# 2 Vision Quest

The nurse was in every two hours to wake Chris, asking him if he knew his name and where he was. Each time Chris grumbled a little more, rolling over to return to his slumber. After ending the annoying interruptions all night, by five he was unable to go back to sleep. He asked Josiah to find him some decent coffee, resigning himself to being awake for the duration of the day. He glanced over at Tanner's bed. He knew his injured friend was having a bad time of it too. Vin had been tossing and turning most of the night, obviously not resting.

Chris was unaware of the reason for Vin's restlessness. He was trapped in his visions, made worse by the fact that he knew something was not right with Kelli. He had not been able to get a call out last night through the switchboard. Since she took his cell phone home with her along with his ring, wallet, weapon, and badge, he had no way to reach her. The images in his mind replayed over and over, this time more vivid than before. He was still seeing an explosion, only it was not at the barn, but somewhere else. Caught between the medication and exhaustion he was having difficulty staying fully awake, so he could not escape the disturbing images inside his head.

Chris reached out with his mind,*Vin?* He was surprised when he received images instead of words as a response. They began slowly, steadily increasing the more he concentrated on reading Vin's thoughts. Neither had ever been able to actually visualize what the other was seeing. The medication Vin was taking might have been playing havoc with their 'connection' or it could have something to do with the nonsense Vin tried to sell him about old spirits before they went to sleep. Whatever was responsible, Chris was now receiving more than he expected.

Like a movie playing in his head, Chris saw a young woman dressed in late 1800 period clothing being shot. Another woman, dressed similarly, was accompanied by a small boy. Both were eerily familiar to him. Chris felt panic fill him when he watched them perish in a burning cabin. He was surprised by the intense pain, flooding through him in response to what he was seeing. He saw explosions, an avalanche taking Kelli's Tahoe over the side of a mountain and icy water covering a wide area. He could feel the death and destruction surrounding the visions playing out in his mind. When he witnessed his beautiful Sarah walk out of their home with Adam, he held his breath then he saw them head for the truck and the explosion he knew would take them away from him forever.

He had to warn them. "God no!"

Chris's shout jolted Vin awake, "What’s wrong?"

Chris made an effort to control his ragged breathing, attempting to quell the fear that washed over him while he watched his wife and son die…again. When his pulse slowed down and rational thought began to return, he realized he must have seen what Vin called his visions. Once was more than enough for him, but Vin said he had been having them for almost three weeks now.

"Jesus, you should have told me!"

"Told you what?"

"Sarah and Adam," Chris answered. "Damnit Vin, how could you be seeing their deaths?  Who were all those other people?  Why are you seeing Kelli die? How the hell can you stay sane if you're visualizing all of those traumatic experiences every night?"

Vin closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Somehow Chris managed to reach through his defenses, seeing the visions that had been haunting him day and night since Santa Fe. "I'm sorry, Chris. I didn't want you to know, not yet anyway. I don't understand it all myself and I damn sure can't explain to you why I see Sarah and Adam. I tried to block you, so you wouldn't have to relive the pain of watchin' them die again and I wasn't goin' to tell you unless I knew for certain what it meant."

Chris was still having a hard time believing in visions and spirits, but whatever he had just experienced was something he could not deny happened. Somehow he had to find a way to help Vin figure all this out. The problem was he had no idea how. "Does Kelli know about  ... you know… what you see?"

"Visions, Chris. Yeah, she knows, at least about most of 'em. I had a new one last night. I reckon I'll have to tell her about it sooner or later. She tends to notice when 'm up roamin' through the house in the middle of the night 'cause I can't sleep."

"Start at the beginning. What happened in Santa Fe to set all this in motion?"

Josiah entered the room just in time to hear Chris's question. "Vin, you're awake, too, that's good. The nurse said you could both have coffee and I brought a little snack to hold you over until breakfast." He sat the tray he was carrying on the table between the two beds and handed them a cup of hot coffee. "I couldn't help overhearing your inquiry, Chris. I have a theory about it and I may be able to help answer your question, if Vin doesn't mind."

Vin gingerly moved until he was sitting up and propped a pillow behind his back so he could enjoy his coffee. He was curious to find out what Josiah thought he knew. "It doesn't look like we're goin' anywhere anytime soon. Fire away."

Josiah picked up the two books he had retrieved from his Suburban before Mallory left last night, settling into a chair between the two beds. "Mind you, Vin has not told me anything. He only requested that I find him a book. I did. I also searched for a second copy for myself. If I am correct, Vin, you wanted to know about one of the Forsyth daughters." He looked at Vin for confirmation.

"Yeah, the visions started with Anne's death."

Josiah handed the book to Chris. "Read the marked pages."

Vin sipped his coffee while he and Josiah waited. Chris read. Once he was finished reading the passages Josiah indicated, he handed the book back to the profiler. "I assume this has something to do with your strange questions about the Larabee family history."

"Kinda," Vin told him. "I believe the Texan was my great, great, grandfather and the woman was…"

Josiah finished his sentence, "Related to Kelli." He saw the surprise on Vin's face and hastened to explain. "I figured out what you were looking for after reading the Forsyth Family history. Then I dug around some more." He opened a second larger book. "This is the genealogy volume for the Forsyth family starting back in the 1600's. What was the most interesting to me were the events occurring after Anne's death in Santa Fe. Amanda Forsyth-Cain, the woman who put the family history together is a direct descendent of Meredith, Annie's sister. Amanda's sister was Jillian. She married a man named William Slade."

"Kelli's biological grandfather," Vin whispered. "Damn, so Anne is Kel's great, great, grand Aunt. That explains a lot. I knew we were both connected to the Texan and his Anne in some way, but I never thought about it bein' through Marissa's side of the family."

"His Anne?" Chris raised a questioning brow at Vin's words.

"Yes, his Anne, mine is Kelli. The first name she had in the foster system was Anne. Only we didn't know it until two years ago. Bein' in Santa Fe where it all happened back in 1868 is the connection. There is somethin' about her death that has to do with the other visions. I don't know what it is, but I do know it's why he's here."

"Now, Vin, I'll concede it's one hell of a coincidence your visions started with a woman who happens to be related to my daughter. But don't start with the spirits of our great, great, grandfather nonsense again. Besides, what would any of it have to do with my Sarah or for that matter with what's been going on the past week?"

"I don't know, but it is all linked together somehow."

"Then I guess we’ll have to work on it to find the answer."

"We, Chris?"

"Whatever the reason, I have a stake in this now. Kelli may be your wife, but she's my daughter. With Sarah and Adam involved that makes it my business too. You don't think I can let this go, do you?"

Josiah was listening to the exchange between the two men and smiled. Chris had gone from total disbelief to the possibility of coincidence, to openly talking about spirits. Now he was finally agreeing to work with Vin to find an answer. That was progress. By the time the shift changed at seven, Chris and Josiah knew every detail there was to know about Vin's visions, his visits with the Texan and his ideas about the 'help' they received yesterday. Chris was not totally convinced, but he knew Vin would not lie about it. He had to admit it would explain Grace's Cowboy and how they had all escaped the blast without any major injuries. He was, however, having a problem reconciling his life long beliefs with what he heard. Josiah promised to do some more research. Vin felt better knowing that, in spite of his misgivings; Chris was sincere about helping him figure it all out.

Josiah set their breakfast trays on the side table when they were finished. The day shift nurse entered and introduced herself.

"Good morning, gentlemen. My name is Jo and I'll be your nurse today." She talked as she took blood pressure and temps. "Mister Larabee how is your headache?"

"I'm fine." Chris was short with his answer.

"Mister Tanner, do you need any pain medication for your leg?" Jo had been warned about her patients' habits of denying they were in pain, but asked anyway.

"'M good, thanks," Vin answered.

Jo smiled, "Great. I'll be back in ten minutes with my bath supplies and a razor. Mister Tanner, you need a shave." She was out the door before Vin had a chance to protest.

Chris was already out of his bed. "I'm headed to the shower."

Josiah grinned. "I think I'll have Alex come up to watch the door while I go see how Nathan and JD are doing."

"Hell, Josiah, get me some crutches and I’ll take my own shower," Vin pleaded. "Don't leave me stuck in this bed." He watched while Josiah hung up the phone and moved toward the door.

"Enjoy your bath, Vin."

"Aww hell," Vin cursed, "Damn deserters."

Kelli was awake at five. First to feed the twins, and then because she could not go back to sleep. It was impossible to believe that in a home filled with four children, a dog, a raccoon, a box turtle, and a tank full of fish she was lonely without Vin there, but she was. She had experienced loneliness many times in her life. This was different. She felt as if a part of her was missing, like she was in a dark void she could not fill or break away from on her own.

It was easier said than done for her to believe her once disciplined and detached lifestyle had taken such a turn, vanishing forever. Tanner had seen to that. Now she was so emotionally linked to him and her family, she could never find her way back to her old life. Even if she wanted to, which she didn't. However, it did not stop her old barriers from popping up to shield her emotions when she felt vulnerable. The last twenty-four hours had been challenging to say the least.

When Max arrived at six, Kelli asked Walter to drive her over to the MCAT office to pick up her Tahoe. She hoped to make it back to the house before Andi and Jason woke up. Her older two sleepily stumbled into the kitchen just as she arrived home. While they knew Vin was staying overnight in the hospital, they did not know about the shooting and police chase. Kelli wore a turtleneck sweater to hide the bandages covering her injuries. Closing the front door behind her, she hastily hung her coat on the rack, opening her arms to greet them.

"Mornin' kids," Kelli grinned when first Andi and then Jason's face lit up with a smile.

"Mama, did you bring Daddy home?" Andi asked, hugging Kelli's neck real hard. She did not notice when her mother tensed up.

"Not yet, baby girl. I'm goin' to the hospital in a little while though to see about bringin' him and Uncle Chris home."

Jason was more observant than Andi. He gave his mother a questioning look which reminded her of one of Vin's. He hugged her a little more gently than his sister, and whispered in her ear, Are you okay?"

Kelli whispered back, "Yes, I am. Thank you for askin'. "She pulled him closer to her, wondering how she and Vin had been so blessed to have these two amazing children in their lives.

"Breakfast is on the table, Tanners," Max informed them. "Come and get it while it's still hot." The older couple joined them.

The business of eating kept conversation at a minimum, for a while. Then the question Kelli had been dreading to hear finally came from Jason. "Mom, can we go with you when you get Dad?"

Walter came to her rescue. "You know, I thought maybe we could fix up a welcome home sign for your Dad. Max plans on cookin' his favorite meal, too. If you and Andi help me, I bet we could paint some real nice pictures." He saw the gratitude in Kelli's eyes. He knew after the shooting incident last night, taking the kids away from the ranch was not something she wanted to do.

"We bake a cake, too?" Andi thought it was a great idea.

"Only if you and Jason help me," Max answered.

"We need to feed the horses first. Then I should go over to Uncle Chris's and pick up a change of clothes for him." Kelli watched her son. "Maybe you and Andi could help me. We'll visit with Grace and Cody a bit and then stop by to see Daisy and Lilah."

Jason thought about it before answering, "I reckon Andi will need me to help her with her pictures. When we get back from visitin' we can start on them."

"Sounds like a plan to me," Kelli was relieved. She did not want to scare the kids, but she also did not want to risk having them with her if the sniper came back. When they returned from Chris's she would call Ezra. Then they could make plans about going to the hospital.

Josiah was concerned about Nathan. After spending thirty minutes with him, Jackson had not said more than three words. Rain walked out into the hall with him, telling him Nathan was not convinced the treatments for his eyes would be successful. He was afraid his sight would not return 100%. According to the doctor it would be at least a week to ten days before they would know for certain, but they were optimistic. Nathan, however, was not listening to what he was being told; he was going by what he was feeling. He didn't see how anyone expected him to be optimistic when he was lying in darkness in a hospital bed. Even the doctor couldn't guarantee his eyesight would be the same. All Doctor Carter, the ophthalmology specialist, told him was they would have to wait until the bandages were taken off to determine whether his eyes had sustained any permanent damage.

Josiah's next stop was to JD's room. When he entered, he saw concern on Buck's face and easily picked up that something was not right. He decided to take his lead from Wilmington, waiting to see what happened next.

"Morning, Casey. How's our boy doing today?" Josiah hugged the younger woman, turning to take a look at JD. "You're looking better."

"I'm feeling better. Biggest problem I have is staying awake."

"Enjoy it while you can, Son. Once you're out of here you'll be too busy to sleep."

"What happened to you?" JD had just noticed the small Band-Aids. He also thought Josiah's face looked too red.

Buck laughed. "Don't embarrass him, Kid. When a man's wife wants to shave him, he lets her, and then has to live with the consequences."

"Mallory did that?" Casey asked skeptically. "JD wouldn't let me do something like that."

"Leave him be, Casey, and yes, I would under the right circumstances," JD smiled. "We'll talk later about what those might be."

Josiah was relieved he was not going to be dragged into Buck's version of how he had acquired the cuts and burns to his face. Though he was not sure why Buck decided to withhold information about yesterday's explosion from JD. He would question him later about his choices, but for now Josiah was going to take time to visit.

Vin was flipping through the television channels while he and Chris waited for the doctor to make his rounds or Kelli to arrive with their clothes, whichever came first. Their tempers were short. Their need to be out of confinement was growing. Chris tried to ignore the channel changing as he read more about the Forsyth family, but after five minutes he exploded. "Tanner, I'm trying to read here!  Put it on the 24-hour news channel and give me the damn remote."

"Fine, you watch your news." Vin tossed Chris the remote. "Give me the damn book and I'll read."

The room door opened, but instead of the doctor, it was Travis. Chris turned the sound down, greeting the Director. "Orrin, it's good to see you up and around."

"It feels good to still be around, period." Travis said, pulling up a chair. "Are you both doing okay?"

Vin answered first, "A little sore, ears still ringin' and I'll have to stay off the leg a few days, other than that 'm fine." He knew better than to try and give Travis a line of bull.

"Same here, except instead of the leg I'll be having a headache on and off for a while." Chris appreciated Orrin's concern. "You didn’t come here though just to check on our health. What's up?"

"I have been on the phone most of the morning waking up some very important people. Actually, I have enjoyed doing it." Orrin handed Chris a picture. "Is this the man you found in the barn yesterday?"

"Yes, that's him." Chris handed the picture back to Travis. "Who was he?"

"He was the CI the special prosecutor was counting on to convict Agent Dunne. Without the man's testimony he has no case. The DOJ will be forced to drop the charges against JD. I only needed your confirmation he was the man you saw."

"That is good news, Sir," Vin replied when Chris didn't, "Right Chris?"

"Very good news," Chris agreed. "It's too bad the man's dead though. He was the only known connection we had to the person behind all of this."

"You will have to find another way, Chris, but this time stay the hell away from the FBI leads when you do it." Orrin held up his hand to silence Larabee's response. "I know how this one came to you and what Agent Rush did. I assure you, he will not be giving you any more problems. The special task force has been disbanded. Rush is on indefinite suspension without pay. Thanks to Rain's pictures, Washburn is under investigation for use of excessive force. Spelling is still on duty, but I have a feeling it won't last long. The FBI has also launched an internal investigation into how the original information against MCAT was obtained."

"Works for me," Chris retorted. "So when can we tell JD the good news?"

"The special prosecutor will be contacting Dunne's attorney personally sometime today. I also took care of Senator Green. There will be no more questions about CASSIE from him, any other Senator, or the Justice Department. The only things you have to worry about now, is to catch the SOB responsible for attacking my team, and following up on the mess from last night of course."

"Last night? What about last night?" Chris asked, already knowing he was not going to like the answer.

"Hell no, we don't know!" Tanner sat up in bed and shouted. "Kelli damn sure didn't say anythin' about trouble when I talked to her earlier."

Orrin inhaled deeply, shaking his head. "Agents Standish and Coulter were shot at on their way home last night, probably by the same sniper that put me in here and tried to do the same to both of you. They began pursuit. Eventually they were joined by two other law enforcement agencies. It ended with an explosion at a gas station, three officers injured, two patrol cars totaled, three others damaged, and a news crew who covered it all by air."

"Shit," Chris cursed.

"Well put," Travis responded. "Not what I call low profile for MCAT at all, but see for yourself. Watch the news, it's a big story." He stood to leave. "I'll field off the reporters Larabee. You deal with your agents. Now I am going back to my room and tomorrow I will be released. Try to give me at least twenty-four hours at home before you have the next crisis."

"Turn on the damn news channel, Larabee, or give me the remote back so I can do it!" Vin snapped the moment the Director left their room. He was furious. To find out his wife had been in a life threatening experience the night before and hadn't bothered to tell him was unacceptable. Didn't Kelli understand he was barely hanging on to his sanity by a thread while he tried to interpret the meaning of his visions?

Chris didn't have to be asked a second time to turn on the local news. His head swirled with this latest attempt on the lives of members of his family, especially his eldest daughter. He was beginning to think this nightmare was never going to be over. The two injured men watched the news report about the events of the previous evening in tense silence. By the time it was over, Vin was considering chaining Kelli up in their house where she would be safe. Chris was planning on providing the chain.

Both men were so engrossed watching the chase on television, they did not notice when Josiah entered the room. He stood and observed not only the screen, but the reactions of Chris and Vin. Colorful curses filled the air as both Chris and Vin became more agitated by the minute.

"What about keeping a low profile for MCAT?" Chris yelled at the television. "Ezra should have known better!"

"Known better than what Chris, how to do his job?" Josiah commented, making his presence known. "I mean, the very idea that two Federal agents should pursue a sniper we think is responsible for maybe a dozen murders. The same person we believe shot Buck, Travis, and probably at you two. You're right he should have known better than to do what he has been trained to do."

Chris drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. He counted to ten, and then to twenty, attempting to get his anger and fear under control. Josiah was right. Ezra and Kelli did what they had been trained to do. Whether he liked the idea of a night pursuit or not, he couldn't very well go off on them for doing something he and Vin would have done if they were in the same situation.

Vin couldn't stop the anger from coursing through his body. Underlining his anger was a very real fear that his vision about his wife dying was going to come true, and he wouldn't find a way to keep it from happening. "Bullshit! With all the shit goin' on around us, they should have called it in and waited for forensics to make the scene. Regardless, Kelli should have damn well told me!"

"Josiah's right, Vin," Larabee said softly, once he got his emotions under control. "We can't very well jump down Ezra and Kelli's throats for doing their jobs. You and I would have done the same thing if it had been us instead of them."

"Maybe you can't, but I can!" Vin was letting his personal demons speak for him. "They could have both been killed!"

"Vin, if you can't separate Kelli your wife from Agent Coulter anymore, maybe it's time for a change," Chris said reluctantly.

"Maybe it is."

*Maybe it is.* Vin replayed his words in his mind, *is that what you want Tanner? To live your life letting your fear rule your decisions?*

*Not the Tanner I know.* Chris could understand how Vin felt. He also knew it was not in his nature to let his emotions control him or push him into doing things he would regret.

*I don't recall askin' you for advice.*

Chris did have a point though. He never willingly allowed fear to direct his actions, and he certainly didn't want to start now. How many times had he told Kelli he knew she was capable of doing her job?  How many times had she pulled back to appease him, when she knew she did not have to?  He knew he was on the verge of being a male chauvinist bastard where his wife was concerned. He was letting his personal feelings direct him into making all kinds of irrational demands on her; something he would never do to anyone else. He sure as hell didn't make any of the other MCAT agents take desk duty when their lives were in danger, whether they were male or female. If he continued on this path of over protectiveness, he was going to succeed in doing the one thing he never wanted to do. Break Kelli's spirit.

The object of his thoughts entered the room with a smile on her face he knew was for him. He was not being fair to her. He was thinking with his heart and not his head. It irked him that it took Chris to point it out. Kelli was who she was, the woman he fell in love with, a loving wife, a good mother, and a damn good agent. *When did you forget that Vin?*

"Hi, has the Doc been in yet?" Kelli set a bag on Chris's bed and brought another one to Vin. "I brought y'all some clothes and stuff I figured you would need." She leaned down to kiss her husband.

Vin saw the concern and love in her eyes, along with apprehension. He suddenly realized she did not tell him about last night to hide it from him, but because she was unable to. She was anxious about how he was going to react. He met Kelli's lips, and continued to remain silent for a few moments longer while he studied his wife.

Kelli didn't appear to have any injuries he could see. The fact she was wearing the turtleneck sweater Linda gave her a few years ago, one he knew she detested, told him she was hiding something. He lifted his hand, giving her breast a caressing touch before slipping a finger into the neckline of the sweater. Tugging it down, he exposed the neat stitches she attempted to cover up.

"The Director filled us in on what happened last night," he told her softly. "He thought Chris and I already knew, but apparently you let that little bit of information slip your mind when we talked earlier."

Kelli let out an aggrieved sigh. Even though his tone was soft, she could tell Vin was upset with her. In all fairness, she reckoned he had a right to be. "I didn't have a chance to tell you last night. I also didn't want to do it over the phone earlier on the off chance that Andi or Jason would overhear me." She prepared herself for the reactions she expected. "Go ahead; tell me how dangerous it was. How we should have just let the bastard go. How I should have found a way to tell you sooner."

Vin took her hand, lacing his fingers with hers. "I probably would have done the same thing," he said quietly. "Well, I wouldn't have worn the sweater, but… Are you okay?"

"It's just a few small cuts and a couple of stitches from the window shatterin'. Max took good care of me." Kelli waited for the other shoe to drop. She was sure it was coming, but from Vin or Chris she didn't know. "The Silver Bullet has more damage than I do."

"Where's Ezra?" Chris asked.

"He took the Jag into the shop. Barbara followed him and then she was goin' to drop him at the MCAT office to pick up the Silverado so he could drive here." Chris and Vin's calm attitude was making her nervous. "Ezra is actin' Captain. With both of y'all in here, he made the call to go after the shooter. It was the right call to make."

"Relax, Kelli. I'm not goin' to blow," Vin told her. "I'll admit when I first heard about what happened from the Director, and then saw the news report on it, I went ballistic. It will never be an okay thing for me when you're in danger, but I reckon it's somethin' I'm goin' to have to learn to deal with as long as you work for MCAT."

Just when Kelli was beginning to relax, Vin's last words made her tense up again. "Don't be gettin' any ideas that I'm goin' to turn in my shield any time soon, Vin. I'm a damn good agent and I'm not goin' to let you..."

"Kel, that's not what I meant," Tanner tried to assure her, but she withdrew her hand from his and backed away from the bed.

"Then just what the hell did you mean?  I'm gettin' real tired of havin' to convince you and him...," angrily Kelli jabbed a finger in Chris's direction before continuing, "... I'm capable of takin' care of myself."

"Missy, get a hold on your Larabee temper and calm the hell down!" Chris instructed his daughter with a firm voice. "No one's going to be firing you any time soon. Although I'd really love to, if it meant you weren't going to be in danger anymore." Chris took a deep breath to calm himself, ignoring the glare Kelli sent in his direction. "That response stems from me being your father and not wanting anything to happen to you, and not from your commanding officer."

"Dad....," Kelli began.

"No, let me finish," Chris interjected. "I won't let my fear of past events repeating themselves dictate how I live my life now."

"Nor will I," Vin added quietly.

Kelli turned her attention back to her husband. Vin held out a hand to her. She hesitated a moment before stepping closer to the bed, offering him hers.

"None of us knows what the next day, hour, or moment is goin' to hold for any of us, and I refuse to continue to allow my fear to get the best of me. If I promise to work harder on not bein' such an overprotective, chauvinistic SOB, will you promise to try and not scare the bejeezus out of me?" Vin pulled her down to sit beside him.

Ezra chose that moment to step into the room. "Good y'all are still here. I got tied up in traffic. Did I miss anything?"

Josiah grinned, slapping him on the back, "Not a thing, Brother. Glad you could make it."

Kelli had calmed down and looked at Vin questioningly. "You said somethin' about a news report. What news report?"

Vin used the remote to turn up the volume on the television where the news was recycling the story. "This one," he pointed to the screen.

"Damn," Kelli cursed.

"Good Lord," Ezra exclaimed.

"Standish, we already know. I expect to see your full report today, Captain." Chris said.

"Certainly," Ezra said. He then waited for the infamous Larabee temper to rain down all over him. When it didn't, he glanced over at Kelli with an unspoken question written on his face.

"You already missed the fireworks, Ez. They were mine, not theirs. You're in the clear."

Ezra had no idea how it happened, but he was not going to question fate. He cleared his throat before speaking, "Gentlemen, you should get dressed in more suitable attire for traveling.  I saw the doctor down the hall as I was arriving. He should be in to release y'all shortly."

"Chris, you need any help?" Josiah asked.

"Thanks, but I think I can manage." Chris opened the bag Kelli brought for him and smiled when he saw a drawing of Grace's scribbles laying on top.

"Your youngest daughter asked me to give this picture to her Da. Jason, Andi and I visited with Grace and Cody for a while earlier. Then we stopped by to see Lilah and Daisy," Kelli said.

Chris tucked the artwork into his shirt pocked. "Thanks for spending time with my babies. It makes it easier when Grace knows where I am and things stay fairly normal when I'm gone."

"No problem, Dad. As long as we know where you are, she'll know," Kelli said. "Jason and Andi love bein' with the other kids. I wanted to spend some time with ours because I had to tell them no when they wanted to come up here with me. I just didn’t feel like it was safe enough to take a chance of havin' them in the truck if…." She hesitated. The last thing she wanted to do was remind Vin or Chris about the danger of another shooting attempt.

"I agree, better safe than sorry, Baby." Vin squeezed her hand, mentally chastising himself again. He was responsible for her hesitation; he took advantage of her love and need for him, trying to make her something she wasn't. Knowing his wife so well, he knew there was not much she feared facing. He had seen her stand up for what she felt was right too many times to count. Not just at work or for victims that could not speak for themselves, but to anyone who dared to say or do anything against her family.

However, she was afraid. *You asked her to open up her emotions to you Vin, and she did, unconditionally, but her fear of loss is still there. With you she is vulnerable and you're the only one who has the power to use those emotions to control her. To make her bend to your will, if it's what you want. Hell no!  I don't want that!  I want the spirited and sometimes exasperatin', stubborn to the bone redhead with the volatile temper who loves me with more passion than I ever believed was possible. Then protect her the best you can Vin, love her and give her a safe shelter to run to when she needs it, but give her the freedom to soar, to be who she is… just be there to catch her if she falls.*

Vin knew it would not be easy for him to back off. Though he was smart enough to know, the biggest threat to Kelli was being smothered by his need to protect her. That was unacceptable. Lifting her hand to his lips he kissed her fingers, drawling softly, "Larabee may not need any help gettin' dressed, but you can help me." Kelli recognized the twinkle in his eyes and smiled. She pulled the curtain closed to shield them from the others. She laughed when he drew her closer, taking his time to explore her injuries, gently kissing each one.

Whispering close to his ear she asked him, "We got maybe five minutes before Chris blows a gasket. Wanna make out?" She nipped at his neck and then stripped off the hospital gown he was wearing. Looking him over, she sighed deeply. "Clothes, Tanner, now, or I won't be responsible for what happens."

Vin chuckled. "Woman, you do like livin' dangerously." He sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. With Kelli's assistance he was soon dressed. He reached out to grab his wife around the waist. She yelped in surprise.

Chris had heard enough and called out, "Remember this is a hospital room. You're not alone in here."

"Spoil sport," Vin called back. Kelli opened the curtain, giving Chris a mischievous grin. Vin was no sooner settled back on the bed to await the doctor's arrival, when Doctor Gilford entered carrying their release papers.

"About time you showed up, Doc," Chris told the physician irritably. "We've got places to go and things to do."

Doctor Gilford frowned at him. "I could easily leave and return later when you are in a much more agreeable mood, Chris."

"Aw, hell, just give us our papers so we can get the hell out of here," Chris said finally.

Chris's deep sigh echoed through the room and he looked at the doctor with resignation. "Please?"

*Pretty please with sugar on top?* Vin's mental intrusion earned him a dark glare.

Doctor Gilford shook his head and chuckled. "Damn, if you're desperate enough to say please, I suppose I should sign these release papers." He signed the forms, handing one to Chris and the other to Vin. "I know I am talking to two walls, but I have to try. Both of you will have some ringing in your ears for a while, but it should go away by the end of the week. Chris, take it easy for a couple of days. If the headaches get worse or you feel any weakness, call me."

"Vin…." Gilford sighed and then spoke to Kelli instead. "Kel, try to keep him off his leg for the next three days to give those tendons a chance to heal." He handed her a prescription. "I know hardhead here won't voluntarily take these pain pills, but have them on hand anyway, just in case he needs them." He handed Vin his crutches. "Use these, Tanner, or next time it may be torn tendons and surgery."

Doctor Gilford escorted the MCAT agents out into the hallway and then headed off to see to the rest of his patients, while the group made their way down to Nathan's room. Josiah warned them Nathan was not in the best of moods, but that did not prepare them for what they found.

Raphael was stationed outside the door of the room, trying not to overhear what was going on inside.

"I don't need any help. I can do it my damn self!" Everyone recognized Nathan's voice.

"Nathan, please, you are being unreasonable," they heard Rain answer him in a gentle voice. "Let me help you."

"I said I can do it!"

Chris bypassed Raphael and stepped inside, followed by the others. Nathan was standing beside the hospital bed, one hand stretched out in front of him, the other holding onto the IV pole next to him. Rain stood slightly in front of him, trying to help him, but Nathan batted her hands away. She turned her head toward the door when it opened. They were able to see the tears she was trying hard not to shed.

"Stop acting like a stubborn jackass, Nathan, and let your wife help you," Chris said quietly.

"Go to hell, Chris!" Nathan shouted.

Chris opened his mouth to respond, but closed it again when he heard another authoritative voice fill the room.

"Nathan, you've got one minute to decide which you would prefer. Your wife to help you take care of your hygienic needs, or a nurse," Travis said in a no-nonsense voice. He sympathized with the doubts and fear his agent must be going through, but he wasn't about to stand by and watch him take them out on his wife or anyone else.

The room fell silent for several minutes while everyone waited to see what Nathan would do. The injured MCAT agent knew he was making a fool of himself in front of everyone, and he was hurting Rain with his words and actions, but couldn't seem to make himself stop. He just kept thinking of all the things he wouldn't be able to do if he didn't get his sight back, and it was making him crazy.

"Rain?" That one softly spoken word was enough to propel Rain into stepping closer and placing her husband's free hand onto her arm. With slow steps she led him into the bathroom, closing the door behind them.

Josiah glanced over at Chris with an 'I told you so' look on his face. Chris shook his head. Nathan was usually the one who kept all of them on an even keel when they were injured. Now it was their turn to help him. The question was, how?

Travis saw the wordless byplay between his agents and ventured his opinion. "What Nathan needs is time and healing."

Nathan returned and Rain helped him back into bed. In addition to his vision problems he was sore all over and moving around was a bit painful. While he was in the bathroom taking care of business, he was aware of the quiet conversation going on outside the door. He hated the awkwardness his behavior had caused and searched for something to say.

"Rain, Baby, I'm sorry for yelling at you. Chris...." Nathan paused, licking his lips.

"Hell, Nathan, let it go... Remember the old adage 'sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me?" Larabee told him.

"Yes."

"I've said far worse to you on a bad day at the office."

For the first time since they had all entered the room, Nathan's lips creased into a smile. "Ain't that the truth?"

To Chris's chagrin, laughter filled the room in response to Nathan's words. He found himself chuckling as well. As soon as everyone settled down, Nathan became serious again. "Chris, I owe you. If you hadn’t kicked my butt to move me out of the way, I would have gone up in flames with that barn. Thanks for yelling at me to move my ass."

Chris shook his head. "I dragged you to the door but after that… I'm not sure how the hell either of us made it any further. I thought Vin pulled both of us out, except he was thirty feet away on the loft side of the barn. Josiah and Ezra were in front of us, but they were helping each other."

"No, it was you, Chris. You said, and I quote, 'move your ass, Healer, or you're a dead man'. Then you grabbed me by my belt loops, picked me up and practically threw me out of the way."

"I was knocked out cold, it wasn't me."

"Then who the hell was it?" Nathan asked.

"I'm certain we can work out the chain of events that put all of us in a safe zone. Why don't we wait until all the reports are in front of us?"

"That sounds like a good idea," Kelli said. "I really need to get Vin home and off of this leg before Doctor Gilford decides it's best that he stay in the hospital until it's healed. We also want to see JD before we leave."

"Excellent idea," Ezra said. "We still have to give JD the wonderful news. His days as a federal prisoner have come to a merciful end thanks to the successful persuasion of our esteemed Director."

"Him and the fact the only witness the prosecutor had is now a crispy critter," Vin smirked, earning himself an elbow in the ribs from Kelli. "Sorry," he mumbled.

"I wish I could see his face when you tell him…," Nathan sighed as he remembered his injury, "Guess I couldn’t, even if I was there."

Chris laid his hand on Jackson's arm. "This is only temporary, Nate. Do what the doctor says and listen to your beautiful wife."

Nathan nodded his head. "Tell JD I said for him to behave himself and take it easy when he gets home."

"Rain, you call if you need any of us." Chris hugged her, and then nodded to Travis, followed by the others. Saying their good-byes, the group of agents exited the room and headed to JD's.

Douglas Banks was exiting the elevator when Chris and the others were leaving Nathan and Travis's room. The fact that he was smiling, heartened the agents. Good news was something they all needed to hear after the events of the past ten days, especially the Dunnes.

"It's good to see you, Douglas. I hope you have somethin' good to tell us." Vin leaned on his crutch and extended his hand to the attorney.

"Damn, Tanner, what did you do to yourself this time?" Banks shook his hand. "You've been a walking trouble magnet for as long as I've known you."

Banks chuckled." Yeah, right." He shifted his briefcase. "As much as I would love to share good news with all of you, I need to talk to my client first. If you will wait here, it will only take a few minutes."

"We'll be here. You take whatever time you need," Chris said as he pushed the door open for Douglas. "Send Buck out. If he gives you any lip, tell him I said it was an order."

"Saunders and Westin will be taking over at three, Sir. Cordova and Garrison will be here at midnight to relieve them," Sandoval answered.

"Good. After tomorrow we'll only have one room to cover. Travis is going home and Jackson will be moved in with Dunne." Chris grinned when Buck came out of JD's room grumbling.

"He threw me out!  Said you ordered it, Chris. Why?" Buck questioned. "You guys aren't planning to go in to see JD, are you?"

"Actually we thought we'd just move our office up here, since we spend so much time in this place," Chris snapped. "Hell yes, we plan to see JD!"

"You can't," Buck said. "I mean, you could, but then JD might want to know why Vin's on crutches and you have the same shaving cuts as Josiah. Ezra you don't look so great either. Hell, I mean…."

"Shaving cuts?  Hell, Buck, you did tell JD about yesterday didn't you?" Chris already knew the answer was no. He ran his hands over his face and counted to ten. "We are going to see JD and you can explain why you didn't tell him about the explosion!"

"Doesn't he have enough problems without worrying about all of you guys?"

"Thank God," Buck finally found his voice.

"Travis pressed it. With the CI deceased and not capable of being a witness against him, the DOJ has no case," Ezra explained. "The money came from a Larabee7 account on which JD is named as one of the owners. There is no way to convict a man for accepting money either knowingly or unknowingly from an account he is authorized to co-sign on."

Josiah grinned and slapped Buck on the shoulder. "Guess you get to explain why Mallory was shaving me, Chris, and Ezra."

Banks walked out. "He's all yours, free as a bird," he smiled. "Gentlemen, Kelli, it's been a pleasure to see how this one turned out." Douglas acknowledged their thanks and moved to allow them in the room. He was still smiling as he entered the elevator.

Casey could not stop crying. JD looked like he had just won the lottery. It was really over, but he still did not understand why it had happened in the first place. Right now though, the only important thing was he did not have to worry about going back to lock-up.

"Buck, it's done. No more court, no more Agent Rush, I'm a free man again." JD told him as soon as he saw Wilmington walk in.

"Now that's the best news I've heard in a good while." Buck choked up, fighting the emotions he was feeling. "Damn good."

"Hey guys, I'm not sure how you did it, but thanks." JD looked over the group that filled his room. "Guess Mal's been giving shaving lessons, huh, Buck?"

"Well… no… you see…," Wilmington began an explanation.

"Forget it. I might not be all together yet, but I do know the difference between cutting yourself while shaving and obvious injuries. Plus after working with you for going on ten years several of which we were roommates, I know when you're passing out a load of BS."

"Always said the Kid was the smartest one in the bunch," Vin grinned.

Josiah said, "Observant too."

"Outstanding investigative abilities," Ezra said

"He's got your number, Buck," Chris stood at JD's beside. "We're not staying, because you need your rest. Tomorrow, Nathan will be moved in here when Travis is released. Hopefully you'll both be home in a few days." Chris leaned down and spoke low. "Send her home, JD. You're the only one she'll listen to at this point."

JD looked at Casey. "I plan to Chris. Him too," he nodded in Buck's direction. "I'm gonna be fine. We all are."

Chris gripped JD's shoulder. "Take care, Kid. I'll be up to see you Monday when I check in with Gilford."

"Casey, the kids and I visited with the girls this mornin' and I have a message for y'all," Kelli told her. "Lilah and Daisy send their love. They said to tell you both to 'come home really, really soonest'. I told 'em I'd make sure to deliver the message, so consider it done. Right now though, I need to get Dad and Vin home before I end up havin' to carry one of 'em. JD, you get better fast and y'all' take care."

"Bossy, ain't she?" Vin remarked with a grin as his fingertips caressed his wife's neck. "But I think I'll keep her anyway. See y'all later."

"Wonder where she gets it from?" Ezra muttered.

"Out, all of you, this young man needs his rest." Chris herded them all out the door. "Let's go home."

The two men settled into Josiah's study with all of the books and paperwork spread out before them. Ezra sighed deeply while he studied the assortment of items. "This is all very interesting. Still, I see nothing here that could remotely help us find who we are looking for, or even make a hell of a lot of sense. Just what is it you expect to find?"

"We need to help Vin. If in doing so we find a connection to what is happening around us, so much the better. I don't think it's a coincidence for his visions and our problems to begin at approximately the same time to discount a link between the two. JD may be a free man, but we still need answers about who set him up. Also, who tried to kill not only him, but Travis, Buck, Chris, Vin, Kelli, and you. I think solving the mystery of Tanner's visions could help us in doing that."

"I deal with facts, not happenstance," Ezra stated matter-of-factly. "While I acknowledge that Vin accepts his visions as true, how are we to ascertain validity to any of it, or understand why he is having them? I also have difficulty believing that we have acquired the spirits of his and Chris's ancestors as new members of our investigation team. Nor do I believe his dreams will tell us more about Shadowchaser."

"I'm not looking to convert you, Ezra," Josiah said with a smile. "Whether or not you stay a heathen for the rest of your life is between you and God."

"A debonair heathen, at that," Standish retorted, flashing Sanchez a return smile. "Despite my personal opinions regarding visions and dead ancestors, I will aide you in finding the information you desire." He went back to making notes on what he found surfing the genealogy sites on the web.

JD tactfully threw Buck and Casey out of his hospital room thirty minutes after Nathan was wheeled in. Rain was also asked to leave by her husband, once he was settled in. Buck took them home. He and Rain visited with Nettie, Lilah, and Daisy for a few minutes, before Buck dropped her off at her house, so she could get some much needed rest.

Finally it was time for Buck to go home, to see his own children and lovely wife. When he arrived, he found most of their kids gone except for Tannis. Inez was lying on the living room couch reading her latest Danielle Steele book. Buck seated himself on the edge of the couch to gaze down at her. She laid the book across her chest and listened while her husband filled her in on the latest news about their injured family members.

"It's a little quiet in here for this time of day. Where are the kids?" Buck asked.

Inez wrapped her arms around her husband's neck, enjoying the feel of having him home. "Caleb is with Jason over at the Tanners. Sarah and Maria are at Chris's with Grace, and Tannis is down for her afternoon nap. You'll have to settle for me."

Buck bent down to nuzzle his wife's neck, whispering, "Settle for you? Darlin', you are the woman I have aspired to find and waited for all of my life. You, Lady, make me a better man and if either of us was shortchanged it was you. I know how lucky I am and how many men would give a fortune to be in my shoes." He lowered his lips to taste the sweet essence she offered.

Arching her back under her husband's tender caresses, Inez asked, "Your shoulder is well?"

Buck's answer was to lift her into his arms. He grinned when she let out a surprised squeal. Carrying her to their bedroom, he laid her gently on the bed. There they began to undress one another. Later he would track down his children and give Chris a hospital report, but for now he had more important things to tend to.

Chris sat cross-legged on the living room floor, surrounded by three little girls. The Candyland board game lay in front of them with Sarah and Maria sprawled across from him while Grace sat on his lap. Sarah and Maria were old pros at the game, but they wanted to teach Grace, with her daddy's help, how to play. Being the oldest Sarah designated herself as the teacher.

"Your turn, Uncle Chris," she giggled.

Chris grinned and whispered to his daughter, "Okay, Grace, help me out here." He let her pick the next card and loved it when she squealed in delight at the pretty blue color.

Buck stood at the door and watched for a few minutes before making his presence known. Not many people had an opportunity to see this side of Chris Larabee and they would be shocked to see the big, tough MCAT Commander sitting in the middle of the floor surrounded by little girls, playing a kid's game. He stepped forward and received an immediate response.

"Daddy!" Maria saw him first and the game was forgotten as she ran to him.

Sarah joined her sister, laughing in delight. Buck pulled them into a bear hug.

"Up, Da, air," Grace said. She smiled up at Chris, pointing one chubby, little finger toward her uncle. "See Unca Buck."

"All right, sweetheart," Chris agreed, uncurling his long frame and standing with Grace in his arms. He tossed her into the air, laughing along with Buck and his daughters when Grace giggled.

"Why don't you girls go see if Dottie has a snack for you?" Buck told them. "Uncle Chris and I need to discuss something."

"Okay, Daddy," Sarah agreed.

Chris set a still giggling Grace onto the floor and watched as the three little girls left the room, before turning his attention to Buck. "What's up?"

"Travis was released early this morning, so they moved Nathan in with JD. The kid has sure rallied since hearing the good news yesterday. At the rate he's going, he'll be coming home before you know it." Buck stretched out in the lounger next to the couch. "Anyway, JD insisted on Casey and me going home. Nathan told Rain to leave with us."

"Is Nathan's attitude any better?"

"I wouldn't say its better, but it hasn't gotten worse." Buck sighed, "I just don't understand why Nathan is focusing on the worse case scenario, when Doctor Carter has given us every reason to believe his eyesight is going to be fine."

Chris shrugged." I don't know either. I guess this injury has hit a little too close to one of Nathan's own personal fears. He's always been the one to take care of all of us, and now that the shoe's on the other foot, he's experiencing the same kind of co-dependency issues we've all dealt with from time to time. We've just got to support him and let him work things out for himself."

"He keeps saying something about not understanding why you said you didn't push him at the barn. What's all that about?"

Chris nodded. "I forgot. You haven't heard the story."

"So tell me, Stud."

Sighing deeply, Chris began to retell it all to Buck, starting with a question. "Do you believe in ghosts?"

Kelli spent the morning taking care of kids and trying to keep Vin off his leg. Once he finally agreed to stay put on the couch, Jason, Caleb, and Andi took turns telling him stories, while Kelli put the twins down for a nap. It was Andi's turn. All she talked about was the pony she expected to get for her birthday.

"I'm gonna name her Dora the Explorer and take care of her like Jason does Thor and feed her and…."

Vin laughed. "What makes you so sure you're gettin' a horse, little one?"

Andi put her hands on her hips and huffed, "Daddy, I just know! He told me, remember?"

"Sorry, I forgot." Amusement danced in Vin's eyes seeing his daughter taking the same stance Kelli had on so many occasions. "Guess if he says so it must me true."

Kelli heard enough to know an intervention was called for. "Hey gang. I just put a plate full of snacks on the table in the den and the 'Happy Feet' DVD is waiting for someone to push play."

"Yay!" Andi yelled. She took off running.

"Dad?" Jason hesitated, torn between staying with Vin and wanting to see the movie.

"You and Caleb go on, Mumbles is waitin' for you." Vin shooed them out of the room, then reached out his hand to his wife. "Come over her, woman."

Taking his hand, Kelli smiled. "You looked like you needed rescuin'."

"Andi is determined about her pony." He pulled her closer to the sofa. "Are the boys asleep?'

"Yep and Happy Feet should keep the other kids occupied for a while. Do you need anythin'?"

"Just you," Vin gave her a mischievous male grin. He was sitting with a pillow propped behind him, another one under his leg on the couch. Pulling her down across his lap, she yelped in protest.

"Vin! The doctor said you don't need to be puttin' any weight on your leg, and I am definitely weight." Kelli protested, as she struggled to get off of him.

"I'll risk more injury if it means gettin' to make out with you," Tanner replied, holding her even firmer in his arms, pressing his moist lips to her healing neck.

"I know," Vin said huskily. When he lifted his head, he took a good look at the worse of the cuts his wife had received. Yesterday, after the kids' welcome home party, baths, betimes stories and tucking in four children, he and Kelli talked late into the night. They discussed her connection to the Forsyth family and Chris sharing Vin's visions yesterday morning. Vin overlooked her injuries due to the bandages Max used to cover them. Today, with the dressings gone, he saw just how bad the wounds looked. "Does it hurt much?"

It took a moment for Kelli to realize what he was talking about. Then it hit her. "No, just a little sore. Vin, it really isn't bad at all."

Vin took a deep breath, mentally counting to ten. He made her a promise not to overreact. Somehow he intended to keep it. "Kel, it's not goin' to be easy for me to ignore it when you find yourself in the middle of trouble. I'll try to be reasonable, but, God, I hate to see you hurt."

Kelli laughed. "You think it's easy for me to see you hurt? Let me tell you somethin', Tanner, it's not." She sighed. "Friday, after watchin' you jump out of the barn loft and waitin' for the doctor to tell me you were goin' to be okay, I didn't do too well myself. I tried to hide behind the few defenses I have left you haven't ripped to pieces. I know Ezra saw it, and I reckon you did too."

"I knew somethin' was wrong."

"Once I got home, I made an interestin' discovery. When you're not here a part of me is missin'. I get scared when I think about how fragile life is, how it could change in a second. I don't want to quit work, but I don't want to fight with you about it either."

Vin gazed deeply into her eyes, thinking about what she just said to him. "We will always worry about each other, which is natural I reckon, considerin' we are often caught up in dangerous situations. I get scared too. Hell, I could give you a long list of things I worry about when it comes to you and the kids. I don't know how to stop doing it either. The one thing I do know, is together we can accomplish anythin', including findin' a balance that works for both of us."

"I love you, Tanner."

"I love you, too, Sassy," Vin replied. "Now, how long did you say that movie was?" He didn't wait for an answer. Bending his head to her soft mouth, he captured her breath as she drew air into her lungs. Vin took hungry possession of what was his. Raising his head, he was staring into the vivid sapphire depths of her eyes. Forgetting where they were, his body reacted to the desire he read into them. Had it not been for the faint sound of a whimper they both heard coming from the baby monitor they would have soon been lost in one another.

"Damn, our kids have lousy timin'," Kelli grinned. "You really need to talk to them about that."

Vin exhaled, "That's at the top of my 'to do' list, Baby. Go. See what they need, but we'll put them all down early tonight and finish this." He claimed one more kiss before he released her. Watching her walk out of the room, he grinned.

*That's one fine lookin' woman,* the Texan commented close to Vin's ear. *I bet she's as feisty as my Anne was.*

Tanner jumped in reaction to the voice, jerking his injured leg in the process. Gritting his teeth when pain shot through his foot clear up to his thigh, he shouted, "Damnit! Warn a fellow when you're goin' to be poppin' in for a visit!"

The Gunfighter chuckled. *How do you expect us to do that?*

"Hell, I don't know." Vin realized it was rather silly for him to try and teach the two men from the past what proper 'visiting' etiquette was, when doing so could be considered strange, or even worse... brimming on insanity. Hell, maybe he was going insane, he didn't even know how to initiate contact with these…What were they exactly… visions, spirit guides, ghosts, relatives?

Thoughts about what he and Kelli were doing before they arrived popped into Vin's mind and he warily asked. "How long have you been here?"

*Here as in this form or here in your home?* the Texan questioned with a thread of amusement in his voice.

Exhaling loudly the gunslinger answered, *Relax, Son, we just got here.*

*Take the fun out of it, why don't you?* the Texan grumbled and then spoke to Vin,*When your Chris arrives we need to have a powwow.*

"Chris is not comin' over today …" Vin was interrupted by the ringing of the telephone. Reaching for the portable, he answered, "Tanner!"

"Josiah and Ezra have been digging around about your visions. We're on our way to your house to talk about what they've found."

"Might as well join the party," Vin mumbled to himself and then answered. "Bring it on, Chris, I ain't goin' anywhere." He dropped the phone as he attempted to hang it up. When he tried to retrieve it, his crutches, leaning on the end of the couch, fell. Cursing, Vin pushed himself up to a standing position, ignoring the pain which shot up his leg, intent on picking up the phone and his crutches.

"Vincent Jamison Tanner! What the hell are you doin'?" Kelli stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips and fire in her eyes. "Doc said for you to stay off your leg, and that is what you're gonna do!"

*Yep, just like my Anne.*

Paying no attention to the voice in his head, Vin cursed, "Damnit, we got enough problems without you goin' Larabee on me. Chris, Buck, Josiah, and Ezra are on their way over and we have guests."

Kelli moved over to where Vin was trying to balance on one foot. She put her arm around his waist, telling him, "I don't care if the President of the United States called and said he was comin' over! I am not goin' to let you screw up your leg because of Tanner stubbornness." She thought about what he said. "Since when do you call family guests?"

Vin winced as he sat back down and lifted his leg onto the sofa. He growled out in pain, "Since we have visitors in the room… the unseen kind."

She did not question who or why. "They can wait. You keep your sexy Tanner butt on the couch while I get you a pain pill and no arguin', or you'll see more of my Larabee temper than you're in shape to handle." Kelli started for the bedroom to get Vin's medicine.

"Fine," Vin retorted. "Don't say I didn't warn you though!" He continued to mutter to himself, punching his pillow a time of two just for the hell of it.

*Touchy, ain't he?* the Texan chuckled.*Course Larabees do tend to rile people without even tryin'.*

"Don't y'all have somethin' better to do than hang around here and make me crazy?" Vin groused.

*Nope,* two voices answered simultaneously.

Vin placed the pillow over his head to shut out his visitors and mumbled, "Aww hell."