ATF Universe
As it turned out, when we arrived at the office that morning, a message had come in for me from the officer at the scene of the accident. Buck handed it to me. "Officer Dougan. Said something about your appearance at some accident last night?"Vin and I exchanged looks. "Yeah," I replied. "An accident I saw on the way home." I took the note and headed into my office, closing the door. I watched through the office window to see Vin sitting behind his desk, turning on his computer. He saluted me with a pencil. I picked up the phone and returned the officer's call. "This is Agent Chris Larabee, ATF. Returning Officer Dougan's call?" I was put on hold and a few seconds later a man answered. "Dougan."
"Officer Dougan, this is Chris Larabee, the man who approached the accident scene last night. Heard you called?"
"Yes, Agent Larabee, glad you called back. You seemed pretty interested in the driver of that jeep. Would I be intruding if I asked what happened?"
I sighed as I sat down on my chair. "Actually I'm glad you called, Dougan. I needed to get in touch with you anyway. The driver of the jeep, well, actually the jeep itself is what caught my attention. I have a half brother who drives the exact same kind of vehicle, same color, everything. He was heading over to my place last night. When I saw the accident, I was worried it was him." I cringed at the term 'half-brother'. It was the only way I could explain Vin living with me without raising suspicion with the top dogs. If word got out Vin and I were lovers, all hell would break lose and the repercussions would be felt for miles. It was the same cover we used when either he or I were in the hospital. Vin has no blood kin to speak of so we formulated the guise of half-brother to allow both of us visiting privileges when things got too hairy. We just decided to use the same guise as to why we were living together. So far no one caught onto the truth outside the team, and we intended to keep it that way.
"I see. That explains it. Nothing to concern yourself with, Agent Larabee. I was just curious as to your reaction. You seemed a little out of it last night."
"Not a problem. But while I have you on the phone, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind giving me Mister Matthew's address or phone number? Next of kin? I would like to offer my condolences to his family. It seems the least I can do after what I saw last night."
"I see, well, I confirmed you were who you said you were last night, so getting you that information shouldn't be a problem. Shall I e-mail it to you?"
"That would be fine." I gave him my e-mail address and he gave his response. "I'll send that information onto you right away."
"I appreciate it. It means a lot."
We said our 'good-byes' and I walked out to Vin's desk. "Dougan is getting us the information on Matthew's next of kin. It'll be coming over the computer shortly."
Josiah approached and saw the strained look on our faces. "Something wrong, boys?"
"An accident last night, Josiah. Car involved looked like Vin's, there were some fatalities."
"I read about that in the paper this morning." Suddenly he got the picture and shook his head, letting out a breath. "That must've been hell on you, Chris."
I let out a breath myself. Vin said nothing; he just looked down at the papers in front of him, tapping his pencil lightly on the sheets. "We're gonna be visiting the next of kin of the guy who died. I'd appreciate it if you watch over things here while we're gone?"
"Say no more. I'd be happy to. I'm sorry that there were deaths last night, but I thank God it wasn't Vin."
"That makes two of us," I said, locking gazes with Vin who half smiled at me. I think it was starting to hit him at that moment, just what had rocked through me those few minutes of hell last night. Or maybe it was his own mortality hitting him. If Vin had left the office yesterday a few hours later than he did, he might just as well have been in that accident.
Life's curves throw us into brick walls sometimes, knocking us flat on our asses. It felt right what we wanted to do, but it still made us feel like shit.
"Don't go feeling guilty, brother, that you're thankful Vin's alive while the other guy didn't make it," Josiah said. "Thing's like this tend to make us grateful for what we have."
I stood from where I had perched myself on the corner of Vin's desk. "Ain't that the gospel truth, Preacher," I responded and headed back into my office to check my e-mails.
Vin was all ready on the phone, ordering flowers. Cliché gesture, often times thought of by me as meaningless, but this time...this time Vin and I both were hoping if they came from strangers, it might take on a different meaning. I didn't have to ask Vin to know he felt the same way. It was in his eyes.
+ + + + + + +
We spoke no words as we headed for the Matthews' family house. I drove; Vin held the roses. We both pitched in and paid for them. They were beautiful and Vin kept inhaling the scent. I could tell he was as tired as I was. The after effects of it all came crashing down on both of us. Funny how reality checks do that to a person. I reached over and rested a hand to his face. He leaned into the touch. I felt wetness. I looked over and saw the tears streaming down. I reached further and rested my hand to the back of his neck, squeezing it. No words needed to be said. The weight of it all kept our voices from working. I found myself with stinging eyes as well. We didn't even know Bill Matthews, but his death had touched both of us in a pure and meaningful way. We wanted the family to know he was not just another statistic on the list of traffic casualties.
I heard a hitch in Vin's breathing and knew he was stifling a sob. I clutched his neck gently, offering some comfort. He reached over and rested his left hand on my right thigh. I took that as a signal and lowered my hand from his neck, grasping his. He squeezed tightly. We smiled at each other through the tears. No words, just the touch and gazes and we were secure and safe. Nope. I would never have made it through this without my balance.
We pulled up to the house and I shut off the engine. Dougan had said he would contact the family to let them know we were coming. A mother, a father, and a younger brother...the driveway and street were crowded with cars...people and relatives surrounding the bereaved family. We didn't need to voice the fact that both of us were feeling awkward, but I needed to see the family. Vin knew I needed to. Together, it felt right. We stepped out of the truck and closed the doors. Vin handed me the roses. I took them and put my arm around his shoulders. We walked up to the front door like that and I rang the doorbell.
Vin quickly wiped a hand over his face and forced the tears at bay.
An elderly man answered the door and I could tell he was the father. Just a knowing. I had seen that look many times myself...every time I looked into a mirror after Adam's death. "Mister Matthews?" I asked.
"Agent Larabee and Agent Tanner, I presume?" he said with a half smile that was full of warmth. He opened the door and gestured for us to come in. Vin nodded once to him and shook his hand, gently. "Mister Matthews," he said in greeting, his voice thick with emotion.
"From the looks of you, Agent Tanner, I would swear you knew my son." Vin slowly shook his head. "No, sir. Just..."
He raised a hand after Vin couldn't speak anymore. "It's all right, son. I understand." He looked at me. "My wife has been given a sedative, so I'm afraid she is no condition to greet you herself."
I nodded. "Perfectly understandable. I suppose it's best I speak to you anyway, Mister Matthews. You see, it was a few years ago...that I lost my son to a horrible accident. My wife as well."
"Come into the kitchen, I feel we can speak more candidly without the rest of the house overhearing." He led us back into the kitchen away from the curious eyes of the other people in the house. I was grateful. I felt a link to this man that none of the others would be allowed to share. None but Vin.
The kitchen was deserted and he took the roses from me. "I will see to it my wife sees these when she wakes up. I'll take them up to her room later. Thank you for thinking about them."
"Vin's idea, really. I'm not much for thinking about such things in the midst of tragedy."
"I suppose we need the flowers to lift the gloom from the atmosphere. It really is a pleasant tradition, if you think of it in that way."
I smiled and Vin gave a half grin. We both liked this man. I wondered what his oldest son had been like?
He set the roses in a vase and filled it with water. Then he set the vase on the counter next to him and turned to look at us. "I understand you were at the accident scene last night, Agent Larabee?"
"That's right, sir. Which is why I'm here today. I didn't know your son, Mister Matthews, but...the car he drove, the jeep...it looked very much like Vin's. For a few moments there, I thought Vin was the one who had been killed."
He took in a breath. "I see. Now I understand. Yes, I can see how the accident would have upset you."
"Sir, I mean no disrespect of your pain. It just...I felt the need to offer my condolences to you and your family. We both did." I gestured to Vin, putting my arm around his shoulders. It wasn't like me to do that in public, especially around strangers, but at that moment I didn't care. "I thought I had lost my family last night, Mister Matthews. I just wanted you and yours to know that I am truly sorry for your loss."
He came up to me and held out both his hands. I reached out my free hand and he grasped it in both of his own. "Son, let me assure you, no disrespect was interpreted by your gesture. I am touched and my wife will be touched by your thoughtfulness. It's not just anyone who would come to a complete stranger and grieve with them. For your sake I'm glad this young man was not the one killed. To lose a son and wife all ready, then to lose another person you love...I can't imagine what you would have gone through."
"Would..." Vin started and then had to clear his throat. "Would ya' tell us about your son, Mister Matthews? Would it be too difficult fer ya' to talk about him?"
He smiled and released my hand. "Would you boys like some coffee? I'd love to sit with you and tell you about Billy."
I squeezed Vin tightly to my side. As Mister Matthews began to reach for the coffee mugs, I leaned over and whispered. "You amaze me, tracker." I don't know when I started calling Vin 'Tracker', but every time he could see something beyond me, I associated it with his bounty hunting days, when he would track his prey like an eagle. This was just another example of his skill.
I gave him a quick kiss on his temple before our host turned around and we took a seat at the kitchen table. He set the coffee down in front of us along with a creamer and sugar. "Let me fetch my youngest; Tommy. He'll have some stories to tell as well."
Suddenly I saw a spark of life in the old man's eyes and it warmed me to my soul. Vin gazed at me over the table and sipped his coffee. "We may be awhile," he said. "Any plans that can't keep?"
There was a meeting later in the day with Travis, but I shrugged it off. "We're where we're needed and needing to be, Vin. The rest of the world can go screw itself."
He raised his mug to me in a toast. "Here's to your perspective on things, cowboy."
Little did Vin realize that most of my newly formed views were because of his soul connecting with mine; then again...maybe he did realize and warmed himself in the knowing...or it was just so natural to him, he didn't think twice about it. I voted for the latter.
The time with Matthews and his youngest son, Tommy who was about JD's age, was filled with stories about Bill. Vin and I sat and listened and we even laughed at some of the antics Bill had pulled when he was younger. We had learned he was going to college to become an engineer. Other people had entered from the living room and we soon found ourselves lost in strangers who had suddenly, at least for those few hours, become friends.Vin hadn't said much that entire time, but I could tell he was drinking in the memories of those who had known that young man so intimately. I felt a sadness seep out his soul and enter mine, and I knew if I didn't get him out of there soon, that sadness would envelope Vin and carry him away from me. I put a hand to his back as we sat there and sighed heavily. "Mister Matthews, I truly hate to cut this short, but I suppose it's best we be leaving now."
The man looked at Vin's downcast expression and he then turned to me, an understanding in his eyes. "Of course. We've taken you away from your duties enough. I'll see you to the door."
We stood and shook everyone's hands, thanking them for their willingness to share their memories of Bill Matthews. We were on our way to the truck when Mister Matthews took my arm. "Agent Larabee, may I say something to you?"
Vin nodded once to me, knowing what the man had to tell me was for my ears alone. He headed for the truck and climbed into the passenger seat.
I turned to the man. "What is it, sir?"
"Your...brother...he must have lived a hard life. Would I be intruding to assume that?"
I shook my head. "No, sir."
"I just wanted you to know, Agent Larabee, that you and your brother's presence here today was very special to those of us who knew and loved Bill. It touches us that you both felt it within you to stay and find out about him. That you took the time to do that..." he shook his head. "I'm grateful to you both. I only hope our memories haven't stirred up any bad ones for your brother."
I turned to see Vin gazing out the passenger window at the sky. "Mister Matthews, Vin has been alone most of his life. Never really had a family until we found each other. I think what he's feeling now is the loss of what he's missed. Your son had a family that loved him. Vin and I only recently discovered our connection these last two years. I've been trying to make up to him for the time lost, but sometimes his past is not something he cares to think about."
Matthews nodded. "I see. Tell him...tell him that his desire to hear about Bill...to learn about him...to not let him be just a name on a police report...tells us that he has a true heart. And even though we may never see or hear from either of you again...today has been a blessing. I hope it will be for him as well."
I shook the man's hand and smiled. "I'll tell him. Thank you, Mister Matthews."
He smiled, clutched my hand firmly and let go. I watched him walk back into the house and then headed for the truck.
When I got in and buckled the belt around me, I turned to see Vin still gazing out his window. "Let's go home, Pard." I didn't have to ask Vin if he was all right. I could tell he wasn't. He wasn't regretting the hours shared with Matthews and the others. He was simply realizing what all he had been missing in his life. I intended to make up for some of that loss when we got home.
There were times when Vin's past became a hurdle to clear. Sometimes it just came up and bit him in the heart with such a powerful grip it was all he could do to hold it together. I'd seen those moments very rarely, due to his hiding them so well, but he was getting to the point he could reveal that part of his soul to me...without worrying I wouldn't understand. As painful as that pain was in his soul...as ugly as it appeared...it was still the most beautiful thing for me to look at, because he allowed me to see it. And that pain helped to mold Vin Tanner into the man he was today. A man capable of caring. A man capable of understanding loss. A man capable of offering hope to others.
I put a hand to his neck and he turned to me, forcing a smile. "Feelin' sorry fer myself, I reckon," he whispered.
I squeezed his neck and just grinned at him with as much understanding as I could muster. "How about you letting me take that sorrow away, cowboy?"
He smiled and his eyes were at peace again. "I wouldn't complain," he said.
I patted his neck and put the truck in gear. We headed home.
+ + + + + + +
I held him tightly as the glow from the fireplace flowed over us. I had shut the phones off, both the house and cell phones. I wanted no distractions, no interruptions. My tracker needed me and I wasn't about to get pulled away from him. We sat, facing each other, his legs straddling my hips, our naked bodies entwined in the dance of the embraced. I felt his mouth on my neck and shoulders. He slowly moved his kisses over my face. I closed my eyes and let my head fall back, where he could touch his lips to my exposed neck. I held him close, rubbing my hands over his taught back muscles. We said nothing but let our bodies speak for us. The sorrow flowed from him, causing him to move slowly, drinking in every move, every touch. He was in no hurry tonight and his calm washed over me, easing my need. He reached his arms under mine and wrapped his hands over my shoulders, kissing my chest, tenderly. Lustful intent was not welcome here this night. This night was strictly for our souls connecting. His lips made a path down as far our sitting position would allow, and I slowly moved my hands up to entwine in his soft curls. I caressed his neck, his head as he continued to touch me with those lips I never grew tired of looking at, of feeling. I leaned my mouth down to the top of his head and kissed him. He gently moved his kisses upwards once more and it seemed as if he just wanted to kiss every inch of my chest. Then my neck, then his lips moved over my jaw and found mine. I took his mouth into my own and our tongues touched and danced and it was like we couldn't connect deep enough. His hands went to my cheeks and with the back of his fingers he made soft circles over them as we continued to explore each other's depths. I felt his erection rub against mine and yet, neither of us were in a hurry to satisfy that part of our bodies...not yet. Soon, but not yet. I wanted him like this for awhile longer. I wanted him to dive into me, to breathe my soul into his and his into mine.
I felt the tug on my heart and realized just how close I'd come to losing this miracle named Vin Tanner. I held him tightly, pulling him close to where our chests rubbed together. I put my hand to the back of his head and refused to let the kiss stop. I felt his sadness, his aching need to love me in that beating heart of his. At the risk of sounding morbid, I had read a vampire story once where, when the vampire drinks of his victim, he drinks until he can hear the heartbeat...until it pounds in his ears. Vin's heartbeat was pounding in my ears at that moment. I listened and memorized it, the music filling my soul.
"Let me love you, Vin," I whispered. He said nothing but began to lower himself back onto the comforter we had placed on the living room carpet. He never once let go of my neck or my mouth and I felt myself moving forward. He spread his legs, just enough to let me rest against him and then he wrapped his legs around my waist once more. I kept my arms around his back. We kept our mouths joined. He moaned when I pulled away, but I needed to see his eyes. I needed for us to look into each other, to see the powerful bond that only our souls could reveal to each of us. His eyes were cast in the shadows of the darkened house, with only the glow of the fireplace to help us see. But his need for me was there, shining brighter than any star in the heavens.
I felt his hardened shaft against my own and I thrust gently forward, rubbing myself against him. He arched his head back, exposing his throat to me and, tenderly, with gentle care, I kissed and suckled him. The thrusting became more rhythmic and he moaned with the constant friction. His hips thrust upward, urging me on to more and I complied, never letting my aching need to overwhelm the need of his heart.
Tonight was for gentleness. Tonight was for slow and savoring. When inside him, or he inside me, the connection is still there, but I wanted only to feel his soul tonight, to wrap it in mine and to give it back to him, whole and healed. I felt his hand brush my face and I saw his eyes open, pleading with me to drink him in. I thrust harder against him and he gasped. He was almost there and so was I, but I didn't rush it, I didn't lose control. He began to move with me, in a slow rhythm. He knew what I wanted for us that night and he seemed grateful, and I knew I had made the right call.
I felt his legs push against me and I complied with his silent request. The rhythm was still smooth, I wouldn't allow us to lose that, but he wanted me to push harder. With each thrust he gasped or moaned, with each thrust he arched his hips. I saw it in his face, knowing he was on the edge. And then his body tensed...mine tensed...his fingers dug into my back as mine clutched him closer to me. We both gasped and released our seed, the warmth of it mixing together between us.
Slowly the orgasms ceased and we opened our eyes to gaze at each other. He looked up at me with eyes that began to fill with tears. I slowly got on my knees and pulled him up to where we had been positioned when this dance had begun. He wrapped his arms around my neck and rested his head against mine. "Don't ever leave me, Chris," he whispered and his voice shook with the effort to control his tears.
"Never in forever," I whispered back, my own voice choking.
I pressed my face into his hair that covered his neck and I breathed out my claim. "My Vin."
His hold around me tightened, and the emotions he had fought so hard to keep at bay all that afternoon, found an outlet. He couldn't deny them and neither could I as I held him, rocking him as he wept.
We lied on the comforter, holding each other in silence. The pain of all that happened had succeeded in catching up to us, draining us. It was as if Bill Matthews' death had given us a priceless gift and neither of us wanted to squander it. I reached up and brushed my forefinger along Vin's brow, then down to his cheek. He merely gazed at me. I traced a continuous path over that beautiful face, my eyes following my finger as it roamed over the curves of Vin's jaw and chin. I then traced his lips, his nose and forehead. He said nothing as I explored every angle. I could tell what I had gone through the night before was weighing heavy on his mind and heart. His eyes were so expressive, at least to me, they were. Others he kept at bay with a look of detachment, a symbolic wall. Not with me. It warmed me that he trusted me so much to hold his heart and soul in my hands, to know I would not let them crash.The memory of the mangled jeep crept into my mind and I shut my eyes, trying to will away the fear I had felt. His lips found mine in a hurry, as if sensing my need and he whispered, ever so lightly, words that confronted that fear and pushed it away like an unwelcome visitor. "I'm here, Chris."
I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him close, burying my face into his hair. "I know," I replied in my own whisper. "I still feel it, though. I still see it and that feeling creeps in."
"I know," he echoed. "I felt it today, got to thinkin'...what would I do if ya' left me."
"Can we love each other that much, Vin? Is it possible for it to be that strong?"
"I reckon it is, cowboy. We're experiencin' it, ain't we?"
I kissed his shoulder and pulled away just enough to look down at him. He propped up on one elbow and our mouths joined again. Then he glanced over my shoulder and slumped. "Light's flashin'," he grumbled.
I turned to see what he had seen and caught the blinking light of the telephone answering machine. "Shit," I said. "Best see what it is." I regretfully moved away from Vin's side and stood. I sensed his eyes on my naked body, but I didn't mind. I played back the answering machine message and turned up the volume to hear it. "Mister Larabee, I realize that you and Mister Tanner are still quite capable of acting like honeymooner's, but your better half is part of the next undercover operation and I would request you find some way to pry yourselves apart from each other for the sake of our team's record. To be blunt, sir, with all due respect, the success of this next case would involve Mister Tanner's undivided attention. Forgive my blatant intrusion, but this case must be outlined by tomorrow at the latest. By order of Orin Travis. Please have Mister Tanner call me ASAP. Thank you." Click.
Vin sat up and rested his arms over his knees. "We have been a little lax today, Chris. I should call him and set up plans for tomorrow."
"I'm not apologizing for playing hooky, Vin. Tell Ezra to kiss my ass." I don't know why suddenly I felt like both Vin and I were on display and that we suddenly had to justify our actions to everyone around us, but Ezra's phone call, though warranted, was ill-timed. I let out a breath and shook my head. Damn! Ezra had no idea what had happened the night before, what pain the entire incident caused. It wasn't our place as lover's to kiss and tell every detail of our relationship. But...Vin was right...there was a life still for us to live and that life required responsibility to the others around us as well. As much as I would love to have a world with just Vin and all the things that made us happy, it was a fantasy every other person in the world had...and as with all of them...just out of my reach.
Vin came to stand by me and put his hand to my back. "Kissin' your ass is my job. I ain't contractin' out."
I couldn't help but chuckle. I shook my head again. "Sorry. I just...I didn't want to think about work at all today. The Hobbin's case is simply not that important. It's not something that can't wait until tomorrow."
"I know, cowboy, but you know how Ezra is about detail. And with my dyslexia, I really could use the extra time to prepare. We needed each other, Chris. I'm not apologizin' fer playin' hooky, either. Believe me. I needed to just as much as you did. But...we really should tell Ezra what happened."
"You do it. I'm gonna take a shower. You can talk to him better than I can at times." I kissed him on the cheek and headed up the stairs. "Leave the comforter. I'll take care of it later. Make your phone call, make our apologies, tell Ezra thanks for getting my head out of my ass." I stopped and rethought that. "Or...maybe it's getting my thoughts off your ass?" I shook my head, perplexed as I continued up the stairs. "On second thought don't tell him 'thank you'. I rather liked my thoughts where they were."
I didn't have to look down to know that Vin was smiling. I smiled, too.
+ + + + + + +
Vin came into the bathroom about fifteen minutes later and opened the shower stall door. He stepped in behind me, just as I was rinsing my hair of the shampoo. "Hey, everything's set up fer a meeting tomorrow morning at ten. I explained everything to Ezra. He apologizes." Vin cleared his throat and started his imitation of Ezra's Southern accent. "'Had I known of the heinous circumstances Mister Larabee witnessed last night, and the devastating effects it would have construed, I would have used more tact in my plea to obtain your services for our next operation.'"
I chuckled. Vin could do Ezra probably better than the Southerner could. His face broke out in that wonderful smile as I laughed and pulled him into my arms. "Show off."
He put his hands to my wrists and rested his head back against my shoulder. "Hey, people with dyslexia are said to have great talent in the creative flow of their brain."
"Really," I said as I snuggled his neck. "Is that why you're such a damn good undercover ATF agent? Because you act so well?"
"Hell no. I'm a damn good undercover ATF agent because my boss would kick my ass instead of fuck it if I wasn't."
"Damn straight. Want my agents alive and well. Call me a stiff necked bastard if you want, but that's just the kind of guy I am."
"Really? Seems to me your neck ain't the only thing that's stiff, Larabee." He pushed back against me to emphasize his point...or rather my point. "Hmmm, reckon we're gonna have to do something about that, Tanner." I gently pushed him against the shower stall wall. "Assume the position."
"Ever wonder why they use the word 'Ass-ume' in that command?" he asked as he spread his legs.
"Only you would think of it like that, Tanner," I said as I reached for the hair conditioner.
"Hey, inquiring minds want to know."
He soon stopped his smart-ass remarks as I began my 'search and seizure' technique. The only other thing he said on the matter after I entered him and began my 'arrest' procedure, was; "Hell, assuming works fer me."
The next morning I again awoke to find Vin was gone from my side. I heard this pounding, like someone was hammering, and jumped out of bed. I put on my robe and headed downstairs to find Vin was hammering a nail into the wall above the fireplace mantle. "Vin?"He looked over and grinned. He was all ready dressed in his blue jeans, white T-shirt and black cowboy boots. I saw his black denim jacket hanging over the arm of the couch and the picture I had drawn was sitting on top of the couch. "How's this spot to hang it?" he asked, gesturing to the wall.
I stepped down from the stairs and ran a hand through my mussed hair. I smelled the coffee ready to go and I knew from the looks of things Vin had been up for at least an hour. I studied the area over the mantle and pictured the drawing hanging there. "Why there?" I asked with a grin.
"I like it fer when ya' make love to me in front of the fireplace. Maybe sorta give ya' some inspiration." There was a mischievous twinkle in his eye that I could see clear from where I was standing. I walked over to the picture and studied it; then I looked over to the wall. I went back to the picture, then back to the wall. I did it three or four times. Vin socked me in the arm, knowing I was fooling around. "Make a decision, cowboy! I'm waitin'!"
I grabbed his arm and pulled him to me. My other arm wrapped around his shoulders. "Don't need any inspiration with you, tracker. Don't you know that by now?" I asked, grinning seductively at him, or at least I hoped I was looking seductive. Hard to tell when you're still wiping the sleep from your eyes.
"Well, okay, but we's got to hang it up somewhere!"
"Fireplace is fine, Vin. I like the idea." I kissed his temple and released him. "Gonna grab some coffee then go back upstairs to shave. You riding in without me?"
"Yeah, need to go over my notes before Ezra checks in, start formin' ideas for the bust. Ya' don't mind, do ya'?"
"Nope. I've got a one o'clock meeting anyway. Don't need to go into the office before then."
By the time I had returned from the kitchen the picture was on the wall and Vin was finishing straightening it. He looked at me. "Centered all right?"
I thought about how he balances me and smiled. I wasn't looking at the picture when I replied. "Centered just fine."
He walked over after grabbing his jacket and handed me the hammer. He kissed me on the cheek and started for the door. "Love ya'!" he said as he dug his keys out of his jacket pocket.
"Vin?"
He stopped and turned. "Yeah?"
"Drive safe."
He knew I wasn't just voicing a parting greeting.
"Knowin' ya' want me around fer awhile longer, reckon I'm willin' to do that." He gave me a quick wink and a smile then was out the door.
I listened for his jeep's engine to start and I stood at the living room window watching him pull away. I saw him wave to me as he drove off. I waved back.
I turned to the picture. It was just a tad off and I went to straighten it. I stepped back and saw he had indeed centered it. A sharpshooting eye came in handy in more ways than one. "Yup," I nodded. "Centered just fine, cowboy."
I looked at the clock and noticed the time. I had four hours before needing to get dressed. I decided to make the most of the time.
I took my coffee out into the shack in the back yard and noticed the covered easel. I removed the cloth and gazed at my next creation. "Hmmm," I thought. "Wonder where Vin will want to hang this one?"
I set to work, using images newly observed in my mind to add to the work in progress.
+ + + + + + +
Two o'clock rolled around and I waltzed into Team Seven's office, whistling as I went. I picked up my messages from Buck who looked at me with a knowing smile. "Somethin' you want to tell us, Pard?" he asked, nudging his head toward where Vin sat.
"Indeed, Mister Larabee, you do seem to be of a most unusual ecstatic demeanor this fine day," Ezra chimed in.
Vin sat back in his chair and looked at me curiously. "Somethin' happen in the meetin' ya'd like to share?"
I was soon crowded by the other members who looked at me as if I'd grown a second head. "What, can't a guy walk into his job smiling every once in a while?"
"Sure, when that guy's name isn't Chris Larabee. What's up with you?" Josiah asked.
I smiled and patted his face. "Life...Love...and everything in between," I said as I strolled passed them and went into the office. I sensed all eyes turning to Vin and Nathan asked, "What did you do to him this morning, Vin?"
"Beat's the hell out of me," he replied.
I set my briefcase on my desk and walked back out again. "All right, Ezra, let's have what you and Vin have devised for the Hobbins case."
"I'm printing up the sketches now," JD said from his desk. I snickered at the word 'sketches'. They all looked at me weird. "Nothing, just an inside joke." I turned to Vin and cast him my most conniving smile.
He blushed and turned toward his computer.
Ezra cleared his throat. "Yes, well, perhaps we would all be a bit more comfortable if we went into the conference room?" he suggested, as JD stood and pulled a pile of paper from the computer printer.
I decided to keep my happy mood to myself as we all gathered up notebooks and pens and headed toward the conference room. Now was not the time to entertain the reasons for my sunny disposition. Work awaited and the others were eager to move on this case.
Buck strolled over to me and whispered. "You get lucky this morning, Pard?"
"Shut up, Buck," I said, with a smile. "I'm trying to focus on my job. Besides, it ain't any of your business."
He pulled back and gave me that 'Do tell' look. "Hmmm, could it be that a certain day is fast approaching?"
I glared at him. He stepped back, chuckling. "Now, that's the Chris Larabee we all know and love." He grinned and moved ahead of me. I was the last to enter and JD handed me a pile of drawings and outlines for our next case. We all sat around the table and as much as I didn't want to I had to push aside the reasons for my good mood and focus on what our plans were.
It turned out to be a short meeting. Hobbins was a young crack dealer who moonlighted on the side supplying guns and ammo to certain gangs in a run down part of Denver. Our job was to set up a transaction and catch him in the act. Because it had to do with gangs, we had to think of a believable way to get Hobbins' attention. Ezra had come up with a plan to dangle a carrot in front of the young man. The wheels were all ready in motion as far as spreading the word that a 'higher power' was wanting to broaden Hobbins' horizons. So far he had not taken the bait, but word was leaking back that his interest was beginning to show. Ezra was keeping the word out on the street and Vin was scheduled to head down into that area with JD and sniff out any contacts. Vin looked younger than he really was and thereby would pacify any who thought he wasn't the age he would be portraying. JD was our youngest so his portrayal wouldn't be called into question, either.
I went over the designated plan and we took that time to ask questions, make suggestions. Ezra was indeed a man concerned with detail and his plan incorporated all the contingencies that could happen, stemming from other similar cases.
By the time the meeting was over, we had our assigned duties and each of us knew exactly what we were to do.
Ezra would go in as the 'higher power' when Hobbins took the bait. Buck and I would act as his bodyguards. Josiah and Nathan would be in the shadows on this one, working with Narcotics from the 23rd Precinct. When the sting went down, we would be ready. Narcotics would be informed of every move we made and visa versa.
It was a good plan and one that would leave Hobbins reeling from the effects. All we had to do was wait for the word that Hobbins wanted to set up a meet. Greed was pretty predictable. If you wave the money, the greedy always step in line.
As per every case, I felt the traditional worry for those assigned to go undercover. JD and Vin were good at their jobs, they knew how to put on the necessary fronts, but as leader of the team it fell on my shoulders to keep them as safe as possible. I double-checked every thing then triple checked. I made myself a pest and I didn't give a damn how frustrated Vin got. JD always complied, knowing I was doing my job, but sometimes Vin and I would butt heads over the amount of caution I would take. 'Damn mother hen', he called me. So be it. My team managed to stay alive and in one piece because of my mother hen ways. Why mess with a good thing?
Just because Hobbins case was S.O.P. didn't mean I would slack off now. Let Vin get pissed. I would make it up to him later. Smile.
+ + + + + + +
As the days wore on and Vin and JD made contacts in the gang territories, the plan was set in motion and Ezra stepped into his role with all the candor and style that was traditionally his. Vin and JD acted as his go-between and Hobbins set up a meeting.
The first part of this plan was to get us all together in one place and contact Narcotics when that had been established. When all was set and our people in place, the sting went down. It had gone down smooth with no one injured. Very few cases go down this smoothly, some of us at least get punched in the jaw. Other than Vin running and tackling one of Hobbins' men into a stack of warehouse crates, emerging with a few scrapes and scratches, we all emerged fine and another gang supplier was off the street. What a way to make a living. Narcotics thanked us for our help, as they had been trying to find a way in to this guy for months. One of theirs had managed to get inside only to have his cover blown. They had then decided to come at Hobbins from a different angle. Hence their call to the ATF.
The next few days would be spent filling out reports and giving statements and depositions. Boring. Luckily I had something to distract me.
The day of Vin's and my anniversary...had finally arrived.
+ + + + + + +
Someone must have been watching out for us, because there were no impromptu meetings that could easily have sprouted their ugly, little heads. There were no emergencies that could have made their unwelcome appearance, and the weather was clear. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect situation, with the exception of one thing.
Vin wasn't as excited about the day as I was.
All day, at work, he kept his eyes glued to the computer screen. I sent him private e-mails, telling him what I had planned for that evening, but aside from a warm smile my direction, I got nothing in the lines of the response I had hungered for.
I finally picked up my cell phone and dialed his cell phone number. I wasn't so paranoid to think our form of Police Police would suspect anything enough to start listening in on our phone conversations, but it didn't hurt to be a little cautious.
Vin answered his cell phone, not knowing it was me calling him from my office. "Tanner," he said.
"Hey, tracker," I spoke softly.
He glanced up at me and saw me sitting at my desk, pouring over my paperwork. I winked at him through the window.
He smiled, but there was a sadness in his voice. "Hi."
"You know what today is?"
He chuckled softly. "How can I ferget? You've been sending me e-mails all day."
"It's a day to celebrate, Vin. Why are you so sad?"
Vin lowered his head and his voice went softer. "I know ya' said nothin' could top me bein' in your life, but...I want to get ya' something. I just can't think of anythin'. It's got my mind boggin', I reckon."
I knew what that meant. The word 'boggin' meant Vin was getting bogged down with a particular track his mind would take.
I smiled with understanding. "Well, I've been thinking that's what's been bothering you. If I told you what I'd like you to do, do you think you could do it for me?"
He looked at me cautiously, guarded. "What?"
"First of all, it's something I've dreamed of for awhile now, but the decision is completely yours. If you're too uncomfortable with it, I won't ever mention it again. I want this to come from you, Vin. Not just so that it will please me."
He ducked his head and whispered. "Tell me."
I told him in quiet tones and he widened his eyes. "Really?" he looked at me through the windowpane.
I didn't smile. I wasn't willing to assume his reaction was a pleased one. "Mmm-hmmm. What do you think?"
He rested back in his chair and that far away look filled his eyes. I could tell he was thinking about it. Then a sly grin slowly crossed his face. "Ya' really want me to?"
"I really do. But as I said, it's up to you. No pressure."
He looked at the clock on the wall to his left. "Got a few hours before I can officially take off. I'd like to leave early. Can Ezra take off early, too? I think I might need his help."
I could tell the wheels were turning. "Sure," I said, grinning. "Just be sure you're home by six. I want you tonight for as long as we can make the night last."
He smiled. "Well, ya' know what I said about dyslexic people bein' creative?"
"Yeah?"
"Ya' won't be sorry, cowboy."
"I never am," I responded. "See you at home."
I shut off my cell phone and watched as Vin shut off his then turned off his computer. He stood, grinned at me one more time as he took his jacket from the back of the chair. He walked over to Ezra's desk and leaned over to whisper in his ear. Ezra's eyes widened, and yet I knew Vin would only have told him enough to spark his curiosity, leaving the intimate details out.
Ezra smiled and stood. He put a hand to Vin's back and gestured for him to lead the way. Ezra then turned to me as he grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair and gave me a 'thumbs-up'. I returned it.
It was a blessing to have friends who understood what I shared with Vin...and who did nothing but encourage it. There were times Ezra and I butted heads, with our personalities being so different, but then there were moments like this...that I was glad Ezra and the others were always willing to help.
As I saw Vin walking with Ezra to the exit, he was gesturing with his hands, obviously explaining to the Southern man what he wanted. I saw Ezra's attention focused on Vin and then he snapped his fingers and said something, which made Vin grin madly. He clapped Ezra on the back. Whatever Vin was planning it was obvious he liked Ezra's suggestion.
The fear of wondering what, exactly, I had gotten myself into faded in the light of Vin's excitement.
I had a feeling neither of us would be disappointed that night.
Comments to: heartquest7@earthlink.net