Chapter 7
Vin glanced towards the office again, he was really getting worried about Chris. He shared a concerned look with his lover, knowing Buck was as worried as him. Hell, the whole team was getting scared for Chris. They could clearly see that the more time went by with no leads on Ezra, the further Larabee pulled away from them. Turning his attention back to the office, he was just in time to see Chris slide something back into his desk drawer, a very suspicious looking something. His chair flew back as he jumped to his feet; stalking into the office, he slammed the door behind him. "That ain't gonna help Chris.""What the hell are you talking about Tanner?" Chris growled.
"I'm talking about that bottle you keep in your desk," Vin calmly replied.
Chris didn't bother to deny the accusation, Vin wouldn't believe him anyway, "None of your business."
"Like hell it ain't," Vin snapped. In three strides he was at the desk, the drawer jerked open; the bottle in his hand. Before Chris had a chance to respond, Vin was in the small restroom, the scent of whiskey wafting up to him as it flowed down the drain. An enraged roar sounded from behind him, seconds before Larabee crashed into him, sending them both to the floor. Neither man got the upper hand during the short fight, each getting in a few good strikes before the others pulled them apart.
"You son of a bitch, you had no right doing that," Chris snarled as he fought Josiah's hold.
"I got every right," Vin countered, "I'm your friend."
Buck grab a paper towel, and after wetting it began to clean up his lover's split lip. "You okay?"
"I'm fine Buck, thanks." Taking the towel from Buck's hand, Vin continued to dab at his lip. "I know you're worried Chris, but drinking ain't gonna help anybody, especially Ezra."
"You don't know anything about it! The last time I talked to him, it was to yell at him for being a goddamned hero and now...I didn't realize, not until he was gone, how important he is to me. I can't lose him too, not like this," Chris quietly ended his tirade, sagging in Josiah's arms.
Vin sighed, closing the distance, he laid his hands on Chris' shoulders. "You're not going to lose him cowboy, I won't let you."
Chris stared into Vin's eyes, the promise and determination they held gave him the hope he needed. "I didn't drink any of it," he admitted in a quiet voice.
Vin nodded, silently thanking the spirits for small favors. "You ready to get back to work now?"
Chris took a deep breath, "Yeah. Vin, I'm sorry."
"We're okay Chris," Vin assured him. "I'd be just as ornery if it was Buck that had been missing for ten days."
Catching a look from Vin, Buck quickly herded the others into the outer office.
"I love him Vin," Chris whispered.
"I know cowboy."
"Why did it take something like this to make me see it?"
Vin led Chris to the small sofa, pushing him down to it, he sat beside him. "You loved Sarah so much Chris, I bet you thought you could never love anybody again."
"I did think that."
"That's probably why it took this to make you see it," Vin reasoned.
"I guess," Chris mumbled. "I don't understand why we can't find him, there should be some type of lead. It's almost like whoever did it knows exactly..."
"What we'd look for," Vin finished the thought when Chris didn't.
"Doug Lawerence," Chris growled. "It's got to be him." Feeling energized, he jumped to his feet and moved to his desk, bringing up the inter-agency website.
Vin was lost, "Who's that?"
"Deputy Director of the FBI, Atlanta division and Ezra's ex-lover," Chris replied. "He's the one that was sending Ez all them gifts," he explained as he brought up the man's file. "I can't believe I never thought of him, how could I have been so stupid?"
"He ain't got nothing since them flowers Chris, none of us thought about his stalker." Vin quickly absolved his friend of blame, though he knew it wouldn't be enough.
"Son of a bitch!"
"What is it?" Chris didn't respond, his eyes glued to the screen, the vein in his forehead throbbing at full force. "Chris, what did ya find?" Vin demanded, grabbing his arm to get his attention.
Chris blinked, "He transferred to Denver. JD!" he yelled. Opening his door, he nearly collided with the younger man as JD hurried towards his office, no doubt anxious to help. "I need you to start looking for any property in the Denver area that's been recently sold or rented to Doug Lawerence."
"Okay, who is he?"
"Deputy Director of the FBI, he was in the Atlanta Division but recently transferred to Denver."
"He have something to do with Ezra's disappearance?" Buck asked.
"He's the man that was stalking Ezra," Chris replied.
"Might explain why the feebies haven't had any luck finding him," Vin commented.
"I want you all to find out whatever you can about the man, I'm going to see Travis." Furious with himself for missing the obvious, Chris marched out of the office and to the elevator. A few minutes later he was in Travis' office, "We need to talk."
Orrin looked up at the angry man standing in front of his desk, his face showing none of the fear he was feeling. In all the time he had known Chris Larabee, he'd only ever been afraid of him once; the day he'd told the man he couldn't investigate the lead on the murderer of his family. "Talk," he ordered, motioning to the chair. He wasn't surprised when Larabee ignored the invitation to sit.
"We think we know who took Ezra."
"Weren't you told to let the FBI handle his case?" Orrin asked in a dangerous tone.
Chris smirked, "I told you then, he's my agent and we'll find him. Good thing we did too," he added.
"How's that?"
"We have good reason to believe that the new Deputy Director of the FBI here in Denver is behind his abduction."
Orrin just stared at him, unable to believe what he was hearing. Chris had finally cracked under the stress, there was no other explanation. "That doesn't make any sense Chris, why would Deputy Director Lawerence kidnap Standish?"
"Because he's obsessed with him," Chris replied. Quickly he went on to explain about the previous relationship between the two men, the gifts sent to Standish and the confrontation at the hotel. "I didn't think about it being him until today because the gifts had stopped. It makes the most sense though. Nobody has gotten out of prison lately, there haven't been any threats, Ezra isn't scheduled to testify and we don't have any big cases going right now."
Orrin thought it over, it did seem to make sense. Damn, he missed the old days when you could trust that the good guys were the good guys. He sighed, that never had been true though and he knew it. It was only the rose colored glasses that one used when looking at the past, which allowed him to think any such thing even for a moment. Orrin sighed, "What do you want?"
"I want a warrant to search Lawerence's property just as soon as we have an address."
"You'll have it," Travis assured him.
"Thank you."
Returning downstairs, he had barely stepped through the door when JD grabbed his arm, tugging him excitedly towards his computer.
"I found him Chris, you'll never believe what he did. There's a state of the art security system, you can't get in or out without Lawerence's thumb print, the windows are tinted and he had the doorways all wired with a sensor system, like those invisible fences for dogs."
"Slow down JD," Chris ordered when he could get a word in edgewise. "How do you know all of this?"
"He had a bunch of work done on it recently, it was completed the day before Ezra disappeared. I almost didn't find it, I looked everywhere within a hundred miles of Denver and nothing was coming up. I even tried running a program that came up with possible aliases based on Lawerence's name and checked those, still nothing. Then I thought, what is the one name we'd never think to check?" JD was grinning proudly, it had been a long shot and had paid off in spades. "Ezra Standish," he announced, "he put the place in Ezra's name."
Chris stared at the youngest member of his team, waiting for his brain to catch up to what the boy had said. A feral grin spread over his face, "That's the best news I've heard in the last ten days JD. He buy it or rent it?"
"He's renting it, why?"
"Who's the realtor?"
"Um, Bob Cummings."
Chris nodded, "Boys get ready to rescue Ezra," he softly ordered. He didn't wait to see if they were following the command, he knew they would be. Walking into his office, he called Travis and explained the situation to him before pulling a set of papers from his desk. "Let's go boys."
"I got the address right here Chris," JD offered as they stepped into the elevator.
"Thanks JD, but we're not going to the house yet."
JD glanced at the others, he was relieved to see they were as confused as he was. "We're not?"
"Nope, gonna see Bob Cummings and get a key," Chris grinned. Doug Lawerence had screwed up and didn't even have any idea how badly.
"Um, Chris he isn't going to just hand you a key, unless that's a warrant in your hand," Buck pointed out.
"Don't need a warrant Buck."
"We don't?"
"Nope, I have Ezra's power of attorney and with him missing I'm within my rights to enter any of his property in the search for possible leads."
"And Lawerence rented the place using Ezra's name," Vin added.
"Exactly."
An hour later they were pulling up in front of the house Doug Lawerence had rented, with a key, compliments of Bob Cummings. "All right, Lawerence should be at work, but we need to check the garage, just in case," Chris ordered. After checking the garage, and finding it empty they headed for the house. Acting as though they belonged there, the six men moved up the walk to the front door.
Inside, they fanned out, searching the rooms for any sign of their missing man. Chris came to a closed door, the only one he'd seen so far. Carefully pushing it open, he felt his heart begin to race as he took in the sight before him. "Ezra?" he called softly to the smaller man. Stepping into the room, he moved closer to the bed, reaching out to ghost his fingers over the still form upon it. "Ezra, wake up," he called, laying his hand on the other man's naked shoulder and giving it a small shake. The result shocked him to the core; green eyes flew open and with a terrified cry Ezra curled himself into a ball.
Ezra hated himself as he cowered in terror away from Sir, but the shocks hurt so bad. He hadn't meant to fall asleep, but he was so tired and daytime was his only chance for some peace. He had finally earned the right to move about the house freely in the evenings, but Sir still insisted he stay in his bedroom during the day. With nothing to keep his mind occupied it really was no wonder that he had fallen asleep. Now he'd been caught red-handed with the door closed and covered by the blanket, hiding himself from Sir, something he knew wasn't allowed. "I'm sorry Sir, I won't shut the door again, please don't hurt me," Ezra begged.
"God damn him to hell," Chris cursed. "Shhh, I'm sorry Ezra I didn't mean to scare you," he quickly soothed as the smaller man flinched. "It's okay Ez, you're safe now. I won't let him hurt you again, I promise," Chris vowed. Brushing his fingers through Ezra's hair, he marveled at the feel of it, "Please talk to me Ezra, let me know you hear me."
Something was different about Sir's voice, he didn't sound right. Forcing himself to calm down, he turned his head, "Chris?" he whispered. It couldn't be Chris, he was hallucinating, that must be it, and then the apparition laid his hand against his cheek. "Really you?"
His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, the disbelief and hope in that question broke his heart. "It's really me," Chris assured him. "I've...we've come to take you home Ezra," he smiled softly.
"Can't...Sir won't like it," Ezra mumbled.
"I don't give a damn what Sir likes, I won't leave you here with him."
"Hurts to leave," Ezra tried to explain.
"You don't want to leave?" Surely that couldn't be what he was saying, there was no way Ezra could want to stay here.
"Hurts...sensors in the door," Ezra tried again, this time pointing to the bracelet welded around his leg.
Chris looked between the door and Ezra's ankle, "Son of a bitch! It's like one of those dog collars? Shocks you if ya try to leave the room?"
Ezra nodded.
"JD!" Chris yelled down the hall.
Within two minutes, not only JD, but the entire team arrived at the room holding Ezra. "Hey you found him," JD grinned.
"Yeah, but the doors have sensors in them so if he tries to leave he gets a shock," Chris explained. "Stay back everybody, I don't think he can handle all of us in the room at once," he quickly warned as they all took a step forward.
"No problem Chris, I'll have them disabled in no time," JD assured. "Is it just this door or all of them?"
Chris turned back to Ezra, relaying the question in quiet tones. "He says all of them."
JD nodded, "There's probably a central control then. It's probably in the basement, I'll find it and shut it down as fast as I can Chris."
"Good man, Buck cover him," Chris ordered. He was sure by now they were alone in the house, but Lawerence could always come home unexpectedly.
"You should leave, Sir won't like you being here," Ezra quietly told Chris.
It took a great deal of effort to keep the anger he felt towards Lawerence from his voice, but he managed it, barely, "We aren't leaving you here Ezra. Now, do you think you could let Nathan take a look at you?" he quietly asked. He was relieved when the younger man nodded his acceptance. Though Ezra laid quietly, allowing Nathan to check him over, his obvious fear served to increase Chris' rage. Before Nathan could finish his exam, JD and Buck returned to announce that the sensors were now deactivated. "That was fast," Chris was impressed.
"It wasn't a big deal Chris, I just had to flip a few switches, that's all," JD quickly let him know.
Chris smiled, it was a sign of JD's growth that he refused to take credit for something simple. When he had first joined the team, he'd been so desperate to impress his heroes that he would never have admitted that he'd done something which hadn't taken any particular skill. "Thanks JD." He turned back to Nathan and Ezra, "You think it's safe to get him out of here now Nathan?"
"I ain't finished checking him over, but yeah I think so," Nathan nodded. He understood that Chris wanted to get Ezra clear of the place before Lawerence returned. "How many of us are staying behind?"
"I guess Buck and Vin can handle Lawerence," Chris replied.
"I reckon we can," Vin drawled.
Chris nodded, "Ezra, you got any clothes here?"
"Sir took them, I didn't deserve them."
"Son of a bitch!" Vin growled from the doorway. Moving down the hall, he began to search the other rooms for clothes. Ezra wasn't going to the hospital wrapped in a blanket! Not if he could help it, Vin vowed. Finally he found a box filled with clothes in Ezra's size. Quickly grabbing an outfit, he returned to the bedroom with the items, "Here ya are," he said as he handed them to Chris. "We'll be waiting in the living room," he added. With a pointed look, he had the others following him down the hall, leaving Chris behind to help Ezra if he needed it.
It took longer than any of them expected for Chris and Ezra to come out of the bedroom. The look on Chris' face telling them it wouldn't be a good idea to ask questions right then. JD reached out and pulled the front door open; coming face to face with the barrel of a gun.
Chapter 8
"Police, don't move! Back into the house."JD stared at the officer in disbelief, slowly raising his hands he backed into the house.
Officer Mullins looked around the room in surprise, he'd never heard of this many men working together to break into a house. A bank maybe, but not a house. "You're all under arrest for breaking and entering," he quickly informed them.
"We're not thieves son," Josiah boomed.
"We're ATF agents," Nathan added.
"Right, and I'm the tooth fairy," Mullins scoffed. "Put your hands behind your heads and get on your knees."
"We don't have time for this," Chris growled. Shifting his hold on Ezra, he helped the younger man down onto the couch. "Look officer, we're ATF and I can prove it. I'm going to slowly reach for my wallet, okay?"
Mullins looked around the room uncertainly, "No sudden moves." He knew he should wait for his partner, but there was something about the blond that compelled him to listen.
With more patience than he was feeling, Chris slowly reached for his wallet. Taking slow steps, he walked towards the officer, the wallet held open to show his i.d..
"Damn," Mullins mumbled. "I'm sorry Agent Larabee," he apologized as he slid his gun back into its holster.
"It's all right Officer..?"
"Mullins, Danny Mullins."
"Officer Mullins," Chris acknowledged. Turning away, he quickly made his way back to the couch. "Come on Ezra, let's get you out of here." Helping the smaller man to his feet, he kept one arm wrapped supportively around Ezra's waist. "You boys call me as soon as you have Lawerence in custody," he ordered Buck and Vin.
"Danny what's going on?" a new voice asked from behind them.
"It's all right Sean, it was a false alarm."
"So they live here?"
"Um, well, Agent Larabee what are you doing here?"
"Josiah explain it, I need to get Ezra to the hospital."
"You got it boss," Josiah acknowledged.
Chris didn't wait for anything else, his focus back on Ezra, where it belonged. As he led the way outside, he heard Josiah's booming voice launching into an explanation of the day's events.
Once they had been given their explanation, the two officers reluctantly left the house, their offer of assistance having been turned down. Josiah left directly after the DPD officers, leaving Buck and Vin alone. With nothing else to do, the two began exploring the house.
Vin stepped past the room where he had earlier found Ezra's clothes, "Aw, hell," he cursed as he took in the items in the room. "Buck!" His call brought his lover running, the two nearly colliding as Vin turned towards the door at the exact moment his lover came through it.
"Are you hurt?" Buck anxiously asked, grabbing Vin, his eyes moving over the smaller man, searching for signs of injury.
"I'm fine Buck," Vin scowled.
"Then why'd ya holler?"
"This," Vin responded, gesturing to the room. Stepping away from Buck, he began to move around the room.
Buck stared around the room, though he supposed torture chamber was a more accurate description. One wall was lined with various implements of punishment; whips, paddles, canes, nipple clamps, and other things that Buck didn't even want to imagine the use they would be put to. In the center of the room, chains fell from the ceiling, shackles attached to the end. Around the room were other items, a punishment horse and a St. Andrews Cross among them. The wall opposite the door was covered with pictures of Ezra. In some he was being tortured, others were more sexual in nature; Buck noticed that in those pictures Ezra's eyes didn't look right.
"Shit, what the hell is this?" Vin gasped.
Buck rushed to his lover's side, "What?"
"This," he replied, handing Buck a small bottle. Pulling out his cell phone, he called Nathan, quickly letting him know what they'd found.
Buck watched with concern as Vin's face grew pale. What could Nathan be telling him? Needing to help, he wrapped his arms around his lover, offering him silent support. "What did Nathan say?" he asked when the call ended.
"He said this stuff is used as a date rape drug," Vin quietly replied.
Buck swallowed hard, tightening his hold on the man in his arms. "Ezra was raped?"
"No, Nate said that was the first thing they checked for and there ain't any evidence of rape."
"Thank God for that," Buck whispered.
"Yeah, can't figure out why he didn't is all. Hell he had this drug, that would've made it easy to get what he wanted, so why didn't he use it?"
"I don't know sweetness," Buck whispered in his ear. "Why don't we wait in the living room?" he suggested. He wasn't really surprised by his lover's quick acceptance, the younger man nearly bolting for the door in his hurry to leave the room. Following him, he found Vin standing at the living room window, staring out, fine shudders moving through him.
Vin leaned back into the comforting embrace of his lover, "Sorry."
"No need to apologize Vin, I wanted out of there as bad as you did."
"I ain't never understood it."
"Understood what sweetness?"
"How people can be so cruel to each other and try to call it love. That ain't love, it's sickness," he snarled. "He's here," Vin announced as he stepped back from the window.
Buck stumbled, quickly regaining his footing he moved into position next to the garage door. "Well then let's greet him properly," he grinned.
Vin returned the look with a feral grin, his gun held at the ready.
Doug whistled a happy tune as he turned the key in the door, soon his Tempter would be completely in his control. Then he could take him, no more holding back, he would show the smaller man his proper place. Stepping through the door, he froze in his tracks, caught between the two guns pointed at him, the men holding them glaring at him with murderous intent.
"Just give me an excuse," Vin growled.
"I think not Agent Tanner," Doug smoothly refused. "I do hope you have a warrant, I would hate to have to charge you and your friend with breaking and entering."
Vin smirked, "Didn't need a warrant Lawerence. You're under arrest for the kidnapping and assault of Agent Ezra Standish," he coldly informed the other man.
"You can't arrest me, Ezra is here of his own volition. Ask him," he dared them.
"What makes ya think we haven't already?"
As Vin spoke, Buck came up behind Lawerence, quickly securing his wrists behind him with handcuffs. He didn't say a word as he patted the man down; removing his service weapon from its shoulder holster, he laid it on the counter.
"You have the right to remain..."
"You'll never make it stick," Doug sneered. These men didn't know who they were dealing with, but they would soon. Perhaps, if he were feeling generous he would leave their lives intact enough that they would be able to find work as janitors. "You broke into my home without a warrant, any evidence you might have found will be inadmissible."
"Not your home," Vin countered.
"Of course it is."
"You rented it in the name of Ezra Standish, even used his social security number and other personal information, that makes it his home."
"That does not negate the fact that you need a warrant."
Buck opened his mouth, snapping it shut at a look from Vin. He nodded, realizing a second after Vin that it would be better if Doug didn't know about the power of attorney until they had to reveal the information.
Vin, for his part, ignored the man's assertion, continuing to read him his rights. "You have the right to remain silent, use it. You have the right to an attorney and to have an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand these rights as I've read them to you?"
"Of course I do," Doug sneered. "Though I am surprised that you read them so well Agent Tanner, or do you have them memorized?" he taunted.
"You slimy little bastard, you ain't fit to wipe his boots,” Buck snarled, quickly coming to Vin's defense.
Vin ignored the taunt, he'd heard worse from others,"Leave it,” he softly ordered his lover. "Buck you want to call for a unit to take him in?" Vin asked.
"I am curious about something Agent Tanner,” Doug smoothly continued. "If, as you say, this is Ezra's home and you found him here, how could I be guilty of kidnapping?”
Vin scowled,"Guess that'll be up to the prosecutor to figure out.”
+ + + + + + +
When Buck and Vin finally arrived at the hospital, they were surprised to find the rest of the team, minus Chris, still in the waiting room. "Where's Chris?" Buck asked.
"He's in with Ezra," JD answered.
Vin frowned, Ezra hadn't seemed that badly hurt, "They limiting his visitors?"
"No, but he got a bit upset with all of us in there; Nathan suggested we visit him one at a time for now," Josiah explained.
"How bad is it?"
"Physically he's not hurt as badly as he could be," Nathan replied. "He's got plenty of cuts and bruises, but that's all. It's his psychological state that has the doctor concerned the most."
Vin nodded, he wasn't really surprised to hear that; they'd all seen how frightened and submissive he was at the house. Obviously whatever Lawerence had done to him it was more than just physical and he knew that could take longer to heal than any bruise. "How long they keeping him?"
"Just overnight for observation, then Chris is taking him to the ranch."
"He have any of that drug in his system?”
"A little,” Nathan reluctantly answered."The doctor is sure he wasn't penetrated though,” he assured them.
"Maybe he just gave him the stuff to keep him docile so he wouldn't attack him or anything,” JD suggested.
"Maybe,” Vin mumbled, not ready to shatter the kid's hope. He wasn't kidding himself though, he'd seen the pictures Lawerence had. Ezra might not have been raped, but he'd been assaulted just the same."Josiah, who do you think would be best to sit with Ezra while I talk to Chris?”
Josiah considered the question carefully,"I guess JD would probably be the least threatening.”
"How you gonna convince Chris to leave the room?”
"That ain't gonna be a problem JD,” Buck assured him."Come on JD, lead the way.” With the youngest team member leading, they soon arrived at Ezra's room."Vin, why don't you go talk to Chris, we'll wait.”
Vin nodded and quietly pushed open the door. He blinked rapidly, refusing to let the tears fall as he watched his friends. He took a step towards the bed, freezing in his tracks when Ezra flinched and moved closer to Chris.
Chris turned towards the door, glaring at his friend. Damn it! Vin should know better than to barge in here."Get out,” he growled.
Not intimidated by the tone, Vin quietly spoke,"I need to talk to ya Chris, it's important.”
"Whatever it is can wait,” Chris insisted.
"Don't leave me,” Ezra whimpered, clenching Chris' shirt in his fist.
The glare quickly softened as he smoothed the hair from Ezra's forehead. "Shhh, I ain't leaving you Ez,” Chris soothed the smaller man.
"Promise?” Ezra asked, sounding very much like a frightened child.
"I promise.”
"Chris...”
"No Vin, whatever it is can wait.”
"You need to know what we found,” Vin tried again.
"You can tell me later.”
Vin sighed, he hated to take the blond away from the man in the bed, but he needed to know this."Ezra, would it be okay if Chris just stepped into the bathroom with me?”
Ezra looked away, ashamed of his weakness, he reluctantly nodded.
"I won't if you don't want me to Ez.” Chris watched him, worried by the man's demeanor. Hearing a whisper he leaned closer,"I didn't hear you, please say it again Ezra.”
"Sorry.”
"Sorry? You don't have anything to be sorry for Ez,” he assured him.
"I'm weak, I don't deserve your friendship,” Ezra miserably whispered.
Chris quickly stamped out the rage he could feel rising. He had to stay calm, or at least appear so. The last thing he wanted was to show his anger and have Ezra assume it was directed at him."You are not weak,” he firmly argued."Ezra you're one of the strongest men I know.”
"But I gave...”
"It was the drugs Ezra, nobody could resist those.”
Ezra looked up at him, his green eyes shimmering with moisture,"You would have.”
"No,” Chris insisted."I couldn't have either.”
Ezra sighed,"Go talk to Vin.”
"Are you sure?”
"Yes, but please,” Ezra licked his lips,"don't be long.”
"I won't,” Chris assured him."I'll be right on the other side of that door,” he pointed to the bathroom,"you holler if you need me.”
"I will.”
Chris pushed himself to his feet and grabbed Vin's arm, pulling him into the bathroom."All right, now what couldn't wait?”
"Lawerence had pictures Chris.”
Chris paled,"Pictures? Did anybody else see them?”
"They're evidence.”
"Shit, what's in them?”
Vin sighed, this wasn't going to be easy but Chris needed to know if he was going to help Ezra through the aftermath."He was being tortured in some of them and there was white streaks on his chest.”
"White streaks?”
Vin nodded, willing Chris to understand what he was saying. He really didn't want to have to spell it out for him.
"Son of a bitch!” Chris cursed."What else?”
Vin swallowed,"There were others where Ezra was...he was masturbating. It was pretty clear he was drugged.”
"Goddamn, I'm gonna kill that bastard!”
Vin winced, the sudden yell echoing in the small room."Calm down Chris, this ain't gonna help Ezra.”
The rage surging through Chris, drowned out Vin's voice. Shouldering past Vin, he shoved open the bathroom door and froze in his tracks.
"I'm sorry, please Chris I didn't want to, please believe me,” Ezra plead.
"Oh god,” Chris moaned. Rushing to the bed, he drew the younger man into his arms, holding him tight when he tried to move away."Shhh, I know baby, I know,” he soothed. The need to comfort the man he loved quickly overrode his rage, calming him as nothing else could have. Holding Ezra close, he unconsciously began to sway. Focusing on Ezra, he wasn't even aware when Vin left the room.
"I didn't mean to make you mad,” Ezra whimpered.
"It wasn't you I was mad at Ez,” he quietly assured him."The only one I'm mad at is Lawerence and myself.”
"You? I don't understand.”
"I should have realized sooner that he might be involved, if I had you wouldn't have suffered so much.”
Ezra stared at him, horrified at the thought of Chris letting unnecessary guilt eat at him."Not your fault, please don't blame yourself.”
Chris opened his mouth to argue; He doesn't need your guilt my love. The unexpected sound of Sarah's voice stopped him cold."I won't, but you have to promise the same,” he spoke aloud, while silently thanking his lost love for her help.
"I...I'll try,” Ezra offered.
Chris smiled,"I'll take it.” As grateful as he was for Sarah's interference, he was even more grateful for her tacit approval. Her next words brought a small smile to his face and a warmth to his soul.
Of course I approve, you need each other. Take care of him and be happy my love.
Chapter 9
Chris woke with a start, his eyes immediately going to the man in the bed. "I'm so sorry Ezra," he whispered. Taking the lax hand of the injured man in his, he brought it to his lips, brushing a kiss over the knuckles. "I'm going to help you through this baby, if you'll let me," he promised. A small smile blossomed on his face as Ezra moved towards him in his sleep. Chris hoped the unconscious movement was a sign that the other man could accept his love.Be patient love, his soul has been badly hurt.
"How do I help him pretty lady?" he asked, her presence not surprising him this time.
Love him, show him that you still find him worthy of your love.
"Of course I do," Chris vehemently insisted.
A ghostly chuckle echoed around the walls. I know you do love, and he is worthy of you but he doesn't believe that, nor will he trust easily. You must show him, prove to him that he deserves to be loved, trust will follow.
"How?"
Actions speak louder than words my love, and you have always been a man of action.
Chris' smile was bittersweet as memories of nights spent in her arms flashed through his mind, showing him the truth of her words. "I miss you so much Sarah. When I lost you and Adam I didn't know how I would go on, didn't want to go on, truth be told."
I know love, we both miss you too. Our time is past though, it is time for you to move on.
"With Ezra," Chris whispered, a soft smile on his lips.
Sarah smiled. Yes love. He is your future. Shhh, she hushed him as he began to speak. I know you haven't stopped loving me. I will always have a place in your heart, but there is room for Ezra too. You have been given a wonderful gift, my love, not one, but two great loves. Treasure him, love him, be sure he never doubts his place in your heart.
"This is the last time I'll talk to you, isn't it?"
I will always be here love, watching over you both, but no we won't talk again until you join me in the next life. Someday we will all be together here, me, Adam, you and Ezra.
"Ezra?" Chris asked, he hadn't expected that.
Of course, he is a part of you love. You have a gift Chris, a rare gift indeed. Placing a hand on his chest, she looked into his eyes, willing him to see her.
Chris stared, in spite of the conversation he'd been having with her, he was still shocked to see Sarah kneeling in front of him.
Sarah smiled. A gift Chris, she repeated, those you truly love do not just enter your heart, they become a part of your soul. I am a part of your soul Chris, so is Adam and so are Ezra and Vin.
"Vin?"
Yes, he is a part of your soul, but not like me or Ezra, more like Adam. Didn't you ever wonder why you can almost talk to him without words?
"Well yeah...are you saying that it's because he's a part of my soul? If that's true though, then why can't I do that with Ezra, why couldn't I do it with you?"
Always needing proof, Sarah smiled. As I said, the feelings you have for Vin are more like those you have for Adam. They are, for lack of a better description, more pure, simpler than those you have for me and Ezra. You used to be able to communicate with our son much like you do with Vin, remember?
Chris nodded, he had forgotten that until now, but she was right. Even when Adam was a baby, he had seemed to instinctively known what his son needed. He'd only been able to figure out what Sarah needed about half the time. "So you're saying because the feelings I have for you and Ezra are those of a lover it complicates things?"
That's it exactly my love.
"I like the idea that you're all a part of my soul, but..." he trailed off, trying to find a way to say what he needed to. "It hurt so much Sarah, like a part of me had been ripped away; I don't know if I can do it again."
You didn't understand then Chris, if you had it wouldn't have been so hard. Though, I won't deceive you, it wouldn't have been easy either. I wish I could have explained it to you, but until you opened yourself up to love again I wasn't able to. I know love that it felt as if you had lost part of your soul, you didn't though, I promise. We have always been with you, and if Ezra or Vin cross over before you they will continue to be a part of your soul, as long as you don't shut them out.
Chris gasped, his hand moving to his chest as if he could somehow stop the pain that suddenly grew in his heart. "Is that what I did to you and Adam?"
You didn't know, Sarah quickly soothed. We will never stop being a part of your soul and now that you have opened yourself to love again you will know it. All you need to do is think of us and you will feel our presence. No, you won't be able to speak to us or see us, but you will know we are there and if you let it, that sense will bring you comfort.
Chris blinked and Sarah was on her feet. Leaning forward, she placed a soft kiss on his lips. A smile on her face, she drew away, glancing between him and Ezra.
I must go now love, remember those who are a part of your soul are never truly lost to you. Love him Chris, he needs you...take care of him.
In the blink of an eye she was gone, as if she'd never been there. Glancing at Ezra, he was surprised the man still slept. Maybe it was a ghost thing. Chris snorted, when had he started believing in ghosts? The moment you heard Sarah's voice whispering in your ear, came the silent answer. He nodded, knowing it was true. It was amazing how easily he had accepted that she was real, but then he had always trusted Sarah; why would death change that?
Sensing somebody staring at him brought him to consciousness. Green eyes blinked open, their owner working to focus on his surroundings. Something was different...memories returned, wringing a gasp from him. Turning his head, he smiled at the blond staring down at him, eyes filled with concern and something else he wasn't sure he could name. "Chris?"
"Hey," Chris whispered. "How are you feeling?" he quietly asked.
Ezra wasn't sure how to respond, couldn't seem to think. The feel of Chris' warm hand holding his own, the other gently brushing the hair from his forehead, left him confused. Why was his boss holding his hand? "No! Please, no," he whispered, unaware that he'd spoken aloud.
"It's all right Ezra, you're safe now."
"Am I?"
"Yes, that bastard is in jail and he won't ever get the chance to hurt you again," Chris vowed.
Ezra shuddered, it was certainly a relief to know that Doug couldn't hurt him now. He wondered, however, what Chris would expect from him. Did he plan to take up where his ex-lover had left off? "How long must I remain in this institution?"
Chris smiled, "A couple more hours. The doctor just wanted to keep you overnight for observation."
"Good, I won't need to facilitate my own release from this abysmal locale. It will be a relief to return to my own home."
"Actually Ezra, you can't go home just yet."
"Why, pray tell, not?"
"Your place is still considered a crime scene," Chris explained. "I thought you could come to the ranch until the FBI releases the scene and lets us clean it up."
Ezra rubbed his head, he wasn't sure how long he'd been missing but he was pretty sure it'd been more than just a day or two. "Shouldn't they have already released it?"
"As long as you were missing they didn't want to release it, just in case they had missed something. Now that Lawerence has been caught, they'll probably want to go over it one more time to make sure they got everything. I'm sure they'll allow you back in by tomorrow, day after at the latest."
"I see, I suppose it would make sense for me to accompany you to the ranch."
Chris could tell he was reluctant, though he wasn't sure why. "I want you to stay at the ranch Ezra, but you don't have to. I'm sure Josiah or Vin and Buck would be happy to let you stay with them, if you'd be more comfortable."
Ezra frowned, "I'm not sure I could withstand Josiah's well intentioned assistance."
Chris chuckled, "He can be a bit hard to take sometimes."
"Yes he can."
"Do you want me to ask Vin and Buck?"
Ezra thought it over, a part of him wanted to, but he didn't think it would be fair to his friends. They hadn't been together that long, truthfully they were still in that honeymoon period. Factor in the recent ending of Phillip Spencer's trial, something he knew had been hard on both of them, though thankfully it hadn't taken long for a guilty verdict to be reached. No, he couldn't in good conscience inflict his own problems on them when they were only now finally able to relax. "No," he quietly replied. "I will come to the ranch, if you're quite sure it isn't a problem."
"It's never a problem to take care of the people you care about Ezra," Chris sadly responded. It hurt, knowing the trust the younger man had given him last night was no longer there, but it wasn't entirely surprising.
Ezra wanted to ask him precisely what he meant by that, but he never got the chance. The door opened, admitting an aide, carrying a breakfast tray. She had barely left the room, when the nurse came in to take his vitals. Her appearance was quickly followed by another aide, come into the room to take care of the housekeeping chores. Not willing to discuss his private life in front of strangers, Ezra focused on eating the vile concoction they dared to claim was food. Just as he finished his breakfast and the aide left the room, the doctor entered. Though it delayed his discussion with Chris, he didn't mind as it meant he would soon be freed from the confines of the hospital. The moment the doctor left the room, Ezra was throwing back the covers. By the time he was released the rest of his team had arrived at the hospital and were intent on accompanying them back to Chris' ranch. After a day spent with his friends, Ezra had nearly fallen into bed, the conversation he'd meant to have with Chris forgotten.
Buck had been watching Chris and Ezra for the past month. The more time that passed, the more concerned he became over the chances of them ever finding their way to each other. At first he had been amazed by Chris' uncharacteristically slow pursuit of Ezra. He had been sure that he would have to remind the man, probably more than once, that after what he'd been through, their undercover agent needed to be handled with patience. It had been a pleasant surprise to be proven wrong. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to be working out like they'd all hoped. No matter how patient Chris was, Ezra continued to keep him at arms length.
He knew that Ezra had been put through hell by Doug Lawerence. He
hadn't expected the man to just fall into Chris' arms, but he couldn't understand why Ezra wouldn't even give Chris a chance. Vin had warned him to stay out of it, Buck grinned, of course his lover had known the warning was wasted. If only he could find the key that would convince Ezra to give Chris a chance. The sounds of a heated argument drew him from his thoughts.
The argument itself wasn't important, something about a claim on Ezra's expense report, SOP really. No, the important thing was the key! Buck watched the emotions playing over the undercover agent's face as he argued with Chris. First came fear, as if he expected to be hit at any moment. The fear was closely followed by amazement when he wasn't physically or verbally quashed for arguing. When Chris finally agreed that the expense might be valid, Buck saw something that told him there was a chance; in the depths of the emerald eyes flickered a small flame of hope.
"What are you up to Buck?" Vin whispered in his lover's ear, grinning when the older man jumped.
"Damn it Vin, don't sneak up on me like that."
"Answer the question."
"I ain't up to nothing," Buck denied.
Vin shot him a disbelieving look, "Sure you're not. Stay out of it Bucklin, they need to work this out on their own," he warned again.
"I'm not going to interfere sweetness, but I do need to talk to Ezra. Excuse me," he mumbled. Pushing himself to his feet, he followed Ezra into the break room. Stepping over to the coffee pot, he poured himself a cup. "Can I talk to you Ezra?"
One eyebrow went up, "I believe you are doing so Buck."
"Funny," Buck smirked. "Seriously Ezra..."
"Would there be any point in saying no?"
"Not really," Buck admitted.
"Proceed please," Ezra graciously responded.
"I think I know why you've been keeping Chris at arms length."
Ezra stiffened, he should have known this would be the topic of conversation. "That is not your concern."
"You're wrong there Ez, it's my concern because you're both my friends and it ain't right to let that bastard keep you apart."
"I don't know what you're referring to Mr. Wilmington."
"Don't you?" Buck scoffed. "Look Ezra, I know Lawerence did some pretty bad things to you and that's left you afraid."
"Why would I be afraid of a man who is in jail?"
Buck ignored the question. "I know you love Chris and even though he's been taking things slow, you'd have to be blind not to notice his feelings for you. I think what scares you is what he'll do with those feelings."
Ezra swallowed hard, damn the man for being so perceptive. "Really Mr. Wilmington, I have seen Dear Abby's column in the newspaper and you look nothing like the dear lady."
Buck smiled, the scathing tone telling him more than anything else that he was on the right track. "Hell Ezra, she's a rank amateur compared to me. I saw it today when you were arguing with Chris, just can't believe I didn't spot it before."
"What are you blathering on about?"
"You're afraid he'll try to control you, just like Doug Lawerence did."
The words seemed to suck all of the air from the room. For a moment, neither man moved. Ezra turned, bolting for the door, only to be stopped by a large hand suddenly pushing against it. Turning, he stared up at the man who towered over him. It was funny really, but he had never realized until that moment just how large a man Buck was. Swallowing his fear, he drew upon a lifetime of training as he tamped down on his fear. "Remove your hand from the door," he coldly ordered.
"Not until you agree to listen."
"Listen to what? Your amateurish attempts at psychoanalysis? I don't think so Mr. Wilmington."
"To the truth," Buck countered. "Just listen Ezra and I'll never bring it up again, I promise."
He could get past Buck, if he really wanted to, he wasn't helpless after all. A small voice whispered to listen, and as he had done most of his life, he obeyed the small voice which sounded remarkably like his father. "Fine, I'll listen."
Satisfied, Buck stepped back. "When you were arguing with Chris you expected to be hit and when you weren't it amazed you. I realized then that what you're afraid of, is loving a strong man like Larabee. I think you need to understand something about Chris, he is controlling on the job because that is his job and he's very good at it. But, that is the only place he is controlling." Buck grinned at the look of doubt, "Don't believe me do you? You ever wonder why he never went for Mary Travis?"
"I suppose he didn't find her attractive."
"He doesn't, but it's not her physical appearance that turned him off, it was her trying to manipulate and control him. Chris won't tolerate a lover who tries to control him."
"I see," Ezra whispered. His heart sank in his chest, Buck's words seeming to confirm his fears about Chris.
"He doesn't want a lover who will let him control him or her either. You've seen pictures of Sarah, does she look like a woman who could be controlled?"
Ezra shook his head.
"You bet she couldn't, and if she had Chris would have dumped her in a heartbeat. Chris and Sarah used to argue all the time about everything from which beer was best to who should be president and he loved it."
"He did?"
"Sure," Buck grinned. "Can't have make up sex if ya don't argue," he teased. "Look Ez," Buck turned serious again, "love Chris or don't, but you don't need to fear him. He wouldn't ever intentionally hurt you and the only time he'll try to control you is when it comes to work. That's his job as team leader, can't really blame him for that."
"Are you sure Buck?"
"I'm positive Ezra, you can trust Chris. I'll even make you a promise, if he ever intentionally hurts you tell me and I'll personally teach him a lesson he won't forget."
Ezra stared at him, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. He knew how close Buck and Chris were, how important that friendship was. "You'd do that for me?"
"In a heartbeat," Buck gently confirmed.
"Thank you Buck. I," Ezra paused, "I'll give him a chance."
"Good, and Ezra, I guarantee you won't regret it," Buck grinned.
Ezra dipped his head, rewarding Buck with one of his two fingered salutes. Opening the door, he quickly walked through the bull pen and into Chris' office.
Chris looked up, ready to berate whoever had walked in without knocking, not that he really minded. Something about the look on Ezra's face stopped him. "What is it Ezra?"
"I wondered if that dinner invitation was still open?" Ezra quickly asked, afraid he would lose his nerve if he hesitated. Ezra felt his knees go weak as Chris' smile lit up his face.
"I'll pick you up at seven?"
Ezra smiled, and if Chris sensed something of his nervousness he said nothing, "I look forward to it.”
Chris watched him go, fighting the urge to jump up and claim his lips right then. He didn't know what Buck had said to him, but he thanked God his old friend had chosen to interfere. As he reached for the phone to make a reservation for tonight, he wondered what he could do to thank Buck for his help.
Chapter 10
Chris straightened his tie for what must have been the fifth time. He hadn't been this nervous since the night he'd asked Sarah to marry him. "Get a hold of yourself Larabee, it isn't like you don't know the man," he admonished himself. Glancing at himself in the mirror one more time, he hoped that Ezra would like what he had chosen. He knew he looked good in the black dress jeans and dark blue shirt, he'd had enough searing glances from others whenever he wore the outfit to doubt that. However, he also knew that Ezra was a stickler for proper attire and he wasn't at all sure the man would appreciate the clothes Chris had chosen, even if he had made the concession of putting on a dark blue tie that matched his shirt perfectly. "God Larabee, could you sound any more like a woman?" With a nervous start he glanced around the room, wondering if it was possible for a ghost to smack him upside of the head; if Sarah had heard him he didn't doubt a smack, at the very least, was in his near future.Giving himself a mental shake, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the front door. The drive to Ezra's townhouse had settled his nerves pretty well. Still, they returned in full force as he made his way up the walk. His breath caught in his throat as the door swung open, giving him a full view of Ezra's clothing. He had known the man looked good in whatever he wore, but this hadn't been anything like he had expected.
"Is something wrong Chris?" Ezra smirked. He knew exactly what was wrong and it took some effort to stifle the laughter which threatened to escape. Though he had known Chris would expect to see his dinner companion clothed in an Armani suit, Ezra had opted instead for an outfit very similar to his date's, with the exception that his shirt was a dark green rather than blue.
"No, um," Chris licked his lips, "nothing's wrong." Chris couldn't seem to stop staring, the black jeans hugged Ezra's body as if they had been made especially for him. Knowing Ezra, that might very well be true he supposed. "Are you ready?" he managed to ask, clamping down on his rising desire with some effort.
"Just let me get my jacket," Ezra replied.
"Thought everything you owned was Armani," Chris commented as they drove to the restaurant.
Ezra's green eyes sparkled mischievously, "What makes you think these aren't Armani?"
Chris threw him a startled glance, "I thought all they made was suits."
"They make quite a few things Chris," Ezra couldn't help chuckling. "I wasn't sure where we were going tonight, but I assumed you would be more comfortable in jeans than a suit," he added, growing serious. "I see I was correct in that assumption."
"Yeah," Chris agreed. "I'm glad you decided to go with jeans, I was just a little surprised is all."
"Understandable, after all the only time you've seen me in jeans was that awful day when Vin was missing. Though I don't suppose you even noticed what I was wearing that day, we all had more important things on our minds."
"I noticed, but I had forgotten."
Ezra acknowledged this with a tilt of his head, "Again understandable. Where are we going, if I may ask?"
"The Golden Europe Restaurant, I know how much you like the place."
Ezra smiled, touched that Chris would choose his favorite restaurant for their first date. "Thank you."
Chris gave him a bright smile, "You're welcome. I thought maybe after dinner we could go dancing, if you like."
"I would enjoy that," Ezra said, feeling suddenly shy.
The rest of the drive was made in companionable silence. Pulling up at the restaurant, Chris parked and uncertainly placed his hand on the small of Ezra's back as they walked inside.
Warmth suffused Ezra's body, beginning from the spot where Chris' hand lay. It was strange, or perhaps not, and though it could be seen as a possessive gesture, it didn't feel possessive, rather it felt loving and protective.
"I want to ask you something Ezra, but I'm not sure if I should," Chris said as the waitress left to get their drinks.
"Perhaps you should ask and if I deem it too personal or inappropriate I will simply refuse to answer," Ezra suggested.
Chris nodded, "How long have you known you liked men?"
Ezra smiled, he had wondered how long it would take the man to ask. "Since I was fifteen, and you?"
"I realized it when I was in college. I never had any serious relationships though until I met Sarah."
"I was never really attracted to women myself. I have met a few I admired, I suspect your Sarah would have fallen into that category, but I've never had a desire to become romantically involved with one."
"Have you had many serious relationships?" After a moment Chris began to regret his question. If Ezra's silence was anything to go by he must have upset him. "I'm sorry Ez, I shouldn't have asked you that," he apologized, assuming he had reminded Ezra of Doug Lawerence.
"No need to apologize Chris," Ezra quickly absolved the man. "I was simply considering the question. I'm not sure any of my relationships could be considered serious. There were a couple that lasted a few months each, but I wouldn't deem them to be truly serious." Ezra paused, he needed to explain this carefully lest Chris get the wrong idea, or even worse, the right idea. "I suppose my former relationship with Doug Lawerence was as close as I ever came to a serious relationship. Even so, it wasn't a true partnership as I suspect your marriage was. Doug always wanted to be in control and the feelings I had for him quickly began to wane. Then came the accusations of corruption and he ended the relationship." Even now it hurt to accept that he had been tossed away like a piece of trash at the first hint of any taint, in spite of his own waning feelings. "It's just as well he did, as I'm sure I wouldn't have continued the relationship for much longer any way."
"No, I don't suppose you would have," Chris smiled grimly. "I can't imagine you allowing anybody to control you Ez, any more than I would."
"It doesn't bother you?"
"Hell no," Chris swore. "If I wanted somebody to yes dear me I could've chosen Annie Price."
"Ah yes, the lovely Miss Price," Ezra smiled. "I wondered why you only offered to be her escort on a few occasions."
Chris laughed, he could hear the teasing in the other man's voice. "You knew," he accused good-naturedly.
"Of course,” he smiled."She was entirely unsuited to you. Though I will admit, I wasn't sure why, but I knew she wasn't right for you."
"Too timid, too quick to agree with my ideas and desires. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for daily fights, but I don't want somebody that's going to just lay down and let me make all of the decisions either."
"That's very nearly what Buck said."
"I wondered what he had said to make you decide to give me a chance."
Ezra blushed, he hadn't intended to say that. "Perhaps we should decide what we would like to order," he suggested, effectively changing the subject. Nothing more was said about relationships. After their orders were placed and during dinner, the conversation centered more on getting to know each other as more than friends and co-workers. From discussing their very different childhoods to talking about things such as political viewpoints, the two men spent their time learning all they could about each other.
Later at the club Chris had chosen for dancing, they spent most of their time on the dance floor in each other's arms. Though several admiring glances were given to each man, as well as offers for dances, the two would be lovers had eyes only for each other.
"I had a wonderful time Chris," Ezra smiled. Looking up at the blond, he wondered if Chris would kiss him.
"I'm glad Ezra," Chris quietly spoke. He traced down Ezra's cheek with one long finger, a smile forming on his lips. Aware of what the smaller man had all too recently been through, he hesitated. "Ezra," he whispered, "I want to kiss you."
Ezra smiled, his eyes sparkling, "I want you to ki..." that was as far as he got. Soft lips brushed over his as hands wrapped around him, drawing him closer. Ezra moaned into the wonderful kiss, parting his lips in silent invitation. Threading his fingers through Chris' hair, he pulled the man closer as the kiss deepened.
Chris felt like he was floating amid the stars; no kiss had effected him so deeply since the loss of his wife. For a moment he wondered if he had rushed Ezra and then the lips beneath his parted. A deep growl of desire sounded as he eagerly deepened the kiss, all doubt fleeing as the smaller man pulled him closer. "Wow," he breathed, awe-struck by the intense feelings of love and desire welling up from the depths of his soul.
"Indeed," Ezra whispered his agreement.
"I want to stay Ezra, but I won't," Chris quickly added. He hadn't missed the flare of fear in Ezra's eyes. "I want to do this right baby," he whispered. "I never want you to regret being with me, not for the smallest fraction of a second."
"Thank you," Ezra softly replied.
"Are you coming out to the ranch tomorrow?"
"Of course. Do you wish, that is, would you prefer that we are not open around the others?"
Chris quickly tamped down on the rage he felt towards Doug Lawerence. There was no mistaking the tension in the smaller man as he unconsciously waited for Chris' reaction to what was in fact a reasonable question. "Only if you want to keep it a secret. I've never hidden any relationship I've been in, serious or not, and I won't start now. Would you rather it was a secret?"
"No," came the quick reply. "I've never been comfortable hiding relationships, but I know some people prefer it that way."
Chris leaned down and brushed a gentle kiss across Ezra's lips. "Partners Ez, equal partners, remember that."
"I'll remember," Ezra smiled.
Over the course of the next month, Chris repeatedly proved his words to Ezra. They spent every night, allowable by their work load, together. Dinner, dancing, horseback riding, attending the rodeo for Chris and the next night attending a play for Ezra. The more time they spent together, the more they wanted to be with each other constantly. Luckily, as they both realized, that wasn't possible. If it had been, each man would probably have shot the other by the end of a month's time. As it was, the threat had been voiced at least twice by both men, surprising nobody, least of all the two men in question.
"I love you Ezra Standish," Chris whispered. "Are you sure you're ready?"
"Do you not wish..."
"Hell yeah I wish," Chris quickly cut him off. "Fact is I've been wishing since we got you back from that bastard, but I don't want you rushing yourself for me."
Ezra smiled, "I love you Chris and if there were ever a man I would be willing to rush myself for you would be him, but I'm not rushing. I want to be your's in every way that counts, before I make you mine as well."
There was no mistaking the desire in Ezra's voice, bringing a lustful smile to Chris' face. "Sure you don't want to make me your's first?"
"I knew you were after him all along," a cold voice sounded from the hall.
Chris turned, instinctively placing his body between Ezra and the threat. Ezra was having none of it though as he moved to stand next to Chris; they would face this demon together. "What do you want?"
"Really Larabee you must know the answer to that," Doug sneered disdainfully.
"I am not your property Doug. I won't go with you," Ezra vowed.
"Oh but you will," Doug insisted. "The only question is, will Larabee be alive or dead when you leave here with me?"
Chris bristled, "He's not going with you."
Ezra glanced at his lover, "I have to Chris, I can't let him kill you."
"Ezra he's going to kill me any way," Chris softly pointed out.
"I don't believe he will, it is simply a feint," Ezra said, putting slight emphasis on the word feint.
Chris gave him a puzzled look, then it came to him. Last weekend the whole team had gotten up an impromptu football game. The winning play had been made by Vin, who had made a feint to the left, only to tumble to the right, throwing the ball for the winning touchdown as he came to his feet.
"May I have a moment to say good-bye?"
Doug scowled, reluctantly giving his permission. Still, even though he had given permission, he would have to punish Ezra later for his transgression.
Moving to stand in front of Chris, Ezra wrapped his arms around the taller man. As they kissed, he surreptitiously brought out the small derringer he always carried and slipped it into the back of Chris' waistband. "I love you," he whispered as the kiss ended.
"I love you too," Chris returned. If this ended badly he didn't want Ezra to have any doubts on that count.
"All right that's enough," Doug growled. "Come here Ezra," he ordered. To his shock the order wasn't obeyed.
Ezra suddenly dropped to the floor as Chris feinted left in a copy of Vin's move on the football field. However, when he came up it wasn't a ball in his hands, but a small derringer and like Vin, his aim was true. The force of the bullet slamming into his chest drove Doug backwards a step before he dropped to the floor.
He looked up at Ezra as he and Chris loomed over him. "You were always a temptation I couldn't resist," he whispered as he breathed his last.
"Are you okay Ez?" Chris gently asked, drawing his lover's attention away from the body on the floor.
Ezra forced himself to look away from the man on the floor. A small shudder ran through him, "I'm fine, are you uninjured?"
"Not a scratch on me," Chris smiled. "That was some quick thinking Ez," he praised. "Though I'm not sure if I should be insulted or not to find out you're taking a gun on our dates," he teased.
Ezra flashed him a small smile, a surge of gratitude flooding him for the man in front of him. "Habit I assure you, I'd feel naked without it."
Chris nodded his understanding, "Let's go in the den and call the police from there." He didn't wait for an answer, but simply placed his hand on Ezra's back, gently leading him from the bloody scene in the hall. After making the call, he phoned Buck. He quickly explained what had happened and after assuring his friend that they were both fine, he put Buck in charge at the office the next day, knowing he and Ezra would be taking the day off.
Events moved rapidly after that. Soon the police were there, along with the FBI and a representative of the ATF. Chris and Ezra were questioned separately and the derringer taken as evidence, along with Doug's gun. By the time the questioning was over, Chris was fuming. "You gonna tell me now how he got out and why we weren't notified?" he demanded of the agents milling about his living room. It wasn't the first time he'd asked, but he swore it would be the last.
Agent Wilkinson must have sensed that the blond agent was at the end of his patience, or his finely tuned sense of self-preservation finally kicked in. In either event he opted to answer the question. "He convinced a judge, actually we suspect bribery was involved, into setting bail. It was done at the end of the workday and I wasn't notified myself until an hour after his release. I did attempt to contact Agent Standish but was unsuccessful."
"Unsuccessful? I know he wasn't home but you were given his cell phone number, why didn't you call it?" Chris growled.
Ezra placed a calming hand on his lover's arm, "I just checked Chris, I have three missed calls on my cell phone. They most likely came in when we were dining." Ezra smiled at the puzzled look, "I can never receive calls within that building," he explained.
Chris nodded, accepting the other man's explanation. "Are we done here?" he asked Agent Wilkinson.
"Yes, but I must ask that you stay somewhere else until our investigation is complete. This is, after all, a crime scene."
He didn't like it, but Chris understood the reasoning. "Can I pack an overnight bag?"
"Yes, of course."
"Oh, and I assume it will be okay if I come out to take care of my animals or send somebody to do so."
"As long as they or you don't enter the house until we clear the scene, yes."
A short time later Chris and Ezra were once again in the truck, headed back to town. Nothing was said during the drive, each man lost in his own thoughts. Walking into Ezra's townhouse, Chris headed for the guest room.
"I thought perhaps you would...never mind," Ezra cut himself off. What was he thinking? Of course Chris wouldn't want him now. He had probably, rightly so, decided that he was more trouble than he was worth.
Chris turned, quickly closing the space between them. "You want me to share your bed?"
"You don't have to."
"Have to? Ezra I want to be with you, only you...I just thought you might not be up to it tonight."
"I admit it was an upsetting turn of events, but I will not allow that man to ruin our first time together."
"Are you sure?"
Ezra nodded, "Besides, I have a set of black silk sheets I still need to try out," he teased.
"Remind me to thank Buck later," Chris whispered.
Ezra tilted his head, giving Chris better access to his neck, a shiver of pleasure flowing through him. "We'll send him and Vin to a resort I know of; oh God, please Chris I need you," he moaned.
Chris' eyes darkened with lust. Without a word he scooped the smaller man into his arms and marched into the bedroom. As he set Ezra on his feet, he took in the dark coverings on the bed, a grin growing on his face. "Thought you said you hadn't tried them out yet," he teased as he reached for his lover's shirt buttons.
"I haven't, I was hoping to get the chance tonight."
"Why didn't you say something earlier?"
"Making love to you is more important than where, besides if we had stayed at the ranch they still would have been here tomorrow."
Chris laughed, "Good point." Taking a step back, his eyes swept over the naked magnificence of his lover, the desire he felt obvious to see. "Undress me Ez," he thickly ordered.
Ezra felt a surge of desire shoot to his groin; stepping forward he slowly carried out his lover's order. Stepping into the taller man's arms, he looked up at him.
"I've never made love on silk sheets," Chris whispered.
"I would have to say it is past time you did," Ezra returned, and with a gentle shove he pushed his lover onto the silk covered bed.
The End
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