DUES

By Wendy

Part One

"Ya don't trust me, that's what it boils down to Ezra," Vin huffed as they walked down the sidewalk toward the First Mutual Bank. He was still angry that he was having to use his lunch hour to stop the southerner's constant whining.

The well dressed man beside him, waved off the younger man's misconception. "It is not that I do not trust you Mr. Tanner, far from it. If I am to put my life in jeopardy in the line of duty, it is to you that I first call for my sentinel. But we are talking economic considerations here. I do feel it is in your best interest to settle this liability in a timely fashion, so that the monetary aspect does not sully our deep and genuine friendship."

"Purty words for hand over the money, or I'll break yer legs. Hell, Ez, it was only two hundred bucks, and it was for charity after all." Vin defended. He wished Chris had been there when he needed the money. He hated borrowing from Ezra, the southerner always made the sharpshooter feel like he were asking the fellow agent to cut a leg off.

Ezra stopped in his tracks as he clasped his palm dramatically to his chest. "You have wounded me," he cried, " How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless friend."

"It's *child* Ez. How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless *child*. King Lear ya ain't," Vin chuckled at the over acting agent's warping of Shakespeare's quote.

Eyebrows arched in surprise, as Ezra smiled back, "You always manage to surprise me Mr. Tanner. You are a virtual Pandora's box."

"I put ya on yer arse, that's what I do," Vin laughed as they continued to the bank. "Being dyslexic, doesn't make me stupid Ez," he sighed, his insecurities showing as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans.

Ezra stopped suddenly, putting his hands on Vin's arm to get his attention. "I deeply apologize," the southerner said with all sincerity, "if I have ever given you pause to think that I have at anytime given credence to the stereotypical view of your reading and writing abilities. I have had, and do have, nothing but the utmost respect for your genius in overcoming the disadvantages that you have. And I am the first to admit, that faced with a similar circumstance myself, I have great doubt that my own courage would have been as strong."

Vin's blue eyes sparkled at the compliment that the southerner had delivered with such Ezra-like candor, "Thanks Ez, that means a lot. Now, to make sure ya keep those nice and warm feelin's about our friendship, and me I suggest that we get to the bank, repay my debt and get back to work before Chris has our hides for his cabin wallpaper."

"Lead on McDuff," Ezra bowed in a gentleman-like fashion.

Quickly glancing around, Vin playfully punched the southerner in the arm, "Hell Ez, if this is what I have to go through every time I have ta borrow money--next time, just shoot me," he groaned. "What is the big urgency anyway?" Vin asked as they closed in the bank.

"A poker game Mr. Tanner. A very high-energy poker game. One that will take all the financial funds I can rally," Ezra answered, a twinkle coming to his eyes at the thought of the game.

"Oh, why didn't ya say it is for such a worthy cause?" Vin smiled as he shook he head, "If I had known what all that whinin' was for all week, I would have rushed right on down here." Vin chuckled as he opened the door to allow Ezra entrance before him.

Like most things that are unexpected, the sudden turn of events of an ordinary day take one by surprise and no one was more surprised than the two agents as they found themselves in the middle of a bank robbery.

"Unless you want to be covered in this gentleman's thinking matter, I suggest you come all the way in and close the door quietly behind you," a voice menaced as a gun pressed close to Ezra's head.

Vin quickly searched the inside of the bank and within seconds had identified three robbers, aside from the one that was holding his weapon on Ezra. With his hand only inches from the gun that always carried under his jacket, he weighed the chances of hostages being hurt and surrendered to the threat.

"Sir, if you would be kind enough to remove your weapon from my person. As you can see we are of no threat," Ezra said as he used his finger to slowly move the gun from his temple.

"On the contrary," the stranger replied as he moved his weapon to aim it at Vin. "I think a bounty hunter is definitely a threat, don't you Tanner?"

Vin followed the line of the weapon as the stranger moved out of the shadows.

"Come to deposit more blood money, Tanner?" the robber snarled.

"More's the pity it ain't yours, Jacobs!" Vin glared as he faced off in the path of the gun. Alex Jacobs was one of the low lifes from his earlier bounty hunting days. He was one of the rare ones that had unfortunately got away.

"I wish I had more time," Jacobs sneered as he eyed Vin like an unopened Christmas present, "but this isn't what I'm here for." Jacobs waved the gun toward the quietly whimpering hostages, a silent order for the two agents to join the party on their knees. "Time Lonnie!" he called to one of his men who continued to grab at the money trays.

"T-t-too l-l-long, A-Alex," another of the bank robbers called as he nervously paced from one foot to the other.

"Shut up Micky! If you want to make yourself useful go and guard the door." Jacobs barked at the younger man, never taking his eyes off the two new arrivals, who were making themselves comfortable on the floor.

"Mickey?" Vin asked as he looked at the stuttering young man. "I thought I recognized that stutter. Ya brought yer kid brother into the family business. How proud yer Mama must be!" the sharpshooter verbally pushed.

"Haven't changed, have you Tanner," Jacob's spat as he lost patience with the Texan. "Still got a mouth the size of Texas," he said brought his gun hard down across Vin's face.

Part Two

Pulling the nearest thing he had to a bandage, his handkerchief from his pocket, Ezra held it to cut near Vin's temple as he helped the dazed Texan to rise to his knees.

"More of your, shall we say, colorful acquaintances, Mr. Tanner?" Ezra asked, just managing to catch the sharpshooter as he threatened to fall back to the floor, "I do believe I should invest in some supplementary insurance, for the occasions when we find ourselves together." He quipped, referring to the car accident that had nearly cost them their lives.

"That weren't my fault, Ez," Vin drawled as the incident that the Southerner alluded to made its way to the fore front of his hazed mind.

"Oh, pardon me, it was the wayward bovine that was at fault," Ezra teased, frowning at the severity of the cut.

"At least I didn't get ya killed," Vin hissed as Ezra pressed a little too hard on his wound.

"Indeed, and I am sure my mother and I would be most grateful if you were to arrange a similar courtesy in today's adventure, Mr. Tanner." Ez replied, keeping one eye on the men in the bank as he continued to dab at Vin's wound.

"I'll do me best, Ez," Vin replied as he took the cloth from his friend's hand. "But I don't think it's me ya have to worry about." He nodded in the direction of impatient Jacobs.

"Lonnie! Move it! Times up!" Jacobs shouted as he kept his eyes on his hostages and on Vin more so.

"But, we haven't--"

"No buts, you know the rules. Time's up, we're outta here now!" Jacobs ordered. He eyed of the bounty hunter more closely, wondering if it was just bad luck, or something more that brought them together. Had Tanner been following him? <No, he wouldn't have walked into the bank, he's too good for that. He wouldn't risk hurting bystanders, unlike me.>

Finishing up, Lonnie, threw the money laden army satchel over the counter, following his precious booty in one bound. Picking up the bag, he headed for the doorway. "Clear."

Jacobs moved quickly over to Mickey, before stopping to pause at Vin. "Up!" He gestured with his gun, having made up his mind.

"W-W-Whatcha d-doing A-Alex?" Mickey eyes widened as he looked back at Lonnie, unsure what his brother was doing and why he was suddenly changing the rules.

"Just shut up, Mickey," Jacobs shouted at this brother, "Up Tanner, youre coming with us."

"I do not believe that I--"

Elbowing Ezra into silence, Vin sneered up at Jacobs, as he made no attempt to rise from his knees. "And why would I want to do that?"

"Cause if you don't, I'll shoot, your friend," Jacobs smiled as he threateningly turned his aim on Ezra. "And maybe for good measure, one of these lovely young ladies to really get my point across." Slowly moving his aim around the room, Jacobs got the reaction he wanted as whimpering hostages scuttled behind each other, in an attempt not to be the one that the thief would choose.

"And you missed this one Mr. Tanner? " Ezra scowled in contempt at the gloating bank thief, "He panics women and children, he could not have been that hard to apprehend."

"Ezra, for once in ya life, will you shut the Hell up," Vin snapped as he glared at the Southerner. If they wanted to get out of this in one piece, antagonizing Alex Jacobs was not the way to do it.

"Alex, we haven't got time for this shit!" Lonnie yelled from the doorway.

"I have some unfinished business with Tanner, he's coming. Again, Tanner, what's your choice, and remember this friend of yours is first in line." Jabobs threatened.

Jacobs' finger deepened its pressure the trigger of his gun, "Alright, I'm comin'," Vin said as he pushed himself up from the floor,

"Mr-- Vin," Ezra blusted as he tried to stop the still dazed sharpshooter from struggling to his feet. "I will not allow you to be taken away by this--reprobate," Ezra spat the last word out with venom, "Any fool can see what he has in mind for you."

"Ya ain't got no choice!" Vin answered sharply as he pulled out of Ezra's grip, "I ain't got no choice," his whispered. "Anyways, I need ya to be here." The sharpshooter hinted at the southerner.

Not liking the situation they found themselves in, but realizing that he indeed, had no choice, Ezra gave in, "As you wish, Mr. Tanner, but you best be still breathing when we meet again--you owe me two hundred dollars, and I do expect to be paid."

"No worries, Ez. Money's in the bank--well it was," Vin joked as he was pulled away.

Mickey pushed the bank doors open and ran to the waiting car that was had pulled into the curb.

Stumbling, Vin was roughly pushed toward the doorway, but felt himself saved from falling to the floor by Jacobs.

"Nice and easy, there Tanner," Jacobs laugh. "Wouldn't want you to miss this."

It only took the sharpshooter a second to register Jacobs's meaning, but it was a second too late. He shouted to Ezra as he made a grab for Jacobs's gun. Vin swore he saw the Southerner starting to get to his feet, just as the gun fired.

"EZRA!" Vin shouted, but there was nothing more as a sudden pain sent him spiraling into blackness.

"Get him in the car," Jacobs yelled as Lonnie and Mickey picked up the sharpshooter's unconscious form and shoved him in the waiting vehicle. "Go, go, go!" Jacobs ordered the driver as the three men jumped in.

Part Three

Chris was past his angry phase, he'd left angry behind an hour ago and had moved with infinite speed to furious. Tossing his pen onto the desk, he leapt from his seat and stormed to his office doorway.

"Okay, I'm beyond curious. Just where the hell did those two clowns go anyway?" He demanded of the remaining members of his team.

A startled JD jumped at his boss's voice, while Buck smirked at the fact that at least Chris wasn't angry at him this time. While both Josiah and Nathan just looked at each other and shrugged.

Ignoring the phone that was ringing on his desk, Chris asked again, "Come on, one of you must have some idea where they went? If this is just another way for those two to get out of catching up on their paper work, I'm gonna--" Chris threat was cut of as the exasperated Agent was forced to answer the incessant summons.

Leaning back in his chair, Buck chuckled, "I smell the distinct whiff of Texas ribs with a side plate of Southern fried chicken on the menu."

"It is not polite to gloat brother," Josiah called over to Buck.

"Is polite to sigh with relief that it ain't me that Chris is mad at, Josiah?" JD smiled asked as he repositioned himself in his chair.

"Indeed it is," Josiah winked at Nathan. "I had just finished that same release myself."

Chris reappeared at the doorway, but just as Buck turned to have a joke at his fellow missing agents expense, he closed his mouth as he read the signs of trouble on his old friend's face. "What's happened?" He asked, already on his feet, half way to Chris's side.

Pale and stunned, Chris shook his head. "Not sure," he said as he looked at the quickly moving members of his team. "We have to get the hospital."

"Shit!" Buck cursed, "Vin?" He asked with the usual assumption that their sharp shooter had managed to get himself in middle of some action again.

"No, not Vin," Chris answered as he pushed his legs to walk, "Ezra."

"What did Vin say happened?" Nathan asked, hoping that any information that the sharp shooter had shared would shed some light on the seriousness of the situation.

"It wasn't Vin. Look, the officer didn't tell me much. All I know is that Ezra was caught in the middle of some sort of robbery and has been shot." Chris put up his hand to halt anymore questions. "I don't know how serious it is, so let's not speculate. How about we just get down there and find out for ourselves what happened?"

No one had to be asked twice and the five men, moved quickly to the elevators.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Vin had woken earlier to find himself down on the cold hardness of the jostling steel of a moving vehicle. His first thought had been for Ezra. Vin had wondered if he had been able to knock Jacobs's arm enough to save the Southerner from the deadly aim of the killer's gun? He recalled the seconds before the darkness enveloped him. He thought he had seen his friend fall to the floor of the bank, but he couldn't be sure if the bullet had hit its intended target. He prayed it hadn't.

As always Vin stayed quiet, realizing that you learned much more by staying still than by allowing your captors know that your were awake.

"Turn here."

"I know where to go Jacobs! Still don't know why ya had to go and kidnap a Fed?" A strange voice snapped.

"He ain't a Fed, it says right here on his badge. ATF agent Vin Tanner." Jacob's chuckled.

"Oh, so-rry! That makes all the difference in the world don't it, Lonnie. You kidnapped a fuckin' ATF agent, Alex!"

Vin clenched his teeth as he felt something, most likely Jacobs's boot slam into his side. Struggling to keep the knowledge of his consciousness from his sparring abductors, it took all his strength not to cry out.

"I owe him and I aim to collect," Jacob's promised. "Just like he collected all those bounties."

"And then so presumably, do half the criminals in three states," Lonnie answered. "Doesn't explain why you just didn't shoot him in the bank and be done with it?"

"Because it would be too quick that's why? I want him to go slow and painful, just like all those months he was nipping at my heels--he was like a fuckin' dog with a damn bone. Anyway, Tanner here, should give us some entertainment while we have to be holed up."

"Then what."

"Then, he's buzzard bait."

Part Four

Having been in similar situations on more than one occasion, the five men moved quickly through the hospital doors, heading down the corridor to the emergency rooms.

"Whoa, where's the stampede?" A nurse said as she exited the ER, barring their entry. "And just where do you gentlemen think you're going?" She asked as she took a rigid stance in front of the doorway.

Chris frowned as looked down to read the young nurse's name tag, "Nurse Summers? We're here to see Ezra Standish. If you would please step out of the way?" The ATF leader asked as he attempted to step around her.

"I don't care if you're looking for the President, we have rules here," the nurse said testily as she blocked Chris's way. "This is an ER, not a public gallery. If you will take a seat in the waiting room I will see what I can find out about this--Ezra Standish was it?"

"It's all right Jo, I'll look after these gentlemen," the floor nurse offered as she joined the stand off. "Doctor Brennan could use a hand in room three."

Noting the young nurse's indecision, Nancy smiled reassuringly, "It's all right, Jo they're friends of mine."

"Lucky you!" Nurse Summers huffed as she walked away.

Nurse Shapiro sighed. "What are you trying to do Chris Larabee, frighten *all* my nurses?"

"Nancy honey," Buck faked a shiver as he rolled his eyes. "That girl was far from frightened, she could freeze Hell."

Nancy grinned, "Don't tell me you have found a woman, you wouldn't chase Buck?" Not waiting for an answer, the nurse's smile faded as she imparted the latest news, "Ezra was taken up to surgery fifteen minutes ago. So your storming of the battlements was a bit pointless anyway."

"What can you tell us?" Nathan asked before the others had time to voice their own questions.

Placing a sympathetic hand on Nathan's arm, Nancy shook her head, "Not much I'm afraid, Nathan. Ezra's condition is listed as serious. The bullet entered his shoulder, nicking the right lung. Look, why don't you all go and have a seat in the waiting room and I will go and see what I can find out for you."

"Is that where Vin is?" Chris asked as he started to move away.

Nancy frowned, "Vin? I haven't seen him. Was he with Ezra?"

"He didn't come in with Ezra?" Chris's stopped in mid step, his frown deepening.

Nancy tried to think back. It had been so busy in the ER, maybe she had seen the missing agent, but had just overlooked the information. "I don't remember seeing him, but we had Ezra, two auto accidents; a domestic that was still in full flight. I could have missed him in the rush. Look, don't worry. I'm sure, Mr. Tanner is floating around here somewhere. You all go and get yourselves some coffee and make yourself comfortable. I'll see what I can find out."

"Thanks Nancy," Buck grinned.

"You could thank me a whole lot more, if you guys would stop sending me patients," she winked. Distracted as she was, Nancy didn't see a man behind her and as she turned to walk away, collided with stranger. "Sorry," she excused herself.

"No problem, but maybe you can help me. I'm looking for a Chris Larabee. I was told he might be here?" The stranger asked.

"I'm Chris Larabee," the team leader called as he stepped forward.

Nodding his thanks to the retreating nurse, the stranger pulled aside his jacket, revealing his badge hanging off his belt. "Agent Davis, FBI, Agent Larabee. First, how is Agent Standish?"

"We're still waiting." Chris answered as he studied the FBI agent. "What the Hell happened today?"

Looking around the corridor, Davis shifted the folder he carried to his left arm as he gestured around, "Can we talk somewhere--less--open?"

"Sure," Buck answered for Chris, "We were just heading for the waiting room."

Realizing if he was going to talk with Chris Larabee, he was going to be talking to the other members of the team, Davis nodded his agreement and followed.

"Okay," Chris said as he waited for Josiah close the door to the waiting room. "What happened?"

"I'm sorry about Agent Standish, he just seems have been in the wrong place at the wrong time." Davis replied as he found himself surrounded by demanding silence. Ignoring the sudden freezing temperature of the room, the agent opened the folder to retrieve some photographs which he then proceeded pass one by one to Chris and the others. "The first face you have there is Alex Jacobs, the second his younger brother Mickey and the third prize for ugly goes to Lonnie Douglas. All are wanted in various serious states, for a multitude of serious crimes, including murder."

"And these are the one's who shot Ezra?" Buck asked as he took the photo out of Chris's hands to have a closer look.

Reaching for another photograph, Davis hesitated before handing it over, "This next security camera photo shows that Alex Jacobs was the last to leave the bank. The witnesses inside and outside the bank have all identified him as the shooter. I'm sorry," he said as he released his hold on the paper.

Chris took the photo, taking a deep breath as he recognized the man in the bank with a gun to his head. "Vin," Chris shoulder's slumped.

"Yes, the other member of your team. We've been scrambling on this since it happened, Agent Larabee, but to be honest, Jacobs hasn't been on the run for as long as he has by being stupid. We've already found the getaway car, it was abandoned fifteen minutes after the robbery."

"Jacobs! I thought I had heard that name," Josiah suddenly spoke up as he took one the photographs from Nathan. "Vin spoke of him once. Talked about him from his bounty hunting days." Tapping his finger on the killer's picture, Josiah recalled the conversation he had had with the sharp shooter. "Didn't say much; you know Vin," a grin passed fleetingly over the big man's face, "but I'd never seen the boy as angry as he would get, when he talked about this one. I gathered it was the one bounty he missed and regretted doing so."

"Vin missed one?" JD asked incredulously, having always seen the sharpshooter as infallible.

"Well, if you're right," Davis said as turned to the big man behind him, slipping the photograph from Josiah's fingers as he did so. "And Agent Tanner and Jacobs, do have a history, then I really am sorry."

"Sorry?!" Chris's voice cut through the air.

Slipping the photographs back in the folder, Davis closed the file with a sigh, "Yes, because as far as we know--Jacobs still has your man."

Part Five

The reputation of the 'Magnificent Seven' had traveled between departments and to have to be the one to tell them that one of their number was missing had not been an task that Davis had relished.

"I am sorry," the FBI agent repeated as his eyes took in the stunned and despairing agents one by one.

"Sorry's all well and good," Buck voice strained as he stepped closer to Davis, "And I don't want you to take this personally, cause," he said gesturing to the others with his arm. "We just ain't got no one else to blame at the moment, * just what the Hell are you doing about Vin?!"

Davis couldn't help but take an unconscious step back from Buck's intimidating proximity, "Agent--?"

"Wilmington, Buck Wilmington," the mustached agent curtly introduced himself.

"Agent Wilmington," Davis nodded as he turned to the others helplessly, "Gentlemen, I wish I had something to tell you, but to be honest--I don't. We have been after Jacobs for quite sometime now and to say he's elusive, well, it's an understatement."

"In what way?" Nathan asked.

Frowning, Davis explained as much as he knew of the known workings of Jacobs's mind. "He doesn't think rationally like other criminals. I'm sure that's why Agent Tanner would have found him such a hard bounty to catch up with. Jacobs turns on a whim, steals with fancy and kills on impulse; a near perfect fugitive tactic."

"No rhyme, or reason," Chris's thoughts found voice.

"Exactly," Davis sighed. "No conscious plan, or thought. In fact I would bet that if Standish and Tanner had come along five minutes later the outcome would have been different."

"They both would be dead." Chris said with some certainty as he sighed, running his hand through his hair as he turned away. "As it is I have one wounded agent and another--heaven knows where."

"Have you interviewed any bank hostages?" Josiah asked looking for anything that might shed the whereabouts of their missing friend.

"Sorry, Agent--?" Davis asked.

"Just Josiah will do son," the older man said as he offered his hand.

Davis's taunt shoulders sagged a little, a relieved smile passing over his face as he took the presented hand. "Josiah. Well, I'm afraid again, they are not much help. Too frightened at the time to take notice and too scared for their lives now to think straight."

"Why are they frightened now, it's over? JD Dunne," the younger agent introduced himself.

Feeling a little less intimidated, "JD, my name's Paul. Jacobs took everyones identification. He knows where they live."

"But there's no way he--"

"He would do that." Davis cut in. "I doubt it, but with Jacobs I can't be sure and I'm afraid either can the witnesses. I was hoping that Agent Standish would be able, with a clear thinking agent's mind, tell me something, anything that might help."

"Excuse me gentlemen. Chris, can I see you?" Nancy called from the doorway.

It was a needless call for separation as Chris was tailed by the four remaining team members, "Are you guys glued together?" She smiled before getting down to what she had come for. "I couldn't find any word on Vin, sorry, but I knew you would want to know that Ezra's in recovery."

"How is he? We need to see him." Chris said as he made a movement to step past the nurse.

"Whoa up there," Nancy quickly jumped in the men's way to prohibit them going any further. "Chris, you know better than this. Ezra is just out of surgery." She gently admonished the understandably impatient men.

"Nancy, the man who shot Ezra--we think he has taken Vin. We really need to speak to Ezra." Buck explained.

Nancy felt for the five men, she knew how close they all were, but she also knew that the patient came first. "I can only guess as to how you must be feeling, but you know I can't let you all see him, but maybe I can get the Doctor in to see *Chris*," she said looking sternly at the others.

"Ma'am," Davis asked as he showed his ID again. "I really need to hear what Agent Standish has to say as well."

Chris turned and waved Davis back with the others, "Don't worry, if I can see Ezra and he tells me something that can help you find Vin. You'll be the sixth in line to hear it." Chris nodded to his team.

++++++++++++++++

"He can't be still out?"

"He aint as tough as he made himself out to be. Big ATF man."

"Get his legs Mickey."

"W-What iffen --"

"He's still out and even if he wasn't, he's tied up, idiot. He ain't goin' to hurt ya"

"A-A-Ain't no i-idiot!"

"You are, if I say you are. Now get his legs, before I kick your ass into next week!"

"Ain't n-n-no idiot."

"Okay, your a brain surgeon, now lift him and get him into the shack."

"Brotherly love, just gives ya a warm feelin' all over."

"Shut up Lonnie and open the door. Dale, get the room ready for our guest."

Vin listened and controlled his body as best he could. They still believed he was out-cold, little comfort other than that were too busy settling in to worry about him too much. He felt his body picked up and roughly carried. He concentrated on the distance as the footsteps paced toward the house.

He heard wood. One. Two. Three. Three creaks to the porch.

One. Two. Three steps. Then shoes sounds suddenly changed as the walls altered the tone of the steps. Inside.

More pacing, more counting was followed by a aged wearied creak.

Suddenly, there was the sensation of falling as Vin felt himself being dropped and as the ground caught him in unyielding grasp; then there was nothing.

Part Six

After a small debate on just who was in charge of patient Ezra Standishs welfare, Doctor Jones agreed to let Chris see the recovering agent for a supervised visit. Having come from a family of twelve, nine of which were elder brothers, Peggy was never one to be intimated by a man, even one clearly as commanding as the ATF leader.

Remember what I said Agent Larabee, Doctor Jones warned.

Green eyes glared back at the doctor, as Chris stopped at the door to Ezras room. As I said Dr. Jones, Ezra is not only a member of my team, hes a friend. Im not likely to put his health at risk.

The doctor sympathized with the agents problem. One man injured, another missing and not only were they teammates, but very close friends. Of course he wouldnt risk his friends welfare, I do understand your problem Agent Larabee, I do, but Mr. Standish is my patient and has just come out of surgery. His welfare must be primary to me.

Taking a deep breath, Chris tried to relax his rigid posture, Well, at least we agree on that Doctor. Can we go in now? The sooner I talk to Ezra, the sooner we can leave him to rest.

Two agreements between us, can Hell be far behind? Doctor Jones joked at the easing of tensions between them.

Ezra knew where he was and he didnt like it. He had woken up to be met by pain and an endless sea of strangers faces. All his mumbled questions had been met with compassionate smiles and tender pats, but he couldnt make himself understood.

Iw...ant, Ezra attempted to removed the mask from his face, instead his trembling hand fell to his stomach like a lead weight.

Ezra,

<A familiar voice at last> MLara Ezra painfully followed the voice and found his boss leaning over him.

Well, you sure as Hell look like shit, Chris smiled.

Renewing his attempt at the mask, Ezra felt his hand gently taken under control.

Leave it alone Ezra.

Vin? Wheezed through the mask.

Chris couldnt hide the twitch at the mention of Vins name, Dont know yet. He answered honestly.

This Ezra used a shaking finger to point to the area on his body that felt like it was on fire. ishis...fault.

The small twitch became a flinch as Chris tried to hide his anger at the blame that the Southerner seemed to be putting on their missing friend.

Thispain is becauseof Vin. Withouthim

Standish Chris harshly whispered.

Trembling fingers managed to grasp the oxygen mask and pull it away, I wouldbe dead. The breathless southerner was able to grasp. The men Ezra shut his eyes, sucking in his breath as he tried to ride out the pain.

The doctor had seen enough and stepped forward to stop the conversation from taxing her patient any further. Agent Larabee, I think that is it for now.

Your right. You just rest Ezra, one of us will be here if you need us. Chris said as he replaced Ezras mask and with a gentle pat to his uninjured shoulder, started to move away. Before he had taken a step, a surprisingly strong, but shaky hand gripped his wrist.

They will kill Vincannot let themMr. Tanner owes me a greatdeal of money, the southerner managed to quip before his eyes fluttered closed.

Dont worry Ezra, well find him, Chris promised the sleeping agent.

Looking to the doctor, Chris was reassured as she checked her patient, when she smiled and nodded, Hes fine. Just needs to sleep. Why dont you come back in the morning, he should make a little more sense by then, she suggested.

Doctor, Chris looked down at his sleeping agent, grateful at least that Ezra was safe, Ezra knew exactly what he was saying.

Part Seven

The numbness that came with unconsciousness slowly gave life to the pins and needles of pain that were quickly gaining strength. Still not fully aware of his predicament, Vins eyes fluttered as the sharpshooter tried to lever himself from his twisted and painful position. His eyes suddenly sprung open as a bolt of pain stabbed its way into his shoulder bringing him to full and pain-racked awareness.

Breathing deeply, Vin attempted to ride out the pain as his mind tried to piece the excruciating jigsaw puzzle together. The agonizing restriction of his arms, coupled with the careful testing of his wrists, not only assured the injured agent he was bound, but that his collarbone was most probably broken.

Slowly using his bruised body to raise himself on to his knees, Vin ignored the throbbing pain as he took in his surroundings. His rapid breathing, which had been slowly tapering off, began to regain its speed as his situation began clearer.

His heart pounded in his ears as his head swiveled; taking in the four walls that surrounded him, so close from the center of the floor, if his hands were free he could touch them all.

No, Vins wildly beating heart shouted down his plaintive whisper. No, not again.

@@@@@@

Jesus boy! The man screamed at the young boy lying at his feet. Yer fuckin useless! My wife and I take ya in and what do we get? We get a boy that reads and writes like a retard and who cant do a simple thing like poor a man a drink, He spat as he continued his verbal attack on the wide-eyed boy. Get up ya miserable brat and clean that mess up.

The young boy scrambled to his feet as he ran a trembling hand over the growing hand print on his cheek. Im sorry, his voice was barely a whisper as he bent down to pick up the broken glass.

Sorry aint good enough boy, ya know that dont ya?

The young boys eyes welled with tears as he furtively looked toward the center of the room, his distraction causing him to cut the palm of his hand. He didnt feel the pain, or the blood that dripped from the cut. He didnt want to go back in there. It was dark and cold. Please, his small voice pleaded.

Well, seein as ya asked so nice, the older man grinned as he pushed back his chair and stalked over the boy.

Scampering backwards, the young legs were not fast enough to beat the long strides of the elder man and he soon smelled the acrid whisky laden breath as the inebriated man yanked him from the floor. Big fingers bit into the tender flesh of his armpits as he was held into the air.

For some, life can be very short boy, The man menaced, No one misses a simple nobody.

Dull eyes came to life, the blue shining indignantly as he squirmed to get out from between the big mans grasp. I aint simple and I aint a nobody. Im a Tanner! His small voice shouted with all the eight-year-old conviction he could muster.

Well, as I heard it, the man laughed as he carried the squirming child toward the middle of the room, bending down to pull open the door. That aint anything to be proud of. Ya never knew yer Pa and I reckon other than fucking him, neither did yer Ma.

The young boy wasnt quite sure he knew what his foster father meant, but he knew he was saying bad things about his mother. About to defend the one person who had been everything to him, whose memory was the only thing that mattered, he stopped, his mouth hanging open.

There below him was the darkness. It was waiting for him. He shivered as the terror of that place took control. I cant.

@@@@@@

I cant, Vins head fell to his chest, his voice echoing the ghostly pleas of the frightened young boy.

Part Eight

I cant, Vin whispered into the dank smelling darkness, barely lit by the small slits of light that seeped in through the cracks in the floorboards. The painful ghosts of his childhood began to meld with the physical pain of his injuries, until he no longer knew which hurt the most. No, He pleaded with himself, as he rocked on his knees, Damn it, not now! But there seemed to be no stopping the darkness as it began to gather strength around him.

As the darkness began to envelop him in its smothering grip, Vin struggled to control his rapid heartbeat. Youre a grown man Tanner! He berated himself as he tried to gulp in air.

<For some, life can be very short boy>

Vins head shot around as he looked for a face to go with the voice, but instead found himself angry that his own fears were conjuring the ugly echo of his childhood. The pain in his head deepened to a throbbing ache, as his shoulder demanded equal time and attention.

<No one misses a simple nobody>

Maybe he was right Tanner, ya are simple, he castigated himself. Beenherefive minutes and yer goin mad. The fact that the small boy that had suffered so much still lived inside the grown man didnt cut it with the ATF agent that the helpless child had become. He knew his fear was paralyzing his thoughts and with Jacobs out for his blood, he also knew he needed all his sense about him.

As if called, the hatch was suddenly yanked open, the light flooding the hole with a blinding light.

Hello sleeping beauty. Just in time to join our party.

Vin attempted to stare past the glare to the threat behind it, but instead felt himself dragged off his feet. A moan managed to make its escape as rough hands gripped tightly at his injured shoulder. Blinking against the brightness, the tied sharpshooter didnt know whether to be happy about being out of the hole, or more worried about what was to come as he was unceremoniously dropped to the floor.

Somewhat grateful for the respite from the darkness, Vin ignored the renewed shoulder pain as he savored the open space and clean air.

Cant believe my good fortune, Jacobs pondered out-loud as he walked around the bound man, Though, it turns out to be your bad. You were a bonus to a nearly perfect plan.

Ya jest bring me up for this? Vin asked as he looked up at his gloating adversary. So I could watch ya struttin like a damn peacock?

Jacobs stopped his pacing to hunch down over the ex-bounty hunter, And havent I got a right? He laughed as he looked over at his cohorts. One fed dead and another waiting to join him. Yep I think I have something to be proud of.

Though Vin tried to hide it, his fear of Ezras fate was obvious to Jacobs and he knew he had touched a nerve with the agent. He is dead you know, your friend I mean. The bullet hit him square in the chest and he fell dead like the dog he was.

Vin closed his eyes, replaying in his mind the last time he saw Ezra alive. He could see the Southerner stand as he attempted to rescue him and he could see with absolute clarity the pain on Ezras face as the bullet struck him, but where that bullet hit, he didnt know. Was Jacobss right? Was Ezra dead?

Got nothing to say Tanner? Jacobs asked as he unintentionally prodded Vins injured shoulder.

Ice blue eyes of hate stared back at the smug murderer and in a clear cold voice, Vin made a promise. Yer a dead man.

TBC