# 1 Shades of Gray

Washington, D.C. - Early Evening

Chris did his damnest to avoid answering too many questions. It seemed as if all Senator Green was interested in was CASSIE and arguing about who had oversight jurisdiction concerning MCAT matters. By the end of the day's session, Larabee was not certain if it was their computer system or Travis's job the man was after. He was well aware that even after two and a half years of successful work, there were still a number of people not only in other agencies, but in the political field who resented MCAT, its existence, and the freedom they had been given to operate. Thankfully they had dismissed today's session early, but it left Chris with too much time on his hands to think about home.

Larabee lay sprawled across the bed in his hotel room and picked up the phone to call Buck at the MCAT office. Punching in the number, he waited. Gunny answered on the second ring. "Gunny, put me through to Captain Wilmington."

"Yes Sir."

"Hey stud, are you havin' fun yet?" Buck asked, already knowing the answer.

"Hell yeah, a laugh a minute," Chris replied mockingly. "What's going on there?"

"It's been quiet. Justin and Vin made it in safe and sound about noon. Vin sent Justin home, turned in their reports, and when he found out Kel was still out, he headed to the ranch."

"Is Kel adjusting to being back at work?"

"You told me to keep her busy. She hasn't had time to think about adjusting or missing the kids."

"Good." Chris hesitated. "I may be overacting, but I have a feeling we may be in for some rough days ahead. I don't like what I'm hearing up here."

"Anything specific I should be watching for?"

Chris sighed, "I don't know. It may be nothing. Keep your eyes open anyway. Travis is trying to get me out of these hearings, and hopefully I'll be home sooner than Friday."

"You watch your back, Chris. I'll keep an eye on things here."

"I know you will. Call me if you need to. I'll talk to you later." Chris hung up the receiver. He had hoped talking to Buck would make him feel better about everything, but the gnawing in his gut was still there. He reached for the phone again to call home. After he talked to Grace he was going to call room service, and then turned in early.

Kelli tried to get away from work early. Fate conspired against her. The woman they interviewed today would not stop talking once she started. Kelli then had to include her statement into a full report, and deliver it to the Denver Police Department for them to follow up on. Finally she made it home and was looking forward to seeing Vin. They had talked on the phone over the last ten days. Still, it was not the same as physically being together.

She walked in the front door and heard Andi shout, "Mama, we is the uskeeteers and belong to the people!"

"You are? That's great, honey." Kelli had no idea what that meant, but Andi was excited about it.

"She means we're connected to Dad's grandfather, Treyton Hawk," Jason explained. "The People are what the Apache called themselves. Dad was telling us how all things are connected, and that means me and Andi, too." He was pleased to be the one to tell his Mom what they had talked about. "Of course I already knew about the Tanner-Larabee thing. Dad told me last year."

Vin watched his redhead walk in, feeling the now familiar tug at his heart he had experienced the first time he had seen her in that restaurant almost three years ago. Over the years, when he thought being single was his destiny, Chris repeatedly told him there was a woman out there somewhere meant for him. He never believed it until that day. He had 'known' Kelli before he even knew her name and had missed having her in his life without realizing that it had been incomplete

Vin met her halfway across the room and drew her into a long, lingering kiss, which reached deep into both their souls. He whispered to her, "I've been teachin' 'em family history. I'll explain why later."

"Yes, you will, among other things." Kelli ran her hand through Vin's hair and smiled. "I missed you."

Max entered the room. "Okay, kids, it's time to wash up for supper." Turning to Kelli and Vin, she said, "Five minutes." She followed Jason and Andi to make certain they did not make any detours.

"Five minutes," Vin grinned. "After ten days alone I'll take every minute I can get with you." As soon as the kids left the room he leaned his head down to nibble on her neck. His hands moved over his wife, taking his time to reacquaint himself with her body. Looking into her eyes he saw a mirror reflection of the desire he was feeling. "Damn, I missed bein' home."

Vin captured her hand and pulled her fingers into his mouth. Slowly, kissing each finger, his tongue curled around her skin, lightly teasing, mixed with the fine art of seduction.

The sound of giggles coming from two little imps standing in the doorway put a temporary halt to pursuing those desires.

"Apparently our five minutes is up, but we'll be continuin' this later Tanner."

Vin slid his hand down her back and patted her backside. "Count on it."

Releasing his hold on his wife he turned to the children. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he first grabbed Andi and then Jason around their waists. Then he carried the delighted children into the dining room. The kids kept up a steady stream of conversation throughout the meal.

Vin had to read two bedtime stories them before Jason and Andi fell asleep. Bren and Trey had fought sleep as well. The twins stayed awake longer than usual after their evening feeding, enjoying their extra time with Mom and Dad. Eventually though all four little Tanners were sound asleep. Arm in arm Vin and Kelli walked out of the nursery into their bedroom, and with the exception of the five short minutes before supper, they finally found themselves truly alone together for the first time in ten days.

Kelli leaned into Vin's bare chest and sighed. Knowing he was only wearing sweatpants and nothing more, made her pulse race faster. In spite of the fact that she only wore her silk robe, the room was getting warmer. She wrapped her arms around her husband's waist. "Now it's our turn, Tanner." She raised one hand, placed it on the back of his neck and pulled his head down, gifting him with a sizzling kiss that stirred his blood and Vin was convinced would last forever.

"Lord, woman, you're killin' me." Vin took her hand and squeezed it gently. "As much as I want to make love to you right now, we need to talk first." He led her over to the big overstuffed chair next to their bed, sat down and drew Kelli across his lap. "What I am about to tell you may sound … well, a little strange. Hear me out please."

"A little strange," she said with a smile. "You and Chris talk without words, read one another's thoughts, and your instincts have given you directions to act without good reason more times than I can recall. There is nothin' you could tell me that I would consider strange, darlin'. So, get it out. What has been stuck in your craw since you went to Santa Fe?" She had been able to pick up during their phone conversations something was off by the tone of his voice.

"Many years ago my grandfather told me that one day I would rediscover two spirits I had known in the past. Once reunited, one would strengthen my mind, and the other would reveal my destiny. Chris is the brother of my spirit. He certainly has made me stronger mentally. I know he and I have been brothers before and will be again. I also know you are the one that has fulfilled my fate. We have been lovers in more than one lifetime. We are lifemates, Kel, I know that. I know we have been before and always will be one."

"Vin, I don't think that's strange, it's beautiful. We've discussed this before so why…" He tenderly laid a finger across her lips.

"Bear with me Kel and hear me out. The first night I was in Santa Fe, I had what I thought was a dream. It was about a young woman that I felt I should know somehow. I quickly realized I was not dreamin'. I had been granted the first of several visions. Over the next week I saw bits and pieces of a time long ago … I saw her death. I didn’t understand what it specifically meant, but I did remember her name, so I did some research. Then I asked Josiah locate a book for me. I was determined to try to figure out what my visions were showing me so I could understand why they were important. He found the book and gave it to me this afternoon."

"Did you find your answers?"

"Not all of 'em. Let me tell you part of the historical account so you can decide for yourself." He reached over and picked up the book lying on the table next to the chair.

"This is a book put together by Amanda Forsyth-Cain. It was published privately for the descendents of William Forsyth, her great- great-great-grandfather, who settled in Santa Fe in the early part of the 1800's. He had four daughters and one son. The daughters married and moved out of the area. His son Daniel married and took over the prosperous family ranch when William died in 1858. Daniel had one son and three daughters. The two oldest ones married men he chose for them. His youngest, Anne, was a bit of a rebel and refused to even meet the man he had picked for her.

The journal entries in this book are taken from Anne, and her sister Meredith's diaries. In the summer of her seventeenth year Anne met a young bounty hunter from Texas. Before long they were in love and meetin' in secret every chance they could. One thing led to another I reckon, and she became pregnant. He wanted to confront her father with the fact they loved each other and planned to be married. Anne convinced her Texas cowboy that her father would never approve. They agreed to meet the next mornin' and leave for a new life together, further west. Accordin' to Meredith's diary their father found out about the love affair and was livid. His daughter was not goin' to be involved with a common cowboy. He made plans to get rid of the young Texan and intended to send Anne back east to live with his sister.

Daniel Forsyth followed his youngest child when she left before daylight the next mornin'. He took six of his men with him, vowin' to make his daughter do his biddin', not hers. She met her Texan and they were ready to leave Santa Fe forever when her father confronted the two young lovers. He grabbed his daughter and slapped her. Infuriated that her father dared to harm Anne in front of him, the Texan attacked the older man. Forsyth ordered his men to shoot the cowboy. Instead, Anne threw herself in front of her chosen mate and they shot her. She died in her lover's arms takin' their unborn child with her. Afterward, her father was devastated by the outcome and instead of killin' the young Texan, Forsyth ordered him to leave town and never come back. The bounty hunter had lost the only thing that mattered to him in Santa Fe and he returned to Texas. Accordin' to Meredith's diary she heard later he was accused of a murder, left the state and then headed west supposedly joinin' up with six other men as some kind of peacekeeper."

Vin looked up at his wife and saw the tears rolling down her cheeks. Setting the book aside, he reached over and gently brushed them away as he held her tighter.

Although Kelli had no idea how or why, she felt a kinship with Anne and understood how the young woman must had felt on that fateful day. "She loved him Vin, and I bet if you read her last diary entry she was afraid her father would try to stop them. Deep down she knew what the outcome would be and was prepared for it. Anne was willin' to die rather than have her father separate her from the man she loved. She believed that even death would not stop them from reunitin' someday."

Tanner picked up the book again to read the diary entry and was not surprised to see that was exactly what Anne had written. He had known since earlier that afternoon that he was linked in some way to the young Texan and that his Kelli, who coincidently was first named Anne while in foster care, was linked to that Anne. He still wasn't sure why it had been revealed to him here and now, yet he accepted it. It explained his visions and only confirmed what he had known since the first time he had laid eyes on Kelli. A higher power had preordained them to be eternal partners in a love that went beyond reason and control when their spirits had instantly recognized one another as lifemates.

"Maybe Anne and her Texan's spirits are together now." She shifted her position gently stroking his jaw line with her fingertips and huskily whispered. "As for me and my Texan, we have ten days of lovin' to catch up on."

Vin saw in the depths of her sapphire blue eyes the ageless love Kelli kept guarded from others, yet freely shared with him. He saw a woman who had every reason in the world not to trust anyone, yet would lay her life in his hands without hesitation. She was a woman that had a difficult time saying I love you, yet she told him every day in a hundred different ways how much he meant to her. She was the mother of his children, and undeniably his lifemate. He could not even begin to imagine his life without her.

"Then I reckon, woman, that we best get started." Vin grinned roguishly as he tenderly slid his hands across her shoulders, pushing back the silk robe she wore to expose the bare skin underneath. Their eyes locked and they both knew that the rest of this night belonged to them.

Their enthusiasm spent and desires sated, it took some time before either of them had the energy to move out of the chair to the bed. Once they did, Vin covered them both as they cuddled together under the comforter. He held her long after their lovemaking was over, smiling as he watched his wild redhead settle into a serene sleep and reflected on their life together.

They had certainly filled more than one book of memories in the last three years. Admittedly, earning her trust had been a challenge in the beginning, but damn well worth the effort. He vowed never to abuse the gift of unconditional love he had been given or take for granted the woman curled up next to him. They may not have the freedom they once had to spend time together at will since the children came along, but having Jason, Andi, Bren, and Trey had only enriched their lives. Neither of them would change a thing, nor let their special times together fall by the wayside of busy lives.

Eventually he drifted off to sleep; contented with his life and confident he had solved the mystery of his visions, totally at peace with the discovery he had made about the young Texan and his Anne.

Vin had been asleep for about an hour when the visions returned with a vengeance. Swirls of assorted colors assaulted him first, and then imagines began to flash across his field of vision like an old-time movie reel playing at a Saturday matinee. He saw what he thought was the Larabee ranch house. It wasn't, it was older and the woman he saw with a child was not Anne or anyone else that he recognized. Then there were flames everywhere. In his mind, he heard the death screams of the mother and child as they perished.

Then the picture changed to a time much closer to the present. His vision took him to a November first morning, twelve years into the past. He watched as a beautiful young woman laughed and walked with a young boy. They exited a house he did recognize as Chris's and they stopped beside a pickup truck parked in the driveway. Vin saw the young woman open the vehicle door and tell the boy to climb inside first. She followed and slid into the driver seat, reaching to insert the key into the ignition. He knew what he would see next, yet he still jerked when the truck exploded into flames.

Vin rolled out of bed, careful not to awaken his wife. He went over to the window, staring out into the night. Clouds raced across the moon, allowing intermitting beams of light to break through. The light reflected off the glistening drops of moisture left by the rain, creating what appeared to be a blanket of shimmering diamonds on the ground. The serenity of the night set a sharp contrast to the turmoil of thoughts and emotions Vin was experiencing. The visions he had seen in Santa Fe he could halfway understand the reason for. Although why he had to see Sarah and Adam Larabee's death was inexplicable to him.

He knew there was a warning veiled within his visions, except he did not have the vaguest idea about what it was. How or if it affected him, his family or Chris was not clear. All he had were questions with no answers, and a gut feeling was telling him that an unseen evil was looming around the edges of his life. He turned away from the window to observe the soft rise and fall of Kelli's chest as she slept. His thoughts drifted to the next room, where the twins were sleeping and then to Jason and Andi. Ezra was half a world away in Italy, Chris was half a continent away in Washington, the Larabee children were snuggled in their beds here on the ranch, and Nathan was in Seattle. JD and his family were secure at the Well's ranch, while Josiah and Buck were tucked in safely with their families.

Vin entered the building and proceeded straight to his office, not stopping to say good morning to anyone. Last night's vision had been particularly unsettling for him and his mood had not improved with the light of day. He closed the door behind him before Buck could ask him what was wrong. Kelli came in fifteen minutes later. Wilmington did not allow her to slide past him as easily.

"You and Vin came in separately. Is everything okay with you two?"

"We're fine, Buck." Kelli thought about their loving solution to her husband's bad mood, earlier this morning. "In fact, we're more than fine. We just drove separate vehicles in case one of the kids needs us and we can't leave together." Kelli knew Vin was upset about his latest vision, but she was not about to share that information without his permission, not even with Buck. Until Vin could work it out, he was going to be worse than a sore tailed bear rudely awakened from hibernation.

"You're sure?"

"Positive, Captain. Now may I get to my desk please?"

"All right," Buck stepped aside to let Kelli pass. He did not believe her explanation for a second, but the other agents were arriving. He would bide his time and wait to find out the truth.

Guy Saunders knew that sooner or later he would have to face Tanner. It appeared to be now, as both men entered the conference room at the same time for the morning briefing. Saunders had expected Captain Tanner to at least speak to him. The man only brushed past him without so much as a second glance. Maybe he had lucked out and Tanner had forgotten their last meeting.

Vin was already in a foul mood. Seeing Saunders had not improved it. He was determined to hold on to his temper though, and for the time being planned to just ignore the man. There would be time later on to discuss Saunders's respect issues, should the need arise. Vin had spent the last hour reviewing the current cases each agent was handling and was satisfied nothing required his immediate attention. In fact, with such a light caseload he wondered why he was even here. Buck was capable of taking care of things until Chris returned. Vin would have preferred to be in his office, making discreet inquiries about the investigation into the deaths of Sarah and Adam Larabee.

Buck waited for the other agents to get settled. Then he started the briefing. "Let's get down to business. Tomorrow we're going to take part in a mock disaster drill. Several agencies will be involved, including DPD, all Denver emergency response teams, homeland security, the FBI, and the ATF. We will be given the details at 9:00 am, and will respond as if this were the real thing. Mark, be sure Bandit gets a good rest tonight, I have a feeling he'll need it."

Mark laughed. "Bandit has no problem resting. He works hard, plays hard, and sleeps hard."

"Sounds like Alex," Raphael said. "When we were at that training seminar last month in Vegas, he partied ‘til the wee hours, and then slept like the dead."

"He snores, too," Mark added with a conspiratorial grin.

"I do not!" Alex protested. "Besides, what happens in Vegas is supposed to…"

"Stay in Vegas," several agents shouted in unison amid bouts of laughter.

"Okay, children, let's try and stay focused." Buck sounded serious, but he was secretly happy to see the banter and teasing among the agents. It was a sign that things were really returning to normal after an extraordinarily demanding year.

Before he was able to continue the briefing, the team was alerted to the sound of some kind of commotion in the outer office, accompanied by raised voices, including Gunny’s. Vin motioned for everyone to stay seated while he went to investigate. When he opened the door, he saw Gunny in a standoff with half a dozen men in dark suits and identical sunglasses, who were flashing badges at her. She was standing her ground and not letting them past her desk, refusing to give them further access to the structure. As Vin stepped out into the bullpen, the men harassing Gunny turned toward him in a synchronized movement meant to intimidate. Vin wasn’t impressed. Buck, watching from his position just inside the doorway of the War Room, immediately tensed up, shifting his feet to get a better view of the unfriendly forces invading their territory.

"Are these men harassin’ you, Gunny?" Vin questioned as he moved to stand beside the older woman. Without waiting for her to answer him, he addressed his next question to the Men in Black. "I hope to hell y’all have a good reason for bullyin’ this sweet little ole lady?"

Buck had moved out of the War Room to flank Vin and Gunny, followed by Josiah, who had sensed the trouble as well. Buck snickered in response to Tanner's remark, earning him a scathing glare from Mrs. Montgomery.

"Special Agent Simon Rush, FBI Special Judicial Task Force." The man closest to Gunny faced Captain Tanner, and identified himself. "We're here to question Agent Pamela Walton." He slapped a warrant into Vin's hands. "We also plan to search your main office area and seize the data on the MCAT computer system."

"Like hell you will!" Without moving or taking his eyes off of Agent Rush, Vin gave Gunny an order. "Get Director Travis on the phone."

"Travis can't help you, Tanner." Rush stepped forward into Vin's personal space and his men moved with him. "Now, I suggest you move out of the way or I'll have you arrested for obstruction of justice."

"Unless you plan on this little skirmish escalating into a full scale war, I suggest you order your men to back off," Josiah said, the stormy look in his blue eyes belying the calm infliction in his voice.

"It would please me to no end to arrest all of the members of the infamous "Magnificent Seven" and their flunkies, however, I will settle for taking you down one at a time."

By now all of the team members had overheard the heated conversation going on in the other room. Pam paled when she heard her name mentioned. She didn’t allow it to keep her from joining her teammates. They moved to stand behind their leaders. Kelli reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Pam’s arm, while they all waited to see what would happen next.

"You’re going to need more men if you plan on getting through all of us," Buck told him.

"This warrant, signed by a Federal judge, gives me all of the authority I need," Rush said while shoving the paper into Vin's hands. "Agent Pamela Walton, I need you to step forward."

Kelli’s fingers tightened on Pam’s arm, keeping her in place until Vin finished reading the contents of the warrant. With a resigned sigh, Tanner gave a curt nod over one shoulder. Reluctantly Kelli removed her hold on Pam, as the other female MCAT agent stepped forward.

"The warrant is legitimate," Vin said quietly to the other MCAT agents. To Rush he said, "If you intend to question Agent Walton, then you’ll do it in our Federal office, and not yours. You can use our conference room…with the blinds open."

A tense silence settled over the two groups as Agent Rush contemplated Captain Tanner’s terms. Finally he relented, thinking it prudent for now to keep things from escalating further. "I’ll agree to your request, Tanner, just as long as you or your men don’t interfere with the execution of this warrant."

Vin did not like the turn of events, because MCAT records were suppose to stay confidential. However, he was not going to let these men leave the office with one of his agents. "Fine, you execute your warrant, but if there is so much as a single paper clip out of place when you finish, I’ll make sure that the next job you have is flippin' burgers at McDonald’s."

Despite the seriousness of the situation, all of the MCAT Agents burst out laughing, while Gunny smirked.

"Damn, Tanner, you’re channeling Chris again," Buck said.

"Director Travis is on line one, Captain," Gunny informed Vin.

Tanner grabbed the closest phone. "Sir, we have half a dozen Fibbies here with a warrant to search the office and seize the data on CASSIE. They also are in the process of questionin' Agent Walton." While Vin listened intently to the Director's instructions, he observed the men from the FBI rifling through each of the MCAT agents' desks. Rush had taken Pam into the conference room and from the looks of it through the window, he was attempting to intimidate her. Travis however gained his full attention when he ordered Vin to make certain that no one be allowed to take one disk of data from CASSIE, even if it meant destroying the system. "I understand, Sir."

Buck and Josiah had been standing next to Vin while he conferred with Travis. Buck lowered his voice and asked, "What did Travis say?"

Vin waited until the FBI Agent closest to them moved away, before he answered softly, "Buck, you better call JD and warn him so he won't panic when his computer shuts down. Travis wants us to pull the plug on CASSIE."

"Damnit! How are we supposed to do that with JD out and Pam in there with Mister Gloom and Doom?"

Josiah looked over to where Mallory was standing beside the CASSIE station. "Mal can do it."

"Tell her to do it, Josiah." Vin wished that Chris was the one issuing the order, but he wasn't. Keeping the confidentiality of MCAT intact was more important than whatever consequences any of them might face as agents. "It's a direct order from Travis."

Josiah casually sauntered over to where his wife stood. Ignoring the FBI agents ransacking the outer office, he leaned over and whispered in her ear. To her credit, Mallory didn't react with any facial expression to the instructions that Josiah had just given her. She nodded in Vin's direction to acknowledge the order she knew had come from him. Mallory typed in a code on her keyboard and the screen changed from CASSIE to MCAT. Within five minutes all of the specialized and confidential information stored in CASSIE would be irretrievably erased. The computer system would only hold whatever other government law enforcement agencies had access to. Special Agent Simon Rush was not going to be a happy man.

Meanwhile, Buck had been repeatedly calling the Wells' Ranch, trying unsuccessfully to get hold of JD. He was growing increasingly worried the more time passed and no one answered JD's cell or the house phone. He knew JD didn't have any scheduled doctor's appointments, and Nettie had stayed close to home during the younger MCAT agent's recovery, while Casey worked for Reins of Change. The lack of response was giving him a very bad feeling.

Aside from a light drizzle outside, the day had started out almost perfect. Casey and JD shared an hour together, before the twins were up and running. Nettie made a wonderful breakfast of blueberry pancakes, sausage and eggs that the family had enjoyed together. While JD entertained Lilah and Daisy by reading to them, Nettie and Casey washed the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. Their work was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"I bet that's Rain coming to check on you," Casey said to JD as she headed to answer the door.

"Most likely," JD agreed. He went back to his reading. The girls began to fidget.

Casey opened the door and felt alarm fill her when she took in the serious looking men in dark suits standing on her front porch. "Can I help you?"

"I'm Special Agent Frank Spelling from the FBI. I have a warrant for John Daniel Dunne's arrest and to search your house," the tall, blond haired man in the front of the group said brusquely.

Before Casey had a chance to reply, the man pulled open the screen door and brushed past her into the house. The rest of the men quickly followed him inside

"You can't arrest him! He's a federal agent!" Casey cried out as she ran into the living room after them. Two of the agents were roughly pulling JD to his feet, ignoring the terrified screams of both Lilah and Daisy, who had been sitting on either side of their dad.

"You're going to regret doing this," Nettie told the men angrily, maneuvering her way over to the couch where Lilah and Daisy were sitting. The twins were clinging to each other and crying their hearts out. She scooped them up into her arms and tried to comfort them.

JD winced at the pain shooting through him when two federal agents handcuffed his hands behind his back. He was aware of the surreal events going on around him, but his first priority was his family. "Nettie, will you take the girls into their bedroom? They don't need to be in here witnessing this."

Nettie nodded and stood, carrying the crying toddlers out of the room. JD turned his attention to his wife, who was nearly as hysterical as his daughters were. He edged himself closer to her, ignoring the FBI agent whose only task was to keep an eye on him. "Casey, let the men do their jobs, honey, I promise you everything will be fine."

"They're tearing up the house, and you're in handcuffs. How in the hell can you stand there and tell me everything will be fine?" Casey exclaimed, her brown eyes overflowing with tears at seeing him in restraints, in addition to having the FBI invading the privacy of their home.

"C'mere," JD said. He ached to take her into his arms and hold her, but couldn't because of the handcuffs.

Casey obeyed the softly spoken words. She leaned into him for the comfort she so desperately needed from him at that moment. JD kissed the top of her head. He whispered soothing words to her, shutting out everything going on in the room but her, trying to comfort her as best he could under the circumstances.

Washburn, the agent guarding him, stepped quickly forward and jerked JD forcefully away from Casey, causing the younger man to wince in pain. "You have the right to remain silent and I suggest you use it. We got you for conspiracy to commit murder, Dunne, and my only regret is we can't arrest the rest of your hot shot team."

"Leave him alone!" Casey yelled, having seen her husband wince in pain. "My husband is recovering from surgery. Hurt him, and I'll have your badge." The house phone was ringing again and although she had already been warned not to answer it, Casey dove for the cordless phone setting on the coffee table.

Agent Washburn was quicker than Casey. He grabbed her by one arm, stopping her movement forward and pushed her struggling body down onto the couch "I told you to let it ring!"  

"Touch my wife again and even these handcuffs won't stop me from tearing your head off!" JD shouted as he lunged forward, furious at his wife's mistreatment. Only the quick thinking of another agent stopped the infuriated young man from attacking the man that grabbed Casey.

Agent Washburn turned away from Casey and approached JD. "Well now, I think I just heard you threaten a Federal Agent, Mister Dunne. That ought to add at least ten years onto your sentence."

Casey let out a cry of outrage as she watched Agent Washburn shove JD. Without the use of his hands, JD couldn’t protect himself or prevent falling to the floor. Washburn took great delight in accidentally kicking JD in the side before pulling him off of the floor and throwing him into the recliner next to the couch.

"Oh, JD," Casey cried out, taking in the look of agonizing pain sweeping over his face before he could control it. Anger overrode her fear, and just as she was about to take on the federal agent single-handedly, a familiar female voice alerted her to the fact that reinforcements had arrived.

Rain and Caitlyn had planned a short visit with the Dunne's. Although she wasn't JD's orthopedic doctor, Rain had been providing some additional medical care for him, so that he didn't have to venture into town too often. When they drove down the driveway leading up to the Wells' Ranch, fear swept through Rain as she took in several unfamiliar vehicles blocking the driveway and parked on the lawn. She and Caitlyn exchanged concerned looks as Rain parked her car behind one of the others. The two women got out and quickly hurried up to the front door. The sounds of angry shouts, crying, and furniture being thrown around inside increased their concern.

"Just what the hell is going on here?" Rain demanded, her barely controlled anger deepening her voice as she took in the situation with narrowing dark eyes. Without waiting for a reply she started to approach JD. Agent Washburn stopped her.

"You are attempting to impede a federal operation in motion, ma'am," Washburn told her in a firm voice.

"Agent Dunne is recovering from extensive back surgery and is under the care of his personal doctor and me. I am not interested in disrupting any part of your 'investigation'. However I will see to it that JD doesn't receive further mishandling by you or any of the other so called federal officers on the premises. Now, unless you intend to arrest me, I suggest you move out of my way."

When Agent Washburn still didn't move out of Rain's way, Caitlyn gave him and the other agents a glare that would have made the men of MCAT proud. She said, "You may think you can justify bruises on the Dunne’s, but there’s no way in hell you’ll be able to explain them on all of us."

"I don't care who the hell you are or what your association is with Agent Dunne and his family. There is an ongoing investigation taking place on these premises, and you are not stepping one foot further into this house. So I advise you ladies to turn your nosy little heads around and leave before I stop playing Mister Nice and arrest you both," Agent Washburn told them. He knew he had let his personal feelings about MCAT get the better of him. Unless he got the situation back under control again, Special Agent Dunne wasn’t the only one in trouble.

Neither of the two women heeded the order he had given them. While Caitlyn engaged Washburn in a stare down to distract him, Rain pulled out her cell phone and set it on camera mode. She had to work to hold her own emotions in check as she locked eyes with Casey, and snapped pictures of her tear-stained face and the rapidly appearing bruises on areas of both Dunne's bodies.

Rain had just finished snapping the pictures, when one of the other Agents took notice of what she was doing and hollered, "Stop that."

Before the agent or Washburn could take the cell phone away from her, Rain quickly shoved it into the waistband of her pants and dared the two men to try to take it from her with a heated stare.

"That's it. You are out of here!" Washburn exclaimed, grabbing Caitlyn by the arm and forcing her out the front door, while another agent moved in on Rain.

"Touch me, and I'll see you in court." Rain warned the agent as she moved out the door on her own.

"I’m sure the press would be interested in the FBI’s attempt to hide the evidence of their brutality," Caitlyn growled, shrugging her arm free of Washburn's hold on it.

Agent Washburn swallowed hard, knowing backing off now was the only thing that would save his career. "Ladies, it would be advisable if you left the property now."

"We're staying," Rain told him firmly

Agent Washburn turned around and went back inside, followed by the other agent. "Keep an eye on them. They make any attempts to come back into the house through another way, let me know."

"Yes, sir," The other agent responded.

Rain stepped off of the porch and fished her cell phone out of the waist band of her pants. She opened the phone and pressed the button she knew would call Josiah's cell phone. Caitlyn moved to stand in a position that didn't allow the agent watching them through the screen door to see what Rain was doing.

The sound of a ringing cell phone startled the agents. Josiah immediately recognized the number as Rain's. He almost ignored the message when he saw it was a picture thinking Rain was sending him a new photo of Adam at the Reins of Change day school. A small voice inside his head told him to check to make sure. Anger swept through him when he saw JD's trussed up figure and Casey's tear-stained face. He went straight to Vin. "We got problems at the Wells' Ranch," he whispered showing them the pictures on his phone.

"Sonofabitch," Vin whispered. He reached to grab Buck’s arm before quietly saying, "Take a team and go check it out."

"Justin, Josiah, let's roll." Buck wasted no time heading toward the door. Whatever was happening at the Wells' place, he intended to get to the bottom of it fast.

Agent Rush released Pam after twenty minutes of questioning. Once he conferred with his men about the progress of their search, he was livid. "Tanner! What the hell did you do to this computer system?" He marched over to Vin shouting, his forehead furrowed into angry lines as he came to a stop in front of the MCAT agent.

"I didn't do a damn thing to it!" Vin's arctic blue glare stopped Agent Rush in his tracks. "Now, if you're finished with your damn fishin' expedition, I want you and your men to get the hell out of here."

"That is good advice, Agent Rush." Orrin Travis walked in, catching the verbal exchange between Rush and Tanner. "I just got off the phone with your superior. You are through here and free to leave. If you need help I'll have a couple of my agents escort you off the property."

"I'm quite certain we can manage without your assistance…Sir." It took all the discipline Rush could muster to add the sir, but he was not going to give Travis grounds for insubordination charges. He signaled to his men and within three minutes they had cleared the building.

As soon as the FBI Agents were gone, Travis turned to his Captain. "Your office, Tanner, I'll hear it all, from the beginning."

Buck turned on the siren, hit the strobe lights on his truck and made it to JD's in record time. He jumped out of the vehicle and ran up the porch steps, only to be met by a nearly hysterical Casey.

"Buck," Casey exclaimed, flinging her arms around Wilmington's neck as he reached the porch. "They took JD! They put him in handcuffs and hurt him!"

Wilmington felt his heart plummet into his stomach as he held the hysterical young woman in his arms. "Casey, you have to calm down darlin'. Who took JD?"

Casey drew back and tried to control her crying so she could respond to Buck's question. "The...FBI...they came in here and said they had a warrant for JD's arrest and to search the house."

Rain stepped forward. "The charge was conspiracy to commit murder and they were very aggressive when severing their warrants."

"They trashed the house and took JD's computer." Caitlyn added.

"Where are the girls?" Josiah asked, alarmed by the bruises starting to show on Casey's arms.

"Nettie took Lilah and Daisy into the back bedroom and Inez is on her way over to pick them up," Rain answered. "JD's going to need to be examined by a doctor. The FBI agents were very rough with him."

"They said they were taking him to… to jail." Casey sobbed. "You all have to help him."

"We will darlin', I promise." Buck attempted to sound reassuring.

Rain wrapped her arm around Casey's shoulders. "Caitlyn and I will stay here with Casey and Nettie and help them calm down. You men do whatever you have to do to get JD out of jail. "  

Buck hugged Casey, and confident that she was in good hands turned his attention to finding JD. "Justin!" Buck yelled as he ran toward the truck, with Josiah following closely behind him.

Justin was already dialing the number. "Captain Tanner is on the line." He handed the phone to Buck.

Orrin Travis was not a happy man. Not only had he found out about a special FBI task force assembled specifically to target his team, now they had invaded his territory. "Vin, these men were hand picked to investigate MCAT. It all transpired because an unnamed informant contacted Senator Green with some wild accusations. The sudden need for Chris to be in Washington makes more sense now."

Vin said, "Rush must be damn confidant about his support to barge in here like he did."

"From what I gather they're a cocky bunch. They envision themselves being the next elite MCAT team. After they discredit this one of course," Travis replied wearily.

"Damn, they want to destroy us and replace us?" Vin shook his head and answered his ringing cell phone.

It was a call from Buck. "Vin, the FBI arrested JD and took him to holding! We'll meet you there."

"Damn." Vin slammed the phone down and stood. "JD's been arrested. We need to meet Buck at the Federal building." He grabbed his jacket on his way to the door.

"I'm going with you." Travis joined him. "You may need my connections to get in to see him."

Vin stopped long enough to tell Kelli about JD. "You're in charge until Justin gets back. Stick close to Pam, make sure she's okay." He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. "I'll call you as soon as I know more."

"You take care, Tanner, and tell JD to hang in there." Her heart ached for Casey, but she knew Rain, Inez and Caitlyn would take good care of her and the girls. Right now she was needed here. Pam was putting up a brave front. Still, the interview followed by the news about JD had shaken her, and Kelli wanted to be here for her.

The Director and Vin made good time, arriving at the Federal holding facility in less than twenty minutes. They had just exited the truck when Buck pulled in beside them, jumping out of his vehicle before Josiah or Justin had a chance to even open their doors.

"This is bullshit," Buck started in on Travis. "There's no way JD could be involved in a murder."

"Captain Wilmington, you need to calm down," Travis said sternly. "I will get to the bottom of this, but if you cannot control yourself, you will wait out here while we go inside."

"Buck, give Justin your keys. He can go back to the office and hold things down while we work on gettin' JD out." Vin said calmly, hoping to cool some of Buck's anger and give him a minute to compose himself.

Taking a deep breath, Buck knew he had to unwind before he saw JD. He reached in his pocket and tossed his keys to Justin. "We'll stay in touch."

"Whatever you need me to do let me know, and consider it done." After a nod to the Director, Justin climbed into Buck's truck and headed back to the office.

"When we get inside, I'll do the talking" Travis instructed. "I will not tolerate anything less than professional conduct. Are we clear?"

"Absolutely." Josiah moved to stand beside Buck. "We're right behind you, Sir."

The four men started toward the main entrance, unified in their intent to get the recovering JD Dunne released from jail. They hadn't gone very far when a flicker of light crossed over Tanner's face, and he raised his hand to shade his eyes from the sudden glare. He looked toward the direction the unexpected bright light had come from and recognized the unmistakable glint of metal off a sniper's rifle on the roof of the building across the street.

"Gun!" Tanner shouted, alerting his companions to the danger, even as he drew his own weapon and went down in a crouch. Several shots rang out in rapid succession around them. Josiah went down on one knee, his gun trained in the same direction. Buck threw himself at the Director. Both men hit the pavement when chunks of splintered asphalt flew at them. The MCAT agent's service revolvers barked as they returned cover fire until the threat and the sniper were gone.

Tanner's blue eyes scanned the roof and once he was satisfied that it was safe, gave the all clear. "You can get up now, whoever it was is long gone."

Josiah was already on the phone giving details of the attack to the security personal inside the Federal building. He knew they would search all the adjacent buildings, but he was certain their assassin was in the wind.

Vin turned around expecting to see Buck helping Director Travis off of the ground. Alarm flooded through him when he realized neither man had moved. "Josiah, call 911!" He ordered the other agent while he knelt down beside Buck.

"Dear Lord," Josiah exclaimed. He carried out the order, before crouching down at Vin's side.

"Help me roll Buck off of Travis," Tanner told Sanchez.

Together the two men eased Buck's large frame over onto his back, so they could each examine one of the wounded men. Sanchez and Tanner both drew in sharp intakes of breath when they saw the blood covering the front of Wilmington's shirt. Josiah examined Travis, while Vin checked out Buck. His eyes scanned over Wilmington's body, noting the large goose egg above Buck's left eye, and prayed that it was the only injury the man had suffered. He touched two fingers to the large vein in Buck's neck and felt relief flood over him when he found a strong heartbeat. It was then he discovered the gunshot wound in Buck's right shoulder, and Vin applied pressure to the area to staunch the flow of blood.

"Buck's got a shoulder wound and a knot on his head the size of Texas. How's Travis?"

"It's not good, Brother. Gunshot wound to the upper right quadrant. He's unconscious, and his pulse is weak," Josiah reported. "Where the hell is that ambulance?"

Vin was listening to Josiah, while he kept pressure on Buck's wound. Though he was seeing jumbled images of Anne, Sarah, and Adam flash through his mind, He shook his head to clear his thoughts, trying to concentrate on the present. Were his visions a warning about sniper attacks? Or was this just the beginning of something more sinister?

It seemed an eternity had passed before the ambulance arrived and the paramedics were able to attend to the injured men. In reality it had taken only seven minutes. Vin and Josiah were forced to stand back while the medics assessed their patients. Orrin Travis was in critical condition and Buck, though still unconscious, was deemed to be stable. While the two injured men were prepared for transport, Vin conferred with Josiah.

"You go in the ambulance with them, Josiah. I'll have Inez and Mrs. Travis notified, and arrange for them to be escorted to the hospital." Vin wanted to go, too, but his first priority was to try to get in and see JD.

"I expect you're going to get in touch with Chris and apprise him of today's events." Josiah knew Vin would prefer to be the one to take on that task.

"After I see JD, I'll call and fill him in on what's goin' on. In the meantime I'll tell Mike to fuel up the jet and head to Washington." Vin sighed. He watched Travis and Buck being loaded into the back of the ambulance. "Stay with 'em. We don't know who the target was or if the bastard will try again."

"Watch your back," Josiah warned him, before he climbed into the ambulance. Vin closed the door, slapping the palm of his hand against it to signal the driver into motion. The wail of the siren assaulted his ears when the emergency vehicle sped away.

Pulling out his cell phone, Vin dialed the MCAT office first, firing off orders to Justin. He then made arrangements for their pilot, Mike, to prepare the jet to leave for Washington D.C., ASAP. Next he talked very briefly to Kelly. He explained what had happened and instructed her and Mallory to go to the Travis home to escort Evie Travis to the hospital. His third phone call was to Rain, informing her of Buck's injuries. Rain assured Vin she would head over to the Wilmington's at once to tell Inez and bring her to the emergency room. The third call was to a friend who was a criminal attorney. With Travis down, and Ezra too far away to help, JD needed a lawyer as quickly as possible.

Vin slipped the phone back into his pocket and opened the front door of the Federal building where they processed prisoners. He was met by FBI Agent Simon Rush before he reached the front desk.

"I've been expecting you, Tanner." Rush blocked his path. "I'm sorry about your friends and I sincerely hope they'll be okay."

"That would be Director Travis and Captain Wilmington," Vin corrected him. "We don't know yet what their prognosis is, but they have the best care available."

Rush nodded. "I know why you're here, and you're wasting your time. I can't let you talk to Dunne. In fact, I've given orders that no one from MCAT is allowed in to see him."

"Is that what you call professional courtesy, Frank?"

"It's what I call covering my ass. I have my orders from higher up and I intend to follow them. My superiors were not happy to find out that you somehow fucked up your computer system."

Vin already knew that without Travis along to pull rank, his chances of actually seeing JD were somewhere between slim and none, however he wanted to make certain his message was clear. "You cover your ass, Agent Rush, but hear this. Agent Dunne is under doctor's care and I expect his medical needs to be taken care of. His attorney is on the way over and I know you won't deny Agent Dunne his constitutional rights. So, when Douglas Banks arrives you will make sure he gets inside. Won't you?"

"I wouldn't dream of denying him his rights. Our case against Dunne is too good to lose on a technicality like refusing to grant him access to his attorney." Agent Rush flashed a wicked grin. "He's going down, Tanner, and if I had my way, you, and the rest of your not so magnificent squad of hotshots would be going with him."

Vin raised an eyebrow upon hearing the unmistakable tone of resentment in the FBI agent's voice. Did the man really think he had anything on JD, or was this only a flimsy and unsubstantiated attempt to rattle their team? Whatever it was JD was not going to pay the price for it. Vin leaned closer to the agent and said in a lethal tone, "You just make certain Agent Dunne comes out of this uninjured or there won't be a place on earth you can hide from our team of magnificent hotshots." He reached out, tightened, then straightened the agent's tie, and grinned as he patted his shoulder. "You have a good day now." Captain Tanner turned and walked out of the building.

Once he was back at his truck, Vin checked the text message on his cell phone before calling Chris's number. Chris should be between sessions for a lunch break about now and easy to reach. After three rings he heard a familiar voice answer, "Larabee."

"Grace and Cody are fine, Chris." Tanner wanted to give him that assurance first. "We do, however, have a shitload of other trouble here."

"Give me the short version."

Chris was silent on the other end of the line. His head swam for a moment under all of the information Tanner had just told him. "First off, give me the specs on Travis and Buck?"

"I don't have a definite answer yet. Travis was critical at the scene, and Buck was in stable condition."

He heard Chris draw in a breath and let it out slowly, before his voice came back over the line. "Keep me informed on their condition. Now on to JD, have you been able to see him? Just who is it he was supposed to have helped murder?"

"No clue as to who it is. The warrant wasn't specific past the point of murder. Travis, Buck, Josiah, and I were on our way in to try and see JD when the sniper struck. Josiah went with the ambulance and I tried to get in to see JD, but it's a no go. The Fibbies are keeping things close to their chest and won't allow any MCAT agents in."

"Shit! There's got to be some way we can get in there. He's recovering from surgery!"

"I called in a favor from a lawyer friend I know. After my discussion with the agent in charge, the Fibbies should let him in to see JD, and then hopefully we'll know more."

"Good. Damnit, when it rains it pours for us." Chris heaved a sigh, "Once I'm airborne I'll call you back. I want to hear all the details you left out of this recitation."

"JD's attorney will contact me once he's seen him. For now I'm headed over to Denver Memorial." Vin started the truck, pulled out of the parking lot and eased into the traffic. "Inez and Evie should be there by now, and Josiah and I will run our investigation of the shootin' from there."

"Vin…," Chris hesitated. "I'll talk to you soon."

Half a continent away Chris ended the call without saying more. He was certain Vin knew how he felt. Being 1500 miles away was a bitch when your family was in trouble. He opened his briefcase and pulled out some paper. Hurriedly he scribbled a short note to the chairman of the Senate committee, explaining that he had been called away due to an emergency situation. He spotted one of Senator Green's aides and requested him to give the note to his boss. Chris then left the building, hailed a cab, and went to his hotel to pack. He should be back in Denver by early evening and he planned to waste little time before digging to the bottom of this mess.

JD had been in this building numerous times as an agent, though he had never thought much about the view from the other side of the bars. He always figured that surviving one of Chris's tirades or his piercing glares made it next to impossible to be intimidated by anything or anyone else. Being fingerprinted, photographed, and having spent two hours in this place, though, he had changed his mind. The only thing worse than hearing the door to his jail cell lock into place, was seeing Casey's tears while they forced him into the backseat of the transport car, and hearing the frightened cries of his daughters when Nettie had taken them out of the room.

The cell was small. Thankfully he did not have to share it with anyone. Judging by some of the remarks the other inmates were yelling, news of a Federal agent being in lockup was no secret. JD rubbed his aching back as he paced the 8 x 10 cell. He was beginning to feel the pain from his bruised ribs, and he was so tired he felt as if he could sleep for a week, but not in here.

JD had no doubt everyone was moving heaven and earth to get him out of here. He half expected to see Buck or Vin show up any minute to tell him this was all a big mistake and he could go home. By the time Chris returned from Washington this nightmare would be over and nothing more than a bad memory. Yep, all he had to do was last a few more hours. The pain in his back was increasing, but he could handle a little discomfort and by this time tomorrow he would be home. Wouldn't he?

Vin entered the emergency room and immediately headed for the waiting area they had all become too damn familiar with. He felt Kelli's eyes on him before he saw her sitting beside Inez. Knowing instinctively she was checking him over for any sign of injury, he gave his wife a reassuring smile to alleviate her obvious concern for his welfare. Josiah stepped away from the wall he was leaning against, near where Mallory and Rain were trying to calm an anxious Evie Travis.

"Any word yet on Travis or Buck?" Tanner asked the profiler.

"Nothing yet," Josiah informed him. As if the large man's words carried through the thick hospital walls, the double doors of the inner sanctum opened. Doctor Raymond Landers entered the waiting room, approaching their small group.

Two worried wives, flanked by their supportive family, stood up to meet him. Inez reached over to clasp Evie's hand and spoke for both of them. "Speak freely, doctor, we're all family here."

Landers indicated for them to reclaim their seats. He sat down opposite the two women. "Mrs. Travis, Doctor Gilford took your husband into surgery about thirty minutes ago. We were able to stabilize him. However it was imperative that we operate immediately to halt the blood loss causing his critical condition. It may be several hours before we know more." He shifted his gaze to Inez. "Mrs. Wilmington, the gunshot wound your husband received is not life threatening, and has been treated. However, the head injury he sustained has us concerned, since he has not regained consciousness. I will be admitting him for observation and what happens in the next twenty four hours will tell more about what we may be dealing with. I'm sorry I cannot be more specific at this time. We will do what we can to make both of you comfortable until we can get you in to see your husbands."

"Doctor Landers, we'll need someone with both men once they are in a room." Vin stated.

"Of course you will." Landers smiled. "I wouldn't expect anything different concerning anyone on your team." The doctor rose and took his leave.

Josiah addressed Vin. "Were you able to reach Chris?"

Tanner nodded, "He's on his way home."

Overhearing the brief conversation between them, Rain felt she should tell them about the phone call she had made to her husband. "Nathan is on his way, too. I talked to him on the ride over to the hospital. His flight should arrive at 7:10 pm Denver time."

"Chris will arrive about an hour before him," Vin said. "I tried to reach Ez, but he and Barbara weren't in. I left a message with Maude for him to call us as soon as possible. I also contacted an attorney for JD and he should be with him now. Forensics is all over the scene of the shootin', and Justin has the rest of the team contactin' their sources for any information we can gather."

"I suppose all we can do now is wait and see who comes up with somethin' first," Kelli sighed. "Either that, or we all wake up from the same bad dream."

"Welcome back, Signore e Signora Standish," the doorman greeted Ezra and Barbara. He held open the door to the luxury hotel they were staying at with Maude and her newest husband, Charles Logan.

Every time someone referred to him and Barbara as Mr. and Mrs. Standish, Ezra couldn’t hold back the smile on his face that matched the one in his heart They had just returned from a trip for two to Venice, the city of lovers. With a little over two weeks left of their month long trip to Italy, the newlyweds were feeling relaxed and carefree.

"Thank you, Guido," Barbara replied, her smile matching her husband’s. "We had a wonderful time and your recommendations were excellent."

Guido saw Ezra start to unload their luggage from the rental car the hotel had arranged for them. "No. Signore Standish, I will personally see the luggage sent to your room."

Ezra thanked the man and gave him a generous tip before holding out his arm to his beloved, to escort her to their suite.

Maude and Charles were finishing a late lunch on the balcony when the younger couple arrived at the lavish suite the Logan's had leased for their stay in Rome. Joining the older couple, Ezra and Barbara openly admired the breathtaking view. "Have you eaten?" Maude asked. "We can order more."

"No thank you, Mother," Ezra replied kissing her cheek. "We stopped at a delightful bistro on the way here."

"Your Mister Tanner has called several times, looking for you. I promised the persistent man I would have you call on your return," Maude said making it sound like Vin had just called to say hello.

"Thank you Mother. If you will excuse me, I shall return his call immediately," Ezra said politely, not revealing the thread of alarm that shot through him. Neither Vin, nor any of the others would call unless it was urgent. Barbara gave Ezra’s hand a reassuring squeeze; she was also concerned about the message.

Keeping a watchful eye on Ezra, she tried to be patient as he made his call. Barbara's concern grew more pronounced when she saw the color drain from her husband's face. She caught the slight tremor in his voice when he said, "We'll be on the next flight home."
 
Hanging up, Ezra took a moment to calm himself before rejoining the others. He drew strength from Barbara when she offered him her hand and swallowed hard before saying. "JD has been arrested for murder, and both Buck and Orrin Travis were shot by an unknown assassin."
 
Barbara saved him from having to say more when she spoke up, "I'll call the airlines to book our flight home and let Guido know not to bother bringing our luggage up."

Maude's husband placed an arm around her shoulders, "There is no need for that. Please allow me to loan you my personal jet to transport you to Denver." He saw Ezra's refusal coming, so he added, "We're family now and it's just sitting at the airport. You will arrive sooner if you take it and since there is a bedroom on the plane you will be rested when you reach Denver."
 
"Thank you, your kindness is appreciated, Charles," Ezra said, reaching out to shake the man's hand. "If you will excuse us, we will pack the items we left here."
 
"I'll make the call to have the jet readied for your departure. I will also have a car and driver waiting out front for you, and instruct Guido to load your luggage into it."
 
Ezra nodded his gratitude and joined Barbara in packing the rest of their belongings. Barbara moved into his arms as soon as he closed the door to their room behind him, and the couple spent a few moments holding each other close while they dealt with the news they had just been given.

"Sorry about cutting our lovely holiday short, darling," Ezra said softly.

"Don't be, Ezra, I'm not. We've made enough memories here to last a lifetime. Besides, I've come to love your brothers and the rest of the Wild Bunch just as much as you do." Barbara kissed him tenderly on the lips. "Now, we really must finish packing."

"Beautiful and practical," Ezra said lovingly as the two of them went to work.

When they were ready to go, he and Barbara rejoined Maude and Charles in the formal living area of the suite. Ezra shook hands with Charles and kissed Maude on the cheek, "I'm sorry Mother. I must go."
 
"Yes, you must. I'm grateful for our time together. Take care of yourself, darling boy," Maude said, stroking his cheek before turning to Barbara. "My son has chosen well, you are a delightful woman."

"Thank you Maude, we've enjoyed our time with you," Barbara replied.

Waving goodbye to the older couple, Ezra and Barbara made their departure from the hotel, each wishing they didn't have such a long way to go before they could be reunited with the unique family they laid claim to, and who needed their support.

During the drive to the airport they went past Trevi Fountain. Ezra smiled down at his wife. Her beautiful eyes were full of love for him, and filled his heart was with emotion. He remembered when they had visited the Trevi Fountain, made famous in the movie "Three Coins in a Fountain". He had handed Barbara a coin to throw in. He thought he would cry for joy when she had looked at him, her eyes full of tears as she said, "My love, I don't need to throw in a coin. My heart’s desire was granted the day we wed. You are my life, my love; there is nothing more I could wish for."

How could Barbara possibly think she was the lucky one to have found him?  Ezra knew the reverse to be true; he didn't know what he had done to deserve her love. Each time his ragtag family had a problem she was right there, rolling up her sleeves, and asking what she could do to help. Today was another example of the loving soul he married, she never hesitated to cut their vacation short and he knew she loved the Wild Bunch as much as he did.

Watching out the window of the jet, Barbara saw Italy growing smaller and smaller. Without speaking, she unfastened his belt and pulled him along until she located the bedroom Charles had mentioned. There she removed Ezra's jacket and tie, before pushing him onto the end of the bed, so she could remove his shoes.

Running her fingers lightly across Ezra’s cheek she said softly, "Darling, we didn’t get much sleep last night. There is nothing we can do until we arrive. Rested we will be able to help the others, tired we are useless to them."

Ezra pulled her up into a kneeling position between his legs so he could rest his head on her breasts. They stayed that way for awhile, until he finally replied, "I'll rest if you do."

"I wouldn’t have it any other way." Winking at him, Barbara added, "You wore me out last night."

Her comment received the desired laugh from Ezra she was hoping to achieve, and she felt a little of the tension leaving his body. "Come, we shall hold each other as we sleep."

Wrapped securely in each other's arms they rested. Barbara lay with her head resting on Ezra's chest, his muscular arms wrapped securely around her, and thought back to their last day in Venice. She relived the joy and love she had felt, feeling secure in the knowledge that no matter what fate threw at them, there wasn't anything they couldn't get through together. Barbara smiled as she thought back to their evening.

Venice, Italy - the previous night
 
Ezra and Barbara were enjoying their classic Venetian meal at Le Bistrot de Venise near the historic Saint Mark's Square. Barbara was thrilled to have it be just the two of them. Every time it was just her and Ezra together, they had a wonderful time. When Maude and her husband joined them there was uneasiness in the air. It wasn't a heavy tension, and if she didn't know Ezra and his moods as well as she did Barbara wouldn't have noticed it at all. Their time in Venice had been full of laughter and fun.

They had a room reserved at the Hotel Bonvecchiati. It had a waterfront dock for gondolas and motor boats, along with a romantic restaurant on the terrace, where they had dined their first night, and was located in the heart of Venice. The couple had spent their day at the historic Rialto Market area, browsing the shops and buying small gifts for their family back at the Larabee 7. After shopping they returned to their hotel room, engaging in some afternoon delight before changing for their dinner reservation.
 
Ezra waited while their waiter refilled their wine before taking Barbara's hand saying with a smile, "I find myself regretting this is our last night in Venice."
 
"Is that because you aren't enjoying Rome or because of our company there?" Barbara asked, hoping to get her husband to tell her what was bothering him.
 
"I have no reasons to base it on, but there is something about Mother's newest husband that makes me uncomfortable. While he has been witty, intelligent, gracious and a charming host, there is something about him I can't quite put my finger on… yet."
 
"Darling," Barbara started to say, only to be interrupted by Ezra.
 
"Please my love; it's probably nothing, just the small boy in me questioning any man in his Mother's life. I don't wish for that to come between us and our enjoyment of our trip. You have been enjoying yourself. Haven't you?"
 
"Oh I have. I've traveled to Europe before, but none of those trips have compared with sharing Italy and its treasures with you."
 
Ezra gently kissed her hand before answering, "I understand your sentiments exactly, and having you on my arm has made all the difference in my own enjoyment."

"Yes. The United States has a rich heritage, yet seeing the history here, places like the Pantheon that was built in 27 BC, make you marvel at the skills of those men who created it."
 
"The craftsmanship does leave one in awe. The whole country is full of examples of talent. To be able to go to Vatican City and see the Sistine Chapel in person, the photographs and artwork I have seen don't do justice to the beauty of seeing it for yourself."
 
Their waiter patiently waited for them to finish their dessert and wine before bringing their bill. Ezra helped Barbara with the shawl she had purchased that day at Rialto Market, suggesting, "I was hoping we might enjoy one last gondola ride around Venice."
 
"I would love that. How did I ever get so lucky to find my charmingly perfect man," Barbara replied, kissing his cheek as they left the restaurant.
 
Ezra pulled her into the shadows, claiming her lips with a kiss full of passion and love. "It is I who am the blessed one, I did not know what true happiness was until you came into my life."
 
Settling into the gondola they cuddled together as they enjoyed the sights of Venice through love filled eyes. The water and buildings may have been dingy but to the lovers everything glittered like a fine diamond and that was the memory they would carry in their hearts. The gondola floated along, while the stars above added to the magical time.

The gondola pulled to a stop right in front of the Hotel Bonvecchiati, The ride had ended none too soon for the lovers, who practically ran down the hallway to their room and a night of sweet passion.

Barbara tucked her memories away and then looked over to find that Ezra was asleep. She smiled as she covered him and snuggled in close. Sixteen hours from now they would be in Denver to stand with their family. Whatever awaited them, they would face it together.

Attorney Douglas Banks always considered himself to be a patience man, within certain limits. That was before he ran up against a brick wall of FBI agents standing between him and his client, JD Dunne. It was obvious the name of the game was hardball and fortunately for JD, Banks was an expert in that field. After being stonewalled for over two hours, he walked across the street to the Federal courthouse, where he asked for and received an emergency hearing with a judge. He returned to lock-up with a judicial execution to see his client immediately, ascertain that he was receiving the proper medical attention, and an order to hold him in administrative segregation instead of the general population.

Thirty minutes later Douglas Banks was in an interrogation room waiting to see his client. JD shuffled into the room accompanied by two guards and trussed up in leg irons and handcuffs with a belly chain connecting the two. He was shoved into an empty chair and ordered to sit down.

"I wish to speak to my client alone." Banks glared at the guards. "I'll let you know when we're finished."

"You got fifteen minutes, counselor, and then we'll be back," the larger of the two men answered as they exited the room and locked the door.

"JD, my name is Douglas Banks. Vin Tanner called me and retained my services as your attorney. I understand you're under a doctor's care. Have you been allowed access to your medication?"

All of this seemed surreal to JD. The shackles, the leg irons, a man that said he was his lawyer and being questioned about his health. What the hell was happening? "No, I haven't, but that's the last thing I'm concerned about. This is all one big mistake. When can you get me out of here? Where is Buck or Vin? Why aren't they here with you? "

"Do you know why you've been arrested?"

"They think I had something to do with a murder. Some woman named Christina Adams. Hell, I don't even know who she is; much less know anything about how she died." JD shifted uncomfortably on the hard chair. "When can I get out of here?"

"They have 24 hours to officially charge you and another 72 to bring up for arraignment, before placing you in a county jail cell until trial. I am certain they will try to use every one of them. I want you to say nothing to anyone. You let me talk for you. If they try to question you, ask for me. If they try to intimidate you, demand to see me." Banks felt sorry for the young man sitting in front of him. Information was slow in coming and even the possibility of bail was slim. "I have arranged for you to be separated from the rest of the inmates, and the officers in charge here have been ordered by a judge to have a doctor see you. I'm afraid though that you'll have to settle for only seeing me. No MCAT agents or family will be allowed to visit you, at least until after your arraignment."

The cold reality of his situation was just beginning to sink in for JD. He was a Federal agent accused of murder, locked up with the same criminal element he had spent the last ten years fighting to keep off the street. He was in pain, separated from his family, and had no idea when he would be able to see any of them. Charged with conspiring to kill a woman he had never heard of and facing a possible death sentence if he was convicted. Taking a deep ragged breath, JD fought back the terror that threatened to consume him and asked. "Do you think they have a case?"

"I think they believe they do or you would not be here. My job is to find out what that alleged case consists of and discredit it. You don't know me son, but you're going to have to trust me. I will stay in close contact with your team and your family and I will get the facts, but it will take some time. You're going to have to be patient and let me do my job."

JD had a million questions. He just could not find his voice to ask any of them. He could only nod his agreement as the door opened and the two guards reappeared.

"Your time is up, counselor." One of the guards pulled JD to his feet while the other one checked his chains. "Anything else you have to say to this scum will have to wait."

"JD, I will be back. You hang in there, son." Douglas Banks was already planning his next move. None of this made sense, and the sooner he could get Dunne out of here the better he would feel. He followed the guards out of the room and while they returned JD to his cell, Banks headed out of the jail. As he exited the building, he pulled out his cell phone to call Tanner. He only wished he had something good to tell him. 

JD was shuffled past cells that held some of the worse offenders in the system. The chain attached to his leg irons and cuffs rattled with each step he took, and the pain in his back grew worse every minute he was on his feet. It seemed as if hours had gone by before the guards allowed him to stop as they opened the door to a new cell. Administrative segregation…the place they put cops that had the misfortune of being incarcerated, otherwise known as solitary confinement.

The two guards unlocked and removed his shackles moments before they shoved him inside, locking the door behind him. JD waited until he heard them move away from the cell, before he eased his aching body down on the single bunk in the room. All his pain, anger, and frustration rose to the surface and this time he didn’t try to hold back. He drew his knees up and wrapped his arms around them, slowly rocking back and forth.

A single tear rolled down his cheek as the hopelessness of his situation took root and refused to go away. He stretched out, in spite of the protest from his sore muscles, and the last thought he had before he allowed sleep to claim him was of Casey and his two daughters.

How long would it be before he saw them again?

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