# 3 Turn the Page

Edits and contributions by Sue M

Wendymypooh assisted with parts of this story. Her contributions include, brainstorming ideas, the set-up of the San Antonio MCAT unit, and the introduction of characters who will be working there. They will be a part of her new Young Rider’s AU, ‘TYR MCAT’~ ‘Evolutions’, which she is developing.

E-mail: tannertexaslady@yahoo.com Comments are welcomed and appreciated, but please keep the flames for the barbeque.

Characters: Vin, Chris, Ezra, Buck, Josiah, JD, & Nathan. In addition, there are additional original characters, the Wild Bunch, and the MCAT team.

Rating: Gen, Het, some violence and profanity included.

Disclaimer M7: This story is entirely a work of fiction, for entertainment purposes only, based on the characters from “The Magnificent Seven.” I don’t own 'em, but if I did I would run away with ‘em and never be seen again. CBS and Co., Trilogy Entertainment, and MGM had ‘em first and do not want to give ‘em away. I only play at this for fun and do not make any money doing it. No infringement of any copyrights intended. This is strictly a piece of fiction. Any references to locations or people are only for story use and do not intend to depict any real place or person.

Same thing goes for TYR. I do not own them either, that credit lies with Ed Spielman and Ogiens/Kane. The use of their character names are strictly for non-profit entertainment use. No infringement of any copyrights intended.

MCAT AU: MCAT (Major Crimes and Acts of Terrorism) Yes, it has mystery, action, anguish, and brotherhood. It is also het; all seven are involved in committed relationships. Further background and information on the characters of MCAT and the Larabee 7 families is available @ Magnificent Seventh Heaven

MCAT: Turbulent Transitions, the foundation series for this AU is complete and archived @ Blackraptor.

MCAT: Strength & Solidarity ~ Series of stories which center on the Seven's intrinsic bonds of friendship and brotherhood, forces which have no boundaries.

# 3: Turn the Page: A new year has arrived, carried by the winds of change. Natural evolutions of several relationships occur, turning the pages in the book of life. New unions will form; old ones will shift their priorities, heal, or break. Chris has his hands full with challenges at work, while old concerns threaten his children. Buck makes a life altering decision, but soon finds his choice may not be the change he was looking for.

Acknowledgments: My thanks go to all the M7 Muse ladies for the extra eyes. Sue, you are a terrific catcher. Jan, your feedback helped tremendously, and Jo, your feedback and talent for making collages amaze me. Mary Ann, I appreciate your help. My thanks go to my betas, Wendy and Sarai, for roping those commas and finding typos. To my granddaughter, Kari, who is an aspiring young writer, your enlightening information about today’s junior high was helpful and appreciated.

“Mostly, we wanted you to know… you're all men we’d be proud to ride the river with. You’ve stood good watch over our legacies and those of your ancestors. Your families are strong, your loyalties are firm, and your bond to each other is powerful,” Cowboy continued, “you are destined to live out your fates together.”

Tracker picked up the message, “The world needs men like y'all… men of honor and principle, to counter the existence of evil, especially now. It's the second reason we came and why you are all together in this time and space. Your greatest challenges still lay ahead. The Seven have always been and will always be… Their strength is yours to draw on. Embrace the past, cherish the future, and fight like hell for today. Make a better place for your children and grandchildren. Their destiny is the same as yours and ours… to be allied by the timeless bonds of friendships and brotherhood which tie us all to our past and gifts us with the promise of tomorrow.”

Cowboy stepped up to Vin, clasping forearms with him, while Tracker did the same with Chris. After a curt nod to their great, great grandsons, they turned to walk away. Seven men hurried to the door to get a better view of where the two men went.

For a brief moment the portal of time opened, and gave them a picture, which they would carry in their minds the rest of their days. As Cowboy and Tracker stepped across the threshold of infinity, five men on horseback waited for them, holding the reins for two extra horses. They looked up and tipped their hats to their descendants while Cowboy and Tracker mounted their own horses to join them… the next instant… they were gone.

Chris cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention. “You heard them. We're in charge of protecting the future generations of the seven. It's our watch now and time to move forward.”

Ezra passed a beer to Chris, and then one to Vin. “Gentlemen, I asked y’all to stay after the game because I have an extraordinary communiqué for both of you and was given specific instructions to deliver it today. I must admit to having some reservations about taking on this project at first; however it turned into an enlightening experience.”

“We spent the past couple of hours watchin’ the Broncos gettin’ their collective asses kicked by the Titans, you have my twenty bucks, I’m tired and ready to go home,” Vin grumbled. “Get on with it, Ez.”

“Yes, of course.” Ezra reached for two leather bound books, handing one to each of his friends. “Before leaving, Tracker asked me to complete a project for him and Cowboy. They were very specific about how this was to be handled.”

“They can be rather stubborn and direct.” Chris agreed with a smile as he read the title aloud, “Legends of the Quest.”

“Under Cowboy and Tracker's direction, I was able to locate and procure the original written words or rather journals, which were passed on to them. They then dictated to me for five days, additional history concerning their seven, which they wished us to know. They also composed personalized letters for each of us. I was instructed to give these to both of you first, other than myself, of course.”

“Why do we get ours separately?” Chris asked.

“I have no idea. Tracker gave me specific instructions, which I followed. You were to receive your books together and today. Cowboy said you would need the words of wisdom offered in these pages.”

“What about the others?” Vin asked.

“Each book is to be delivered on a specified date, after certain events come to pass. Josiah gets his next, and then Nathan. JD won’t get his until June, and Buck is to receive his last.”

“Thanks Ezra,” Chris said, running his hand over the cover of the book remembering Cowboy's parting words to him. *I'm proud of you, Son. I reckon you learned the important things. You have a life full of love, challenges, and accomplishments ahead of you. Draw on the strength of the Seven. It's your right and their destiny for you to lead them.* “Reckon you know better than we do, Cowboy,” Chris whispered softly, easily accepting Ezra's answer. He laughed to himself. Three months ago, he would not have done that. It did surprise him that Buck would be the last one to receive his, but whatever the reason, he was willing to wait and find out. “I guess we are not to discuss this with Buck, Josiah, JD, and Nathan.”

“Not at this time.”

Ezra turned to Vin and gave him another book. “Tracker wanted you to have this and he dictated stories specifically for you. He also entrusted me to give you a verbal message.” He waited for Vin’s acknowledgement before he continued, “There’s a helluva storm ragin’ in your life son, trust your instincts to find the right path to lead you and Kel through it.” Standish paused. “I gather you understand what he is referring to.”

Vin nodded. “Yeah, I do.”

Clearing his throat, Ezra explained, “There is a family genealogy chart starting with his forefathers’ ancestry to present day. Tracker wanted you to decide if you want to share it when, or if, you get in touch with your father's family in Texas. Included are names and contact numbers or email addresses for other Tanner family members. There is also a personal letter for you and one for Kelli, which as you will note, you are to hold onto until a later date.”

Chris watched Vin and offered him some advice, “Take it as a gift from the past. It’s time to put some of your hunting skills to use and find out about the Texas Tanners.”

“Maybe, but I have a few things to tend to first. Then we'll see.” Vin stood. “Thanks Ez, appreciate what you did.”

Ezra set his beer down and passed them their coats. “You are both welcome. I guarantee you it was an experience I will never forget.” He walked with them to the door.

Once outside Chris stopped Vin before he headed to his truck and asked, “Vin?”

Tanner knew what he was asking, “We have good days and bad days... but we're fine.”

Chris cocked an eyebrow. “Really? You could have fooled me. You went through hell while Kel and Trey were missing.” He held up his hand. “I know you said the worst was over for you when we found them, but losing a baby affects you both.”

Tanner held Larabee’s gaze for a moment, and then dropped his head slightly. “Okay, maybe we’re not fine. It’s only been seven weeks though. Stayin’ busy durin’ the holidays helped, but Kel won’t talk about what happened. She spends most of her free time with the kids and she goes out of her way to please me. In fact, she’s so agreeable it’s damn annoyin’. Hell, I can't find a way to make her angry anymore.”

“I thought pissing off Larabees was your special talent. You must be losing your touch….” like a bolt of lightning, it hit him. Kelli’s infamous Larabee temper had been silent. He had not seen her as much as give him or Vin a half ass glare since she had been home and he had missed catching that important little detail. “Damn.”

“Damn is an understatement. Her spirit’s wounded and it's gonna take time to heal,” he sighed. Until she was ready to discuss it, he would not share information about the loss of their baby with the others. However, hiding it from Chris was impossible with their connection and Vin was grateful for it. Being able to talk to Chris helped keep him levelheaded. “I won't lie and say it's been easy because I hate like hell to see Kel struggle with her emotions, but we're workin' through it.”

Chris looked off into the distance. “Time…funny how much I think about it since Cowboy and Tracker were here. Of course, I had a real good chance to consider it while I sat in jail.”

“You're not gonna go all Josiah on me are you?”

Larabee snapped back, a small smile forming. “No, I'll leave the deep philosophy crap to him. I’m open to new ideas though. Hell, I even asked Cait to help with Grace's separation anxieties.” Chris hesitated. “You know she's a good friend and a qualified therapist. It might not hurt you to talk to her.”

“Maybe,” Vin smiled, certain Chris was only using that as an excuse to spend more time with Caitlyn. “I'll think on it.”

“You do that. Let me know what you need from me.” Chris opened his truck door and said, “Happy New Year, Vin. Let's hope this one is better to us than the last one.”

Chris threw another punch. “What the hell was Linda thinking?” he scoffed. “She ignores our kids for over seven months and then ships them two live miniature horses for Christmas presents….to babies and two weeks late at that! Next thing you know she'll be sending circus clowns, dancing bears, and baby elephants.”

“Maybe she thought ….” Buck held onto the bag to give Chris a steady target.

“Don't make excuses for her. She didn't think, period.” Chris scowled at his friend while he pounded the punching bag again. “As if I don't have enough problems already,” he complained. “Since Summerton had me locked up, Grace throws a fit or cries whenever I'm out of her sight.”

“You were out of jail and back at home in less than a week.” A concerned look came over Buck’s face. “She’s still upset about it?”

“Yeah…she has nightmares about the trip to see me in jail. Cowboy's leaving also upset her…” he pulverized the bag with each statement. “She's beginning to notice all the other kids have a mama and wonders why she doesn't… I asked Cait about it… she says part of it's her age and normal…but…damnit, I hate to see her cry.”

Buck nodded his understanding. “I know Tannis is attached to Inez, too. She hates when her Mama walks out of the room. Of course she hasn't had all the other stuff going on…”

“It's not just Grace. Cody is starting to cut teeth and fusses all night.” Chris punched the bag once more and then took a breather. “I've been attending additional NA meetings with Mike since I was drugged with that GHB crap. JD is having problems breaking Ice's damn code. Our cases are stacking up, I'm losing two agents, and now it looks as if Travis has another project he's fixing to spring on us.”

“Cody will get past it, the meetings are voluntary, JD is making progress, and even though I know you hate changes you have to expect some,” Buck told him, watching intently to gauge Chris’s reaction.” Plus, Travis is always tinkering with our set-up, nothing new there.”

“That may be, but Travis wants us fully involved in the planning of something big. Right now…” he huffed as he continued his assault on the bag. “It's not the best time for me to commit to more hours.” He swung his fists, landing harder blows. “My family has been through the wringer the past year and they need my attention.”

“I know you're keeping a close watch on Kel. She's doing okay isn't she?” Buck hesitantly asked.

Chris exhaled and stopped for a moment. “I guess…yeah. It's just…she's not acting the way she used to.”

“Vin hasn't said much, but I get the sense that all is not right in his world. You think they're having serious problems?”

“Hell, I don't know,” he said. “She gave me the impression she was okay about JD and Vin taking the kids off for three days on a ski trip during the holidays. I know Vin wanted her to go, too, but she said no and stayed with the babies instead. I even offered to baby-sit while she and Vin took off to their cabin for a day or two and she turned me down. She refuses to talk about the time she and Trey were gone and insists she's fine, but I don't believe it.”

Chris spent the next few minutes working out his frustrations by steadily beating up the bag in front of him, each hit harder than the last. His entire upper body glistened with beads of perspiration, his muscles taut from the strain of his exertion, and he wore a determined look on his face. “Every time I think about what she and Trey went through…” He did not finish his sentence, but continued to jab at the bag repeatedly, unmindful of the sweat trickling down his bare chest, as he continued with his strenuous workout.

“Shit,” Buck groaned while he staggered a step backwards. “Take it easy, Chris, I'm behind this damn bag.”

Breathing heavily, Chris exhaled noisily, leaned his head against the bag and stopped its motion with his gloved hands. “It's a new year…maybe things will improve for all of us.” He finally noticed the faraway look on Buck's face and asked, “You okay?”

“I don't know.” Buck said, pausing a moment. “I know what we do is important, but damn I'm tired. The cases we used to get were a picnic compared to what we've been through lately. It's an entirely new breed of criminal out there. Sometimes I think its best left for the younger agents. Terrorists, assassins, right-wing extremist groups, serial killers…. trading kids lives for money… Danny…” Buck sighed wearily and shook his head. “…Our families being targeted, all the people we've pissed off over the years looking for payback, tangling with a terrorist cell over the Christmas holidays. Hell, you know better than I do. Summerton raked you over the coals not long after Ice pulled her shit. It's been a lot to put up with.”

Chris straightened and took a step toward his old friend. “Are you saying experience isn't enough anymore?”

Buck ran his fingers through his hair. “Not sure,” he said. “Inez and I have been talking about the future and what's fair to the kids.” Buck sighed. “It's getting harder for me to remember why we do this, Chris. I know we're supposed to have combined fates and all, but for every scumbag we take down, two more pop up even worse than the ones before. Just seems like we don't make that much of a difference anymore.”

Chris studied his friend. “You need some time off? You're due for a vacation. Just say the word and it’s done.”

“I…” Buck shuffled awkwardly. “Aww hell, Chris, there’s no easy way to say it.” He sighed deeply, looking Larabee straight in the eye. “I’ve been thinking about this since we found Caleb, but one thing after another kept happening and it never seemed like the right time. When Cowboy and Tracker came along, I almost decided I couldn’t, but…Hell, I’m leaving law enforcement. I have the years and my retirement benefits are good. It’s time, maybe past time. We’ve had a good run together, Chris, but I want something different for the rest of my life.”

Chris was silent for a few moments and fought back the urge to argue with Buck. The words in the legend journal came to him, ‘The heart is the unseen and the mind is the seen. Blessed is the leader or person who has developed the heart and the mind.” He asked instead, “What is it you want to do?”

“I want to spend more time with my wife and be there to watch my kids grow. To have regular hours, to stop watching over my shoulder for the next attack, to…not see the worst of the worst in my nightmares. I’ve done some checking and there’s a position open at the junior high for a physical education teacher. It’s a place I can still make a difference and work with kids. My college credits qualify me for the position and training federal agents gives me experience in a teaching position.”

“You’ve given this some serious thought.” Chris nodded. It didn’t take a genius to recognize the signs of burnout his friend was exhibiting. He could not just let Buck quit, so he offered him a compromise. “I won’t accept your resignation, but I will arrange for you to take an extended leave of absence with partial pay. If you still feel the same way in six months, then I’ll sign off on your retirement.”

Buck nodded, “That’s fair enough. I don’t think I’ll be changing my mind though. Teaching will give me a chance to stay in touch with my kids, and really be a part of their lives.” Although he was relieved to have it over with, Chris’s reaction surprised him. “Thanks for not trying to talk me out of it, but why didn’t you?”

Fighting the urge to grab hold of his friend and shake some sense into him, Chris's features softened. “I don’t want you to leave. However, one thing I’ve learned the hard way is that we each have to find our own way to where we need to be. You do what you think you need to, friend. There will always be a place for you on my team. You know that. Your leave can start Monday, but you have to tell the others.”

“I reckon next to telling you, that’s the hardest part.” Buck slapped Chris on the shoulder. “Guess I’ll start with JD and then I’ll call my contact in personnel to tell him I’m accepting the job. Since school starts back next Tuesday, I can begin immediately.”

Chris watched him leave. He grabbed a towel and headed for the shower hoping he had handled it right. *You’ve been a tough influence on my thoughts, Cowboy. Three months ago, I would have argued with Buck, but you have me thinking in a new direction about letting things work out. At least now, I understand why Buck doesn’t get his book until later. You’d better be right though or I’ll hunt you down and kick your ass.*

“Thanks,” Buck said, taking the offered glass of tea from JD as they sat together in the kitchen. “I thought I’d stop by on my way home and see how you’re doing, not that I need a reason. I just…, hell, Kid; I worry about you and all you’ve been through.”

“I'm doing fine Buck,” JD assured him. “In fact, I'm enjoying every second of my life. With the baby coming, it's as if I’ve been rewarded for making it through some kind of test with that thing with Ice. Casey went to the doctor yesterday and everything is okay with the pregnancy. It’s not twins, but I’ll tell you a secret if you promise to let us make the announcement.” He waited for Buck’s agreement before continuing.

“Cross my heart,” Buck grinned. “So what are we having?”

JD whispered, “We’re having a boy.”

“Hot damn,” Buck started to yell and then lowered his voice. “You’re gonna have a son.”

“Yep,” he answered with a grin. “I love my girls, but now I won’t be so outnumbered.”

While he watched the kid’s elation over becoming a father for the third time, Buck’s thoughts turned to his own life-changing decision. His features and tone turning serious, he looked at JD. “You should think long and hard about you’re future. Hell, Kid, with your talent you could make a fortune in the private sector. You wouldn't have to worry about being shot at, or targeted by every nutcase out there. You could be home with Casey and the kids on a regular basis, no twenty-four hour call, no nights on stakeout...”

JD looked at Buck in confusion and surprise. “Whoa. I'm doing what I want to do, where I want to do it. Our work is important,” he said, holding Buck’s gaze. “Casey understands how much it means to me to be an agent. I thought you did too.”

“I do…I know. It's just.” Buck sighed. “You need to know there are options. I don't want you to wake up twenty years from now and wonder what you could have done, that's all.”

JD shook his head. “What are you saying? Being part of this team is the best thing that ever happened to me outside of meeting Casey and us having the kids. I can't imagine doing anything else. I love being part of this crazy Wild Bunch. The ranch…”

Buck’s thoughts drifted. This was his life too, had been for over twenty years. He had followed Chris into the Navy, and then into law enforcement. Secret missions, street patrol, homicide, ATF, and now MCAT; he had done it all, and he loved the work. His mind turned to his teammates, hell, they were more than that; they were his friends and family. He saw the excitement on JD’s face when he talked about the new baby and remembered the young kid he first laid eyes on ten years ago. Where did the time go? When did it all change?

“Buck! Have you heard a word I've said,” JD asked, suddenly feeling very anxious. “You seem to be a million miles away. Is… is everything… okay?”

Buck smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Thinking about mi vida loco,” he glanced toward JD, seeing the confusion on his face, he translated, “my crazy life.”

“If you think too hard, your head might explode.” JD grinned. He hoped whatever Buck had on his mind was nothing serious. He was happy wasn't he? Hell yeah, Buck was Buck, and he loved his life.

Buck reached out and ruffled JD's hair, knowing it would get a rise out of him. “Smart ass.”

JD tried to duck and muttered, “You are so full of it.”

“Yeah, most of the time I am,” Buck agreed and then standing, cleared his throat. “I need to tell you something, Kid.” He hesitated. “I’m leaving MCAT…taking an extended leave of absence.”

JD stared up at Buck for a moment, thinking he was joking then snorted a laugh. “Sure you are.”

“JD…Kid…” he sighed and squeezed the younger man’s shoulder. “I’m serious. I already told Chris and …”

“You did what? NO! No, you can’t leave us!” JD jumped up, his voice rising steadily. “Why would you want to? Why would you say that? What would you do? We can’t be the magnificent six, remember? Tell me…tell me you’re still thinking about it… Buck? Tell me you don’t mean it.”

JD’s expression about broke the big guy’s heart, but he steeled himself…he had to make JD and the others understand. “It’s time for me to make a change and I plan on teaching at one of the local junior highs. In fact, I’ll be starting there on Monday for orientation.” Buck squeezed JD’s shoulder again. “Hey…come on…It’s not like I’m going anywhere. We’re not moving off the ranch.” He sighed. “As for the Magnificent Seven…hell, you know that no one is irreplaceable in this business….”

JD looked incredulously at the man, who had mentored him, been his rock for ten years, emotion thick in his throat. “You are! You…I…” JD stammered. “Buck, you need to reconsider.”

Buck shook his head. “Sorry, it’s a done deal. Inez and I have talked about it and we agree it’s the right thing for us. You’ll see….it will be fine.”

JD was too upset to risk an argument, afraid of saying things in the heat of the moment he would not mean, but could never take back. How could he tell a man who had watched his back for more than ten years, had taught him so much... helped shape him into the man he was today...how could he tell him he was...wrong? He straightened as his expression hardened. ”Fine, you enjoy it. We’ll manage without you.” He shifted out of Buck’s hold on his shoulder. He looked back and fake-smiled. “You’re gonna have to excuse me, I really need to help Casey bathe the girls”

Buck swallowed hard and nodded. He could see the turmoil his words had caused JD, playing out on the younger man's face “Yeah, I need to stop and pick up Caleb after I see Ezra, Josiah, and Nathan and then get home before Inez sends out a search party for me,” Buck said turning to go. He stopped and looked back. “You take care, Kid, “he whispered.  He walked out the door to his truck with a heavy heart, hoping that sometime soon JD would forgive him.

Inez looked lovingly at her husband as she poured him a cup of coffee. They finally had an opportunity to talk without interruptions. Tannis was asleep and their older children were busy watching a Disney movie. Buck looked exhausted. “So...did you tell him?'“

“Yep, and Chris gave me a six month leave with partial pay. He said if I was still sure after that, he’d sign off on my retirement,” Buck answered. “I figured he’d argue with me. Surprisingly he didn’t, but I did feel bad about the timing. Chris has a lot going on right now, and I almost didn’t tell him. He's losing two agents as it is, and he's worried about Kel. Grace is giving him fits since Summerton threw him in jail. She cries every time he has to leave her. Cody's teething and Linda sending those two little horses without so much as a hello to the kids has Chris all tied up in knots. Add that to our workload over the holidays and …” he sighed, “…well he understood better than I expected.”

“Chris has three children and close to twenty agents. He will always have something going on.” Inez placed her hand on his shoulder. “If you are sure this is what you want to do, you don’t need to feel bad.” She rubbed his neck and said, “It is what you want isn’t it?”

“I reckon …it'll mean some big changes for us. You sure you're still willing…?”

“Shh,” Inez silenced him, placing her fingers over his mouth. “I will support whatever you do as long as it’s a decision you can live with.” She had her doubts about Buck doing this, but she knew he had to try or he would always wonder about what if.

“JD was a whole different story. He took it hard,” he said softly, reaching for her hand. “I think once he gets used to the idea though, he’ll come around.”

“Of course he will. JD loves you and he’ll only want what makes you happy.”

“Ezra, Josiah and Nathan were disappointed, but wished me the best. I caught Vin when I picked up Caleb and told him. Even though I could sense he wanted to say something, he said he understood and respected my decision.”

“I hated to see you so conflicted. Now that it’s out in the open you should feel better.”

“I do. This is right, Inez…right for us… it has to be better than having the same nightmares over and over.” Buck needed it to be right.

“I love you. With MCAT, without it, here full time or teaching at a school, it doesn’t matter. I want you to be happy with your life.”

“Our life,” he corrected her. “I feel great about you, me, our future and our right now,” he grinned roguishly. “We have until the movie is over. You wanna make out with this old man?”

“Anytime, anywhere,” she smiled, “and you’re not old, just older.”

Buck pulled her onto his lap. “My mind is young, but some of my body parts are moving slower.”

“Not the ones that matters,” Inez said huskily, wrapping her arms around his neck. Buck had to do this for his sake, and she would be here for him, no matter how it turned out.

MCAT ~ Monday Morning, January 7th

Chris rushed through the bullpen. After spending the past three hours in conference with Travis, he was in no mood for trivial conversation. Briefly stopping at Gunny’s desk, he barked out an order, “Senior Agents, conference room, ten minutes,” before continuing on to his office. Throwing the files he carried onto the desk, he was not surprised to see Vin coming through the door.

“I could feel your anger before you entered the buildin’, reckoned I should check on you. You okay?”

“Hell no,” he snapped. “First they break up the best damn team ever assembled and move us to MCAT. I got used to it, even if we’re overworked, stressed, and short handed. Now the Powers-That-Be have decided since we set the bar, they need more units and want to scavenger my agents to do it. If that’s not bad enough, they expect me to oversee it all. There are not enough hours in the day as it is to do everything I need to and Travis wants me to add more.”

“Take heart, it’s only ten o’clock; you still have the rest of the day for it to get worse.” Vin chuckled.

Chris scowled. “It’s not funny, Tanner. You’re first on the list to take a new unit. If you refuse then it goes down the line until the seven are… hell, we’re already six with Buck gone.” He threw a file across the desk. “Damn, I hate change.”

Vin watched Larabee’s frustration with interest. “Relax; it ain’t gonna happen. Buck will be back and I’d bet a year’s pay that not one of the guys will accept a new position on another team.”

Chris sat down and stared at Vin. “What makes you so sure Buck will be back, and how do you know none of the others will accept Travis’s offer?”

A twinkle lit Vin’s eyes and a warm smile crossed his rugged features. Chris knew the answer, but sometimes he needed reminding. “It all comes down to destiny and like it or not our paths might twist and turn, but we end up where fate wants us….one way or another. Buck needs to discover his own path and I have no doubt it will lead him back home. You know it too or you would not have let him go. It’ll just take…”

“Time…” Chris interrupted, “damn I’m beginning to wish I never heard that word.” he sighed. “I take it you’ve been reading your book too?”

“Hard not to, but even without Cowboy and Tracker comin’ here we all knew Team Seven had a special connection. We’ve been through too much together, and our lives intertwine in a way none of us expected when we started. Hell, JD and I practically grew up with you and Buck fussin’ over us. At first, we had to drag Ezra into our fold kickin’ and resistin’, but now he would fight anyone who tried to make him leave. JD would rather cut off his right arm than be separated from us. Josiah and Nathan would worry themselves sick if they weren’t around to patch us up and add balance to the team. Face it, Larabee, you’re stuck with us.”

Chris felt his anger ebbing away and even managed a smile. “Guess I am.”

Vin nodded. “Damn straight you are. We’ll look at what the Director wants, discuss it, cuss it, make a plan, and then tell ‘em what we’re willin’ to do. They can accept it or we’ll pack up our toys and go home.”

“They’re asking a lot.”

“Always do, don’t they?”

“Okay. We’ll take this proposition to the others and start cussing it.” Chris picked up the scattered folders on his desk. “Let’s do it.”

Chris took his seat at the table while Vin sat down silently next to him. Looking at the faces of the men sitting around the table Chris’s thoughts raced back to the first time he had assembled them together after officially becoming a team. No one gave them a shot in hell of becoming successful…too many independent personalities…loners…misfits…too young…too jaded….not team players. They were successful though, the best of the best, the most elite response unit ever assembled. In fact, they were so good, everyone wanted to be like them, but none came close or ever would as far as Chris was concerned. If only Buck were here…

JD could not stand the silence any longer. “I hope we’re here to talk about Buck. What are we going to do to get him back?”

“Actually…” Chris started.

JD ranted on. “What the hell happened the other day? You could have stopped him Chris! Why didn’t you?” JD did not attempt to hide his anger, looking at Chris with accusing eyes.

“Son, Buck is…”Josiah began, but stopped when Chris put up his hand.

“This meeting is about MCAT, but maybe I should clear the air first,” Chris said. “Buck came to me and I saw a man who was at the point of burn out. Rather than risk losing him permanently, I chose to give him what he needed, which is time to get his priorities straight in his mind and to reconcile what he wants to do with his life. I trust him to do that and all of you should too. “

“But…”JD tried to protest. He felt Josiah’s hand apply slight pressure on his shoulder as he heard Chris’s statement.

“The subject of Buck is closed.” Larabee shot the younger man a warning look and opened the top folder in front of him. “I just spent three hours with Director Travis. We need to address a few issues he presented. MCAT has been so successful that Washington asked Travis to form two additional teams. The Director would like each of the new units headed up by one of the original seven. Vin has already declined the offer…”

“No,” Ezra said without waiting to for the question.

“No.” Nathan added.” I have all I can handle with you yahoos.”

“No,” Josiah answered. “I am very satisfied with where I am.”

There was an awkward moment of silence as the five men looked toward their youngest. Suddenly aware of the pause, JD looked up and realized he was the only one who had not said anything. He straightened in his chair. ”Hell, no, losing Buck is bad enough; I don’t want to lose the rest of you, too.”

Even though Vin had been certain of the outcome, Chris was relieved to hear it. He nodded and said, “Then we need to discuss a plan for Travis, one which he can implement within three months. We are, of course, the lead team and home to main operations. JD, the new MCAT units will need a modified version of CASSIE. They are not to have the unlimited access we do, only enough to work on a day-by-day basis, at least for the first six months. Any suggestions on what’s feasible?”

The younger man perked up. “I can design a program giving limited operations to another location. Similar to what I did at the ranch for you and Vin, but with restrictions. All other inquiries, I can route to CASSIE’s central unit here, which someone on my communications team can monitor. Where will the other teams be located?”

“There will be two additional units. The first one will base here on the airfield with us. San Antonio, Texas, is the assigned city for the other one. There’ll be more added over the next three years,” Chris read off the report Travis had given him.

“It’s doable,” JD said as he began writing notes. “I could have a preliminary schematic on paper in two to three weeks.”

Chris nodded his approval. “Do it. Nathan, each new unit will have a MAU, but not a forensics section. Our lab would be the place where the new teams send their evidence for processing. Confer with Bones, see what we need to do to prepare for it, and how many more techs he’ll need to hire. “

“We’ll probably need to link the lab computers with whatever JD comes up with for the new units to use.” Nathan turned to JD. “Can you do that?”

“Do birds fly?” JD grinned. He loved a challenge and this was just what he needed to take his mind off Buck.

Chris sighed and said, “Manpower. Since none of you will take on a team, it’s going to fall on us to find and train the right people. The FBI and the DEA train at Quantico, Virginia. The Secret Service sends their trainees to FLETC in Glynco. Georgia; the CIA has the Farm at Camp Pearcy, Virginia, and God only knows where else around the world. MCAT will train here in Colorado. The Governor is providing three hundred and fifty acres to build a state of the art training facility close to our office in exchange for us keeping MCAT headquarters in Denver. Travis has already authorized the building to begin. We’d need instructors, an intense training program designed, and we’d have to start looking at personnel files for new agents. Most of the candidates would work through here first.”

“Josiah, you’ll be in charge of psychological screening. How long would it take you to put together a starter list of names for possible team leaders and potential instructors?”

“I can begin with the applicant files we already have set aside to take a second look at and see how many would be acceptable. It would take me two weeks at least.”

“Vin, Ezra, I want you two to work together and decide what type of training program would be best suited for potential MCAT agents. Go with the assumption they would have some previous experience in law enforcement, but not necessarily at a federal level. Keep in mind the programs would also be used for training exercises not only for us, but also by State Homeland Security response teams.”

“Oh joy,” Ezra remarked.

“Once we have a preliminary plan to present to Travis and he approves, we’ll bring the rest of the unit in on it. Anyone in this unit who wants to apply to be on one of the forming teams is welcome to do so.”

Ezra drew Larabee’s attention, with his words. “Chris, I am reluctant to be the one to convey a possible negative. However, I would be remiss if I did not point out the obvious. We are already down by three agents with Buck on leave, Selena’s moving out of state after she gets married, and Katrina is going back to school full time. Just how in the hell are we supposed to find the extra hours to do this and keep our caseload going?”

“I’m glad you asked,” Chris said with a grin. “With Buck gone, I find myself one Captain short. Ezra, you are now acting Captain until he returns or retires. Somehow, we will find a way to accomplish all our duties, including these new ones. I’m confident you and Vin are intelligent enough to find a solution.”

Vin smirked, “Translation Ez, you and I get to deal with case assignments and figure out how to spread out our limited resources.”

“I’ll hear your ideas after lunch.” Chris picked up his folders to leave. “I now have the honor of informing Travis that each of you declined his offer. I’ll also be telling him we’ll have an alternate plan for him to look over by the end of the week.”

Chris walked out of the room smiling as he listened to the sounds of groans and protests behind him.

Buck slid his tray onto the table and sat down with his fellow teachers. After spending the morning at the personnel office filling out paperwork and sitting through a teacher orientation for an hour and a half, he was ready for a break.

“So, Wilmington, you’re the new kid on the block,” a younger man said as he sat down. “My name’s Larry Oliver. I teach English, eighth grade. Welcome aboard.”

“I’m John Lopez, history,” an older Hispanic man said, extending his hand to Buck.” You’ve had your official orientation, now you’ll hear the unofficial one from us.” A young male teacher sat down at the table with them, doing more listening than talking.

“First, you’ll note that cafeteria food has not improved much since we were all in school,” Larry chuckled. “Second, forget everything they told you this morning and listen up. You’re assigned here either because you are new, thus lacking the seniority to get out of this hell hole or you have other issues and they won’t place you in a decent school.”

“The sign outside says the school name is West End, we call it Purgatory. Most of these kids are from the worst section of the city, they live in broken homes, constantly exposed drug to use, and gangs. You name it, and they have seen it. The coach who you replaced was the victim of a brutal stabbing just before the break for the holidays. He survived, but he quit teaching altogether and now works at a video store,” John told him.” The teacher turnover rates here are high and most simply leave the profession rather than face another position.”

“Check your idealism at the door because trust me, you’ll be doing good to get through each day, much less trying to make a difference with these kids,” Larry picked up the impromptu speech. “Don’t get attached to any of them, they are likely not to be here tomorrow. Do not touch any of them for any reason or risk getting your ass sued for sexual misconduct. We cannot discipline, yell or cuss at them. The only thing we can do is refer them to the principal who will put them in detention, suspend, or expel them.”

“Watch your back, lock up your valuables, and always double-check anything these kids tell you.” John continued. “Last year two women teachers were assaulted in addition to the coach you’re replacing. Three junior high girls were beaten and raped on the football field for a gang initiation and the principal seized over one hundred assorted weapons. Our so called security officers are a joke and the police come only if a felony is committed.”

Listening to them talk, Buck felt at a disadvantage. The situation they were describing was definitely not the idealistic picture he had imagined. “This sounds more like the lecture I was given my first day on the job as a cop, instead of being a teacher at a junior high.”

“You were a cop?” The listener spoke up in awe. “Why would you leave law enforcement for this?”

“At least as a cop you could carry a weapon for protection and arrest the little troublemakers’, then haul them off to juvenile detention,” John added before Buck could answer. “How did you end up here?”

“I’ve been in law enforcement most of the past twenty years doing one thing or another.” Buck told them without giving specifics. “I just wanted to do something different with the rest of my life and since my own children are still in school, teaching seemed like a good option.”

John shook his head. “I wish you the best, but I’ll bet before this term is over you’ll be wishing for a nice quiet crime spree to handle instead of being here every day.” He stood to leave. “Get a good night’s rest, Wilmington, tomorrow you get to meet the masses. Good luck.”

“If you have any question, hunt one of us up. As teachers we try to band together, safety in numbers you know,” Larry laughed. “If you survive the term, with your background they’ll probably reassign you to a better school. You’ll still have troublemakers and gangs to contend with, but at least your odds of making it through the year uninjured will increase.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Buck answered, concentrating on the plate of food in front of him and wondering just what he had gotten himself into here.

It seemed strange to be leaving work at three in the afternoon, but Buck gathered his papers and prepared to depart. He had a lot to think over. School policies had certainly changed since he was a student. He was shocked to find out he would be teaching girl’s gym classes as well as boys. Although he was confident of his abilities, Buck realized he had some brushing up to do on the rules and procedures listed in the stacks of handouts he was given today. He chuckled, classes had not even started and he already had homework.

John Lopez joined Buck as he exited the building and headed toward the teacher’s parking lot. “Wonder what surprises we’re in for today?”

“In case you hadn’t noticed, John, the day is about over for us.” Buck answered.

“That’s what you think,” he said, directing Buck’s attention to the parking lot.

Taking in the sight before him, Buck began cursing,” Damn, freakin’, sonofabitch!” Several vehicles had bent antennas, deep scratches into the door panels or spray painted with gang graffiti. His truck had four flat tires and cracked windshield. “I thought we had security here.”

“I told you earlier, school security is a joke. It will not do any good to call the police either. If they even come out, all they’ll do is write a report and file it.” John sighed. “You’ll notice most of us drive older cars or use public transportation because our insurance won’t cover more than one incident in a six month period. I wouldn’t dare bring my newer model up here.”

Muttering under his breath Buck pulled out his cell and placed a call to the garage where his friend Gary worked. Gary agreed to bring him a new set of tires within the hour and fix the crack in his windshield.

The next call Buck made was to Inez, got her voicemail and left her a message, “Hey, Baby, I’m running a little late, but I should make it home in time for supper. Love you, bye.”

“You might consider the park and ride. The bus may not be the most comfortable way to travel, but it would save repairs on your truck,” John suggested as he got into his old Chevy.

Buck watched him drive off with all the graffiti still written on his car and shook his head. Tomorrow he would take the bus from the park and ride. As far as he was concerned, no one would ever know what happened here today.

Gunny looked up and saw JD pacing in front of her desk. “Agent Dunne, can I help you with something?”

JD stopped and faced her. “I need to speak with Commander Larabee… please…ma’am.”

Evidently, he was very nervous about speaking to the Commander. Gunny liked this young man, who always called her ma’am. Right about now, he reminded her of one of her sons when they were younger and unsure about what course of action to take. He looked as if he needed a hug, but she resisted the urge to mother him and instead used the intercom to announce him. “Sir, Agent Dunne wishes to speak with you.”

“Tell him to come on in,” Chris answered.

“You can…”

“I heard, ma’am. Thank you.” JD took a deep breath and entered Chris’s office. He stood in front of his desk for a moment, not sure just where to start.

Chris pointed to a chair. “Sit down, JD. I’ve been expecting you.”

“You…you have?” he sat in the closest chair.

Chris leaned forward. “Relax, Kid,” he sighed. “I’ve known Buck for more than twenty-four years. We’ve raised hell, been through hell, laughed, fought, celebrated, and grieved together. I know him and understand him the same way he does me. This is something he needs to do and those of us who care about him need to let him do it even if we don’t like it.”

JD's defiance shone in his eyes as he pushed his fingers through his hair. “It’s hard to just sit back and say nothing.”

“Yeah, it is. That’s why we’re not going to do it.” Chris smiled at the look of confusion on JD’s face. “Buck may not work with us right now, but he is still one of us. He deserves our support, no matter what he decides. As his friends and brothers we owe him that much. Buck is Buck no matter where he is or what he does, his loyalties haven’t changed, only his place of employment. I hope he’ll be back with us soon. If not, it won’t change how I feel about him.”

“So… what then? … we gonna just… just get used to him not being here?”

Chris laughed. “Buck will always be here as long as one of the seven is still here. We carry a part of each one of us anywhere we go and always will, whether we’re working together or apart, that includes Buck. Kid… he really needs us to be strong for him right now.”

“I know,” JD whispered, “It's just... hell, I just never thought any of us would deliberately choose to leave.”

“Change is never easy, but sometimes it’s necessary to move forward,” Chris measured his words. He realized JD was struggling with new emotions, fighting the urge to be selfish, and dealing with his first real taste of letting go since his mother died. It was only natural that he would want things to stay the way they were. “Buck has hit an emotional wall in his life and even though he’s tried really hard, he can’t seem to get past it. He needs to take a detour to get to the other side and like it or not, we have to sit back and let him.”

JD paused for a moment as his mind processed what Chris was saying while fighting back his own fears and concerns. Finally slumping back in the chair, he sighed and looked Chris in the eye. “I guess I was kinda hard on him. Maybe I should call him tonight …let him know I wish him well.”

Now Chris sat back, nodding. “Good, I know it would mean a lot to him and there’s one more thing we can do, too….” Chris explained his plan and when he was finished, JD was wearing a smile on his face when he left the office.

Vin passed JD as he entered Chris’s office chuckling at the impromptu 'hi five' from the younger man as they passed and happily returned it.  He sat down in the chair JD had just vacated and rubbed a hand over his face.  ”It took some doin’, but we worked it out.”

“Tell me.”

“Aside for a few court appearances, we’re about done with the work on the terrorist cell we broke up. If we don’t accept any major cases for a while, unless our terror alert status changes, and clean up the local ones we have on the board, we can rotate our shifts so everyone has at least a day off. The biggest challenge is the assist request from the DPD with their Gang task force.”

Chris sat upright and rested his arms on the desk. “We need to focus on that one. They’re facing twelve dead in the past two weeks from gang-related activities. Travis got a personal request from the mayor for us to help out after number eight was hit.”

“They requested a two man team for their midnight to eight shifts, workin’ exclusively with the gang activity unit. I have Alex and Brad with ‘em tonight and then Guy and Justin tomorrow night. Since Ezra is actin’ Captain, I put Kelli and Raphael together on the Carter investigation, although Raphael will be out after Friday. He’s flying to Boulder with Selena and he won’t be back until late next week. Ez and I will float as replacements wherever necessary. Mark will be on call with Bandit twenty- four seven for the first week, two days off and then back on call. That leaves you, Nathan, and Josiah as backup when we need it. JD, too, if necessary, but I figured you wanted him to stay with workin’ on the CASSIE plans.” He handed Chris the printed schedule.

“I do,” Chris said, looking over the papers Vin handed him. “Selena’s last day here is Friday and Kat starts at the university on Monday. All in all it’s not an ideal situation, but we’ll make do.”

“Let’s hope it’s a quiet night in gangland,” Vin said with a hint of doubt in his voice.

Chris met his gaze, “You know nothing ever goes easy for us. Shit happens and usually one of ours is close by when it does.”

Buck rushed through the breakfast Inez had prepared for him. Pushing back from the table, he kissed each of the kids and said, “Caleb, Sarah, have a great day at school. Maria, you behave for Miss Sally at daycare and Tannis….” he paused by the highchair and grinned. “You, baby girl, just be good for your Mama.”

“Caleb, keep an eye on your sisters while I walk Daddy to the door,” Inez told him, slipping her arm around Buck’s waist. Once they were near the front door she said, “It’s five-thirty in the morning. I still don’t see why you have to leave so early.”

“I want to make sure I’m on time for my first day,” Buck said, drawing her closer for a kiss. “I’ll see you this afternoon.”

Inez laughed. “You can have cookies and milk with Caleb and Sarah when they come in.”

“Spending time with the kids and their beautiful mom early in the afternoon,” he said with a wide grin, letting his hand slip down to caress her backside. “That’s something I can get used to real fast.” Reluctantly he let her go.

“Have a good day, husband.” Inez watched as he headed for his truck and then went to the phone. Punching in a familiar number, she waited for an answer and said, “He’s on his way.” She hung up and returned to the kitchen, she still had three more to get off to school.

Buck had memorized the transportation schedule and knew he had more than enough time to drive to the park and ride, catch the bus to the west end and get to work. Preoccupied with his thoughts, he was surprised when he reached the main ranch gate and saw that it was blocked. Six men leaned against their parked vehicles, stationed in front of the gate. Smiles broke out when a cussing Buck exited his truck. “What the hell is this?”

Chris straightened and walked forward to meet him. He put his arm over Buck’s shoulder, drawing him into his circle of friends and asked, “You didn’t think we we’re gonna miss giving you a send off on your first day of school did you?”

“Aww hell, “Buck muttered as he looked at the smiling faces of his friends. He had to admit, at least to himself, he missed them already.

Josiah gave him a lunch pail. “It’s filled with all your favorite junk food, just in case you need it.”

Buck nodded as he took it. “After tasting the cafeteria food, I know I will.”

“Since I know you, and I won’t be there to help with your boo-boos, you may need this.” Nathan gave him a first aid kit.

Buck laughed softly. “Yep, you know me too well. Thanks Nate.”

Vin handed him a small gunnysack. “They’re apples for the teacher, one from each of us. Enjoy ‘em, Bucklin.”

Ezra sighed and approached Buck. “Appearances are everything, my friend.” He gave him an envelope. “My tailor has instructions to outfit you with three new jackets, prepaid of course. All you have to do is present this envelope to him and let him work his magic.”

“Thanks, Ez.” Buck was having difficulty finding his voice.

JD held onto a large package and set it into Buck’s hands. “This is from all of us. Like Ezra said about appearances, we figured you needed this. Something more suited for a white collar professional.” He helped Buck unwrap it and was pleased to see his mentor’s emotional reaction when he saw the leather briefcase personalized with his initials.

Buck swallowed hard before speaking. “I don’t know what to say, except thanks. You guys are … the best.”

“Hell, we know that.” Chris squeezed Bucks shoulder. “We’re here if you need anything… you remember that.”

Setting his gifts in his truck, Buck then hugged each one of them, saving JD for last. He whispered to him. “I’m as close as the telephone. Take care, Kid.”

“I will, you too” JD tried to control his own intense emotions. “Now get moving or you’ll be in the principal’s office on your first day for being late.”

“Yeah, I guess I’ll see you guys later.” Buck climbed into his truck and drove out though the gate. He glanced in his rear view mirror and saw the guys watching him drive off. For a brief moment, he questioned his decision to leave the team and wished he were there with them. But wasn't that the part of his life he wanted to change?

Chris’s cell phone rang and he stepped aside to answer it. After listening to a report from Alex, he turned to the others. “Alex and Brad caught a drive-by with a fatality while working with the Denver PD gang unit. Vin, you’re with me, Bones is en route and will meet us there. Ezra, you and JD get the rest of the team in gear for the day. Josiah, head over to DPD, grab the reports from the past two weeks of any gang activity, and start working up a profile for us.”

The men scattered to their vehicles. Vin shifted his gear over to Chris’s Ram and told him, “I need to swing by the house to leave my truck for Kel.”

“I’m right behind you.”

Vin parked and then ran inside the house to say goodbye to the kids. “Y’all behave in school today.”

“Daddy, we’re always good,” Andi said with a grin.

“Right,” he said, leaning down to kiss her forehead and then Jason’s. He grabbed Kelli around the waist for a longer kiss. “Hug the boys for me and I’ll see you at the office.”

“I’ll be in as soon as the orientation assembly is over at the school,” Kelli reminded him.

Tanner took a sharp breath. “Damn, I forgot. I…”

Kelli smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take notes and tell you all about it.” She walked with him to the door and stood on the porch. “Be careful out there.”

“Aren’t I always?” Vin answered with an impish grin.

She watched as he ran down the walkway and jumped into the Ram. Kelli stood there until he and Chris were out of sight. Glancing toward the horizon, she paused to view the meadow below the hill where she and Vin were married three years ago. Such a short time, yet it felt like a lifetime had passed since then. She loved Vin, the children, their home and the life they were building together…she could not imagine giving it up. Yet for a brief moment she had done just that…she gave up… and she had paid dearly for it Unexpectedly, warm tears filled her eyes and she hurriedly brushed them way. Before she could even consider asking Vin to forgive her, she had to find a way to forgive herself. The question was…how?

“Mama,” Andi yelled from inside the house, drawing her attention. “Where’s my book bag?”

Kelli turned and went back into the house, reached behind Andi’s chair and handed her the bag. “It’s right where you left it, little one. Now go and finish gettin’ ready for school, both of you. I still need to feed the boys and Max is on her way.”

Chris talked as he drove, “You know with both of you working and four kids, having one vehicle is not always convenient. Not that I mind you riding with me, but when do you plan to replace the Tahoe?”

“I finally broke down and ordered another SUV,” ‘Vin sighed. “Kelli watched the news footage and read the reports of all that happened while she was missin’. She also saw the pictures of her last truck when it was pulled out of the river,” he rambled on. “She didn’t want another Tahoe and I couldn’t get her to commit to what she does want or much of anythin’ else these days.”

Chris cast the younger man a quick glance. “I can’t complain about her work, but you two can’t keep going on not talking about what happened. I know you said it will take time, but have you taken a good look in the mirror lately? Your stress is showing, brother, and it has to be just as hard on Kel. If you don’t want to talk to Cait, then talk to Josiah or I can force Kel to go to counseling as a job requirement…”

“No, don’t…not yet. It may come to that, but …” he stopped. “Hell, who am I kiddin’? Kel refuses to talk about it and I haven’t been able to budge her. She’s havin’ nightmares about bein’ in that crypt and so am I…only in mine she and Trey are in the damn truck when it’s pulled out of the river. I thought gettin’ ‘em back alive would end my hell, but evidently it hasn’t.”

Chris paused, pursing his lips for a moment. “Do you think she’ll talk to me?”

The Texan shook his head. “I suggested it and got a definite no. She figures’ tellin’ you about the miscarriage is all you need to know.” Vin stuck his hands in his jacket pockets. “It’s not like we argue about it… hell, we don’t argue at all anymore. We haven’t been out alone since all this happened. Its just there between us… right under the surface all the time. The only place it’s not there is in bed when we….” He realized what he was about to say and knew Chris was not the one to discuss it with. “Anyway, it’s not enough. I want my impossible, stubborn to the bone Kel back, temper and all.”

Chris took a deep breath. He knew it had been difficult for them, but not to this extent. Obviously stressed, both Vin and Kelli had lost weight. He chose his words carefully. “Vin, I know how you feel about it, but if Kel won’t go to counseling, you need to. My daughter may want the world to think she is independent as hell, but you and I know she depends on you as an emotional barometer. I don’t want her to withdraw to the point she was before she met you anymore than you do. Talk to Josiah or at least let him recommend someone.” He signaled, pulled up and parked by the yellow tape surrounding the crime scene. “Give it some serious thought.”

Vin ducked his head in acknowledgement. “I will.”

Chris suddenly had another idea. “I owe Cait a dinner for all the help she’s given me with Grace and plan to take her out for her birthday next week. Why don’t you ask Kel to go and we’ll make it a foursome? Tell her, I’m out of practice with dating and need the moral support.”

“Good idea. It will be hard for her to refuse to help you. I’ll let you know,” Vin said as he opened the passenger door. Duty called, and their personal conversation ended.

Chris fought back his frustration while taking in yet another crime scene. This was the third time this week they’d been called out early to investigate a drive-by shooting this and he was getting damn tired of chasing empty leads. Someone out there was supplying guns to these kids and he wanted to nail the bastard before an all out war broke out on the streets of Denver.

An old car, covered with gang graffiti sat on the side of the road. Next to the vehicle, on the ground, was a body covered with a sheet. Bones was there, setting up to do a preliminary exam before sending the deceased to the morgue. Alex, who was watching for Chris to arrive, broke away from the other officers to meet him.

“Alex, what have we got?” Chris asked, while Vin continued walking to the scene of the shooting to examine the recovered bullets.

“Drive by hit and run, Sir. Our victim was apparently entering his vehicle when targeted by our unknown shooters. He didn’t stand a chance in hell of surviving, there were at least fifty rounds pumped into that car,” Alex reported. “We’ve canvassed the neighborhood and no one saw or heard anything they’ll admit to.”

“Do we know who he was and why his car is covered with gang graffiti?” Chris asked, as he scanned the area and took in the scene

“Hispanic male, mid fifties, name is…” Alex looked at his notes, “John Lopez. According to his neighbor, he’s a teacher at West End Junior High. He remembers him saying something earlier this week about vandals trashing his car at the school. Said it’s happened at least twice before, this year alone. Apparently he didn’t think it was necessary to be in a hurry about repairing the damage.”

Chris nodded, “And the rival gang took exception to it and decided to send a message.”

“It looks that way, Sir.” Alex confirmed.

Vin joined them. “They used a 7.63 AK-47 and a Mac-K5, over fifty rounds by the looks of it. I can guarantee the weapons are gonna be untraceable.”

Chris felt the tension building at the back of his neck. “Alex, pull the incident reports on the vandalism from the files and make me a copies.”

“Already tried, evidently Mister Lopez never filed a police report. I did manage to put together detailed information on the twelve…now thirteen homicides and noted the similarities in them. I think we may be able to connect at least seven of them to the same shooter.”

Chris straightened. “Good work. Head back to the office, give the information to Josiah and then you and Brad start your reports. I want to talk to Bones before we leave.” Alex acknowledged Chris’s words as an order and complied. Chris and Vin spent another forty minutes at the scene gathering information and then headed to the office themselves.

Buck sat at the desk in his small cubicle of an office and ran his hand over his face. It was the end of third period and nothing had gone as he expected so far with his new career. He already felt as if he had done a full day’s work. The kids in his classes were inattentive, complacent, and down right hostile towards authority. Already this morning he had intervened in three situations, which could have led to a fight among some of the students. Instead of seeing smiling faces, eager to learn and participate in team sports, he saw pent up anger and animosity. He did not feel like a teacher, he felt more like a beat cop with a new territory to police.

His assistant coach, Bill Patterson appeared in the doorway. “Rough morning, huh?”

“Yeah, it was. Is it always like this?”

“Pretty much,” Patterson answered. “Today has actually been a little mild compared to most. You take it as it comes and pray for the best.” He saw the weary look on Buck’s face and could relate to it. His own first week had been just as bad. “Come on. We have a free period. Let me give you the grand tour of the teacher’s lounge.”

“Lead on,” Buck said and followed Bill out of the gym.

Entering the room, Buck picked up bits of a very animated and heated conversation between Larry Oliver and Mary Williams, another teacher. Obviously, they were in disagreement about something and he heard John Lopez’s name mentioned.

“Hey Larry,” Buck interrupted attempting to diffuse the argument. “I’ve almost made it through my first week and I’m still standing.”

Larry turned to him and snapped. “You’re doing better than John. Thanks to the lack of backbone with our school administrators, he’s not.”

“That’s not a fair statement, Larry. I don’t like what happened anymore than you do, but you know it’s better not to rock the boat or we’ll all drown.” Mary argued.

“Bull! We put up with this crap because no one will take a stand,” Larry responded.

“What happened with John?” Buck asked, looking to Larry for an answer.

“You haven’t heard? He’s dead. Shot down like a dog by a gang this morning,” Larry shouted. “It could have been any one of us. These kids get a revolving pass from the principal’s office, suspension, back to school, and then they’re in trouble again. I know some of our students had to be involved.”

“If you believe a student from this school is responsible, you should tell the police.” Buck advised.

Larry handed him a piece of paper and said, “Read it. The principal, with the backing of the school board warns against discussing John with the police or the media. They say we can’t afford a big scandal about school violence or we could risk losing our federal funding.”

“Better to lose funding than your life,” Buck countered. “If any of you know something you should report it.”

“I don’t know about the rest of you, but I need my paycheck. “ Mary huffed. “I won’t get involved.”

Bill Patterson glanced at Buck apprehensively. “We have to follow school policy.”

Several others around the room murmured the same refrain. No one was willing to risk getting involved. Buck realized that he should have called in the vandalism Monday before John left, but too wrapped up in his own problems, he truthfully did not think about it. At the very least he should have made a report himself later…he just did not want Inez or the guys to know things were not going the way he expected. If only… he inhaled deeply. *Okay, Buck, so what are you going to do now?*

Chris strode into the room and took his place at the table, wasting no time in starting the meeting. Placing his notepad on the desk, he flipped it open. “We have a lot to cover, so let’s begin. First off, we will be operating on a modified schedule until further notice, unless our national terror threat level is raised.” He nodded to Gunny when she set a cup of coffee in front of him. “Moving along, Raphael, you or Kelli have anything to give us on the Carter investigation?”

“We’ve been chasing this guy’s ghost most of the week and at the moment he’s in the wind,” Raphael answered when Kelli didn’t. “However, we made sure the right contacts know we want to talk to him, so I suppose we have to wait and see.”

Chris nodded. “Kel, since Raphael will be gone next week, you’ll be working with me on this case starting Monday.” He flipped his notepad to the next page, ignoring the look of surprise on Kelli’s face. “I had a long discussion with Captain Richards of the DPD gang unit today. We will continue to lend him a two man team each night until this latest eruption of gang violence simmers down.” He looked up. “Justin, I believe you and Guy are up tonight.”

“Yes, Sir,” Justin said. “We’ll be meeting him at their surveillance van at midnight.”

“Ezra, you and Nathan will take tomorrow night.” Chris shuffled his papers and then continued. “The death of John Lopez this morning appears to be linked to at least seven of the twelve homicides related to gang activity over the past two weeks. Alex gathered some very good information for us to work with and helping the DPD quell the current unrest will be our priority. JD, you did the research on him. What do we know?”

JD had been about ready to explode with the facts he dug up about John Lopez and where that information led him. “Lopez taught history at West End Junior High for the past three years. He lived alone, everyone in the neighborhood liked him, and he had no close family. According to his neighbors, and by looking at his insurance reports, this was not the first time his car had been vandalized; in fact it was the third time this year, and had happened at least five times last year. Knowing that, I took a look at the school, and found some disturbing facts.”

“We know it’s in a bad part of town and most of the kids who attend there come from one of the highest crime rated parts of the city.” Vin offered. “I ought to know, I lived close to there for a long time.”

“We remember,” Chris was quick to say. “It took us six years to talk you into moving.” While he was relieved when Vin finally made the move, Chris knew Tanner still kept in touch with ‘his kids’ from the old neighborhood. Most importantly, Vin understood their challenges and cared about their future.

“Did you know it’s the same school Buck was assigned to?” JD dropped his bombshell and waited for everyone’s reaction. He was not disappointed.

“Aww hell,” Vin groaned. “Buck’s too softhearted when it comes to kids. Those kids will break him before he knows what hit him. “

“JD, are you sure?” Chris asked, as a small inkling of unease began to twist in his gut.

Dunne nodded. “Yeah, I am. I also did some digging and found out he replaced a coach who was stabbed the day before school let out for the holidays. The suspected number of kids in that school with gang affiliations is staggering. Lopez’s car had to have been spray painted on campus. Why he didn’t report it I don’t know.” He sighed and rushed ahead with more. “The assaults on teachers there are high and over the past year more than a hundred assorted weapons have been confiscated from students. I also did some other research. According to current reports, one out of every eight students carries some form of weapon to school, and on any given day, one hundred thousand assaults against children happen on school grounds. Additionally, five thousand teachers are threatened with physical assault daily and two hundred are actually attacked.”

“Why aren’t we hearing more about it?” Ezra asked.

JD continued. “After the Columbine shooting every eye in the country has been on Colorado. Personally, I think it’s unfair because something like that can happen anywhere, anytime…but the news of violence in schools is kept low-keyed to eliminate panic, when actually it’s increasing. I have stats from all over that say it’s become a freaking epidemic. I can tell you…”

“We get the picture, JD.” Nathan said, shaking his head. “I didn’t realize it had spread to junior high though.”

“Not just in junior high,” Kelli spoke up. “I attended another parent’s assembly this mornin’ at the elementary school and they gave us information on gang activity with kids as young as eight-years-old. Two students, one only in the fifth grade and another in sixth, attacked two teachers this year. The whole purpose of the meetin’ was to tell us about new rules going into force within the younger grades to toughen their policies.”

“You think we should be worried about Buck?” JD tried to make his question sound more professional than personal, but he needed to hear some reassurance that he wasn't jumping to conclusions. He looked toward the profiler as he spoke.

“Buck can handle himself and should be okay physically, especially with his experience. I’d be more worried about his spirit. Facing violence every day in an environment which is supposed to be in a safe zone is hard to adjust to.” Josiah stated. “From the files I have looked over, I would suspect that most of what we’re seeing over the last couple of weeks can be tied to that school in some way or damn close to it.”

“Are you saying junior high kids are responsible for over a dozen deaths?” Brad was astounded. “We’re talking thirteen and fourteen-year- olds.”

“As of now that’s where it all points to or at the very least to their involvement to some degree,” Josiah said regretfully. “I think we should interview the staff and then possibly some of the students.”

Chris slowly exhaled. “At this point we are still on assist status with the Gang Task Force. Josiah, you, and JD will be working together. Arrange the set up at the school, offer a list of questions that need asking, and try to arrange to be the interviewers. Vin, you know more about the gangs in that area than most of us, so you take the lead on this one for MCAT’s part of the operation. Mark, I’m sure you and Bandit will come into play on this too. I’ll give Buck a heads up that we’re going to be around.”

Josiah, Mark, and Vin nodded. JD was relieved to hear that he would be involved. Buck had always kept an eye on him over the years, now it was his turn to keep watch over Buck.

Chris raised his voice slightly to regain the team’s attention. “One more thing before we finish. We reluctantly have to say good-bye to one of our teammates. Most of you know today is Selena’s last day with us. She’s to be married next week and the lucky man is a Commander in the Navy. Selena, we wish you the best and we will miss you. I promise we’ll keep an eye on your dad for you since I understand your future husband is to be stationed in Greece for the next two years and that’s where you will be living.” Chris pulled out an envelope, which held a card and a sizable cashier’s check. “We pooled our resources and wanted to give you this.” he handed the envelope to her.

Selena opened it and smiled. “Thanks, to all of you. When I came here I expected to be around a lot longer but well…then I met Doug…”

Kelli grinned, “And he rocked your world.”

Selena grinned back at her. “Yeah, he did. I am going to miss you all though,” she said looking at her dad. “I will never forget how it felt to be a part of this team.”

“When you move back to the states, let me know,” Chris said. “We may have an opening.” He stood. “Vin, you get with Josiah, JD, and Mark to make your plans. Kel, I’d like to see you in my office for a minute. The rest of you are dismissed.”

Kelli followed Chris to his office and waited for him to tell her why.

“I just wanted to let you know while Vin handles the school, you and I are going on a Carter hunt. If you would leave me your notes before you go home, I’ll read over them tonight. I’ll pick you up at six sharp, Monday morning so we can get on the road bright and early. We’ll check out some of his old hangouts and former addresses.”

She nodded. “Is that all you wanted?” she hesitantly asked. She was afraid he would try to bring up counseling again and really did not want to have that conversation.

“Was there something else we needed to discuss?” Chris waited, hoping she might take the opportunity to talk to him.

“No, “she answered. “I’ll drop the notes off as I leave.”

“That’s all I wanted.” Her relief was too obvious, but Chris hid his disappointment as he watched her make an exit. Since Vin had finally admitted how hard it was with them, Chris had begun to notice the small details about his daughter’s behavior he had missed. Yes, she could do her job, thanks to years of conditioned training, but she was not as forthcoming as she had been and her nervousness about talking to him was apparent.

Chris decided to bide his time. Over the course of the Carter investigation, he would have plenty of opportunities to observe her without being obvious about it. He was determined to find a way to help her and Vin, whether they wanted his help or not. In the meantime he reached for the phone and dialed Buck’s number…he should be home by now.

Buck answered on the third ring, “Wilmington Palace.”

Chris chuckled, “Am I to assume I am speaking to the King?”

“Damn straight you are. What can I do for you, Chris?”

“We need to talk…”

Vin vigorously brushed Peso. It seemed he had a lot of extra time to work with the horses on the weekends lately. He was at a loss when it came to figuring out what Kelli needed or expected from him. The only thing he was certain of was that he had to find a way to reach beyond the wall she had built around her emotions.

“You spend too much time in this place.” Chris walked into the barn, set on having a serious talk with Vin. He was worried about him and Kelli, and wanted to do something to help. The problem was he was not sure how to go about it. “Want some help?”

“Nah, I’m done.” Vin laid the brush down. “I was just killin’ time.”

Chris nodded. “Is Kel up at the house?”

“Yep,” he sighed, Chris was an easy read. He wanted to continue their discussion from the other day and fix things. He needed to realize there was no easy fix for the problems he and Kelli were going through. “She goes out of her way to avoid me. We talk, but not about anythin’ serious and any topic related to Ice, or what happened in that crypt are strictly off-limits.”

“You broke through her barriers once. Why is now any different?”

“Damnit, don’t you think I’ve tried to figure it out?” Vin slammed the tack room door shut. “When we first met, all I had to do was get her to trust me…now…” he shook his head. “It’s not a matter of trust, it’s...distance. We may have pulled her out of the hellhole Ice left her in, but a part of Kelli is still trapped there and I think she blames me for not findin’ her and Trey sooner. If I had maybe…maybe we would not have lost the baby.”

Chris reacted immediately. ”Neither of you are to blame for that! Hell, I’m the one who should shoulder the blame. It was me Ice wanted to hurt, she used the people I care about most to do it.”

“You’re not responsible for what that bitch did. She was a psychopath, who didn’t give a damn about the consequences of her actions.”

“Yes she was, and you need to listen to yourself.” Chris closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Look, I’m not a counselor or an expert, but the hell Ice created for all us is all on her.” He squeezed Vin’s shoulder. “As for Kel, I don’t believe it’s you she has a problem with. Whatever demons she’s fighting, she’s afraid to let you see them.”

“Hell, she knows she doesn’t have to hide anythin’ from me or at least she should know.” Vin thought about it. “You might be right; but I won’t give up on her, Chris, ever. We‘ll have to weather this storm the best we can and then pick up the pieces when it’s over.”

”I’ll do whatever I can to help. You don’t have to do it alone.” Chris decided he had said enough for now. “I’m going to meet Buck at Camp Larabee, but I’ll be around if you need me.”

Vin walked out with Chris and told him “Tell Buck I’ll catch him later. I think I’ll go find Kel.”

Buck added another twenty pounds to the barbell and then lifted it again. The one thing he had discovered about his new job was that he needed to stay in shape to keep up with his students. Working out also relieved some of the tension he’d accumulated since yesterday. Sweat poured off his body from his workout, but he still felt responsible in some way for John’s death. Instead of doing the right thing, he let his pride rule his thinking and stayed silent.

“Hey Chris,” Buck set the barbell down to greet him when he entered the weight room. “Thanks for meeting me here. I didn’t want to talk with Inez around.”

“You sounded serious when I told you the guys planned to interview the teachers. You ready to tell me why?” Chris sat down on one of the weight benches.

Buck sat next to him. “We’ve been warned not to talk to the police.” He reached into his jacket pocket and handed the warning letter to Chris. “I don’t know why they’re so scared, but it’s a strange situation at West End. I think whoever does the interviewing is gonna hit a brick wall.”

“I appreciate the heads up, but why so secretive about this?” Chris watched Buck, hoping to find out what was really bothering him.

Sighing deeply, Buck confessed, “I was with John the day his car was vandalized. They hit my truck too. I know I should have insisted we call the police and make a report, but I didn’t want you and the others to know my great job had some serious drawbacks. Bottom line, if I made a report, John might still be alive.”

“John Lopez did not make a report because it was the third time this year it had happened to him. One more report and he’d lose his insurance. He made the decision to keep quiet about it, Buck, not you. Unfortunately, it cost him his life.”

Buck nodded, “Thanks for telling me about it.”

“Let it go, Sport.” Chris stood. “Now take a shower and come up to the house with me. I’ll buy you a beer.”

“You’re on. Give me five minutes to clean up.” Buck headed for the shower and felt the weight of guilt slide off his shoulders along the way.

Vin finally caught Kelli alone and he was not going to let the opportunity to talk to her slip away. She was coming out of their bedroom and he stopped her at the door. “Baby, we need to talk.”

Kelli tried to scoot past him, “Now is not a good time, I need to check on the boys.”

“I just looked in on them, they’re asleep.” Reaching out, he gently closed his hand over her arm. “I know you’re avoidin’ me, but damnit we can’t keep doing this forever.”

Sucking in her breath, Kelli froze. She knew it was only a matter of time before Vin figured out it was her fault that Ice grabbed her and Trey, and her fault they’d lost their baby. Worst of all she had lost faith in him and had broken a sacred promise. Once he realized how weak she was, he’d hate her for it and walk out the door. Not that she could blame him, but please God, don’t let it be today.

The pain he saw in her eyes broke his heart, knowing he could not erase it made him angry. “Kel,” he said softly, drawing her closer. “We can do this; you just need to let me in. Talk to me.”

Kelli pulled away from him. “There is nothin’ to talk about. You can’t change the past anymore than I can, it is the way it is. Don’t push for somethin’ I can’t give.”

“What the hell does that mean?’ Vin released her. “I don’t give a damn about the past. I want today, tomorrow, and the rest of our lives! Are you saying you don’t want it too?”

Want it? Hell, yes, she wanted it; she wanted Vin, wanted their life back the way it was. She wanted to make love to her man, be intimate with him, physically and mentally. It was all Kelli thought about, but it was gone. The chasm between them was widening and she had no idea how to bridge it.

Once more, Vin attempted to pull her close, but Kelli ducked away. "Baby..."

Kelli snapped around to face him. "WHAT? What do you want from me? Does it always have to be physical for you? If you want sex just say so, but do not use the pretense of talkin’ to get it.”

“God dammit Kel, that’s not what I said!” He snapped in anger, and immediately realized he had screwed up any hope of having a reasonable conversation with his wife.

“That’s too Goddamn bad because it’s what I heard.” If this was the end for them, she wanted something to remember. To Vin's surprise, Kelli fisted the back of his hair and kissed him fiercely on the mouth, almost drawing blood.

Whatever he had in mind to say was lost, replaced by shock. What had he done?

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