The Wages of Sin/Angie, by Derry (PG-13)

[the-hobbet.livejournal.com]

Fandom: THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
Pairing: gen
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Black Raptor listing
Why this must be read:

One of Ezra's most endearing characteristics is his rapport with children and Derry creates a real charmer who wraps him around her little finger. This is a story with heart-in-your-throat action and a heart-warming core that explores a surprising, yet utterly authentic, side of our favorite conman.

In 'Angie' Derry takes the central plot ideas from 'The Wages of Sin' and transposes them to the ATF Alternate Universe. It's interesting to see how much the different parameters of the two Universes affect how the story must be played out. It's recognizable, but different enough to be read as a story in its own right.

Both 'The Wages of Sin' and 'Angie' have sequels that are must reads.

Just a taste of The Wages of Sin

"I promise I won't hurt you. You must be hungry. Is that why you were lookin' in the kitchen?"

He turned as the back door of the saloon opened again. Teresa stood in the open doorway, her face unreadable. Then she slowly and deliberately approached the wagon.

"Angelica," she called, softly.

The four-year-old waif that appeared was very like a miniature version of Teresa but dressed in an outfit worthy of Chris Larabee. Ezra guessed that the black tunic and trousers were intended to render her less visible at night. She looked uncertainly from Teresa to Ezra and back again but said nothing.

Ezra crouched down to the girl's level and smiled gently at her, "Hello. As I said, you must be hungry." With a minor flourish, he produced from behind her ear and presented to her the cookie which he had stolen from the baking tray in the kitchen.

Timidly, the child took it from his hand but before she could place it in her mouth, Teresa spoke again.

"What do you say, Angelica?"

"Gracias, senor."

Teresa sighed, "English, Angelica."

"Thank you, sir"

Ezra's smile broadened, "You're more than welcome, Miss Angelica."

Angelica once again tried to take a bite from the cookie but Teresa hadn't quite finished.

"And I thought I told you never to accept anything from strangers."

Angelica again froze guiltily with the cookie halfway to her mouth, then she rallied, "But he's a friend of yours, isn't he?" And with that she took a bite before anything else could stop her.

The Wages of Sin
Angie