#3 Voices in the Wind: The final story in the Written on the Winds Trilogy also concludes the Strength & Solidarity Series. The MCAT 7 take ownership of their legacy, but find the challenge rougher than they expected, both in their personal lives, and at work.

Tannertexaslady Notes: Any mistakes are mine. I'm a Texan, born and raised, speak Texan, understand it, and write it, as I know it. The original characters created for this series belong to the authors who created them. 'Raven' aka Brodie Tanner, first appeared in Series 1 - # 7 Reconciliations. 'Cowboy' and 'Tracker' first appeared in Series 2 - # 1 Shades of Gray.

Acknowledgments: To my betas, thank y'all ~ Sarai, thanks for catching all those rogue typos and commas. Wendy, I appreciate the great MCAT beta, and thanks to Christy for the onceover. Ladies of Muse 7, y’all are wonderful, and I'm grateful for your critique.

Bountyhunter’slady, the collages you create are awesome. All of your collages amaze me, and I love the art you have contributed to the MCAT Series.

From Sue: Ditto to the betas, Jo, and Muse girls. Thanks for keeping us on track. Also, my love and thanks to Zach...my real life JJ'

September

Throwing down his dead microphone in frustration, Chris cursed the new equipment. 'Hell….that's what this is…freaking hell.' From his concealed position, Larabee caught his breath and scanned the shadows and packing cases for his scattered teammates. The intensity of the battle had thrown him out of sync, and he could not get a read on any of them. 'So much for our alleged connections.'

Checking his weapon, Chris cursed again at the inopportune timing of their current confrontation. Despite being certain they were ready for anything, this encounter proved them wrong. Michael Langley, their sharpshooter, was already down, and the odds were not favorable. The opposition had them out numbered, out gunned, and regrettably out maneuvered. The enforced situation they had been hurtled into just days after their return to MCAT, and the mish mash of mental images clouding his thoughts, made Chris Larabee one very pissed off Special Agent in Command.

Dodging his head around the packing crate from which he was taking cover, he was relieved to see Josiah and Nathan to his right. Further searching located Buck and JD. As he tried to figure out how the hell he had gotten himself cornered like this, all hell broke loose, and the sounds of gunfire exploded around them.

Josiah looked to Nathan for guidance while they maneuvered about large　containers and discarded machinery to dodge the onslaught of ricocheting shots. 　Incoming mental signals melded into one. When nothing obvious from his partner sprang to mind, he decided to take the initiative to protect his teammates.

"I'm on the move," he yelled to Nathan, exposing his position, and shooting as he advanced on the enemy fire.

The members of Alpha Team watched in horror. Caught in the crossfire, Josiah hit the warehouse floor, where he remained unmoving.

Nathan jumped up, and ran to protect his fallen teammate. Fire from the opposition dropped him before he took his second step.

Buck sensed the indecision in his youngest brother; JD picked up nothing but frustration from Buck. Moving from a crouched to a standing posture, they witnessed Josiah and Nathan go down as several weapons fired at them simultaneously. Their hearts pounding and breathing accelerating, they scrutinized the building for any clue as to where the next threat was.

Spotting Chris across the warehouse, Buck shouted to him, "Hold your position, Eagle One."

From a concealed location Agents Wilmington and Dunne surged forward, guns blazing to protect their CO. Watching JD go down hard caused Buck’s heart to constrict, a mere second before he met his own demise, and dropped to the floor next to his unmoving teammate and sibling.

Chris stared in horrified fascination, freezing when a cold, gloating voice floated over him from behind.

"I finally got you Larabee… Kiss your ass goodbye."

Chris closed his eyes in bitter acceptance, hoping the events of this day would not be in vain, and he hoped Vin and Ezra would one day understand.

Tanner Home

"Hell that's what this is…pure hell.' Kelli slammed the truck door, and did not even wait for Vin to exit the passenger side before striding into the house, muttering as she entered the kitchen. "He's acting worse than the twins…He's a grown man for heaven's sake. I swear he's as prickly as a grumpy old porcupine lately."

Max looked up from cutting vegetables, and asked, "Problems, Hon?"

Kelli huffed, "Yeah, instead of four children, I have five! Vin complained all the way to the doctor's office, and then had the nerve to tell me to sit in the waitin' room while 'he' talked to Gilford. He tried to tell me how to drive, where to turn, speed up, slow down, go this way, don't go that way…ugh."

Max smiled. "Most men do not take well to being ill or injured. Vin is a man who is used to activity, and now finds he has to have naps just to keep up with everyone. It's going to be a while yet, before he can go back to doing the things he's used to doing. Give him time…your old Vin will be back soon."

"You mean, if I don't strangle him first," Kelli murmured as her husband ambled inside.

"Kel, I need you to come to my office, I want to go over some things with you." Vin did not even say hello to Max, just kept walking.

She knew he was tired from the trip to the doctor, and he looked pale. He should be resting, but the expression on his face told her he had something on his mind that would not wait. Kelli shook her head and followed him, wondering what in the hell he was up to now.

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Vin sat down at his desk, and when he noticed that Kelli was not coming further than the door, he said, "You might as well sit down. This could take a while."

Reluctantly she sat in the chair opposite his, and asked, "Are you gonna tell me what Doctor G said?"

Shrugging his shoulder, Vin answered. "Nothin' new. He wants me to wait before I start on any heavy workout routine, and return in two weeks." He sighed. "I reckon it's his way of sayin' I'm not healin' like he wanted." Pulling a folder from his desk drawer, he laid it on the desk. "Ezra helped me pull this together. You need to know more about our business affairs. We were lucky this time…next time…"

"Next time?" Kelli's brows furrowed. "Vin…"

He continued as if she had not said a word. "I've given this a lot of thought. I had my will updated to make sure the twins were included, and Ezra has a copy. It's all here in this folder, bank accounts…the trusts, stocks, land deeds, and pension information…This gives you an idea of our net worth as of today. Of course that can change as L7 grows, and you have your own money from your trusts, your salary, and the inheritance Linda left you, but…"

Kelli stood, attempting to rein in her surge of anger. "I am not havin' this discussion. You're not dyin' anytime soon, Vin, and if, God forbid, you do go before me, I'm certain I can find out anythin' I don't already know …besides, since when is it yours and mine? I thought everythin' was ours. Maybe I need to update my will…make certain MY business affairs are covered."

A stab of pain assaulted his emotions, and he snapped out a quick denial. "You are NOT dyin' before me. I just want to make sure you and the kids are taken care of …if…"

Silently counting to ten, Kelli sighed, before interrupting him, "I think…you should go read a book, take a shower, or somethin'. I have a trainin' class to teach that starts on Monday, and I need to study up on whatever the hell it is I'm supposed to do."

"Damnit Kel, this is important," Vin yelled as he slammed the folder shut.

"Important to you… not to me," she yelled back at him. "When I saw you come off the elevator with part of a freakin' tree stuck in your chest, and had to stand there while you crashed goin' into the trauma room…the last thing on my mind was our net worth! All those days in the hospital watchin' you breathe on a vent, and not wakin' up…Do you think I gave a rat's ass about trusts, stocks, and deeds? IF that's what you think then we have a BIG problem…and it doesn't have a damn thing to do with your accident! You might be the one havin' to heal, but you are not the only one who wants our life back!"

"So it's MY fault you have to take on a teachin' class. MY fault we aren't makin' love…My fault you have to drive me everywhere….I'm sorry as hell it inconveniences you so damn much!"

"I didn't say that…" Kelli heard one of the twins wake up crying. "Aw hell… I need to go check on Trey. Vin…just quit thinkin' so much about all of this…" her voice softened, "please." Frustrated by their argument, Kelli sighed, and started to reach out to him, but he waved her away.

"Go take care of Trey. I'll just take MY nap, and I can find my way to the bedroom by myself." Vin watched her walk out, chastising himself for letting their discussion get out of hand. He rubbed his palm across the scars on his chest, and shook his head. He did not want to fight with his wife; he only wanted to protect her. 'Can't she understand?' Picking up the piece of branch Gilford gave him, he turned the unusual work of art in his hands. In spite of surviving the impossible, he was beginning to think he had no control over the changes his accident was making in their lives.

Standish Home

Ezra sat, reviewing the plans for the L7 Children's Activity Center, keeping one eye on Barbara and Cait as they fussed over Pearl. The weeks had flown by, and he found it hard to believe that his little girl was almost a month old. Although he had enjoyed every second of his time off with his wife and daughter, it seemed strange not to be at work. While they had not said anything, he felt things were not going well for his brothers at MCAT. He had also seen firsthand how Vin was struggling with his enforced recovery time at home. An odd sensation across his chest had him frowning, and rubbing the affected area.

"Honey, did you hear me?" Barbara asked, drawing his attention.

The pain vanished, and he answered, "I'm sorry, sweetheart. What did you say?"

Shaking her head, Barbara smiled. "I said…we can look into this CPS situation for Cait…can't we?"

Ezra understood what she was talking about, a subject they had been discussing earlier. At first, Child Protective Services had asked to use the Reins' dorm for temporary housing for their overflow. It was now going on three months, and they had not made a move to find permanent accommodations. "We certainly can. I believe it's necessary for us to find out what definition of 'temporary' the State is using."

"I don't mind helping CPS, but with my work hours cut short, I need to bring in more assistants. Our roster is full, and it looks as if I'll need to add more sessions. When I do, I'll need rooms for them to stay over when necessary." Cait explained. "The way it stands now, my hands are tied. I'll have to either turn away new clients, or get my dorm back. Our generous contributors do not pledge their money for the state; it's for the children who need the help. I cannot risk losing the funding for my Reins' kids."

"I assure you that will not happen." Ezra laid down his work, stood, and then walked over to take Pearl from his wife. "I cannot imagine how the parents of your handicapped and disabled children feel. The financial burden of finding support for their children must weigh heavy on their minds. We will do whatever is necessary to ensure Reins is available for those who need it."

Barbara laid her hand on Cait's, and said, "You take care of your baby, and don't stress over this. Ezra will find a solution…he always does."

Cait looked over at Ezra holding Pearl, and smiled, while without thinking, she rubbed her stomach. "Trust me. I'm not doing anything that would put this baby at risk. I know we've been blessed."

"I'll make a few phone calls, and get things rolling. If need be, I'll find another suitable location for the CPS intake office myself." Ezra assured her.

Tanner Home

Kelli had her feet up in the swing, reading her training manual, while keeping an eye on Bren and Trey, who were busy playing in the sandbox. When the swing shifted, she gasped in surprise, looking up to see her father-in-law grinning.

Brodie looked down at her, and said, "You're losing your edge, Kel. Most any other time you'd have heard me coming."

"I've got a lot on my mind, and wasn't expectin' a sneak attack." She sat up in the swing. "I'm tryin' to study for my assignment, but between keepin' watch on the boys, and worryin' about your son; I'm not makin' much headway."

"The boys look like they're having fun." Brodie sat down beside her. "Vin saw the doctor today…problem?"

"Hell if I know. He wouldn't let me go in with him." Kelli sighed. "Vin is not tellin' me much these days. All he does is bitch and complain. He's not sleepin' enough, or I let him sleep too long. The kids are too loud, or they're not around enough… it's like livin' with Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde. I never know which one he's gonna be."

Brodie nodded. "Vin never was good at being sick or injured, and the nature of his injuries, the surgery, the anesthesia, and the pain meds are all working to pull him down physically. I imagine he feels like a tethered hawk about now."

Kelli shook her head. "A healthy hawk can fly if he gets loose. Vin is gonna have to build up by takin' small steps. Doc told me before we left the hospital that it would take time for him to regain his strength. He's tired a lot, and I understand it's difficult for him to admit that he's not in the shape he was before the accident, but…damnit, I almost lost him, and while I don't like waitin' either, I'll do it. The least he can do is to try and show some of the Tanner patience he's always claimed to have."

Brodie stood. "I'm going to stick around until the kids get home from school. Maybe I can draw Vin back into our chess game, and try talking to him."

"He's in the house. Go for it, and good luck."

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Vin glanced in the bathroom mirror, and sighed. He saw a longhaired, scruffy looking, tired man. Never in his life had he felt so worn out from just taking a shower. The scars were not bright red anymore, but they were very visible, and a constant reminder of his lack of energy. There had been many times in his life when he was exhausted, and in pain, but he still managed to keep going, by willpower alone. Now, he could barely walk from his bedroom to the deck without stopping to rest along the way.

'Damn, Tanner, nothin' is goin' right for you. Physically, you can't do half of the things you want to. Mentally, you're strugglin' with this Heart Warrior business. Sexually, the spirit is willing, but your body keeps goin' to sleep. It's a damn shame when a man is reduced to fantasizin' about makin' love to his wife, and can't do more than that.'

Shaking his head, he reached for his sweatpants, and pulled them on. A knock on the bedroom door, drew his attention. He knew Kelli would not knock, and it was too early for the kids to be home. Barefoot and shirtless he padded out of the bathroom to see who it was.

Opening the door, he nodded. "Come on in, Dad."

Brodie stepped inside. "Thought I'd come see if you've made another move on our chess game."

"Yeah, it don't take a lot of energy to move a chess piece." Vin sulked, as he dug out a clean shirt from his dresser drawer. "It's your turn."

Noticing the unmistakable tone of cynicism in his son's words, and the grimace on his face when he stretched to dress, Brodie frowned. Sitting down in 'his' chair, he avoided letting Vin see his expression, and studied the game board. "You're moving around better than a few days ago. Soon as you're ready, I want to set up a workout schedule with you. We can start slow."

Vin waited to answer until he sat down opposite his father. "Doc said I can start on a light workout next week, and maybe return to work in January." He shook his head. "I need to sort out a few things before I can concentrate on it."

Taking his time to respond, Brodie moved one of the chess pieces, and then asked, "Anything I can help with?"

"I doubt it. Hell, I'm not sure there are any answers for what I need."

Brodie leaned back in his chair and studied his son. "Try me."

Knowing that his father understood about the connection with his ancestors, Vin nodded, and said, "All right. Evidently, I had to go through all this to learn how to be some kind of Heart Warrior. What I learned was gonna make our 'transition' easier, but it hasn't happened. If anythin', it's only made me more confused and uncertain. I'm not alone, either. The frustration I feel from my brothers is the same as mine. We thought acceptin' ownership of our legacy would be all that was necessary, but nothin' seems to be goin' like we expected."

Thinking about his words, Brodie nodded. "Yeah I reckon since y'all's ancestors had over a hundred years to figure it all out, you and your brothers were supposed to work it out in only a few short months. Hell, what did you need them for anyway? I mean, y'all clearly understand a helluva lot more than they do. Right?"

Now Vin was the one frowning. It had not occurred to him that it would take more time to make this legacy thing work. He, as well as his brothers, thought all they had to do was go for it. "I reckon when you put it that way, maybe we expected too much, too soon, but…" Still puzzled over the events that had led him to where he was today, he looked across the table, and asked, "If it's only more time we need, why the hell did I have to go through all this? I could have learned what I needed without havin' a freakin' tree land on me."

Brodie shrugged. "Maybe you needed to learn something specific."

"Like what? That I hate bein' laid up? That I miss bein' able to make love to my wife? That no matter how hard I try, I can't harness the mental gifts I've acquired, or figure out how to guide the others. Hell, maybe it's another damn test to see what it takes to drive me nuts." Frustrated, and not expecting an answer, he looked down at the board. Making a move, he took Brodie's bishop. "You're slippin', Dad. You left him wide open."

"I did, didn't I?" Brodie smiled, and said, "Sometimes, Son, you have to bide your time, and make a major sacrifice to get what you want." He made his move. "Checkmate."

"Damn," Vin muttered as he laid down his king. "You had that planned, and I missed seein' it."

Brodie met his son's gaze. "Don't lose sight of the bigger picture, Son. 'Cause if you do, it will always come back and bite you on the ass."

Vin nodded. "Message received. I reckon I might need to adjust my point of view."

"Think on it a while, you'll find your answers." Brodie stood. "I'm going to stick around until Jason and Andi get home, visit a bit, and then kidnap Bren and Trey for the weekend. Reckon I should let Kel know, too. You coming with me?"

"I'll be out in a few minutes. I want to make a phone call first."

Brodie patted his son on the shoulder as he walked past him, and pointed to the Karma Sutra chair on the other side of the room. "What you need boy is to get rid of some pent up tension. You need to get laid. Take hold of that gorgeous girl of yours tonight,　and put that chair to good use." He winked and grinned at his son's expression.

"What the hell do you know about that kind of chair?"

Brodie laughed. "I know you got it more for you, than as a gift for Kelli. Now take some sound advice from your old man, and get in some action tonight. Trust me;　it'll be a helluva lot easier to think straight once you do."

Vin　acknowledged his father's words with a nod. He was painfully aware that part of his problem was sexual frustration. Delivered while he was in the hospital, he and Kelli had not yet had the opportunity to use their 'love chair'. 'Time to stop worryin' about what I can't do, and concentrate on doin' what I can. Tonight, we'll revisit our chair.'

First though, he had to reach Chris. He had not been able to get a read on him all day; it was time to call him to find out what the hell was going on. He waited until his father walked out, and then reached for the phone to call Larabee. Before he could do so, the phone rang and a strange sense of foreboding washed over him.

Chapter 2

Unforeseen events provide us with opportunities to change our direction, which often clear the way for Fate.

Orrin Travis and Sam Russo stood side-by-side. The scene before them was unfolding, and what they observed, pleased neither man. Mike Hutchins, the man who had replaced Orrin at the ATF, walked by, and slapped Travis on the back. "Tough day for MCAT."

Restraining a sharp response, Travis only nodded. It had been a very tough day for his MCAT agents. In retrospect, he was not certain his decision to keep them off work had obtained the desired benefits he expected. Instead of refreshed, rested agents, he had a unit of men who had been away from the action too long. Now they had paid the ultimate price for it.

"You want to supervise the debriefing, or do you want me to?" Sam asked Travis.

Orrin sighed. "I created this disaster, I'll do it." He walked over, looked at his team, and pointed to the man in charge. "In my office…fifteen minutes."

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Standing in front of the window, Orrin heard his office door open. Without turning around, he asked. "What the hell happened out there?"

"We got our collective butts kicked, that's what happened." Ripping off the vest he was wearing, Chris sat down. "You can't say anything we haven't already thought ourselves. We screwed up, and now we'll have to listen to that pompous ATF Team Leader, Grant Dean, crow about beating our asses from here to next Sunday."

Travis turned around. "He always did have it in for your team, even when you were still ATF." Shaking his head, Travis sat down, too. "Look, I'd like to have won this damn laser tag competition as much as any of you, but my concern goes further than that. If Alpha Team is not ready to get back in the field, I need to know."

Chris sighed. "I'll admit, we're facing a few challenges, but we're working through them. Don't worry about Alpha team; we can take on whatever you want to throw our way." He stood. "Right now, though, I'm sending everyone home for the weekend. See you Monday morning."

After watching Chris stride out of his office, Travis leaned forward and rubbed his temples, wondering why he never had these headaches, while Alpha Team was on leave.

MCAT Office

Josiah, Buck, Nathan, and JD sat slumped in their chairs, waiting for Chris. The aggravation they all were feeling bounced from one to another, magnifying it ten-fold. It was difficult enough coming back to work after being off for almost five months, under perfect circumstances; however, with Vin's injury, Ezra still out, and them feeling their frustration on top of their own, things just were not going as they expected.

Chris entered the room, took one look at his brothers, and knew they had to talk about this. "Okay, the ATF team kicked our ass in today's competition. I'm sure Grant and his men will razz us about it until hell freezes over, but it's only one loss among dozens of wins. They didn't beat us out there…we beat ourselves."

JD looked up. "I thought things were supposed to be easier for us, once we accepted ownership of our legacy." He glanced at the rest of his brothers. "I don't know about you guys, but I felt anything but connected out there today."

"He's right." Buck nodded. "Hell, we were more in sync with each other before we ever heard about any damn code."

Nathan rubbed his chest. "I keep getting a huge feeling of frustration coming from Vin, and I feel his pain when I think about him."

Josiah agreed. "I think we all feel it, Nate. Ezra too, he's enjoying his time with Barbara and the baby, but he misses being with us here."

Chris listened, and came to his own conclusion. "Right after we got our code, and Vin realized he had more mental skills, I remember him saying it was like a beehive buzzing around in his head. He was picking up stray thoughts from everyone he met. He figured out how to control that, but maybe it's kind of what we're doing. We're picking up too many feelings at the same time."

"Makes sense, that would explain our confused signals, and high levels of frustration." Josiah nodded. "If Vin worked it out for himself, then he can tell us how he did it."

"You guys, go on home. I'll call Tanner and set up a meeting for us at his house tomorrow morning at ten. We need to get this under control before a real disaster hits us in the ass."

Chris waited until they left, and then picked up the phone to call Vin.

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Vin waited until his father walked out, and then reached for the phone to call Larabee. Before he could do so, the phone rang and a strange sense of foreboding washed over him.

Grabbing the receiver, he barked, "What the hell you been doin', Larabee?"

"Getting my ass kicked. Today was not one of our better days."

"Who took you down?"

"Grant Dean got the drop on me and he's damn proud of it."

"Grant always was a bastard. He hated us more than he ever admitted."

"Yeah, and he's gonna milk this for all he can." Chris paused. "Look, we're all having a time of it trying to get this new connection thing down. I think you might be able to help. I want us to meet at your house tomorrow morning at ten. You okay with it?"

Tanner thought about what Brodie said earlier. Maybe they did expect too much too soon. "I'm fine with it. See you in the mornin'." Replacing the receiver, Vin made a decision. One way or another he was going to take control of his life again, and do whatever it was a Heart Warrior was suppose to do. First, he had to set his own house in order, and to do that, he had to reconnect with his wife.

Tanner Home

Vin had spent the remainder of the afternoon thinking about how to use the mental skills he had acquired to get past this low point in his life. After supper, he retired to the bedroom to gather the things he needed to pull off his new plan, and rest as much as he could, while Kelli took care of the children's arrangements for the evening. As he waited for her, he fantasized about all the things he wanted to do with his woman, concentrating on trying to recapture the mental connection they had shared at their cabin a few short weeks ago.

It was close to ten before Kelli walked into the bedroom. Stretched out on the bed, wearing sweatpants, he looked up from the book he had been attempting to read. Just seeing her stirred the longing in his loins, but he wanted to make this night long lasting and special "Hey, Baby, you get everyone settled?"

Surprised to find him awake, Kelli nodded. "Yep. Your dad took Bren and Trey home with him. Jason is at the Wilmington's to spend the night with Caleb, and I delivered Sarah, Maria, and Andi to the Sanchez home, so they could stay overnight with Joanne. I locked up the house, and shut everthin' down." She began to undress. "I'm gonna take a quick shower before I come to bed. You need anythin' before I do?"

"Nah, you go ahead. I'll wait for you." He observed her from beneath hooded eyes, while she stripped. When she bent over to wrap her beautiful red tresses in a towel, he was afraid his resolve might break before she left the room. The need he felt growing for her was intense, but he was determined to do this right. He shut out everything except the burning desire building inside him for his wife.

"Okay, I won't be long." Tossing her clothes into the hamper, she moved to the bathroom, but could not resist a bit of sashaying in front of her husband. They might not be making love right now, but that did not mean she was not thinking about his gorgeous body.

Vin hid his smile as he picked up her carnal thoughts. Hell, she was as primed as he was. Taking one more look as her sweet, bare backside disappeared through the door, he waited until he heard the water running and the shower door close, before setting into motion the first part of his plan to seduce his wife.

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The hot water felt good, but Kelli reckoned she should be taking a cold shower instead. The image of a half-naked Vin laying on their bed was stuck in her mind. Although she knew, she would wait until hell froze over to act on her thoughts, rather than hurt him in any way, the visuals her mind was conjuring up sent hot flashes through her body. Sighing, she turned off the water, opened the door, and stepped out of the shower to find the object of her desire standing there waiting for her, holding a towel.

Wrapping the towel around her wet body, Vin pulled her against him, and whispered, "You still angry with me, Baby?"

Gazing into his eyes, she said, "I'm not angry with you, Vin. I just hate seein' you so down." She laid her hand on his chest, trailing her fingers over his scars, before gently placing kisses on them. "I've missed you."

Sensually rubbing the towel over her body, he inhaled at her touch, and delighted seeing her eyes darken with passion. "I was thinkin' the same thing about you." He pulled at the second towel, which was wrapped around her head, then reached up, and ran his fingers through her hair as it fell over her shoulders. Fisting his hand in her the long strands, he drew her head closer, leaning down to capture her mouth for a slow, tantalizing kiss, which held the promise of a long night of loving. "Have I told you how sexy you are?"

"Not lately." Kelli croaked out, feeling hot flames of passion race though her blood.

Going down on one knee, he dried her legs, as he caressed her calves. "I've been thinkin' about doin' this all day."

"Vin…"

Raising his head, he smiled. "I know what I'm doin', Baby. Tonight 'm takin' care of my woman, and we're both gonna enjoy the hell out of it." Taking her hand, he led her to the bedroom.

Kelli gasped at the sight that greeted her. Soft candlelight bathed the room, the scent of roses filled the air, and the sound of sexy music drifted from the stereo. "When and how did you pull this off?" She turned to her husband, smiling when she saw the look of pleasure in his eyes. Her Vin was back, and that was all that mattered.

Pulling her into his arms, he leaned his forehead against hers. "I just want to love you, Kel. Watch our shadows dance on the wall as we make love, see the passion in your eyes when we connect, steal your heart, and mentally reach the euphoric place we found together at the cabin." Whispering, he repeated the words he recited to her then, "Feel the promise of my words…."

Using his mental strength, Vin concentrated, moving his thoughts from his head to his heart…. all his senses…hearing, smell, taste, and feeling…connected. A euphoric flow of energy surged between them, taking them back to 'their special place', which overflowed with comforting warmth, absolute trust, and unconditional love.

Gazing into his eyes, Kelli could feel her emotions rise as the wordless message Vin was sending to her strengthened. A wonderful sense of inner peace and belonging came over her as their hearts beat in rhythm. Without breaking their connection, she reached down, and untied the drawstring on his sweats, allowing them to drop to the floor him.

Vin's eyes never left hers as she gazed at him. Their mental connection intensified her act of love, both feeling the pleasure of the other, and it was an awesome experience. It surprised him that he found it easier than before to maintain his mental energy. Now, sitting in the 'saddle' part of their love chair, Kelli faced him, their hands touching. The connection between them was strong, and the experience of making love and feeling one another's' pleasure was exhilarating.

Reaching up to brush a strand of hair from Kelli's face, Vin smiled. "Reckon I should have tossed the meds and just stayed in this chair with you all this time. I feel more alive than I have since I left the hospital."

"Doctor G would not have approved." Kelli grinned.

Pulling her closer, he tilted his head to nip at her neck, and then kissed his way across her throat, before gazing into her sapphire blue eyes. "Maybe, but I know somethin', Doctor G doesn't." Lacing his fingers with hers, he raised her hand to his lips. "This love of ours has a healin' power of its own. I love you, Kel. Here…now and always...feel my words."

Kelli felt every syllable, laced with his love and emotion. "Vin, your words are beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you are. I wanna love you, Baby, 'till the want in both of us is gone…all night long." Vin kissed her, and then gazed into her eyes, seeing the mirror image of the love he knew she saw in his.

Larabee Home

Tired after a frustrating day, Chris sat his shower-fresh body down on the edge of the bed. Cait had retired an hour earlier, and the sliver of light in the room was from the open bathroom door. He was aware of movement in the bed, but the unexpected warm tongue on his ears and neck, made him shudder with pleasure, and lose all thoughts about time. When his senses returned, he looked deep into sapphire blue eyes…

Sanchez Home

In his study, Josiah had been reading his Legends book. He and his brothers needed to get a handle on things, and he was desperate to find some clue to aid them. The desk lamp kept the room semi dark as he poured over the words, looking up as the study door creaked open. His breathing altered as his wife sashayed toward him. As she stopped and stood before him, he inhaled her arousal.

"This is for you." The voice floated over him as all around him melted into a blur. It took several long moments to be able to focus on the features before him…that beautiful, youthful face…

Jackson Residence

Nathan leaned back against the sloping pillows, enjoying the soft support as his weary body reenergized from the exquisite lovemaking session with his wife. His eyes flew open as he sucked the soft skin at the nape of her neck and clung to the trembling pale-skinned beauty…

Standish Home

Sitting on the bed below the heaped pillows beneath Barbara’s lower body, Ezra studied the beautiful features of his wife. Smiling, with eyes filled with love, Ezra stared at the red curls cascading over her ivory shoulders…

Wilmington Home

Inez and Buck sat in the center of their big bed, entwined in a passionate and penetrative embrace. He kissed her and gazed into unfocused blue eyes…

Dunne Residence

JD could not believe it. Standing in front of the hearth, Tess’s dark brown eyes looked deep into his. Touching his face with her slender fingers, she pulled her sweater over her head to reveal her slim body. His hand rested on her jean-clad butt, and he longed to feel her naked against him. Opening his eyes, the pair smiled at each other and he toyed with her thick red hair. "Oh, Kelli…"

M7M7M7M7M7

"Kelli…!"

Six lights snapped on in six different homes, as six brothers sat bolt upright in their　beds, their bodies still primed for the act of love. Each man trembled as they tried to comprehend what was happening.

Chris glanced at a slumbering Cait. Josiah eased out of bed so as not to disturb Mallory. Buck looked down at Inez, while Ezra got up to check on Pearl, leaving Barbara to her rest. JD blinked hard as he stared around　his empty bedroom, trying to figure out why he was rock hard, and thinking about his sister in law.

Shaky and disoriented, they each moved toward their living room windows, and stared out into the night, their minds in turmoil.

‘Kelli’?

Chapter 3

'Even the strongest bonds of friendship, trust, and family are tested when reason vanishes in the mists of frustration. Tension shatters the tranquility of the soul.'

Larabee Home 6:00 am

Unable to sleep after his disturbing, but vivid dream, Chris grabbed for the phone when it began ringing shortly after six. Reaching for it before it woke Cait or the children, he snapped, "Larabee." Recognizing a familiar voice, he frowned. "Buck? Little early to be calling. Is everything…" Chris paused at the disturbed ranting from the other end. "Buck…come over."

Within seconds of him ending the call, Ezra had rung, soon followed by Josiah, then Nathan. Instructing them to join him for coffee, Chris set things up for their arrival, while pondering how long it would take JD to call, and was surprised when he did not. He looked in on a rousing Caitlyn. "Baby, the guys are coming over. JD’s going to have to bring his little ones…"

Cait realized by the tone of her husband's voice that this was more than a social visit. "No problem. I’ll set up breakfast for the kids."

Chris smiled, hoping the guilty feelings that he was experiencing from his dream did not show. "Love you, ‘mama’."

Grinning as she touched a hand to her belly, Cait waved him off and went for a shower.

Dunne Home

JD paced, losing count of how many times he paused to pick up the phone, just to walk away again. Pushing his fingers through his hair, the young man’s mind went over and over the events of the night. He paced some more.

"Come on, JD…you need to talk to Chris." He sighed. "Oh yeah…right. How the hell do I tell my boss and older brother that I dreamed I was making love with his daughter and the wife of his son in law?" He rubbed at his unsettled stomach as it did another flip, almost jumping out of his skin when the phone rang.

Trying to control his shaking hand, he answered," Hello? Oh…" JD swallowed. "Uh, hi Chris. You must be psychic or something…I was about to call…" He frowned and checked his watch. "Now?" He glanced toward the children's rooms. "I can’t, the kids aren’t dressed yet." He nodded. "Okay, see you in half an hour."

Walking to the bedrooms, he looked in on JJ, smiling at the big grin that greeted him from the crib. "One up, two to go." He　checked on the girls, smiling with a mixture of sadness and pride as he watched them dressing themselves, and pick out the day’s choice of hair ribbons. "Hey…you want to go to Uncle Chris and Aunt Cait’s for breakfast?"

The squeals of excitement he received made JD laugh, sobering fast as he remembered why they were going. This was the easy part.

Larabee Home

The five men sat in virtual silence as they waited on JD. Josiah sprawled in an armchair, his arms folded across his broad chest. Nathan, was also sitting in a chair, and　was hunched forward, his elbows on his knees and his chin resting on clenched fists as he stared at the floor.

Ezra was sitting on the sofa, one arm resting on an armrest, as he appeared relaxed; but anyone who knew him well had already recognized he was like a coiled spring. Buck on the opposite end fidgeted, while the fingers of one hand tapped on the armrest. He turned his head as Ezra spoke.

"Buck, please. Must we suffer that perpetual drumming?"

Oblivious as to what Ezra was talking about; Buck frowned and shifted in his seat. "Where the hell is JD?" he huffed.

"He has little ones to attend to, Buck," Josiah reminded them, acknowledging the returned look as remorseful for the remark. The tension in the air crackled, and it was not surprising that people were snapping.

Chris watched in silence, his own frustration over JD’s tardiness beginning to grate on him. At last, the door opened, and all the men smiled as the Dunne twin girls entered bounding and chattering. Setting JJ down and smiling to Cait as she took charge of his brood, JD made an apologetic face.

"Sorry I’m late. JJ decided it would be fun to unravel a whole roll of toilet paper into the toilet, including the cardboard center,　and then flush. I think I might need a plumber."

The men could not help but laugh. Buck patted the seat between him and Ezra. "Take the weight off, Kid. When we’re done, I’ll come take a look."

Nodding his thanks for the coffee from Chris, JD sat down between his two brothers and sipped at the welcome, aromatic brew. Now that they were all together, no one seemed to want to speak. Chris glanced behind him to make certain that the kitchen door was not open, and then he looked to Josiah for assistance.

The big man sat forward. "Last night, I had a very vivid dream…." He paused and accepted the reactions to his words as confirmation that he was not the only one.

Chris closed his eyes, understanding that this was more than a bad dream; it was a hellish nightmare scenario for them all. "Can I take it from reading your expressions that Kelli featured in all of them?" The responses he received made him far more uncomfortable than he let on.

"You, too?" JD choked out. "But…she’s your daughter," he whispered. He blushed as he felt all eyes turn to him. "Sorry, but this is kinda freaking me out."

Chris took control. "Freaking out…good choice of words." He paused for a moment as he looked at his brothers. "I’m thinking maybe Vin was…," he faltered. Because it concerned his daughter, he did not care to dwell on the subject.

"Projecting?" Josiah offered.

"Dear Lord," Ezra said in disbelief.

"That would explain it," Nathan agreed.

"Holy crap," Buck muttered.

JD frowned. "Projecting? Projecting what?" As soon as he said the words, realization set in, and　he leaned an elbow on his knee and covered his eyes. "Oh."

"We’ve all been struggling to control this so-called ‘gift’, Chris continued, "stands to reason Vin might be, too."

"Oh shit," Buck was now also sitting forward. "Do you…do you think 'we' project … like…that?"

For once, JD relaxed. He had nothing to ‘project’.

"Even if we fly solo?" Buck added. Now JD was groaning again.

"Perhaps this might be an appropriate time to visit with our recovering sibling, and discuss our experiences," Ezra suggested.

They all pondered on that for a moment, knowing it was the right thing to do, while daunted at the thought of it.

Reluctant as he was to broach this subject with Vin, Chris understood that it was necessary. "Yeah, we should. I’ll call him, and tell him we’re on our way."

Tanner Home

Kelli smiled as she took her turn in the shower. Vin was already dressed, and had given quite an entertaining performance of his vocal repertoire while showering. Their night had been amazing and fulfilling, and Tanner was all the happier for it. 　As Kelli soaped herself, she sighed contentedly under the pulsating, hot water. Vin had been right on with his thinking. They needed last night. It had given them the chance to reconnect and chase away the tension between them. They had then slept in each other’s arms until Chris had called too damn early.

Tanner whistled as he moved through the house. He felt lighter and happier than the previous day, and if Chris had not called, he would have taken his wife and made love to her until the pair collapsed from exhaustion, or the bed broke, whichever came first. Coffee brewed, Vin grinned when his six brothers entered. By habit, they poured themselves coffee, and then took up seats around the kitchen table.

Fresh from her shower, Kelli entered, and poured herself a cup before leaving them to it. "’Mornin’ all," she beamed, her smile fading a little as she　received little more than grunted replies. Josiah, Nathan, Buck, and Ezra all of a sudden found their cups very interesting. Chris, she noticed, would not look in her direction. "Dad, you okay?"

Larabee forced a smile. "Sure, Honey."

She heard his words, but her focus was now　on JD, who was clearly struggling with something. "JD…what’s with all the wrigglin’? You’re actin’ like you got fire ants in your pants."

The mention of his crotch had him looking away from her, and　fascinated with a tile on the kitchen floor.

Tanner picked up a very strange collage of thoughts from his brothers. With a wink and a gesture of his head to move Kelli on, he waited until she was out of earshot, and then glared at them. "Y’all had better have a damn good reason for comin’ here in such sour moods."

"Vin, sit down," Chris urged.

Before Vin could comply his head snapped around. Images of him and Kelli from the previous night flashed through his mind, but…the man with her was not…"What the hell's goin’ on, here?"

Realizing there was no easy way to tell him, Chris just came out with it. "We’re guessing you and Kelli had a real good night last night."

Vin’s jaw dropped open. "What’s it to any of y'all?"

The silence that followed　was deafening, until JD could stand it no longer "You… she… we… PROJECTING!" he blurted out, relieved that it was now in the open, but ready to haul ass outta there if Vin moved any closer.

Tanner glanced around at the faces of men he loved as brothers, admired as teammates and cared for as family, his mind going a mile a minute as he processed all the images and thoughts coming at him. "Oh shit, oh shit, OH SHIT!"

Six men relaxed a little as some of their burden eased. Chris nodded. "Looks like we’re not the only ones having trouble with this damned legacy."

Vin shook his head in disbelief. "Y'all…y'all saw?"

Josiah looked at him. "Saw, felt, and lived," he replied. With…?" Vin did not want to hear the next answer, but knew he had no choice. He closed his eyes, and moaned as their expressions said it all. His wife was the featured attraction in their damn dreams, thanks to him.

"It might be practical to tell her as soon as possible," Ezra suggested. "We should clear the air a.s.a.p."

Vin gasped. "Are you crazy? You want me to tell my wife…" he looked to Chris. "…your daughter…" then to the others. "…and your sister in law, that y’all had fantasy sex with her last night, courtesy of yours truly, and his amazin’ freakin' mental ability?" His shoulders slumped as he received the nods. "There's no way in hell, I can explain this to Kel! Y'all must think I'm suicidal along with everythin' else."

It became obvious to Chris that they could not move on to the reason they had called their meeting at Tanner's home in the first place, much less discuss their work-related issues until this was resolved. He cleared his throat. "Look this is not easy for any of us, but the fact remains that it happened. We can sort out why later, but Kel is family, and we work with her. She's bound to notice if we all act strange around her." He then delivered the coup de grâce of all arguments. "Beside, until we figure this out. You can't dare touch her. How can you not tell her?"

Vin exhaled. "God damnit! I wished like hell we'd never heard of this damn legacy shit. It's done nothin' but screw up my life." He stood up, removed the key ring from his belt loop, and slammed it down on the table. "I think y'all better hold on to the key for the gun cabinet."

Glancing at the amused expressions on his brothers' faces, Ezra tried not to laugh as he said, "I assure you we will all be close by, should you require back up."

Tanner glared at them all. "Just what do y'all plan to tell YOUR women?"

None of them were amused when Vin's words sunk in. A chorus of 'aw hells'' sounded as the Texan walked out of the room.

M7M7M7M7M7

Kelli sat by the window, reading the morning paper, looking up when Vin walked into their bedroom. "Y'all done already?

"No…" He bit at his bottom lip, and began to pace. After a few moment he stopped, and glanced toward his wife. "Kel…I…last night…we…. you…me… aw hell."

Laying the paper down, Kelli stood up and walked closer to her husband. "Honey, what's wrong? You look like death warmed over. Are you in pain? Is it you chest? Maybe you should lie down." She reached to feel his forehead to make sure he was not running a fever, and was surprised when he jerked away from her touch. "Vin?"

"Hell, there's no easy way to say this, Kel." He took a deep breath. "Last night you and I had an amazing mental connection, a helluva lot stronger than either of us imagined." His voice faltered as he searched for the right words to tell her.

"You're scarin' me, Tanner. Just say whatever it is…."

"You weren’t the only one I connected with." Vin rushed his words, and then waited for her reaction.

The redhead pondered that for a moment, her eyes widening. "Define connected."

"It appears I projected powerful images and thoughts durin' our time together," he explained. "And while they were sleepin'… each of my brothers picked up on a particular sexual fantasy of theirs,　as we were makin' love, and followed it through in their dreams."

Kelli frowned, and then realized what her husband was trying to tell her. "All of them?"

"Yep." He held his breath.

"Everthin'?"

"Kel, I swear, I never expected…you know I didn't plan to put you in this position. I…" Now he frowned. He had expected her to rant, rave, scream, and curse, but instead she just stood there shaking her head, and thought he saw the start of a smile. No… must be his imagination, or the result of his wishful thinking. "Baby, please say somethin'."

"That is…unfortunate." Kelli reached up and cupped his cheek. This time he did not jerk away. "It explains their strange behavior earlier, but …it's not the end of the world. I love you Vin, and while I prefer our intimate moments to be private, I'm not about to be apologetic, embarrassed, or ashamed about anythin' we did." She sighed. "I reckon we need to confront this head on, before it festers out of control, huh?"

Amazed by her reaction, and as much as he would like to take it at face value, he had to be certain that she understood all of what happened. "You do realize they saw and felt everythin' I projected? They all started off their dream with their chosen partners, but when the act was complete, they were no longer with them…it was your face they saw…I reckon my thoughts about you were stronger."

Kelli paused for a moment to think, and then said, "I understand, but you’re gonna have to let me handle this. They're all still here, right?"

"Yes, but are you sure…" Vin was not convinced a direct confrontation was the best way to go. "Maybe if I…"

Taking his hand, Kelli shook her head. "If I plan to stay in this family, and work with those men again, I need to do this. Trust me, it'll be all right."

M7M7M7M7M7

None of them expected to see Kelli walk into the kitchen with Vin. They all avoided looking at her, and prepared themselves for her anger.

Kelli stood there for a second, staring at the concerned faces around her, and wondered if the amusement that was tickling her senses was genuine, or rising hysteria. "I want y'all to know that Vin and I have decided not to charge 'y'all for the x-rated entertainment we provided for you last night." Her words had the desired effect. Six sets of eyes now focused on her.

Buck glanced at Vin, who shrugged his shoulders, and then back to Kelli. "You know everything, and you're not upset?"

"We were in our own homes," Ezra assured her.

"And until the　act was complete, were visualizing our chosen partners," Nathan added.

They all nodded except JD. "In my defense, I never got past second base," he huffed. He noticed grins were threatening to break through and shrugged. "Story of my life."

Now Kelli smiled, her gaze shifting from one man to the other. "Look, it happened, and none of us can change that, but we have to move on from here. I don't know, and quite honestly don't want to know any details. I love my husband and refuse to be embarrassed or ashamed for doin' so." She looked over at Vin. "Five weeks ago, I thought I'd lost him. Since then, I've watched his physical limitations frustrate him to the point of depression, and seen him struggle tryin' to sort through all his jumbled thoughts to figure out just what the hell it all meant. Yesterday, he found his mental strength, and put all his doubts behind him. It's regrettable that his abilities are now stronger than he realized, but in the process, I got 'my Vin' back. A little awkwardness with our family is a small price to pay for havin' him here."

The relief in the room was palpable, as seven men nodded. Chris sighed, realizing that this was not about any one of them, but the result of a process that affected them all. He also understood it was not easy for his daughter to stand there and face them. He exhaled, and then asked her, "Are we okay, then?"

"We all are, unless y'all let it be more than it is." Kelli glanced from one brother to another. "I love all of you, and trust each of you with my life, but I do have one small request. If at all possible, I'd prefer to keep the knowledge of what happened just among us." She started to explain. "I would never lie to any of my sisters, but …"

"Say no more." Josiah spoke for them all. "We've already decided that what is said here, stays with us."

Nodding, Kelli looked at Vin. "I've got you back, Tanner, and I'm not lettin' go. Right now, though, I'm gonna take Dancer out for a while. I suggest y'all figure out a way to prevent a repeat of what happened because…" she winked at her Texan, "I plan to seduce you again tonight, and I don't care who the hell is watchin'. If you can't fix this connection thing by then…make 'em pay up before they leave."

Vin suppressed his grin. "I'll do my best."

Once Kelli had gone, they settled down and sipped at their coffees, each man considering how it could have turned ugly. JD looked up as Vin came in close, and whispered into his ear. "Tess?"

Alarm on his face, the younger man stared at Vin. Tanner grinned and winked. "Your secret’s safe with me, Kid."

Chris made a noise in his throat. "Okay…time to do some more talking."

"But not about last night, right?" JD begged.

"Not directly," Chris answered. "But right now, we’re up shit creek and paddling with a fork. This needs sorting out."

"Amen, Brother," Josiah said what they were all thinking. "We know you and Vin 'communicate' in a different way than the rest of us. Now, it appears that Vin can project his thoughts to us, but we only receive feelings from the rest of our brothers, not actual word thoughts, right?" He looked around at the others for confirmation "So, we have to assume the rest of us cannot project the way he does, or 'talk' the way the two of you do."

"God, I hope not," Buck said, "all those feelings coming at me at one time is enough, and I damn sure don't want to 'project' from 'my' bedroom."

Ezra studied on it awhile, before venturing his opinion. "I assume that Chris and Vin were able to successfully block certain parts of their thoughts before this sudden surge in Vin's mental faculties. Whatever y'all did then would work now wouldn't it?"

"If you're asking if Vin and I ever shared bedroom fantasies before…the answer is a definite no." Chris sighed. "We just blocked what we didn't want to share. I have no idea how we did it, we just did."

Nathan sighed. "Then I suppose we're stuck receiving what everyone is feeling."

"Vin, Chris said you had a problem with filtering out unwanted thoughts when we first got this code?" JD looked at Tanner. "How did you change that?"

After listening to everyone, and picking up a few stray thoughts, Vin reasoned that he at least had identified their problems. "We had two different things goin' on here. The first one is the crowded feelin's y'all are all pickin' up from the rest of us. That should be easy to work on. When I found my mind on overload, I asked Tracker what to do about it, and he told me, it's a matter of sortin' the priorities in your mind, and havin' faith that our code will keep us on the right path. With all the high emotions we've experienced the past few months; we're receivin' strong signals because we're thinkin' more about one another, and we're not allowin' ourselves to work with what we've learned."

Josiah nodded. "What we need to do is rely more on our faith in each other, and push back our overwhelming concern. We've been trying to take on everything for all of us, and overloading by doing that." He saw their heads starting to nod, and knew he was on the right track. "We just have to trust the code, have faith in one another, and stop trying to work it all out in our mind. Let it unfold as it's supposed to."

Nathan nodded. "Concentrate on what we can do, and trust that the answers we need will come when we need them."

"Feel our connection, but not try to act on everything we feel." Ezra added.

"If we can master this, it would help us at work." JD looked from one brother to another. "Maybe then, we could get back into sync with one another."

Chris figured they were making progress, but his concern now was for Vin. "I can attest to the fact that letting go is not easy, but I know it works. I had to learn the hard way that the stress of worrying about all of you was killing me. I forgot to trust our bond, and tried to take it all on." He looked over at Vin. "Josiah's right, the more we trust in ourselves, the more our 'natural' filtering systems will kick in, and the mass of confusing emotions will gradually fade so we can focus on　the immediate situation, danger, fear, or pain. We can work on sorting the blast of feelings coming at us, but how in the hell are you going to harness this new mental energy you have?"

Vin sighed. "I didn't have this problem when I connected with Kelli at our cabin. I reckon bein' down physically left me wide open to project stronger to y'all. I'll have to be careful and concentrate until I get back to where I was. Now that I know what I'm capable of, I'll know what to watch for."

Buck grinned. "Does that mean you're giving up sex until you're stronger?"

"Hell no! I'll keep my guard up, and do what I can to NOT project. If I do, I trust y'all can pick up the phone, and warn me if it's not workin'."

Josiah smiled. "Now that you're aware of it Vin, I doubt we'll have a repeat of last night. While you're healing, read up on being a Heart Warrior, and if you need to, you can call on Tracker to help you sort through it. We'll do whatever we can to make this work on our end. I have a feeling there will be more than a few more potholes to get through before we have this all figured out, but we'll take it one step at a time."

"My dad made a good point yesterday when he reminded me that our ancestors had over a hundred years to sort all this out. We've only had a few months, and we're gonna learn by trial and error sometimes."

Chris stood up. "Think about what we've discussed, and listen to the voices of our ancestors. Go home, leave everything that happened yesterday behind us, and concentrate on our future. Barbecue's at my house tomorrow, come relax, and enjoy time with your families." One by one, the brothers left, until it was just Chris and Vin.

"You okay with this?"

Vin walked with Chris to the door. "I hate that it happened, but Kel took it a helluva lot better than I expected." He saw the concern on Chris's face. "I'll work it out, and no backslidin'. No more feelin' sorry for myself, and I can accept that it's gonna take a while to get my strength back."

"Take your time, but when we compete again with Grant's ATF team, I expect you to be there."

"Somebody's gotta save your sorry butt." Vin laughed. "You know, with all this goin' on, I forgot to tell Kelli that Rambo got his ass kicked."

"You just keep on forgetting there, Hot Shot." Chris was glad to see Vin's humor return. He smiled, and said, "See you in the morning."

Vin watched him leave, and then his thoughts turned to his wife. He owed her big-time, and he planned to make sure she collected.

Seattle, Washington

Tess smiled up from her armchair as her mother, Louise, stroked her shoulder in passing.

"Have you made your decision?"

Tess glanced across at her father, Paul, sitting in the opposite chair. He had Keira curled up in his lap as he read to her, the little one enraptured with the story and happy in her grandfather’s arms.

Tess sighed. "Yes. Whichever way I went, I knew it would be tough," she admitted. "I’ve found such happiness in Denver…but, being home with nothing to fear is…wonderful."

Louise smiled. "You know we love you both, and want you to stay. What's more important, we want you to be happy. Whatever your decision, we’ll support you, you know that."

Nodding, Tess closed her book and stood. "I should call Cait; she’s waited on me long enough." Kissing her mother’s cheek, Tess moved into the study and closed the door. She stood gazing at the phone for a long minute, her heart heavy. This would prove to be one of the most difficult calls she had ever made.

Larabee Home

Cait moved around the house picking up after the visit from the Dunne children. Between them, and her and Chris’s two youngest, the house looked like a mini tornado had swept through it. In truth, they had been no trouble at all, and she had enjoyed having little JJ toddling around the place. It started her thinking about what they had to look forward to in seven months.

But what made her smile more, was JD’s hesitant question when he picked up his brood, as to whether she had heard from Tess…and his muted disappointment that she had not. Cait had to admit, she had regretted not hearing from the young teacher, too. In her short time with the project, she had become a valuable addition to the teaching staff, and Cait hoped Tess would return; but, after what the young woman and her little one had lived through over the past three years, Cait would understand if Tess wanted to stay in Seattle. The phone ringing pulled her from her musings.

"Larabee residence." Cait beamed. "Tess, how strange, I was just thinking about you...how are you and Keira doing?" She listened, her head bobbing while she did so. "I appreciate that, Hon; it’s a very big decision. Of course, I understand. Yes, we’ll talk over the details tomorrow. ‘Bye Tess." Replacing the receiver, Cait chewed her bottom lip. Ah well, at least she knew how to proceed, now.

Chapter 4

Family ties, weave the threads of our lives into the ages.

Kerrs' Croft - 5:30am

Lillian smiled, keeping her eyes closed as she and her husband lay in bed. She attempted to bat away his hand. "Bugger off you old fool."

Donald chuckled, and squeezed the warm, yielding mound in his hand. "Now then, my love, I don’t believe we’ve christened our new home yet."

Turning to him, Lillian gazed into his gorgeous brown eyes. God she loved this man. Even after all these years, he excited her. "And just what is it you have in mind, old man?"

Gazing into her eyes, his Scottish brogue washed over her. "To show you, my bonnie wee lass, that you are the only woman I have ever wanted, loved, and needed. I want to make love to you here, now, and for as long as I have breath in my body. So tell me, love, you, will you be mine?"

Lillian smiled and kissed his nose. "Always."　Tangling her fingers in his hair as his body moved in a steady, strong, timeless rhythm and he took her to their special place. 　Sated and happy, she snuggled into her man as he wrapped his arms around her, pulled her in close, and kissed her head.

"I love it, here," Donald sighed.

"Mmmm, me too," she agreed.

They chuckled, rolled together, and kissed. Maybe later they would ponder what was in the air or water in Denver that had invigorated them so. But right now, two bodies and souls were in need of physical and spiritual bonding, and they weren’t about to waste a second of it.

Larabee 7

Cait smiled and moved to greet her parents. "Welcome. You’re the first to arrive." Both Donald and Lillian kissed her, Donald walked over to shake Chris’s hand as Lillian embraced her daughter.

"Are you well?"

Cait smiled. "Yes, mother to be and baby are doing fine." She looked at Lillian's face. "Mom, you’re glowing. This place suits you."

Remembering the touch of her husband’s hands on her just hours earlier, Lillian nodded. "This place is good for us. Your father hasn’t been this happy in years."

Cait guided her to a seat. "I’m so glad. Having you as permanent neighbors is wonderful. I’ve missed you both so much." She looked up to see Kelli and Vin pulling in. "Excuse me. Help yourself to drinks."

Having offered Donald a beer, Chris walked across the deck to greet Vin, Kelli, and their kids. "How are you doing?"

Vin nodded as he eased himself out of the truck. "Doin’ good, cowboy. Been told I can have me a beer today."

"Just one," Kelli reminded him. "You’re still on meds."

Larabee grinned at his daughter’s fussing. "So…you got this projecting thing under control, or did you two have a quiet night last night?"

Tanner grinned, while Kelli frowned. "Well, if you have to ask, old man, I guess that answers your question."

"On both counts." Chris chuckled, and ducked the incoming swipe from his daughter as he returned to his place at the grill.

Kelli glowered at Vin. "Stop grinnin’ Tanner."

"Can’t help it," he said, pulling her closer to whisper in her ear. "This morning's session not only was amazing’, but it appears to have dipped under the radar, too."

Looking into his mesmerizing eyes, a rush of warmth coursed through her blood. "Want to go covert again, later?"

She sighed as he leaned in and kissed her. "Countin’ the minutes, Texas."

Donald wrapped his arm around Jesse's shoulder. "You found a name for that horse of yours yet?"

"Yes sir, I decided to call her Wildfire."

Chris overheard and chuckled. "Since he got her the day before our last fire, it seemed fitting."

Nodding, Donald agreed. "Tomorrow, I'll fill in the paperwork, and we'll register her name."

Kelli reached past her father for a couple of beers, and could not resist teasing him. "So, Dad, I hear Rambo got his butt kicked by the ATF. Did your extended vacation wear you out, old man?" She grinned, and moved to distance herself from him.

"You run now, but you have to come back to work sometime, Missy." Chris smiled; glad to see that the latest misstep with their legacy had not changed his relationship with his daughter.

M7M7M7M7M7

Buck and Inez, relaxed on chairs as their　kids headed for their cousins in the play area, under the vigilant eyes of Max and Walter. Inez turned as Chris squeezed her shoulder and offered her a glass of wine. "How are you, Honey?"

"I am good, gracias. My Buck and Tía Isabella have been taking excellent care of me. I am almost healed."

Chris leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Good because we need you."

Inez’s eyes grew misty, and she nodded her thanks, grateful for the hand now clutching at hers.

"Amen," Buck whispered.

"Just for that, you have a night to look forward to," she whispered back.

Buck swallowed and tried not to physically react to her words. "Damn, woman, don’t do that to a man in company." His heart soared, hearing her sweet laugh.

Isabella, choosing a few appetizers, nodded to the just arrived Brodie. "We have both been burdened with the pain of our injured loved ones," she stated. "I hope your burden, like mine, is now eased."

Brodie smiled. "Dear lady, that’s an understatement. I guess it takes the tough times, to appreciate the good times."

"That it does, that it does." Taking her food, she joined her family.

Brodie waved to Vin and Kelli and moved in their direction to talk to them.

M7M7M7M7M7

Josiah, Mallory and their kids arrived at almost the same time as Nathan and Rain and their children, both sets of parents relieved to see their kids run off to play.

"Thank God," Rain huffed. "They’ve been so excited; I thought they’d pop."

"I know what you mean," Mallory laughed. "Our two…" she leaned in and whispered, "...were up so early, they almost caught me and Josiah in the throes of passion." Both women giggled.

Nathan and Josiah eyed them with suspicion. "I bet they’re talking about sex," they both said together, then laughed.

M7M7M7M7M7

Chris and Buck were　grinning as they watched, and noted JD limp across the yard attempting to contain his two girls. They squealed with excitement from the moment that they saw their cousins. JD was holding on to the back of JJ’s shirt as the little one tried to keep up with them…intermittently falling, to stand and run again. When JD reached the porch, Jesse held out his hand. The little man willingly took it, and dragging the teen, waddled off toward the other children. JD collapsed into a chair.

"Tough morning?" Buck laughed.

JD waved off a beer from Chris, accepting a soda instead. "Bro, you have 'no' idea! What the hell were Casey and I thinking, having three kids under the age of four?"

"The thing is," Buck winked. "What we actually 'think' with to create the little darlings, isn’t what has to run around after ‘em."

The younger man chuckled. He could not argue with that.

M7M7M7M7M7

Ezra, Barbara, and Pearl arrived. The women moved in to coo at the little one, while Ezra stood to one side, beaming with pride. He glanced around at his brothers, who all felt their collective bond of seven kick in when he arrived. An amazing sense of peace washed over them. It was good to be together.

M7M7M7M7M7

A little later, all the brothers gathered. JD was regaling them with the events of the past twenty-four hours with the Dunne family.

"So, after dinner, the girls decided to do some coloring, and I thought I’d test them on their knowledge of colors." JD took a sip of soda. "After about five minutes of me picking up a crayon, and asking what color it was…" JD grinned and shook his head. "…Lilah huffs and stares at me and says, ‘Daddy…I’s gonna ask Miss MCawl to help you learn your colors ‘cause you don’t know any of ‘em." He cackled, laughing harder as his family chuckled with him.

"Was this before or after JJ took your wallet and mislaid it?" Buck asked through his laughter.

　"Before." JD made a face. "I might have to call the bank tomorrow, if it doesn’t turn up soon."

Chris eyed him with suspicion. "And the knee?"

JD rubbed at his sore knee. "Dental floss."

"Dental floss?" they all chorused.

"Oh this is gonna be good." Buck grinned.

Ezra’s eyes glistened, while listening to the conversation. He had so much to look forward to with his little one.

Shrugging, JD glanced towards his girls. "They wrapped my dental floss around the leg of my bed and the leg of my dresser." He grinned as the laughter started, nodding at their assumptions. "Yeah…didn’t see it, did I? Ended up kissing wood floor. That’ll teach me for not locking it up in the bathroom cabinet." He took another swig of soda, leaping to his feet and taking off, with a tiny limp, as he spotted JJ heading for the sandpit. "NO! JJ…don’t strip …JJ!" He returned with a wriggling, naked rug rat, sighing as he sat down and tried putting the toddler’s clothes back on. "Can you believe this? They’re like a miniature tag-team! If it’s not him, it’s the girls, or him and the girls!" He held up his son, and blew on his belly, laughing at the baby’s squeals and hearty chuckles as JD talked and played at the same time.

The more JJ chuckled, the harder JD blew on his tummy. "I…swear…it’s a competition to see…who breaks daddy…first! I’ve had to have eyes up my a…"

"J-A-Y-D-E-E-E-E!"

All heads turned to the little child's voice yelling. JD was aware of someone taking JJ from him as his head snapped around to the sound of a familiar voice. His heart skipped a beat as he sought out its owner. A bundle of three year old, galloping energy ran at him. JD caught her and swung the squealing girl around. "Hey, munchkin! Great to see you."

Keira giggled as she clung to his neck. "I’s Keira, silly!"

JD grinned at her, but his eyes were scanning the area. His grin widened as Tess walked toward him, the family greeting her as she passed them. JD felt his mouth go dry, and any coherent thoughts as to what to say to her, escaped him. He watched her produce a small bag, and their eyes met.

"Hatless today, John Daniel?" Tess smiled and held out the bag. "I brought you a gift."

Placing Keira down, he motioned towards his girls and several of the children who were squealing out their excitement to Keira, and beckoning her to join them. JD straightened and gazed at Tess. "A gift?"

"Mm hmm." Her smile widened as she handed the package over and he reached inside.

JD laughed as he pulled out a baseball cap with the embroidered words ‘My other hat’s in the laundry’ on the back of it. He placed it on his head with the bill facing backwards so the words were at the front, the way he preferred to wear it. "Thank you. If I’d known you were coming back I’d have baked a cake." He shrugged. "Well…more likely gone to Wal-Mart."

"Always knew you were a classy guy."

"Hey, don’t knock a ‘Great Value Chocolate Lovers’ Delight Slab Cake’, there’s at least one cocoa bean in there." Grinning, they stared at each other, then, moving together, they hugged. "How have you been?" JD whispered in her ear.

"Good, thanks; and all the better for coming home."

Pushing her back, and holding her at arm’s length, JD’s eyes flashed. "Home?"

Tess smiled, and looked around at the happy faces surrounding them. "Home. The longer I was away, the more I thought about you all here, and what this place has come to mean to Keira and me. My only concern was how Keira would feel about leaving her grandparents… she barely knew them before, and while we were in Seattle, they bonded, beautifully."

Now starting to take up seats, Chris prompted her. "But?"

Accepting a glass of wine, Tess nodded. "But, when I asked her about coming back here, she grabbed her little duffle bag, and was stuffing her clothes in it almost before I had finished the sentence."

They all laughed.

Tess took JD’s hand and put on an expression of mock concern. "She was concerned her friend ‘Jaydee’ was missing her."

"Damn straight," JD fired back. "Not to mention the worms have been getting mighty overconfident since the terrible worm-hunting trio has been disbanded."

Tess giggled. "But of course."

JD leaned in. "You’re really okay?"

She nodded. "Really."

He smiled. "Cool. Excuse me for a minute, I’m just gonna go check on the kids."

She watched him move with a slight limp. "Why are you limping?"

"Dental floss," the family chorused.

JD waved them off as he moved away. "Long story!"

M7M7M7M7M7　

Sometime later, the younger ones were napping, and the older ones had opted to chill out, by watching a DVD, leaving the adults to relax for a while. Leaning against a rail with his soda, JD watched Tess interacting with his family. She looked so happy…vibrant… and alive, it warmed his soul. He smiled as Buck joined him.

"Happy to have her back, Squirt?"

JD glanced sideways but did not turn his head. "Uh, sure. Aren’t you?"

Buck laughed at the evasiveness. "You bet." They were silent for a while.

"She looks happy, don’t you think?"

Buck nodded. "Yeah, Kid, she does." He looked at his younger brother. "I know neither of you are up to anything more than friendship right now…but, in my opinion, I reckon you two have something worth working on."

JD bit back a grin, but just shrugged, and sipped his drink. He jolted when his cell vibrated and played a tune JD had set aside for a particular person. Frowning, he straightened and answered. "Hello? Yeah, it’s me…hi. Is something wrong?" Focusing on the caller, JD had not realized he had walked away from the group. "No easy way to tell me what?"

"What!" The message he was receiving rocked him, and JD clung onto the porch rail as he absorbed the words. "How…when? Oh God…oh God!" He gripped the rail harder, his gaze flickering toward the house as thoughts of his children flooded his mind, and his eyes filled with unshed tears.

The rest of the group was listening, Buck now stood next to where he and JD had just been leaning. Vin groaned, and covered his face with one hand, putting them all on alert. Whatever the thoughts were that he was receiving from JD, they were not good…

M7M7M7M7M7

JD felt his whole world narrowing as he listened to the voice on the phone. Trembling and barely able to comprehend what he heard, he nodded. "Wednesday? Okay. Yeah, sure I’ll help. I…uh…I should be able to get there Monday evening. It’s okay, it’s no problem, I’ll be there. Thanks…thanks for letting me know. I’ll call you tomorrow." Closing his cell, he just stood there staring out across the yard. He jerked when Buck placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed.

"Kid?"

Taking a breath, JD turned to face his family and Tess, a solitary tear spilling over his lashes. He was too numb to brush it away. JD glanced at Vin, accepting the compassion he saw in his eyes, before looking at them all, and resting his gaze on Chris.

"That was Nettie. S…sometime in the early hours of this morning…Casey…" He swallowed. "Casey was hit by a truck."

"How badly is she injured?" Chris frowned, reading Vin's silent message. The women reacted to JD's news with a collective gasp.

JD shook his head, and his gaze dropped to the floor. "She…she's dead." He could hear some of the women cry out, and murmurs from his brothers, but he could not bear to look at them. All he could think about was how surreal it all seemed; Casey was too young to die…how they had not been on the best of terms the past year, and now they could never put that right. Despite their estrangement, they had once lived together, loved together, had kids together. His breath hitched. ‘Oh God…the kids.’

Buck wrapped his hand around JD’s head, and pulled him close, the stunned silence heavy as JD stammered out, "How do I tell the kids, Buck?"

Those words rallied everyone, and soon they had JD seated.

"You said something about Wednesday?" Ezra sympathized.

Blinking hard to recall, JD nodded. "Funeral." He swallowed. "Nettie thinks the funeral will be Wednesday."

Chris moved closer. "And Monday night?"

JD shuddered and stared at his hands. "She…she asked if I would help with the arrangements." Another tear escaped. He was not weeping, but his emotions were intense when he looked up at them. "I couldn't refuse, could I?"

"I’m coming with you, kid," Buck stated, his glance around assured him that it was the right decision when he received nods and comforting smiles from Inez and Isabella.

JD offered　his own　thin smile. "Thank you," he whispered.

Chris nodded, looking with regret at Tanner and Standish. "I hate to point this out Vin, but you can’t fly just yet. Prolonged travel isn’t a great idea either, but it’s your call. Ezra, while Barbara’s taken to motherhood, I’m guessing your presence has been invaluable. We’ll all understand if you stay here."

Ezra wanted to go, but JD was well covered, and his wife and baby still needed him. "If you don’t mind, I shall stay, and in the meantime, endeavor to look over any necessary paperwork while you are gone."

Vin shifted in his chair, his gaze catching JD’s. He knew his recent injuries prevented him from flying, and realized that he might not be up to the trip. "I reckon you’re right about the travelin'…it’s too soon, and in truth, I’m nowhere close to bein' a hundred percent." He acknowledged JD’s nod, and returned the squeeze to his hand from Kelli.

"Okay," Chris agreed, "that’s settled then. The rest of us will join JD and Buck once the date is confirmed." He placed a hand on JD’s shoulder. "Take all the time you need for you and the kids, JD. I’ll square it with Travis."

JD nodded. "Th…thanks, Chris."

"You and the kids are staying with us tonight."

JD heard the words, but they took a while to filter through his turbulent thoughts. He blinked at Buck. "Huh?"

"Staying with us…tonight…you and the kids."

JD shook his head. "No…thanks, but…no. I just want to go home and…" he sighed. "I dunno, hug the kids, and be alone for a while." He smiled at the concern. "I’ll be fine," he promised. "I just need to do this, okay?"

Buck was not okay with it, but he nodded anyway. He wanted to support the kid, and he would, even if he was not happy with JD’s decision.

　"How was Nettie holding up?" Chris asked JD.

"She sounded awful. I said I’d call tomorrow."

Vin nodded as he listened to the exchange. He would, too.

Tess watched the proceedings in stunned awe. She was upset for JD and the children, but marveled at how the family rallied to make plans. These were amazing people.

They all sat together for a while, reminiscing, until JD decided to call it a day, and take his kids home. With heavy hearts, they watched him hold JJ close, and trudge back to his home with the girls holding hands and Daisy holding his. No one wanted to see him go off alone, but all respected his need to do so.

Tess had to ask. "Does…does JD still love Casey?"

Buck answered. "Sure, but not as a husband, it's more like an old friend." Buck pursed his lips before continuing. "Like he once said, he loved her too much to ever come to hate her. There would always be history and affection there, and the kids a constant reminder of what they used to be. So yeah, he still cares. He fought the divorce, but once he got past the hurt, he knew it was the right thing to do." Buck gave a small smile. "Besides…he told me he’s happier now than he’s been in a long time." His eyes conveyed a silent message to Tess, and he felt sure she understood.

Inez dabbed at her eyes with a Kleenex. "It is just so sad. Casey was far too young to die. Poor Nettie." She looked at her husband. "I want to accompany the others when they join you and JD?"

Cait, Mallory, and Rain nodded, speaking together. "Me, too."

Chris acknowledged them. "I’m sure we can arrange that. Nettie and JD will be glad to have your support."

The news had them all reflecting and giving thanks that they still had their partners. As they broke up to head home, each of them glanced toward JD’s current home, and then beyond it to where the Wells’ residence once stood. It was the end of an era.　

Dunne Home – 2:00 am

JD sighed as he watched his children sleeping. They were tuckered out after such a busy day and had crashed almost the moment they came out of the bath, and in their PJs. JD was not sure whether to feel sad or relieved. Sad, because it had given him a lot of time to reflect; and relieved because it pained him to know that, no matter how vicious and flaky Casey had become, the kids would never have her in their lives again.

Her recent behavior was disturbing, but JD was the eternal optimist, and had hoped with all his heart that she would have turned it all around, and found the happiness and peace of mind she had sought, as he had.

Less than a year ago, JD’s body still ached to hold Casey and make love to her…not that he ever admitted it to his family. He shook his head. Yeah, like they had not figured it out. Talia had been a disaster, but filled a void in his life that had been causing him so much unrest. Once she was gone, JD had gained some perspective, and though he yearned for the same type of love and company his brothers had with their wives, his need for it diminished, as his enthusiasm for single fatherhood grew.

‘Enthusiasm’. JD pondered that for a moment, unsure if it was the correct word, but it seemed to fit his current demeanor. Casey’s recent volatile behavior had brought out the best in him…opened his eyes to what he held close, and for that, he would always be grateful to her. Her actions had made him the father he had always aspired to be. He knew this because he had become the father he had always wanted for himself. The difference was that it came naturally, and he did not have to think about it or Casey anymore.

Now in his bedroom he removed a small case from a drawer and opened it. Inside his wedding ring and his mother’s cross and chain, lay nestled in tissue. He had given the necklace to Casey after she agreed to marry him. His mother had wished it to be for the woman he loved. When they parted, and despite JD’s protests, Casey had insisted he take it back. She felt his mother wanted it to be with him if he no longer had a woman to love. Looking at it now, JD figured she was right.

Squeezing the jewelry in his hand, JD finally gave in to the emotion that was choking him, and wept. He wept for the girl, the woman, and the friend they lost some while ago. He wept for the mother his children would never grow up to know. He wept for Nettie’s loss; and then he wept for himself; for all the recent arguments, bitterness, and undercover observations that revealed what a twisted individual Casey had become; and for having to one day soon tell his kids about all this. His level of grief compounded his emotions because it was shallower than he expected. In truth, his thoughts after the initial shock had been for his kids, and a young woman that was capturing his heart, and helping him sever his ties with his turbulent, personal history.

Casey’s new life and abandonment of her children would amount to nothing more than a small service and a pine box. Before JD crashed from exhaustion, his　thoughts were of telling those close to him how much they meant to him, and making sure, from this moment on that he would embrace family, friendships, work, and the Legends Legacy as if every day was his last. The time to start a new page had arrived…not with the fanfare he had imagined it would, but on the winds of tragedy. He would turn this into a positive…and during what remained of the night, JD dreamt of a phoenix rising from the ashes of what had once been his home, and Vin standing close by, observing, nodding, and smiling.

 Chapter 5

Personal battles may be singular, but none of our brethren ever stands alone. 　

Tanner Home, Monday, 4:00 am

Vin reached over, turned on the bedside light, and picked up his writing pad and pen. Sleep was elusive for him tonight, and he hoped to clear his mind by working on his new list. A short time later, he felt Kelli stir beside him, and smiled when her soft voice penetrated the silence.

"You need your rest, Tanner. How you gonna heal if you don't sleep?" She snuggled closer, laying her hand on his chest, over his heart. "Thinkin' about JD, Casey, and Nettie?"

Setting his writing tools aside, he shifted his position, taking her into his embrace. "Some about them. I hate that Casey never found her way back. I worry about Nettie's health, and I plan to talk with JD later today, but," Vin recalled what he had seen in his dream, "I have a feelin' the Kid is gonna do okay." He kissed the top of her head, and told her, "Mostly 'm thinkin' about you." Smoothing his hand over her bare thigh, ass, and up to her back, he massaged the area between her shoulder blades. "Did you mean what you said?"

"Hmmm… that feels good, and I always mean what I say." Raising her head, she looked up at him. "What did I say?"

"You said, you'd make love with me, anyway I asked, anytime, anywhere."

Kelli smiled. "Of course I meant it. I'd be a fool to refuse amazin', passionate, sexy loving' from my man."

"Good answer." Vin chuckled. "I'm makin' a list of places we need to try out."

Rolling her eyes, Kelli grinned. "You have too much time on your hands, Tanner. Just how many places do you have on that list?"

"So far, ten, but I just started a few minutes before you woke up." He lowered his head to give her a soft, sweet kiss. "You're so much a part of me, Kel. I love you more than I did when we married, and I didn't think that was possible. I tried to imagine what JD and Casey went through, and I'm at a loss to understand how two people, who loved one another once, could end up so far apart. I can't even begin to think about how I'd feel if I lost you….if…"

Placing two fingers on his lips, Kelli said, "Then don't think about it. You and I will never have to face what JD and Casey did. We've passed every test life has thrown at us with flyin' colors, and our love is gettin' stronger every day." She trailed her fingers across his jaw line. "You're stuck with me, Tanner, here, now, and always. You are everythin' to me, and while I might want to strangle you once in a while, I could never hurt you."

"Ah my Sassy, " Vin whispered as he lifted his leg over hers. Pressing his throbbing arousal against her, and running his fingers through her hair, he gazed into her eyes. "Stuck with you for eternity…sounds damn good to me, but… lovin' you right now sounds even better." Her gasp of pleasure made him smile. Taking his time, he took them to their own private paradise, leaving the rest of the world behind.

M7M7M7M7M7

Several hours later, Kelli was ready for her first day back at work, and attempting to rush Jason and Andi along to leave for school. She did not feel that great, but chalked it up to everything that was going on, and the anticipation of starting a new assignment. She decided not to mention it to Vin, since he had enough to worry about without her adding to it. "We're out this door in three minutes, kids."

Vin handed Jason his lunch bag, and then Andi hers, hugging them both. "Y'all don't want to make mama late on her first day at school do you?"

"Mom's gonna teach?" Andi asked as she hurried to the door.

"Not if your brother doesn't quit dawdlin'." Kelli leaned down to kiss Trey, and then Bren, on their cheeks, dangling her keys towards Jason.

Jason took the offered keys from her, and ran ahead of Andi. "I'm calling shotgun." Then the argument between the two siblings began, as they raced to Kelli's truck, almost running over Brodie, who was coming up the walkway. "Oops…sorry grandpa, we're late for school."

"Reckon y'all best get along then." Brodie was still smiling when he entered the kitchen. He stood by, while Vin and Kelli said good-bye.

Releasing his wife from a passionate kiss, Vin swatted her rump. "Have a good day, Baby."

"You too, and don't overdo." Kelli grabbed her bag, and glanced at her father-in-law as she rushed past him. "Make him behave."

"I'll do what I can." Brodie assured her as he watched her go. Turning, he accepted a steaming cup of coffee from Max. "Thanks." Moving to sit at the table next to the twins, he grinned as he observed their obvious excitement about seeing him. The time he had spent with them over the weekend was fun for all three of them. He turned his attention to his son. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"Better." Vin sat down with a fresh cup of coffee. "I know I'm not a hundred percent, but I'm gettin' there." He took a sip. "I just wish I was healed enough to fly to Arizona with JD."

Brodie nodded. "He knows you would if you could, but I'm glad you're heeding the doctor's advice. You need to strengthen those lungs before you do any flying. In fact, that's one reason I'm here. You ready to start a light workout routine?"

"Now's as good a time as any I reckon. I'm already wearin' sweats, and we can use the gym at Camp Larabee."

"Good," Brodie said. "Just remember I'm the coach, and you'll stop when I say so."

Vin shook his head, and sighed, muttering below his breath about another mother hen. "Yes, Dad." He pushed back his chair. "Max, you okay with the boys?"

Max laid her dishtowel down, and put her hands on her hips. "Of course I am. That's my job and I love it. Now shoo, quit looking for an excuse to put it off, and get your butt out of here."

Joining his father by the door, Vin pushed past him. "You coming, Old Man?"

"Right behind you, Kid." Brodie winked at the twins before he left. "I have a feeling your daddy will be napping the same time y'all are."

Max smiled, knowing he was right. "Plan on lunch here, and go easy on him or Kelli will have your hide." The only response she received was a grin and a wave as Brodie walked out the door.

MCAT Training Academy

Kelli stowed her bag in a locker, and walked toward her assigned room. Sam Russo stopped her in the hallway. "I know this is your first classroom training assignment, and wanted to let you know I'll be auditing your session today. It's nothing personal, just standard routine ops for a new instructor."

"No problem." Kelli answered as she opened the door. "I won't be doing anythin' with you in the room that I wouldn't do without you there."

They walked in together, and the first thing Kelli noticed was the vase of flowers on her desk. She did not have to read the card to know that the beautiful yellow roses were from Vin. She smiled, walked to the center of the room, and addressed her class of cadets. "I'm Agent Coulter, and you'll be seein' me every Monday and Thursday for the next eight weeks."

MCAT Office

Chris walked into the conference room where Nathan and Josiah waited for him. "Travis arranged time off for us to attend the funeral and gather with our families. He's arranging our transportation via the MCAT jet, and said we can take off anytime we want. After we return to work, we'll go on active status for the next case on the roster."

Josiah looked up. "I pulled the official police report from Phoenix. The case is closed, and ruled an accident."

"Anyone talked to Nettie?" Nathan glanced at Josiah and Chris.

"I did. She's not doing so well." Chris answered. "Nettie gave up everything for that girl, and her health has suffered for it." He sighed, "Hell, we need to be at home with our brothers. Let's get out of here."

Larabee 7

Brodie watched his son for any sign that said he had overdone his workout, and was puzzled when Vin insisted they stop at the barn on the way home. "You did well, Son, but aren't you ready for a break?"

"Soon enough, but I need to do this first." Vin stopped once they were inside standing next to the stalls, and faced his father. "Kel and I discussed this, so I don't wanna hear any protest. You were there for her when she needed support, and I'm damn grateful for it." He held up his hand to stay his response. "We're family, yes, and that's what family does, but sometimes a man needs to know how much he's appreciated. After yesterday, I decided not to put this off any longer." He glanced over at the horse stabled in the closest stall. "We want you to take Midnight. He's yours, and not because of any one thing you did, but because we wanted to share with you somethin' that's special to both of us."

Vin had told him the story of how Midnight came to be his, and while he appreciated the thought, he started shaking his head. "Kelli gave you that horse. I can't take him."

"As she pointed out, she gave him to me out of love, and that's why we're givin' him to you. While we can learn from our past mistakes, the important thing is where we are now. We shouldn't put off lettin' people we care about know how we feel." Vin cleared his throat, pushing back the unexpected emotions threatening to overtake him. "Take the horse, Dad."

A curt nod was all Brodie could manage. Allowing the truth to come out had freed him from the shackles of his past mistakes, and had given him more peace than he ever expected to find or felt that he deserved. Family…he had one now, and he needed to accept his blessings without question. "I'm honored, Son."

Vin nodded, and took a deep breath. "Now we can go inside, I wanna call Nettie, and then rest up from the gruelin' workout you put me through." Walking side-by-side, father, and son headed towards the house. Their years of estrangement were a distant memory, and Fate had given them the gift of time to build on their future.

Dunne Home 7:30 am

Hovering over two mugs, JD stirred the boiled water into the coffee as he heard the sound of a car engine shutting off outside. Tess had picked up his kids and taken them to Reins, promising to return once they were in class. Knowing she needed this day to settle back into her home, JD was grateful and honored that she would take the time to do this for him.

Once they sat down at the kitchen breakfast bar, Tess studied his face. "Did you sleep?"

JD nodded. "Yeah, eventually."

Her features saddened and she clasped his hand in hers. "I’m so sorry."

Smiling, and clinging to the hand that felt so good in his, he nodded. "Thanks, but…I need to share something with you."

"Okay."

He paused for a moment or two. "About Casey…I’m devastated about all this, I truly am, but not for the reasons you might think." He waited for a reaction, but her gaze remained soft so he continued. "You recall I took a trip to Phoenix?" He watched her nod. "While I was there, what I saw…shocked me. She was like a different person…dressed like a common streetwalker and drunk. She had men pawing at her and when I tried to talk to her…" he touched his cheek as he recalled their confrontation. "She struck me. It took me back to beyond　our initial troubles and reminded me of how, through our whole relationship, she would be in my face about everything." He dropped his gaze for a split-second.

"Don’t get me wrong, I could handle it…her…but, just thinking on it helped me realize, as a couple, we never …grew." He raised one hand. "We loved each other, and to a degree, I always will…love her; but, after she attacked me, I worked through it, out of choice, mostly alone, and decided no matter what, I’d stand by her." His features saddened.

"But while I recovered physically and mentally, and tried to be a father and mother to our kids, she decided to give up on everything. On me, us, and on our children. I also　found out that during one of her selfish walkouts from us, she cheated on me, and then came back as if nothing had happened. I know she wasn’t well, but…when I learned about it I think, deep down, if I had been more honest with myself, I would have admitted it was never gonna be the same." He squeezed Tess’s hand.

"You see, I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I could never have done that to her. Once I reconciled all that, I knew us divorcing was the right thing to do, and so I focused on the kids and our lives together as a foursome, while she threw away everything she had achieved, and used our kids as weapons against me." He sighed. "She wasn’t my Casey anymore." He cursed at the tear rolling down his cheek. "I called Nettie when you took the kids for me. She told me Casey hadn’t been home for several days before her death. The police said eyewitnesses claimed that she staggered out from a nightclub yelling at someone, and walked straight into the street." He shuddered. "She never stood a chance."

Tess could not bear it. JD had shared so much of his most personal confidences, bared his soul to her, just like she had to him, and a wave of emotion eclipsed her as she held him close, and wept for them both. They remained that way for some time, until the shrill ringing from the phone drew them back to the here and now. Pulling back, Tess wiped at her tears and thumbed away JD’s solitary trail. She stood.

"Take the call. I’ll talk to you later." As she moved to the door, and JD headed to the phone, Tess called to him. "John Daniel…thank you for trusting me. I’ll always be here for you."

Watching her go, JD nodded and picked up the handset. "Hello? Hey Father…how are you?" JD smiled as Father Rafferty’s warm tones and kind words washed over him. He took a seat. "Thanks, I appreciate that. Yeah, I’d like to talk, if you have a minute."

Larabee 7, 4:00 pm

The family had gathered. JD and Buck were yet to arrive. Chris was driving them to the airfield to catch the MCAT jet to Phoenix. It felt good to be together. While Casey was officially no longer family, they each had some good memories of her time with them before it all fell apart, and that was where their focus was now. That, and to be supportive. Now was not the time to harbor grudges, the time was past for bitterness. This was the time for healing, embracing what was still theirs, and within their grasp…and for family.

As Buck and JD pulled up and went to grab their bags and suits from　the　truck, Buck stopped JD and stared at him. "Kid, before we do this, I need to talk to you."

JD nodded. "Okay."

Buck paused while he gathered his thoughts. "When…when Casey stabbed you…I was so angry at her, Nettie too, not to mention Vin and Kelli…but Casey…God forgive me… I wanted her to pay." He noted JD swallow and continued. "I was scared. I thought you were going to die, then, when you recovered, the anger remained, and all I could think of was why wasn’t she locked up for hurting you. I couldn’t believe my ears when you were prepared to stand by her, but, you have to know, even though I didn’t agree, I always supported you."

JD nodded again.

"It took a long time to let go of the anger, especially when she kept coming back at you with yet another barrow-full of shit. However, while I was getting over what happened in Purgatory, it made me look at my life. I got to thinking, ‘what if that had been Inez?’" He reached out and squeezed the back of JD’s neck. "I just needed you to know…I’m not proud of how I acted back then, but I also needed you to know what was driving me." His heart pounded as he waited for a reaction, praying he had timed this right.

JD moved in and embraced the big man, Buck’s arms coming up to return the gesture.

"You’ve always been there for me, Buck…through the good decisions and bad. You’ve yelled and cursed, but always supported. I know what drives you…because it drives me, too." 　He smiled. "I just don’t always get so demonstrative…." Patting each other on the back, they parted. 　

Buck tilted his head. "So…we’re good?"

"Always. Will we disagree again? For sure. Will we screw up? Hell yeah, but whatever happens, we know it’s done with love and we’ll move on. I hate all this, but I can’t change it. If there’s one thing the Legends lessons have taught me, it’s to embrace our mistakes, learn from them, and move on. Yeah, Bro…we’re good, and Buck…thanks for doing this with me."

Buck’s smile lit up his face as he displayed a rare blush. "Shoot, kid, where the hell else would I be?" They picked up their belongings and walked into Chris and Cait's　home.

M7M77M7M7M7

Having spent time talking with their brothers and sisters, Vin caught JD’s eye, and gestured for him to go to the study. Once inside, he drew close to the younger man. "Y’all set?" He smiled when JD shook his head. "Yeah, I know. How the hell do you prepare for somethin' like this?"

JD blew out a breath. "I always thought I’d go first, Vin, you know…the job and all. I…I just wish we had parted on better terms."

"I wish I could be there with you…" Vin stayed the impending comment, knowing that JD understood. "I want to share somethin’ with you, do you mind?" JD shook his head, while Vin placed a hand on the side of the younger man’s head, and closed his eyes, encouraging JD to do the same. JD gasped as an image of Casey when they first met entered his mind. She was smiling, waving, and walking through a field of tall, breeze kissed grass toward something too beautiful to put into words. When the image disappeared, JD’s eyes opened.

"What…what was that?"

Vin shrugged his good shoulder. "Not sure. It came to me in a dream last night, and I felt sure it wasn’t for me. I hope it helps."

Damnit…JD felt his eyes fill with moisture…again. He fought it and nodded. "It does, thank you."

Still with his hand on JD’s head, Vin patted him softly. "Take care, and give my love to Nettie."

Returning to the group, JD and Buck shook hands or hugged everyone goodbye. They finished with an emotional group hug with Inez and Isabella, then with their own children, before Chris did their familiar ‘circle of brotherhood’, and then drove them to the jet. As they were about to board, Chris nodded to them and said, "See you Tuesday," and then they were gone.

Phoenix Arizona

Buck and JD’s reunion with Nettie was emotional, their concern growing for the elderly woman who looked frailer than they had ever known her to be. JD asked if he could see Casey, and Buck waited in the hallway of the funeral home while he visited. It was a sad reunion, and Casey’s injuries could not be concealed, but as JD touched the casket and said his goodbyes, he clung to the image Vin had gifted him with. He closed his eyes, and hoped his gratitude to his older brother reached Denver.

M7M7M7M7M7

Tuesday morning saw the two brothers attending to all the loose ends. JD helped Nettie pick out an outfit for Casey’s final journey, as well as finalized everything with the funeral home and the caterers. There were not many expected to attend, but Nettie insisted the Wild Bunch would not leave her, and Phoenix, without eating. Before Buck and JD realized, it was time to meet their family at the private airstrip where the MCAT jet would be landing.

As they waited, JD looked at Buck and nudged him. "Thanks."

Buck winked. "Not necessary."

JD nodded. "I know, but I would have struggled here on my own. So…thanks." They watched the jet land, and taxi, and then they headed to the arrivals lounge.

M7M7M7M7M7

It was a heartwarming reunion, with fast exchanges of information from both sides. Sensing the silent message being conveyed, the women moved back, and Chris stepped forward, extending the palm of his hand, upwards. One by one, as on Monday, the brothers formed a circle, and placed their own hands on top of his.

Seizing the moment, JD spoke. "I know this will sound kinda sappy, but I just wanted to say that you all, Vin, and Ezra, are men I have always looked up to, and aspired to be like. It saddens me that Casey missed the point, unlike the other amazing women of this family. I’d be lost without you. Thanks for all you’ve done for me and my kids, and for being here."

Savoring their collective presence and sending the emotion it evoked toward Denver, the brothers stayed tight for a minute or so, before breaking up, joining the ladies and heading for their hotel.

M7M7M7M7M7

　While on a warm, sunny Wednesday morning　the men and women of L7　said a quiet goodbye in Phoenix, back in Denver, one special schoolteacher took the hands of two little girls and their baby brother, and together they planted three trees in memory of their mother. The little ones had yet to learn why they had done this, but Tess hoped it would one-day give them comfort. The soft, whispering breeze that wafted over and around them endorsed that thought as they headed home.

Larabee Home, Friday, 6:30 am

Chris wrapped his arms around his wife, and gazed into her eyes. "You're more beautiful every day."

"Bigger and beautiful, you mean." Cait laughed.

"I wouldn't expect you to shrink while you're carrying our child." He kissed the top of her head. "I'm sorry I can't offer you a lunch date, but I'll meet you at Doctor Weeks' office at two."

Cait understood that the case they were working on was taking up most of her husband's time this week. "You do what you need to, I'll meet Mother for lunch, and then you'll be with me for the important stuff. I can live with that."

Swatting her backside tenderly, Chris sighed. "Love you, but I need to run, Babe. Hug the kids for me." Releasing her, he picked up his attaché case, and turned to walk outside.

Watching him from the door as he climbed into his truck, and then drove away, Cait smiled. Chris's work was demanding, and they did not always have options concerning their schedules, but she would not trade one second of their life for anything.

MCAT Office, 7:30 am

Larabee was not surprised to see JD already working on CASSIE when he arrived. Gunny handed him his morning threat assessment report as he passed her desk, and in his office, he found that she had a carafe of fresh-brewed coffee waiting, along with a plate of fresh fruit sitting on the credenza. Smiling, Chris set his case next to his chair and filled his mug. Settling into his daily routine, he knew he would hear Buck or Josiah's booming voice as they arrived, followed by Ezra and Nathan. Alpha Team was in 'case mode', and no one wasted any time.

Looking up from his report when he heard a knock on his door, Chris yelled, "Enter."

Sam Russo stepped into the Commander's office, and sat down opposite Chris. "This is the third straight day Alpha Team has been in early. Anything I should know?"

Chris shook his head. "We're focused." Leaning forward he sighed. "This case has legs, Sam. It'll take a while, but I believe by the time we're done, we're going to upset more than a few bureaucrats … some very big ones at that, and the repercussions could be ugly."

Nodding, Sam smiled. "Some of them need upsetting in my opinion. Follow the evidence, and let me worry about any unwelcome ramifications." Handing over the folders he carried, Russo said, "One is the approval for Agent Coulter's LOA, the other…," he grinned, "she made a good impression on her class of cadets. They sent a few get-well wishes, and personal notes. I trust you'll see that she gets them."

"I will." Chris set the folders aside. "Who took on her class?"

Sam stood. "I did, and I'm impressed with the material she covered. You'll also find a letter from me in there telling her that." Starting for the door, he said, "Travis took his wife on a long overdue vacation to Europe, and will be gone until after Thanksgiving. Whatever you need, let me know, and I'll see that you get it."

Chris laughed, "I hope Orrin left you his bottle of aspirin…I have a feeling you might need it before this is over."

"Orrin already warned me. I'm ready for whatever your teams throw my way." Russo was smiling as he walked out the door.

Chris picked up his assessment report and continued to read, until Gunny entered with his appointments for the day. "I wanted to remind you, since I know you don't read all the memos I leave for you. You're scheduled to meet with Greg Lawson, at the U.S, Attorney's office at three today." She laid a case folder on Chris's desk. "It concerns your deposition on the Medina case. I thought you might want to review your notes beforehand."

"Thanks, Gunny…and in case I don't say it…I appreciate you taking care of me." Chris hid his grin when he saw the shocked look on her face, and then left without answering. He supposed he should tell her more often, but just never thought about it. Making a mental note to send her flowers and chocolates on her upcoming birthday, he picked up the file she left, and added it to his growing stack of work to-do-today.

M7M7M7M7M7

Following the morning briefing, Josiah returned to his office to work on the profile they needed. Ezra left to run down a lead from one of his sources, and Buck cornered JD before he went back to sat-com.

"You got everything planned for your date with Tess?"

JD sighed. "It's not a date, Buck. I just figured it was time for me to do something nice for Tess. She's made dinner for us, watched my kids when I'm late, and she's a good friend. Why shouldn't I make a nice meal for her and Keira?"

"No reason," Buck shook his head," if you say you're just friends, then I believe you. But…I think you might not believe that yourself." He smiled, and walked away before JD could think of a snappy comeback, leaving his youngest brother with something to ponder.

Nathan returned to his desk to find a callback note. Picking up the phone, he dialed the number, and was surprised to hear a woman's voice. He ended the call, grabbed his coat, and told Buck, "I'll be out awhile, but my cell will be on if y'all need me."

"Sure Nate, do you want me to tag along for backup?"

Shaking his head, Nathan answered, "No…this is a personal errand. Reckon I'll drop by the hospital and see if Rain's free for lunch while I'm out."

"Tell that beautiful wife of yours hello for me." Buck watched Nathan leave, and then he opened the file on his desk to begin running background information on the names JD had given them to look into.

Larabee's Office, 12:30 pm

Chris knew Vin was coming in before the Texan made it past the front entrance. Standing, he walked over to his door and opened it. Just as he expected, Gunny had sidetracked Tanner, asking about his health and Kelli's. His brother looked in need of rescuing.

"Gunny, would you mind bringing us some fresh coffee, please?" He smiled when he 'heard' Vin's thank you, and motioned for him to hurry into the office.

Once inside Vin sat down. "I love that woman to pieces, but she worries over me too damn much."

"She is a one-woman marvel, for sure, but you can't deny she's worth her weight in gold."

Vin nodded. "That she is." He reached into his pocket and then handed Chris a note. "I saw Gilford this morning, and told him I'd quit pushin' him to release me. He sent you a copy of his orders for my file."

Chris looked at it. "He's going to make you wait another six weeks…good."

"Yeah, and it works out for me. I can stay home with Kel; maintain my workout schedule to rebuild my strength, ride herd on the kids, and still keep up with what's goin' on here. Before you ask, she's doin' about the same. Gettin' tired of all the damn shots, not that I blame her, and fightin' a lot of nausea, but she's stayin' calm. We're gonna drop the twins off at nursery school startin' Monday, and then go see Doctor Weeks."

Gunny entered with their coffee, and then made her exit for the two men to talk.

Picking up the folder Russo had left earlier, Chris passed it to Vin. "Kel's LOA has been approved, and Sam took over her class. He gathered these notes and cards from Kelli's students. They might make her feel better about her teaching assignment."

Vin thumbed through the notes and nodded. "I'll see that she gets 'em. I got an unexpected present earlier too. It appears that Tracker thinks I need more information about bein' a Heart Warrior, and he left a very old journal on my desk at home. I haven't had a chance to look it over yet, but I reckon he knows what I need."

"Seems like our ancestors always know what we need before we do." Chris shook his head. "Sometimes I wish they wouldn't be so cryptic about it though."

"Any leads on Gino's murder?"

Chris shrugged. "A few, nothing definitive, yet. I do know he was on to something with the info he gave you. One name led to another, and then another. My gut says we're just hitting the top of the iceberg on this case. Hell, we’ll still be unraveling this mess when you do come back to work."

"Gino always did have good information. Anythin' I can do from home to help?"

"You have enough to do just keeping tabs on my daughter, and healing. If I do need you, I'll let you know. In the meantime, stay low profile, just in case the wrong people know that Gino saw you the night he died."

Vin drained the remains of coffee in his cup, and set it on the desk. "Same goes for you. If they know he saw me, you can be sure they know you were there, too." Tanner stood. "I need to get home, but take extra precautions, and watch your back, Cowboy."

Chris nodded. "At two I'm meeting Cait at Weeks' office, and then I have one stop at the Federal Building. After that, I'm going home; I hope to enjoy a nice, quiet weekend. Kiss Kel for me, and tell her Cait or I will call tonight to give her an update on her new sibling."

Tanner gave him a backhanded wave as he left. Chris glanced at his watch. He had just enough time to finish his report for Russo, leave instructions for Gunny, and make it to the doctor's office to meet Cait.

Saint Augusta Women’s Shelter, Denver, 1:00 pm

Arriving at Desiree’s home after receiving her frantic call, Nathan found the mother-to- be, bruised and distraught. Someone had roughed her up trying to find out what she knew about Gino's last night. Nathan made a call, and then drove her to the women’s refuge. The people there were more than accommodating, and Nathan was now with her, in her allotted room.

Desiree smiled at her savior. "This is real nice Mister Jackson, thank you."

Nathan returned the smile. "You’ll be all right here until you can relocate to safer housing…unless you have somewhere you’d prefer to be…parents’ home…a sister or brother?"

Desiree stroked her belly, then her bruised cheek, and shook her head. "No, there was just me and Gino. This will be just fine, thanks." She gazed at the kind black man as he approached to examine her face.

"You're gonna be sore, but it should be healed in a few days. The people here are gonna have their in-house Doc check on you anyway, make sure you and the baby are doing okay." He watched her stand.

"I’m real grateful to you, Mister Jackson. Let me thank you proper." In seconds, she had opened her shirt, snatched up Nathan’s hand, and as she placed his large palm on her breast.

Nathan gasped, removed his hand from her chest, and stepped back from her."Desiree… Honey… you don’t have to do this anymore. I wanted to help you, and so do these people. Your days as a hooker are over…all you need to do now is take care of yourself and that little one growing inside you."

Desiree looked confused. She had always understood that no man did something for nothing, except Gino. He had loved her and made her feel safe. "You…you don’t want me?"

Nathan smiled. "It’s not that, Honey, it’s just not my way."

"But, I wanna thank you."

Taking her hand, he smiled. "Just stay safe, that’s all the thanks I need…oh…and if you think of anything that Gino might have said to you, which could help us catch the guy who murdered him, that would be good, too." He leaned in, kissed her on the cheek, and then said goodbye.

On a side street outside the shelter, he sat in his truck for a good five minutes thinking about the young woman's situation before snapping back to the here and now. Feeling guilty for his woolgathering, he reached for his cell and punched in Mallory's cell number. After arranging for her to see Desiree, he decided to call Rain. Reaching her voice mail, he opted to not leave a message and surprise her in person. Slipping his cell into his inside coat pocket, and focused on securing his seatbelt, he missed the four men in ski masks approaching his vehicle until someone yanked open the driver’s door, and gloved hands roughly hauled him out of his seat.

A blow to his face halted all thoughts of fighting them off, while they dragged him into an alley. A gruff voice rasped in his ear. "You should've kept your nose out of this, Agent Jackson."

With that, the men proceeded to beat Nathan until he collapsed semiconscious to the snow covered ground. One of the men pulled up his head by the hair, and snarled into the cut, bruised and bleeding face of the downed man. "Larabee's in way over his head, and your dead corpse is gonna be our message to him." Raising the barrel of his 9mm to Nathan's forehead, he prepared to shoot. Before he could fire, however, the sound of trashcans clanging down the alleyway halted him. The masked man growled as he withdrew his weapon, "You're one lucky bastard…today…, but there's always next time." With one final kick, he let Nathan drop hard onto the concrete, and the four men departed.

Shaking and in terrible pain, Nathan tried to retrieve his cell, but it required too much of an effort from his battered body. Instead, he passed out amongst the filth and detritus around him.

Tanner Home, 1:30 pm

After Max told Vin that the twins were down for a nap, and Kelli was resting after a rough morning, he went in search of his family. Entering the kid's room, the first thing he observed was that their beds were empty. He started to backtrack to look for his youngest, when he noticed that the adjoining door to the master bedroom was ajar.

Standing at the entrance to their room, Vin shook his head. There on the bed were his sleeping boys, snuggled close to their mama, who had one arm protectively laid over them. His heart tightened at the sight. Physically loving his wife was gratifying, but it was moments such as this that he felt the true bond of their love. He approached the bed, set the folders he carried on the nightstand, and then reached down to lift Bren into his arms. Kelli stirred, but when she saw her husband, she closed her eyes, and loosened her hold on their babies.

After making two trips, Vin had both boys nestled in their own beds. He slipped off his boots, and eased down beside his wife, leaning his back against the headboard. "You shouldn't let them sneak in here like that."

Cuddling closer to Vin, Kelli sighed. "I know, but they were so cute about doin' it, I couldn't resist." Raising her head to meet his eyes, she asked, "What did Doctor G say?"

"Said I'm doin' fine, but he wants my lungs to strengthen and heal completely before he releases me for work. Reckon you're stuck with me till after the first of the year." He slipped his arm around her. "Max told me you had a rough mornin'…feelin' better?"

"Better than I was, but not as good as I'd like to be." She sighed. "I am beginnin' to feel like a damn pin cushion though."

Vin rubbed her sore hip, and then reached over her to pick up the folders Chris had given him. "Maybe this will　help take your mind off your misery." He proceeded to read some of the cards to her, while they waited for the twins to wake from their nap.

Doctor Weeks' Office, 2:20pm

Chris and Cait sat in the doctor's office waiting for her to come in and tell them the results of the latest tests. Although they were not sure they were all necessary, they followed the doctor's advice and had them. Neither appeared to be nervous, but both were anxious to hear that all was well with their baby. They did not have to wait long for the doctor to appear.

Helen Weeks smiled as she entered and sat down at her desk. "I know you're not here to pass the time, so I'll tell you right off that all looks good. After seeing the results of the quad test, I can tell you that you're doing fine. Although," she sighed, "we might be off on your due date. I can be more precise after your next ultrasound."

Cait relaxed. "If the tests say all is well, and only the date changes, then I'm happy."

"Guess that means we'll find out soon if we're having a boy or girl." Chris nodded. He could live with all the extra tests, as long as Cait and their baby were all right.

"We should be able to tell by the first week in December, and we do have a few more test results that we're waiting on, but," Helen removed her glasses and closed Cait's chart. "I don't expect to see anything amiss with them either. So, I'll see you both a week from today?"

Exchanging glances, neither Larabee had anything to add. Chris answered for them, as he and Cait stood. "We'll be here."

"Make your appointment with my nurse on the way out. Call me with any concerns, night or day." The doctor opened the door, allowing them to exit.

They walked hand in hand, across the parking lot, until they reached Cait's van. Chris waited until she was inside and then leaned in to kiss his wife. "I have a meeting at the U.S. Attorney's office, after that I'm all yours for the weekend."

Smiling, Cait rubbed her swollen stomach and answered, "We’re looking forward to that 'Dad'."

"Drive safely." Chris stepped back and closed the door. Watching her pull away, he glanced at his watch, and realized that he was running late. Walking to his truck, he popped the lock, climbed inside, and then headed towards the Federal Building.

MCAT Office, 3:15 pm

Josiah exited his office, and motioned for Buck, Ezra, and JD to join him in the conference room. "It seems that Nathan was helping Gino's lady with a problem, and asked Mal to go see her. That was more than two hours ago. Mallory called and said when she arrived at the Saint Augusta Women's Shelter she found Nathan's truck parked out front, but no sign of Nathan."

"Damn, I knew I should have gone with him." Buck grabbed his cell and tried to call him, but Jackson's phone went straight to voicemail. "I'D better call Chris and tell him we have a missing agent."

JD shook his head as he noted the time. "Chris is in a meeting with Greg Lawson, something about a deposition. I doubt you'll get hold of him for at least an hour."

"Then we best find our missing brother before that." Buck nodded and directed, "JD with me. Josiah, you and Ezra are together. We'll start at Nathan's truck and go from there." The four agents grabbed their coats and left the office.

Saint Augusta Women’s Shelter, 3:15 pm

Cold… was all he could feel. Nathan stirred, trying to move his battered body, but nothing seemed to work the way it should. Flashes of memories filtered through his dazed mind. Fighting the invisible weight, which pressed against his bruised ribs, he gasped for air, but that was a mistake. When the bitter cold hit his lungs, it caused him to begin shivering. Then he felt warmth surround him, and heard a comforting voice say, "Hang in there, Son. I've got your back till your brothers come."

"You….you're here…I…."

'Don't try to talk. Concentrate on your connection…all you have to do is think on it, and the rest will follow.' Healer held the battered body of his charge in his arms, while he made another connection.

Federal Building, 3:15 pm

"Damn," Chris muttered as he hurried across the parking lot. Being a few minutes late was bad enough, but spending ten minutes looking for a parking place was obscene. Entering through the big double doors, a feeling of déjàvu washed over him. How many times had he rushed in through those doors? For years, this place had been home away from home for him…at least until a rocket launcher destroyed the entire twelfth floor.

Stopping for a moment, he tried to shake off the image that particular memory invoked, wondering why after all this time, he was thinking of it now. Shaking his head, he approached the metal detectors. Another three minutes passed before he cleared security, and was on his way to the elevators. It seemed like forever before he reached the eighth floor. Stepping into the hallway, Larabee felt a chill run down his spine. He was alone in the corridor, and less than twenty feet from the door of Lawson's office, but he heard whispering close to his ear. Closing his eyes, he stopped to listen. He swore he could hear shouting… something about Doc being down and a looming threat. Involuntarily he glanced at his watch…it was three twenty-four.

Vin's voice echoed in his head. 'Watch your back, Cowboy.'

His muscles tensed, and his instincts kicked in, moments before the deafening sound of an explosion reached his ears, and he felt the concussion of the blast. The last thing Chris saw was the door of Lawson's office splintering in front of him…then…nothing.

Tanner Home, 3:15 pm

While Kelli was busy sorting through her get-well letters, Vin took the opportunity to read parts of the worn old journal Tracker had left for him. Some of the entries dated back a couple hundred years. It amazed him how relevant the writing from then was to him now. One passage in particular expressed accurately how he felt when he mentally reached out.

'Another whole world opens up when we close our eyes and calm our mind. Be still and know; be still and hear; be still and see; be still and feel. Inside every person is a still, small voice. Sometimes it is necessary to close our eyes to shut down our perception in order to see.'

Closing his eyes, he connected with five of his brothers. The first vision he had, showed Buck and JD running toward Nathan, who was lying on the ground, cradled in Healer's arms. Resisting the urge to panic, Vin watched as Buck, JD, Josiah, and Ezra reached him. Healer stood, relinquishing his charge, and raised his eyes to penetrate Tanner's mind, assuring the Texan all was in hand there, and conveying to him that he should concentrate on Chris.

Taking a deep breath, Vin searched his mind for a connection to Chris. The scene of a smoke-filled hallway materialized for him. Mentally calling out to Larabee, Tanner felt his presence, and relief flooded over him when he 'heard' the steady beat of Chris's heart. Their connection allowed him to gather information, which told him what he needed to do. While holding his link open with Chris, Vin made the first of several phone calls.

Saint Augusta Women’s Shelter, 3:45 pm

Buck closed the door to the ambulance as soon as Josiah climbed inside to ride with Nathan. Slapping the palm of his hand against the side panel, he cursed as the ambulance moved away from the alleyway. "Damnit to hell….I should have had his back."

Placing his hand on Buck's shoulder, JD attempted to calm him. "You had no way of knowing this would happen, and we'll find the sonofabitch who did this."

"Yeah," Buck said with a sigh. "I know the paramedics said he'd be all right, but…damnit, let's just do our job, and then get the hell out of here."

Ezra joined them. "I made a sketch of the area, and paced off the distance from the truck to where we found Nathan. A tow truck is on its way to take it to our lab so they can dust for fingerprints. No witnesses are forthcoming, but Mallory said he called her at one and was leaving then. Once we interview the woman he brought here, I think we'll have all we're going to get."

Buck nodded, "Ezra you interview the woman. JD you sign for the tow, I'll…" his cell rang, interrupting his next order. Grabbing it, he was surprised to hear Vin's voice. Listening, he swore, before saying, "We'll finish up here and meet you at the hospital." Wilmington closed his phone, and then turned to JD and Ezra. "Chris just missed being blown to kingdom come at the Federal Building. He's pretty much okay and Vin is en route to him now. Bravo team is on their way over there, too."

"First Nathan and now Chris…who the hell did we piss off?" JD asked.

"Don't know yet, Kid, but I guarandamntee you we will soon."

Federal Building, 3:50 pm

Vin parked close to Chris's Ram, and noted that Justin's truck and the MAU were already there. Hurrying through the crowd of evacuated workers, he flashed his badge to gain access inside the building. The elevators were non-operational so he took the stairs. By the time he approached the eighth floor, he understood what Gilford meant about his lungs needing to heal more. He also heard Larabee yelling before he reached the landing.

Chris was in the face of the ATF Agent. "Stand down Agent Dean, this scene belongs to MCAT!"

"ATF has jurisdiction over any explosion in a Federal Building, Agent Larabee!"

"That's Commander Larabee, and not this one. Since this case involves the attempted murder of an MCAT operative…it's damn well ours!"

Dean huffed. "Lawson was not one of your agents."

"No…no he wasn't, but I was supposed to be inside that office, and I take exception to almost being blown to hell. The only reason I'm standing here now is that I was late for a three o'clock meeting. So back off and stay the hell out of our way!"

Vin moved between Dean and Larabee. "Agent Dean, take your team and leave. Captain Michaels is in charge and any help he needs…MCAT will cover. You have a problem with that take it to your Director Hutchins"

"Fine, you take over, Larabee, but you damn well better do it right." Dean glared at Chris, and motioned for his agents to follow him into the stairwell.

"Give me your keys Chris." Vin held out his hand, tossing them to Justin when Larabee complied. "See that the Commander's truck makes it to Denver Memorial. That's where he's headed."

"I'm all right Vin. I just…"

Assessing the dark bruises on Chris's face, the splatters of blood from assorted cuts, and the pained expression in his eyes, Vin failed to believe his claim. "You need to see a doctor, Justin can manage here. Besides, I left Cait with Donald and Lillian, and Brodie is with Kel. I promised your wife and daughter that I'd personally see that you're examined at the hospital. You don't really want to see either of them upset…do you?"

As his anger unwound, Chris's thoughts returned to what had happened and he began to feel the aches and bruises he had sustained. Turning to Justin, he said, "I want all reports faxed to my home a.s.a.p. We'll talk later." He started to walk off, and stopped, looking back at Tanner. "Well, you going to stand there or drive me?"

Vin shook his head. Chris's body was a little banged up, but his spirit was still strong and true.

Denver Memorial, 4: 45 pm

Chris exited the exam room and joined his brothers as they waited for news. "Doc says my head's too hard to hurt and the rest of me is just bruised. What do we know about Nathan?"

"Not much, other than the paramedics seemed to think he'd be okay. They figured he had a couple of broken bones, a concussion, and was a bit hypothermic, but nothing life threatening." Buck repeated what he knew. "Rain's in there with him now."

Nodding, Chris told them. "We'll meet at my house tomorrow morning. I should have all the reports by then, and maybe we can piece this day together…find out how it all went to hell."

Justin entered through the ER doors, and walked over to Chris, handing him his keys. He orally gave him a preliminary report. "Your truck is outside. Lawson's secretary is conscious, and I'm about to ask her a few questions. Bones is going to push on Lawson's autopsy, so I should have what you want by nine in the morning."

"Good job, Captain. Have a man stay with Agent Jackson tonight, too." Chris acknowledged Justin's nod as he turned and headed to the secretary's assigned room.

Fifteen minutes later Rain joined them with a report on Nathan, "Sprained arm, bruised ribs, a concussion, and assorted contusions. I'm going to stay with him overnight here, and bring him home in the morning." She looked at Chris. "Why was he working alone?"

"I can't answer that question just yet, but I will…I promise you. I'm leaving a man stationed at his door tonight, just to be on the safe side." Laying his hand on Rain's shoulder, he asked. "What do you need?"

"Mal has my kids, I have clothes here…I suppose all I need is some answers, but…I'll wait. Go home, Nathans's already down for the count, and probably won't be too coherent until tomorrow. We'll be all right."

"Call if you need anything, or if something changes."

"I will." She accepted a hug from Chris and each of the brothers before leaving them in the waiting room.

Buck threw his arm around JD. "Come on Kid, I'll give you a lift to your truck."

Josiah took his keys from Ezra. "And I'll drop you at your car." The four men waved as they exited the ER.

"Reckon that leaves me to follow you home Cowboy. You ready?" Vin asked.

"As I'll ever be, "Chris grumbled, "I'm getting too damn old to go flying through the air. Next time I'll send your ass to the federal Building."

Tanner grinned. "Hey…I'm on sick leave. Pick on someone else." They continued their banter as they walked out.

M7M7M7M7M7

Grant Dean used a payphone to make his call, and started in the moment his contact answered. "What the hell do you think you're doing? Setting off a bomb in my own damn building was plain damn stupid! You want to kill a Federal Agent…keep me out of it because that is not part of our deal! I don't care who the hell ordered it….you want Larabee dead…don't drop it on my doorstep!"

Slamming the receiver down, Dean swallowed hard. This was not what he signed up for, but…how the hell could he get out of it now…other than dead?

'All things happen for a reason; our challenge is to discover what it is.'

Larabee Home, Saturday, 9:00 am

Chris rolled over in his sleep, reaching for his wife. Finding an empty space, he glanced at the clock. It had been a long time since he slept past eight, and as he moved, the ache in his muscles reminded him of why. The memory of events from the previous day rushed back to him, and he sighed.

'So much for a nice quiet weekend.'

Tossing back the covers, he sat up, assessing the aches and pains his body recited. Deciding that it was not going to improve by sitting there, he stood, and gingerly made his way to the bathroom. A quick shower refreshed him, and after dressing, he went in search of his wife.

M7M7M7M7M7

Cait had talked to their children, and when her mother assured her they were all right with Granddad and Nana, she set to work on breakfast, and planning her day. Her first priority was tending to Chris. She doubted that he remembered much of what he had told her last night because of the pain meds Doctor Gilford gave him before he left the hospital, but she recalled all of it. Determined to make his day easy, she had already conferred with her sisters, planned a casual dinner for the Wild Bunch, and made refreshments for his meeting with his brothers.

When she heard him turn the water off in the shower, she made him a plate, poured his coffee, and met him at the kitchen door with a good morning kiss. "You look better in the light of day."

Lingering over their kiss, he smiled. "Feel better than I look." Taking in the breakfast waiting for him and the covered plates of snacks on the counter, he shook his head. "You've been busy, I see." He sat down at the table and gratefully reached for his coffee.

"I have." She poured herself a glass of orange juice, and sat down next to him. "The kids are with my parents until noon. Justin came out early, and the reports he left are on your desk. Mallory, Inez, Barbara, and I have an impromptu dinner planned for the Wild Bunch, and your meds are next to your plate. Buck called, said he told everyone to be here at eleven for your meeting, and Rain is bringing Nathan home. He wants to be here, and she couldn't talk him out of it. Vin said Kel wants to see for herself that you're okay, so they'll be over soon. I thought you might want some privacy for your discussion, and set up the den for you to use. It's a beautiful day and not as cold as it's been, which means we can eat outside, once you finished."

Leaning back in his chair, Chris gazed at his wife. "Organized and beautiful, too." He had forgotten how it worked to have a real partner as his spouse, to share the burdens of his hectic life, and she never ceased to amaze him. Sarah had been one, and now Cait. To find two women in one lifetime, who understood his needs and wants, was to him, a miracle. Whatever their future held, he knew they were in for a wondrous ride.

M7M7M7M7M7

By ten o'clock, Chris had reviewed all the reports, and had a clear picture in his mind of the previous day's events…he thought. When Vin and Kelli arrived, and he 'heard' some of what the Texan was thinking as he walked down the hallway, he was not quite so sure. A knock on his office door alerted him to their physical presence. "Enter.' He stood and walked around the desk, anticipating his daughter's need to see him.

Kelli peeked in first. When she saw her father, her emotions ran amuck and she had to rush over and hug him. "I was worried about you." She stepped back enough to look at his face. Reaching up to touch the ugly bruise on his forehead, she winced. "It's a good thing your head is Larabee tough."

Chris chuckled. "Guess it is at that. There's no need for you to get all wound up, Missy. You don't need me to worry over right now, and I'm all right, I promise."

Trying to give him a stern glare, she said, "You just make sure you stay that way." Glancing over her shoulder to Vin she sighed. "You didn't tell me he looked so bad, but since he's alive, I'll forgive you."

"Hell, you didn't ask me how he looked." Vin shook his head, and grinned. "Reckon another scar or two just adds more character as he ages." He ignored the glare Larabee sent his way.

Chris decided to keep the conversation light. "Age is overrated anyway. Most women prefer wisdom and maturity over youth and inexperience."

Smiling at the exchange between the two men she loved most in the world, Kelli said sweetly, "I'll leave you two alone to talk about experience. Cait might need some assistance with dinner preparations, and I should help Brodie ride herd on our brood." She started for the door, but Vin snagged her by the arm.

Pulling her close, he leaned down and kissed her, before saying, "Dad can handle what needs doin' until I get out there. You just remember, no liftin'."

"Got it, Coach, but I can help with dinner, and I promise to behave." She stood on her toes to give him a sound kiss, reflecting that promise. "See y'all later."

Waiting until she was out of earshot, Chris asked, "How's she really doing?"

"She's doin' what she's supposed to, and except for havin' a few anxious moments about you, she's stayin' calm." Vin walked over to look at the stack of reports on Chris's desk. "You do realize by now that somethin' important happened yesterday."

"Aside from me and Nathan almost being killed?"

Vin nodded. "We might not have it perfected yet, but the power of seven was workin'. I saw Healer with Nathan, and connected with you moments after the blast."

Chris sighed. "I guess I did hear voices just before it happened. Wasn't sure if I imagined them, or…whatever it was, I stopped to listen, otherwise, I would have been inside Lawson's office when the bomb detonated." He reached for the one pile of reports. "We'll cover it all when the others arrive. Rain told Cait that Nathan insists on being here, too. Grab the rest and let's move to the den."

Picking up the remainder of the files, Vin walked out with Chris. "Maybe he’ll tell us what was so all fired important about runnin' off alone."

"He'll tell us…one way or another."

M7M7M7M7M7

Most of the brothers arrived early. Each had their own story to tell, and wanted to compare their experiences with the rest. Nathan was the last one to come in, after having to promise Rain that he would tell her all of it later.

Josiah reached for an extra pillow to cushion the chair for Nathan. "Are you sure you're up for this?"

Taking a moment for his breathing to even out, Nathan nodded. "I'll manage."

Chris passed around copies of the reports, and waited until Nathan looked up before he began. "Let's start with what we know. At approximately three o'clock, Mallory called Josiah and informed him that she found Nathan's empty truck parked in front of the women's shelter, and no sign of Agent Jackson. According to her statement he had called her around one and requested her to talk with…" he looked at his report, "a Miss Desiree Adams…" he glanced at Nathan. "How did you get involved with this Adams woman?"

"She was Gino's woman…I interviewed her the day before, and, she seemed so lost. There she was pregnant and alone….I guess I let her situation get to me. When she called and asked for my help….I went. Someone had roughed her up asking about Gino and who he talked to…the only thing I could think of was to get her to a shelter, and have Mal counsel her. I left and then sat in my truck for a minute or two to make that call and…" he swallowed hard. "Four men dragged me out of the truck and into the alley where they beat the hell out of me."

Buck leaned forward. "Did you get a look at any of them?"

Nathan shook his head. "They all wore ski masks…said I was gonna be a warning…. 'Larabee's in way over his head, and your dead corpse is gonna be our message to him.' One of 'em planned to kill me, but a noise or something down the alleyway stopped him. After he lowered his weapon, he said, 'You're one lucky bastard…today…but there's always next time.' That's all I recall…except…"

"Except what? Chris prodded him.

Sighing, Nathan ducked his head. "I probably was hallucinating 'cause I thought I heard Healer talking to me."

"I saw him." Ezra admitted.

"Me, too." Buck added.

"I know I did…that's how I knew you were gonna be okay." Vin met Josiah's eyes. "I saw y'all enter the alleyway."

JD smiled. "Then I didn't imagine I felt Vin with us."

"Once Healer assured me that Nate was in good hands, I searched for a connection to Chris…I found him just after the bomb exploded." Vin looked at Buck. "After I got Cait and Kelli settled I headed for the Federal Building. I called Justin and Bones to meet us there before I called you."

Nathan was confused. "What explosion?"

"While Healer was tending to you…someone set off a bomb meant to kill Chris when he was in Lawson's office." Buck explained.

Chris nodded. "I was already running late, but heard voices when I exited the elevator. Someone shouted… I swear I heard Buck's voice…and I knew Nathan was in trouble…I stopped before going inside the office to listen…"

"Which is why you're still with us." JD finished what Chris did not say. "You think Dean and Cashton were behind both attacks?"

Hesitating, Chris sighed. "The message to Nathan proved that whoever is behind all this has no qualms about killing a Federal Agent. I've known them both a long time. While I might not like either of them, I've never had reason to suspect them of being cold-blooded murderers. Lawson's secretary gave Justin a statement before she died. Said a man came in claiming to be with maintenance to check on the copier just before three. He stayed a few minutes, said the machine was fine and then left. I was due in with Lawson at three, and according to our lab, the copier was the ignition point of the blast. We have no proof either Dean or Cashton were involved, but I don't believe Nathan and I both being targeted in one day is a coincidence."

"There is a way to find out. It would sure be useful to have a phone tap on Dean and Cashton’s office phones." JD bobbed his eyebrows. "Got me a nice little device for the little boy’s room, too."

Chris could not help smiling, sitting back as he became more serious and pondered the request. "We'd need a court order."

"Yeah, I realize that."

Chris pursed his lips. "Let me think on it. You’ll have my decision Monday. In the meantime, we leave all options on the table. Nathan…does Miss Adams know who the men were that roughed her up?"

"No, and she doesn't know who Gino talked to either."

"Good, "Chris nodded as he continued, "We connected yesterday when we needed to. I'm glad we at least got that part right. As for the rest…no one," he looked at Nathan, "and I mean no one goes off alone to investigate anything without backup. We trust only ourselves, and until we have proof in hand that tells us who is responsible, everyone out there is a suspect."

Vin felt he needed to add in his two cents. "I know 'm not on active duty, but I'm involved. We can't let our emotions cloud our judgment. Not only will that screw up the investigation, it makes it hard for me to connect with y'all. I don't know yet where my mental stuff fits in with this, but my gut says it does. When we function as one, we get results. I can't promise to stay completely focused with everythin' else goin' on, but I’ll do my damndest."

"We'll do our part, Junior, but don't neglect what you need to tend to either. We're all one part of seven…we'll adjust when one needs to pull back." Buck spoke directly to Vin, and grinned. "Of course, any help you can offer…we'll take."

"As soon as we break, I'll reach out to my contacts on the street." Ezra closed his notebook. "After I make my own review of these reports."

"Unless one of you has anything to add…. I suggest we join our ladies and try to push all this to the back of our minds until Monday." Chris waited, and when no one said otherwise, he said, "All right, let's go join our families." He smiled to himself when he saw Ezra start making phone calls.

Buck nudged JD and grinned. "I saw Tess with your kids on my way in. She's real obliging ain't she?"

JD sighed. "We're friends, Buck. F-r-i-e-n-d-s….friends, that's all."

"Right…you keep saying that, but do you believe it?" Buck was still grinning as he walked ahead of JD to catch up with Chris and Vin, leaving his young brother to mull on his words.

"Hey Vin, wait up." Buck reached them. "Are you two still taking our boys to the game tomorrow?"

"No reason to change our plans," Vin answered. "Caleb can spend the night with us, so you and Inez can get an early start on that shopping expedition you promised her." He grinned. "She has you right where she wants you to help her with a home makeover."

Buck sighed. "I know…I'm just not ready for her to go back to that mall alone. Reckon a little remodeling is a small price to pay for my peace of mind."

Chris gripped his shoulder. "Buck, if it was me, I'd be right there with Cait, too. Caleb, Jesse, and Jason will have a ball at the Broncos' game, and you'll know Inez is safe. A fair trade off if you ask me. Now, come on, first beer is on me."

Josiah stayed behind and helped Nathan to his feet. "I trust you told Rain why you were out there alone?"

"Not yet, but I will." Nathan saw the look of doubt Josiah cast his way. "She'll be okay with it, and I 'will' tell her."

"Uh huh. If I hear fireworks later, I'll know where they're coming from."

M7M7M7M7M7

Taking advantage of a slight warm-up before the next blast of cold air descended on Colorado, the entire family was enjoying their time outside. The bigger kids ran and played, while the babies stayed closer to the deck. Donald and Lillian kept watch on their grandchildren for Cait, so she could stay off her feet. Vin took over watching his brood from his dad, allowing Brodie to grab a beer from the cooler.

Chris beat him to it and handed it to the elder Tanner as he walked up. "You're getting good at this grandpa stuff."

"I'm enjoying the hell out of it, too. It makes me feel good to be able to help our kids, without having to be covert about it. Vin has his hands full, and Kelli needs all the support she can get." He took a swig from the bottle. "Both of them will be devastated if the worst happens."

"Vin said Kel is doing all right, so far. You know something I don't?"

Shaking his head he answered, "No. They're both working hard to follow the doctor's orders. I know if love was enough to get through this, they'd have it made, but you and I both know it takes more than love to beat the odds stacked against them."

Chris gazed across the yard and watched Vin and Kelli. It appeared that they were holding up well, but he knew the strain of worry was bubbling just below the surface. "I wish Kel would come with us tomorrow. It might do her good to get away from here for a while."

Brodie smiled. "With the twins starting daycare Monday, she wants to spend the day with them, and Andi's been busy instructing the boys on what to do in school. I'm staying close, in case Kel needs anything, but she's having a rough time accepting that they're not babies anymore."

Looking at his own 'babies', Chris nodded. "They do grow up, too damn fast."

"I hear Cait has a plan for Cody to help Bren and Trey adjust to school."

"Yep, and knowing Cait, her plan is foolproof." Chris had no doubt that the boys would do well. It was their mama, who worried him. "By the way, I looked over those leases you suggested, and took a verbal vote from the others. Once Ezra explained how much money we'd save in the end, they all said yes. Go for it."

Brodie nodded. "I'll get on them Monday then."

Laughing when Vin and Buck got into the boy's impromptu football game, Chris smiled. With Ezra, JD, Donald, and Josiah playing against them, he figured they could use some help. "They appear to be outnumbered. I may be sore, but I'm game if you are. Reckon we should offer an assist?"

"Hell yeah," Brodie finished his beer and tossed it into the trashcan. "We'll show 'em how it should be done."

Thirty minutes later Vin bowed out, claiming that his lungs protested, but the truth was he knew Kelli was tiring, and he wanted to get her home. Shortly after that, the gathering broke up, and the brothers headed home with their families. A bitter cold front was coming within a day or two, but a happy Wild Bunch had enjoyed the day.

Jackson Home, 9:00 pm

Rain watched Nathan as he climbed into their bed. "I hope you didn't over do today."

"Relax, babe. All I need is to sleep in my own bed, with my woman close by."

Rain slipped on her gown. "The kids passed out, and the house is locked up." She pulled back the covers, climbed in bed, and snuggled next to her husband. "You ready to tell me what happened now?"

"Not much to tell. I was just trying to do a good deed, and ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time." For some reason he did not want to explain why he was there. It was something he needed to find an answer for himself, before he could tell her. "I'm gonna be fine, it's over, and I am tired. You don't have to worry though, 'cause until we find who did this, I won't be going out alone again."

Rain knew he was holding back, but content to have him alive and at home, she decided not to push him for more…for now. "Get some rest. I love you."

"Love you, too."

Wilmington Home, 10:00 pm

Slipping off his wristwatch and placing it on the nightstand, Buck slid between the crisp bed sheets and patted the bed. Inez smiled and dropped her robe, enjoying how his face lit up at the image of her nakedness; she slipped into bed beside him.

While they sleepily cuddled in the darkness, Buck gave her a squeeze. "With everything else going on, I forgot to tell you…JD’s got it bad for Tess."

"Oh, mi amore…are you only now finding this out? It has been evident for some time."

"Oh, I knew he liked her and all…but this is way past like."

"Does Tess know?"

"Hard to tell. That little lady’s had such a tough time; she keeps her cards close to her chest…so to speak. But, yeah, I reckon there’s something there. I’ve seen the way she looks at him when he’s not looking."

Inez nodded against her man’s chest. She had seen it, too.

"I sure hope it works out. I hate to see the kid alone up there in that big house. He deserves the love of a good woman." He purred as a delicate hand drew circles on his chest. "Wha…what’s this? Mmmm…a bonus…oh God...?"

All thought about JD and Tess flew out the window, and tomorrow they would be on their own for their dinner. Tonight Buck had pressing matters on his mind that needed tending.