Chris Larabee slouched on the hard bench seat, his hazel eyes studying the man who stood before the judge. Man? Hell, he wasn't more than a boy.
Too long dark hair hung in the kid's eyes and he nervously brushed it back, only to have it fall back over his forehead again. He was nervous, bouncing on his heels as the judge read the paperwork. His body was tense, his whole countenance showing he was on the defensive.
Chris tried to watch the kid's face as the judge finally cleared his throat and spoke. "Mr. Dunne, what have I told you about this penchant you have? What is this, the fourth, or is it the fifth time you've stood before me? I've run out of patience with your blatant disregard of the law and I'm afraid I have no choice but to sentence you to the severest penalty offered by that law....." He rambled on, but Chris had heard enough.
What the hell was the judge thinking? This was who he'd called him down here to see? The man must getting senile. Grabbing his coat from the seat beside him, he left the courtroom.
*******
"I don't know, Judge. He's got a lot of attitude. I'm getting too old to put up with a kid's antics anymore." He shook his head, an image of his best friend flashing through his mind. "Hell, I got my hands full figurin' out what Buck's up to most of the time."
Judge Travis pshewed as he shook his head. "Look, Chris, I know I gave you free rein to pick and chose who you want to work with but when I saw you were requesting information on someone who knew computers this kid popped to mind. He's never been in serious trouble. He's a hacker, one of the best I've seen. Hell, the first time I sentenced him, he went in and canceled all my credit cards! Can't prove it, but I know it was him. Nervy little bastard."
"Sounds like trouble," Chris offered, doing his damnedest to hide the smile at the thought of the kid retaliating the best way he knew how.
"You've read the files, seen the paperwork. If you want, I'll throw out the sentence, put him in your custody."
Chris shook his head, "I don't think so, Judge."
"Just give him a try....one month. If he doesn't work out, no questions. The boy has potential. He just needs a little guidance."
The judge seemed to almost be pleading. Larabee could tell no matter what he said, the man liked the kid who'd been standing before him just moments ago. To often he'd seen kids just like this one, head down the wrong path with no one to show them the way back and end up dead or in prison.
"According to his professors, he was one of the best they'd ever seen not only with a computer but with anything electronic. You wanted it fixed or improved, just let him have it for a while."
Larabee sighed tiredly as he rubbed the back of his neck. "One month, no promises."
"Fair enough. There are several restrictions I do require. One, he answers to you or me. Two, he is not to have unsupervised access to any computer, and three, he has to stay in contact with his probation officer." The judge smiled as Chris nodded. "I don't think you'll be sorry, Chris."
Larabee flashed him a short smile. "Hell, Judge, I think I already am."
*******
A heavy hand pounding on his apartment door jarred John Daniel Dunne from sleep. He rolled over on the battered old couch and glared at the door through the strands of his thick black hair.
"Go 'way!" He shouted. "I gave at the office!"
He'd been dreaming about his mother again. About the good times before she got sick. They'd never had much but each other and that seemed to make up for the just above poverty level in which they’d existed. Like any mother she had wanted only the best for him and worked hard to provide him with at least the essentials.
She'd always done the best she could and one of these days he'd make her proud of the son she'd raised. He could easily recall her smile and the way she ruffled his hair when she was teasing him. Damn! He wasn't a baby! It had been two years since she passed away so why did he still miss her so damn much?
The peremptory pounding continued, accented by the strong thud of boots kicking the door. With a sigh, the young man rolled to his feet and padded to the door.
"What the hell do y..?" he began as he jerked it open, pausing in mid word as a bear of a man barged into the room. He let out a frightened little squeal as a huge hand shoved him back on the couch, where he sprawled amongst the tangled blankets.
"You John Daniel Dunne?" the deep voice growled, accentuating the man's bear like appearance.
"Yeah," Dunne sat up, attempting to look braver than he felt. "Who the hell are you and what are you doing breaking in like this?" he demanded.
Gray eyes observed him and a small smile graced the grizzled face. "Sorry, Brother, sometimes I don't know my own strength. Didn't mean to scare ya."
Anger flared in Dunne's eyes. "I ain't your brother," he snarled. "And I ain't scared a ya."
The big man held up both hands in a show of surrender. "Look, I'm Josiah and I work down at BB. Wilton was suppose to take you for an interview this morning but he got caught up at the hospital, and called to see if I would take you. We're already late so get a move on, would ya?"
At the mention of Wilton's name, Dunne relaxed slightly. Wilton was his probation officer. He knew the man worked with Big Brothers as well. Running his hand through his hair, he gained his feet.
"What kinda interview?" he questioned as he rummaged for clean jeans and a shirt.
Josiah shook his head. "All I know is he gave me directions and said to have you there by nine, so hustle will ya?"
As the kid disappeared into the tiny bathroom, Josiah's practiced eye ran over the apartment. It was small and cramped, the furniture old and battered. Unfortunately, he knew the boy was probably paying a lot more for the furnished dump than it was worth. The only thing remotely new was the expensive computer system, which graced an old stained desk. The monitor was dark and there was no sound from the modem. Seeing the brand name, Josiah wondered if the kid had stolen it. He sure didn't look flush enough to have bought it.
An hour later, Josiah behind the wheel, his silver SUV hummed up highway 249. The slender figure slumped in the passenger seat next to him, face hidden under a baseball cap's brim, had said nothing, just stared out the window as the town was left behind, and the scenery took on a wilder untamed look. Checking the directions he'd written down, Josiah made the left turn on the hard packed road and eased the Yukon carefully down the rustic road.
"Where you takin' me?" Dunne demanded, straightening in the seat. He suddenly realized how stupid he'd been, just going with this man simply because he'd mentioned the name of Dunne's probation officer. He hadn't thought to ask for identification or even exactly where they were going and why.
Josiah gave him an arched eyebrow look as he shrugged. "I have no idea. I'm just following Will's directions."
"Well, I don't see how anything important could be out here," Dunne growled, wondering what his P.O. was up to. "I grew up in Boston. I ain't no country bumpkin," he muttered under his breath.
He hoped the comment as well as his attitude would let the bigger man know if he had any thought of taking advantage of him, he had damn well be prepared for a fight.
"Look, I don't know what this interview is all about but if you'll listen to a simple suggestion, it might go a touch better if you lose some of that attitude. That chip on your shoulder must be gettin' awful heavy." Josiah eased up as a rambling two-story house came into view. A new black truck sat in the wide drive and he pulled in beside it, killing the engine. "Guess we're here...Wherever here is."
"Yeah," Dunne grumbled as he pushed open the door. "It sure ain't OZ...Ain't even Kansas."
Josiah smiled as he stepped up beside the smaller man, putting his hand on his back to steer him toward the door, almost as if he thought the kid would duck and run on him. His other hand pounded on the wooden screen door and after several moments, it opened.
Sanchez squinted at the blond man on the other side of the screen. "This is Brother Dunne." He propelled the kid through the opened door. "I believe you're expecting him."
Chris ignored the kid to eye the big man, "Who are you? Wilton?"
"Nope, he couldn't make it. Name's Sanchez." The large man extended his hand.
"Chris Larabee." He did a double take as his left hand was gripped, and hidden in the man's bear sized fist.
"Ya okay?" Sanchez nodded toward the cast covering Larabee's right arm from elbow to the middle of his palm.
"Car accident." The blond shrugged. "Comes off in a couple a days. Thanks for bringing the kid out."
"Who you calling a kid?" Dunne flared, on the defensive in a situation he couldn't control.
Josiah nudged the kid in warning.
Under his breath, Chris muttered, "I'm too old for this," as he motioned both men inside. "Have a seat. You want something to drink?"
Dunne stayed on his feet. "Look, I didn't come all the way out here for a drink. What do you want?" He stood with crossed arms, a belligerent expression on his youthful face.
Chris exchanged looks with the older man who simply shook his head in frustration, and ran his hand through his hair. "I need a computer whiz," he admitted.
The kid sneered, "To what? Pad your private bank account, falsify your tax returns? Sorry, Jack, I don't do illegal stuff. You're shit outta luck."
His flippant tone edged under Larabee's control.
Without thinking twice, he shoved the kid onto the couch, their noses almost touching as he glared at the younger man. It took a moment but the boy finally broke eye contact, missing Larabee's slight smile. He had to give the kid credit. He had balls.
"Don't do illegal stuff?" He repeated with a sneer, as he picked up a file and flipped it open. "Hacked into Colorado Bank and Trust." He turned the page. "NCIC records, Casino Chip Control, Air Force Academy records, Havertroll Import and Export..." He looked up. "Shall I go on?" he questioned sarcastically.
The kid's face paled, realizing this wasn't an ordinary person if he had gotten his hands on Dunne's records. He licked nervously at his lips and brushed his hair out of his eyes.
"As I was saying," Chris began again, "I'm looking for a computer expert. I thought you might be him, but I guess I was wrong."
Turning away, letting the kid stew, he moved into the kitchen and retrieved three beers. He returned, pitching one of the cans to the big man, he slouched against the corner of his sofa and popped the tab. Chris took a long swallow as he placed the other beer on the table between him and the young man.
The kid's face was an open book as a flood of emotions washed across its youthfulness: fear, curiosity, anger, puzzlement....
Chris watched him, not breaking the silence. He had read John Daniel Dunne's personal files. The ones which showed the kid's mother had died two years earlier of cancer. Of a nineteen year old student being saddled with thousands of dollars worth of her medical bills. Of that same student trying to pull himself up by his bootstraps, but getting kicked back down every time he did. If nothing else Larabee had to admire the youth's persistence.
As the judge had said, the kid wasn't bad, he just needed guidance, or he could permanently stray from the straight and narrow. Up to now, most of his hacking had been harmless exploring with no real damage done. Hell, from what he'd seen, it would have been simple for the kid to go into the records and not only wipe out all prove of any existent debts as well as the proof of his tampering but could also give himself a free ride through the best college in the country. He hadn't. What he had done was give up his scholarship, quit school and worked his tail off at piddly ass jobs, paying a little here and there trying to pay the bills due.
Determined to regain some control of the situation, he found himself in, John Daniel stood and faced the man for another minute waiting for him to say something else. Nothing. What the hell was the man waiting for? Dunne reached for the beer on the table moving to the chair and slouched back against the chair arm, not really sitting down. He toyed nervously with the can before finally popping the tab. Taking a deep breath he brought his dark eyes up to meet Chris' hazel gaze.
"Okay," he admitted slowly, "I'll listen. What do you want?"
Chris glanced at Sanchez who gave him a wink and small smile. Pushing to his feet, the bigger man wandered out on the porch to let the two talk.
Larabee took a swallow of his beer and debated with himself. If he spilled everything to the kid and he didn't accept...Well, he still had an ace up his sleeve with the judge's ruling. Either way, he wasn't about to tell the boy, he'd talked the judge into expunging his record if Chris decided to keep him on the team. Softly, he began explaining to Dunne and watched as the hostility in the young man turned to interest, then surprise.
As he trailed off, Dunne's eyes were wide in disbelief, "And you want me....Me?... to work with you?" Enthusiasm rang in the words. "This isn't a joke? You really want me?" No one had ever wanted him to be a part of anything before.
Chris nodded slowly, "I think I'd like to give you a try, see how it goes."
The judge was right. He was a good kid who just needed a chance. He wondered why no big firm had snatched this boy up already, offering him the world to put his talents to use. Something told him if they had, the kid either wouldn't have accepted or worked only long enough to pay his bills. He was an independent kid who liked doing things his own way. Well that would have to change....just a little.
The kid's face fell. "A try?" he whispered as reality crashed down on him. He could feel wetness beginning to gather in the corners of his eyes. He should have known it was too good to be true.
Chris nodded again. "It's more than just hacking and computer work, Dunne. There's other men here, and you gotta get along. I won't have anyone who isn't a team player. You may pass muster with me, but you still have them to face. They might just dice you up and feed you to the bears. This isn't going to be a jog in the park."
He didn't want to disillusion the kid, but he knew although Buck had the biggest heart of anyone he'd ever met, the man could be hard on a person, and Tanner, well, who knew what Tanner thought about anything. The man took reticent to a whole new level.
Once again, his oldest friend's image flashed through his mind. This kid might just be the solution to several problems.
Dunne straightened his shoulders. "Okay. I know what you're saying. I-I-I want that shot." He stuttered as he tried hard to keep the pleading tone from his voice. "I-I-I'll do what I have to, just let me try, okay?"
Chris chewed his lip and looked away, attempting to ignore the beseeching look in the dark eyes. Damn! He was so young and looked so innocent. Larabee knew there would come a time during this job when Dunne would more than likely have to kill a man, either to protect himself or one of the others. What would that act do to his innocence if he were even able to pull the trigger? Inwardly, he shrugged if that time came, they'd deal with it. He'd make sure the boy got through it just as he had others.
Pinching at the bridge of his nose, he blew out a deep breath and slowly nodded. "All right, Mr. Dunne, you have your chance."
The look which came to the younger man's face brought a smile to Chris' as he jumped to his feet and thrust out his hand, grabbing Larabee's and pumping it up and down.
At one time, John Daniel had seriously considered the police force as a career but computers and electronics paid a lot more money. Money he could use to take care of his mother. Money that would have given her the life she deserved.
Now it seemed he was going to have the chance to not only use his talents but also partially make a dream come true. From what the blond man had said, they would not only be helping law enforcement agencies but doing so much more. "Thanks, Mr. Larabee, thanks! You won't be sorry, I promise!"
"Don't be thanking me just yet," Chris warned as he extracted his hand, uncomfortable with the kid's open display. "It might bring nothing but heartache," he added softly, but the kid didn't hear him as he happily rushed to the door to tell Sanchez before Chris could stop him.
"Hey, Josiah, I got the job!" Dunne shouted happily as he burst through Chris' screen door and onto the porch where the older man sat.
"That's good, Brother Dunne. Congratulations!"
"I told ya--"
"Hey, Vin, Lookie! Must be Chris' paper boy and his grandpa!"
Josiah and John Daniel turned to see two men approaching, one longhaired, the other with a mustache. They sauntered across the yard and made themselves comfortable on the porch as Dunne bristled angrily, "I ain't no boy!" he gritted out. "'Specially no paper boy!"
"Sure ain't no man," Buck teased as he patted the younger man's cheek. "Hell, ya don't even shave!" He antagonized the dark haired newcomer as he turned to Larabee who had wandered out on the porch to see what the ruckus was about. "Hell, Chris, ya hirin' kids now?" Buck groused.
"I ain't no kid!!" Dunne fumed, his dark eyes flashing.
"Lay off, Buck," Chris ordered softly. "This is John Daniel Dunne."
"Did you say JD Dumb?" Buck quipped. "What the hell kinda name is that?"
Dunne drew himself up to his full height, which was still several inches below the older man's chin. This was obviously one of the men on the team Larabee had just asked him to join. One of the men he would have to work with and he might as well start showing his new boss he could handle whatever these men threw at him. He wanted this job and would prove he could deal with his co-workers. "My name is--"
"Yeah, I heard." Buck muttered cutting him off as he turned back to Chris. "Did I hear ya right? You're hirin' him? What for?" Chris just looked at him as Buck continued, "Oh, hell, Chris, we don't need no snot-nosed, peach-fuzzed, wet-behind-the-ears....kid."
Larabee slouched against the railing next to Vin. "Well, Buck, that 'kid' can hack in and wipe you out of existence with one keystroke, so I'd watch myself if I were you."
Sanchez chuckled at the comment drawing everyone's attention.
Vin leaned against the porch support, his blue eyes not on Dunne but the graying man who sat on the swing. His brow furrowed and he spoke softly. "Know you. Yer Sanchez."
The older man's eyes widened slightly and he slowly nodded.
"Seen ya once at a law 'forcement seminar. You's lecturin' on..." he searched his memory, "on criminal profilin' and serial killers."
Chris' head snapped around as he stared at the big man. "I thought you were a probation officer."
Josiah shrugged. "Man does many things in his lifetime, Brother Larabee."
"Vin right? You done police work?" He questioned, seeing the man in a new light. Hadn't Vin mentioned something about the team being able to use a profiler that first night they'd talked about this project?
Sanchez nodded. "A time or two."
"You like it?"
The older man shrugged. There were many things about his former job he liked, but there were also a lot of things he had hated, too. "Depends on your definition of 'like', Brother."
Chris nodded as he chewed his lip, his expression thoughtful.
Dunne broke the sudden stillness, which settled on the porch. "So, when do I start?" he questioned enthusiastically.
Buck rolled his eyes. "Saints preserve us from kids and fools."
Dunne turned on him, his eyes flashing fire. "That was a totally legitimate question! And stop calling me a kid!"
This kid was just too easy. He rose to the bait everytime. Buck stifled a grin.
"Maybe he's callin' ya a fool," Vin drawled out, gaining him a hostile look from the youngster.
"Let him alone, boys. He's right. Man lands a new job, he sure wants to know when he's gonna start it." Larabee settled back on the rail. "However, son, there's several stipulations to your 'employment'."
Dunne's face fell. Here it comes! The let down. Damn! Why had he let himself get his hopes up?
"First, you gotta stay in touch with your P.O. I'm sure you will routinely check in with Wilton or Mr. Sanchez. One violation, and you're outta here--for good. I don't like giving anyone a second chance." he warned. "I'm not real good at it."
Chris chose to ignore Buck's snort of derision. That was a lie if the pilot had ever heard one. Larabee gave more second chances than anyone he knew. As long as you didn't blow the second chance you were fine.
Dunne nodded. "Yes, sir, I understand. I can do that. No problem."
"Secondly, you answer to me or to Judge Travis. You got any questions you don't know the answers to, you come to us. Ain't no reason to be stupid when there's folks who are willing to help out."
Dunne nodded again. "Thank you, sir. I will."
"And, thirdly, until further notice you are not, at any time, to have unsupervised access to any computer or Internet link up." At his words, Chris saw Dunne's face fall as he looked at the deck.
Sanchez cleared his throat. "Brother Larabee, that might be a problem. Brother Dunne here has a real nice system at his place."
"I'll sell it, give it away, anything! I promise I will!" There was a sad plea of desperation in the young man's voice and only Josiah knew what a sacrifice he was offering to make in order to join up with these men. That system was the only thing of value the kid owned.
Chris seemed to think for a long moment, then looked at his oldest friend, the idea that had been forming in his mind taking full shape. "Hey, Buck, ain't that fancy place you leased got two bedrooms?"
Buck nodded. "Yep, it does. Why?" He saw a small smile come to Larabee's lips as he nodded towards the kid. "No! I ain't! Ain't no way, so just forget it! No, Chris, I ain't lookin' for no roommate! Ain't gonna happen!"
"He's gonna need someplace where he can be watched. Vin and me's both got computers and you don't--"
"Yet!" Buck interjected.
"--have one and just try it out and see." Chris urged, as if Buck had said nothing at all. Buck had been underfoot, since the accident, constantly watching and jumping to help if he thought Chris was doing anything to aggravate the minor injuries he'd suffered. As he'd told Vin half in jest, Buck would mother hen ya to death if you let him. If anyone needed someone to shower him with affection and attention, it was this kid and Buck was just the person to keep the kid in line while not destroying that independent streak.
Dunne looked from one of them to the other. "No! No, I ain't! No...not with him!"
Chris turned to glare at the young man, a look hard enough to make grown men quake in their boots. "You got a choice, JD. You can walk off this porch and just forget everything I said or you can stay with Buck until we get things worked out."
Vin leaned close to the kid, "I'd stay with ol' Buck iffen I was you..."
Dunne swallowed hard and slowly nodded. "All right, I will, if he lays off that 'kid' stuff. I ain't no kid!"
"Then stop actin' like one," Vin muttered under his breath.
Buck reached out and knocking the ball cap from his head, ruffled the kid's hair. "Ya still got a ways to go there sonny, before you become a man."
"C'mon, Buck let him be. You too, Vin." Larabee sighed, wondering what he was getting into throwing these men together. "Why don't ya take him back and get him settled into your place, Buck?"
Wilmington sighed. "I don't believe it! My age and baby sittin'...!" He moved off the porch, "Well, c'mon, kid, I ain't got all day now."
Dunne glanced at Sanchez who gave him a reassuring smile and nod and with a quick tentative smile at Vin and a brighter smile for Chris, JD bounced down the steps to follow Buck. He drew up short, his eyes wide as he saw the vehicle which had been hidden on the other side of Sanchez' SUV. He whistled under his breath.
"Is this yours?" he questioned Buck.
"You bet. Mine and the bank's. Get in." Buck waved a hand to the passenger side of the new cherry red fully tricked out Dakota sport truck. As he slid behind the wheel he glanced at Dunne who was cautiously settling into the seat.
"And, JD, don't even think about askin' to borrow it!" he warned.
The kid's eyes roamed over the interior of the vehicle but a small smile danced on his lips. Buck and Larabee both had called him JD and he liked the sound of that.
"Hey!"
He swiveled around to see Tanner on the steps,
"Fasten yer seat belt, JD." he called out and Dunne gave him a wide smile. Yeah, it sounded real good! He let out a little yelp as Buck threw the truck in gear and spun out the lane, fishtailing and throwing gavel.
Larabee shook his head in exasperation. "I swear, Buck's buying the next load of gravel or paying to concrete the entire lane!"
*******
In town, Buck pulled to a stop putting the truck in park and killing the engine in front of the old dilapidated three-story building.
"You live here?" He asked, not sure if he wanted to leave the new truck sitting in this kind of neighborhood. He would probably come back out to a stripped vehicle. At least the truck was fully insured.
JD nodded slowly as he climbed out of the truck, ducking his head and hunching his shoulders in embarrassment. It wasn't much but it was a roof over his head.
He glanced at the large man out of the corner of his eye. This guy probably didn't know what it was not to have the best of everything. To have to survive on your own and make do with what you had or could find.
Seeing the look of shame that crossed the kid's face, Buck jumped out of the truck, locking the doors and keying the alarm. He gently steered the kid towards the front door. "C'mon, let's get your stuff."
Head low, not meeting the other man's eyes, afraid he was losing face with someone he was going to be working with, JD led the way inside and up the two flights of steps, explaining the elevator hadn't worked since he had moved in.
He fumbled nervously with his keys before finally unlocking the door and pushing it open to reveal the dingy one room abode.
Buck's dark eyes swept over the room and his expression softened with sadness as he took in the battered old furnishings, the single overhead light bulb. A quick glance at the cabinet over the tiny sink showed just two glasses, two bowls, and two plates. The older man suddenly felt about two inches tall. Had Chris known about this?
Dunne stood looking about, unsure what to do. Buck gave him a slight shove. "Go gather up your stuff, JD."
With a nod, the kid began stuffing his clothes in a pillowcase. His few personal effects, important papers, a couple of pictures of his mom and little items she'd made for him, he tucked in boxes and within a few minutes, was ready to go.
Buck waited on him, moving about the small cramped room, not knowing what to do to help. His gaze fell on the computer. It was fairly new and out of place with the rest of the room. For a moment, like Sanchez before him, Wilmington thought perhaps the kid had stolen it.
JD saw his look and his eyes flashed. "I didn't steal it!" he muttered fiercely as he crossed the room to touch the blank monitor.
"I didn't!" he repeated, then softly, he admitted, "Mom's life insurance money, paid for it. It was the only thing I bought....because she said that's what she wanted me to do....The rest I gave to the hospital and doctors towards the bills."
Buck saw the expression on the younger man's face and it tore into him. He had a big heart and he knew what this meant to the kid. Besides being the only thing of value he owned, it was the last tangible thing connected with his mother.
Chris, the Judge and their restrictions be hanged! He patted JD's shoulder. "You still got the boxes this came in?" he questioned, waving his hand at the equipment.
"Yeah, in the closet." JD frowned. "I thought I had to sell it."
Buck smiled as he ruffled the boy's long hair. "You are, kid, you are! You take a check when we get home? I ain't big on computers. Don't know that much about em so it might be a good idea if I just rent this one for awhile."
JD frowned. "What?"
"Hey, I need a computer and well...if you're gonna stay with me, we might as well bring it along."
"But--"
"No buts, boy, let's get her boxed up. What Chris don't know ain't gonna hurt him! Besides I can handle Chris. Been doin' it for years." He wasn't about to let the kid lose something that meant so much to him. If Larabee wanted to give him a fight about it then he would give as good as he got but JD needed this and Buck would damn sure see that he kept it. Besides he could always argue that all Chris had said was the kid wasn't to have unsupervised access to the computer.
In a few short minutes, everything was loaded in the truck, the key turned in, and without a backward glance, JD climbed into the truck with Wilmington and headed towards a new life.
*******
Arms laden with boxes, Buck kicked open the door of his townhouse and waved JD inside, then followed, bumping into the younger man's back when Dunne stopped in his tracks just across the threshold.
"Well, move," he grumbled. "These boxes ain't getting no lighter you know." Wilmington muttered as he stepped around the kid.
Dunne's dark eyes were darting over the townhouse. "I-I-I...c-can't...." He started to back out the door, coming up hard against the doorjamb.
"C'mon, put those boxes in the closet there," Buck ordered softly. "Just give me time to sweet talk Chris and we'll get it up and running in no time," he assured the younger man.
"I-I-- This is a mistake. I c-c-can't stay here." Dunne shook his head as he took in the rather expensively furnished apartment, taking in the overstuffed leather furniture, the glass topped tables, big screen TV and stereo system.
Buck had saved most of his Navy pay spending it only on dates and a few civilian clothes as everything else was furnished by the government and never one to do things half way, he had bought only the best. Hell if he was going to be a civilian from now on, he was going to be comfortable and enjoy himself.
Buck took the boxes from the kid's hands and stacked them with the ones he'd put in the closet. Turning, his hands on his hips, he glared at Dunne, "Well, you're stuck here. You gave up that crummy room you had and short of the mission, I'd say you got no where else to go." It was a mean thing to say and he knew it but the younger man had to be made to see the reality of his present situation. At the kid's expression, he knew he was right. "Now get your stuff and let me show you your room."
"I-I-I.....damnit, Buck," His face flushed red, "I can't---I don't have---hell, I can't pay my share of...." he waved his hand at the, what seemed to him, lavish surroundings, "t-this!"
"Who says ya have to?"
"I don't need your charity!" JD bit his lower lip to stop the quivering.
Buck perched on the edge of the sofa arm and looked at the kid with a small smile. There was an independent streak that warred with his need to be looked after. "Look, I paid a year's lease up front, so that's covered. Why don't we try it out for a month. You stay free of charge. If it don't work out, hell, you can go stay with Vin or Chris, no hard feelings on my part. If after a month, you wanna stay, we'll work out something then, okay? I mean hell, I don't think Chris intends for ya to work without gettin' a paycheck." He pat the kid's arm. "C'mon, you're my guest and if it'll make you happy, I'll bill Chris and the Judge for what you eat."
Dunne smiled at the last words, the first time he had smiled since leaving Chris' place. He'd been so excited about the offer to join the special team Larabee was forming he hadn't even thought to ask about a paycheck. Smart, JD, work for free! Sure fire way to pay your bills and keep a roof over your head.
Maybe after he knew how much he was going to be earning, he could talk Buck into letting him pay the utilities since the rent was already paid.
"C'mon, let's get you settled in your room and then we'll call Daddy Chris and check in." Wilmington grinned, his heart swelling at the smile on the kid's face. Just what the hell he needed! A damn kid underfoot! Well so much for his love life.
Dunne's smile widened and he moved to gather up the pillowcase of clothes and two small boxes of items.
'Damn, Chris, what you got me doing now?' Buck wondered as he stared at the seemingly lost young man. He started to motion him up the stairs when the doorbell rang. Wilmington hurried to open it, revealing a buxom blond who smiled widely at him.
"Oh, good you are home!" she squealed, as she wiggled on into the room. "My light bulb blew and I need a big tall, handsome man to fix it for me and...OH!" She spied JD on the steps. "Who's this..." she wiggled her hips as she sauntered over to pat JD's cheek "...your little brother?" she cooed.
Dunne flushed a bright red and Buck laughed. "Well, not exactly. This is JD."
"Hello, JD. I got a little sister who would love to meet you...."
Dunne found his voice. "Well, that's nice, ma'am."
"Ma'am?" She turned to Buck, "Did he just call me 'ma'am?"
"Oh, now, darlin' you know how the country folk are. Polite to the core. Just means his mama raised him right. C'mon, let's go change your light bulb..." He winked at JD and steered her towards the door. "JD, you just go on up and get settled in. Room's at the top of the stairs, on the left and it's all yours. I'll be back when I get finished...ah, changing that light..." With a wide grin, he closed the door, leaving the kid to fend for himself.
Slowly, JD climbed the steps and pushing the door open at the left of the stairs, he looked around the comfortably furnished room. His eyes widened in amazement. This room alone was as big as his old place. It was nicely furnished with a solid wood bed, dresser, nightstand and a portable TV. A large window flooded it with warm sunlight and a door to the side evidenced an empty closet.
He stepped to the center of the room and looked around. It was nicer than anyplace he had ever been, other than the hospice house he had stayed in the last time his mother was in the hospital. He had grown up poor but he and his mother had always made do. They'd never had anything fancy but somehow, having each other they hadn't really minded, never really thinking of themselves as poor. But with her death and all the bills, he had lived as best he could in the old furnished flat. In his wildest imaginings, he had never dreamed of living someplace like this.
With a sense of trepidation and almost feeling like he was trespassing where he shouldn't be, he slowly dug his things out and carefully stored them in the dresser. The small boxes of pictures and important papers he tucked into the night stand drawers. He wanted to set about the few pictures of his mom but this wasn't his place and he wasn't sure how his temporary roommate would like it. Maybe later, if things worked out and he ended up staying.
He stepped toward the door then changing his mind, dug through one of the boxes and pulled out his favorite photo, taken just before she got sick, sitting on the grass near a pond in the park and set it on the nightstand. So what if the man he was staying with thought him a baby for having a picture of his mother displayed. If he wanted to make a crack, JD would just have to show him he really wasn't dealing with a kid. Looking around, making sure everything was neatly in place, he wandered out into the hallway.
Buck still hadn't returned and curiosity getting the better of him, he checked the end of the hall, seeing an open door which evidenced a bathroom. Another open door opposite his caught his attention and looking over his shoulder to make sure he wasn't being watched, he almost tiptoed to the door and looked in what had to be Buck's room.
A big four poster bed filled the room, the bedding rumpled and unmade. Clothes were laying on the floor by the dresser. His dark-eyed gaze was caught by the open closet door and seeing something shining in the dimness, he snuck into the room to get a closer look. His mouth fell open as he realized what he saw was gold pilot's wings on a Navy uniform.
Buck was a navy pilot?! He never would have guessed that!
Somehow he pictured military pilots as straight laced, tight assed and....he glanced around the room....neat!
Hearing the doorbell, he guiltily hurried from the room and down the stairs to throw open the door, thinking Wilmington might have forgotten his keys. Instead, he came face to face with the longhaired Vin Tanner who, with a small smile, pushed by the boy and stepped into the foyer.
"Hey, kid, Buck around?" he questioned as he moved on into the living area.
JD slammed the door. "I ain't no kid! And no, Buck ain't here."
"Where'd he go?"
He waved his hand in the air. "One of the neighbors needed her light bulb changed."
Genuine laugher bubbled out of Tanner and he nearly choked. "Hell, kid, ya better get use to ol' Buck's ....light bulb changin'...!"
JD's face turned red with the realization of what the man meant. "Well.... I...." he flustered.
Vin pat his shoulder. "That's okay, kid. Ol' Buck's habits take some gettin' use to."
He slouched down on the soft leather couch and looked at the younger man who nervously pushed his shaggy hair from his eyes. Then softly, the Texan spoke, "Ya know, Chris wouldn't a offered ya the job if he didn't think ya could do it."
JD's face came up, his eyes wide. How had this man known what was worrying him? He quickly sat down on the coffee table in front of Vin, staring up at him. "Yeah, but what if I screw up and can't? What if I can't and I let him down?" His dark eyes pleaded for an answer.
"Well, kid, you got the skill and if ya don't know somethin', ask. Ya don't know how to do it, tell Chris. Tell any of us. We'll help ya all we can."
JD nodded slowly, trying to come to grips with the fact there were people, men he knew he could look up, who would help him....
"Hell, we ain't perfect, not even ol' Chris, and definitely not Buck! We all had to learn the hard way." Vin admitted, trying to ease the younger man's worries. "Ya just hang in there, kid, and things'll be fine."
JD nodded as he nervously studied his hands. "Can--can I come to you if I need help?" he questioned softly.
Vin nodded. "Sure, but don't pass on talkin' with ol' Buck. That ol' son will mother hen ya to death if ya let him, but he'll do anything he can to help ya out. He thinks anyone smaller than he is needs looked after. Got a heart as big as Texas, but if he gets to crowdin' ya too much, well, just tell him."
"Won't he get mad?"
"Buck? Hell, no! He'll squawk, but he's too good natured to get mad...Not over somethin’ like that anyway."
JD's expression became thoughtful. "Well,...I always did want a big brother."
Vin smiled at the wanting look in the younger man's dark eyes.
He could see the kid had wanted more. He wanted a place to belong, to be accepted for his talents and to be a part of something with a purpose. Hell, he realized, that's just what they all wanted.
Tanner pat the thin shoulder again. "I think ya got that, kid, and a few more to boot." He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Sorry, forgot ya ain't no kid."
JD gave him a small smile. "Maybe," he began, his dark eyes shining, "being the youngest, I am the kid," he suggested hopefully.
And Vin's smile widened. Kid was learnin' already.
"Hey," JD scrambled to his feet. "Ya hungry? Think Buck would mind if we raided the kitchen?"
Vin gained his feet, "Yer stayin' here so it's your kitchen too," he pointed out as he followed the younger man.
JD was surprised to find the cabinets and refrigerator well stocked although the dishwasher was overflowing and several glasses lay in the sink waiting to be cleaned. Digging in the fridge and finding a cold beer, he offered it to Vin as he quickly washed the glasses and flipped on the dishwasher. Well if nothing else he could always work for his room and board this month.
Pulling several items from the cabinet, he started lunch, his mind still reeling over the morning's events. He had never in his wildest dreams, or in his most fervent prayers thought when he woke up this morning he'd be starting a brand new life.
As he moved about the area, he shyly questioned Tanner about the other men, and although the Texan was usually closed mouthed, he offered bits of information. JD was asking about the Judge when the front door flew open and Buck entered. He frowned at the sight of Tanner in his kitchen drinking his beer, then saw JD and smiled.
"I sure hope that's dinner I smell cause I worked up an appetite changin' that light!" he exclaimed as he moved to wash his hands and snag a beer. "So kid, what lies Vin been telling ya?"
The younger man exchanged looks with Vin, who winked at him. "Well, Buck, I just hope you wore ...a rubber glove while ya was changing that bulb. Wouldn't want ya to get burnt."
Buck stared at him a moment then burst out laughing as he lightly slapped the dark haired boy on the side of his head.
Turning to Vin, he punched him in the shoulder. "Don't be telling this boy no lies, now, Vin." Their laughter filled the apartment and JD's heart.
*******
That night, after he'd settled down in his bed, JD's mind drifted to the people who were now a part of his life.
Mister Larabee had come across as a hard ass, but somehow JD thought a lot of that was all an act. He had no doubt the man would follow through on everything he said, but he'd also jumped to JD's defense when Buck and Vin had started in on him. There was a presence about him that commanded authority and....loyalty.
Tanner....the man had cut on him at the farmhouse, but JD couldn't help but wonder if he hadn't stopped by to make sure he was really okay with Buck. There was a quiet strength about the man, and a gentle kindness in his eyes.
JD knew if he listened and watched, there was plenty he could learn and Vin had told him to come to him if he had any questions. No one had offered that before, and it gave him a funny warm feeling in the vicinity of his heart.
And Buck --Buck surprised him more than the other two. He had been the first to crack on the newest member, with the smart remarks about his age and inexperience but even when he'd been denying the use of this apartment to JD, he hadn't argued that much and JD didn't think Chris would have insisted if he'd really pushed it.
Buck hadn't made him feel bad about his old apartment and had even off handedly arranged for him to keep his computer. The more he thought about it the more JD realized, there was only one word to describe Buck Wilmington.....marshmallow. He was also someone JD thought he could get to like.
Dunne could tell these men were friends, good friends who would do anything for each other. He wanted to be part of that. He wanted these men as friends and he was sure his mother would have approved.
He remembered her telling him that God never left prayers unanswered, he just didn't always answer them the way you wanted. According to her, you had to have faith and let him show you his special plans for you.
Well God hadn't answered his prayers to spare his mother, taking her to be with him, but now JD found himself in the company of good men, feeling less lonely and happy for the first time in a long while. Maybe this was what she meant about special plans and her way of keeping her promise to always watch over him.
Maybe he had found someplace to belong, a home, and a new family.
"Thanks Mama," he whispered.
THE END