Frozen by Silver

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Falcon led the group of men to the kitchen, he wanted to see the how the team would interact with the children and he wanted Hellion’s team to see what the man had accomplished. He knew Hellion would never say anything about it. Hellion always gave more credit to Shawn and himself, making his part sound insignificant, which always irritated them.

Falcon knew the kids would be making dinner since it was almost supper time. It was their custom for all to help with the evening meal and if it was the weekend they all helped with every meal. It was their time to bond with the children and to catch up with what was happening in each of the kids' lives. It was a time to talk about concerns and to offer group solutions for any problems. Not to mention they enjoyed the time together. It was a time to show the children who had such a hard life a bit fun and normalcy.

It was even better when Hellion was there, though he did have a habit of starting food fights. The southerner seemed to enjoy making up for his lost childhood by helping the kids live theirs to the fullest. It wasn't like the food fights happened every time, not that it would make a difference. Just seeing those kids laugh made it worth while.

Falcon stopped at the door, facing the team. “The rules Hellion spoke of are very important. The most important is that you conduct yourselves as you would with any child but just keep in mind these kids don’t have a good opinion of you as officers and probably not as Hellion’s teammates. Most will remember his time with the FBI and his rough start with you. We ask that you show no hostility towards Hellion, Shawn or me, in the presences of the children. Save it for in private. If you do it for no other reason than you respect him that’s great. He would prefer a smooth transition of all you into the children’s lives. Me,” Falcon shrugged. “I would prefer you not become involved in their lives.”

“Why’s that?” Josiah asked.

“Simple. I don’t trust you, much less like you, but for Hellion’s sake I will go along with his wishes. Do you agree?”

“Of course, we agree. This is Ezra’s family and so are we. That means they’re ours too. We won‘t do anything to hurt them or Ezra,” JD said like it should have been obvious to everyone.

Falcon received nods from all the agents. Turning around the ebony giant threw over his shoulder, “They only know him as Hellion. They won’t know who Ezra is.”

Falcon opened the door to a fully operational kitchen that a four star restaurant would be proud of. There were two six burner stoves, four double Dutch ovens, three refrigerators and two deep freezers all well polished stainless steel. The countertops had black and white tile with hunter green accents that matched the floor tile except it had black accents.

Beyond the kitchen they saw a dining room with several long oak tables with white chairs around it.

“Wow!” JD let out an appreciative whistle.

“Knew that boy had taste but, damn, would you look at this place?” Buck said enthusiastically.

“Actually it was the children that chose the décor in each room, except in the front. Hellion wanted them to be the ones to decorate their home. He was strictly an advisor.” Shawn walked up to the group of hardened men, reminding himself he had to be real nice for more than one reason, knowing that his and Falcon’s attitudes would set the example for the kids' attitudes towards Hellion’s team.

Granted most of the older kids had had run-ins with the locals or some of the team in one form or another, with team’s penchant for trying to help Tanner with the troubled kids but since the sanctuary most had changed their opinions of the locals and Hellion’s team, except some of the older ones who were at the sanctuary when the fiasco with the FBI happened and Hellion’s rough start with team 7. They felt the same as he and Falcon did, but they owed it to Hellion to make it a smooth transition of both Hellion‘s separate worlds becoming one.

“Sounds like we missed out on an interesting part of our brother’s life. Is there something we could help with?” Josiah wanted to get to know these children who had been such a driving force in their friend’s life.

“Sure. Mr. Sanchez and Mr. Jackson…”

“Please call me Josiah,” he interrupted Shawn.

“And I prefer Nathan.”

Shawn nodded his agreement as he led the way to a table. “Josiah, Nathan, how about helping Jess and the others with the roast? I believe they’re still working on the carrots and potatoes to go in it.”

Shawn stopped at one of islands where a group of kids were peeling and chopping vegetables. “Jess, Marcus, Theo, Streak, Teddy, this is Nathan and Josiah.” The young blond introduced each of the men. “They’d like to help you with your part of dinner.”

“We’d love the help.” A girl that looked to be about eight, pulled out two more hand peelers to give the two agents. “Hey, Shawn, I put a list of seeds we need for the garden on the board.”

“Thanks, Teddy. I’ll remind Falcon to add it to the order.” Shawn watched for a few minutes as Sanchez and Jackson talked and helped the children with the food. He watched as Streak started to chop some carrots and winced at how the boy was doing it. He nodded in approval when Jackson showed, instead of taking over, the young man how to properly cut the vegetables without nearly taking his fingers off.

Shawn turned when he heard someone cry out in surprise. Seemed Falcon had put Dunne and Wilmington to helping the twins and John with dessert. Those three had been here when Hellion had started out with Team 7 and didn’t like the team, which might explain why Wilmington was wearing pink frosting on his face. Dunne was laughing at his friend when he was hit with purple frosting, causing his big friend to laugh at him. Shawn started over to supervise the three trouble makers but stopped when Falcon shook his head. For now, they would let the team deal with the kids by themselves.

Shawn was hard pressed not laugh out loud at the two frosting covered agents being chastised by a slim ten year old John. Then Shawn smiled as two of the children helped each Dunne and Wilmington frost a cake when they saw the grown men having trouble keeping the cake from falling apart in the process.

He joined Falcon in the entry way wanting to see what had his lover’s attention. In the dining room was Larabee helping the younger children set the table while telling them a story of a prince slaying a dragon to save the princess. “How the hell did you get him to do that?” Shawn asked in awe.

Falcon shrugged. “I didn’t. Faith came, tugged on his hand and asked if he would like to come help her and her friends with their task for dinner, so he wouldn’t feel left out. Larabee said he would like that very much. She then asked if he told as good a story as Hellion did. When he said he didn’t think so Faith asked if he’d tell her and the others a story and let them be the judge of that.” Falcon looked baffled as well. “So that’s what he’s doing; letting them judge his story telling abilities. Never thought I’d see the big bad element being such a teddy bear.” Falcon grinned evilly.

“Wipe that thought right out of your head. You are not going to antagonize Larabee. We have enough to deal with right now,” Shawn reminded his lover. “Now that Hellion’s here are we going to tell him about Warner and the threats?”

“Yeah, I’ll talk to him tonight, now that things have settled down. Surely he will be able to put a stop to a local beat cop trying to cause problems.”

“I think there’s more to it than that. There has to be some kind of connection to know Hellion’s other persona. Word on the street is that Warner has high political attachments, nothing local.”

Falcon knew Shawn’s sources on the street were good and he had learned early on to trust them. He also knew that most of the locals considered him one of their snitches just because Shawn looked much younger than he was. In turn the young blond could request information for his help, a fact that had helped them out in more than one way.

Falcon grimaced. “I’ll go talk to him now. Hopefully he will have reassured Tanner by now.”

Falcon knew all about guilt from his rocky start with Shawn. There had been times that he would rip into the young man just because he was involved with some kind risky of scheme to help Hellion, even though the southern agent didn’t know about the help until it was too late and Shawn would be hurt, terrifying him.

After a few times of this Shawn had figured out what his problem was and had become an aggressive suitor for his affection, which he hadn’t minded in the least since if Shawn was pursing him then the young man wasn’t getting caught in the middle of Hellion’s plans. It had been his way of protecting Shawn. Made Hellion happy to know Shawn was occupied and out of his way. Then when he finally realized he felt the same about Shawn he had stopped running from his emotions, enough to be caught by his young lover.

He sighed, deciding to hurry up and tell Hellion of this problem so he could get back to watching the team with the children.

+ + + + + + +

Falcon knocked on the door hoping that his friend had been able to help his Texan make peace with his demons.

Falcon heard the Texan’s response to his second knock and grinned. Not many people knew that he had a rather wicked streak and he didn’t bother to quash it as his knocking became louder and more insistent. If it irritated the Texan then it would be his complete pleasure to continue irking the man.

Falcon smirked as the door was yanked open by Hellion.

“What part of ‘wait a minute’ did you not understand?” Ezra growled at his friend especially after noticing the smirk that went with the mischievous gleam in his friend‘s eye.

“I don’t believe it was you that asked me to wait a minute.” He looked past Hellion’s shoulder, seeing the glare the Texas sharpshooter was aiming at him, his smirk growing to a big grin. Looked like Tanner got his point. His gaze returned to the southerner.

“We need to talk.” Falcon knew that Hellion understood he wanted to talk alone. Of course, even he knew how futile that was now that Hellion had accepted the Texan into his life completely. Didn’t mean he wouldn’t keep trying.

“You may speak freely in front of Vin from this point on,” Ezra stated firmly.

Falcon had no trouble reading the message in those green eyes. ‘Deal with it or you will deal with me.’

Falcon sighed. “As you wish, Hellion.” At Hellion’s nod he continued. “We’ve got a local beat cop hassling us. We ignored it since that was nothing new. About a week ago he sent a note by one of the children. Shawn and I have tried to handle it but he’s set on meeting with you.”

“What’d the note say?” Vin wanted to know.

“That he wanted money in exchange for silence.”

“What does he have to keep silent about? We have all the permits for a group home. State inspectors visit regularly and we have perfect scores from all their visits. We have social workers, psychologist and nutritionists that visit monthly and are available anytime they are needed. The building is inspected and is up to code, if not better. So, what on earth is it that he has to hold over our heads?” Ezra asked in exasperation.

“You.” Falcon paused for a second at the confused look on his friend's face. “Your real identity, Hellion, that’s what he has over us.”

Ezra sucked in his breath as he sat heavily into one of the chairs. “It’s not possible!” he hissed out. Even after the denial left his lips he knew that it was very possible. Even with all the precautions, someone had found out. His worst nightmare come true.

“Shawn heard from a source that he may have political ties to Washington higher ups.” Falcon felt terrible for having to give his friend such news. This was why the team had never been told he was Hellion. The reason Hellion had kept his distance since returning to Denver for the good of the sanctuary. The fear of people finding out his connection to the sanctuary and then using the children against him.

“Who is he?” Ezra growled out as he stood once again.

“Martin Warner out of E. 5^th Precinct,” Falcon replied.

Ezra sat back down, putting his head in his hands. The day he had feared to the depths of his soul was here. He was being manipulated into showing his hand and he resented it. Hell, that didn’t even begin to cover it. He was angry at himself and the invader that threatened his family. It was time to make some calls and find out who Warner had allegiances with.

Vin had chosen to remain quiet after his initial question. This was Ezra’s area of expertise but he would help his soul mate keep this part of his family safe. “Ez, I think we should clue in the others. They’ll want to help and we’ll find out more if we work together.”

Ezra lifted his head up, nodding. Vin was right. The others would want to help. “Falcon, after dinner have Shawn do some more checking with any snitches that might be helpful in case there is any new development. We’ll get JD to get on the computer to see if we can find out anything from his connections.” Taking a calming breath he stood up and walked to the door, smiling as he opened it. “Let us see how the other’s are faring with the children.” After that he was gone.

“Well, that’s a bad sign. He’s redirecting again.”

“Which means he’s hiding somethin’ and probably about ta do somethin’ ta get himself hurt.”

Falcon turned to look at the Texan beside him, rather surprised Tanner would pick up on Hellion’s habit’s so easy, but then again the ex-bounty hunter did have practice at it. “Well, guess it’s up to us to make sure he doesn’t do anything too stupid.”

Falcon grinned at the Texan’s snort. Putting a hand on the shorter man’s shoulder the ebony giant guided him out the door. “Let’s see if your team is still in one piece.”

Vin groaned. He really had forgotten that his friends were with Ezra’s main family and if it didn’t go well then they may actually get to know Hellion and he just knew that that wasn’t a good thing.

+ + + + + + +

Ezra knew he was going to meet the cop, but he’d do it alone. He wanted his team and the sanctuary to have deniability for his actions, in case things went bad. He’d wait till they were occupied before making a move but first he need to see how the team was doing and so help them if they hurt the children in any way… Pushing the kitchen door open he stopped in his tracks. He had expected many things but this wasn’t one of them.

All movement had ceased when the door opened. There were grown men covered with who knew what on one side of the kitchen, very out numbered by the children that were on the opposite side. Well, everyone looked fine if not a little messy and the kitchen was a disaster, but all in all he guessed he could count this as a bonding experience. Not like he hadn't done the same thing but, Lordy, Falcon was not going to be happy. “Looks like dinner is going to be a tad late tonight.” He was not prepared for the bombardment of food thrown his way by both parties.

He simply ran a hand over his face clearing some of the debris away before stating, “You do realize that this means war.” He ducked just as a barrage of food was thrown in his direction, ducking in time, and not realizing that Falcon and Vin walked in at that precise moment.

Once again all movement stopped. Falcon groaned as soon as he saw the mess. After he wiped it off himself he said, “What? One of you isn’t enough, Hellion? You had to add the rest of the team to your antics?” He looked with imagined disgust at his old friend who happened to have a very innocent ‘who me’ expression on his face. “Don’t even, mister.” The giant wagged his finger at the southern agent who was slowly standing up. “They had to have picked up that bad habit from you!” he growled.

Vin laughed as he picked up a towel from the nearest counter. Sounds like he needed to meet this side of his gambler more often.

Falcon glared at everyone. “Alright, let’s get this mess cleaned up so we can eat.” The usually gentle giant was rather irritated, so all the kids started to clean up and the team followed their example.

“Hey, Hellion!” Ezra turned around just as Falcon threw a wad of pie dough, causing everyone to laugh.

Ezra just wiped it off but the look in his eyes said he would pay Falcon back, before he started to chuckle.

An hour later saw Team 7 sitting down to their first meal with Standish’s other family. They were all scattered out in their seating with the children, wanting and hoping to get to know the people that were so close to their friend. It was full of chatter and stories of Hellion’s time with the sanctuary. The meal was enjoyed as were the stories much to Ezra’s embarrassment. The Team even helped with the clean up process, while the younger children were sent to get ready for bed and the older ones to help them out.

Ezra was helping wash the dishes when a truly evil thought hit him. He did after all have control of the sprayer. He was casting subtle glances at his friends and taking in their whereabouts when he felt a hand cover his from the opposite side. Looking up guiltily into the indigo eyes of his lover, who just shook his head and took control of the sprayer, the southerner sighed. Figures Vin would stop his fun.

“Hey, Ez, time to tell the others about the situation, don’t ya think?” Tanner asked hoping to distract the undercover agent from starting another war.

“Why don’t you and Falcon take them to the game room, fill them in while I finish up here.” At both men’s protest he switched tactics. “Well, then grab some coffee and settle down the table while I finish.” At the agreeable nods, the sneaky agent turned back to the sink without the smile showing on his face but he was smiling on the inside.

Vin and Falcon glanced at each other before following the others into the dining room, both men making sure they could see the southerner from their respective seats as they started explaining the situation to the other men.

As the questions and the ideas started flying Ezra used the distraction to slip out, going to his office, starting his computer on some rather illegal searches about the officer in question. The others didn’t realize he could hack with the best of them. He just couldn’t compare with JD’s level of talent.

Ezra called the 5^th Precinct. “Hello, I'd like to speak to an Officer Martin Warner. Yes, I’ll hold.” His computer beeped at him as he was waiting. Swearing as he saw exactly who Warner’s connections were. Looked like he was going to have to pull a few strings of his own to negate the trouble maker’s people.

As the dreadful music stopped a high pitched nasal voice answered, “Warner, can I help you?”

“Yes, Mr. Warner, I believe you were looking for me?”

“Ah, Standish. Wondered when the assholes would tell you. Got my money?”

“Not as of yet, I would like to meet in person first to negotiate on your price,” the southerner lied smoothly.

“Look, Standish, there are people who want you dead, me I just want out of this hellhole. You help me and I’ll help you. 'Sides I’m tired of dealing with that scum in Purgatory. Tell you what I’ll meet you at the firehouse on Sinclair street in 30 minutes.” Out side of his territory but just the place he would have picked.

“Deal.” With that Ezra hung up and dialed a familiar number even if it was one he hadn’t used in years.

“Captain, it’s Standish, I’ve got a red situation and need for you to mobilize to the old firehouse on Sinclair in 40 minutes. No, sir, afterwards I’ll tell you where to send the package along with a few others. It’ll be on my signal. Yes, sir, the usual.” The agent looked at his computer screen as he hung up.

Figures they would have found out about him and the children. They never really had let him go. He’d just hoped they would have lost interest in him. Some people would miss them but the Captain would make sure they never surfaced. Not that he liked that idea much but he wouldn’t take a chance with either of his families.

He shut down the searches before grabbing his black trench coat out of the closet. He listened carefully to the sounds of the sanctuary before stepping out of the office, making his way out the back door that led to the alley.

He stopped for a moment, not as sure of himself or the plan as he had been a few minutes ago. He wanted to go into the kitchen and ask for Vin’s and the others' help. Falcon was a ‘no brainer’ as JD would say. The man continually interfered in his dealings. Deep down he enjoyed the feeling of knowing that Falcon was there, no matter what. Of course, he would never let the man know that because Falcon would be intolerable to live with afterwards. No, it was better this way. He opened the door without further thought. He had a reasonable plan to work with and that would have to do. He would deal with repercussions afterwards.

+ + + + + + +

The men around the table had continued to argue their points and reasons. Getting caught up in the argument Falcon had missed his friend's departure, as had the Texan, but Shawn had slipped in to see how Falcon was dealing with the team.

“I don’t think that would work. There are too many problems that could arise from transferring the man out, especially since we don’t know who his connections are. We figure that out then maybe but not until then,” Falcon reasoned.

Shawn had seen the southern agent slip out the back, thinking he just needed some air but as he listened to the men around the table he knew Hellion was going out on his own… again. “Have any of you noticed that something is missing… or rather someone?” he interrupted.

The other men looked at him clearly confused before the answer hit them.

“Ezra!”

“Hellion!”

Were the respective responses.

Getting up the men started for the door before Shawn once again spoke. “He went out the backdoor.” He looked at Falcon, “He had on the trench coat.” Giving his lover a meaningful look.

“So what? He had on a coat?” Buck didn’t understand.

“He only wears it as Hellion and only when he’s proving a point to his opponent. He had it specially made after the gang threats started to become more than threats. It’s got a few…” Falcon paused looking for the right words.

“A few nasty surprises,” Shawn supplied.

Chris closed his eyes, almost afraid to ask. “What kind of nasty surprises?”

“Well, a small version of a flame thrower…” Falcon stopped at the groans.

“Don’t forget the grappling hook or the knives strapped to his back.” Shawn looked at Jackson as he said the last. “He said you were so good with yours that if he could do half as good it would be helpful.”

Jackson bowed his head. He and the southern agent clashed more often than not but he felt some pride at the southerner’s compliment. He was a good friend and the most obstinate man he had ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Vin paced the kitchen area like a sleek panther that was restless and pissed. “So, where would he go?”

“Is there a special place that he prefers to meet his adversaries?” Josiah loved that boy as his own but he was so infuriating.

“Sure, but he won’t go there because he doesn’t want to be found.,” Shawn stated.

Chris took his natural role as leader. “JD, go check his computer, see if you can find a clue. Buck, Josiah, check your contacts see if there is something on this Warner character. Call the minute you have anything.” Looking at his agent's friends, he asked, “Where would be the last place to look for him?”

“Probably the abandoned firehouse on Sinclair. That’s where I’d go. It's also out of our protected territory and agreement with the gangs. Best place to start at least.” Falcon left the kitchen going to a storage room with several locks that were very high up and complicated. Opening that there was a steel door with more locks. At the others' raised eyebrows, Falcon shrugged. “Hellion’s cautious with anything that can harm the children.”

Opening the vault revealed a good choice of weapons. Vin followed the others, picking up a prime choice long range sniper rifle. At the Texan’s appreciative whistle Shawn turned around to see the sharpshooter on the team caress the rifle lovingly. “He bought that for you but never planned on giving it to you.” At the man’s questioning look, the blond smiled. “He never thought he had a chance with you.”

Turning back around he watched as Falcon loaded down with ammo and his guns, knowing that Hellion wasn’t going to be any happier than when he, himself interfered with the stubborn man’s plans. Thank God neither of them listened to the man and stayed behind. He watched as the remaining teammates loaded themselves down with extra weapons and ammo. Shawn knew he would stay behind to watch out for the place and assist the remaining member of the team.

As they were prepared to head out Buck met them at the door. “Well, our Ez has some very bad skeletons in his closet.” Running fingers through his hair, he decided to just to spit it out. “He was part of a covert team that operates at a very high level. So high that I can’t get anything else about them.”

JD came up behind his roommate to report his findings. “The group belongs to a unit known as 'The Ghosts’. They specialize in intelligence but that’s not all they do. Been know to do retrieval and infiltration to any organizations that are a perceived threat. Basically they do anything that others can’t or won’t. There are no lines drawn for this group or a country. Seems Ez left after two years in the group. That was before and while he was in the FBI. Couldn’t find out why. There isn’t much on the group that is kept on a computer.”

“So you think the group wants Ez?” Nathan asked.

“It’d make sense a covert group like that, maybe afraid he’d find a way to bring them down if he thought they had overstepped his bounds.” Chris rubbed his forehead. He didn’t like the way things were going. They all had their skeletons that they hid from the others but it seemed his undercover agent had a few more than the rest. Definitely explained a lot about his agent.

“Well, they did overstep their bounds. In fact wiped out a village of innocents while they were on a mission. Afterwards Ezra left the group when his superiors refused to punish the group‘s actions,” Josiah supplied as he came in.

“Let’s go, no point in letting him have all the fun,” Larabee stated as he checked his gun clip and chambered a round in the barrel. He pulled Vin up short as he walked by. “You had better have a talk with that stubborn SOB. He needs to learn to not go off by himself and the fact he doesn’t have to either. He has us.”

Vin nodded. Oh, he would be talking to his southern love, first chance he got, about a lot of things. Going off without him in a dangerous situation was going to be at the top of the list.

The agents piled in Falcon’s suburban wanting to get to the firehouse to get the search started.

“Hey ‘Siah why can’t yours run this good? Heck, I don’t even see the smoke coming out the back,” JD said from the safety of several bodies between him and the profiler.

“JD, haven’t you ever heard of not poking a stick at a sleepin’ lion?” Buck asked exasperatedly as he knocked the kid’s hat off.

Josiah was about to reply when their beepers started going off. Larabee looked at the message screen. ‘fire 911’. “Guess it’s the firehouse, boys.”

Falcon stepped on the gas.

+ + + + + + +

Ezra arrived early at the old station in order to find himself a spot that would give him some protection. As he waited he lit the mini-flame thrower and checked the rest of his arsenal. Everything in order he hunkered down behind an old crate, waiting for the show to begin.

Ten minutes later and Warner walked in. The cop took a look around before seating himself in a chair with his back to Ezra.

‘How stupid is this guy’ Ezra wondered. He was about to make his presence known when the officer’s phone rang. “Warner. Hey Captain. I’m waiting for him to show up. He called you to get rid of me? Figures. What’s your ETA? ‘Kay I’ll keep him busy till your team gets here.” After that Warner clicked his phone shut.

The southerner grinned. Time to make himself known to the crooked cop. “Well, Warner, “ Ezra’s grin was wicked as the man almost fell out of his chair, “shall we get down to business?”

At Warner’s nod, he continued, “Now I find a few million dollars an affront to my person.”

“Now wait a minute, that’s a reasonable sum for me not killing you.” At Ezra’s raised eyebrow he continued, “I just want out of this place.” The look of disgust was evident to the agent. “All I want is money and you’ll never hear from me again.”

“Really?” The agent’s sarcasm was apparent. “Then my payment will protect my future from other killers, such as yourself, then?” The doubt obvious. “I tell you what, Warner, I won’t kill you. You transfer out and never darken our corner of the world again.” Ezra looked at his fingernails, looking very bored, before flicking a piece of lint off the black coat. “Or I can kill you now. Your choice.” The deadly agent look at the man in front of him and found him lacking in anything worth salvaging. Ezra casually walked over to lean against the pole that the firemen slid down.

“I prefer to live, Standish, and if I don’t have that money I’ll let it slip that you’re part of The Ghosts..”

Ezra laughed out right. “Who would believe anyone such as yourself? You think anyone would believe a low life like you? Who would you contact? The governor, a senator, maybe the president? I think not.”

“Well, you see, Standish, there is one person that would be very interested. One that wants you out of the way for good.”

Ezra just grinned even bigger. “You think that this person, that wants me gone, won’t dispose of you? You are quite the fool, aren’t you?”

“Of course he is. Why do you think I picked him, Specter?” A man in black tack suite walked in. He held a sharp and dangerous presence. He was followed by four other men dressed similarly and all held guns.

“What are you talking about, Captain? I thought you were recruiting me and he was my way in?” Warner looked surprised when the gun the Captain was holding was suddenly pointed at him and shell shocked as he felt a bullet enter the side of his neck. One hand grabbed his neck trying to stop his life giving blood, the other one reached out for help even as his eyes glazed over with death.

Neither man moved for a few seconds while they sized each other up. The tall blonde haired man watched the agent in front of him. They had made a major mistake when they hadn’t killed the irritating man when he had first left the group.

“Well, I see you have not changed any. Might I suggest that the next time you shoot an officer of the law, albeit a crooked one, you find a more secretive place to do the deed. It’s just a suggestion.” The southerner shrugged his shoulders.

“I see you haven’t changed either, Specter, always a bleeding heart even for the unworthy.”

Ezra snorted. “My issue is with your ease in killing. Not with the scum lying on the floor.” Ezra continued to lean against the pole. “So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your despicable company?”

“Time for you to pay the piper, Specter. Didn’t you think we’d hear about your plan to get rid of the company?”

The undercover agent was quiet for a moment. Sure, he had thought about it, even felt out a few people to bring the outfit down. He just hadn’t found a safe way to do so without himself being indebted to the persons. “So who told you?”

“Actually most of them. You forgot that we are sanctioned beyond the President. The only people that can disband us is the International Senate. Which most don‘t even know exist.”

“Ah, you mean those complete idiots that think they run foreign affairs behind the backs of the government?” Shifting to a more comfortable spot he continued. “I hate to disappoint you but those you answer to are being rounded up as we speak.”

The Captain laughed. “You take me for a fool?”

“Not at all. You see when I was on my way over here I made a few calls to several interested parties. You have made a few-- well, maybe a lot is a better term-- enemies and they seem to think that it’s time for your company to be a thing of the past. No longer does the government want a vigilante type group to run their operations, They want honorable, intelligent men and most of all they don’t want murders to be what the United States stands for.”

“You forget that the US isn’t the only country we work for.”

“I didn’t forget but it will be the US and its allies you will answer to. Not the ones you have been selling your services to for the highest bid. Unless you wish to make a deal?”

The suggestion hung in the air for a few moments before anything was said.

“What would be the deal, Specter?”

“Hand yourselves over to me.”

The Captain laughed till tears were falling from his eyes. “That’s a good one. Get rid of your weapons, Specter. Slowly.” He finally got himself under control. Looking over the gambler’s shoulder, after the agent had put several weapons on the ground, he nodded. “Casper, take him into custody for murder of an officer.”

Ezra felt the man move close to him, at the same time he brought his hand up engaging the grappling hook, while dropping a smoke bomb with the other.

The Captain fired blindly into the smoke. The southern agent felt the fiery path of the bullet before it lodged itself into his side, at the same time the grappling line pulled him up to the second level of the firehouse. ‘Hell, that hurt.’

The conman of the elite Team 7 made his way to the bathroom. He had to check the wound and stop the bleeding before they found him. On second thought, a small deterrent to climbing the steps.

+ + + + + + +

Falcon slammed on the brake a block down from the firehouse. “I’d suggest that Tanner take the roof of the dry cleaning building. It’s got the best view of both floors.”

Vin looked at his boss and friend who was passing out little ear pieces to keep in touch with each other. Seeing his nod the sharpshooter took off for the alley, sticking to the shadows on the off chance there were lurkers around. He picked the lock of the building and started to enter when he saw movement. Yep, they had company.

Larabee and the others spread out, taking out the unsuspecting men they found around the building.

Buck looked at his oldest friend with a skeptical look. “They are supposed to be the best?” At Chris’s shrug, Buck shook his head in disgust. “Must have really lowered the bar since we were in the corps, pard.” Then he and JD headed towards the rear of the building. Nathan and Josiah were on the opposite side of where Vin was stationed and Falcon was with him.

“Chris, there is a bunch of smoke on the first floor.” At the sharpshooter’s statement he looked at Falcon, who just shrugged and winked at him. Larabee shook his head, ‘Great, the man was as bad as that damn southerner.’

“Can you see any sign of Ez?”

“Nope.” Tanner was scanning for signs. “Wait, there is movement on the first floor. Make that five men moving towards something but it’s out of my line of sight. Seems the entrances are clear.”

Larabee was about to give the signal to enter when there was an explosion. “Vin, you got a visual?”

“No, nothing.”

“Everyone move in, now!”

+ + + + + + +

Ezra pulled the shirt away from the wound, sucking in a breath at the sharp pain. He took the coat off and then his shirt before putting the coat back on. He might need the accessories that were within the coat. Taking a deep breath he put the shirt tight against the wound. Feeling dizzy he grabbed the edge of the sink. He really didn’t have time for this. He knew the other’s would be here but when was his concern. And, boy, would they be angry with him. He not only took on a group of dangerous men by himself but he got shot on top of it.

When the dizziness had abated Ezra started searching the bathroom and the closest room to it. He needed to find a place to hole up for a bit, Hell, he’d settle for a way out, right now.

Nothing.

Just great!

Next time he had to do this he would pick the meeting place, complete with a way out. Technically, he would’ve picked this place but that was beside the point.

The trapped agent knew he couldn’t slide down the pole because that way would be guarded. Instead he took cover behind a tile half wall between stalls to wait for his opponents' next move and for his little surprise to go off.

His world was turned on its axis when the explosion hit. The heat hit him hard as his flesh felt like it was on fire. Then the floor collapsed beneath him. One minute he felt like the front of him was on fire while he could feel the cold tile of the floor on his back. Then the feeling of falling. Then being covered with all manner of debris. Then all went black. His last thought was how mad Vin was going to be.

+ + + + + + +

The men hit the entrances at the same time. One sweeping his gun high and the other sweeping low, covering the other’s back. As the dust settled it was clear by the bodies that not all had survived.

Chris moved up to where the staircase use to be, Falcon checked for pulses, not really expecting any. His men searched the rest of the first floor. As ‘clear’ signs were given a soft voice came over the headsets. “Did you find him?”

“Not yet, better stay there in case there is someone that didn’t get caught in the blast.” Chris didn’t have to say they would keep looking for their missing friend. They all knew it.

Six guns trained on a moving mound of plaster and wood, all waiting to see if it was Ezra or an enemy.

A groan and a “Damn, if that didn’t hurt,” followed by a hand had all six men moving to help.

They pulled layers of plaster, tiles and wood off their friend before they completely uncovered him. Ezra, for his part, blinked owlishly up at the others. Dazed, dizzy and a fair amount of dust in his eyes hadn’t helped.

“Just hold still, Ezra.” Nathan knelt by his friend. His hands were running over the small body to check for broken bones and finding the bullet wound. Probing it he found the bullet still lodged in the body. “Need to call an ambulance now. He’s got a bullet in him. No obvious signs of anything broken but I’d feel better if he had x-rays.”

Gaining some of his wits back the southerner tried to sit up to object but the sharp pain in his side made him stop. The few hands holding him down didn’t help either. Hell, maybe he’d receive enough sympathy from Vin that this whole fiasco could be forgotten. Nah, he’d still get it from all sides. Never thought he’d see the day where he saw the hospital as refuge, but then again escape was always an option.

Looking up into the worried faces of his friends he changed his mind. Maybe it was time he stopped running and just accepted what ever his punishment might be and the rewards of having such good friends. He didn’t know how well he could do that but it couldn’t hurt to try. He was brought back to the present as a hand was waved in his face.

“Earth to Hellion. You in there?”

“Knock it off. I’m still here.” Ezra once again tried to sit up but the hands still wouldn’t allow him to. “Look this is very uncomfortable and I need to make sure The Ghosts get to the right place.”

“Stay where you are, Ez. We got it taken care of. The ones inside the building are dead and the others are wrapped up tight for the locals.” Larabee looked at his agent and figured he’d already had a head start on some gray hairs and looking forward to even more.

“No, not the locals,” He looked at his long time friend.” Falcon, that package I gave you a few years back?” At the man's nod he continued. “It’ll have a number and enough evidence to make sure they never surface again, even those at the top.” With that out of the way the southerner let out a soft breath.

“Nathan?” Vin asked. He had just came into the building.

“He’s alright, Vin, just passed out is all.”

The wail of a siren could be heard in the background. The others’ had gone to gather prisoners now that they knew their friend would eventually be alright.

The Texan gently laid the unconscious man’s head in his lap, wanting to offer comfort and needing it himself.

Epilogue

The southern agent sat in a soft blue chair, looking out the window. It had been a week since the firehouse fiasco. He was finally released from the hellish pit. He would survive, just another scar to add to the others he had acquired. He truly had been surprised by the number of lectures he had received. He had expected Falcon to rip into him. He had screwed up the explosion. He had improvised with what he had. He wasn’t an explosives expert. How was he supposed to know that he had used too much of the black powder out of the grenade? Both Falcon and Shawn had let him have it, with both barrels, about going off on his own.

That was foreplay because the team was up next. The morose agent sighed. The whole team had had something to say about his going off by himself, reminding him that he had six people who would be there for him anytime, all he had to was ask. Hell, sometimes he didn’t even need to do that.

Only Vin was silent and that was never good. He wasn’t sure where he stood with the sharpshooter. Maybe he had finally gone too far. Maybe the Texan had decided he was too much trouble? Others in his life had found him too much trouble. Looked like Vin had finally came around. What was he going to do now? His walls and defenses were gone, melted. All that was left was a damaged soul open for more pain.

The only positive was both of his families met and could do more than tolerate each other. Thank God, that was at least one less worry.

Of course the bane of his existence was finally dealt with. He had changed his mind after the firehouse explosion and six of The Ghosts were killed. The Captain was dead. The rest that Team 7 rounded up, the ones who weren’t there and finally the one who started and supposedly controlled the organization were dealt with. He sent the others to a far away land, one that owed him a favor from when he was a Ghost and the country got their revenge.

Everyone was happy.

What more could he want?

Vin.

That’s what more he wanted. He let his guard down and at long last accepted he needed the man in his life. Now, the Texan wasn’t even talking to him, or at least he wasn‘t the last time he saw him.

He groaned in defeat. His mother was right. Nobody could love him. He just wasn’t worth it and never would be. A sad fact he also was beginning to accept. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. He had Falcon, Shawn and the children. But that wasn’t the same as someone to hold him at night, to remember the important things his Mother never had and most of all, someone to love him no matter his faults or screw ups. And they are many, unfortunately for him.

He leaned his head back with the intent of only resting his eyes. Next thing he knew he was waking up in the dark with the feeling of being watched. Careful not to move too much he eased his gun out from his side.

“Relax, Ez, it’s just me.” The soft drawl was a welcomed relief.

“Wasn’t sure you’d come,” was the despondent reply.

The lanky sharpshooter knelt down next to the chair, not touching the man who sat looking out the window. “Where else would I be?”

“Don’t know, but not here.”

Vin frowned, not liking the sad tone of voice and slumped shoulders. Moving around, kneeling between Ezra’s legs, he placed his hands on Ezra's thighs. “Ez, what’s the matter?”

He didn’t have any fight left in him. If Vin was going to leave him he might as well get it over with. “You haven’t said anything but the bare minimum since I woke up at the hospital. Not even during the Team’s idea of a chat. You said nothing. What could be wrong?”

Vin moved in between the southern agent’s legs. Cupping his face gently as the ex-bounty hunter lifted it up so the man would look at him. “Let me guess. You thought because I hadn’t said anythin’ I no longer loved you?” When Ezra shrugged his shoulders and averted his gaze, Vin spoke sharply, “Look at me!”

Ezra’s eyes met the sharpshooter’s. “Ezra Standish, I love you and I won’t deny that I wasn’t angry with you but I never for one moment gave up on us.” Tanner saw the doubt in the beautiful emerald eyes. “Ez, I love you and no matter what you do or say or any mistake you or I might make in the future I. Will. Always. LOVE. YOU. You got that?”

The southerner tilted his head. Taking in the Texan's expressions and body language, as well as his words, before answering, “I love you, Vin. More than anything in my entire life. All I can do is promise to do my best to remember and believe what you say. That’s not to say that old habits and ghost will not rear their ugly heads. I swear I will try.”

Pulling Ezra’s head close to him, only a hair's breadth away from his lips, Vin said. “That’s all I ask from you my love. That’s all I ask.”

Vin’s lips descended on the smaller man’s lips. The southerner’s lips opened to him, swooping in dominating the kiss and possessing. Ezra leaned in further trying to absorb the feel of being loved.

Pulling away the Texan pulled the southerner up out of the chair before taking a seat and pulling the pliant man into his lap, holding on tight. “I know this won’t be easy for either of us but, Ez…” Vin ran a hand through the soft curls as the agent lay his head on his shoulder. “Remember that even if we fight I won’t stop loving you? You got that?”

The undercover agent nodded his head. “No, Ez, I want to hear the words.”

“No matter what happens you’ll love me and I’ll love you,” was the soft accented reply.

Standing Ezra pulled his Texan up and led him to the bedroom.

~fini~

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