~~ Then You Fall… ~~

Ghosting his fingertips along the edge of the reception desk, Chris looked up to scan the offices of Team Seven. There were no signs left from the night’s storm… at least outside. Instead, the first glimmers of an awakening sun were barely visible outside the windows. Hardly any light to guide his way, yet the man in black didn't need any…

This was his territory.

He was the leader of this group and no one could take that privilege away.

Or could they?

The pain and confusion of the last twelve hours bore into the blond again and meaningful lyrics came to him…

The words replayed over and over in Larabee's head and he finally had to close his eyes, hoping desperately to shut out the song he'd been listening to for hours…

His gaze eventually drifted towards his office and the desk that sat there, just a few feet from his door.

His chin dipped, concealing green pools wrought with emotion. Slowly, he advanced on her little corner of his world.

Once more, his fingers traced the cold lines of furniture, but this particular piece warmed his heart. He was suddenly smiling; the memories of a certain Monday morning filtering back into his consciousness.

That day, Kate Lansky had become a permanent thorn in Larabee's side, and… a steadfast fixture in his life.

His heartbeat quickening, Chris caressed the desk again. 'My life… my world' he sighed silently, 'but… goddamn it… I need you in it…'

Suddenly angry, he turned away to look around the bullpen, his eyes automatically tracking to the far wall and the modest line of office enclosures that housed his men.

His team…

His friends…

He huffed, shaking his head then lowering it. 'I need them, too…'

Slowly, sullen eyes rose to gaze at the furthest space, occupied by best friends Josiah and Nathan.

As the Team's oldest and, often wisest member, Sanchez was a trusted confidante and the man Larabee frequently turned to when he needed a cool head to sort things out. The profiler was damn good at what he did and, despite his dry wit, kept them all happy and on the top of their game.

Jackson… well, the medic was indispensable. He had extensive knowledge of not only medical science, but forensics as well. Both were invaluable, but Larabee also relied on Nathan to recognize things within themselves that the rest of the Team had a tendency to overlook.

Thinking about the most 'mature' members of his team invariably led Chris to the next office…

The blond's oldest friend and the team's youngest member occupied it. This duo never failed to catch his attention on a daily basis. Their antics were enough to break the monotony of a boring stretch in the office, or snap the tension of a serious case.

JD was arguably the most hyperactive computer specialist Larabee had ever encountered, but when teamed with Wilmington's knowledge of electronics, the pair was dynamite together. Their team leader could forgive the rest…

Taking a deep breath, the man in black finally looked at the office closest to his. Surprisingly, the first thought in his mind was Ezra. Chris sincerely hoped that the man would take him seriously and show up for work this morning.

A hand rising quickly to scrape through his hair, Larabee grabbed hold and squeezed, his eyes closing as events of the last twelve hours assaulted him yet again…

His hand relinquished its tenacious hold on his hair, Larabee's arms crossed abruptly across his chest as his eyes rolled. Things had only gotten worse from that point on…

Chris winced as he remembered striking the man hard. Unconsciously, he rubbed his fist.

It still hurt.

But, as hard as he'd hit Standish, the man hadn't gone down, and that had just served to piss him off more…

Seems everything Ezra did in that first half-hour just made things worse. For the life of him, the team leader still couldn't figure out how the man went from total despondency one minute, to complete jubilation the next.

Now, standing at the door to the southerner's office, Larabee could see the whole scene play out before his eyes…

A hand moved quickly to scrub at his face. The blond still couldn't believe Standish had presented his service revolver and, apparently, expected him to use it.

He still couldn't believe that he'd been angry enough to have actually taken the weapon and… point it at Ezra's head…

The fingers clenched around his lips now found a path to his brow and Larabee rubbed furiously.

He'd been shocked back to reality at that point… able to look beyond his anger. He knew instinctively that something was seriously wrong… that there was more going on around him than he had allowed himself to see.

Ezra had continued to goad him but Chris hadn't let the peripheral situation distract him from his main objective.

The questions came…

The 'whys' and 'hows' seemed simple enough, yet the answers he'd received hadn't been so easy.

Yes, Standish had continued to push but little things just weren't adding up in the back of Larabee's mind… irritating things… and, contrary to their topic of conversation, the southerner continually referred to his love for Adrian Delaney… the woman he'd cheated on…

“FRIDAY!"

The word echoed in his mind as Chris remembered Standish inadvertently answering the question he'd asked Kate right off the mark. The response had truly shocked him… knowing that she'd gone from his bed Thursday night, to Ezra's on Friday…

The amount of booze that Ezra mentioned had been nagging at him as well.

Now that he'd had enough time to think on it, the shear volume of hard liquor would easily explain why his undercover agent didn't remember most of what went on…

Unquestionably though, Standish did remember Lansky approaching him at the bar.

Doubts had begun to creep into Larabee's mind at that point… maybe he was judging Ezra without fully understanding the circumstances.

If the man was to be believed, the whole affair was an accident. A single occurrence, precipitated by alcohol abuse, pent up anger and frustration, on both their parts...

Chris had spoken those words too pointedly, intending to catch Standish in a lie, but instead, the words backfired, leaving him with growing reservations about the woman he loved.

The declaration had started to piss Larabee off again, but thankfully, he'd delayed his pending over-reaction. Somehow, Ezra didn't appear to be gloating any more. Instead, complete honesty echoed in his voice. Chris could hear the hesitation and confusion in his friend's tone.

After that, they had spoken relatively calmly.

In his bewildered chaotic thoughts, Standish had confounded them both by suddenly announcing, quite to his own astonishment, that their respective ladies loved the two men.

It seem improbable, but in that moment of disappointment and failure, the southerner had been pushed to remember… inspired to piece together a portion of what he believed motivated Lansky's life… and their one-night-stand.

Yet again pledging his undying love for Delaney, Ezra had pitted their example against that of Larabee and his lady. His clearing thoughts finally allowed him to decipher a portion of Kate's behavior and he came to an inexplicable conclusion.

Stunned would have been a mild description for the way Chris had felt at that moment.

He'd called Standish on the deduction, but was assured of the validity of his findings.

After that, Larabee didn't have to think about twice about the summation.

He believed every word Ezra said...

For all the reasons, motivations, and conclusions, he'd fought with over the past day… month… year… In those few seconds, the man in black was forced to accept the fact that not only did he love Kate with every fiber of his being… but that she loved him, too.

He'd left Ezra then… flatly refused the man's resignation and told him to be here in the morning.

Now, still staring at the southerner's desk, Chris needed Standish to heed his words. He wasn't sure how the rest of the team would handle all of them being in the same office but he certainly wanted the opportunity to find out.

Swallowing hard, the team leader turned to leave but as he did, his eyes fell on Tanner's desk.

Slowly, Chris pursed his lips after taking a deep breath.

He'd been getting an uneasy feeling from Vin for a couple of weeks now. Yet, each time they tried to talk about whatever was bothering the younger man, something always interrupted.

Shaking his head softly, Larabee cursed the nagging feeling in his gut. Something was up with Tanner and he'd been too distracted to find out what.

Grabbing his hair again in frustration, Chris headed straight for his own private refuge, his hand slapping his thigh angrily.

One last glance around the bullpen had the senior agent sucking at his bottom lip.

This… this incident had everything to do with his men. Nothing happened to one member of this family without the others being involved. And, like it or not, this little catastrophe involved two of their number…

'Three' a part of his brain countered and Chris growled…

Yeah! Kate was part of this family. She'd come on board shortly after the team's formation and had molded close friendships with everyone here. She was their staunchest defender; a constant ally, aide, supporter, and all-around good buddy to every one of his men and they all knew it.

They all knew one other thing, too…

To Larabee, she had become much more…

Leaving the door wide open, the man in black ventured into his office and sat in his chair, rotating it to avail him a perfect view of Lansky's desk.

For a long moment, he remained unmoving, his breath barely registered as he thought about her arrival. 'What should I say?' he silently wondered. 'So many mornings…'

It had started here…

He could still remember the day they'd first met.

Everything had started right here… a little more than two and a half years ago…

Larabee smiled, despite himself.

Remembering all too well that first serious verbal confrontation, the man in black smirked. It had not only cleared the bullpen, but most of the floor as well.

Eyes closing in remembrance, Chris took a deep breath.

She had ended that disagreement with a single articulation…

One subtle word, uttered with so many undertones that it had stopped him dead in his tracks. Then, looking beyond her reciprocated glare, their eyes had met in earnest and somehow seemed to convey a strange understanding. In that moment, a bitter, lonely, reclusive man had recognized his own kind and knew instinctively that, come hell or high water, this friend had his back.

Their relationship had taken on a whole new meaning after that. She was slow to let her guard down, but like his team, Kate was always there… always ready to help or support any of them and, sometimes, even bring their leader to his senses, when needed.

She had an uncanny knack for saying so much with an approving smile or a disapproving roll of her eyes. She treated every single one of his men the same, winning over their gruff attitudes in her own way and being rewarded with a place in their makeshift clan… perhaps even the true 'heart' of Team Seven.

Six months went by before the third anniversary of his family's death arrived. And yet again things changed for the Senior Agent. He was understandable upset that day, and except for Buck, none of his new team really understood his true despair. In one of his moment, Chris had managed to returned the favor Lansky had gifted him just weeks after they'd met. He'd lit into her so badly; they'd almost ended up in a physical confrontation.

Knowing too well the emotional strain his oldest friend was under, Wilmington had broken it up, and, taking Larabee aside, he'd been pretty insistent, suggesting that the blond not throw away a good thing when it came calling.

And then she did…

When Kate came knocking at the ranch door hours later, Larabee was pissed in more ways than one.

Again…

Still…

It really hadn't mattered much what Lansky's excuse was for being there. He knew Buck had 'spilled the beans' and cussed the man out, even as the meddling woman barged her way into his home.

At first, he wanted nothing to do with her offer.

But little did he know how that one evening would forever change life as he knew it.

It didn't happen over night, but Chris slowly took advantage of the keen ear Kate offered and, eventually, her strong shoulder. Their friendship evolved accordingly. Sometimes he hated her, but more often than not, Chris came to realize that he 'loved her'… in his own strange special way.

Scratching the back of his head, the man in black shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

It hadn't been easy… accepting the way he felt about Kate. He remembered the internal struggles he'd fought just a month ago. A part of him had battled to hang on to Sarah's memory… while the other half wanted to explore his growing bond with this new lady.

Chris had run scenarios, comparisons, and even talked himself into waiting a little longer.

But, he couldn't.

He hadn't…

It wasn't the… 'soul-searing' love he'd had with Sarah… but Chris had no doubt that it was love, just the same.

His breath suddenly hitching, the team leader growled agonizingly as he sat forward in his chair, his face buried in upturned hands. "God! I lost once…" he stifled the pain welling in his gut as his chin rose high in the air. "I… can't lose… again… not again!" The turmoil of memories and mixed emotions was burning a hole in his heart and he just wanted it all to go away.

"Not… without… a fight!" he ground out stubbornly.

Taking in a long heavy breath, Chris forced out his resolve as he stood so fast that his chair was propelled backward, hard against the wall. For almost three years, Kate had been a part of his life… and, no matter how he tried to deny it… no matter how hard Lansky tried to push him away…

Resolute in his determination, Larabee inhaled strongly again, his nostrils flaring as he embraced a new reality. He'd finally, consciously accepted, beyond a shadow of a doubt, what he'd known in the depths of his healing soul for a very long time.

Kate Lansky was part of his life, and he was not going to live without her…

Several long seconds passed before Chris realized how overwhelming this life-affirming decision was. He blinked a few times, shaking off his stunned gaze before settling back to his chair. His heart was still pounding and his breathing labored from the intensity of the emotions that had suddenly swept over him.

Another minute saw his eyes slowly search around the room. He gradually recognized the fact that there were voices outside his office. Fighting to calm himself, the team leader swallowed hard, taking a moment to straighten his attire before heading out into the bullpen.

"We can't just do nothing," Dunne was insisting to his roommate as he flicked the light switch on in their office.

"We can, JD, and we will. This ain't none of our…" Movement out of the corner of his eye surprised Buck and he turned his head quickly as his voice trailed off. "Oh, hey, Chris… didn't expect to see you so early."

Glancing at the wall clock, Larabee noted the time. "Seems to me, you're the ones who are early. Can't remember the last time I saw you two in here at seven thirty."

"Couldn't sleep," the kid offered without thinking.

Shooting his young friend a disgruntled look, Wilmington refocused on the blond. "That's 'cause you were still home sleepin' when it happened," he tried to distract Chris from JD’s comment. "You, eh… get any last night? Sleep, I mean," Buck clarified uneasily. Moving around JD, he stepped outside their cubicle and forced a smile.

Larabee's guard dropped for a moment. "No," he admitted, knowing all too well that his oldest friend wouldn't believe anything but the truth.

There was an uncomfortable moment of silence. Dunne and Wilmington exchanged puzzled looks before the bigger man nodded covertly for the younger to stay put.

JD acknowledged with his own concealed grin.

"You got the coffee on yet, Stud?" Buck moved off in the direction of the break room.

Following, Chris seemed a little lost. "No," he replied as his oldest friend threw on the lights, grabbed the empty glass decanter, and then started to fill it with water.

"Better get it on before Tanner shows up," Wilmington smirked. "You know Vin and his idea of coffee… sludge as far as I'm concerned."

Larabee watched as Buck retrieved the grounds from the freezer compartment of their upright refrigerator. Setting the canister on the counter, he slid open a drawer, pulled out a coffee filter, and then grabbed the cone-shaped holder from the automatic machine. "How much of this do I put in again?" he asked as he picked up the container.

Staring at the big canister, Chris shook off his daze. "Nathan likes four heaping scoops for the full ten cups."

"Sounds about right," the rogue answered with a smile as his leader turned and walked to the door. "How much you reckon Vin puts in? Got 'a be at least double that," he offered with a snicker.

Chris glanced at his oldest friend still somewhat dazed. "Suppose," he said quietly.

Grounds safely in their filter, Wilmington slipped the cone into its slot and tipped the water into its well. Larabee's 'off' mood hadn't escaped him and the fact that he couldn't easily bring his friend out of it was bothering Buck to no end.

Flipping the coffeemaker to its manual setting, the ladies' man caught up to his boss. "You need an ear, Chris?" he smiled solemnly as they entered the still darkened bullpen. "Got two, ya know."

The team leader offered his friend a quick grin. "Wait on it, Buck… Maybe later."

Wilmington was about to answer when the lights came on.

Seeing Chris and not knowing how best to act, the medic quickly resolved to maintain control. He played on his usual sense of humor. "What's the matter? You all don't like ta see where you're goin'," Jackson smirked and then scowled at the two men before heading for his office.

"Figured it was best not to," Buck shot back. "Ya know Chris ain't the prettiest sight in the mornin'."

Nathan threw a hand up and laughed, shaking his head. He recognized the casual grin on Larabee's lips and settled at his desk, reasonably satisfied that the day might remain somewhat normal.

"I reckon he's got enough time to check his e-mail before heading downstairs for his evaluation, don't you?"

Chris glanced at the wall clock again and then nodded with apprehension. "He, eh… gonna be okay with doing that today?" The senior agent was suddenly a little disturbed with the prospect of his team undergoing psychological analysis after yesterday's events.

Wilmington seemed to think for a moment, his lips pursed and his eyebrows furrowed. "Yeah," he replied slowly as he refocused on Larabee. "You know how Nathan is… Cool under pressure."

The man in black looked at his oldest friend seriously. "Pressure, Buck?" He seemed to think long and hard about the choice of words. "You… feeling pressured?"

About to reply, the rogue stopped short, his eyebrows rising. "Think its time for those ears," as he motioned Chris toward the man's office. "Care to join me?" he walked ahead and waited.

Larabee didn't hesitate to follow. He sauntered across the floor, giving the bigger man a sly look as Buck waited and then closed the door behind them.

With the handle still in his grasp, Wilmington glanced over his shoulder to see his boss taking a seat behind his desk. The rogue sighed knowing Chris always felt safer on that side of his authority.

Buck turned, took a deep breath, and then headed for the chairs that resided in front of the big piece of furniture. "Pressure might be the right word," he offered as he slid into the sleek black cushions. "Then again… it might not?"

Hands slowly rose to form a triangle with the desk surface and Larabee narrowed his eyes above his clasped fingers. "You've never been one for mixing words, Buck…" Chris began in a slow even tone. "Why don't you just say what you need to… and then we can get on with our day."

The rogue sat forward and spied the other man through squinting eyes. He thought for a moment… seemed about to speak, and then hesitated. Finally, licking his lips, he spoke as objectively as he could. "Stud… yesterday started out… it was sort of, fine mostly… until… well, you know." There was a moment of silence where Chris maintained his stare and Buck wet the edge of the mouth again. "Today… this is one hell of a place to hang your hat, don't ya think?"

The quick rise and fall of Wilmington's brows accented the question and Larabee couldn't miss the astute movement. He allowed his tongue to trace his teeth inside his closed mouth, his eyes never leaving the dark blue staring back. "You… got any pearls of wisdom you feel like sharing?" the man in black asked as he relaxed, slumping against the back of his chair.

For a moment, the rogue frowned. "You askin' for my advice, Chris?" he tried to clarify. Seeing the outward hand motion and the slight shrug in Larabee's shoulder, Buck cleared his throat quietly. "Well, I've always got somethin' to say…"

"Always," the blond reiterated quickly.

Wilmington's frown lasted only a second before turning to a grin. "You know me too well, partner," he shuffled forward in his chair, hesitated, tried to form words, and then faltered again. Finally, he was able to speak. "You eh… you think they really… slept together?"

There was only a moment of indecision before the blond answered in a whisper. "I know they did, Buck."

Clearing his throat and sniffing back his reaction, the ladies' man pursed his lips. "So… guess the real question is… where does that leave you and Ezra… the team?"

Chris considered the question for a second and slowly his head cocked. "You're… not asking about Kate, Buck… Don't you mean, where does that leave me and her?"

It was Wilmington's turn to shrug. "Figured… maybe there wasn't gonna be no more you and her."

A long silence ensued.

Glancing at his desk, Larabee wasn't entirely sure his oldest friend could handle his decision right now. He chose to go back to their previous point instead. "Standish better show up for work this morning," he straightened in his chair. "And that goes for the rest of you. This is not going to affect the performance level of this team, do I make myself clear?"

Again, Wilmington pursed his lips and thought long and hard about his response. "We, all heard what Adrian said, Chris… You just confirmed that it's true." The ladies' man cocked his head and frowned at his oldest friend. "Make believin' everythin's normal, ain't gonna make yesterday go away."

It only took a few seconds for the reply. "No make believing, Buck. Nothing has changed. Today is business as usual around here."

Watching the insistence in his leader's face made the rogue frown again. He hadn't had the wool pulled over his eyes yesterday and he sure wasn't going to let the man in black get away with thinking he'd been fooled. "What about Kate, Chris? What are you going to say to her if she comes back?"

"When she comes back," Larabee corrected quickly.

Silence again…

"Alright," the rogue conceded the point. "When she walks in that door, just what are you plannin' on sayin'? Maybe you should be askin' if she's plannin' on sleepin' with anyone else… at least that way you'll be prepared for it."

Larabee cleared his throat trying to stifle the nauseating feeling emanating from his gut. "You, trying to tell me something, Buck?"

Wilmington snickered under his breath. "Oh, yeah, Stud," he nodded. "I'm tryin' ta tell you I love the gal to pieces… I mean… she's so good at so many things. Hell, I imagine I'd be right comfortable with her on my six… but damn it, Chris… ain't you ever wondered about why she's so good… we don't know anythin' about her… nothin' that counts anyway."

Leaning forward in his chair again, Larabee hitched up his chair, cocked his head, and then spoke slowly. "You, eh… you've been wondering all this time, and… you never thought to mention it to me?" he raised an eyebrow. "Why is that?"

Wilmington tried hard not to let the blond's obvious intimidation techniques get to him. He'd seen a lot over the years and it was always worse where women were concerned. The rogue had always told himself that Larabee was just jealous but that didn't defuse the bomb that ticked behind his fists on occasion. "Not, all this time, Chris," he offered cautiously. "Just goin' on a few weeks, I reckon… since the two of you eh… you know, started gettin'… cozy."

Another moment of silence…

"Common knowledge?" the team leader scowled questioningly.

Wilmington's snicker said it all. "We're all Federal Agents, Chris," he cocked his head. "Kind 'a hard to forget the things you're trained to recognize." The rogue's voice softened as he continued. "Then there's the gut feelin' you get when your best friend is headed down a little walked path… without backup."

Larabee frowned slightly and thought long and hard before he spoke, "Thought you said you'd trust on her your six?"

There was a nod and then silence preceding the rogue answered. "Yeah," he almost whispered back. "I would…." Looking Larabee directly in the eye, the corners of his mouth curled slightly. "But that's a whole lot different than trustin' her with my heart…."

Chris seemed genuinely interested in what his oldest friend was saying. He thought about it some as the two men sat in silence and contemplated their conversation. Intrigued, he eventually asked, "Trust her with you life, but not your heart? How come?"

Buck sat up straight and took several seconds to stretch his neck. Finally comfortable, he spoke. "Stud, if there's one thing I know about women, it's what they're expectin' out of relationship. Some of them are just out for a good time," he grinned. "Some just want a little time to size you up before they decide on whether you're any good for bigger and better things… Some, well they want them things right out of the startin' gate and they make no bones about tellin' you so, subtly or otherwise."

Considering the information imparted, the man in black raised an eyebrow. "What does Kate want, Buck?" He'd eventually asked the question but still wasn't entirely sure he wanted an answer.

Wilmington thought for a moment before sighing. Getting to his feet slowly, he headed for the door.

"Buck?" Larabee stood.

Stopping at the closed portal, the rogue turned only partially to look at his oldest friend. He was all too serious when he spoke. "Kate?" he asked with a grin. " She ain't like any woman I ever met, Chris. You know that better than anyone… And you also know that she's as much a buddy to me as any of us. She's never given off those normal female vibes…." He frowned, not quite sure he was explaining himself right. "She started to though… about a month ago… like she was sizin' you up, thinkin' on relationship things."

There was an expectant pause in the room and both men knew it.

Almost like he knew what was coming next, Larabee had to ask, "Something changed though?"

Buck turned a little more to face his friend. "Yeah," he nodded. "Didn't take long either… All of a sudden she was hidin' again… like when she first started workin’ here. She didn't let anyone close back then… you remember?"

Larabee nodded his acknowledgement.

"Don't know how to explain it, Chris," Wilmington seemed disappointed in himself. "It's like she's closin' in on herself… almost… like she's scared."

For the second time in less than twelve hours, the man in black heard that word and it jumped out at him with so much fury that he growled.

"Chris?" the rogue frowned at his friend's curious reaction.

Aware of his verbal retort, Larabee tried to make light of it. "It's nothing, Buck… you go on."

The ladies' man hesitated. "You… sure?"

Nodding again, the blond offered his oldest friend a smile. "Go on… business as usual… right?"

It took a moment for the rogue to return the offered smirk. "Got it, boss" he nodded. With one last grin, Wilmington opened the door and then stopped short.

Glancing back, he motioned outside, shot the man in black an uneasy look, and then inched outside quickly and quietly.

Looking beyond his departing friend, Larabee's heart skipped a beat.

The object of his deliberations was now seated at her desk, calmly working on something.

Glancing at his watch, Chris was surprised by the time. He and Buck had talked, on and off, for over an hour. It was approaching eight forty-five and he expected everyone would be at work by now.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, the team leader cautiously ventured to the door, yet refrained from entering the bullpen.

Surveying his domain, Larabee noted Buck had stopped to talk to Vin and then motioned the younger man into his office with JD. Watching Wilmington close the door, the senior agent presumed his surveillance man was passing on 'orders', as per their conversation of minutes ago.

Glancing at Tanner's office, the blond noticed that Ezra's jacket was still conspicuously absent. He bit his lip, again hoping that the southerner was planning to show up this morning... even if he was his normal tardy self.

'Normal?' Chris thought and actually managed a small smile. It would be so like Standish to come in late, thereby keeping to his usual routine.

Stifling his amusement, the team leader's eyes drifted to the far office.

Knowing the medic's psychological evaluation started promptly at eight o'clock, Larabee wasn't expecting to see Nathan. However, Josiah's desk appeared to be untouched, it's normal disarray not yet present, as was typical when the profiler was 'working'. The blond's frown quickly disappeared as Sanchez came through the double doors.

Josiah didn't look up as he made his way to his cubicle. He seemed pre-occupied by something and even across the room Larabee noticed it instantly.

Anxiety evident, Chris decided he'd overlook his current stubborn 'problem' for the moment and investigate what had his profiler so distracted. Walking past Lansky's desk, he pretended not to notice her.

The three team members in the middle office gave Larabee a quick glance as he went by. Chris, in return, offered a nod, raising a hand in greeting as he continued. A few steps later, he stopped at the big man's doorframe and knocked.

The senior agent smiled when Sanchez looked up.

"Morning, Chris," the profiler matched his friend's cautious expression. "You… okay? Need anything?"

Larabee smiled inside. That was always Josiah… more concerned with his teammates than himself.

Sucking in his bottom lip for a second, the blond fought back the desire to request his confidant's help. "Maybe later," he countered instead.

Sanchez nodded. Sliding his jacket onto the back of the chair, he took his seat.

"How about you, Josiah?" the team leader asked quietly. "You seem a little… distracted this morning. Not like you to be late."

It was fairly easy to tell when the big man was contemplating something important. And, as was his telltale mannerism, Sanchez took in a big breath, letting it out slow and steady. Reclining back into the comfort of his cushy chair, he looked at his boss. "Distracted?" he frowned. There was a long moment of silence before he continued. "Troubled… concerned… worried… distressed… all good words, don't you think?"

Larabee huffed, his brows quickly rising and lowering. Dipping his chin momentarily, he fidgeted a little on the doorjamb and then slowly looked back at the profiler, his lips pursed. "Reckon that about says it all," he agreed.

Sanchez could feel the tension in the air but he was determined to let it slide… at least, for now. Tapping his fingers together, Sanchez scowled again. "Two fold for me, my friend," he countered, his mind fixed on his first concern.

Chris frowned again; his eyes darting as he quickly considered Josiah's meaning. "Oh?" his look changed to one of concern. "Explain."

Josiah's lips clamped tight for a second as he sat forward. He turned his chair a little, his elbows meeting the desk surface, his fingers still locked together. "You are aware that Miss Adrian is… staying with me, are you not?"

His eyebrows knitted again as the team leader cocked his head. "Renting your suite, yeah, I knew that," he answered. Chris had been too wrapped up in his own problems in the past several hours to even consider Delaney or how she fit into this whole mess. She'd obviously been disgruntled yesterday… annoyed with someone or something. Enraged enough to blow up the way she had anyway… but beyond that, Larabee hadn't thought about Adrian. Clearing his throat, he looked serious. "Is she… alright?"

Josiah sighed heavily. "Wish I knew," he raised an expectant eyebrow. "She didn't come home last night and I just checked with Travis… she's not here either. Apparently, she called in sick sometime early this morning."

"Can I presume you have already dispatched the authorities, Mr. Sanchez?"

Larabee and his profiler turned to see an obviously worried southerner staring at them, the coloring on his chin, less of a distraction that it should have been.

"When was the last time anyone knew her whereabouts?" The undercover agent continued as he stepped closer. "Gentleman, Miss Delaney's safety must be a priority, I will not allow any harm…."

"Ezra," Chris tried to slow the southerner's over-reaction.

"Mr. Larabee," Standish acknowledged without showing the slightest bit of animosity towards his boss. "Might I suggest we alert…"

The team leader tried to interrupt his agent yet again, "Ezra!"

Halting mid-sentence, the undercover man stood staring, his mouth slightly ajar.

"It's been less than twenty hours since Adrian was last seen, right?" he didn't wait for a reply. "You know the local PD won't act unless there are extenuating circumstances."

Standish raised a curt eyebrow. "I do believe what happened here yesterday, qualifies… don't you think, Mr. Larabee?"

Josiah took in a deep meaningful breath, his eyes refocusing on Ezra’s jaw line. Sitting on the sidelines yesterday… unprepared for Delaney's revelation and helpless to stop the events that played out before his eyes, the profiler was both worried and confused. Sitting here now however, he felt more than qualified to intervene. He wasn't interested in allowing any further repercussions or thoughtlessness to intercede with his current priority. "Gentlemen."

As his companions looked at one another, Sanchez got to his feet and set a strong hand on each of their shoulders. "I've left a note on Adrian's door and I am about to try her telephone. Might I suggest that you remain here," he focused on Ezra, "and allow Chris to return to his caseload."

Straightening his stance, Standish nodded slightly. "That would be acceptable," he agreed with only one further glance at Larabee. Perceiving no objection from his boss, the southerner was only interested in Delaney's safety. "I must insist though, that we contact the appropriate authorities if we are unable to reach Adrian within the specified timeframe."

"Alright," Sanchez agreed before stepping aside to allow his teammate access to his office.

Curious at the older man's reaction yet thankful for his calm manner, the blond acknowledged Josiah's cool hand as their eyes met. "You let me know if you need anything," he insisted.

The profiler offered a brief smile and then watched as Chris turned to leave. Swallowing any concern left in his voice, he let out a deep breath before refocusing on Standish.

Making his way across the bullpen, the man in black appeared focused on his office door but couldn't help notice Tanner watching him. He purposely stopped at the center workstations, pretending to look at the notice board. After a moment though, Chris casually glanced over and offered a somber smile to his friend.

For some unknown reason, the look made Vin antsy.

The Texan had felt an uncomfortable distance between them for days… maybe weeks, and he really didn't know what to think anymore. He couldn't have predicted what happened yesterday. He still wasn't sure of any of his facts, but what he did know, indisputably, was that Kate was not the woman she appeared to be. Beyond that, the sharpshooter was uncertain of his next course of action.

Vin was deeply concerned about his best friend.

He hadn't known Larabee before Sarah's death but he had experienced the fallout and resulting turmoil. The cold, drunken, angry man that Larabee used to be was not something Tanner wanted to see again. He couldn't help the worry in his heart. What would happen to his friend when Chris found out whatever truth it was, that Lansky was hiding? What would happen to their friendship if Vin were the one to expose that truth?

Feeling 'stuck' between that proverbial 'rock and a hard place', the Texan sighed.

Admittedly, his concerns for Chris were far greater than that he held for Lansky but he didn't want to hurt her either. He had a strange connection with this lady and he'd always wondered why. It meant something… just what though; he'd yet to figure out.

The only other thing Tanner knew without question, was that Larabee and Kate were meant for each other… If only there weren't so many doubts… so many secrets.

Unable to explain, and not wanting to endure the team leader's scrutiny any further, Vin casually straightened from his reclined position on the doorframe. Licking at his lips, he slowly turned away and wandered inside his cubicle.

In the middle of the room, the senior agent lowered his chin and sighing heavily. Mentally scolding himself, he again promised to have a serious chat with his best friend, very soon.

With one last look in Tanner's direction, Chris continued towards his office.

"What the hell happened to you?"

Lansky blinked twice and then coolly looked up at the man who had been standing in front of her desk for far too long. Her heart had skipped a beat when he'd exited his workspace fifteen minutes ago. That same heaviness had returned now that he'd come back.

She had tried to ignore him and kept her face strategically positioned in hopes that he wouldn't notice the scrapes and bruising.

"Jesus, Kate!" Larabee grimaced as he looked down on his assistant's now fully visible appearance. "What happened?"

Internalizing her desire to seek the comfort Chris was obviously expressing, Lansky raised an eyebrow. "This," she motioned to the marks on her face nonchalantly. "Oh, nothing… just a tree that decided to run into me. Nothing serious."

The blond's attention had switched to the material inching up on his lady’s raised arm. He moved quickly, grabbing her wrist and pushing the sleeve higher before she had a chance to react. "A tree, huh?" he sneered, looking first at the bandaged limb, and then into her cool blue eyes. "You wanna try again?"

Retrieving her appendage forcefully from his grasp, Kate reigned in her instinctive aggressive reaction. She wasn't going to allow Chris to provoke her. "Any mishap I may, or may not have had, is none of your concern, Mr. Larabee," she looked at him blankly. "I am here, as expected, and I will do my job as described in my terms of service. I don't believe there is anything within that document that requires me to submit for questioning at your every whim."

The team leader growled silently and forced back his desire to shake some sense into the woman.

He'd also suppressed the part of him that wanted to hold her… make everything right between them, mending any injuries in the process. That wasn't the way Lansky ran her life though and he knew better than to offer a simple hug… no matter how hard he wanted to.

Chris never got his way where this lady was concerned and that quickly made him angry. "Talk to me, damn it," he growled so low that it was barely audible.

Everything he'd thought about in the last few hours came rushing back to his consciousness and Larabee swallowed hard. A strange determination assaulted him in that moment. He felt it rushing to his gut and coursing its way through his veins.

'Not without a fight!' His mind replayed the words and the rest came, almost naturally…

Leaning on the desk, just inches from her face, Chris spoke from his heart. "Alright, forget the injuries for just a second. But getting rid of me… isn't going to be that easy." He watched her eyes carefully for any reaction. "Nothing is easy with me. We all know that. Trouble is… you're one of only a few people who have the guts to tell me to my face… And so help me… deep down, I like it when you do. That's one of the reasons I fell in love with you, Kate, and I'll be damned if I'm going to give you up without a fight."

Except for the blinking of her eyes, the woman's face was still a blank canvas.

Good to his word, Larabee wasn't giving up that easily. Almost seductively, he licked at his lips and then moved them to within inches of her ear. "I love you, Kate… That's never… ever going to change and I don't care anymore, that you don't want to hear it… because I'm going to say it… whenever I feel the need… I don't care what you do… how you do it… or who you do it with… I… am not… going anywhere… and I will not… be pushed away!"

Her stare was still fixed on the column across the room and Lansky didn't blink when Chris straightened his stance. She continued to look past him as he stood there for a moment and then turned for his office, the door closing with a loud bang as he disappeared inside.

Kate felt her eyelids grow heavy, the sudden rush of emotions overwhelming her so-called indestructible defenses. She forced the feelings back though. It took every ounce of determination she could muster but kicking and screaming, her passions were forced into submission.

When her uncaring façade was firmly fixed again, she let her eyes drift up to scan the immediate vicinity. Equally cold blue eyes stared back for a moment before Vin Tanner went back to looking over his report.

Kate could only growl… her unanticipated annoyance with Larabee now growing to encompass his entire team.

'How could he?' she questioned silently. His words filtered back and forth in her mind and she grew angrier. She so didn't want to be here.

Nothing was measuring up to her expectations… Not that she'd come close to hypothesizing any after yesterday's little 'announcement', but…

Lansky's whole world was falling apart all over again…

A glare clearly evident, she shifted a little, giving her a glimpse of Ezra. She couldn't help but scowl. Not that she would ever try to deny Standish his position within Team Seven's ranks but she'd seen his resignation yesterday with her own two eyes. 'What the hell is he doing here?' she wondered as she turned to look at Larabee's closed door.

Her blue pools narrowed even more. 'And you… you acted so… so 'normal' around him'.

She'd observed their interaction just minutes ago, wondering, honestly, what the hell was going on.

Without realizing it, she had made assumptions. At the very least, she'd expected Chris to be intensely pissed with the southerner… hit him even, but… 'Have a pleasant conversation with him? What the fuck?'

And Tanner… 'One way ticket straight to hell, my friend' she again sneered at the closest office enclosure.

Seriously infuriated with the whole damn lot of them, Kate turned back to her computer screen. With a silent huff, she pretended to concentrate on her work.

The words on his page were a blur, the southerner only simulating concentration. Concern finally overwhelming him, he glanced up at his teammate. "I believe this would be a reasonable time for to you to… attempt an additional call," he smiled sheepishly.

The profiler sighed as he looked up from the document he was perusing. "Ezra, my friend…" he let the paper drop. "I offered to have you stay while I tried the first time. Then, since you were here, I thought it would be a good time for us to go over this report, and… you agreed. Now, while the second phone call was a reasonable excuse to check to see if the machine was on… well, Ezra, I just don't need your constant reminders about Adrian's whereabouts."

Josiah's tone didn't register as the undercover man set his paper down. "I would not be so insistent if we at least knew her whereabouts, Mr. Sanchez," he replied a little indignantly. "Need I remind you that by providing Miss Delaney refuge, you accepted responsibility for her continued well-being?"

Raising a large hand in the man's face, Sanchez stopped Ezra's intended rant. "You just hold it right there, Mister," he snapped, his tone low but decidedly calm. Edging a little closer to the man on the opposite side of his desk, the profiler continued, "Need I remind you that if you had been a little more cognizant of a woman's sensibilities, she wouldn't be under my roof in the first place."

About to object strenuously, Standish again halted his response, his mouth slightly ajar as Josiah's waving finger occupied the air in front of his face.

"And, further more," the profiler continued rather happily. "You not only bed, another woman… one we all know," he glared, "but you let Adrian…."

Sanchez stopped with a gruff look. He was suddenly reminded that his suspicions were just that, unconfirmed supposition on his part. He had no real idea what had prompted Adrian's outpouring of anger and pain yesterday, and he wasn't about to step into the middle of whatever it was that was going on.

Changing his thought process, the big man pursed his lips, glancing at his watch. "Alright," he conceded with a huff. "One more call to the suite and then we go back to work. No more interruptions, got it?"

Reserved in his response, Standish nodded, a slight smile coming to his lips. He watched intently as Josiah picked up the phone, gave him a scathing look, and then pushed the buttons, dialing Delaney's home number.

After the second ring, the profiler sighed, shaking his head at Standish. He readied to hang up after the third tone when, suddenly, a voice came on the line…

Ezra shifted to the edge of his seat, eyes frantic with excitement and worry.

"Thank heaven! I've been worried about you. Are you alright?"

The southerner watched as Sanchez smiled a little. When he caught the profiler's eyes, he pointed upstairs.

The man thought on the signal for a moment. "You… eh… called in sick this morning. Do you still have that headache?" Josiah rolled his eyes at his own question. After what she'd been through in the last few days, he was surprised she could even articulate. "Could I send anything over? Nathan, perhaps, he could help."

The undercover man was nodding.

"You know he's got good medical advice. He'd be happy to give you some tips about pain relief."

Standish waved for his friend's attention. Once he'd gained it, he made another sign with his hands, this time, tapping his watch before his palms pressed together. His head then moved to rest on his hands as his eyes closed.

Josiah pursed his lips at his teammate. "I… eh… got worried, when you didn't come home last night."

Ezra gave him the thumbs up.

"What happened, Adrian? Where did you go?"

As though on pins and needles, the southerner waited for an answer.

The scowl that erupted on Josiah's face was wrought with concern. "A motel!" he obviously repeated. "What motel? Where? Did you have any problems? How was it?"

By this time Standish was on his feet, his lips pursed tightly together and hands on his hips. He was shaking his head and rolling his eyes, and then, suddenly, he stopped dead in his tracks. He turned towards his teammate and motioned him to cover the speaker.

Understanding what Ezra wanted, Josiah did it quickly. "What?" he asked quietly, obviously quite perturbed with the man's continued interruptions.

"Forgive my question, Mr. Sanchez, but she was… somewhat irrational when she departed yesterday. However much it pains me to ask, but… was she accompanied by anyone?" the southerner bit his lip as he inquired, unsure if he wanted to hear the answer.

The profiler's eyes grew wide and he swallowed. He knew what his friend was saying was the truth and he needed to know just how messy this situation was getting. Uncovering the lower end of the phone, he continued his conversation with Delaney. "Adrian… you were… eh… you were alone, weren't you?"

Standish backed up a little when Josiah held the receiver away from his ear. Both men had heard the 'yes', loud and clear.

Exchanging wide-eyed looks and pursed lips, the profiler tried to ignore Ezra's furrowed brows. "Have you eaten anything lately, Adrian? …Yes, you know… food. It will increase your blood sugar and make you feel better… You make sure you do now, you hear me?"

A satisfied smile crept to Josiah's lips. "Bye," he said quietly.

Watching the profiler hang up the phone, Standish had a big grin on his face. He let out a contented sigh, casually picked up his report and then went back to work.

More than two hours later, Chris was awaiting Nathan's return. He was pacing in the reception area and keeping a watchful eye as his people tried to go about their business. The admin assistant assigned to the front desk had gladly found others things to occupy her time, which left the man in black to scowl without scaring anyone.

Things amongst his team weren't exactly going well this morning and everyone knew it.

Trying to keep things as normal as they should be, Larabee, synchronizing his actions with Mason and Tierney, had separated the 'Prichard' report into appropriate areas of responsibility. Like the other two team leaders, he'd handed the sections off to his men and was expecting feedback or supplementary information, no later than ten am Friday morning. The district attorney had a meeting scheduled with Travis that afternoon and, in addition to the consolidated brief, all three team leaders wanted to prepare a summary from their contingent's perspective. It made presenting the case for indictment a whole lot easier on the department, and Orin.

The task should have been simple enough, but the man in black was seeing interaction, or lack thereof, that he didn't like.

Sanchez had kept himself busy all morning, and appeared to be relatively unscathed by the agitation around him. The team leader hadn't expected anything less, but, with the exception of Josiah, the other men seemed uncomfortable with Standish in their presence. Of course, the deepening bruise on the southerner's jaw probably has a lot to do with it. The questioning glances Chris had received when each had noticed it, made him uncomfortable, but not as much as when they'd become aware of Lansky's apparent injuries. It irked him to no end to think that they'd even consider him the capable of… that!

Of all the men, JD was probably doing the best job of acting 'normal'. Although trying to follow everyone's lead all at once, invariably had him lost. More than ever, Larabee felt sorry for their youngest member. Life wasn't always 'wonderful' and, too many times, Dunne had had to learn that lesson the hard way.

The senior agent could tell that Wilmington was doing his best to 'overlook' yesterday's 'announced' indiscretion. He'd given Chris the evil eye after seeing Standish, and a curt scowl upon noticing Kate's appearance. Yet, true to his accustomed mannerisms, the rogue seemed to let both situations go and went about his business.

Tanner was a different story all together. The Texan was being his usual cool self... taking time to evaluate and assess everyone and everything around him but, in the process, he was sitting back and giving everyone the cold shoulder. Again, Larabee cursed his inattention to his best friend and his growing concern for Vin's mood.

Feeling the weight of his team's attention, the undercover man was now operating in a protective environment. To them he was ‘conspicuously absent’ the night of the raid, and therefore didn't have much to add to their compilation of information. Knowing the truth of his absence however, Ezra was intentionally staying out of everyone's way today, his door pushed closed and, although not latched, it was a clear sign of his vigilance.

Larabee sighed heavily, his lips pressed tightly together. Thinking on Ezra's whereabouts last Friday night made his eyes automatically track to Kate. He swallowed hard, his head slowly shaking from side to side. Chris couldn't help the 'kick' his gut received each time he thought about the two of them together but he was resolved to fight his elemental need for reprisal. He'd already dealt with Standish as far as he deemed necessary and making his feelings clear to his lady had proven easier than he thought.

Even if they were now all experiencing the fallout from his actions…

Put simply, Lansky was being a bitch.

Chris had never liked that terminology and refrained from degrading women to that standard whenever possible. It wasn't a nice word and the meaning was worse. However, when it fit… it fit!

Huffing, the blond continued his stare. He knew Kate's bad attitude was his fault but he couldn't help his slight on her behavior.

Displaying complete insolence after their little 'chat' this morning, she was now purposely ignoring everyone and everything. It was obvious that she needed to be somewhere else. She'd run as many 'errands' as possible this morning, but seemed to curse every time she came back. That, of course, wasn't sitting well with his men and even more evident, was their desire to have as little contact with her as possible.

His eyes glancing skyward, Larabee silently petitioned for a really long lunch, and then rolled his eyes, his head shaking in frustration.

"Things that bad?" Jackson asked as he studied his boss's expression.

Chris raised an eyebrow. "Nathan," he began, but then decided he'd best not say a word. Having sat down to wait, the man in black stood, and then indicated the quickest path to his office. "Care to join me?"

The medic smiled and nodded. "Lead on," he ushered, and then took a deep breath as Larabee moved ahead of him.

Jackson couldn't help notice the cool way in which Chris sauntered past Lansky's desk. However, not having seen her before he went to his appointment, he offered her a greeting. He stopped in his tracks when she didn't answer. Then, looking closer, his eyes grew wide as he noticed her abrasions. Turning to look questioningly at his leader, he found the man waiting patiently at his door.

Larabee just shrugged at Nathan's look. Then, waving the medic forward, the blond closed the portal behind them.

"What… Chris, what happened to Kate?"

Assuming he could hear an accusatory tone in Jackson's voice, Chris answered with a scowl. "I have no idea, Nathan," he said honestly. "She showed up here looking like that this morning… gave some inane excuse about running into a tree."

The medic frowned. "And her silence…? Has that been going on all morning?" he inquired as Larabee stepped behind his desk and sat down. Accepting the chair Chris pointed to, Jackson made himself comfortable.

The team leader hesitated slightly, his brows rising as he answered. "It’s been… interesting." Sitting forward, he got straight to the subject he wanted to discuss. "Forget that, Nathan… how about you? How'd your evaluation go? Any problems?"

There wasn't much hesitation. “It was good," Jackson responded casually. "Nothing I couldn't handle."

Offering a quick smile, the senior agent was a little more reassured. "You, eh… have any problems with… what happened here yesterday?"

The medic's eyes widened and then bunched up before returning to normal. "Chris… there were no witnesses to that… just the nine people present. I don't know about you, but I reckon it should stay that way."

Larabee nodded his concurrence as Jackson shuffled a little uncomfortably in his chair.

"I didn't say anything to the doc… but I've certainly got an opinion and I'd like to say my piece, if ya don't mind."

Straightening in his seat, the senior agent thought for a moment, his eyes averted. Eventually, his gaze found his friend again. He nodded slowly. "We're a family as much as a team, Nathan. The door is closed. You say what you want and it stays right here."

Jackson considered the response and then quirked a grin. "Alright," he began. "What happened here yesterday… well, a thing like that can be like a cancer, eatin' away at the heart of this team." Nathan hitched forward in his chair and set his forearms on the big desk in front of him. "Chris… you need to do what you do best."

The senior agent was frowning a little and the medic offered a smirk. "Lead us… There's a reason you head this team and… well… I saw the look on your face out there… I'm guessing you've got an opinion on all this and I'm also guessing… we all need to hear it."

Biting at his bottom lip, Larabee's chin dipped for a moment. When he looked back into Jackson's eyes, his mouth was pursed into a small smile, his head nodding slightly. "And here I was worried about you in that shrink's office," he grinned in earnest. "Nathan… You're a very wise man."

The medic's grin broadened as he gained his feet. Offering his hand, he shook vigorously when Larabee responded in kind. "Comes from the company I keep," he cocked his head. "Just doin’ my job, ya know… Healin' what ails us."

Larabee came around his desk again and looked at his friend solemnly. After a moment, he spoke quietly. "Got any other advice you're handing out for free?"

Eyebrows rising again, Jackson glanced at the door and then back at his boss. "Well… the way I see it… you've got two distinct problems… I think you'd best handle them one at a time."

His head nodding ever so slightly, Chris met Nathan's eyes. "A smart man," he offered again, accompanied by another grin. "I just might heed your advice."

"That'll be a first," Nathan threw back sarcastically before quickly heading for the door.

Larabee responded by playfully swiping at the bigger man as he escaped his grasp.

"I'll be waitin' eagerly to hear what you come up with," Jackson added thoughtfully before leaving his boss to consider his words.

Buck was not a happy man. He'd spent his entire lunch hour with Edison and Brice and yet even with the three of them working on it, they still couldn't answer the question that had plagued them since the bust went down almost a week ago.

Blueprints in hand, Wilmington stood in the reception area staring at Lansky from across the room. He was remembering Tuesday. He'd asked for her help and she'd spent a lot of time going over the plans… that day, and the next. His continued frustration today had him seriously considering the possibility of asking her for assistance again. The ladies' man had a suspicion that Kate could end his impasse but he didn't know if he was ready to run that gauntlet.

"Is everything all right, Mr. Wilmington?" the secretary asked.

Glancing at the brunette, the tall man's face instantly cracked a smile. "Of course, Darlin'," he stepped closer to her desk. "But just how many times does a man have to tell you… the name's Buck, remember?"

The lady's chin dipped to hide her shy smile. "I remember," she said quietly, then looked back. "I'm just not very good with small talk, I guess. I do just fine greeting and directing people I don’t know, but, well… the rest can be a bit of a challenge for me."

Always thinking on his feet, the rogue continued to grin as he responded to her apparent dilemma. "Darlin', there ain't nothin' you can't do when you put your mind to it. Talkin' to folks around here is easy once you get used to it."

"Oh, I don't know about that," she looked at him apprehensively. "Maybe talking to people like you, but… I don't think I could carry on a conversation with, say… Mr. Larabee."

Wilmington laughed. "Chris can be a grumpy old cuss some days, can't he?"

"He's not in a very good mood today," she sighed. "And Ms. Lansky… I guess she had some kind of accident but I was afraid to ask. It doesn't look like there's anyone here who’s brave enough to talk to her today."

It took Buck a moment but he began to snicker. He thought about the advice he'd just given the secretary and then about how much he wasn't following that same suggestion right now. With a smirk on his face, he tapped the blueprints on the front desk. "Well, I'm about to show you just exactly what I mean by puttin' your mind to somethin', Darlin'. You watch ol' Buck prove how easy it is to talk to folks that don't want to be talked to. If you can do that, you can surely talk to folks that do."

Leaving a curious woman in his wake, the rogue, determination in his step, headed towards Lansky's desk.

When they landed on top of the report she was editing, Kate swiped aside the rolled papers and continued reading without further reaction.

The two hands on her desk didn’t faze her concentration, nor did the puffs of breath blown on her hair.

However, when the rogue leaned down, his arms folded flat on her desk, his head leaning slightly sideways and big deep-blue pools doing their 'puppy dog' impression, Lansky hung her head. "Buck," she looked back and glared. "I know that look… and I am so not in the mood."

Close up, her injuries were distracting but Wilmington forced his mind to stay focused on the business at hand. "Well," he straightened slightly, "I had noticed… just a little."

Kate's eyes were burning a hole in his.

Clearing his throat, the ladies' man stood up and got straight the point. "I know you know," he pointed at the blueprints. "Edison, Brice… me… we've looked."

Letting her emotions talk, Kate sneered. "What makes you think I know where that compartment is?"

The ladies' man slowly cracked a grin. "Compartment?"

Lansky sat back and crossed her arms smugly. "I don't believe you," she shook her head. "The three of you… supposed experts… yet you can't see the alterations made during construction."

He was frowning now and Kate sighed. No matter how much she hated being here right now, there was such a thing as professionalism, and like it or not, she had ample where her old 'job' was concerned. "Buck, you said Prichard was apprehended on the south side of the warehouse, right?"

"Yeah," Wilmington confirmed. "If the dumb ass had waited a little while longer, we'd have been clear of the scene… less cops around. He probably would have walked away untouched."

'Like I want to do right now' she mused.

Mindful of what hurt, Lansky carefully rubbed her eyes and then her forehead. Taking a deep breath, she blew it out forcefully. "Alright," she sat forward again and grabbed the rolled papers. Flattening the blueprints out on the desk between them, she leaned one elbow on a corner while the ladies' man did the same on two others. "So you know where he came out and you know how long he stayed out of sight."

Wilmington was smiling inside. He knew Kate could never walk away from a challenge this important. She had too much personal pride in her work… in her life, to ever let a 'situation' screw things up. He knew he would probably regret goading her into providing answers mind you, but right now the two of them were on the same wavelength. "Yep, but we've searched the south side, we didn't come up with anything. These prints match the building's construction exactly, we double checked everything."

Lansky looked at the rogue from down turned eyes. "And you still missed it," she said quietly, her fingers moving over the drawings until they came to rest.

Studying the area where her hand had stopped, Wilmington frowned. "That's a solid brick wall, Kate," he queried. "There's nothing there."

Letting the papers go, Lansky watched them roll up onto the man's hands. "It's a brick wall, Buck… on those prints… and in the warehouse. Problem is… they aren't in the same place." Ignoring the questioning look on the man's face, Kate lamented, her ire returning quickly. "If you don't mind, I've got work to do. Check it out, or don't… I don't care. Just do your deciding someplace else."

Straightening completely, the rogue picked up his blueprints as Lansky grabbed her report and moved to another part of her desk. He frowned for a moment, amazed yet troubled at how fast her mood had changed.

Pursing his lips, he let his displeasure go and focused on the information Kate had given him. He briefly wondered if what she said could be true… and then questioned as to why she'd been able to spot something he and the other two men had missed.

Thinking about Edison and Brice prompted Buck to look at his watch. He quickly moved off to make a phone call.

Several times over the next fifteen minutes, the woman looked at the clock and fidgeted with her computer. Finally, unable to sit still, she packed up and left. It was only three-thirty and highly unlike Lansky to leave her post early but given the foul mood she was in, not to mention her unexplained injuries, Chris wasn't about to stop her departure… especially since it fit into his plans so nicely.

Waiting only a short while, the senior agent quickly traversed to the front desk and dismissed the receptionist for the day. The woman smiled cordially, but made a hasty retreat from team Seven's work area. Rounding her desk, Larabee walked out into the middle of the bullpen and cleared his throat. "If I can have everyone's attention," he announced in a loud voice.

When the six men had stopped working, all eyes on him, the blond continued. "We are having a meeting. Five minutes… in the boardroom… Everyone."

Chris met their quizzical looks head on before glancing at his watch. Noting the time, he went back to his office and waited…