Resemblance

by SN

Disclaimer: Not mine, never were, never will be

Notes/Comments: This is my first fic, so even if it isn't good please lie and say it is. I would also like to thank Marla and Leslie for coming up with the Darlin' Challenge.


ONE
"Chris, you know this is the only way to figure out their plan.

" I don't know J...."

"I can do this," JD interrupted. "I'm the only one who can... and you know it."

Damn kid is too smart for his own good. But he's right. Chris looked away briefly, gathering his  swirling thoughts. After a long moments pause, he returned his gaze to JD, staring intently into the kid's hazel eyes and imparting his patented "look".... the one that told JD that Chris was deadly serious and that he better pay close attention to what the Seven's leader was about to say, "It's dangerous."

" I know."

" You won't have anyone to watch your back."

"I know."

"All right," sighing Chris looked at the young man before him, so full of life and brimming with confidence. Chris knew that this was going to be tough on all of them, especially Buck. And JD? Despite the kid's emphatic claims that he understood the risk, Chris also knew this would be hardest on him...and what made it even worse, was...that he 'd be on his own.

+ + + + + + +

Chris could still recall that day last week when the FBI paid him a visit.....

"I'm looking for Agent Chris Larabee" a tall lean man stated, stopping at Ezra's desk.

"May I inquire as to who you are and why you are seeking the whereabouts of Mr. Larabee?"

"And you would be?"

"Agent Standish. Sir, you have failed to respond to the question I posed to you. Who are you and why do you wish to ascertain the location of Mr. Larabee?" Ezra stated a bit louder gaining the attention of Vin and JD who were also in the office.

"That is ‘need to know´ information, and right now you don't need to know. So I'll ask you again, where can I find Agent Larabee?" The man asked, starting to get angry.

"So mister but we don't allow anyone to see Chris unless we know who they are and what they want." Came Vin's soft drawl from behind.

" As I said before, that is ‘need to know´ information..."

" I suggest that if you want my help you'll show more respect to my agents. We don't have any secrets here, so whatever you need to say to me, you can say in front of them," Chris stated walking toward the group. He heard the commotion outside and opened the door to see a strange man arguing with his friends.

" Agent Larabee?"

" Yes, and you would be?"

"FBI agent Eric Sanders. I need to speak to you alone concerning an important case."

"I already told you that we have no secrets. Whatever you say to me can be said in front of my men." Chris said with a slight growl to his voice.

"Please sir, it will only take a moment. If you decide to go ahead with what I have to say, then you can tell your men. But for now I wish to speak to you alone." Sanders wished that he didn't have to be alone in a room with Larabee. He wondered just how many people were intimidated by the glare that he was now receiving. No wonder Team 7 had the best record. The criminals probably surrendered just by catching a glimpse of Larabee. The other three agents looked as though they could be just as intimidating.

"Alright. Follow me."

"Thank you." Sanders replied following Chris into his office.

"What do ya suppose he wants?" JD asked to no one in particular.

" I don't know JD, but I reckon Chris will tell us soon." Vin said getting back to work.

"Yeah, I guess you´re right" JD replied glancing at the closed door before he also went back to work.

+ + + + + + +

"So, Agent Sanders is it? What exactly do you want from me?"

"It's not what I want, it's who."

"I don't understand."

"I need one of your agents for an assignment."

"And which one would that be?” Chris asked.

"JD Dunne."

"JD? Why JD?" Chris asked, getting an uneasy feeling in his stomach.

"What do you know about Victor Salvatore?"

"I know that he's the head of one of the biggest mob families in the city. We've done some surveillance on him, but weren't able to get anything."

"What do you know about his family?"

"His wife died a few years ago, and he has a son Michael."

"He had a son named Michael."

"What do you mean ‘had´?"

"Two weeks ago he went on a ski trip and hadn't been seen since, until last week when his body was found in the woods."

"I don't remember hearing about any of this on the news."

"Victor likes to keep things as quiet as possible. Thanks to our snitches, we were able to discover that Michael had been kidnapped. We kept the press away from the woods to prevent them broadcasting the fact that we found the body. We don't want Victor to know

right now that his only child is dead."

"I still don't see what this has to do with JD," Chris replied.

"This is a picture of Michael Salvatore," Agent Sanders said taking the picture from the folder he was carrying.

"My God!" Chris gasped.

"As you can see, Agent Dunne bears an uncanny resemblance to the deceased."

"They could be twins" Chris replied, just recovering from the shock of looking at the picture in front of him.

"Exactly."

"So I'm guessing that you want JD to impersonate Michael Salvatore."

"Yes. As I stated before, Victor Salvatore is extremely angry over the disappearance of his son and our snitches informed us that he's planning a big war to get answers. We, of course, want to prevent that from happening. Plus there is news that a major arms shipment is coming into the States via Victor. We need to know when and where."

"Why can't your snitches find out this information?"

"They're good, but not that good."

"What makes you think that this war won't go on even if JD impersonates his son? Or, that Salvatore will tell him anything about the arms deal?"

"There would be no reason for Salvatore to have the war once his son is safely back with him. As for the arms deal, there is no reason to believe that 'Michael' will be excluded from the conversation. After all, he was supposed to take over once his father died."

“And what reason are you going to give for 'Michael´s' sudden reappearance?" Chris asked, still not liking the situation.

"He was caught in an avalanche, developed amnesia, found himself in a wine shop, spotted a bottle with his family's name on it, and everything came rushing back."

"And what about how Michael was killed?"

"Well uh...um.. you see we don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?!!" Chris practically shouted causing Sanders to flinch.

"Well you see we know he was shot, but we haven't had time to find a weapon."

"What makes you think that whoever killed Michael won't try to kill JD?"

"The person that killed Michael was from another mob family. Victor is going to watch Michael so closely that no one will be able to hurt him. So Agent Larabee can he do it?"

"I have to talk about it with the rest of my men," Chris replied.

"There are just two problems. One, he has to be ready in four days."

"And the other?" Chris asked knowing he would hate the answer.

"He has to go in alone."

"Damn," Chris replied.

Chris hated the idea of sending any of his men into a situation alone, especially JD. JD was the 'kid'; the younger 'brother' the team always wanted but never had, and like a son to some of the team. Chris really didn't want him to be a part of this assignment, but he knew that he had to give JD the chance to decide. JD may look sixteen, but he certainly didn't act like it when it came to his job. He was extremely intelligent, and his computer

skills were beyond compare. Chris had the opportunity to work with many kinds of men throughout his career in law enforcement, and most of them didn't even come close to exhibiting the kind of spirit and courage that JD did.

He couldn't even begin to fathom what he would do if something bad happened to JD. It would be like losing Adam all over again.

"Agent Larabee will you let him do it? Agent Larabee?" Eric Sanders interrupted Chris' thoughts.

"What? Oh. I'll let you know in two hours."

"Two hours!! But...But..."

"I said two hours," Chris growled.

"Yes, of course." Agent Sanders stammered. "I'll see you then."

+ + + + + + +

"Hey Chris, what's up?" Vin asked as Chris approached the men at 'work.' They really tried to get some work done, but the periodic shouts from Chris' office ruined that plan.

"I need to speak to all of you in Conference Room A."

"Mr. Larabee, are we to assume the reason for this impromptu meeting has to do with the tête-à-tête that you just had Agent Sanders?" Ezra asked.

"Yes."

Not for the first time that day did Chris wish that Nathan, Josiah, and Buck hadn't had to go to that week long seminar in Buffalo. He really wanted the opinion of all his men, but had to make do with just the three remaining.

"So Chris, what did that guy want?" JD asked once they were in the conference room.

"Actually JD he wanted you."

"Me?"

"JD?" All three men responded at the same time.

"Yes, you."

"What pray tell is the nature of the assignment that requires the assistance of Mr. Dunne?" Ezra asked.

"Apparently JD bares a strong resemblance to the recently deceased Michael Salvatore, and the FBI want JD to impersonate him to prevent a mob war and gain info on an arms deal that is set to go down. I'm sure the FBI will tell you more if you decide to accept the case, JD."

"Pardon me Mr. Larabee, but will we not arise the suspicions of Mr. Salvatore if his deceased son should suddenly turn up alive?"

"Salvatore doesn't know he's dead. The kid went on a ski trip two weeks ago and never came back; Salvatore thinks he's been kidnapped. The Feds just found the body in the woods."

"Just how strong is the resemblance?" Vin asked. He didn't like the idea of JD going into a dangerous situation any more than Chris did.

"Extremely strong," Chris replied taking out the picture that Sanders left him.

"Oh my heavens!!"

"Wow!!"

"That..that..that's me!"

"Yeah, that was my reaction too," Chris said. "There are a few more things that I need to tell you about the case before you make your decision JD. A) You only have four days to get ready, and B) You have to go in without any backup."

For a few minutes the room was totally quiet, and then JD spoke. "I'll do it."

"Hang on a sec, JD," Vin said. "You should at least hear what the FBI has to say before you make up your mind."

"For once I have to concur with Mr. Tanner."

"There's nothing to think about guys. I can do this, I have to do this" JD replied.

"You don't gotta do nothing, JD."

"You're wrong Vin, I do. Salvatore is planning a mob war if he doesn't get his son back. A lot of innocent people could get hurt or killed, not to mention the people that would get hurt or killed if that arms deal happens."

"First of all, Mr. Dunne, I would hardly classify people associated with the mob as innocent. Secondly, do you not realize what a dangerous situation you will be in? You will not have the assistance of your comrades if you choose to partake in this assignment."

"So, I've done undercover assignments before," JD shrugged.

"Yeah, kid, but you've always had someone to watch your back; and ya ain't ever joined the mob," Vin stated.

Chris had remained silent as the conversation was carried out before him. He was glad that Vin and Ezra felt the same way that he did; of course, he knew they would. He also knew that JD had made up his mind; once he did that, come hell or high water, nothing was going to change it. He wasn't wrong about that thought either.

"I don't need anybody to watch my back!! I can take care of myself!! Chris said it was my decision, so I'm going to do it. You guys can either help me or leave me alone. It's your choice!" JD shouted as he stormed out of the conference room slamming the door behind him.

"Mr. Larabee, please tell me that you are not entertaining the idea of allowing JD to participate in this undercover endeavor?"

"Yes."

"Ya can't be serious?" Vin responded.

"Why not? JD's an adult capable of making his own decisions."

"But he could get hurt."

"Don't you think I know that??!! I hate sending JD into God knows what, just as much as you do. All I've been thinking about are the terrible things that could happen to him. I also know that JD would never forgive us if we stopped him from doing this. He would always feel that he wasn't good enough or that we didn't trust him. So, we either show JD our support him, or we let him go into this assignment thinking we don't have any confidence in him. He would never question one of us doing this, so we shouldn't question him."

"Well gentlemen, let us go forth and help young Mr. Dunne prepare for his mission. Although, Mr. Larabee, I would like to pose an important question."

"What Ezra?"

"What do you plan on telling Mr. Wilmington?"

"The truth. But only when he gets back of course."

"Of course," Ezra said as the men left the conference room.

+ + + + + + +

"Hey, JD."

"Listen you guys, I'm really not in the mood to go another round with you. I know you're not happy with me taking this assignment but..."

"We're sorry about giving you a hard time. It's just that we care about you and we don't want to see anything bad happen to ya."

"I know that Vin, I'm not a baby. I can do this."

"We know that, JD, and we don't mean to treat you like one," Chris said. "So will you let us help you get ready?"

"You bet" JD said with a huge smile spreading across his face.

"So, Agent Larabee have you made your decision yet?" Agent Sanders asked.

"I," JD said in a firm voice, "have decided to accept the assignment."

God why are people always doing that? Why do they always ask other people questions about me like I'm not in the room??!!! JD thought to himself.

"Wonderful, Agent Dunne. Since time is of the essence I suggest we get started right away. If you'll show me to one of your conference rooms we can begin."

"Agent Sanders is it? I hope you understand that although we have come to the consensus to allow Mr. Dunne to partake in this undercover assignment we will be involved in preparation."

"Huh?"

"We're involved with what ya tell JD," Vin replied in a tone that indicated that there was no room for argument.

"I...I... I wouldn't have it any other way," Sanders stammered.

Mother was right, Sanders thought to himself. Give me high school students any day. It would certainly be easier facing them down than facing this team.

"So which conference room would you like to work in?" Sanders asked still trying to find his voice.

"We will be most comfortable in Conference Room A," Ezra responds with a sly grin.

"Thank you Agent..ur.."

"Standish. Ezra Standish."

+ + + + + + +

"Now, Agent Dunne, first things first. You're going to need to get a haircut," Sanders said once they were in the conference room.

"Just how short are we talking?" JD asked in a dreaded voice.

"Very. Victor Salvatore would not allow Michael to have long hair."

"Couldn't we say it grew while 'he' had amnesia?" JD pleaded.

"I'm sorry, but no. Hair like yours would probably take longer than two weeks to grow."

"Who says that miracles do not happen? I have tried for years to convince my associates to get haircuts. They never accepted my advice then, I guess you have no choice now Mr. Dunne."

"Look on the bright side JD, you was just sayin' how ya wanted a haircut. Here's your chance."

"Shut up Vin, besides I said I wanted a trim... I don't want a haircut!!!"

"Mr. Tanner, I cannot understand why you are teasing Mr. Dunne, you are also in need of a haircut. May I propose that both of you gentlemen go to my stylist Armond. He is the proprietor of a wonderful salon on Main Street."

"I don't need no haircut," JD responded. "Especially from some sissy barber."

"Do ya know how long it took me to get my hair this long? There ain't no way I'm going to cut it now!"

"I'll have you know that Armond is not a sissy stylist 'Mr. Dunne.' He does wonderful work for the more sophisticated, but alas look who I am speaking to."

"Enough!!" Chris snapped. " You don't have a lot of time to get ready for this assignment, JD. I suggest you stop your whining and pay attention."

"Sorry Chris."

"Anyway, you´re going to tell Victor Salvatore that you were caught in an avalanche and got amnesia, and that is why you were gone for so long. That should prevent the mob war. As for the second part of your assignment we want you to get information with the arms deal set to go down. We think that Salvatore is going to sell weapons to Israel, Palestine, Cuba, maybe even in the U.S."

"Don't ya know?" Vin asked.

"No, that's why we need Agent Dunne's help. We need to know who Salvatore is going to sell the weapons to, when, and where."

"How, may I ask, do you plan on Mr. Dunne relaying this information since he will be going into this dire situation without the assistance of his fellow team members?"

"He'll be sending us e-mails through a special account. However, they will be one way so you can't send him any. We wouldn't want to arise the suspicions of anybody," Sanders replied, hoping that he answered the agent's question correctly. God that man talked funny. "So Agent Dunne are you ready to learn about Michael Salvatore?"

"You bet."

"Good. We'll start with Vincent Palmero," Sanders said taking out pictures from his briefcase. "He's Salvatore's right hand man and he will be involved in all the meetings. Next we have Thomas Barrone who is a rival mob boss. He often cuts in on Salvatore's deals. Then there is Sonny Puglisi, Frank Viti, and Carmine Pignataro who are guards of the Salvatore family. They all think of Michael as a little brother. Do you think that you can make them feel the same way about you?"

"Agent Sanders, I assure you that Mr. Dunne will not have any difficulty acting like a surrogate little brother. It is an area in which he is an expert," Ezra answered for JD.

"Great, now Agent Dunne, we'll go over the layout of the house. Now.."

"Excuse me Agent Larabee, I'm sorry to interrupt but Agent Wilmington is on the phone he wants to talk to Agent Dunne," Erika Nagel, Team 7's secretary said.

"Tell Agent Wilmington that we..."

"Tell him that JD will be there in a minute," Chris shot a deadly glare at Sanders. "Buck is JD's roommate, JD won't get a chance to say goodbye before he leaves, so he's going to talk to him now," Chris growled.

"OK, but don't take too long."

+ + + + + + +

"Hey Buck, wuz up?"

"I'm fine, JD. How about you?"

"Couldn't be better."

"Erika said that you were having some type of meeting, what's goin' on?"

"Oh we're just going over reports; so how's Buffalo?"

"Cold. I don't think it's stopped snowing since we got here. Of course I found some pretty fillies to keep me warm," Buck chuckled.

"You would Buck."

"You should try the food here it's awesome. I think that I gained fifteen pounds since I've been here. Their chicken wings are to die for. Did you know they started here? If you're good I'll bring you a bucket back. That is if Josiah doesn't eat them all first. Ow, I was just kidding Josiah, can't you take a joke? Sorry about that, JD."

"It's OK."

"Hey JD are you OK?"

"I'm fine," JD lied.

"You sure?"

"I'm just tired, after all I've had to do some of your work on top of mine."

"If you´re sure..."

"I'm fine Buck. Really. Listen Chris is giving me one of his deadly glares so I gotta get going."

"Bye JD, see ya in a few days."

"Bye Buck."

JD really hated lying to Buck, but he know there was no other choice. Buck would throw a fit and would probably jump on the next flight home to stop him. JD had to do this assignment, he had to prove to the others that he was just as worthy of being on the team as they were.

For the next four days JD poured over the information learning everything he could about the house he was going to stay at, the men that he was going to see, and Michael Salvatore.

+ + + + + + +

Now here Chris was four days later, getting ready to send JD into an extremely dangerous situation. Chris thought that he could handle this, but now he was having second, third, even fourth thoughts.

"Chris. Chris. Yo, Earth to Chris," JD said.

"What??? Sorry JD."

"It's OK. So I guess this is it."

"Yep. Listen JD, be careful."

"I know. I know."

"One more thing."

"What?" JD asked somewhat irritated.

"Good luck."

"Thanks," JD said giving one of his trademark smiles. "Chris, take care of Buck."

"I will." Chris replied before shutting the cab door. Then the cab and JD were gone.

"Please God let him come out of this OK."

"Don't worry Chris, he will," Vin said.

"I hope so Vin, I hope so."

+ + + + + + +

The cab pulled in front of the mansion and a guard approached the car.

"State your name and...Michael you´re back!!!" A very big and intimidating man said.

"Hey, Sonny, how are you?"

"Good, where have you been? Your father has been looking everywhere for you!!"

"It's a long story; I'll tell you later. Is he home?"

"Yeah, I'll let him know you´re back."

"No!! I want it to be a surprise."

"Oh, he'll be surprised alright," Sonny replied letting the car through.

+ + + + + + +

"I can do this, I can do this," he repeated all way before ringing the doorbell.

"Greetings, how may I... Oh my word!!"

"Is there something wrong Reginald?" A voice from behind the butler asked.

"Hi Dad, I'm home."

"Michael!!! My son, oh my precious boy has returned to me," Victor Salvatore cried out while embracing his 'son.' "Where have you been? I've had my people searching everywhere for you."

"It's a long story."

"One that you will tell me right now. Reginald bring us some coffee in the parlor."

"Well, remember that ski trip that I went on?"

"Yes, you had been planning it for months."

"Well when I was on the slopes there was an avalanche, I got caught in it and was knocked unconscious; when I woke up I had amnesia. I didn't have identification so nobody knew who I was; then a few days ago I was in a wine shop and saw a bottle that looked familiar... I picked it up, and everything came back to me."

"I called the lodge they said you never checked in."

"It was a decoy. I know that we were having some problems with the other families, so I checked into a different lodge and used a different name in case they tried to use me as a way to get to you. I was going to call you and tell you this, but the slopes looked so beautiful when I got there, that I ended up going skiing right away; then the avalanche hit." JD answered hoping that Salvatore was buying his story.

"That was very foolish of you son, but the most important thing is that you are home. I will never let anything bad happen to you again, I love you my son," Salvatore said with tears streaming down his face.

"I love you too, Dad," JD replied walking over and embracing the man.

"For a while, I thought that Barrone had something to do with your disappearance. I was going to get some answers in a way that would have been most unpleasant for him. I'm pleased that I no longer have to do that."

"So am I, Dad. Listen, I'm a little tired from the trip. Do you mind if I get a little rest?"

"By all means. I'll have Reginald wake you when it is time for dinner. God, its good to have you back son," Salvatore said it with so much emotion that JD couldn't help but feel sorry for him. It was going to break his heart when he found out that his son was really dead. Get a grip JD. It's not like he's an innocent victim. I'm sure he's killed other people's children.

"Now lets see if I remember this right. Michael's room is the third door on the right," JD said walking up the stairs. "Please, God, don't make me be wrong."

JD opened the door very cautiously, and let out a sigh of relief that he had chosen the right room.

"Now to let everyone know that I'm in," JD said going over to the computer.

"Okay....password. That shouldn't be hard to change." JD's fingers flew across the computer and within minutes he had hacked his way into the system. 'Mail to aman@fed.ix.net. I'm home. Dad was happy to see me. I'm going to check my files and see if there is anything that I may have forgotten because of my accident. Tell everyone that everything is going fine so far.'

Now for the files JD thought to himself.

Well looks as though its not Israelis or Palestinians, but Salvatore is going to sell weapons to the ATF's favorite drug lord Carlos Santiago, and is expecting to get AK-47's and machine guns. Well, well, now I know why you're so rich, Mr. Salvatore. Charging $10,000 a gun, looks as though Santiago must really need them. Of course he won't get them if I have anything to do about it. I'll just send this over to Agent Sanders. Not bad for a days work JD smiled proudly.

JD shut off the computer and laid down; as soon as he hit the pillow he drifted off to sleep.

JD awoke suddenly to a knock on the door, and stumbled to the door.

"Yeah, oh hi Reginald what do you want? "

"You father wanted me to inform you that it is time for dinner."

"Thanks. Tell him I'll be right down, I'm just going to freshen up a bit."

"Yes, Sir," Reginald replied.

"OK, the dining room is the 6th room on the ground floor," JD said splashing water on his face. I'll just let Salvatore start the conversation, which he probably does most of the time anyway, JD thought while drying off his face.

As he walked down the stairs he could hear voices from, what he remembered, was the library.

"Mr. Salvatore what is this surprise that you have for me?"

"You'll see very soon Vincent."

That must be Vincent Palarmo JD thought to himself. Maybe they'll discuss the arms deal.

"Hi, Dad."

"Son, look who's here."

"Hi, Vincent."

"Michael... what... I... how are you, where have you been?" Palarmo stuttered.

"It's good to see you too, Vincent," JD wasn't sure but he thought that the man went a little pale. Ah, it's probably just my imagination, JD thought to himself.

JD retold the story that had been drilled into him by Agent Sanders, Chris, Vin , and anyone else that felt he needed reminding. God he was tried of hearing and saying it.

"I'm so glad that you're back. I was worried that something terrible had happened to you."

"I'm fine, besides I'm a Salvatore, nothing can stop us," JD 'puffed up' with pride.

"Said just like a Salvatore!! Yes, you'll do just fine when you have to take over."

"Yes, of course he will," Vincent mumbled.

"Did you say something Vincent?"

"I said of course he will, Mr. Salvatore."

"Dinner is served, Sir."

"Thank you, Reginald." Salvatore turned to his son and added "You know I had him make your favorite dinner in honor of your return."

"Thanks, Dad."

"I forget Michael, what is your favorite?" Vincent asked curiously.

"Actually, I'm not too sure myself, there are still some things that are fuzzy because of the accident."

"Don't worry about it son, everything will come back. Maybe I should have you see Dr. Lang to make sure that everything is OK."

"No!!! I'm fine Dad, really. The doctors in Aspen took good care of me."

"If you're certain."

"I am."

"Let's go eat dinner."

JD wished that the two men with him would discuss the arms deal; unfortunately, 'his' father was too busy basking in the glory of his son being safely home. After hearing for the hundredth time how wonderful it was going to be when 'Michael' took over the business, and the dozen or so goofy smiles from Salvatore, JD began to tune the two men out.

Oh well, JD thought to himself. Maybe there will be something tomorrow.

(Two Days Later)

"Howdy boys, Lord it's good to be back!!!"

"Hi, Buck, " Vin replied. "How was the trip?"

"If Chris ever asks for anyone to volunteer to go to an all-expenses paid seminar, remind me to say no," Nathan replied.

"Why's that?"

"Well, Brother, we already knew everything they talked about, and we had to spend most of our time keeping Buck safe from angry husbands."

"How was I supposed to know that I was dancing with married women?"

"The wedding ring should have given it away," Nathan said.

"Shoot, you guys just don't know how to have any fun. By the way, where's JD? I thought for sure that he would be the one picking us up."

"He had some work to do at the office. There was some type of computer problem and only he could fix it," Vin really hated lying to Buck, but it could cause a scene if he didn't.

"Well, let's get back to the office so I can give him a hard time."

"Sure, Buck."

+ + + + + + +

"Agent Larabee? I thought your team was supposed to be the best!! Your boy has been in there for two days and has only been able to tell us that Salvatore is thinking about selling weapons to Carlos Santiago," Agent Sanders stated feeling a bit brave.

"My 'Team' is just fine. The reason why JD isn't pumping Salvatore for more information is because that, ‘boy' is a competent worker and knows how to do his job... unlike some people I know," Chris roared. "Now, I suggest you get back to your office and see if he sent you anything new."

"I... I'm sorr.."

"Go!!!!!!!"

"Yes, Sir."

God that man got on his nerves.

"JD...JD... where you at boy?... JD?" Chris heard Buck bellowing in the background.

"I don't need this," Chris sighed stepping out from his office. "He's not here Buck."

"Whadaya mean he's not here? Is he running an errand for you?"

"No, I mean he's not here. He's on an assignment..."

"What kind of assignment?"

"An undercover assignment."

"Is he trying to find those kids that are stealing the stop signs?" Buck smiled through his question.

Chris sighed, knowing what he said next wasn´t going to go over well, “No...he went undercover in Victor Salvatore´s organization.”

"What!!!!!!!!!!!!???? What do you mean he's working for the mob? How could you let him do this without asking me?"

"First of all, Buck, I'm the leader and I don't need your permission to send one of my agents on an assignment. Now if you'd calm down, I'll tell you the details of the assignment.”

Chris then told Nathan, Josiah, and Buck all about how JD looked like Michael Salvatore and what he was supposed to do while he was there.

"I don't like it Chris. I don't like him being in that place without any back up."

"I agree with Mr. Wilmington and I would therefore like to propose an idea that perhaps will change the situation."

"What is it Ezra?"

"Well since young 'Mr.Salvatore' was in an accident, he did require medical assistance."

"What's your point, Ez?" Vin asked.

"If would allow me to finish, I will tell you, Mr. Tanner. As I was saying... he needed medical assistance, did he not? Perhaps his 'doctor' could pay him a visit? Check in on him to make sure he is alright."

"I'm doin' it," Buck volunteered before Ezra barely finished.

"Mr. Wilmington, although I understand why you wish to take on this job, I do believe that I would be a more suitable choice."

"Why's that? I care about JD and wouldn't let nothin' happen to him."

"You care too much Brother. You might let your concern for JD cloud your judgment and put both of you at risk," Josiah replied.

"Besides, I have the conversational skills of a professional, and dare I say the 'look'? I not only have a wardrobe of Armani suits, but a mode of transportation that I am sure even the mob would find impressive," Ezra grinned.

"You just love to throw that in any chance you can get, don't ya?" Nathan asked.

"Of course."

"I suppose ya play golf too?" Vin asked.

"I'm sure I would be most adequate...if I could find the time to familiarize myself with a suitable establishment that offers..."

"Shut up!!!" five voices shouted.

"Well, Mr.Tann..."

"That's enough," Chris barked. "It's settled.

You're going in tomorrow Ezra."

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