The night air was cool, but the four people walking along the trail leading to the lake seemed oblivious to it. A myriad of twinkling stars and the bright orb of a full moon lighted the sky overhead. A soft breeze swept over the lake, causing small ripples in the otherwise calm surface.
Ezra had his hand linked through his mothers arm as they strode side by side. He knew Thibideu's hand was on her other arm and that Larabee was keeping pace to the right. The smell of wildflowers and tropical breezes soothed his tired body and assaulted his senses.
"What do you think of my tropical paradise, Ezra?" Reginald asked.
"It is beautiful, Reginald. I can see why Mothah is so captivated with it."
"Perhaps I can entice you away from Chris and his agency and have you live here with us. Would that be alright with you, Reginald?"
"Anything for you, Mon Amour," Thibideu assured her, patting her hand with his own.
"Mothah, you know I am content with my life as it is," Standish smiled as he saw Larabee watching them out of the corner of his eye.
"Such a waste of your God given talent," Maude said, shaking her head regretfully.
"You'd be amazed at how much he uses his God given talent to help other people, Maude," the blond told her.
"Yes, but he doesn't get any compensatory benefits for his troubles," the woman argued.
"Mothah, please don't start this again. I am happy with the vocation I have chosen and don't want to rehash what we've already been through."
"Ezra, your mother only wants what's best for you," Thibideu said in Maude's defense.
"I assure you this is what's best for me, Reginald. Mothah just has to realize I do not go in for the con anymore. Although I do believe you have curbed her appetite for cons as well."
"Indeed, she has changed much of her ways for me. She is marrying a king after all, and therefore must do things befitting a queen."
"A queen," Maude whispered into the breeze, loving the way the title sounded in her own ears.
"Ez, I guess that makes you a prince," Larabee said with a smile.
"Chris, don't give her any ideas!" the conman hissed, feeling a blush rise to his cheeks.
"He's right, Ezra, you would be considered a prince if you want it," Thibideu assured him.
"No thank you, Reginald. I am happy in my chosen lot. Mothah, I am pleased you have found someone who makes you happy," Standish said, watching as Larabee slipped further away. He understood the blond's reason for taking his leave of them, but wished the man would stay close by.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chris moved back up the trail, uncomfortable with being involved in what should be a family conversation. He headed back towards the house, stopping when he heard Lily and Francois playing at the set of swings at the back of the property line. He hurried over, smiling at them as he joined them.
"Bonsoir, Chris," Francois greeted him while Lily hurried to take his hand.
"Bonsoir, Francois, Lily, what are you doing out here at this time of night?"
"We always play out here when the night sky is lit up with stars," Lily told him.
"Hmm, you sound like a poet, Lily. How old are you?"
"I am twelve and Francois is ten," the girl answered.
"How old are you, Chris?"
"Francois, you are not supposed to ask an adult their age. Remember what mama says about your manners."
"But, Lily, he asked us our ages."
"That's different..."
"It's okay, Lily, I don't mind telling you. I'm forty three."
"Forty three! That's almost as old as mama's rickety old car," Francois said.
"Francois, mama's car is not that old," Lily said, placing her hands on her trim waist.
Chris could not help smiling at the antics of the two children as he moved towards the swing and sat on the nearest one. He slowly began to move it back and forth, smiling as the children watched him intently.
"Lily," Francois whispered. "Will the rope hold him. He's awful big."
"I don't know. Maybe if he goes slow..."
"Tell you what, Francois," Larabee said as he made the child's swing go a little higher. It brought back memories of sharing swings with Adam when he and Sarah took their son to the park. "If I do break it I'll help you build another one. Deal?"
"Deal, would you like us to push you, Chris?" Lily asked.
"Sure, just not too high, okay?"
"Okay!" the children laughed as they moved behind the swing and began to push it as hard as they could.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ezra walked along the edge of the lake, smiling as his mother continued to lavish attention on her intended. Again he felt something was out of place with this man. Reginald Thibideu was trying too hard to make him feel at home, yet he could not fault that since the man was marrying his mother. He watched as Thibideu pulled the woman close and decided it was time he found Chris Larabee.
"Mothah, I'll meet you back at the house," Standish said, smiling as a soft laugh escaped his mother's throat.
"That's fine, Ezra...Reginald and I will join you shortly."
Standish shook his head as he turned away from the would be lovers. Something JD once said came to mind and seemed to fit this particular occasion. "Too much information!" he said aloud as he hurried along the trail. He heard laughter as he made it back to the rolling lawns at the back of the property and spotted the two children playing in the swings. He squinted as his eyes caught and held the third figure with them.
'Oh, where is Mr. Tanner with his camera when I need him,' he thought as he watched Larabee swing high in the air. He moved across the lawn, smiling at the blond's easy laughter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chris laughed as the children pushed him higher. He used his feet and legs to help them and knew he was going to regret this as a soft laugh reached his ears.
"Well, Chris, I see you found something to entertain yourself w..." he stopped as Larabee swung past him and a groaning creek sounded above his head.
"It's gonna break!" Francois shouted as Larabee began his downward arc.
'Ah, hell,' the blond thought as a final crack sounded above him and his body dropped like a stone in water. He landed hard on his back, the air driven from his lungs as he hit the ground. He heard Ezra's laughter even as the younger man moved in to check on him.
"Chris, are y...you o...okay?"
"Just dan...dandy!" the prone man hissed through clenched teeth. He tried to roll onto his side, but three sets of hands held him down.
"Lie still, Chris, I need to make sure you're not hurt."
"Believe me, Ezra, the o...only thing h...hurting is my p...pride," the blond whispered as he struggled to sit up.
"Well, your pride will heal in time," Standish told him.
"I told you it would break," Francois said as Larabee finally made it to a sitting position.
"Yeah, you did, Francois. Tell you what I'll do. Tomorrow, you, Lily, Ezra and I will see about getting some new rope and making you some new swings. How does that sound?" Larabee said ruffling the dark brown curls.
"That'd be great, Chris!" Lily said as Standish helped Larabee to his feet.
Chris muffled a groan as abused muscles in his lower back protested his new upright position. "Alright, we'll meet you both out here after..."
"Lunch," Standish finished, before larabee had a chance to.
"Okay," Francois said excitedly.
"Lily, Francois, time to come in for the night."
"I think I hear yoah mothah calling you," the gambler said.
"Coming, mama," the children called at the same time.
Chris and Ezra watched the two kids race across the lawn and up to the back entrance of the villa. They disappeared inside and the conman turned towards his friend.
"Are you certain you are uninjured, Chris?"
"Think so, Ez. Probably bruised though."
"I wouldn't doubt that for a minute. Can you make it to the house or shall I find..."
"Ez, stop talking and start walking," the blond warned, placing his hand on the other man's shoulder as he took his first tentative step. He grunted softly as his lower back paid he price.
"Sounds like more than bruised pride, Chris," Standish said, frowning at Larabee's sharply indrawn breath.
"Just need to lie down and..."
"...let yourself stiffen up overnight," the conman said with a grin.
"You're probably right about that. Maybe there's something in that big medicine cabinet I can use."
"I'll check for you," the conman said, supporting the blond as they moved across the lawn. They made it to the house and inside before Larabee found he could stand on his own once more. They walked towards the main part of the house, but were stopped before they entered the foyer.
"Mr. Larabee, are you alright?"
Chris turned to look at the children's mother and smiled in spite of the ache in his back. "I'm fine Marie."
"Lily and Francois told me what happened. I have a supply of back rubs in the medicine cabinet if you would like something to help ease the pain. I know what it's like to bruise ones pride," she explained, smiling at the two handsome men standing before her.
"Thank you, Marie, I'd really appreciate that," the blond told her as he moved stiffly up the stairs.
"Chris, I'll make yoah excuses to Mothah and her beau," Standish told him, watching as Larabee made it up the stairs and moved towards his room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
"Damn!" the blond hissed as he sat on the edge of the bed. The walk up the stairs had nearly been his undoing, but he'd made it. Now all he wanted was to lie down and try to ease the ache in his lower back. Chris stayed where he was, hoping he'd be able to get out of his clothes before lying down. He looked up a few minutes later as Ezra knocked on the open door before entering the room.
"How's...your pride?"
"Hurting...but not too bad," Larabee lied, forcing a thin smile to his pale face.
"Mothah sends her sympathy and said to tell you to rest and take it easy."
"S...Sounds like a plan to me. Next time I decide to go for a swing...shoot me..."
"I shall remember that, Chris. Marie gave me the rub for your back, now why don't you take off your shirt and let me see..."
"Ah, no, Ezra, it's fine. Just leave it on the table and I'll do it myself."
"Are you sure? I mean are you able to reach your injury?"
"Yes," was the simple reply.
"Okay, but all you need to do is ask and I will see to it."
"Thanks...but I'll manage."
"Marie also sent up a couple of Tylenol. She said to tell you to let her know if you need something stronger."
"That's fine, Ezra. Thanks," the blond winced as he slowly eased out of his shirt.
"I'll just get you some water."
"Okay." Chris stood up and slipped one arm, then the other out of the shirt. He tossed it over the back of the chair and leaned heavily on it for support.
"Chris, I believe that's more than bruising your pride. You've got a wonderful array of colors permeating around your lower back. I think maybe you should let me take you into Lyon to see a physician," Standish suggested, worry evident in his tone.
"N...no, it's just bruising and a little soreness. I'll be fine once I get a good night's sleep."
"Chris..."
"Look, I'll take the Tylenol and lie down. If things get worse I'll call you, okay?"
"Or if you see any blood..."
"I know, Ez. Nathan's drummed that into our heads," Larabee said, returning to his seat on the edge of the bed. He took the two white tablets, swallowing them gratefully with the full glass of cold water.
"I'll be downstairs with Mothah and Reginald should you require any assistance."
"Thanks Ezra, but I think I'm just gonna lie down and sleep once I rub this stuff in," the blond told him, smiling sheepishly as the other man turned to leave the room. "Oh, Ezra..."
"Yes?" Standish asked, turning back to face the injured man.
"None of this leaves this room."
"Whatevah do you mean, Mr. Larabee?" the conman asked, an evil half smile on his face.
"Ez, if anyone finds out how I did this I'll see that it's more than your pride that's injured," Larabee groaned as he pulled off his boots.
"The events leading up to your injury shall remain undisclosed..."
"Thanks..."
"For a price..."
"Ez..." Larabee shot a glare in the other man's direction, but softened as he saw the twinkle of mirth in Standish's eyes. "You've been hanging around Vin and JD too long!"
"Thank you, Mr. Larabee, I'll take that as a compliment," the conman said as he exited the room and closed the door behind him.
Chris smiled and shook his head before standing and removing the rest of his clothing. He briefly wondered how and when the six men had come to mean so much to him. They were his family and as close to blood as could be. He winced as he sat down once more and reached for the jar of salve Marie sent up. Opening the jar he wrinkled his nose at the pungent odor, but dipped his fingers into the pasty substance and rubbed it into his lower back. At first he felt an uncomfortable heat, but it slowly faded and seemed to take some of the pain with it. Finally finished he replaced the lid and laid the jar on the night table before easing back on the bed. He turned on his side and closed his eyes, hoping the Tylenol and salve would help him sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ezra walked down the stairs, smiling as he thought of the six men who'd become a family to him. He remembered how hard it had been for him to trust them, to let them see him for who he really was. Looking back over the rough times he realized they'd also let him see them for who they were. He sighed as he heard voices from the patio and wondered what it was about the life of a debutante that had held him in rapture during his earlier years. Taking a deep breath he strode outside into the moonlit night and watched as Reginald held his mother in a tight embrace. His mother's eyes opened and she released her fiancé and hurried towards him, putting her hands on his shoulder and placing a quick kiss on each cheek.
"Ezra, Dahling, how is Chris?" she asked softly.
"He'll be fine, Mothah. Marie sent him a couple of Tylenol and her special salve for his back," the conman explained, accepting a crystal goblet of amber colored liquid from his host.
"I don't understand how a full grown man can possibly indulge in such childishness," Thibideu's words were filled with disdain as he looked out over his property.
"Perhaps if you tried it yourself you would understand," Standish said, angered by the man's statement.
"I have no inclination to go for a swing. Perhaps it is for the best that it broke. Maybe now the children will stay away from that area of the gardens," the Frenchman hissed.
"I believe Chris and I are going to rebuild the swing for Lily and Francois. They seemed to enjoy the activity."
"I will not allow you to put the swing back. Perhaps Marie will let her children go back home with their father if they have nothing to keep them occupied here!"
"You would separate the children from their mothah?" Standish spat angrily.
"If I..."
"Come, come, you two," Maude said, taking each man by the arm in an effort to ease the mounting tension she between them. "I believe we have bettah things to discuss than a broken swing and someone else's children."
"Ah, you are so right, Maude, I am sorry, Ezra. I did not mean to sound so hateful of children. You must understand that I have never had an opportunity to raise one of my own. Please forgive me and feel free to put the swing back for Lily and Francois. I will see that you have the supplies needed. In fact, perhaps it would be best if I hire a man to come put in a full set for them. What do you think, Maude?"
"I think that is a mahvellous ideah. I do abhor the thought of these gifted hands..." She reached out and took her son's hands in her own and smiled at him. "...doing menial labor."
"Mothah..."
"Ezra, Dahling, Chris has already been injured...surely you would want to save him the possibility of further damage?"
"Chris enjoys working with his hands and I am actually looking forward to helping him."
"Ezra, we are going to be so busy over the next two days what with wedding rehearsals and the pre wedding dinner tomorrow night. There will be little or no time for you to replace the swing. In fact it looks like the next few days will be a demanding time for all of us. Surely you would not wish to deprive Lily and Francois of their favorite activity?" the woman asked.
"I...no...I guess not," the gambler answered, his gaze steady as he watched his mother's prospective husband. Something about this man unhinged him and he knew Larabee had felt the same thing.
"Then it's settled. I'll have Miles send for the handyman first thing in the morning," Thibideu assured him as he settled into one of the comfortable patio lounge chairs. He knew he had just been handed the perfect way to keep in touch with Alain Boucher. All they needed was to find one of his men with even a slight idea how to build a swing. The man wouldn't even need to know precisely what to do. Just enough to make it look as if he was doing the job he'd been hired for. He smiled as he sipped his brandy and missed the look that flashed through the set green eyes that continued to watch him.
"Mothah, I believe I'll say goodnight..."
"So soon? Menial labor is having an adverse effect on you, Deah Boy. There was a time when you could stay up until the small hours of the morning," the woman admonished.
"Yes, Mothah, but as you so eloquently expounded...we have some very busy days coming. Perhaps it would be a good ideah for you to turn in as well," the gambler suggested.
"Perhaps, but for now I shall enjoy the evening stars with Reginald. See you in the morning." She kissed his cheek and sighed in contentment at having her son so close. She knew she'd neglected her duties as a mother, but she loved her son with all her heart and wanted only the best for him.
"Goodnight, Mothah. Reginald."
"Goodnight, Ezra. Thank you for being here for Maude."
"I will do anything to make her happy," he told the older man. 'Except give up my job and my family,' he thought as he walked back into the house.
Ezra walked hurriedly up the stairs and eased open Larabee's door. The bright moon shone through the partially open door, illuminating the flash of blond hair peeking out from under the sheet. The blond was turned slightly on his side and the gambler knew he was sleeping. He closed the door quietly and made his way to his own room. He entered and closed the door behind him, leaning heavily on it before gathering his resolve and making his way to his own bed. Again his mind wandered to the man his mother was marrying. Why did he feel so cold when he looked at him? What was it about Reginald Thibideu that sent a chill through him? Was he jealous that another man, a virtual stranger, could capture his mother's attention when he'd tried all his life to make her stand up and take notice of who he was? He shook his head and realized, jealousy was something he didn't feel right now. What he was feeling was fear...fear that his mother was getting into something that was way over her head. He needed to find out why the Frenchman affected him in such a way, but there was nothing he could do about that now.
Ezra stood up and stripped off his clothing before heading towards the spacious bathroom. He smiled at the idea of soaking in the Jacuzzi style tub and turned the nozzles until the water was as hot as his body could stand. He stepped into the tub and eased back against the built in cushions, twisting the dial until the foam jets kicked in and the water massaged his lean body. It cascaded over his well muscled thighs, slowly making it's way over his groin and flat stomach, until it reached his nipples. The tub was deeper than normal and he let the water run until it covered his shoulders before turning the nozzles off. Taking a deep sigh he settled back and let the massaging action of the jet sprays work out kinks he hadn't realized were there. He sighed contentedly as he relaxed in the heated water, knowing the coming days would not allow much time for such personal luxuries.
The water had started to cool by the time the conman decided it was time for bed. He turned off the spray and released the plug before reaching for the nozzles once more, and let the water run over him in a soft spray. He reached for the shampoo and placed a small amount in his hand before running his fingers through his hair and massaging his temples. Ezra stood under the spray and let the water wash over him once more before reaching for the fresh bottle of body wash hanging from the shower caddy. The fragrance of a sea breeze assaulted his senses as he opened the bottle and poured some onto the clean washcloth. The gambler washed his lean body, before again letting the water sluice away the soap foam and watching it run down the drain. Finally finished he turned off the shower, stepped out onto the marble tiled floor, and reached for the soft terry cloth bath sheet hanging on the brass rack.
Ezra knew what it meant to have money and the benefits that came with it. One such thing was the luxury of fresh towels, so soft it felt like a breath of fresh air was caressing you on a quiet summer afternoon. He eased it over his body, drying the tiny glistening beads as they dripped down his upper torso and made a path along his legs. Finally finished he made his way into his bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. Unused to the lush tropical heat he lay on top of the blankets and let the soft breeze touch his skin. Without realizing it Ezra Standish slipped towards sleep, a contented smile on his face, yet a worry in his heart that something was not right in his world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chris moaned as he turned onto his side and slid his legs over the edge of the bed. He sat up and rubbed his lower back in an attempt to ease the deep ache he felt there. His bladder protested his position and he knew he needed to get up before he embarrassed himself once more. Taking a deep breath he readied himself for his next move.
"Damn!" he cursed as he stood up and made his way to the bathroom. He sighed as he relieved himself, at least until he heard Jackson's voice in his head.
'After a blow to the lower back always check for blood. It's a sign that tells you there's something wrong!'
"I hear you, Nathan, I hear you!" Chris winced as he opened his eyes and looked into the toilet bowl, relieved when there was no sign of bleeding.
"Just my pride," he whispered, washing his hands and making his way back to his bedroom. Dawn was just cloaking the world in her velvety softness and Chris made his way out onto the terrace. He eased his aching body into the chair and shook his head as Ezra Standish made his way towards him.
"I can see your pride is still bothering you," he said, a wicked smile on his face.
"Just a little," Larabee returned. "Thought you'd still be sleeping."
"Well, I retired earlier than usual and am already past my quota of sleep."
"I take it you weren't enjoying your after dinner aperitifs on the patio?"
"You might say that," Standish said, moving to the rail and looking out over the lightening skyline.
"Something wrong, Ez?"
"I'm not sure, Chris," the conman said, turning his gaze on his boss. "I just don't know what to think of Reginald Thibideu. There's something about the man that grates on my nerves, but I can't figure out what it is. Mothah is usually such a good judge of character, but something tells me she's being conned and there's not much I can do about it!"
"Trust your own instincts, Ezra. I don't like the man much myself. He's not what he's making himself out to be. Do you think you could convince Maude to postpone the wedding until we get a chance to check him out?"
"I doubt it very much, Chris. Mothah seems quite enthralled with his highness," Standish told him.
"Damn, wish there was something we could do to investigate Thibideu. You know, Ez, we could start the ball rolling and call Vin. There's nothing to stop us from finding out more about Reggie and maybe we can convince Maude he's not worthy of her."
"I'd like that, Chris. I'll get the phone," the conman said.
"My cellphone is in my suitcase," Larabee explained, not wanting to use Thibideu's line to make the call. He watched Standish nod and knew the other man understood his reasons for using their own personal line. It didn't take long for his friend to return with the small silver object.
Chris took the cell and began placing a call to his best friend. He knew Tanner would be at the office, but called his cell number just in case. It took a little time for the call to go through and the two worried men waited in silence until the Texan's voice came through loud and clear.
"Damn, Lar'bee, what the hell ya doin' callin' at this hour of the day? Shouldn't ya be sleepin'? Ol' man like ya are needs 'is beauty rest! Ain't it the middle of the night on that tropical paradise yer on while the rest of us are working our asses off ta keep this place runnin'?"
Chris couldn't help smiling at the younger man's teasing voice. "Keep it up, Tanner! I don't feel the least bit guilty. You keep calling me old and you're gonna find yourself with enough paperwork to keep you pinned to that desk you love so much for the next twenty years!"
"Thought PMS was a woman's thing, Chris. Ya sound a mite cranky...maybe ya need a laxative?"
"Shit..."
"That's what a laxative helps with..."
"Vin, I swear..." Larabee couldn't help laughing and he stood up too quickly, forgetting about the injury to his lower back. He gasped as pain shot up his spine and he dropped the phone as he sank back onto his chair. He felt Standish kneel in front of him, but shook his head as tears formed in his eyes.
"I'm okay..." the blond lied, pointing to the phone on the floor as he heard the Texan's worried voice. "Tell him...everything's okay?"
"Chris?"
"Dammit, Ez, I'm fine...just tell him..."
Standish picked up the phone and spoke into the small device. "Vin?"
"Ez? Thank God. What's wrong with Chris?"
"Chris is fine..."
"Don't gimme that shit, Ezra! I heard 'im! Hell, the guys heard 'im! What's goin' on?"
"Nothing serious, Vin, I assure you Chris has just injured his pride..."
"Dammit, Ezra, shut up!" Larabee gasped, grabbing the phone from the other man's hand. "Vin, I'm o...okay."
"Sure you are. What happened?"
"I fell. Hurt my back. End of story!" He could hear the Texan explaining things to the others and knew he'd need a cover story for his mishap.
"Nathan, wants to know what happened and what did the doctor say," Tanner's voice sounded slightly amused as well as worried.
"Tell Nathan I fell and landed hard on my..."
"Pride," Standish finished, receiving a glare from the blond.
"...lower back. There's no blood and I haven't seen a doctor." Again he listened as Tanner relayed his message to the others.
"Nathan says if you're having that much pain you should see one anyway."
"Nathan worries too much...NO! Vin, don't tell him I said that!"
"Yeah, sure. I mean I don't mind bein' a go between..."
"Shut up, Tanner..."
"Damn cranky..."
"Vin!"
"Yes?"
"You done?"
"For now, but..."
"What?" Larabee asked, his patience running thin.
"I want to hear more about your injured pride," the Texan teased.
"Shit...can we get down to the reason for this call now?"
"I guess so," the tracker said, becoming serious at the blond's new tone. "What's going on?"
"I want you to find out everything you can about Reginald Thibideu."
"Isn't he Ezra's soon ta be new daddy?"
"One and the same. Something just doesn't ring true with him. He's up to something. I know he had a brother who was murdered and that's how he got the throne here, but that's about all we can find. I'd like you boys to check him out...see if there's anything we should know about."
"Alright, I'll get the boys on it right away. Are you two gonna be okay there?"
"Yeah, we're fine. Just find out what you can about Reggie, Lyon, and St. Dominique. Make sure you contact only me or Ezra through our cell numbers."
"That serious, Cowboy?"
"Not sure, Vin, just a gut feeling."
"Ah, hell, I hate it when ya get one of those. Ya sure ya don't want us crashin' the weddin'?"
"Not yet, but I'll keep it in mind. Call me as soon as you find out anything."
"I will, Chris. Ya just make sure ya watch yer backs."
"We will..." Larabee said, ending the phone call and handing it back to the gambler.
"Thanks, Chris..."
"We'll make sure nothing happens to your mother, Ezra."
"I know...I just wish we had something tangible to bring to her and make her understand why we're investigating him."
"Maybe the boys will come up with something before the wedding. Until then we watch Reggie and make sure he doesn't do anything he shouldn't." Larabee stood up, groaning as the pain made itself known once more.
"Perhaps we should visit the doctor in Lyons and get you soemthing for pain," Standish suggested.
"Ezra, I'm..."
"Fine? Really? I'm having problems believing you right now, Chris. Perhaps it would be more convincing if you weren't leaning so heavily on the table and your knuckles weren't so white! Stop being stubborn and let me take you into Lyon to see the doctor. I'm sure he'll be able to give you something better than Tylenol for the pain."
"Ez..."
"Look, Chris..."
"Let me finish...I was just going to say it sounds like a plan to me," Larabee said, wincing with the effort it took to stand upright.
"In the words of Josiah Sanchez...Amen to that! Sit here and I'll ask Marie who we should see in Lyon and arrange for Marcel to take us into town."
"Okay...that'll give us a chance to get the supplies we need to fix the swing."
"Ah, Chris..."
"What?"
"Reginald is hiring someone to put in a complete swing set for the children's pleasure and right now I don't think you could do the handy work yourself anyway."
Chris wanted to argue, but he knew the other man was right. There was no way he'd be able to help with the work involved in putting in a swing set for Lily and Francois. There was something else that bothered him as well...if Standish went into Lyon with him he would miss some of the prenuptial ceremonies. He looked at the conman and spoke softly.
"Ezra, Marcel can drive me into town. You need to stay here and be with your mother."
"We'll be back in plenty of time for that, Chris."
"It could take some time..."
"There are no plans for this morning. Actually there's nothing until two this afternoon when we have the rehearsal. If it looks like we'll be longer than we thought then I'll have Marcel drive me back and then send him for you. I assure you, Chris, there's plenty of time."
"Alright," Larabee said, watching as Standish left the room in search of the information they needed. He didn't want to see a doctor, but truth was his back was stiff and painful right now. The next few days promised to be busy and while not a crucial part of the wedding, he wanted to be there to support the gambler. Without help that would not be possible. He ran his fingers through his hair and cursed himself for not acting his age.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chris sat in the waiting room of Dr. Phillipe Robichaux. The man's main office was connected to the Lyon Mercy Hospital and the blond knew he'd probably end up going for x-rays. He listened as Ezra carried on a conversation with the petite nurse standing beside the desk. Her name was Antoinette Devereux and her auburn hair framed a pretty face. He closed his eyes, waiting for his name to be called and listening as Ezra held the woman enthralled.
"Are you sure you're talking to me?" Antoinette asked, surprised at how easily she could talk to this man. She'd always been on the shy side and seldom dated, but since entering the office, Ezra Standish had put her at ease and shown her what a southern gentleman could be like.
"Yes, Miss Devereux. I believe it has been many years since I've witnessed such loveliness. I would really appreciate the chance to see you in a more relaxing atmosphere."
"How long will you be in Lyon?"
"We are here for my mothah's wedding."
"Wedding...your mother...she is marrying Reginald Thibideu?" the pretty nurse asked softly, her eyes nervously darting left to right.
"Yes, she is..."
Larabee sat up a little straighter when he heard the difference in the woman's tone. He watched as Standish continued to talk to her, hoping the conman hadn't missed the subtle change. One look at his friend told him he hadn't missed it, so he settled back in the chair and closed his eyes.
"The nuptials take place tomorrow at two. Would you like to come as my guest?"
"No...I can't."
"Antoinette, is something wrong?"
"No...no...not really. Just watch out for her. Things are not always as they seem," the young woman advised him. She looked towards the desk as the secretary told her the doctor could see Chris Larabee now.
"Mr. Larabee, Dr. Robichaux will see you now. Come this way," Devereux explained, her eyes filled with sympathy as the lean man struggled to a standing position.
"Thank you," the blond said as Standish grabbed hold of his arm and supported him into the small examination room at the back of the main office.
"Mr. Larabee, would you take off your pants and shirt and put this on, please? The ties go in the back," the nurse explained.
Chris couldn't help smiling as the woman handed him a typical hospital gown. One he'd seen many times in his life, the only thing that ever changed was the color and the size.
"Need some help, Chris?" Standish asked once the nurse left.
"You want to keep your job, Ezra?"
"Point made and taken, Mr. Larabee. I'll be outside the door should you require my assistance."
Chris waited for the younger man to leave before removing the necessary articles of clothing and easing back on the examination table. He felt cold and reached for the thin sheet at the foot of the bed as a knock sounded on the door and an elderly man entered the room.
"Mr. Larabee?"
"Yes, Sir," the blond answered.
"I'm Dr. Robichaux. Your chart says you fell and hurt your back. How did you fall?"
"Ah, well, you see..."
"I assure you I've heard a lot of stories and I'm certain yours is no different than many others," the man said, dark blue eyes looking over the top of horn rimmed glasses.
"Well," Larabee smiled sheepishly. "I went for a swing."
"Okay, so how did going for a swing cause you to fall?"
"The rope broke," the blond answered simply.
"Ouch. Bet that knocked the wind out of you as well," The silver haired man laughed, but not with contempt.
"Yeah," the injured man answered, liking the man instantly.
"What did you land on? Rocks? Grass?"
"Grass."
"Any bumps or mounds on the lawn?"
"No...least I don't think so. Just landed harder than I thought."
"Grown men don't usually go for a swing..."
"I know, Doc, but..."
"I'm not chastising you, Mr. Larabee. In fact if more adults did things like swing or slide or anything from their childhood I think we'd have a lot less stressed out individuals in this world. I would advise that they make sure the swing is strong enough to hold them first though."
"Point made," Larabee said, grinning slightly as he tried to move on the bed.
"Very well. Now how long ago did this happen?"
"Last night, somewhere around seven."
"Alright, well let's take a look. Can you turn over on your stomach for me?"
"Think...so," the blond groaned as he turned his body over on the narrow bed. He felt the doctor ease the thin sheet down and open the gown. Cold fingers gently probed his lower back and Chris held his breath as the pain intensified.
"You've got some major bruising here, probably pretty deep too. Are you passing any blood?"
"No."
"That's a positive sign. Any burning or pain?"
"Burning no...pain a little..."
"A little?" the man pressed deeply on the outer edges of the mottled flesh as if to prove a point.
"...ah..." Larabee cried out, clenching his fingers in the pillow under his head.
"Sorry, I think we're going need a couple of x-rays just to be sure nothing's broken or chipped here. The fact that you're able to move around tells me there's nothing too serious going on, but I'd rather be sure. Just lie there while I get things set up with the techs at the hospital."
"How long will this take?"
"It depends on how busy they are. Could be a few minutes or even a couple of hours. Don't bother getting dressed as you'll just have to change again anyway. I'll have Antoinette bring you something for pain and then we'll get you onto a gurney and bring you to a room in the ER."
"Hell, Doc, I don't need anything..."
"Maybe not at the moment, but when they start moving you around and taking x-rays it's gonna really feel like hell. Now just hang on and we'll get things rolling."
The blond muttered his thanks and lay as still as possible. Robichaux's probing had indeed set off the pain in his back and he didn't want it to get worse.
"Chris, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, Ez...come on in."
"What did the doctor have to say?"
"He said he thinks it's probably just deep bruising, but he wants x-rays to make sure. What time is it?" Larabee asked, relaxing his head on his arms.
"It's nearly eleven thirty."
"Damn. Alright Ezra. You go on back to the villa and send Marcel back for me."
"There's still time..."
"The doctor said it could take a couple of hours with x-rays...go Ezra."
"Mr. Larabee, I've got something here to help with the pain," Antoinette said, entering the room and smiling at the handsome men.
Chris saw the syringe in her hand and hated the thought of having a shot. "What is it?"
"Morphine," she answered as she readied a site for the injection.
"Right. Ez, get going...your mother needs you there!"
"Alright, Chris, I'll send Marcel back for you."
"...okay..." the blond winced as the syringe slid into him and the medication entered his bloodstream.
"That should help. Now just stay where you are until the orderly gets here with the gurney."
"Okay," the blond answered and closed his eyes. He could feel Standish hovering at the door and a small smile formed on his face. "Get out of here, Ezra. I don't need to face Maude's wrath right now."
"I'm going, Chris," the conman said, shaking his head as he left the blond alone.
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