Snugging the collar of his jacket tighter against the winter chill, Ezra pulled the last box from the back of the Lexus and hitting the autolock once more followed Larabee and Tanner into the sharpshooter's old apartment building.
The gambler couldn't prevent his own smile, seeing the grin that touched the Texan's lips as they climbed the stairs, hearing the excited and joyful voices coming from behind the closed doors of the apartments they passed.
Apartments which earlier that day may have held voices of despair, discussions by worried parents of how they would stretch their small incomes to include a Thanksgiving celebration or single parents searching cupboards in a desperate attempt to do the best for their children.
Apartments whose resident's lives had been brightened with the arrival of the three men. Brightened by the kindness and generosity of those more fortunate than themselves.
For weeks, the Community Center volunteers had been collecting food and seeking donations from all types of sources. Knowing how important the project was to both his friends, Ezra, himself, without the others knowledge, had contacted several of Denver's larger corporations and using positive public relations and tax write offs had persuaded the high ups of the sensibility of contributing.
According to the director of the center, this had been their best year yet. A semi trailor of turkeys and one of ham had arrived, donated by a small but growing corporation and a local bakery had contributed a fresh baked loaf of bread to each family on the list. Josiah had visited several dairies returning with the promise of milk for the families while Tanner had set off on his own quest for contributions.
While most of the supermarket chains had set up containers for their customers to help larger, more well known charities, Vin had approached the smaller stores, around town as well as the mom and pop owned groceries in the neighborhood.
Even if they had been able to resist that lopsided grin, the owners realized the people they would be helping were the very customers who's meager paychecks kept them in business. Each of the owners had not only set up containers but also pledged a portion of their stock.
The con man found it amazing that the people who seemed to be able to afford the least were those who gave the most. If the Christmas donations were as plentiful, the families would have food into the new year.
The members of Larabee's elite team had spent the previous day at the run down community center, helping Vin, Josiah and other volunteers sort and pack the food donations using the information provided by social agencies and the workers themselves like Tanner and Sanchez who had added names of families they knew were in need of assistance.
That morning, dividing into groups, the volunteers had set off in different directions delivering the contributions, taking a few extra minutes to visit with each family.
This was their last delivery.
By choice, Vin Tanner lived in the poorest section of Four Corners nicknamed Purgatorio. He had rented the apartment in the run down building when he was a rookie in the police academy barely able to afford a roof over his head and had kept the apartment after his mountain cabin had been built.
The impression or knowledge of those who didn't live in Purgatorio was that it was a ghetto full of junkies and criminals such as they'd seen in the movies. They didn't see the good people trying to survive and make a better life for their families. The community reminded the sharpshooter of his roots and kept him grounded. He stayed, wanting to help those doing their best, just as others had helped him at the times he needed it most.
The door across from Vin's apartment was opened a crack an older woman peeking out before the chain was removed and the wooden barrier thrown open wide, the little lady ushering them inside with a bright smile.
"Hola Mrs. Santiago." Tanner grinned.
"Vin!" Hearing the Texan's voice, a small boy in a too big sweatshirt and jeans, his dark hair hanging in his eyes hurried from the bedroom, followed more slowly by a little girl dressed much the same, clutching an old teddy bear.
*******
Thanks to the woman's ingenuity and her husband's skill as a handyman, the two bedroom apartment was in better shape than most of those they'd visited.
Tanner had spent almost two hours the previous evening convincing the proud couple the food wasn't charity from the government but rather a gift from those who had once been in the same position. The woman had finally helped Vin convince her husband when the ex-bounty hunter had pointed out they could use part of the food to bake a pie or two for the dinner at the homeless shelter.
Seated with Mrs. Santiago at the kitchen table, Ezra couldn't prevent the smile as he watched Chris and Vin seated on the living room floor playing with the children. In his mind's eye he could see Larabee playing with his son as the hardened leader of the most elite task force in the country pretended to be upset when Ricardo made him draw more cards.
He knew without a shadow of a doubt Chris had been the epitomy of the perfect father. Teaching, affectionate, chasing away monsters in the middle of the night, disciplining when necessary but always with love and understanding. It was obvious in the way he dealt with not only these two but Billy, Mattie and every other child he came in contact with. The gambler found himself momentarily envious of Adam Larabee. It must have been wonderful to have even a short time with a father who loved you so much.
The southerner's smile widened as he watched Tina, seated on Tanner's lap shake her head as the sharpshooter reached for a card. It was just as easy to picture Vin as the father of several laughing happy children, with Lucy's dark hair and his brilliant blue eyes. He could easily imagine the lean Texan hiking through the woods, followed by a brood of little Tanners listening intently as he taught them to read the different animal tracks and gave them a healthy respect for the mountains he loved so much.
Standish knew Vin cared about all the children in the building but Ricardo and Tina were special to him. The gambler had witnessed the extra time the sharpshooter took with the brother and sister after paying attention to the kids who greeted him in the halls or on the street.
He thought of the first night he'd stopped by Vin's, surprised to discover the ex-bounty hunter eating popcorn and watching The Wizard of Oz with the two children. Their grandmother worked part time at night with a cleaning crew and their grandfather, on the maintence crew of a Denver office building had been called to work on an emergency so Vin had been asked to babysit. Ezra had happily accepted the invitation to join Tanner and his two friends, surprised to find he truly enjoyed the evening.
"The ninos miss their mama." Mrs. Santiago's soft comment caught his attention. She had no qualms about speaking Spanish since he had greeted her in her native language, complimenting the warmth and charm of her home. "Senor Vin worries about them but they smile more around him."
"Has she always been silent?"
"Our little Tina was such a joyful child, always laughing and chattering like a magpie since she spoke her first word. Then Juan, their papa, died and our daughter left the ninos with us." Sadness filled the old woman's eyes. "That was just over a year ago and she has not said a word since. She loves us but she misses her mama."
"Do they hear from her often?" The gambler wouldn't normally ask such personal questions but he sensed the older woman needed to talk and knew from personal experience it was often easier to talk to a stranger than a friend.
"We receive money orders once a month with a note saying she loves and misses all of us. Gelin had just started school when Juan was killed...She wanted to be a...what is the word...paralegal. She quit school but couldn't find work that would support her and the little ones." She stared into her coffee cup. "We raised our daughter with pride...I think being unable to take care of her children shames her..." Tina's giggle as Vin whispered in her ear, drew their attention to the living room. An idea began to form as the bright eyed little girl shared another mischievious smile with the sharpshooter before trading Vin's lap for Ezra's.
"Some very wise friends of mine make it a habit to remind me that there are times when we all need help." Ezra smiled. "Maybe Gelin just needs her own reminder."
*******
A bright smile deepening his dimples, Ezra watched as Tina, clutching his hand tightly, stared in wide eyed wonder at the bright lights and Christmas decorations that attempted to turn the shopping mall into a winter wonderland.
Knowing Ricardo wanted to buy his sister and grandparents Christmas gifts, Vin had been putting a little money aside each time the child ran an errand or performed a special job for the sharpshooter, promising to take him shopping when he escorted Mattie to buy Lucy's gift.
Under normal circumstances the gambler wouldn't have been forced at gunpoint into the shopping districts on the weekend after Thanksgiving but he silently conceded this was far from normal.
As a part of Larabee's elite team, both men knew the importance of not putting things off, well aware, they never knew when they would be called away on an assignment.
Earlier, an object in the window of one of the more unique shops caught the child's eye. Letting the others wander ahead, the southerner had led Tina inside and been happy to wait as the little girl stared in fascination at the old snow globe.
A bright smile lit her tiny features as a store employee, wound up the music box, shaking the ball to create a snow storm.
The scene inside the glass dome was supposed to depict a mountain village but the gambler couldn't help wondering if that's what Four Corners might have looked like in the late 1800's. The light hearted music reminding him of a player piano and sending his thoughts back in time.
Content, Tina had continued to stare at the miniature town as Ezra browsed the shop before finally stating that they needed to catch up with the others.
"Look Vin! Uncle Ezra there's Santa Claus!" Mattie's excited exclamation drew the southerner's attention to their surroundings as the small group approached the area set up for the North Pole resident.
A long line of children waited with their parents to tell the jolly fellow seated near the Christmas tree what it was they wanted most. Some waited patiently, wanting to show Santa they were on their best behavior while others fidgeted with excitement.
The gambler looked down in consternation when Tina pulled back as they moved toward the end of the line. "Miss Tina?"
"It's okay," The little boy returned to his sister's side, slipping a comforting arm around her shoulders. "Ya ain't gotta talk ta him if ya don't want to."
"He ain't the real Santa anyway just one of his helpers." Mattie stated wisely. "The real Santa already knows what ya want for Christmas."
Ezra glanced at Vin seeing by the Texan's expression, the look of skepticism he'd seen in Tina's large dark eyes wasn't a figment of his imagination.
"Mr. Tanner, if it meets with your satisfaction, we will wait for you, Miss Mattie and Ricardo on that bench over there." The southerner nodded to a small seat near the line. "We'll join you later if Miss Tina changes her mind."
*******
"Miss Tina, as a very clever young woman I was wondering if you would be willing to help me with a small problem I'm having." The gambler questioned drawing the little girl's attention from the line.
The five-year-old happily nodded.
"You see I've been trying to decide what I can get Mr. Tanner for Christmas this year...You like Vin don't you."
Again the little girl nodded.
"I considered buying him a new suit."
Tina shook her head in disagreement.
"I thought I might purchase him a season of theater or opera tickets. They have quite a variety of performances this year."
She chewed her lip in thoughtfullness, wrinkling her nose in disgust before shaking her head again. Ezra almost laughed aloud when her eyes widened with shock as he added, "I even considered paying for a year's worth of appointments at the barber shop so he could have his hair cut and styled professionally."
The five year old looked at the southerner as if he'd lost his mind.
"You see my problem...Mr. Tanner is a very hard person for whom to select a gift. I was so discombulated that I finally went and had a talk with Santa Claus." There it was again, a cynicism that was clearly out of place in a child so young.
"Please Miss Tina, tell me that look doesn't mean you don't believe me." The gambler feigned surprise. "Or is it that you don't believe in Santa Claus."
The little girl shrugged, her gaze momentarily returning to where Ricardo and Mattie were chatting excitedly with Vin before meeting Ezra's green eyes again.
"That's alright. I suppose lots of people have doubts about that old gentleman but let me assure you my dear Santa believes in you. As a matter of fact he told me he has a very special present in mind for you." The excitement that should have been dancing in the dark eyes was clearly missing. "In all the time I've known Santa I've never seen him so sad as he was when I last visited...Why even the elves were hard put to find a smile this year....and we won't even discuss Rudolf's nose. He was so upset he could barely make it blink."
The southerner was pleased to see the child listening attentively. He blew out a long breath of dejection and remained silent watching as a harried parent, flushing with embarrassment lifted their screaming child from Santa's lap.
His lips twitched as Tina tugged on his sleeve, staring up at him questioningly.
"Forgive me my dear, I was momentarily overwhelmed by the very thought of the sadness I witnessed....Miss Mattie was right you know,...Santa does know exactly what you want for Christmas and he told me what Vin wants....It seems the reason everyone was so upset was because what Mr. Tanner desires the most isn't something that Santa can bring him."
There! A spark of curiosity.
"Vin is always doing what he can to help people and Santa really wanted to make this Christmas special." Ezra sighed. "That's where you and I come in Miss Tina. I discussed this with Santa and I think with your help, we might be able to make this the best Christmas Vin ever had. Would you be willing to help us?"
She nodded eagerly.
"Wonderful!" The southerner exclaimed, giving her a small hug. "Now, shall I explain the plan Santa and I came up with?" He didn't wait for her nod of agreement before continuing. "You see what Mr. Tanner wants most..." He leaned close whispering in her ear.
The child's eyes widened in surprise a moment before her expression saddened again.
His arms tightened around her as she leaned against his chest. "Remember what Mattie said....Santa knows what you want most....Well, he not only knows what Vin wants but he also knows what you want the most, even though he knows you're rather...undecided...regarding his existence, so I told Santa and he agreed that if we could somehow manage to give you what you want than I was certain it would not only prove he's real but that it would also enable us to give Vin what he wants most."
He stared into the big brown eyes, waiting patiently as she carefully considered what he'd told her, once again seeing the skepticism and the disbelief. He understood that she desperately wanted to believe she would actually receive something she wished for and he prayed that he'd be able to make that wish come true.
Ezra smiled brightly as she slowly nodded agreement.
"Magnificent! I shall inform Santa we have a deal." He paused, rubbing a thumb over his lower lip. "Oh that poses another problem. This is an extremely busy time of year for him...I don't know if I'll be able to get through. I wonder how I could get a message to him."
He let her tug on his sleeve several times before pretending to notice.
"As I said Miss Tina, you are indeed a very clever young lady." His dimples deepened as the child pointed to the man in the red suit. "His helper would most certainly be able to take him a message. Shall we join the others?
*******
Glancing at the print out of directions laying on the seat beside him, Ezra turned his attention back to the lonely highway, admiring and appreciating the passing scenery and warm temperatures.
Seventy-seven.
Seventy-seven glorious degrees. It had been thirty-four and snowing steadily when he'd boarded the plane in Denver bound for New Mexico.
Three days.
He hoped Lady Luck would continue to show him favor for although it was two weeks until Christmas, Ezra only had less than seventy two hours to accomplish his goal and return home.
Three days and then Larabee and Mary Travis would be back from their mini holiday and while they didn't have a pending case Chris would want to know the location of each team member. Ezra growled aloud. The man was damn near as bad a mother hen as Buck.
Since the team's inception, Judge Travis had done his best to make sure the men were off work between Thanksgiving and New Years giving them special time to relax and unwind from their work. It allowed them to be together and spend the holidays with the loved ones in their lives.
Standish knew he would be expected to make an appearance at the many holiday gatherings his team mates had planned.
Surprisingly, Ezra found he not only enjoyed those get togethers but discovered he was actually looking forward to them. This year would be the most special yet as Nica would be joining them.
Without going into specific details the gambler had advised Josiah he had business out of town, knowing the profiler would contact him if need be.
It had only taken a few days for the southerner to discover everything there was to possibly know about Gelin Rivera-except her present location,
The con man had depleted every contact and employed every resource he knew with no results before finally-albeit reluctantly-falling back on his last option. He used his PTF security clearance to access the IRS database. He knew if Gelin wasn't getting paid under the table or doing something illegal she would be paying taxes, therefore it was only logical the federal agency would have a work address.
Ezra was well aware if Larabee discovered he was using the weight and influence of his job for personal matters, the older man would most likely kick his ass all the way back to Georgia. However if his current venture were successful, an ass kicking would be a small price to pay.
According to the tax records he'd unearthed, the gambler discovered, Gelin was currently eking out a living at a truckstop in a nowhere town, barely big enough to earn its own speck on the map.
Running several scenarios through his mind as to the best way to approach the young woman, Ezra drove on, taking only a moment to glance at the directions again.
*******
Locking the door of the shabby motel room, Ezra crossed the road to the truck stop, surprised by the number of big rigs parked in the paved lot. He wouldn't have thought that many tractor-trailers traveled this lonely stretch of road.
Hoping to find better accommodations, the cardsharp had driven an additional two miles further into the nearby town.
'Well that was a waste of five minutes.' The undercover agent had groused to himself, as his exploration proved the tiny municipality only consisted of a few small businesses which catered to the neighboring farms or ranches and several well kept houses.
Bemused, he remembered a remark someone had once made about a similar small town, saying it had two feed stores…. And they were in the same building. It seemed to fit this place as well.
Returning to the only motel, the gambler had checked in, showered and changed. Eyeing the bed wearily, he'd stretched out to test the mattress and was surprised later to discover he'd dozed off, waking as the sun was starting to set.
The restaurant was three quarters full and a few of the patrons glanced his direction as he entered the eatery. Realizing the newcomer wasn't someone they knew, the customers returned their attention to their meals, their conversations or flirting with the three waitresses who moved in and out among the tables.
Dressed in jeans, tee-shirt and leather jacket, Standish could have climbed from any of the big rigs parked outside. He'd chosen the casual wear over his expensive suits in a desire to make Gelin more comfortable when approached. Ezra didn't want to come across as pretentious or worse...as some federal stuffed shirt.
Slipping into an empty booth at the back, he removed the menu from the condiment container and under the pretense of deciding on a meal, unobtrusively studied his surroundings.
Like most businesses of its kind there was a small area containing everything from CDs to stuffed animals to toothbrushes for sale. A faded sign pointed out the direction of the phones, restrooms and showers in the back.
The gambler's emerald gaze settled on the young woman talking to two drivers at the counter. The object of his searching wasn't hard to spot. Gelin was an adult version of her tiny daughter, with the same enormous eyes and black curls.
"Coffee, handsome?" An older woman approached his table, pushing at the strays strands of gray tinged hair which had escaped her drooping bun. As Ezra nodded, she flipped the cup right side up and filled it, setting the thermal pot she carried in the middle of the table. "What can I get for ya sugar?"
Ezra's grumbling stomach reminded him the last thing he'd eaten was an overly prized bagel while waiting on his flight that morning. Smiling to himself as he thought of how the other men would be stunned, he ordered a burger and side order of home fries. As the waitress moved away, his gaze returned to the young woman across the room.
Once again his thoughts turned to the best approach. Unlike his undercover operations he didn't have the time to set up an elaborate ruse which would get him close to his target. And also unlike his undercover work, he wouldn't be dealing with some slimeball willing to do whatever necessary to line his pockets, no matter who got hurt.
No, this time he would be dealing with a young widow who was only trying to do what she thought best for her two young children.
Ezra pushed back the troubling thought that Gelin was following the same path as his own mother, telling himself there was an enormous difference between this young mother and his own. Maude had left her child with anyone available regardless of their relationship or lack thereof, nor did she ever seem concerned over the fitness of those guardians. No, Maude had pawned him off simply so she could better her own situation.
"New run darlin'?" The waitress questioned, setting his plate of food on the table in front of him. "Don't think I ever seen ya come through here before."
"On my way home. Just takin' a few days ta relax and see the country." Ezra smiled at the woman. "I'm staying in the motel across the road."
The woman nodded absently. "It used ta be a nice little place but Virgil's too damn cheap ta do more than patch it up."
Ezra smiled winningly. "I figured it was better than falling asleep at the wheel."
"Trucks can get kinda noisy sometimes but it's usually pretty peaceful if that's what you're lookin' for. Afraid there ain't much ta see around here." She grinned. Seeing his gaze wander to where Gelin was exiting with one of the truckers, the driver's arm possessively around her small waist, the woman added. "Course we do have some mighty attractive scenery. Her name's Connie and mine's Norma."
Connie? Why a fake name to wait tables?
"Ezra...Ezra Standish. It's nice to meet you." Heat crept into Ezra's cheeks at being caught in his observations. 'Better start lookin' at this like an undercover operation Standish or you might as well go home now.'
"She reminded me of someone I used to know." He offered in explanation
The gambler easily recognized the expression as Norma raked her gaze over him suspiciously. He knew she was not only trying to decide if he was lying but whether or not he might be someone intent on causing her friend trouble.
"Ex-wife?" She pried.
"Never found a woman ignorant enough to join me in the bonds of matrimony." He smiled, his comment drawing a scoff and chuckle from the waitress. Falling into a character the woman could identify with and therefore more easily trust, Ezra thickened his accent and quickly improvised, "Actually, she reminds me of a babysitter I had as a youngster. She haunted my dreams for months." He sighed expansively. "Broke my heart when she went off ta college."
"Puberty sucks but most of us survive it." Norma laughed, moving on to check her other customers.
Ezra spent the rest of his meal in observation, watching the comings and goings, listening to snatches of conversations around him. Confused when Gelin returned alone a few minutes after leaving he'd watched as she talked to Norma for a moment, momentarily glancing his direction before gathering her purse from behind the counter and hurrying for the exit.
*******
Ezra stared at the television, not really seeing or hearing what was on the screen, the cards rifling through his long agile fingers as he absently shuffled the deck.
From the window of the motel room, the southerner had watched the truck stop for most of the evening, saddened but not at all surprised when one of the waitresses would accompany a driver to his vehicle or a motel room. A short while later they would return to work, tucking their earnings away as they adjusted their clothing.
Evidently the truck stop's owner didn't mind how the girls supplemented their income, and in truth probably encouraged their activities, as they were a good draw, keeping drivers using his establishment.
Ezra understood all too well why Gelin was using a pseudonym. Doing what was necessary to survive was a little more bearable if in your own mind you could at least pretend it was someone else doing the very acts you found so abhorrent.
Startled by a soft rap on the door, the gambler was stunned to discover the object of his musings standing on the sidewalk. Dressed in tight jeans and a tee-shirt Gelin didn't look much older than sixteen.
"I'm Connie. I saw you over at the truck stop earlier." The young woman seemed hesitant, her dark gaze raking over him while she tried to decide if she wanted to follow this path. "Norma said ya might be lookin' for some company tonight."
'I guess I no longer have to decide on the best way to approach her.'
One hand resting on the revolver nestled against the small of his back, the southerner's eyes searched the darkness, seeking any sign of danger. It wouldn't be the first time an attractive woman had been used as bait to rob an unsuspecting stranger.
'You've been doing this job too long Ezra.' The thought was quickly followed by a stronger voice deep inside arguing, 'The job has nothing to do with it. You'd have looked for the trap even if you'd never met Larabee. It's your nature.'
Pushing those thoughts aside, it appeared the opportunity to approach her had presented itself so he might as well take advantage of it.
With a nod of his head, the gambler stepped aside, allowing her access to the shabby room. Pushing the button on the knob, he locked the door and took the seat next to the window where he would be aware of any movement from outside.
"I see Virgil gave ya the best room in the place." He watched as fidgeting, skittish as a wild filly, her dark eyed gaze scanned the room, seeming, as he had a moment earlier, to be searching for any sign of danger to herself. "That just means you have plenty of hot water and the springs don't poke through the mattress." She added in the stillness when Ezra didn't speak.
Visably squaring her shoulders, having made up her mind, she turned her attention back to him, apprehensively sitting down on the edge of the bed while trying to appear perfectly at ease and failing miserably. "You got a name?"
"Ezra." He poured a small portion of Scotch from the bottle he'd purchased earlier into the plastic cups from the bathroom, offering her one of the drinks. "Ezra Standish."
"Don't meet many people with names right outta the Bible anymore." She smiled, vainly attempting to hide her small sigh of resignation as she set the cup on the nightstand. "Well Ezra Standish, you got anything in particular you like to do? Gotta warn ya though, if you're into kink, you'll have to look someplace else."
"How much to talk?" Ezra quickly questioned as she pulled the tail of her shirt from the waistband of her jeans.
"Talk?" Gelin froze in mid action startled by the question.
"Talk, converse, interact verbally." The southerner grinned hoping to erase the snide sound of his answer.
She stared at him in disbelief as retrieving his wallet, Ezra handed her a fifty dollar bill. "Is that enough for a half hour of conversation?"
Gelin stared at the bill as he settled back into the chair, studying her. There was an undeniable sadness in the dark eyes which reminded him so much of her daughter. She wore the same expression as when she returned to the truck stop and he seemed to sense how much of her soul she lost, each time she sold her body…and her pride.
A smile touched his lips at the question in her eyes as she brought her gaze up to meet his. 'Was he so lonely he was willing to pay someone to just talk to him?'
"Sure," she nodded, "but you don't have to pay me if all you're looking for is conversation." Her smile was genuine as Gelin offered the money back to him, tucking it into her pocket when he shook his head. He knew from her tax forms she barely made enough to support herself and was certain the only reason she performed sexual services was for money to send her parents.
She settled back slightly on the bed. "Where ya from?"
"Originally, Georgia, although I currently reside in Colorado." He sipped the scotch in his plastic cup. "Have you always lived around here?"
"Nah, I was just passin' through and the piece of crap that passed for a car broke down. I needed a job to get it fixed." She shrugged. "Turned out it wasn't worth fixin'."
"I would be more than happy to give you a ride home." He offered.
"I am home. At least for the time being. I live four doors down." She shrugged again. "It ain't Buckingham Palace but it keeps the rain out."
"Where were you headed…when your car broke down?"
Her expression became guarded. "Do you always ask this many questions?"
"I have been told I have an overabundance of curiosity." He grinned, his emerald eyes twinkling as he thought of his teammates commenting on that very thing.
"So," She sipped at her drink, grimacing at the taste of the alcohol. "What would you like to talk about?"
Ezra's dimples disappeared along with his smile. Might as well jump in with both feet. "Why don't we start with Tina and Ricardo."
The young woman's large eyes grew wide and the color drained from her complexion as she gaped at him.
"If you'd like I could just deliver that money to your parents and save you the price of a money order. That is what you intended to do with it isn't it Gelin?"
She shoved to her feet and stood glaring at him. "Who the hell are you?" She demanded to know in a shaky voice.
"A friend."
She moved for the door. "Well, friend, mind your own damn business!"
He didn't move and his words were quiet. "They need you."
Her hand froze on the doorknob but she didn't turn to face him. . "My parents will take good care of them and raise them up proper."
"Of that I have no doubt but they still need their mother."
Her shoulders dropped and her gaze went to the floor. He voice was small and racked with guilt. "They need a mother they can be proud of."
"I think that's exactly what they have." Ezra stated with a small smile. "I think she just needs a little help at the moment."
Gelin spun to face him, her expression cold. "And I suppose you're that help? My own private angel come down from Heaven to rescue me." She sneered. "Thanks anyway Clarence but I don't need a guardian angel."
Ezra shrugged at her outburst. "I do believe I still have twenty minutes worth of conversation left on that fifty dollars."
"Shove your money up your ass!" Jerking the bill from her pocket she tossed the money to the floor. "I'm outta here!'
Reaching over her head, Ezra slammed the door shut as she jerked it open. "I didn't think you were a coward." He challenged.
"I'm not a coward!" Gelin whirled to face him, anger and sorrow swimming in her tear bright eyes. "What the hell do you know about anything? You got no idea..."
"I know those children desperately miss you. I know Ricardo is an intelligent and very brave little boy who is doing his best to be mother, father and big brother to his little sister. I know Tina is a sweet sensitive child with a bright smile and an understanding heart. I know your parents are doing the best they can for both the grandchildren and the daughter they love." Taking her arm he gently settled Gelin in the chair he had vacated, not at all surprised when she offered little resistance. He knew she would most likely do anything to hear any news of her children. Placing the small glass of scotch in her hand he took her seat on the bed. "I know those children have a mother they love and who loves them enough to do what she thinks is best for them." He picked up his own cup and swirled the liquid as he quietly added, "And I know Tina hasn't said a word since you left."
"My little Magpie." The words were barely audible in the silence. Gelin stared at the liquor in her cup, then with a fierce resolve, she tossed back the alcohol, coughing slightly as the strong liquor burned its way down her throat.
Ezra said nothing as the young mother fought the internal battle of wanting to run and needing to hear any information at all about her babies. "How do you know my kids?" She asked after a long moment.
"Your parents are neighbors of a very good friend of mine who also thinks the world of your little ones."
"They send you?" Fear suddenly filled her eyes. "Tina and Rico! Nothing's happened to them?" She reached out, clutching his knee, begging for reassurance. "They're alright aren't they?"
Ezra gently removed her hand. "Put your mind at ease. Except for missing their mother they're fine and no, your parents didn't send me. You covered your tracks very well. They have no idea where you are." He imagined the money orders, she sent home, were mailed by the truckers from any town they happen to be passing through. "This was strictly my idea. As much as your family would like you to come home, I believe they understand why you haven't." He poured another small portion of Scotch into her glass.
She stared at the drink. "So how did you manage to find me?"
Ezra ignored the question. "Your mother said you left to find work but there are people in Four Corners who could help-"
"I don't wanna raise my kids on welfare!" She declared adamantly. "Welfare should be used for people who aren't able to help themselves. I'm strong and healthy and will do whatever it takes to help my family."
"Including prostitution." Ezra interjected.
'Pride cometh before a fall.' The southerner could hear Josiah's baritone voice as clearly as if he were sitting beside the preacher.
Gelin's chin lifted and her eyes flashed fire. "I'm a waitress." She stated fiercely.
"I don't remember the entrée you offered a few moments ago being on the dinner menu."
"Go to hell."
"I believe the proprietor of that particular tropical resort has my suite ready and waiting. You know, there's a helluva lot more restaurants in Four Corners than here." Ezra argued. "Of course in Four Corners there's always the chance your parents or worse…your children could discover exactly how you procure the extra money you provide them." Refreshing his own drink he continued. "However that's neither here nor there. I wasn't particularly referring to welfare. Everyone needs assistance at some point in their life and getting that assistance is simply a matter of knowing the right people."
"Well I'm sure someone like you knows all the right people or at least thinks you do, but I don't and I damn well don't need charity!" She declared defiantly. "I'll have enough money saved up soon to get outta here. Heard some of the guys sayin' there's plenty a work to be had in California. Factory jobs that pay good money."
A sudden wave of sympathy for Chris washed over Ezra. Was this what it was like for the team leader dealing with his stubborn undercover agent? He made a mental note to be a bit more compromising the next time Larabee confronted him.
"Friends don't offer charity Gelin. Friends offer help and a friend accepts that help as graciously as any other gift. It took me a long time to learn that."
"Oh Lord! Just what I fuckin' need! A reformed sinner determined to bring God to the savages." Gelin scoffed.
The young woman stared at him as if he'd lost his mind when Ezra burst into laughter. "I'm afraid my dear, you have completely mis-assessed the situation." He wiped at the moisture in the corner of his eyes. "There's no doubt I, myself, am most likely considered one of the Godless heathens by most people who've ever met me. I leave the religion to Josiah and the preaching to Nathan." He waved aside her look of confusion as if to say that was a topic for a later discussion. "I'm just a sorry soul simply trying to finish my Christmas shopping."
She stared at him, shaking her head in bewilderment. "You expect me to believe you came all this way simply to buy a good time for a friend?"
"No. I came all this way to try and retrieve the one person who would make a friend's family complete and in the process provide a gift an extremely dear friend wants more than anything this Christmas." When she continued to stare at him, her expression skeptical, the con man decided to try a different tactic. "Of course it never occurred to me that you might be happier this way." He waved a hand in the air encompassing her life. "You're young and pretty and two young children are quite a responsibility. Lord knows you wouldn't be the first woman to abandon her children."
"I didn't abandon my kids!" Tears spilled down Gelin's cheeks. "You think I like this! You think I enjoy…" She trailed off, taking a long shuddering breath. "I do what I have to but my babies don't need to know their mama…To hell with you. Your half hour's up!" Snatching the money from where it still lay on the floor, she pushed to her feet and rushed out the door leaving Ezra staring after her.
*******
Pocketing the keys, Ezra climbed from his rental vehicle and marched into the truck stop, his expression one of pure determination. While his friends might joke about his never knowing when to surrender, the gambler was quite astute at knowing when it was time to raise the bet or fold his hand and wait for another deal.
The restaurant wasn't as busy as it had been earlier that morning when the drivers had been gulping their breakfast in preparation for the day's long journey but the diner was still half full with a late lunch crowd.
That morning Ezra had taken a seat in Gelin's section, trying again to convince the young woman to return home where she was needed and desperately missed. Upset she'd angrily dismissed him, asking one of the other girls to take over. The southerner had been the recipient of unpleasant glares from both Norma and several of the truckers as Gelin's, or Connie as they knew her, anxiety had risen.
Returning now, Ezra knew there was every possibility he would get his ass kicked but he wasn't quite ready to surrender just yet.
He still had one more card to play. Granted it could be considered an off the bottom deal or an ace hidden up his sleeve but for this game of 'hearts', Ezra was ready to do whatever it took to win.
The skinny fellow working the cash register stepped forward to impede the gambler's progress as Ezra started toward the counter where Gelin was serving lunch to an oversized mountain of a man who would have given Josiah a run for his money.
The cashier moved between tables to block Ezra. "We don't want no trouble here so-"
"Then I suggest you back off and mind your own business." Without slowing his steps, the southerner brushed past the man, continuing on course towards the young waitress.
"I don't have anything more to say to you." Gelin backed towards the kitchen as he approached.
Ezra nodded with a tight smile. "That's fine then you'll be able to listen to what I have to say without interrupting."
"Didn't ya hear the lady, mister?" The mountain of a man rose from his seat as Ezra rounded the counter blocking her retreat. "She done said she don't wanna talk to ya."
Standish barely glanced in the stranger's direction. "I don't believe this concerns you, sir, so why don't you just sit back down and finish your meal."
The man stabbed a fat finger in his direction, "Listen asshole-"
Grabbing the wrist of the outstretched hand as the man reached for him, Ezra spun, jerking the man's arm behind his back and shoving him face down onto the counter. The man groaned at the paralyzing pain shooting through his enormous biceps, as the southerner dug his thumb into a pressure point.
"No you listen asshole," Aware of the spectators the con man kept his voice only loud enough for those closest to him. "I'm a federal officer so unless you'd like a demonstration of the many ways I could incapacitate you, including incarceration, sit your fat ass down and quietly finish your meal. I need a few moments of the lady's time and when I'm finished I'll leave. Granted, coming to a lady's defense is very admirable but I don't intend to harm her and I'm not INS…" He glanced at the man from the register, "Or vice. I don't give a damn if she was born and raised here or if she sprouted wings and flew across the border. Do you understand me?"
At the driver's nod of agreement, Ezra cautiously released his hold, ready to take on every man in the place if that would accomplish his goal. When no one else seemed anxious to challenge him, he motioned Gelin to the far end of the counter away from eavesdroppers, waiting patiently as the stubborn woman stared him down before accepting the fact he wasn't going to just change his mind and leave.
He sighed as getting as far from the occupants as possible while still remaining in their sight, she turned to face him, her arms folded defensively across her chest and her jaw set stubbornly.
"Look Gelin, I realize what a hard decision it was for you to leave your family behind and I know you think you're doing what's best for Tina and Rico but believe me when I tell you, children don't give a damn what their mother does for a living as long as they know she loves them. Don't let foolish pride destroy your relationship with your family. It's better to be living on the streets with a mother who loves you than spending your life wondering what you did to make her leave you behind."
Ezra withdrew an airline envelope from the inside pocket of his jacket. "This is a plane ticket home. It's an open ticket so you can use it any time you're ready. I apologize if I've made living with your decision harder than it already was. That truly wasn't my intention. It was nice meeting you. Merry Christmas." Laying the ticket on the counter he turned and headed for the exit.
Tears welled in her eyes and Gelin couldn't prevent the ragged sob from escaping as she stepped closer to the counter. Her sobs began in earnest as she stared at the photograph clipped to the ticket envelope: seated on Santa's lap, her two children stared at her with bright innocent smiles.
*******
Christmas Eve
Lucy nudged Vin nodding her head in the direction of Ezra who sat not far away, seemingly oblivious of the merriment taking place around him. Plainly his depression was surrounding him like the dusty cloud which followed PigPen in the Charlie Brown cartoon strip.
The community center had been decorated with a mish-mash of bright blinking lights, ornaments and garland donated over the years. The large bushy pine tree in the corner sported strings of popcorn and cranberry garland, colorful contruction paper chains and ornaments of every shape and size, lovingly handcrafted by the children over the past few weeks.
There was no shortage of food with everyone providing what they could. Cookies, pies, cakes and candies loaded down the tables and next to paper plates and cups was a huge bowl of punch made of Kool-aid and fruit juice.
Dressed in a Santa suit, Josiah with Casey acting as his elf helper had made a grand entrance and now settled in the place of honor, a battered old recliner. JD took a Poloroid shot of each child as they climbed onto the preacher's knee. the looks of surprise and wonder as they received the gifts and candy canes he distributed would never be forgotten by the volunteers.
None of this seemed to register with the dejected undercover agent.
'Face it Standish you're losing your touch.' The southerner mentally berated himself. 'Ya been outta the business so long ya couldn't con a ten-year-old outta his allowance.'
Nica had attempted to convince him otherwise, quietly explaining it hadn't been his lack of skill, but Gelin's own pride and stubborness which prevented her return, but Ezra was no fool. He had been raised in the art of the con. His mother was the best in the business and had taught him well. Larabee had hired him for his ability to become what a person wanted, to assess a situation and convincingly say whatever was needed to reach his goal.
So why, when it mattered most, had he been unable to convince Gelin how badly her children needed her?
What had he missed or misjudged? What else should he have done? What trick hadn't he tried? What argument hadn't he employed?
Giving the understanding woman beside him, a small smile, Ezra's fingers automatically entwined with Nica's as she slipped her hand into his, silently offering comfort.
Since his return from New Mexico the petite construction worker had watched the man she loved sink further into despair as with each day that passed, Ezra's hope that Gelin would return to her family slowly faded.
Nica had tried unsuccessfully to keep his spirits up and while he put on a great show, she suspected, just as she had, his friends easily saw past his facade but unsure of the cause had been unable to help. She understood how badly Ezra had wanted this. He had wanted this, not for himself, but for Tina and Ricardo. He had wanted this for Mr. and Mrs. Santiago. He had wanted this for Gelin and he had wanted this for Vin.
"Somethin' wrong with my cookin' Fancy Pants?" Nettie Wells questioned. Larabee could have taken lessons from the stern glare with which she graced the gambler. "Or are ya just watchin' your figure?"
"Miss Wells, I have yet to discover another wizened old crone with your talent in the kitchen." Ezra grinned. "While I may not be as lean as our favorite Texan I can assure you I've had absolutely no complaints regarding my own physique."
The old woman disguised her chuckle behind a harrumphing sound. "Reckoned maybe I'd been replaced. I didn't see ya anywhere near the pies I brought."
"My apologies Miss Nettie." He glanced at the now empty pie tins sitting on the table of quickly disappearing treats. His gaze darted about the room searching for a plausible reason for his lack of appetite. The sound of ripping paper, mixed with squeals of delight, laughter, oohs and ahs as the children opened their packages, displaying their contents to their friends and relatives caught his attention. "I'm afraid I was so occupied watching the proceedings that I missed the opportunity to enjoy the tiny bit of heaven produced in your kitchen."
Nettie stared at him, recognizing the transparent response for the falsehood she knew it to be. 'Ya shouldn't lie ta a worried old woman.' The rancher thought with a sigh.
Despite herself, Nettie couldn't help being concerned about the southerner's depression in this time of so much happiness. As much as she hated to admit it, Ezra had managed to insinuate himself in her heart.
"Then it's a damn good thing I saved ya a piece than ain't it." She placed the plate containing a large slab of peach cobbler dripping in Cool Whip before him.
Nica didn't bother to hide her bright smile when Ezra's cheeks flamed hot as Nettie impulsively dropped a quick kiss on the gambler's forehead before she hurried back to the serving table.
Pretending they hadn't witnessed the exchange between the rancher and con man, each of their friends drifted over to their table determined to help Nica draw the gambler into the celebration.
"I liked the other outfit better." JD teased, as Casey joined them after changing into her regular clothes. Checking to make sure Nettie was still out of ear shot he whispered, "Was kinda hopin' ta play Santa and the good little elf later."
"JD you've been hangin' around Buck way too long." The embarrassed girl giggled, playfully smacking at his arm.
"Whatcha got there sweetie?" Vin asked as Tina slipped between his and Ezra's chair carefully placing her cherished present on the table. He'd seen Ezra slip the specially wrapped packages to Josiah before the big man's entrance. The snowglobe for Tina and a Magic Set, which he knew Ricardo had admired at the mall, for her brother. Others might think it foolish to give such an expensive antique to a small child who readily needed more essential items but Tina's bright eyes sparkled with wonder as she watched the drifting snow inside the glass, cover the tiny village and Tanner knew the southerner had picked the perfect gift.
Giving the gambler an approving wink, the tracker gathered the child onto his lap as everyone around the table admired the snow globe, commenting on the detailed craftsmanship and beautiful tune it played.
"Looks like we have a late comer. Better get her over to the food table before there's nothing left." Mary remarked.
Ever the gentleman, Ezra rose as the business woman pushed to her feet with the intention of welcoming the newcomer. His breath caught in his throat and his heart began to pound in his ears so loudly it drowned out all other sound. Unable to stop his widening smile, he didn't remember following Mary across the room but suddenly found himself facing the dark eyed young woman who stood trembling in the doorway, clutching her thin coat tightly about her small frame.
Looking like a deer caught in headlights, Gelin hesitated as Mary tried to usher her further into the room. She calmed slightly as her frantic gaze fell on Ezra.
"You made the right choice." Ezra stated quietly. The girl seemed to visibly relax under his warm and reassuring dimpled smile.
"Some people in the building were talking about the party here and since there was no one home I..." She trailed off, her eyes once again darting about the room.
Uncertain exactly what was happening, Mary left the late arrival in capable hands, hurrying away to make her a plate of food.
"Sometimes, Miss Gelin, it pays to take a chance." He dimpled grin, brightened even further as he offered her his arm.
"Mama!"
Tears streaming down her cheeks, Gelin dropped to her knees tightly hugging Ricardo as the little boy threw himself into her arms.
"Tina! Tina, Mama's home! Grandmama Mama's here!"
The women weren't the only ones wiping at teary eyes as those gathered about the table watched the family reunion; Gelin trying to hold her children while hugging her parents, her mother repeating a prayer of gratitude, her father swiping at his own unmanly tears of joy.
Chris and Buck quickly provided chairs as everyone made room at the table for the small family.
*******
Clutching her snow dome, Tina sat on her mother's lap, her head resting contentedly against her shoulder silently listening to the conversation as Ricardo told their mother about everything that had been happening.
"Do you have to leave soon Mama?" He questioned, his joy dampening as he awaited the dreaded answer.
"No my little man. I'm never leaving my babies again." She assured him, her arms tightening around her children, her eyes meeting Ezra's. "Not willingly."
Suddenly realizing that most of the partygoers had departed and the volunteers were cleaning up, Mrs. Santiago ushered the reluctant children off to retrieve their coats and gloves.
The gambler's eyes widened in surprise as Nica removed an envelope from her purse, passing it to Ezra as he helped Gelin into her coat. "You've been carrying it around for almost two weeks so I brought it along just in case..." She knew the packet contained Ezra's telephone number, the name of a prominent lawyer willing to hire the young woman as a receptionist as well as a reference letter from Judge Travis, an enrollment form for the paralegal course at the local college which had already been paid for, gift certificates to several clothing stores and several other things the young woman would need to help with her new start. "After all it's the season of miracles."
Kissing the construction worker in gratitude, Ezra placed the sealed packet in Gelin's pocket. "Merry Christmas, Miss Gelin. Enjoy the holidays with your children. Be sure and call me if you need anything at all."
The undercover agent dropped to one knee as still holding tightly to her present, Tina having hugged the others goodbye, tugged at his sleeve.
"So Miss Tina did you get what you wanted most for Christmas?" He whispered as she slipped an arm around his neck. She nodded vigorously, smiling brightly. "Then I think it's time to give Vin what he wants most don't you?"
Kissing his cheek, she crossed to the Texan who immediately lifted her into his arms, ready to carry her to the car. Looking at the young man with bright twinkling eyes, she spoke haltingly, "M-Merry Chris-Christmas Mr. V-Vin."
"Madre' Dios!" Tears of happiness slipping down her cheeks, Mrs. Santiago crossed herself, once more sending up another prayer of thanks. She had never thought to hear the child's sweet voice again.
Stunned speechless himself, it was a long moment before Tanner found his own voice, his blue eyes sparkling merrily as he tightened his embrace on the little girl. "Merry Christmas to you too Tina."
More confident, her words came out clearer as she grinned at Ricardo and Mattie. "Th-there really is a S-Santa C-Claus. J-Just like you s-said."
"That there is darlin'! That there is." Vin agreed, chuckling as his gaze settling on the con man. 'And he's got green eyes, a southern accent and a heart bigger than all a Texas.'
Lifting the little girl high in the air, just to hear her happy peals of laughter, Vin waltzed across the floor, stopping to hand the child to the stunned Ezra. Leaning close as the child turned to cling to the gambler's neck he whispered. "Thanks Pard. Here's hopin' Santa's just as good ta you."
Ezra hugged the little girl, and nodded towards the young woman with her arm about her son. "Never fear, Mister Tanner. Santa has blessed me many times over."
He put his arm about Nica and still carrying Tina, they crossed the floor to where his other friends waited.
Yes, he realized, Santa had forgotten to leave his usual lump of coal under the tree. This year, Ezra had gotten nothing, but bright, shining diamonds….
THE END