“Hold him still,” the doctor snapped at Nathan. “Tilt his head further back!”

“That’s too much,” Nathan stated urgently.

“I know what I’m doing! Just follow my instructions, boy.”

Chris stepped forward, grabbed a handful of Brooks’ shirt and reefed him away.

The other man cowered backwards, wilting under the intensity of the Larabee glare.

Chris turned to Nathan.

“He’s not swallowing. Dr Brooks said that sometimes an unconscious patient will swallow as a reflex action. We have to be careful not to overfill his mouth or he’ll breathe the water in.”

“You think it will work?”

“It’s worth a try.” At this stage, Nathan was willing to try anything even something he was certain wouldn’t work.

Larabee snatched the canteen from Brooks and knelt beside the bed. “Tell me what to do.”

“Tip it up. Just a small amount and hopefully his body will react to the water and…”

“Swallow, Vin,” Chris whispered. Tanner’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “He swallowed?”

“Yes! Hell! Alex, you were right. He swallowed! Just a little more water,” Nathan ordered. Chris tipped up the canteen.

Alex Brooks appeared beside Chris, his eyes alive with excitement. “It worked. I knew it would! Let me take over,” he urged. Chris looked at Nathan who appeared to approve and so, Larabee stepped back.

“Come on, Vin. Swallow,” Nathan urged. Nothing happened. He and Alex tried another dozen times over the next ten minutes but there was no further ‘reflex’ reaction of unconscious man’s oesophagus and Nathan had become concerned that they may do more damage than good.

Chris’ brow furrowed with deep concern as Nathan slipped out from behind Vin and gently eased Vin’s boneless body back onto the mattress. Together, he and the doctor set about wiping Vin’s mouth and drying him before tucking the blanket firmly.

“Was it enough?” Chris asked.

“Not even close,” Nathan whispered. “He only swallowed the once. I didn’t think it was possible, but Alex was certain.”

“Should you try again?”

Doctor Brooks nodded his head. “Absolutely. I believe…”

“Nathan, should you try again?” Chris repeated, dismissing the other man.

Jackson reached out and gripped Chris’ arm. “I’m worried he’ll breathe it in. Can’t afford for water to get into his lungs.”

Chris dropped his eyes to Vin. The tendrils of bruising now covered the entire right side of his friend’s face. In contrast, the left side was grey. Larabee flicked his gaze to Brooks, offered his hand and in a soft and genuine voice whispered, “Thank you.”

Brooks took the offered gratitude hesitantly. “You are welcome.”

Larabee’s grip tightened and his gaze intensified. “If you ever speak to Nathan like that again, you and I will have a problem.” With that, Chris dropped the other man’s throbbing appendage, turned and exited the room.

Brooks watched him go, flexing his hand. “What a strange man.”

“Most people only see a gunfighter, but Chris is a lot more than that.”

*********

At 3:00pm, Ezra entered the room. “Ahh, Dr Brooks.”

Brook’s face lit with pleasure. “So, there are some refined people in town from the best part of this nation.”

Ezra’s smile stayed in place, but he flicked his eyes to Nathan who held up his hand in assurance he wasn’t taking offence.

“Our little town is filled with fine people.” Ezra walked over to Vin. “No change? I’m told you were able to force some water into him.”

“Not really. It looked like he swallowed, but I’m not sure,” Nathan stated with deep concern.

Ezra sighed and glanced at Nathan. “You look tired. Perhaps you should take this opportunity to rest now that Dr. Brooks is here to monitor Mr Tanner’s condition.”

“I’m fine.” Ezra studied Nathan’s face carefully. It was clear to him that Jackson didn’t fully trust the doctor. Trust? Or was he simply not prepared to concede to a trained medical man. No, it was a trust issue, Ezra decided.

“I am happy to stay and keep Dr Brooks company while you take a break. You have not left this room since Vin was found. Do not stress. I will not leave Mr Tanner’s side.”

Nathan licked his lips. “Yeah, okay.” Lowering his voice, Nathan ordered, “Stay with him.” Concern dripped from every syllable.

“Rest assured, wild horses would not remove me from this room.”

Nathan nodded to Brooks and released care of his patient to Ezra.

Brooks’ face lit with satisfaction as the door closed. He pointed to the chair, offering it to Ezra as he lowered himself onto the side of the spare bed. “A growing town.”

“Yes, indeed.”

“Looks like a doctor may be needed.”

Ezra pinned Brooks with an intense stare, understanding that the other was fishing for support. “We are well taken care of.”

Brooks pursed his lips and glanced around the room. “It is a well-set up clinic.”

“Mr Jackson knows what he is doing.”

Brooks looked back at Ezra. “And you are?”

“Ezra Standish.”

“So, how did you end up here?”

“A long story.” Ezra looked back at Vin. “And your opinion? Any timeline for our colleague’s recovery?”

“Your colleague?” Brooks asked, clearly astounded.

“Yes, I suppose it is surprising that I would be working with someone like Mr Tanner. He is a very good man; a better man than I will ever be,” Ezra declared, his gaze settling on his unconscious friend. Vin didn’t look much; his shoulder length hair mangled around his head; his stubbled chin revealing a lack of concern for his appearance. There was a time when Ezra would not have given such a man the time of day.

“And what about the darkie?”

Ezra’s jaw tightened. “That darkie is the best doctor I have ever met.” He turned to Brooks who appeared to be considering the statement.

“He one of your former slaves?”

“No. We both signed on to protect this town six months ago. I am ashamed to say, I originally refused to ride with him due to my…”

“Prejudices,” Brooks offered.

“Yes. Again, I ask, what is your opinion of Vin’s condition?”

“It’s serious. I have a few ideas. Your healer friend says he is a fighter so, there’s a chance.”

“If fight is what it takes, then Mr Tanner’s recovery is assured. So, you are heading to…”

“I was on my way to Bottlewood before your boy sheriff waylaid me. Bottlewood is growing and advertised for a doctor.” Again, Brooks surveyed the clinic.

Ezra was well aware of what he was contemplating. “We appreciate your help with Vin, but please do not get too comfortable here.”

Brooks glanced back at Ezra. “Is that a nice way of saying I am not welcome. Others may not share your view.”

Ezra smiled. “True, but Mr Larabee and my view are one and the same. I understand you met him earlier today.”

Brooks licked his lips nervously. Cleary, Chris had made his usual impression. “We better try to get some more water into this young man.”

“When Mr. Jackson returns.”

“I am more than capable of…”

“Do not mistake my aimable manner as a suggestion. We will wait for Mr Jackson. So, care to join me in a game?” Ezra withdrew a set of cards.

“And if I were to insist on the water?”

“That would not be a prudent course of action on your part. Gin or Poker?”

********

Ezra greeted Nathan on the landing about thirty minutes later, the door open so they could view the actions of Dr Brooks who was hovering over the still figure in the bed. “He wanted to give Vin some water. I convinced him to wait for your return.”

“Thanks.”

“He is looking for a place to set up practice.”

“Yeah, I thought as much. It was only a matter of time.”

“The moment you tire of his company, I am more than willing to convince him to leave our humble metropolis. Assuredly, it would be a pleasure. Just say the word.”

Nathan winked. “Thanks, Ezra.”

*********

At 4:00pm, Chris returned. He nodded to Nathan, who was seated at the desk reading his medical books again; and then to Brooks who was standing at the window scanning Four Corners.

Larabee walked around and sat on the edge of the bed facing his friend as he had done on so many occasions. Withdrawing his whittling knife and a piece of wood he began sliding the blade along it.

Brooks watched him fascinated. Not once did the gunfighter look at the man on the bed. After twenty minutes, Larabee pocketed the things in his hands and rose. “You need anything?” he asked Nathan.

“No.”

The gunfighter dipped his chin to Brooks and then strode from the room.

********

At 4:15pm, there was a light knock on the door. Alex rose off the bed as it opened to reveal a scruffy man with a bloodied bandage around his hand.

“Come in. I’m Doctor Brooks.”

“Yeah, heard you were a quack.” The man stepped around Brooks and nodded to Nathan.”

“Oliver, what have you done?”

“Was working out the back of my place and got it jammed in the carriage axel. Pulled it out and got it snagged on a nail.”

“Show me,” Nathan ordered, unfolding the bandage. “Okay, let’s bathe it so I can get a good look.”

Ten minutes later, Oliver, sporting a half a dozen stitches and bandaged hand, walked toward the door. “Thanks Nathan. Will drop in some potatoes for you tomorrow.”

“I want to have a look at that dressing each day for the next few.”

“How’s Vin?”

Nathan’s eyes wandered to his silent patient. “No better.”

“Sorry to hear that.” Oliver ignored Brooks who had not said a word since being called a ‘quack’ and walked out of the clinic.

“You don’t actually charge for your service?”

“People pay what they can.”

“In potatoes.”

“Sometimes.”

********

At 4:30pm, Chris arrived.

At 4:45pm he left.

During his visit, he didn’t utter a single syllable.

Alex listened to the sound of the retreating spurs. “He isn’t going to handle things very well if…”

“No, he won’t,” Nathan agreed.

*********

At 4:55pm, there was another light knock on the door. Again, Alex went to answer it. There he found a well-dressed man; a man of breeding and good judgment, the doctor assessed.

“Hello,” the other greeted. “You’re the doctor Sheriff Dunne was talking about.”

Alex smiled. “Yes, how may I help you?”

“Nice to meet you.” The man looked over to Jackson. “Nathan, Nelly has a belly ache. Ate far too many plums. Got the wind.”

Nathan smiled, went to a shelf and grabbed a large brown bottle. “Give her a spoon full of this now and again in an hour.”

“Thanks. Knew you’d have something to help. I’ll bring the bottle back later.” The man took a few coins from his pocket and handed them to the healer.

“Mark, this is too much.”

“Rubbish.” Mark glanced across at Vin and then looked at Brooks. “Have you been able to help Vin?”

“His condition is complicated.”

“We’re all praying for him.” With that, and another nod to Nathan, he left.

“He chose to see you over speaking to me.” Brooks was astonished. “I thought someone like him would be...”

“Be? Be impressed by your qualifications? Out here, trust is the only thing that is important,” Nathan stated quietly.

********

At 5:00pm, Alex and Nathan were standing on the landing getting some air. Townsfolk below paused and called out wanting an update. Upon hearing there was no change, they went on their way. “It’s been about thirty-six hours,” Nathan murmured.

“He will start to get weaker soon. No water. No food. A tube, forced down his throat, would allow me to pour water directly into his stomach.”

Deep crevasses lined Nathan’s brow. Such an act was something conducted in some modern, well-equipped hospitals, but even there, it was a procedure fraught with danger. Most patients drowned or died because of the damage done to the oesophagus as the tube was inserted. Doing something like that here, was nothing short of a death sentence… and it was the second time Dr Brooks had suggested something Nathan knew simply couldn’t work.

Following the incident with the water, Nathan had consulted his medical journals. All said the same thing – never try to get an unconscious patient to drink anything because they would most likely inhale it; just as Nathan had feared.

There was an arrogance about Brooks. The man thought himself to be better than he was… and Nathan had the feeling he was hiding something. There were two explanations that came to mind. One: Alexander Brooks had made one hell of a mistake at some time and didn’t want anyone to uncover his past or two:…

“You’re not a qualified doctor, are you?”

Brooks continued to stare straight ahead, looking over the town, the right side of his mouth rising in a smirk. “What makes you say that?”

“You jump in without thinking of the consequences. A doctor is supposed to do less harm than what has already happened.”

“I have my own ideas. Theories. If they work, they will save countless lives in the future.”

“And if they don’t, people will die today. Did you think Vin was someone expendable you could experiment on… to try out your theories?” Nathan’s disgust was replaced with anger.

Alex continued to stare out in front of him. “I have to try them on someone.”

“Not on my patients. Not without asking them if they are happy to be used as a trial for your ideas.”

“Is wanting to advance medicine wrong?”

“No, of course not! But this isn’t the place to do it!”

“You’re an intelligent man, Nathan… and a talented doctor. But like so many others, you lack insight. I graduated top of my class at medical college. During the war, I worked day and night in a hospital trying to stop young men from drying. I had ideas, but the senior doctors wouldn’t let me try them and men died because of it. Old men with closed minds, terrified of trying something new, reported me. I was put on trial for negligence. The man would have died anyway. His sacrifice enabled me to gather more data.”

“His sacrifice! Did you get his consent?”

“I was cleared of any wrongdoing, but the damage was done. My name had been sullied in the city… and the war left me penniless. I had no option but to seek a place to practice in the ass-end of humanity.”

“Penniless?”

Brooks’ voice dropped. “I fought on the Confederate side.”

“Yeah, I’d worked that out. Your accent was a dead giveaway and you seem to think you can give me orders.”

Alex shot Nathan an unimpressed look. “I suppose you want me to apologise for who I am? Not sure I can change.”

“Change takes time and a man has to want it.”

“My family lost everything. I lost everything and was made to feel like a butcher. My dream was stolen from me by people scared of their own shadows and of new and free thinking. The name Brooks and was supposed to be one at the forefront of medical innovation. I want people to say… yes, that is possible if you use the Brook’s Method. I wanted to teach others, but… now I can’t. I have been left to wander aimlessly from town to town trying to prove my theories. Bottlewood was going to be my new start.” Brooks turned to Nathan. “Do you understand?”

“Do I understand?” Nathan repeated, flabbergast.

“I believe we can work together.”

Alex Brooks was arrogant, selfish, self-centred and out for what he could get. Patients were a means to an end. For him, being a doctor wasn’t about healing but advancing his own ego. His theories. His name. He was more than willing to play God. And now he wanted to use Nathan and his relationship with Four Corners as a means to so.

Nathan despised men like Brooks. However, for everything he was and wasn’t, Brooks was still a doctor. For Vin’s sake, Nathan felt he needed to put aside his personal feelings. “North and South,” Jackson murmured. “The war may be over but there is still a lot of hurt and resentment. It comes down to individuals to make change and to find common ground. I’m quoting our local preacher by the way… I guess we have no choice but to work together. But if you even look like experimenting on Vin or anyone else, I’ll do more than stop you.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“I shouldn’t need to. You’re a doctor and we have a patient who needs us. That is what being a doctor means.”

Below, they spotted Ezra crossing the street with two mugs of coffee in hand.

“North and South. You and he seem to get along okay.”

At this, Nathan snorted. Ezra was nothing like this man. “We don’t see eye to eye on a lot of things and probably never will, but Ezra’s a good friend.” A better man than he believes himself to be, Nathan realized. A better man than Nathan had ever given him credit for.

Ezra arrived with the steaming beverages and handed each of the men one. “Go on you two. Go and get some rest. I have instructed my barkeep to provide you with sustenance. I will keep an eye on Rip-Van Winkle for half an hour.”

*********

Ezra settled himself in the chair reserved for Vin’s regular visitors. “Mr Tanner, it is time you stopped all of this lying around. The town is literally falling apart around us. You probably think I am exaggerating. I assure you, I am not. I have been inconvenienced too many times to count. Did you know, that in the big city the city councils engage people to conduct civic chores? It would appear you have taken on that role without direction or renumeration. When I arose from my slumber this morning, the flares were still burning. I actually had to put them out myself, an insufferable hassle. Then I noticed that none of the shop keepers had put out their signs. It seems you have taken on this duty as well.”

For some time, Ezra burbled. “And as for Mr Wilmington…” Ezra paused. He couldn’t keep it up. Overcome with guilt, the scene that had taken place in the saloon replayed in his mind. Hornby had been sitting directly behind Vin. Ezra hadn’t seen him rise, but had seen the bottle flash… saw Vin’s head snap forward... saw his friend’s knees buckle. “I should have had your back. I am so sorry, my friend.”

Ezra shut his eyes. The clinic was in complete silence. Voices wafted from the street.

Ezra opened his eyes, looked down on Vin and laid his hand on his friend’s arm. “You cannot die, Vin. Too many people depend on you. I am but one of them. There was another ‘brawl’ today. Others do not have your finesse when it comes to controlling such… how did Miss Rocios put it, ‘necessary high-spirited rabblerousing.’ Two chairs were destroyed, and a table scratched. I do believe that should the Judge end our current arrangement I may need to pay you to be a security guard. Fifty cents a day for you to spend the late afternoon and evening sitting watching the antics of my clientele. No need for room and board considering you live in that abomination on the street… though, you will not be able to stay there forever. I do have a room I can let you have. It is only small, though much bigger than that contraption you insist on living in.”

Ezra paused. “Come on, my friend. Please. I need you to… I need you.”

**********

Across the street, Josiah stood at the altar reading from the Bible. A loud caw drew his attention. Striding to the window, he spotted the crow on the roof of the grain exchange. The bird hacked again.

“No, bird of darkness. You cannot…” Josiah peered past the bird to the saloon.

“Oh, I see.”

---

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