Josiah nodded at Ezra as they passed on the street. The big man was coming back from doing the rounds to the south of the town. Ezra, having the day off, was strolling about town. To a casual observer he was simply out stretching his legs. Those who knew him knew he was taking in every change, every activity, every nuance that made Four Corners what it was. Observation was critical to him at all times, and very little slipped by.

"Quiet ride this morning Mr. Sanchez?"

"Relatively. Looks like someone may be squatting out at the old Carleton place. Don't think anybody bought the land, but there is a campsite there. Couple of small wagons. Nobody was around when I checked. Maybe out scavenging for food."

"I haven't noticed any unfamiliar faces in town, so whoever it is hasn't made it this far yet. I have no doubt Mr. Larabee will deem it necessary to look further into the matter."

"Well if he does, he can take someone else with him. I've done my time in the saddle for the day. I don't mind keeping watch here in town if I'm needed, but I'm getting to old to spend more time riding if I don't have to.

"Are you feeling poorly Josiah?" His worry in noting the fatigue in the older man's voice and on his face had him dropping the formality without even being aware of it. Josiah hid the smile that would have shown his pleasure at the concern.

"Nothing amiss Ezra. Just a few sleepless nights and early mornings. Can't seem to shake the feeling that something is off."

"As long as there are none of your black birds on the horizon."

"Skies are clear. Don't be wasting your time worrying about it."

"Concern for the welfare of another is never a waste of time my friend. You have told me that more than once. You take the time to get some rest. I shall cover the town watch should Mr. Larabee recruit the others for his latest investigation." He casually saluted as he continued his stroll, nodding his greetings to everyone he passed along the way. As he distanced himself out of sight, Josiah allowed the smile he'd been hiding to surface.

He doubted to his very soul the idea that such a conversation would have taken place two years earlier. Even if Ezra had felt that kind of kinship, the notion of expressing it, of letting down his defenses, would have been unthinkable. He wouldn't have dared take the risk. Fear of genuine emotions was that deeply entrenched. Sadly, his mother had taught him well. But now, time seemed to have healed at least some of the scars of his childhood. Ezra had become the one thing he never would have envisioned – he was a part of a community. And watching him interact with the people of the town, Josiah amended that to a respected member of the community. He shook his head, still smiling. He was completely convinced Ezra had never even seen it coming.

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The prediction had been accurate. Within minutes of hearing about the camp outside of town Chris and Vin had set out on their way. Despite what Josiah had told them, they were surprised to see the home itself untouched. In the east pasture two small wagons marked the only sign of activity. A soberly dressed man stood as the drew near.

"Greetings and blessing brethren. Welcome to my humble home. May I offer you tea?"

"Thanks, no. Name's Larabee, this here is Tanner. We were wondering if you thinking of moving in here."

"No sire, not for the long term. Might I enquire as to your authority to ask the question? Are you the possessors of this domain? I endeavored to seek out such individuals, but the property appears deserted."

"He talks like Ezra," Vin mumbled softly to Chris. In a louder voice, he answered the questions. "Not sure as I'd call it authority. We more or less represent the law in Four Corners. That's the town your closest to. We kinda like to keep up on what's going on in the area."

"Of course. How fortunate for the inhabitants of your hamlet that the are blessed with such vigilant and astute watchers. Forgive me. I have not returned the courtesy of your introductions. I am the Reverend William Joseph Tomlinson, but please call me Brother Bill." He stood and took a step closer.

The lawmen both nodded, but neither responded to the offered handshake. "You aiming at setting up operations here abouts?" Chris asked. He wasn't sure how Josiah would feel about that. The ongoing work at building the church to his satisfaction was getting closer to completion, but, based on his continued work, was unfinished. What passed for services in the town were held there, weather permitting until the roof was finished. Josiah sometimes led the prayers, but as often as not it was more a gathering of the faithful, or those with something they were praying for, who ran the show.

"Oh, no. I don't have the calling from the Lord to serve in a single location. I am what is colloquially referred to as an itinerant man of God. Traveling through the lands, spreading the Good Word and saving souls, much as Jesus did."

"Pretty high company you are associating yourself with." Vin observed.

"I would never intentionally presume to imply such a comparison, I assure you. I am merely attempting to indicate the nature of my calling."

"I'm sure Vin meant nothing by it Reverend. So, you planning on a Sunday service here then?"

"I do hope to have the opportunity to share my relationship with our Lord with the members of the community. I find communing with God in the open – in His church as it were – to be powerful and moving experience. Presuming there are no objections from the land owner of course.

"Carleton headed back east a few months ago. Land is still for sale. Can't see the harm in what you have in mind, provided there's no damage done."

"Excellent. I shall consult with your preacher prior to my undertaking any activities."

"We don't really have a what you'd call a proper preacher in town. Had a few so-called men of God come through. Never ended particularly well." Chris informed him, curious to see the response.

"Yes, sadly not all men who preach the Word are indeed suited to the responsibility. I shall endeavour to alter that record for you. Is there someone I should discuss the possibility of a Sunday service with? Or perhaps a service Saturday evening would be less intrusive to his plans."

Vin laughed. "Doubt that you'd get too many souls out here on a Saturday night Brother. Town is kind of occupied with less pious pursuits, as Ezra would call them."

"Ezra?" he asked. "Would that be the name of your preacher then?" This time both men laughed before Vin answered again.

"No, he's more like to be the man leading the less pious pursuits. You'd be looking for Josiah. We can ask him to ride out to meet with you tomorrow if you'd like."

"That would be most considerate of you. I trust I will see you gentlemen at my service."

"Depends on whether there is work to be done. One way or another, I expect we'll meet up again."

"I look forward to the opportunity."

One Chris was certain they'd ridden far enough his voice wouldn't carry back he spoke.

"He remind you of anybody Vin?"

"Doesn't look like anyone I've seen on the posters."

"No, that ain't it. Can't really put my finger on it, just a general impression I guess."

"Well, he sure talks like someone we know."

Chris smiled. "Yeah, he's got Ezra's gift of gab. Slicker sounding somehow though. I mean, even when Ezra is – guess I should say was – conning someone, he sounded like he meant every word he said."

"That's what made him so damn good at it."

"This guy though, he's just off somehow."

"Don't disagree. And you know Josiah ain't gonna like this Chris. You know how he feels about these traveling preachers. And with good reason."

"I don't much trust him either, but as of this point, he's done nothing wrong. Not the first man to set up camp on what looks like vacant land. Nothing stolen or damaged that we can tell."

"So," Vin reasoned "you figure by playin' along we can keep an eye on things without making him suspicious."

"If he's up to no good, he's already suspicious. If he's planning on running some kind of game, he'll get his own surprise though."

Vin grinned. "You got that right. When it comes to con men, we've got an ace up our sleeves."

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tbc