told, relieved that the entire team hadn't saddled up, blood in their eyes and vengeance in their hearts. It wouldn't be the first time personal feelings had interfered with better judgment, and the thought that any of them might be hurt seeking to balance the scales on his behalf was far to chilling for him to accept.

"For now. Don't worry about that Ezra. Time comes we get a solid lead, and this bastard is going to pay just like the rest of them done. Right now, we'd just be chasing our tails, and with you two hurt, and Nathan fixed on taking care of you, we aren't exactly at full strength."

"By my calculations that still leaves four strong and capable lawmen." Buck appreciated Ezra's ongoing effort to show his support and trust. He didn't understand it, but he sure as hell was grateful.

"We still need someone at home, and I think the others might still have a few issues on riding out with me." He held up a hand to silence the anticipated objections. "Won't say it doesn't bother me, but I get it. Nobody seems to want me to leave, and I gotta believe things are going to get better. Feels like they will."

"If there is a way I can assist in that process, I shall endeavour to do so I assure you. Might I assume you intend to be amoung those who ultimately will seek to bring this Trent cretin to justice?"

"I'll admit to the fact I want payback not just for what happened to you and Vin, but I ain't keen on having my pride hurt like that either. Imagine, paying women to sleep with me. That's nothing less than insulting." Try as he might, his tone didn't fully match up with the words.

Thinking it was best to move on from the assignment of blame, Ezra turned the subject back to the nature of the crime, recognizing the principle from some of his less scrupulous actions from his younger days. "So, it was an elaborate scam. Far more creativity than one might expect from commonplace miscreants. How creative of them. Divide and conquer is always a viable strategy."

"Didn't really work out for them."

Ezra shrugged, instantly regretting the action. "There were flaws in the application."

"Yeah. Only one of their targets proved to be weak enough to fall for it."

"Given the description I have heard of the ladies in question, I would hazard such a fall was inevitable, and at least the landing was soft."

"Wasn't soft at all Ezra. Don't go dismissing this. I was a damn fool and almost got you killed because I couldn't say no."

Having this discussion now wasn't what Ezra had planned on, although he knew it was inevitable when he woke to find Buck was his only company.

"You are not the first man, nor will you be the last to succumb to temptations of the flesh. My sins have always been more mercenary in nature."

"Maybe, but you didn't fall for this one. You stuck with the job and turned down invite after invite to play poker."

Ezra found himself admitting to Buck what he had acknowledged to himself the night this had happened. "I might well have been at the tables had Vin not been stationed next to me."

"Thanks for sayin' that Ezra, but I think we both know that ain't true."

"You have unwarranted faith in me."

"Seems mighty warranted in my eyes. I'm the one that can't control myself. Funny, ain't it? All this time Chris and the others have had it wrong."

This offering support in the face of self-doubt was a new concept for Ezra, and he didn't think he was doing it very well. "You do realize that my perceived character reversal is due in no small part to the influence you have had on me over these last months."

"Good of you to say so, even if it's a lie."

"Come now Buck, have you ever known me to tell a falsehood?"

"Daily." Buck responded instantly.

Ezra grinned his acceptance of that. "I suppose I must acknowledge my tendency toward exaggerations, obfuscations, canards and the occasional misrepresentation. But on anything important? Anything like this?"

"Ain't too many things like this, but no. I don't doubt but that you think it's truth."

He tried to push himself into a sitting position but didn't have the energy. Buck pushed him back easily. "Nathan will skin me alive if you start bleeding again. Sit still."

"Buck, I have been on the receiving end of distrust and suspicion all of my life, usually well deserved. Therefore, I speak with a voice of absolute assurance when I tell you that it can and will devastate you if you let it. You, however, are fortunate enough to have what I did not. Six friends who ultimately will stand by your side and sustain you when you feel you least deserve it. I cannot assure you that there will not be some residual anger and doubt on occasion, but the mere fact that you continue to berate yourself so soundly over this will limit both the need and desire to take similar action."

"How could you stand it Ezra? When we all doubted you so much. I can hardly hold my head up."

"That was a situation which was hardly novel or unforeseen. Coping with it was simplified thanks to my possession of an armour fabricated from a lifetime of deflecting such resentment. It provided a form of immunity to the condescension and disdain that was common. You have never needed such protection." He smiled. "As it turned out, I was not immune to the simple act of clemency. Being offered a second chance for what I believe was the first time in my life, opened a chink in the armour." He tried with limited success to stifle a yawn.

"I'm doing it again. You need to rest and I'm here jawing at you. We can talk more when you get back home. I'm riding out in the morning. Imagine Josiah will be showing up in a couple of days, and of course Nathan and Vin are staying."

"Yes. I am aware of the plan." He yawned again. Buck slid a pillow out and helped Ezra lie back flat. "Buck, I am willing to discuss this, or any other matter you choose on my return. But we do not have to. I have no issues with you. It would be the height of hypocrisy for me to chastise another for actions I have committed myself. And, as I indicated, it is also unnecessary."

"I appreciate that Ezra. I'm gonna prove you ain't makin' a mistake. Still having your trust is worth more than you could know."

He stood and left the man to get some sleep. When the door closed, Ezra opened his eyes and gazed at the empty space. "Believe me my friend, I know only too well."

M7-M7-M7-M7-M7-M7-M7

THE END

Want to take a moment to offer my thanks to Hollie733, MAC, millie2077, , larafrank, kfrau, Kellya, NotTasha, westernmelody and multiple guests who gave feedback and flattery. I apologize to anyone I omitted here – I love you all. Even those of you not totally in love with me! I wasn't entirely sure about how this would be received by the Buck loyalists, so it was wonderful to hear from you.

Special shout again to Marilyn for the idea. Working on a sequel to this, but I have so many other ideas playing in my brain right now, that remains in the formation stage at this point. It is starting to click though so you may see it soon. And if not that, I promise something will show up from me. Regarding the sequel I can only recommend patience. Or of course, writing your own version!