Chapter 5

Josiah heard enough as he raced away to inform the others. He sure as hell didn't need them walking into a trap. Their paths almost didn't cross because someone from the ranch tailed him and almost caught him unawares. By a stroke of pure luck or God's intervening grace the bullet intended for his head whizzed by his ear. His aim didn't fail him as he sent back his own lead knocking the man off of his horse. He wasted no time getting to the rendezvous point.

"Hold up!"

"What's the matter?"

"He knows." Josiah managed to say as he tried to catch his breath. "Royal knows."

"Where's Jesse?"

"Royal is using him as bait…He's planning on stringing us up…Says it's time he dispensed his own brand of justice."

They watched as Chris sat upon his black gelding strategizing their next move. "Alright, if that's how he wants it we'll play along."

"Chris, we'll be outnumbered." Nathan exclaimed.

"That's never stopped us before." Their youngest stated.

"What's the plan?"

Chris knowingly smirked. "We go with the original plan."

Six pairs of eyes widened in astonishment then slowly each man nodded. "Who are ya planning on sending in first?"

"I thought you and I should go."

"Royal's two most favorite people."

"Chris, remember he promised to put you in a box."

The man in black boldly smiled.

"Why is he smiling?"

"The man has his son."

"Remember, stick to the plan." Chris said as he and Vin rode off.

J.D. turned to Buck, "Do you think Jesse remembers the plan?"

"He knows it. Whether he follows it or not is the real question. Come on we don't want to be left behind."

Royal's men were ready and waiting when Chris and Vin rode in. "Well, well, well, I'd figured as much."

Chris thought – I bet you did. "Where's my son?"

"Oh Chester is keeping him company."

"Hand him over."

"Now as much as I would like to do that; I can't. Remember he accepted my offer."

"That don't mean ya can hold him against his will."

"He's on my property I can do whatever I want." Royal's men advanced on Chris and Vin. "And it would seem I can finally collect on my promise to you." He sneered.

"With this bunch?" Chris all but laughed in the other man's face. "You harm one hair on my boy's head and I'll put you in a pine box."

"I'd say you're outnumbered, Mr. Larabee. Where's the rest of your men? Are they hiding nearby?"

"Do ya see them?" Vin chided. He prayed that they would act on the plan and do it real soon.

As if on cue an explosion near the bunkhouse sent everyone scrambling for cover. "Right on time."

"And not a moment too soon," Vin replied. The two of them had jumped off their mounts and raced for the house shooting their way into the place.

Chris hollered to his son. "Jesse!"

They both heard a muffled sound and then something followed hitting the floor loudly with a thunk. Chris kicked that particular door in as Vin kept Royal and some of his men at bay. His blood boiled when he saw his son lying bound upon the floor. "You son of a bitch!" He punched Chester hard sending the other man flying into the nearest wall. However, he didn't stop there. When Chris was done Chester laid upon that floor out cold. He untied his son and helped him to stand.

"Jesse." His son wobbled. "I got you."

Vin nodded keeping his mare's leg trained on the others. "Royal, you're finished."

"How do you see that?"

"We know you set this whole thing in motion. You're the reason I hurt my boy. You're the reason I broke my promise to him. I'm going to make sure you never hurt anyone else ever again." A good feeling passed through him as he felt Jesse lean heavily against him; trusting him to lead him to safety. "Remember Royal, you sent for the judge, and he will arrive tomorrow. You intended to have me jailed however instead of me you will be sitting in that cell awaiting your trial. I can't wait to hear the verdict. You're going to go away for a long time."

His speech wiped the smile from the other man's face. "How does it feel Royal? Outsmarted again."

Guy Royal and his men were sentenced by the Judge to several years of hard labor. The peacekeepers of Four Corners got their justice and Chris got something even better. Jesse forgave his pa because he knew in his heart Chris would never have intentionally broke his promise to him.

THE END

A/N: I know this was kind of short, but I wanted to finish this before I left for vacation. Plus I want to post a new series called New Beginnings also before I leave. Not sure how many chapters each segment will be. Some will be one shots and others might be more than one chapter. We'll see how it goes. Hint: Jesse makes new friends. Lord help the Seven.