Chapter 1 - 5 | Chapter 6 - 10 | Chapter 11 - 14 | Chapter 15 - 19 | Chapter 20 - 23
Chapter 20
Vin paced the small hospital room, impatiently waiting for the doctor to arrive with his discharge papers. It was amazing how much he had healed in just the last few days. Ever since Ezra taught the rest of the team how to use acupressure to help him with the pain, his recovery had improved. The doctor said it was because he was finally able to get the healing sleep his body needed. Vin supposed that made sense, he didn't really care, just as long as he was being released from the hospital.Buck watched him pacing, an affectionate smile on his face. He knew how much Vin hated being confined to the hospital, hell they all knew about it. Glancing at his watch, he saw that it was nearly 9:00 a.m., and he knew the doctor would be here soon. Standing up, he crossed the small space, coming up behind Vin and placing his hands on the younger man's shoulders. "He'll be here soon Vin, but you need to calm down," he spoke softly into Vin's ear.
"I'm calm Buck, just hate waiting."
Buck smiled as Vin unconsciously leaned into his touch. "I know ya do, but if the doc gets here and your blood pressure is up he might not let you go."
"Like hell," Vin snapped, turning to face Buck. He glared at the amused grin on his friend's face, "It ain't funny Bucklin."
"Oh, of course it's not," Buck calmly responded.
"You don't think he'd really keep me here, do ya?" Vin nervously asked.
"No I don't, but it isn't good for you to be pacing around here and setting yourself on edge. You're still healing Vin, just cause they're letting you go home doesn't mean you can go back to your normal day to day life."
Vin's shoulders dropped, defeated by Buck's words. Sinking onto the bed, he sat looking at his hands, the end of each finger still covered in a bandage. "I know, hell I can't even feed myself proper with these," he complained. "I'm sorry Buck, I shouldn't be taking this out on you." He did feel bad about snapping, it wasn't Buck's fault that he'd been hurt and the other man had been great about helping him. Vin understood why, but it didn't really matter why, the point was he'd been here for him the whole time. Had helped him with his meals, laughing and telling stories the whole time, so that Vin barely realized he was being fed. Nobody else had the knack for doing that, they all tried, but none of them seemed to be able to treat it as naturally as Buck did.
Josiah was a good man, but he had such a need for penance that he unintentionally gave an air of penance, or maybe service was a better word to helping. Whatever the word, it invariably left Vin feeling uncomfortable, reminding him of his dependence on the charity of others following his mother's death. Nathan on the other hand, inwardly Vin chuffed, he saw only that it was necessary for Vin to have help and couldn't understand why Vin couldn't just accept it. It never failed that if Nathan tried to help him, with anything, they would both become angry and exasperated.
The others weren't much better, JD was clearly uncomfortable, probably reminded him of watching his mother dying of cancer. The result of his discomfort was that Vin would end up feeling guilty for needing the help, in turn becoming angry that he needed anything. Chris was useless at helping, it wasn't that he didn't want to, Vin knew that. The problem was that Chris would get angry, every time he saw Vin's relative helplessness, and that anger would spill over into his attempts to help. Vin knew it wasn't him that was causing Chris' anger. It was Browner and the fact that he should have been locked up in prison, not out terrorizing young girls and torturing one of his friends, that was making Chris angry.
Vin sighed, he had no idea how Ezra would have done. Since telling Chris about Browner, he hadn't been back to the hospital. At least not that Vin was aware of, knowing Ezra he might have been by to check on him when he knew he'd be asleep. He wished his friend would talk to him, give him the chance to let him know he didn't need to feel guilty. God knew he didn't blame Ezra for what Browner had done. Unfortunately Ezra blamed himself enough for them both. He wondered if..."Hey Buck, is Ezra still working mostly from home?"
"Yeah," Buck confirmed. Chris had told them yesterday that the undercover agent was barely in the office, his guilt over Browner making him uncomfortable around the rest of them.
"You think we could stop by there on the way home?"
Buck smiled, not only at the idea, but at the sound of Vin calling his place home. Stop it Wilmington, he's just staying with you until he's completely healed. "Sure, that's a good idea Vin." Just then the doctor walked into the room. After a short exam and a few instructions, he signed the discharge papers. Clapping Vin on the shoulder, he expressed his wishes not to see the young man again for a while and said good-bye.
Vin headed for the door, almost before the doctor was through it, "Let's get out of here Buck."
"Aren't you forgetting something?"
Vin turned, his face hardening at the sight of the wheelchair Buck was leaning on. "I ain't riding in that thing."
"You are if you want out of here," Buck countered. "Aw, come on Vin, you know it's hospital policy. I tell you what, if you ride out in the wheelchair, I'll stop at Don Juan's and get lunch to take home with us."
"Don Juan's? You gonna let me have a Dos Equi with lunch?"
"I shouldn't, but yeah I'll grab a six pack," Buck quickly gave in. "You can only have one with lunch though, no more."
Vin grinned, quickly settling into the wheelchair. "What are we waiting for?" he asked, glancing up at Buck and giving him a wink.
"Beats me," Buck returned.
"Stop at Ezra's first though, okay?"
"Already planned to."
Ezra sat at his computer, checking through the information JD had found. Checking the
nformation, against his own sources, he was soon convinced they were on the right track. The problem was, everything they were finding was circumstantial. Given his own reputation with the FBI, they weren't likely to launch an investigation into Barnes on his say so, no matter how much circumstantial evidence he presented them with. The sound of his doorbell brought him out of his thoughts. Glancing at his watch, he saw that it was too early to be Chris. The blond had taken to stopping by during lunch each day, usually with some tempting meal in his hands. Ezra smiled, it had become something he looked forward to, even if Chris would, without a doubt, bring up his avoidance of the office. Looking through the peephole, he sighed heavily when he saw who stood outside his door. For a moment he considered not letting them in, the thought quickly passing. He owed Vin the chance to express his feelings over Ezra's failure to rid the world of Browner years ago. Bracing himself for what he was sure was coming, he swung open the door. "Gentlemen, to what do I owe this visit?"
"We need to talk Ez," Vin rasped.
"Certainly Mr. Tanner, won't you both come in," he offered, stepping aside. "Mr. Wilmington, it's a pleasure to see
you."
Vin sighed, so back to formality was it? "It's Vin, not Mr. Tanner," he firmly corrected his friend.
"As you wish. What is it you wish to discuss?"
"I wanted to say thanks for starters."
Ezra stared at him, stunned by his words. "Ththanks? I don't understand."
"That acupressure trick of your's," Vin explained. "The doctor says me sleeping better is why I finally started healing enough for him to let me go home."
"You're quite welcome my fr...Vin."
"I am your friend Ezra, ya don't have to doubt that."
"Am I? Didn't they tell you of my failure to prevent Browner's continued preying upon the innocent?"
"They told me what you went through to get that man caught and sent to prison. Told me too, that somebody helped him get out and that's how he ended up in Denver. You didn't help him get out did ya?"
"Of course not," Ezra immediately replied. Clearly he was offended by the question.
"Then why should I blame you for what Browner did to me?"
"If I had..."
"Bullshit Ezra! What was it you told me when I was beating myself up over Eli Joe killing that man to frame me for murder?"
Ezra closed his eyes, he knew what Vin was getting at. "Considering my current feelings, I'm surprised you didn't hit me."
"For saying the truth? You were right Ez, I knew it as soon as ya said it. It wasn't my fault what Eli Joe did. Yes, I had the chance to kill him only a couple of days before that. Had him in my sights, but no matter what the wanted poster said, it would've been murder and we both know it. You said that, and these were your exact words; If good men become the very thing they are fighting to protect others from, we will soon have no good men left. Ya made me see that it wasn't my fault that Eli Joe did what he did, just like it ain't your fault what Browner did. Please Ezra, I don't want to lose your friendship. I don't have so many friends that I'm willing to give even one of them up."
Ezra finally opened his eyes, looking at Vin through vision blurred by unshed tears. "You have always had my friendship, I wasn't certain I had your's."
"Always," Vin responded, grasping Ezra's forearm to seal his vow.
"What of you Mr. Wilmington?"
"Oh hell Ezra, I ain't got any problem with you. Vin's right, it isn't your fault what Browner did, or that he got out of prison somehow." Buck didn't mention his first reaction, he was in fact ashamed that he had blamed Ezra, even if was only for less than an hour.
"That is gratifying to know."
"We do need to go soon though, got to get Vin's prescriptions filled before we go to my place."
"I admit I am surprised that Chris didn't object to Vin staying with you rather than at the ranch," Ezra commented.
"Well you know Chris has so much to do that he wouldn't be able to be home much and I need enough help that staying at Buck's makes more sense." Vin explained, not mentioning how much more at ease he felt when Buck helped him, or how uncomfortable he became when Chris helped, or tried to help.
"Chris mentioned that Buck had decided to take some vacation time."
"Yeah, I got some extra time accumulated so I figured what better way to use it," Buck commented.
"Indeed."
Now that the situation with Ezra had been resolved, the three of them relaxed considerably. For the next half hour, the undercover agent caught Vin and Buck up on the investigation so far. Another half hour was spent, kicking ideas back and forth as they tried to find a way to get the hard evidence they needed against Barnes.
"Excuse me," Ezra stood as the doorbell sounded. Glancing at his watch, he knew this time it would be Chris at his door. Opening the door, he smiled, "What are we having for lunch today Chris?"
"Got us something from Fuji's today," Chris grinned. The look of surprise on Ezra's face was worth the extra expense of the Japanese restaurant.
"I was not aware you were familiar with Fuji," Ezra finally spoke, once he recovered from the surprise.
"I do eat something besides steak and potatoes Ezra. You gonna let me in, or are we eating on the doorstep today?"
Ezra blushed, his mother would be so ashamed of him. Imagine, letting such a small surprise throw him off enough to make him forget his manners. "Pardon me, please come in."
"Don't mind if I do," Chris accepted with a smile. "Vin, Buck, wasn't expecting to see you here."
"Thought we'd stop by, clear the air with Ez," Vin explained. "We been going over the information y'all have about Barnes and Browner."
"Yeah? You got any ideas about getting some hard evidence?"
"Nah, sorry."
"Don't worry about it, we'll come up with something."
"You bet we will," Buck enthusiastically agreed. "Right now I think what we best come up with, is lunch, you ready to go Vin?"
Vin stood up, "Yep." As he reached the door, a stray thought stopped him in his tracks.
"Vin?" Buck called, concerned by the way he froze up.
"Hey Chris, everybody thinks Browner is dead, right?" Vin asked as he turned to face the room.
"That's right, why?"
"I was just thinking, they say dead men tell no tales, what if we could prove them wrong?"
A wolfish grin spread over Chris' face, the implications of Vin's question quickly becoming apparent to him. "You know that's not a half bad idea cowboy. I'll have to see what I can do about it."
"See y'all later, come on Buck."
Later, as they sat on Buck's front porch, enjoying their lunch, Buck brought Vin's words to Chris up. "So, you gonna tell me what that meant?
"Got to be more specific than that Bucklin."
Buck gave him a mock glare, "You know what I mean. That dead men tell no tales stuff, what were you getting at?"
"Best if I don't tell ya," Vin mysteriously replied.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Come on Buck, you ain't that stupid. You know all about plausible deniability, you couldn't be in the Seals and not know about it."
"Likely to get Chris in trouble?"
"Not unless too many people know about it."
"Understood...I ever tell you about some of the things Chris got up to in the Seals?" Buck asked, by way of changing the subject.
Vin chuckled, whenever Buck asked a question like that a good story was bound to follow. "Like what?" he dutifully asked.
"I'm glad you asked," and with that Buck was off on one of his wonderful stories. "Well, ya know that Sarah's daddy was in the Navy too?" Receiving a nod from the younger man, Buck continued. "He didn't approve any of Chris, thought he wasn't good enough for Sarah. He was right," Buck added with a grin. "Sarah though, well that woman had a mind of her own, like most Irish girls do. She wasn't about to let any man, not even her father, tell her who to love and who not to love. Thing was, she didn't much care for Chris' attitude either. She half suspected, and was probably right, that a good part of why Larabee wanted to date her was cause her daddy didn't approve. She didn't much cotton to the idea of being the rope in their tug-o-war and she figured to let them both know it. She convinced Chris that he had finally convinced her into going to the next level in their relationship. I think she knew all along that Chris was the one for her, but she wanted him to want her for herself, not just a way to piss her father off. Anyway, she had Chris real worked up, just from talking to him over the phone. Then she tells him that she's really mad at her father for trying to run her life and she wants to symbolically show him that he can't control her. The best way to do this, she tells Chris, is to get together in his office. They won't do anything much there, just get things started so to speak, then they'd go somewhere more comfortable. Now Sarah was a hell of a woman, and damned smart. Too smart for Chris and her old man, that's for sure." Buck smiled as Vin let loose a chuckle at that. "She knew old Chris wasn't really a bad guy, and she knew that he'd be sitting there in that office waiting for her, seeing all those family pictures her father had in his office..."
"She figured he'd start having second thoughts?"
"Exactly. Oh she had him pegged alright, by the time that office door opened, Chris had decided that he couldn't do it. Sarah was too good of a person and she didn't deserve to be used as a means of getting back at her father. He had his back to the door when it opened, and he didn't even turn around, just started talking. Sarah, he says, I really care about you, too much to be with you right now. I'm sorry honey, but I haven't been completely honest with you. I been going out with you to get at your dad and that wasn't right. I just thank God that I came to my senses before it went too far and I hope that you'll give me another chance. A chance to get to really know you, for the right reasons. It was about that time he turned around and of course it wasn't Sarah standing there, it was her father."
"Damn, what'd he do?"
"Well he might've thrown Chris out that window, but about that time Sarah stepped out of the closet. He sure was mad, asked Sarah if she had heard what Chris had admitted to? Did she see now that he was right about him? Sarah waited for him to stop ranting and then she walked up to her father and slapped him. Before he could say anything to that, she slapped Chris too. Then she let them both have it. Told them both they were a couple of pig-headed fools and that she could and would date whomever she pleased. She also pointed out to her father that he wasn't right about Chris, because if he had been, Chris would never have had second thoughts about his plan to get back at the Admiral."
"Bet he didn't like that any."
"No, he didn't, but he wasn't a bad man, just harsh and very protective of his only daughter. After he thought about it, he admitted that she was right and as long as Chris was dating her for the right reasons, he wouldn't interfere. Then he made sure that Larabee knew what would happen, and he didn't spare any of the details, if he ever did anything to hurt that little girl."
"How long after that did it take them to get married?"
"Well it was only about eight months after that first real date, so about nine months after that night in the office."
"Wait a minute, it took Chris a month to get that first date?"
"Well it wouldn't have, but the Admiral thought he couldn't let Chris breaking into his office go without a word. He confined him to the base for the next month, kept him busy cleaning the toilets with a toothbrush."
Vin threw his head back in laughter, "Damn, Chris must've hated that."
"Oh he did, but he didn't have much choice. Besides it could have been worse and he knew it, the Admiral could have put him in the stockade for a month or more."
Vin smiled as he looked down at his plate, "You did it again."
"Did what?"
"Fed me a meal and I didn't even notice. I don't know how ya do it, but I appreciate it."
"Just don't notice anything else with me in the room," Buck teased.
"Might be," Vin agreed.
Buck stared at Vin, surprised by the serious look in the younger man's eyes. The look he saw there, convinced him that now might be the time to ask something he'd been wanting to for a while. "Vin...would you," he paused, licking suddenly dry lips. He couldn't believe how nervous he was, he hadn't been this nervous since, hell he didn't think he'd ever been this nervous. "I was wondering, when them bandages come off, would you join me for dinner?"
"On one condition."
"Anything," Buck quickly agreed.
"We go dancing after dinner," Vin gave his condition, his eyes sparkling.
"Dancing?" Buck asked. He'd been so sure the condition would be something else, something serious, that it took him a moment to say anything else. "I can do dancing," he finally agreed, a grin spreading over his face.
"Good, it's a date then."
Chapter 21
"Everything ready JD?" Chris asked. A nod from JD brought a feral grin to Chris' face as he pushed open the door to the interrogation room. Tossing the file he held on the table, Chris leaned on it and stared at the suspect. "Hello Rupert," his calm voice sounding suspiciously like a growl.Rupert Browner calmly returned the stare, unflinching in the face of this man's obvious intimidation attempt. "I'm not answering any questions without my lawyer."
"Wrong."
"I know my rights Agent Larabee, you can't question..."
"Rights? You have no rights Rupert...you're dead, remember?"
"Obviously I am not dead, therefore I have rights," Browner countered.
Chris straightened to his full six foot height as he stared down at the living dead man before him. "I want the name or names of whoever helped in your escape, fake death and continued freedom."
Browner shot him a disdainful look, "I'm afraid I don't remember."
"I'd suggest you work on the memory or I'll arrange for your death to become a bit more permanent."
Browner's eyes drifted to the security cameras in the room, "Thank you Agent Larabee, you've just guaranteed my release."
"Do you really think I'm that stupid Rupert? Those cameras aren't working, neither are any of the recording devices in the room. I'm afraid they've suffered a glitch, something I have my best computer expert working on now."
"You don't scare me," Browner tried to bluff. Between the space of one breath and the next, Larabee was around the table and Rupert was in a classic headlock.
"Something you should know about me Rupert," Chris voiced in a deadly whisper. "I was in the Seals, I know at least a dozen ways to silently kill a man and half a dozen to dispose of the body so that it will never be found."
Rupert Browner swallowed hard, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead. "What is it you wish to know Agent Larabee?" he asked, as calmly as he could manage. Ruthless and greedy he might be, but he wasn't stupid.
"Not much Rupert, just the names of anybody who helped in your escape, faking your death and your continued freedom. I also want the details of how it was done."
"I was helped..."
"Ah, ah, ah, not yet. First we have to set up a camera, we don't want any faulty memories to mess up the trial later on." Stepping to the door, he opened it, allowing JD into the room, a digital video camera and tripod in his hands. "Now," he continued as he shut the door, "when Agent Dunne has the camera ready we can begin. And Rupert, any deviation from what we discussed will result in the disc being destroyed and our earlier discussion becoming reality."
"I understand," Rupert solemnly acknowledged.
Getting the signal from JD, Chris sat down opposite Browner. He began with the date and who he was speaking to, before diving into the questions. "Now for the record, would you state your name?"
"Rupert Browner."
"Mr. Browner, you were convicted ten years ago of murder, extortion and weapons charges, correct?"
"You know it is," Browner scowled.
"What was your sentence?"
"There was more than one, but it amounted to life with no chance of parole."
"Then how is it Mr. Browner, that you came to be living in Denver, Colorado only ten years later, freely operating a business?"
"I escaped."
"Could you explain to me, how that occurred?"
"Certainly, I never entered prison. I paid another man to serve my sentence, assuring him that he would be allowed to escape within a few weeks of becoming incarcerated. I was aided in this deception by Agent Dan Barnes of the FBI. Agent Barnes falsified the records so that this other man's fingerprints and picture would become a part of my file. Thus when the prison officials checked his prints, it would of course tell them he was me. What the man was not told, was that his escape would be accomplished through death. Once he was dead, I would be free to move about the country and I wouldn't even need to change my name. Agent Barnes has ran interference, for a cost, when needed in the intervening years."
"I see, was Agent Barnes aware of your business enterprises in the state of Colorado?"
"Of course he was, he even, sampled some of the merchandise on occasion."
"I think that will be enough," Chris decided.
JD turned off the camera and quickly left the room.
"Thank you for your cooperation Mr. Browner. We will of course need any documentation you have to support your story."
"That won't be a problem," Browner assured him.
"Good, you just write down where we can find it and give us written permission to retrieve what we need, without a search warrant." Sliding a piece of paper and a pen across the table, Chris sat back and waited for Browner to comply.
Without a word of protest Rupert Browner gave the man sitting across the table from him, everything he asked for. He had quickly come to the conclusion that his only chance for survival would be dependent upon his cooperation with this man.
Chris pocketed the paper as he pushed himself to his feet. "Thank you Rupert, somebody will escort you back to your cell shortly."
"What happens to me now?"
"You'll be tried for the kidnapping and assault of Agent Tanner."
Rupert could practically hear the 'unless' that hung unspoken in the air. "Unless I do what, precisely?"
"You testify against Agent Barnes and you'll be returned to Georgia to serve out your original sentence. Refuse and, you'll be tried for your actions against Agent Tanner. I'm sure I don't have to explain to you how prison guards view men who have hurt a fellow officer."
"I would be happy to assist you in bringing Agent Barnes to justice," Browner smiled.
"I thought that's what you'd say. I'll make the arrangements." With those words, Chris opened the door and left the room.
Vin sat on Buck's back deck, curled up on the porch swing. To anybody watching him it would seem he was enjoying the spectacular view from the deck. Buck knew better, he was certain Vin didn't even see the mountains in the distance. Today had been Vin's first visit with the department shrink, it wasn't hard to see that it hadn't gone well. Sighing heavily, he quietly approached the swing. "Mind if I join you?" His question was met with silence, though Vin did shift his legs, making room for him. Sitting down, he drew Vin's feet into his lap without a word. "Want to talk about it?"
Swinging his feet to the floor, he sat up and grabbed one of the beers Buck carried. "Nothing to talk about," he replied, washing down the reply with a long swallow of beer.
"That bad?"
"I hate shrinks," Vin rasped, taking another swallow of beer.
"What'd he say?"
"She," Vin quickly corrected. "The department seems to think it'll be easier for me to talk to a woman than a man, considering what Browner tried to do. Idiots," he sneered. "Hell I don't want to talk to anybody about it, but I sure can't talk to a lady about it. The things he said...what he almost did...what he did do."
The pain in Vin's voice had Buck again wanting to kill Browner, slowly. He couldn't do that, not if he wanted to have a future with the man he loved, wanted to be here for him. That didn't keep him from the desire though. Hesitantly, he moved closer, carefully draping his arm over Vin's shoulders. "Did you ask if there was somebody else you could talk to?"
"Yeah I did, there isn't," Vin softly replied. Taking strength from the man beside him, he leaned closer. "Stupid huh?"
Surprised by the question, Buck didn't reply for a moment. It was almost a moment too long. He felt Vin beginning to pull away, in more ways than one. Quickly tightening his hold, he tugged him close again, "What do you think is stupid?"
"You're kidding?"
"Wouldn't ask if I knew what you meant?"
Vin looked up at him, searching his face for any sign of deception. Seeing none, he settled his head back on Buck's shoulder. "Me, acting like some kind of scared little kid over talking to a shrink."
"There ain't anything stupid about that Vin," Buck firmly and quickly vowed. "Aw Vin, don't you know most men would have fallen completely apart after what you've been through. Especially considering that it came on the heels of what I did."
"Don't Buck," Vin quickly cut him off. "We've been through this, I don't blame you for what happened. It wasn't you, it was Spencer that raped me, he just used your body to do it."
"Do you have any idea how amazing you are?" Buck asked in a choked voice. "I just wish it had never happened and that Browner hadn't gotten the chance to remind you of it."
"He didn't Buck." Vin saw the doubtful, guilty look on Buck's face, "I swear he didn't."
"I don't know how that can be."
"Because what he did to me was brutal and what he planned to do would have been just as brutal as the rest of it. What you did, under orders from Spencer, wasn't brutal or no more so than it had to be." Takes a breath, searching for the words he needed to take away the guilt the other man still felt for what had happened. "Buck, there's something you said a minute ago that I have to argue with."
"What's that?" Buck managed to ask.
"You said you wished it had never happened..."
"Now Vin, I'll believe a lot of things, but I won't ever believe you're glad it happened."
"I don't know if glad is exactly the right word, but if it hadn't happened we might never have known about each other. I mean, you weren't telling me ya was attracted to me because you were worried about messing up our friendship and I was keeping quiet for the same reason."
Buck smiled softly, understanding now what Vin meant. "I see what ya mean, and I'll say it again...you're an amazing man Vin Tanner."
"I ain't anything special Buck, just a man trying to make sense of his world."
"Well now sweetness, that's one I'm gonna have to argue with." Taking a chance, he brushed a kiss over Vin's temple as he held him tightly in his arms.
"Thanks Buck, too bad the department won't let me talk to you instead of that shrink."
"Any idea how long you'll have to see her?"
"Nah, you know how it goes Bucklin. I'll have to see her for however long her and the department thinks I need to. Sorry, I don't mean to whine about it..."
"Don't apologize Vin, I don't know a man alive that wants to talk to a shrink. It can help though, if you give it a chance."
"You talk like a man with experience."
"After Sarah and Adam died, the guilt was eating me alive. I tried to deal with it, mostly by trying to help Chris. Problem with that was, the only way I seemed able to help him was as his punching bag. Wasn't healthy for either one of us, Sarah's father made me realize that and talked me into getting some help for myself."
"And it helped?"
"Don't I seem well-balanced?" Buck asked, a twinkle in his eyes.
"You really want me to answer that?" Vin teased.
Buck pretended to think about that for a minute, "I guess maybe I don't."
"Chris ever go to see anybody?"
"I'm not sure, we lost contact for a couple of years. It was the best thing for us both, my shrink said we needed the distance. Guess he was right, when Chris came to see me about the ATF I could tell he was better than he had been. Then you joined the team and he really started coming out from behind those walls he'd built."
"I imagine you and time had more to do with it than me."
"Nah, trust me Vin, it was you. You became like a brother to him almost from the moment the two of you met. It was just what he needed," Buck assured him.
"Must have made you mad," Vin softly commented.
"It did, at first," Buck admitted. "I got over it pretty quick though, about the time I realized that it didn't matter who brought the old Chris back, as long as he was back. Well as much as he ever could be anyway."
"I don't reckon he'll ever be exactly the same. He couldn't be after something like that."
"No, he couldn't be." The sound of the phone ringing interrupted them. Reluctantly Buck let go of Vin and hurried inside. "Wilmington," he growled.
"Well hello to you too Buck," Chris replied. "Interrupt something?"
"What's up Chris?" he asked, ignoring the question. He couldn't help being glad that Chris couldn't see the blush that was covering his face, he'd never let him live it down. Imagine, him, Buck Wilmington, getting embarrassed over nothing more than holding Vin as they enjoyed a quiet conversation.
Chris noticed that Buck ignored the question, but he decided to let it go in favor of more important things than teasing his friend. "Tell Vin his plan worked."
"His plan? What plan?"
"To get Browner to talk, hell Buck you were there when he brought it up."
"I was?" Buck scratched his head, trying to remember such a conversation.
"He said dead men tell no tales, wouldn't I like to prove them wrong," Chris reminded him.
"That was a plan? Never mind, of course it was. Y'all did that silent communication thing again, didn't ya?"
Chris smirked, he knew it drove the rest of the team crazy when he and Vin did that. "Guess we did. Anyway, it worked, he talked."
"What'd he say?"
"Admitted that it was Dan Barnes that helped him and told us where to find the evidence that will prove it. He also agreed to testify against Barnes..."
"What did you have to promise him?" Buck nearly snapped. He had a bad feeling about this.
"He won't be tried for what he did to Vin, instead he'll be returned to Georgia to serve out his original sentence."
"Damn it Chris, that bastard needs to pay for what he did to Vin!"
"You think I like it Buck? I hate it, but it's the only thing we have to bargain with and I want Barnes to pay too. If it hadn't been for him, Browner wouldn't have been out of prison and able to hurt Vin or anybody else."
"Damn, I hate it when you're right."
"You'll tell Vin?"
"Yeah, I'll tell him. Chris?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for calling, talk to you later?"
"Sure thing, bye."
"What's up?" Vin asked from the doorway. He smiled when Buck jumped, "Sorry, didn't mean to startle ya?"
"That was Chris."
"Figured, what's up?"
"He said your plan worked," Buck replied. He was curious, wondering if Vin would understand what Chris had meant.
"Browner talked?"
"Damn, y'all have got to tell me how you do that."
"Buck."
Buck nodded, "He said it was Barnes that helped him, told Chris where to find the evidence to prove it. He also agreed to testify against him."
"In exchange for?"
"No charges for what he did to you," Buck reluctantly answered. "You say the word and I'm sure Chris would take back the offer."
Vin felt like he'd been punched in the gut. He should have seen that coming, after all it was the only thing Chris had to bargain with. He wanted to call Chris and tell him hell no! "Guess this means I won't have to testify about what he done," was what he finally said.
Buck didn't like the look on the younger man's face, he was entirely too pale and silently he cursed Chris for the deal he'd made. "No, I guess you won't," he responded. Stepping closer to Vin, he carefully pulled him into his arms. "You okay?"
"No, but I will be." Leaning against the taller man, he once again found himself gratefully drawing strength from his friend.
Chapter 22
With Browner's video taped confession and the documented evidence he gave them, bringing Dan Barnes to justice was an easy task. It wasn't necessary for Chris to be in Atlanta when the FBI arrested Barnes, they already had the confession, JD had emailed it to them along with copies of the documented evidence. Chris could have sent the originals by courier, but as Vin's friend he needed to be there when they interrogated Barnes. There was one more reason and that was the argument he had used to gain permission for both him and Ezra to personally deliver the evidence to Atalanta."Chris, what can I do for you?" Orrin asked, though he had his suspicions as to why Larabee was in his office.
"I want to deliver Browner's confession and the documents to Atlanta."
"Not wasting time, are you?"
"They need the evidence, no point wasting time."
Orrin motioned Chris to a chair and leaned forward, "Tell me what's really going on."
Chris sighed, shooting his boss a sheepish smile. "This guy, Barnes, is the one who started the rumors about Ezra. I think Ez deserves the chance to see the man who ruined his career with the FBI brought to justice. Besides, with everything that's happened, I'd feel better if we delivered the evidence instead of relying on a courier."
Orrin leaned back, thinking over what Chris had said. "Alright, I'm authorizing you and Standish to deliver the evidence. Also, in the interest of seeing that justice is carried out, I'm officially ordering the two of you to observe the interrogation of Agent Barnes, participating directly if you feel it's necessary." As he spoke, Orrin was busily writing out the orders that Chris would need. "I'll have Gloria type this up, you'll have it and your plane tickets within the hour."
"Thank you Orrin," Chris smiled, as he pushed himself to his feet and left the office.
Chris gave himself a mental shake, bringing him back to the present moment. Though it would have been unnoticeable to most, he could tell that Ezra was nervous about the upcoming meeting. "I've got your back Ez," he whispered to the other man as the doors to the elevator opened.
Ezra turned towards his boss and friend, the mask slipping for a second, letting his shock show, before he slammed it back in place. A small nod was his only outward acknowledgment of Chris' support, inwardly he was nearly jumping for joy. Until joining team seven, Ezra had rarely encountered anybody willing to offer their support, and none of them had ever come through for him when it was truly needed. Having so little experience with such loyalty and friendship, words such as the simple ones uttered by Chris, still had the power to awe him. Stepping into the offices of the Atlanta FBI, Ezra froze in his tracks. "Deputy Director Lawerence, I wasn't expecting to see you here sir."
Chris frowned, he didn't like the effect this man seemed to be having on his agent. Stifling a growl, he stepped forward, silently vowing that the feebies wouldn't find a way to blame this situation on Ezra. "Deputy Lawerence, I'm Chris Larabee, SAC of ATF team seven," he introduced himself, his hand extended.
"Agent Larabee," Lawerence greeted, shaking his hand. "Agent Standish, it's a pleasure to see you again," he smiled as he turned towards Ezra.
"Yes sir," Ezra nodded. Damn, why was he here? Surely he didn't expect that he could convince Ezra to return. "If I may inquire Deputy Lawerence, why are you here?"
Lawerence took a step back, faltering under the direct questioning that was so unlike the Ezra Standish he knew. "I understand that there is quite damning evidence concerning the guilt of Agent Barnes."
"There is," Ezra confirmed. "Are you here to sweep it under the rug?"
"No! I'm sorry," Doug Lawerence quickly apologized as several heads turned their way. "On the contrary, I am here to offer a formal apology to you Agent Standish and to tender an offer for your reinstatement in the bureau."
"Just like that?"
Doug winced, he couldn't blame the man for his skepticism, but still he hadn't expected quite that reaction. "Well, Barnes hasn't admitted that the rumors he spread were false, nor has he admitted to his role in the escape of Rupert Browner. However, given the evidence against him, there is no doubt that he is guilty which of course makes his allegations concerning your honesty suspect to say the least."
"What happens the next time somebody cast aspersions on my honesty?"
"Now Ezra, you know we have to investigate allegations..."
"Investigate? Nobody at the bureau investigated, if they had they would have found legitimate reasons for the lifestyle in which I conduct my private life. No sir, everybody in this office readily accepted the rumors which Barnes started. You all made it abundantly clear that you believed me to be corrupt, treating me accordingly. As they say, your apology and the offer of reinstatement is too little, too late. Now, I believe we have a suspect to interrogate."
The coldness of Ezra's cultured voice brought a chill to Chris' blood. He hated to hear that tone in Ezra's voice, recognizing it for the defense mechanism it was, hiding the hurt the undercover agent had felt over the betrayal of his former colleagues. "Is Barnes already in an interrogation room?" Chris asked, deflecting attention from Ezra and back to the case at hand.
"Yes he is, right this way," Lawerence replied. Turning away, he led the way down a long hall to the interrogation room.
"What is he doing here?" Barnes snarled when they walked into the room.
Ezra didn't reply, simply sliding into a seat at the long table, Chris taking the seat next to him.
"Agent Standish is a member of my team."
"Who the hell are you?" Barnes demanded.
"Agent Larabee, ATF. It was my team that caught Rupert Browner, after you helped him to escape justice," Chris growled.
Barnes turned to the Deputy Director, "Can't you see what's happening here? I'm being set up, Standish is just trying to get back at me for exposing him as a corrupt agent."
"Really Barnes, is that the best you can do," Ezra calmly responded before anybody else could. "If I were truly seeing revenge, why would I have waited all of this time?"
"Probably so nobody would suspect you of setting me up."
"Do tell, and how is it that I arranged for Rupert Browner to come to Denver? How did I arrange for his confession or the documentation he has attesting to your guilt?"
"He must be in on it with you," Barnes quickly countered.
"Of course, and he agreed to return to Atlanta, to serve our his original sentence, because...?"
Barnes bit his lip, damned wily bastard was doing it to him again. This was exactly the reason why he had started the rumors in the first place, his superior attitude grated on his nerves, making him the perfect choice for a scapegoat. "I don't know, maybe you threatened him. That's it, you must've threatened him," Barnes decided.
"That would have been an interesting trick, seeing as how Agent Standish wasn't involved in Browner's interrogation," Chris interjected.
"Give it up Barnes," Deputy Lawerence spoke up. "Your best option, given the evidence against you, is to confess and save the taxpayers some money, maybe the judge will be lenient in the sentencing."
"How lenient?"
"He might take ten years off your sentence," Lawerence tempted the other man.
"Ten years?"
"Yes," Lawerence confirmed.
"I want the sentence guranteed in writing before I agree to anything."
"Of course, and you will publicly apologize for the rumors you began about Agent Standish."
Barnes glanced thoughtfully at Ezra, apologize? To hell with it, the satisfaction he'd get from letting the doubts continue wasn't worth the extra ten years. "Deal."
"I'll make the arrangements," Lawerence stood.
"That Chris on the phone?" Vin asked. A grin spread across his face when Buck jumped a foot, hitting his head on the cabinet above the counter.
"Damn Vin, do you have to do that?"
"Do what?" Vin innocently asked.
"You know what," Buck playfully growled, rubbing his head.
"So, was it?"
"Was it...oh, yeah, it was Chris."
"Everything okay?"
"Barnes agreed to confess and publicly apologize to Ezra for the rumors he started, admitting that he did it to keep suspicion off himself. Chris also said that a Deputy Director Lawerence offered to reinstate Ezra."
Vin sighed, "What did Ezra say?"
Buck grinned, "He told Deputy Lawerence that the offer was too little, too late."
"Good for him. When are they coming home?"
"A couple of days."
Vin gave him a puzzled look, "Something going on?"
"I don't think so, Chris said Ezra has some investments in Atlanta that he wants to check on while he's there."
"Investments?"
"That's what Chris said," Buck confirmed. "Don't you have a therapy session?"
"Trying to get rid of me?"
"You know I'm not, now quit avoiding the question."
Vin dropped his head, "Yeah."
Buck crossed the room, wrapping his arms around the smaller man. "I know ya don't want to go Vin, but it's helping isn't it?"
"I suppose," came the soft reply.
"How about if I drive ya and after your appointment we can go to the saloon."
"I got a better idea, I'll meet you at the saloon when I'm done," Vin countered.
"You wouldn't be planning to skip your session, would ya?"
Vin supposed he should be offended by the question, and maybe he would have been if he hadn't known why Buck asked. He understood though, that Buck wasn't questioning his honesty, he simply recognized how much Vin hated going to the sessions. That knowledge made it easy to ignore the unintended insult, "No, just don't see any reason for you to spend an hour waiting around for me to be done."
"I don't mind," Buck quickly assured him. "Besides if I drive, then you can have a beer without worrying about it affecting your driving."
Vin had opened his mouth to protest that he minded when Buck continued. The other man's words had him pausing as he mulled it over. He had a point, the doctor did say that since he was only on mild painkillers he could have the occasional beer but that it would hit him harder than usual so he shouldn't drive afterwards. "I could probably use a beer after the session," he softly mumbled, more to himself than to Buck.
"Then you'll let me drive you?"
"Yeah, if you're sure you don't mind."
"Wouldn't have offered if I minded," Buck smiled. "We better get though if you're gonna make it on time." Reluctantly letting Vin go, he grabbed his keys from the hook by the door and led the way outside.
Vin came out of the psychiatrist's office and walked straight outside, not even glancing at Buck. Concerned for the younger man, Buck jumped to his feet and hurried after him. "Vin...Vin wait!" he called as the sharpshooter ignored him and kept on walking.
Vin turned around, "What?" he snapped.
Buck took a step back, surprised by the anger in his friend's voice. It was obvious by his tone and stance that now wouldn't be a good time to ask what was wrong. "I thought we were going to the saloon," he replied with the first thing he could think of.
"I'll meet you there."
"It's two miles from here Vin and you're still recovering..."
"I know that Buck! Ain't likely to forget either, but the worst injury is my hands and I don't walk on them, I'll be fine."
"You shouldn't..."
"Goddamn it Buck I'm an adult! I can make my own decisions!" Turning away, Vin stalked off, ignoring the calls that came from his friend as he walked across the parking lot to the street.
Buck watched Vin, his blue eyes filled with concern for the other man. He wanted to run after him, to drag him to his truck and make him accept a ride to the saloon. He didn't do that, no matter how much he might want to protect the younger man, he knew that right now it would only make Vin angrier. Sighing heavily, he walked to his truck and headed towards the saloon, driving slowly in order to keep Vin in sight. Maybe he couldn't keep Vin from walking to Inez's place, but he could make sure that he was available to help if needed.
Vin marched down the sidewalk, pointedly ignoring the truck that followed him. Damn them both! How dare they discuss him without his permission. Vin had always been a very private man, life had taught him early on that being open with others only provided them with a weapon to use against him. He knew, on some level, that they both meant well but he hated being talked about, hated having things revealed that he hadn't planned to tell anybody about.
The session had started out okay. They had talked some more about what Browner had done, the doctor insisting that he go into more detail about what happened to him. He hadn't been comfortable with it, would have avoided it if he could, but she insisted and so he talked. Then she had asked him about what had happened at Buck's apartment. The moment the words had left her mouth, Vin saw red! Damn him to hell! He had no right to tell her about that. None! Who the hell did he think he was? He thinks he's the man who loves you, a small voice whispered. Quickly he brushed the thought away. If he really loved me, he told himself, he wouldn't have gone behind my back like that. By the time he had walked the two miles to the saloon, Vin was only marginally calmer than when he'd started. Unconsciously he headed right for the team table. He wasn't surprised to see the rest of the team, sitting there, it was after all past five on a Friday afternoon. Sliding into his usual seat, he ordered a beer from the waitress.
Nathan scowled, "Vin you shouldn't..."
"Not a word Nathan." Vin quickly cut him off.
"You're still on painkillers Vin, ya shouldn't be drinking," Nathan tried again, ignoring his friend's words.
"Last time I checked you ain't my daddy so lay the hell off Nate," Vin growled, surprising Nathan into silence.
Just then Buck came up to the table, two beers in his hands. "Caught the waitress headed this way," he explained as he set one of the mugs in front of Vin.
"Thought you was looking out for him Buck," Nathan questioned, glaring at the beer.
"Doctor said he could have one beer and I'm driving," Buck defended himself.
"He did?"
"Yes Nathan he did, hell you don't think I'd let him have a beer if the doctor didn't say it was okay, do ya?"
Vin fumed as he listened to them talking about him like he wasn't even there. Downing his beer, he stood up and made his way to the bar. "Hey Inez, one more," he requested, sliding the mug across the bar.
"Si," Inez smiled. Quickly filling the mug, she handed it back to him. A frown crossed her pretty face as Vin downed the beer in three long swallows and asked for another. "Is everything alright senor?"
Vin might be angry, but he wouldn't take it out on Inez, or any other woman. His mother had taught him better than that. "Everything's fine Inez, just thirsty is all."
Inez nodded, handing him another beer. "If there is anything you would like to discuss, I am here," she softly offered.
"Thanks Inez, I appreciate that." Taking the beer, he walked back to the table, sliding back into his seat.
Buck frowned, "Didn't you finish that already?"
"Yep," Vin replied, taking a sip of his third beer.
"Vin you ain't supposed to have but one," Buck protested, grabbing the glass away from him.
"Give it back Buck," Vin ordered, jerking the glass out of his hand.
"No," Buck calmly responded. Taking the glass one more time, he quickly drank it, ending the argument.
"You son of a bitch, who the hell do you think you are?"
Buck stared at Vin, shocked by his behavior and anger. Luckily he had spent plenty of time dealing with Chris' drunken rages. "I think I'm your friend Vin," he calmly replied.
"Vin you don't need to talk to Buck like that, he's just looking out for you," JD added.
"Looking out for me? Who asked him to? Didn't ask none of y'all to look out for me, I can take care of myself. Don't need friends, they just stab ya in the back anyway," Vin's tirade ended with a choked sound.
Buck ignored the puzzled, curious looks from his teammates. "I think I better get you home," he quietly said as he stood up and pulled Vin to his feet.
"Don't want to go home with you," Vin argued, stumbling against his chair as he pulled away from him.
Buck sighed, "Where do you want to go then?"
"Want to go to my home," Vin slurred, the mixture of adrenaline, beer and painkillers rapidly catching up to him. Vin blinked as the room began to spin around him; before he had the chance to say another word his knees buckled as the world went dark.
Recognizing the signs, Buck was ready for it as he smoothly caught the smaller man in his arms. Cradling him to his chest, he kneeled on the floor, waiting for Nathan to check him over.
"His pulse is steady, breathing's fine. I think the fool's going to be fine, not counting the hangover he'll have tomorrow," Nathan pronounced. "You best get him home Buck."
"You have any idea what that was about brother Buck?" Josiah asked.
Buck thought about it, now that Vin wasn't ranting at him he could take the time to think over the words that had been thrown at him. Oh hell, "I think I might Josiah, but I probably better not say anything until I talk to Vin."
"Fair enough," Josiah nodded. "Just remember we're here if needed, and I mean if either of you needs us."
"I'll remember Josiah, thanks." With a helping hand from Josiah and Nathan, he pushed his way to his feet. Holding Vin close, he left the bar and headed home, knowing that the conversation which had begun here was far from over.
Chapter 22
Vin moaned, his arm coming up to cover his eyes as the sunlight streaming through the window stabbed into them. What the hell had he done? Rolling to his side, he cautiously lowered his arm, slowly opening his eyes. The light still brought pain, but it was at a tolerable level now. Glancing around the room, he was surprised to find himself in his own apartment. Hadn't he been staying at Buck's? Buck! It all came flooding back, the memories slamming into him with the force of a Mack truck. Squeezing his eyes shut, Vin tried and failed to block out the pain of the betrayal."Vin?" Buck quietly called as he pushed open the bedroom door. He had started to take Vin to his place last night, but had quickly thought better of it. Stopping at his house only long enough to grab Vin's medications and a change of clothes for himself, he had brought his friend to his own apartment. He figured it was the least he could do after opening his mouth to the shrink. He hadn't meant to do it, he really hadn't, but he didn't suppose that would make much difference to Vin.
"Go away," Vin moaned.
"Be right back," Buck informed him. Hurrying back to the kitchen, he quickly whipped up his own guaranteed hangover cure.
Vin groaned, burying his face in the pillow. Where's my gun? Hell, wouldn't do any good Tanner, you couldn't hit the broad side of a barn if you were inside the thing right now. Shut up! Lord, he hated that little voice, especially when it was right, and why did it always sound like Larabee?
"Here ya go Vin," Buck grinned as he squatted beside the bed.
Vin turned his head, peeling his eyes open he looked at the blurry, grinning face. Bet I could hit him, the thought getting a chuckle from him. "Go 'way Buck," he whined.
"I will, just as soon as you drink this," Buck said, holding out a glass.
Vin gave the glass a doubtful look, "What is it?"
"A hangover cure, guaranteed."
"What's in it?"
"Just drink it Vin, I promise you'll feel better."
He wasn't sure how much Buck's promises were worth at the moment, but he really wanted his head to stop pounding. Propping himself up on his elbow, he grabbed the glass and took a large gulp. Holding the glass away from him, he eyed it with surprise. That had to be the first hangover cure he'd ever had that tasted good, and damned if he didn't feel a little better already. Quickly drinking the rest of it down, he handed the glass back to Buck. "Thanks."
"You're welcome sw...Vin," Buck softly responded, biting off the term of endearment. "Feel better?"
"Yeah, what's in that anyway?"
"Half Bulgarian buttermilk, half V8 juice and a touch of tobasco sauce. Tasty isn't it?"
"Yeah, it is," Vin agreed.
"Feel like eating something now?"
Vin was surprised to find that the thought of food actually sounded good, but a shower sounded even better. "Maybe after a shower."
"You do that and I'll start breakfast," Buck offered.
"Okay," Vin agreed. He needed to talk to Buck, but that could wait until after he had eaten.
Thirty minutes later, Vin walked into the kitchen. "Smells good," he commented as he poured himself a cup of coffee.
"Thanks, just scrambled eggs, toast and hash browns."
Vin nodded and sat down at the table as Buck slid his plate in front of him. "You eating?"
"Already had mine," Buck replied. Turning away, he started washing dishes while Vin ate. He knew they needed to talk, but he was more than willing to wait.
Vin finished his food and carried his dishes to the sink, slipping them into the water. "We need to talk Buck."
Buck hung his head, "I know."
"I'll be in the living room."
Buck nodded. Delaying as long as he could, he slowly washed the last of the dishes, wiped off the table, counter top and stove; he could delay no longer. Heaving a sigh, he tossed the dishrag on the sink and headed into the living room.
Vin looked up as Buck walked into the room, motioning to the couch, he waited for him to take a seat. "Why did you do it Buck?"
"I didn't mean to."
"Didn't mean to? How can you not mean to tell something that wasn't your place to tell? It ain't like breaking a glass Buck," Vin growled.
Buck nodded. Forcing himself to meet Vin's eyes, he tried to explain. "She called to see how you were doing and we started talking. I never planned to tell her about what happened between us Vin, I knew you didn't want that brought up."
"Then why did you tell her?" Vin demanded.
Buck took a deep breath, "I let slip that I was glad what Browner did hadn't brought up bad memories. That got her wondering what I meant," he paused, scrubbing a hand through his thick hair. "I didn't know what to do at that point, but I finally decided that it'd be better to tell her what I meant than to have her thinking there was something even deeper, like childhood stuff."
"So you told her?" Vin asked. "Why didn't you tell me? At least then I wouldn't have gotten blind-sided."
"She swore she wouldn't say anything to you, or I would have warned you."
Vin sighed, he should've known it was more the shrink than Buck that had betrayed him. He never had trusted them, "You think she'll say anything to Travis?"
"She better not," Buck growled. Softening his tone, he cautiously reached over, giving Vin's knee a squeeze. "I am sorry Vin, I never meant to betray your trust. Maybe," he paused, swallowing hard. "Maybe you'd be better off if I left you alone."
Vin watched Buck carefully, torn between forgiveness and condemnation of the other man. He knew Buck was sincere in his feelings and he could see that the older man felt horrible for what he'd done. Leaning his head back against the chair, he closed his eyes, letting his mind wander, hoping it would lead him to the answer he needed. Images from the first time he'd met Buck right up to last night flashed through his mind. With few exceptions, and those were all in the first few months of their friendship, every picture his mind showed him involved Buck taking care of him in some way. It wasn't always something big, sometimes it was as simple as bringing him a cup of coffee when he was feeling exhausted, but he had been there for him each time he needed him. Opening his eyes, he looked at the big man, the last bit of his anger leaving as he took in the dejected picture his friend presented. "Buck."
"Yeah?" Buck asked, never lifting his eyes from the floor.
"I don't want you to leave me alone," Vin softly spoke as he reached for Buck's hand.
His ears must be playing tricks on him, but if that were true then why would Vin have hold of his hand? "You don't?"
"I don't," Vin confirmed. "I won't say I ain't mad about what ya did, but it was an accident, you're forgiven"
Buck stared at Vin, shocked and humbled by the younger man's ability to forgive. Silently he swore that he would do all he could to make sure his friend would never have a need to forgive him again. "I don't deserve your forgiveness Vin, but thank you."
"The shrink on the other hand, I'm done with. Don't say it Buck," Vin warned, holding up his hand to stave off any protests the other man might make. "I don't give a damn what the regs are, I'm not going to talk to somebody who doesn't respect my right to privacy. You might've let something slip that ya shouldn't have, but she never should have talked to you about me in the first place. Can you give me a ride to, damn it's Saturday."
"Planning to confront her?"
"I already did that, told her exactly what I thought of her talking behind my back that way. I was gonna go see Travis, guess it'll have to wait for Monday." Vin sighed, leaning his head back. He had really wanted to talk to him while he was still mad about the whole thing, knowing it'd be harder for the older man to talk him out of his decision it he was still angry. Well, nothing to be done about it now and he'd still be plenty mad come Monday.
"Not necessarily, we could go to his house," Buck suggested.
"Wouldn't be right to interrupt his time with his family," Vin protested.
"Vin if you don't talk to him now this is gonna eat at ya all weekend," Buck pointed out. "What about this? You call him and see if he could meet us at that little diner near his place."
"That might work, you mind driving?"
"No problem."
"Thanks." Picking up the phone, he dialed the Travis' home. The judge quickly agreed, though he insisted that they come to his house instead. Though he hated to intrude on his time at home, Vin agreed when the judge pointed out that they'd have more privacy if they were at his house.
The drive to the Travis' didn't take long and soon the three men were settled in the judge's home office.
"Now then Vin, what can I do for you?" Orrin asked.
"I want to be cleared for duty sir."
Orrin steepled his fingers, looking over them at the younger man, surprise and concern evident in his eyes. It wasn't like Vin Tanner to ask for special favors. "That isn't up to me son, you know that."
"You know I ain't ever asked for favors judge, but I'm asking now."
"Why?"
"I won't go back to that shrink..."
"If it's a problem with the doctor you're seeing, there are others you can see."
"No! Sorry," Vin apologized, lowering his voice, "but I'm not talking to any of them any more. I always knew they couldn't be trusted, and now I got proof of it."
"What do you mean?" Orrin asked, his eyes narrowing speculatively.
Vin sighed, glancing at Buck. "She talked to Buck about me, got some information out of him that didn't have anything to do with what Browner did."
"She what?" Orrin yelled. "Is this true Buck?" he asked, turning to the other man.
"Yes sir," Buck confirmed. "I don't deny that I messed up, but she shouldn't have asked anything either."
Orrin frowned, "No she shouldn't have," he agreed. "I can't clear you for duty though Vin, not without an okay from one of the department psychiatrists."
"There's exceptions to every rule judge, I'm just asking you to make one."
"Won't you even consider seeing somebody else?" Orrin tried again. He couldn't blame the younger man for not trusting, but he was concerned for him, leading him to try all he could to convince him to talk to another therapist.
"No sir," Vin firmly replied. "You can either okay me for duty or I can resign."
"I see, could I have the weekend to consider?"
"I reckon I can give you that much," Vin agreed.
"Thank you Vin. I don't suppose you'd tell me what...no, you wouldn't," he answered his own question as he saw the blue eyes turn cold before he had finished asking.
"Thank you sir," Vin softly rasped as he pushed himself to his feet. Shaking the older man's hand he turned and left the room.
"Mr. Wilmington," Orrin called as Buck turned to follow Vin.
"Yes sir?"
"I know Vin has been staying with you while he recovers."
"He has."
"I'm not asking you to betray any confidences, but you're in the best position to judge his mental state. Do you think he's ready for active duty?"
Buck carefully thought over the question. "Yes sir I think he is."
"You're not just saying that because of your friendship and whatever guilt you may feel over this situation with the doctor?"
"No I ain't judge," Buck quickly denied. "Vin's doing real good. Frankly, in his case, I think he's better off talking to his friends than to some stranger anyway."
"Hmmmm, you may be right Buck. Well, you best get going and thank you for your help."
"You're welcome." Turning away, Buck followed in Vin's wake.
They were barely through the door when the phone began to ring. "Wilmington," Buck greeted the caller.
"Buck, Orrin Travis here. Could I speak to Vin?"
"Yes sir," Buck replied. Holding out the phone to Vin, he whispered the identity of the caller.
"Hello?"
"Vin, I've thought over your request and I'm willing to let you return to active duty, with a couple of conditions."
"Conditions?"
"You don't have to see a therapist, but I wouldn't feel right letting you go back to full duty unless I'm sure it's in your best interests." Orrin didn't point out that with the bandages still on his hands, Vin couldn't physically return to full duty anyway.
"I think I can decide..."
"No son, you can't decide," Orrin interrupted him. "I'll let you back on light duty, if you agree to talk to Josiah. When he determines that you're ready for the stress of full duty then I'll agree to it."
"Josiah?" Vin mulled it over, it still meant talking to somebody about things he'd rather not deal with, but at least Josiah already knew what had happened. More importantly, Josiah had earned the trust he found it hard to give. "I accept judge, thank you."
"You're welcome Vin, I'll make the arrangements, you just be at work Monday morning. Good-bye."
Vin hung up the phone and turned to Buck, quickly filling him in on Travis' decision.
"What about your hands?"
Vin looked down at his fingers, shaking his head with a sheepish grin. "Hell, no wonder he wouldn't agree to full duty. I was so damned mad about the shrink I forgot all about my fingers."
"Don't feel too bad Vin, I forgot too," Buck consoled him. "When did the doctor say the bandages would be coming off?"
"A couple more weeks if everything goes well."
Buck smiled, "Are we still on for dinner and dancing when the bandages come off?"
"You bet," Vin grinned.
Chris walked into the bullpen Monday morning, he was almost sorry to be back. "Hey Buck, Vin," he greeted as he headed to his private office. Just inside the door, he stopped and turned around. "Aren't you supposed to still be recovering?" he asked.
"I'm on light duty," Vin replied.
"When did that happen?"
"Over the weekend, had a talk with Travis."
Chris narrowed his eyes, "Going over my head?"
"Nope, but you weren't here and I wasn't gonna wait."
"What happened?"
Vin explained the events that had happened, beginning with his therapy appointment on Friday. "It's all been straightened out now, no need for you to shoot anybody cowboy," he teased.
"What makes you think I was going to?"
"Name Chris Larabee?"
"Yeah."
"That's what makes me think it," Vin grinned.
"You're first on the list Tanner," Chris growled.
"You and Ezra have fun in Atlanta?" Vin asked, changing the subject.
"Don't know about fun, learned a few things about our undercover agent though."
"And...?"
"Know where his money comes from now," Chris replied, giving no further details. A smile spread over his face as he imagined the surprise of the others, especially Nathan, if they knew the truth about Ezra. He could easily imagine the looks, knowing his own face had worn such a look when Ezra's investments turned out to include an orphanage and a homeless shelter dedicated to helping people back onto their feet rather than just providing food and shelter. The easy way Ezra interacted with the people at the shelter had shown Chris a whole new level to the other man. Once the shock had worn off, he had asked Ezra for more details. He had fully expected Ezra to shoot him a scathing look and refuse to answer. He had been pleasantly surprised when he was offered an explanation. He was quietly told that Ezra's father had come from money, old money; his family looking down on Maude from the beginning. When he had died, as his only son, Ezra had inherited everything his father had owned, which had been placed into a trust fund until he came of age. Thanks to the tutelage of his mother and a couple of his many step-father's, by the time Ezra had access to his inheritance he was well-versed in money management. Turning the substantial inheritance into an even larger sum, Ezra had used some of the earnings to set up the orphanage and homeless shelter, though he hadn't explained why.
"You gonna tell us stud?" Buck asked, interrupting his thoughts.
"Nope," Chris replied with a grin.
"Now Chris that just ain't right," Buck complained.
"Ain't gonna talk about the man when he ain't here Buck. If Ezra wants anybody else to know, he can tell them." Not giving Buck time to ask anymore questions, Chris turned and went back into his office.
Two weeks later, Vin returned to the office on a Friday afternoon, a slip of paper clutched in his hand. Marching straight to Chris' office, he barely acknowledged the other men as greetings were called out. He didn't bother to knock, but simply pushed the door open and stepped inside. "When can I come back to full duty?" he asked, tossing the paper on the desk.
Chris picked up the paper, reading it over with a smile. "I suspected this was going to happen today, that's why I talked to Josiah while you were gone. Monday too soon for you?"
Vin grinned, "Monday's great, thanks cowboy."
"Why don't you go ahead and knock off; take Buck with you."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, it's almost five anyway and we don't have anything happening."
"Thanks Chris." Turning around, Vin wasted no time in approaching Buck to relay his news. "Hey Bucklin," he softly greeted the other man.
"Hey Vin. You look like you're in a good mood."
"I am, the doctor released me, I'm back on full
uty starting Monday."
"That's great news Vin," Buck grinned.
"So where we going for dinner?"
Buck's smile grew, if that were possible. "How's Italian sound?"
"Sounds good," Vin replied. "Chris said we could go ahead and knock off for the day."
"Hell, what are we waiting for?" Quickly turning off his computer, he practically dragged Vin from the office, much to the amusement of the others and the embarrassment of the sharpshooter.
A few hours later, Vin had forgotten all about his embarrassment as he stared into the deep blue eyes of his dance partner. Dinner had been great, the restaurant Buck had chosen filled with soft candlelight and gentle music, giving the simplest meal an air of romance. It paled in comparison though to being held in the strong arms of the other man as they danced around the floor of the club Vin had brought them to. They had danced to nearly every song since they had stepped through the doors. Stopping only when thirst drove them from the floor, neither man could get enough of being in the other's arms. Wrapping his hand around the back of Buck's neck, he pulled him down for a deep kiss. "Let's go home Bucklin," he rasped.
The sound of Vin's sexy whisper sent a thrill through Buck, making him want to throw the other man down and ravage him that very
oment. "You sure sweetness?"
"What's that tell you?" Vin asked, pushing his groin up against Buck's leg.
"You're sure," Buck grinned. The trip home was made in record time as Buck broke at least half a dozen traffic laws in his hurry to get his soon to be lover home. Climbing out of the truck, he hurried to the front door. By the time Vin joined him, he had the door unlocked, leaving him free to scoop the smaller man into his arms, carrying him over the threshold and up the stairs to his bedroom.
The ringing of the phone woke them the next morning, both men pleasantly sated after a night of passionate love making. "Whoever this is it better be important," Buck growled into the phone.
"Good morning to you too Buck," Chris greeted.
"Chris," Buck sighed. "What's up stud?"
"Just wanted to remind you and Vin about tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Buck asked, pretending he didn't know what the other man was talking about.
"Damn it Buck..." Chris began, biting off his tirade when he heard laughter coming from the phone. "Very funny Buck. You just make sure you and Vin are there tomorrow for Ezra's birthday dinner. I got everything arranged, he's gonna be real surprised when we pull up at his favorite restaurant and the whole team is there to celebrate his birthday."
"Don't worry Chris, we'll be there," Buck assured him. "Good-bye stud." Hanging up the phone, he turned to the man in the bed beside him, wrapping his arms around him.
"Ezra's birthday dinner?" Vin asked.
"Yep, Chris wanted to make sure we didn't forget. He's awful cute when he's in love," Buck grinned.
"How long you figure it'll take him and Ezra to figure it out?"
"Hard to say, maybe we should take bets," Buck joked.
Vin chuckled, "Maybe...right now though I got better things to do than talk about Chris and Ezra's love life." Lowering his head, he kissed Buck deeply, his hands roaming over his lover's body.
"I like the way you think sweetness," Buck moaned. Rolling the smaller man onto his back, he proceeded to ravage the beautiful young man beneath him, thanking God for the gift of Vin Tanner.
The End
Author's Note: The hangover cure is one my husband introduced me to over 20 years ago. He swears by it and though he no longer needs it for hangovers, he still drinks it just for the taste.