As if in slow motion, the woman watched the path of the bullet as it left the barrel, the sound of the accompanying explosion resounding through the still air. She watched as the deadly piece of lead cut through the air racing toward its unsuspecting target. She watched in horror as blood and pieces of skin spurted in different directions when the projectile impacted with the victim's skull.

The woman bolted upright, a sheen of sweat covering her trembling body, her heart racing wildly as she gasped for air.

Falling back against the pillows she lay motionless, willing her body to relax, waiting as her heart rate returned to normal and the tension slowly ebbed from her muscles. Taking a deep breath, she climbed from the bed and slowly made her way to the dimly lit kitchen. She clenched her hands tightly waiting for the trembling to stop before pulling a can of Pepsi from the refrigerator the chill of the aluminum helping jar her back to reality.

Tugging the afghan from the back of the couch she slipped through the French doors out onto the deck and sank onto a chaise lounge. The sun would soon be shooting its brilliant rays over the mountaintops, lighting the dusky dawn sky. She had always loved the peace of the early morning hours; the birds in the surrounding trees awakening to sing their joyous songs as the sun rose to brighten a brand new day. It seemed lately this last hour of darkness was the only peace she found in the night.

Damnit, why was this happening to her? She truly thought she'd put a stop to this sort of nonsense years earlier. What had happened now to open the floodgates again? What had brought on this never ending specter to haunt her nights, keeping her from rest and causing doubts about her very sanity?

Although varying in details depending on the main character of the dreams, the general actions were always the same. The only constant was a man she didn't know. A handsome man with a dimpled smile and twinkling eyes the color of emeralds. A stranger who haunted her with his presence, if only in her dreams.

*******

"Mr. Larabee is there a suitable reason we must always start these sessions before the roosters rise." Ezra grumbled, sipping the takeout container of coffee. The southerner looked quite at ease dressed in faded jeans, a denim work-shirt and running shoes...a radical change from his usual tailored designer named suits.

"Roosters been up for hours Ez." Vin chuckled clapping him on the shoulder. "Sides it ain't so hot if ya run the course in the morning."

"Not to mention we've got the firing range at the academy scheduled for this afternoon." Chris added, grinning at the gambler's frown of disgust.

"Try sleeping rather than spending the night in the casinos and ya might not mind getting up in the mornings." Nathan interjected, apparently ignorant of the angry looks sent his direction from Tanner and Sanchez. "Exercise'll do ya good. Keep ya in shape in case ya have to run from any unhappy marks."

"Since the judge doesn't seem to have any assignments for us at the moment wouldn't it be so much more prudent to put this time off to use in say...the wonderful activity of....relaxation?" Ezra chose to ignore the physician's biting comments. He was used to the insults from the ethical healer, understanding the man didn't approve of Standish's previous career or his love of gambling. He knew Nathan thought of him as part of their unique family...The traditional black sheep of that family but a brother nonetheless.

Before joining Larabee's team, neither Standish or Tanner had ever experienced belonging to a real family and while Vin although bashful and still requiring his silent space had taken to the unorthodox family like a bird to flight, Ezra had been more reserved. Yet, he, too, had finally come to accept these six men as brothers.

Josiah, the family's unofficial peace keeper had pointed out more than once, that, like any family, personalities were bound to clash and even blood brothers fought, often saying hurtful things they didn't really mean in times of stress but those incidents didn't mean they didn't care.

"Think of it this way Ezra. It's Thursday...."

"How very astute of you Mr. Larabee. Do you also know the date?" Grinning, Ezra ducked the playful swat Chris aimed at his head as the leader continued.

"We train today and then take a long weekend." Larabee spread the topographical map on the hood of the truck, his finger tracing the route as he explained each obstacle to his men. "The last half of the course is designed to promote teamwork so you're gonna navigate it in pairs. Nathan and Josiah. Buck and JD. Vin and Ezra."

Except for Vin and Ezra the break down was made up of the men who seemed to have naturally partnered up from the first formation of the team. The other men had already paired off when Ezra joined Larabee's elite team of law enforcers. There had been an instantaneous connection between Chris and Vin making them best friends as well as partners but it was Vin with his quiet easy manner who, more than not, worked as Ezra's backup and go between when the con man went undercover.

Larabee intended to separate the men into different teams on the next excursion, just to keep them on their toes and make sure they wouldn't get complacent with their partners. The men all worked well together but he wanted to be sure any team of two could work as one.

"What about you cowboy?" Vin quizzed from his lazy slouch against the truck's bumper.

"Whichever of you is the last to finish the first section gets to run the last half twice. The first time with his partner," he grinned wickedly, "the second time with me." He stifled a smile at the moans and mutterings of disgust.

Through the mutterings a southern drawl offered, "Perhaps you would be open to a proposition?"

"Hold onto yer shorts Chris." Buck laughed. "Ezra's scheming."

Chris turned cool hazel eyes in the gambler's direction. He was well aware how much the con man hated these outdoor trials and figured Ezra was plotting a slick way to wiggle out of doing it. "What kinda proposition ya have in mind?"

"Perhaps, in the event Mr. Tanner and myself beat the time of you and your partner, you would consider next week as vacation time, unless of course the honorable Orrin Travis has a job for us in which case the week immediately following that assignment."

"What if you or Vin ends up as his partner." JD questioned, certain the gambler had an ace up his sleeve, but unsure what that ace might be.

"Won't happen, Mr. Dunne." Ezra stated as if the very idea was absurd. "If, however, that possibility does occur, I'm sure Mr. Larabee trusts us to do our best on his behalf."

"Bullshit Ezra! Ya don't expect us to believe you're gonna try and beat your own time if it's gonna cost ya down time do ya?" Nathan scoffed.

Larabee chewing his lip nodded. "You're on Ezra."

Tanner grinned at the surprised joy in the cardsharp's eyes as Chris firmly shook the gambler's hand to seal the bet. The simple gesture was proof to Ezra and the others of Larabee's faith in the con man. He trusted Standish not to cheat to win.

Turning to the medic, Ezra smiled innocently. "Care to make a side wager Dr. Jackson?"

*******

A smile on his handsome face, Chris watched through binoculars as his team worked their way through the course.

At the half way point, he'd distributed needed equipment and informing the men they had twenty minutes to rest up had taken the ATV and headed for the observation post at the finish line.

The woodland course they were traversing was made up of mostly natural obstructions, fallen trees, boulders, deep gorges and small streams. Along with the natural obstacles, several man-made hindrances had been placed along the final section of the trail. 

It was no surprise Vin and Ezra had managed to gain distance on the others, having reached the next to last obstacle. Larabee watched, knowing by Ezra's body language the con man was quietly encouraging the hesitant sharpshooter. He had known this tunnel crawl would be the toughest challenge for the southerner and Texan. Tanner hated small spaces and the thought of crawling through the dark maze must be terrifying to him.

Just as Josiah had helped Nathan push aside his dislike of heights trusting the preacher to help him repel the forty foot cliff face, Ezra would use his silver tongue to persuade the tracker to enter the confined and often cramped area. There were no flashlights allowed and with only five minutes to study the posted diagram of the correct route leading to the maze exit, they would have to trust their memories and instincts. Larabee's smile widened as he watched the gambler fasten the ends of a five foot section of rope to Tanner's belt and then his own.

Watching intently, Chris saw Ezra give the Texan a reassuring pat on the shoulder, before he knelt and started into the entrance waiting patiently as Vin, swallowing hard, finally knelt and followed him.

Adjusting the lenses, Larabee focused on the other men. Each team was crossing the last stream. The rules plainly stated they couldn't just wade across but rather had to use their own initiative to cross the waterway. Nathan and Josiah dragging the remains of a fallen sapling and working together had positioned it to use as a bridge. Buck and JD had used their rope to lasso a sturdy tree branch on the other side, swinging across like monkeys on a vine, Buck yelling out a 'yahoo' as this boot skimmed the surface. To their credit, only Tanner and Standish had gone a few yards out of their way to discover a natural dam and simply strolled across as if on a nature hike.

Actually, Chris realized, there were no two partners better suited for this half of the course than Tanner and Standish. Vin's outstanding woodland skills combined with Ezra's cunning at figuring the easiest way to accomplish a task brought out the best in both men.

Chris returned his attention to the maze, wondering how much progress the two men had made. He couldn't help but wonder if Vin had panicked. No. He was certain Tanner would keep a level head. He knew he wasn't alone and that in itself was the only reason Larabee didn't excuse them from this part of the exercise.

He would have had the entire team skirt around this particular portion of the course rather than force the sharpshooter to face alone what Tanner considered an irrational fear. Larabee wondered, not for the first time, what had caused such a dread in the young man who didn't seem to fear anything else on God's green earth.

He glanced at his watch. According to the posted estimation, with only a couple of wrong turns, it should take the average person, thirty-seven minutes to crawl through the series of twists and turns. Ezra and Vin had entered the maze twelve minutes earlier.

Swinging his gaze back to the rest of his team, he chuckled seeing the four men studying the maze's directional map. Buck, Josiah and Nathan kept looking skeptically at the opening. None of the three were small men in stature and he knew they were each hoping a rescue squad wouldn't have to be called to cut them out of the wooden puzzle.

Chris glanced at the watch again. They had two more minutes to study the directions, plan their strategy and decide which partner would take the lead.

To his surprise, Larabee watched as JD took the initiative waving for Buck to follow him as he scooted into the narrow opening. Shaking his head in disgust at the youth's obvious enthusiasm, the ex-pilot took a last look at the map and quickly followed his roommate.

As he observed, timing them, he saw Nathan and Josiah give them a two-minute head start before joining the other men in the maze.

Twenty-two minutes after entering the enclosure, Chris was stunned when Ezra emerged and offering a hand helped his lanky partner to his feet.

Chris whistled under his breath. "Musta been bookin'!"

He shook his head knowing they couldn't have made even one mistake to complete the maze in that record time. Ezra damn near had a photographic memory but for him to find his way through the dark twists and turns on his hands and knees tied to a less than willing tracker was remarkable.

Chris watched as his two friends untied the rope that connected them and did several bends and stretches working the kinks from their muscles before dashing down the trail in his direction suddenly skidding to a halt at the last obstacle blocking their route; a thirty-foot wooden wall.

The objective was simple. All they had to do was scale the wall. There were even ropes attached to spikes driven into the top. Unfortunately the ropes hung ten feet from the ground. While Chris knew Tanner was six feet tall and Ezra just over five feet ten inches the two men were still at a distinct disadvantage. Neither was tall enough or could jump high enough to grab the rope and pull themselves up.

To their boss the answer was simple, one man on the other's shoulders would put him high enough to reach the dangling cord. They might lose a little time performing the maneuver but...

He should have known! Larabee burst into laughter when draping the climbing rope over one shoulder, Tanner took several steps back waiting as Ezra considered the best spot to position himself and lacing his gloved fingers together nodded to the sharpshooter.

Shaking his head again at the two men's creative genius, Chris watched as Vin crossed the distance at a run. Placing his right foot in Standish's interlocked hands, Tanner pushed against the cardsharp's shoulders for better leverage as Ezra hefted the lean Texan into the air, smiling in satisfaction when the ex-bounty hunter's fingers closed around the rope and he planted his feet against the wooden barrier.

Taking several deep breaths Vin quickly climbed the rest of the way to the top.

Knowing there was nothing to stop Vin from toppling over the edge, Larabee held his breath watching as judging the width and wrapping one end of the rope around his waist, Tanner dropped the other end to his waiting friend and braced himself to hold the gamblers weight.

Chris grinned as Ezra pulled on the rope once to reassure himself it was solid, then bracing first one foot than the other against the wall, giving the tracker time to adjust to his weight he climbed high enough to switch to the attached rope.

Balanced on the top edge, Chris vaguely thought the two men looked like a couple of circus high wire performers as they worked together in total unison. Ezra once again used the attached rope to ease his way down the wall until he was forced to switch to the rope Tanner held. Then waiting at the bottom as Vin shimmied down the attached cord. Shoving the dropped rope out of the way, Ezra caught the sharpshooter and eased his drop to the ground when Vin released his grip.

Larabee couldn't help but wonder if Vin realized the trust Ezra had just shown in the Texan. Standish had been raised to trust no one but himself and his skills and still held to that belief although Chris knew he trusted the six men to watch his back and do everything possible to protect him when he was undercover. Standish knew if for some unforeseen reason they failed he still had some control over his fate. By using the rope Tanner offered, Ezra had without reservation placed his life in the sharpshooter's hands, knowing he could be injured or killed if Vin's hold on the lifeline faltered.

*******

"Ya know Chris I been thinkin' about this bet and can't believe Ez didn't see that you were gonna have an unfair advantage." Buck panted, sinking onto the grass, grinning as Nathan passed the gambler a twenty-dollar bill grumbling good-naturedly about how he was going to figure out just how the con man had cheated to beat him in the first half of the course.

Nathan had known Ezra was in excellent shape especially for someone who claimed to avoid manual labor at all costs and seemed to spend most of the night seated in the smoky casinos but he really hadn't expected the man to come in second behind Tanner on the first half of the obstacle course.

To everyone's surprise JD had finished last having lost his footing while crossing the Rope Bridge and ending up taking a swim in one of the streams.

"And just what advantage is it you perceive him to have Mr. Wilmington?"

"According ta what we were told, we're supposed to use our imagination to figure out the best solutions on the second half of this torture trail but ol' Chris has been sitting here on his ass watching like some vulture so he knows all the best ways to get past the obstacles and how to avoid the pitfalls."

"Surely you're not suggesting our esteemed leader would use unethical means to prevent us from winning a much deserved vacation." Ezra grinned. It was nice to know they thought someone besides himself would cheat to win a bet.

"Well I hate to admit it but I have to agree with Buck." Josiah chuckled. "It's only natural to want to use the solutions provided....I sure as hell would."

"Hell Chris ain't gonna cheat!" JD protested adamantly, refusing to think badly of his hero.

"What would you suggest Buck?" Larabee flashed his old friend a grin, admitting the man did have a point.

"Why don't they just do the maze." Nathan suggested. "There's only one way to do that thing."

With little discussion, everyone agreed it was a fair solution, adding the stipulation that Chris and JD had to make it through the maze in less time than it had taken Vin and Ezra.

"Mr. Larabee." The gambler stopped him several feet from the others as he started after JD. "Might I make one suggestion, sir?....Read the instructions very carefully..." The con man's voice was soft as he added with a slight smile on his lips. "Peruse them as you perceive I normally would."

*******

A short time later, Larabee stood before the posted diagram, reading through the instructions for the third time. What the hell had Standish been alluding to?

'Think like Ezra....Yeah right...Like that's possible.' Chris shook his head, in disgust. 'There's nobody else on this earth whose mind works like his.'

For just an instant he couldn't help but wonder if the con man had made the statement in an effort to confuse his boss causing him to waste time he should use to study the directions to the exit.

Larabee's eyes widened as he looked from the instructions and diagram to the maze itself and back again, a small smile beginning to grow. "Well I'll be damned!" He muttered.

Beside him, JD nervously shifted from one foot to the other. "Our five minutes is up Chris. It's time to start."

He nodded, his smile remaining. "Yep, JD it's time to get started."

*******

"What the hell's he doin'?" Buck yanked the binoculars from Josiah's hands, staring aghast when Chris hopped on top of the wooden maze as JD crawled through the opening.

Having heard the quiet advice the southerner offered Larabee and stifling a smile, Vin glanced at Ezra seeing the quickly hidden expression of pride as Chris began a slow deliberate walk stomping his feet on the wooden roof.

*******

Chris followed the small green arrows painted on top of the maze, which matched those indicated on the map. By stomping his feet as he walked he was using sound to guide JD through the dark tunnel below.

Larabee couldn't help but wonder why the gambler hadn't suggested this alternative to Tanner but the answer quickly came to mind.

Offering Vin this solution would not only have let the sharpshooter know they were aware of the claustrophobia he fought against and thought to have kept hidden from the others but might have made the young man feel like a coward. Ezra obviously hadn't been willing to take that chance.

He'd chosen to help a friend while allowing that friend his pride.

*******

On the hill overlooking the course, Tanner had reached the same conclusion.

Ezra had urged the Texan to follow him through, keeping up a stream of aimless chatter the entire time as a lifeline just as surely as the rope that secured them to one another had insured they didn't get separated in the dark. He hadn't allowed the tracker time to think of anything except what he was saying. He hadn't given him time to think about the closeness of the walls, or becoming trapped. Ezra had called on that incredible memory, picturing the diagram in his mind's eye, using his lighter at the intersections to see which way to turn.

Standish had proposed a solution that allowed the younger man to complete the course without revealing the absurd terror that had haunted him since childhood.

*******

"What the hell kinda stunt was that?" Nathan exclaimed as Larabee and Dunne rejoined the five men.

"Damn! And Nathan thought he had to worry about Ezra cheatin'!" Buck scoffed. "Hope the hell ya don't think we're gonna count that!"

"I'm afraid Mr. Wilmington we have no choice." Ezra made a great show of exasperated defeat. "Unfortunately, if I remember the instructions correctly, they simply state the partners must work together to complete the maze, one leading the other to the exit. They say nothing about both partners entering the maze itself."

"It doesn't matter either way." Josiah announced. "According to the watch, Vin and Ezra still beat their time by three minutes."

"Hot damn boys! Vacation time!" Buck whooped, slapping the preacher on the back, oblivious to the almost imperceptible wink, Chris sent in Ezra's direction.

*******

Drink in hand, Ezra slipped into the alcove where work by several budding new artists was being displayed. He had happily accepted the invitation to the museum benefit extended to the team by the judge's wife. Although she liked the seven men who worked for her husband he was aware she really didn't expect any of them to attend the art show. He'd seen the pleasure in her eyes and the veiled suspicion in Orrin's when he'd entered.

He couldn't blame the judge. The rich and elite upper crust of Denver were in attendance and in the days before he had joined Larabee's team, when he ran his cons for his own profit, this would have been the perfect function for selecting his next mark. Ezra knew it was hard for the judge to believe the con man had attended the benefit for pure enjoyment. He had no way of knowing Ezra, who loved the arts passionately, had been a major financial contributor to the museum since first leasing his apartment in Colorado. That fact wasn't in any of the records Judge Travis or Chris Larabee had been able to compile on the gambler who did their undercover work. The donations, as was his fashion, were always anonymous.

Ezra had seen the pleasure and pride on the judge's face when his widowed daughter-in-law had entered. Dressed to the nines, the lovely blond woman was escorted by the handsome leader of the elite law enforcement team Travis had initiated.

From his expression, either Chris was in love or Mary had pulled out every feminine wile she possessed in persuading the often stoic ex-SEAL to accompany her to the ritzy formal affair. Smiling, knowing his boss only had eyes for the beguiling woman on his arm, the gambler had slipped away from their hosts, and blended in with the milling guests, not wanting to embarrass Larabee further.

He'd have plenty of chances at the office.

"Just exactly what is it supposed to be?" The soft feminine voice at his side, jarred Ezra from his thoughts as he stood examining a water color mural. Shaking away his designs of minor revenge on Chris, he leaned closer to read the description.

"According to the title 'Paradise' although I think the artist has a serious misconception of that particular utopia." The southerner found himself unable to look away from the vision of beauty standing at his side, his heart beating a touch faster and his breath seeming to catch in his throat as he beheld the angel like loveliness beside him.

In a strapless white gown that accentuated her caramel complexion and displayed her petite figure to perfection, the woman was as lovely as any of the magnificent works of art displayed. His hand tightened around the glass in a restrained effort to keep from running his fingers through the silky mane of ebony hair, which hung to the beauty's tiny waist.

"Perhaps it's a post nuclear paradise." Amusement gave rise to a smile, which showed tiny laugh lines, and a crystal sounding laugh, which shot shivers down his spine.

"Conceivably." His mouth dry, the verbose gambler suddenly found himself at a total loss for words. Forcing a deep breath of air into his lungs he pulled himself together and extended his hand. "Ezra Standish at your serv..." The words trailed off as turning to face him, the color drained from the woman's face, her enormous dark eyes filling with fear as she took several steps away from him.

"I-I-If...if you'll excuse me....I-I..." Stammering, she spun away from him without finishing and rushed from the room almost knocking Mary off her feet in her haste to escape.

*******

His shirt hanging open over his faded jeans, coffee in hand and Scoundrel scampering around his bare feet, Ezra stepped out on the terrace, squinting in the early morning sunlight as he settled into one of the chairs at the outdoor table.

The tiny dog took advantage of his master's unusual early awakening and Ezra absently took part in the game of fetch but his thoughts, as they had been most of the night, were focused on the incident at the museum the previous evening.

After the vision of beauty had made her escape, and he could think of no other way to describe her abrupt departure, he'd spent several minutes in polite but trivial conversation with Mary before making his excuses and slipping out to return home with a heavy heart. What he had hoped would be a pleasurable evening of quiet but stimulating conversation and appreciation of the arts had turned into yet another of his life's fiascos.

All his life the con man had seen those looks of disgust, mistrust, repugnance, and loathing, varying in degrees but always the same. When honest up-standing citizens discovered the nature of his profession, he was shunned and looked down upon as not being fit to be seen in their company. He told himself he was used to it. Over the years he had learned to hide the pain and had convinced himself it didn't hurt when people prejudged or questioned his motives. He had convinced himself it didn't matter what others thought of him. While his head might believe it his heart knew better. It did hurt and hurt deeply but no one knew that truth except Ezra.

However, as he recalled the events, he realized he rarely saw fear from someone he didn't know. And it had been fear...pure and unadulterated terror in the woman's eyes. She had taken one look at him and practically run for her life.

Puzzled, Ezra again wondered what had he done to cause such a reaction. His words to her had been innocuous, simple pleasantries. Certainly nothing to cause her to run from him. Was it possible one of the cons from his previous life had hurt her or her family somehow? If that were the case, he more than likely would have seen contempt or even hatred in her eyes. But fear? There was no doubt about it...her dark eyes had held nothing but blatant terror.

Shoving the troubling thoughts aside, a small smile crossed the gambler's lips as the ringing chimes sounded throughout the penthouse sending Scoundrel racing for the front door, happily yapping a greeting. Like his owner, the little animal knew it had to be one of the six men who comprised Ezra's makeshift family. Besides the fact they were the only people Harry or Henry would allow up without announcing first, they were also the only people brave enough to wake the con man at such an unforgiving hour.

"Mornin' Ez!"

He congratulated himself on winning his mental wager as Tanner stepped across the threshold. Taking the mug from Standish's hand Vin drank the rest of the coffee before handing it back. Hunkering down on his heels, the Texan scooped the little dog up in one hand, lovingly rubbing the curly fur as the dog happily wiggled in his gentle grasp trying to lick his face. "'Bout ready ta go?"

"And just where is it I'm supposed to be going?" Ezra questioned heading for the kitchen, certain Vin would follow.

Pushing to his feet, carrying the little dog, Vin trailed the southerner through the apartment. "We're all goin' up to the lake today." Seeing Ezra's obvious confusion, the sharpshooter rolled his eyes in exasperation. "I'm gonna kick Chris' ass. He was supposed to tell ya last night."

From the moment, Josiah had announced Vin and Ezra won the bet, each of the men had begun making suggestions on how they should spend the vacation time.

"I'm afraid Mr. Larabee and I missed each other in the crowd." In truth, he vaguely remembered Mary saying something about the outing. If memory served him correctly, Mary, Lucy, Rayne and Casey would be joining them as well as Celia Greene, the woman Josiah had been seeing for the last few months. It was anyone's guess which of his conquests Buck would invite but Ezra's money was on Molly, a perky little red head Wilmington had met at the DMV. Pulling his wandering thoughts back, the gambler looked at his friend. "And just what elaborate plans have been formed for this foray to the lake."

"Nothin' elaborate, just swimmin', fishin' cookin' out....Ya know just relaxin' and havin' fun. Chris is gonna pick up Lucy cause you and me got elected to do the shoppin'." Vin lowered the dog to the floor and accepted the offered coffee mug with a nod, as Ezra refilled his own cup. "He figured if Buck and JD went after the food, we'd end up with nothin' but hot dogs and chips and if Josiah or Nathan went we would all get stuck eating health food. He said you'd know best what the ladies would like and I'd know whether it was something we could make on the grill."

"I would be more than happy to help with your shopping Mr. Tanner, however I'm afraid I will be unable to attend this little expedition as I already have plans."

"Aww hell Ez....Ain't it something ya can get out of?.....Ya gotta come!....This is sorta like the official kickoff for our vacation and after all the vacation was yer idea in the first place." Vin wheedled.

Both men glanced at the ringing phone before Tanner gave Ezra a lopsided grin. "Wanna bet that's Chris."

*******

"'Bout damn time you boys showed up!" Buck grinned as Ezra's Lexus pulled to a stop beside Larabee's truck. "Been doin' my best to keep my animal magnetism at it's lowest level so Lucy wouldn't be too influenced before ya got here."

"Buck you got more horseshit than a Kentucky stable." Josiah laughed, slapping the jovial man's shoulder.

"Hell Josiah, tell us somethin' that ain't common knowledge." Chris wandered out to meet his men, speaking to the gambler as he exited the vehicle. "Ezra, the Judge called before I left. Wants ta see you in his chambers at nine tomorrow morning." Larabee handed JD a bag as everyone pitched in to unload the groceries. "Said to take the back stairs cause a the O'Connell trial."

"Whatcha do Ezra, sell one of his friends a painting off the wall last night?" Nathan grunted as Rayne jabbed an elbow in his ribs giving the physician a look of disapproval. "Damn woman! It was just a joke!...Ya didn't have to break my rib."

"Serves ya right if I did." Expressions of amusement were exchanged as the nurse continued to read Nathan the riot act on the way to the picnic table.

Buck gave a mighty sigh, "I tell ya that's why I ain't married...I ain't givin' up no second rib to the female cause!"

The other men snorted and it was Vin who remarked. "Got a feelin' our vacation is about to get cancelled."

"Not if I can help it." The gambler grinned, aware Tanner had planned to spend a couple of days camping with the pretty vet. He hid a smile as the sharpshooter slipped an arm around Lucy's waist, pulling her closer to him. The emerald eyed gaze came to rest on the antique locket resting at the base of her throat, proof enough that if two people ever belonged together it was Vin and Lucy.

*******

"That was Ezra. Says he'll be out in time for dinner." It was mid morning and Chris settled onto the porch swing next to Mary, ignoring the playful argument taking place on the other side of the screen door as JD and Buck harassed Josiah and charmed Celia, trying to discover the secret ingredient in the chili the preacher was preparing.

"What'd the judge want?" Nathan questioned, with feigned interest, his eyes and mind centered on Rayne as she took a seat beside him.

"He didn't say and I didn't ask." Larabee lit a cheroot, turning his attention to the sharpshooter. Vin was seated on the top step, one arm casually draped around Lucy's shoulders in a comfortable gesture of affection. Chris could see by the vet's expression she too wondered what had been troubling the tracker since the previous evening but was unwilling to ask. "Problem cowboy?" He pressed slightly.

"Just thinkin' bout yesterday and wonderin' how the hell we all came down with a case of the stupids at the same time." Tanner sighed.

The day at the lake had passed in relaxed comfortable friendship, fun and laughter. Late in the afternoon, assured Vin and Lucy could catch a ride with Chris, explaining he had an appointment he hadn't been able to cancel, Ezra had whistled for Scoundrel and gathering the squirming little dog in his arms had headed back for town.

Chris had stopped him reminding the gambler of his morning meeting with the judge and extracting a promise the con man would come out to Larabee's ranch afterwards.

"I don't remember them teaching that disease in medical school." Nathan chuckled. "Just what is it makes you think we got that particular illness or is it just so highly contagious a disease ya figure we all caught it at once?"

Tanner stared intently at his cooling coffee. "I'm supposed to be his friend and I didn't even think about him feelin' outta place." His arm tightened reassuringly around Lucy as she leaned closer, offering silent comfort. The vet wondered again how she had gotten so lucky to have this sensitive man in her life. In two lifetimes, she amended mentally.

"Shit!" It hit Chris full force what Vin was referring to. "Damn! It's my fault." Larabee blew out a deep breath. "I shoulda got hold a him Saturday night like I said I would. At least he'd a had time to invite somebody." With a start, he remembered again the sinking feeling in his stomach when his hazel gaze had swept over the six men who had become his family. Each of them had been sprawled on the grass around the small campfire with their special woman next to them. Only Ezra had been alone except for that damn little dog. Alone.

"And just who would he have invited?" Buck stepped onto the porch joining the conversation. "One of the many women he meets on the job."

"Give me a break!" Nathan interjected, ignoring the angry looks he was receiving. "Nobody forced him to come and he did have a good time."

"I forced him to." Vin admitted. "Said he had other plans but..."

"Hell, he probably wanted to catch up on his casino time." The comment earned the physician another sharp jab to his ribcage. "And as callous as this sounds it's not our fault he's not dating anyone."

"You're right on two counts Nathan." Rayne scrambled to her feet, angrily swiping the dirt from her jeans as she turned to face the man she loved. "It's not your fault and it did sound extremely callous. I know you care about Ezra...all of you do....but what I don't understand is how...sometimes....you act like he's an inconvenience."

"Sometimes he is!" The doctor retorted. Knowing her stunned expression was a mirror of the others faces, he rushed on wanting them to understand. "You're right! I care about that stubborn southerner...hell I love him like a brother but whether any of you want to admit it, there are times in any relationship when someone is an inconvenience. Ya put up with the inconveniences because it's part of the relationship. And ya wanna hear another piece a truth....If Ezra would learn ta trust a little more he might find someone as wonderful as you and the rest of the women here."

"Enough!" Pushing away from the porch rail he'd sat on, Wilmington crossed his arms over his chest, his dark steady gaze meeting each of theirs.

Chris ducked his head and stifled a smile as a guilty silence fell over the porch occupants. They all recognized the Mother Buck stance and knew they were in for it now.

JD and Casey glanced around warily wondering if they should retreat to the kitchen they'd just left and Celia unsure what was happening stepped closer to Josiah.

"You wanna talk truth Nathan? The truth is...." Buck hesitated, knowing what needed to be stated would resurrect nightmare memories for each of the men. And especially for Chris.

Wilmington glanced hesitantly at Josiah, seeing the almost imperceptible nod. A part of the womanizer felt warmed that he wasn't the only one who had noticed the gambler had avoided any type of close relationship with a woman since the fiasco with Tally. Even knowing the truth, he still couldn't bring himself to voice the reason. He couldn't be responsible for bringing any more pain to his family.

Faltering, he admitted. "The truth is, Ezra is often undercover for weeks or months at a time, dealing with people who are more than likely goin' ta jail cause a him. How do ya form a relationship with someone when ya can't be yourself or even give 'em your right name. Ya bitch it's his own fault...Ya say he needs ta learn to trust....Well damnit I think...in case none of ya have noticed...Ezra's come a helluva long way in that department. You're right Nate but for the wrong reasons. Ezra may have had a good time yesterday but that sure as hell don't mean he didn't feel like some little kid dragged along on his big brother's date."

"So how come he decided to come with us?" JD asked quietly.

"Because Vin asked him special and he knew we wanted him there." The ex-preacher's baritone rumble drew their attention. "And everybody puts up with the inconveniences for family...." He stared directly at Jackson, "even if it means feelin' like a fifth wheel to make 'em happy. I guess we were all having such a good time ourselves none of us stopped to consider how he'd felt."

"So what's that say about us?" Vin questioned, his head drooping another notch.

"I'd say it makes ya very special people." Lucy stated quietly squeezing Vin's hand.

"She's right." Mary agreed. "It may have taken a while but yesterday proved you gave him a family he knows cares about him and that he cares about. You wanted him to share in the fun and he accepted...I'd say your southerner has taken some mighty big steps in the right direction."

*******

Ezra negotiated the hairpin turn and quickly glanced at the written directions once again to make sure he had the right road.

Earlier, not needing his picture accidentally broadcast on the evening news or plastered in the morning paper the gambler had avoided the press swarming over the courthouse arriving at the judge's chambers right on time. He smiled, knowing the judge would expect him to be late, and therefore Ezra could do nothing less than shock his honor with rare promptness. If anything, Standish hated being predictable.

The gambler had been surprised to discover the presiding judge on the O'Connell trial had taken ill and Travis had been asked to fill in. David, the judge's clerk for the last fifteen years had given the con man the written directions to a construction site in the hills saying only that Travis wanted Ezra to talk to the foreman concerning some difficulties and if he had any further questions he was welcome to call Travis that evening.

The southerner firmly pushed aside his normal revulsion at entering an unknown situation. Normally he insisted on details and wouldn't enter any circumstance blind. Yet here he was without an inkling of what he was walking into simply because the judge had asked and he knew Travis had proved himself a straight shooter, backing the team against all odds. Ezra tried to ignore the small voice in the back of his mind that sagely pointed out, if Travis was going to sacrifice one of the men, the gambler was the perfect and only choice. The thought wasn't fair to the judge but old habits die hard and some Ezra was discovering never died at all.

Seeing the construction site and checking the paper one more time he parked the Camero several yards from where workers crawled over the skeleton frame of what would eventually be a house of enormous proportions.

Climbing from the car Ezra crossed the dusty drive, avoiding a front-end loader and a flatbed truck loaded with lumber.

"Excuse me," Standish approached a worker filling the leather pouches of his tool belt with nails from boxes in the back of an equipment trailer. "I need to speak with the foreman."

"Up top." The man barely glanced at the gambler, his smirk saying if Standish was looking for work, he better look elsewhere. That expensive suit wasn't exactly the type of work clothes needed for this job. He lifted a small radio from a holder near the door. "Hey boss, there's a fella down here ta see ya." Replacing the radio he tossed over his shoulder as he headed back toward the house. "Be down soon."

Making certain he wasn't in the way, Ezra stood back and watched as a crane lifted several roof tresses, swinging them to dangle above the framers who scrambled to position the beams, quickly nailing them in place. He could hear the easy chatter and light laughter mixing with the pounding hammers, electric saws and power drills as the men worked with the well oiled precision of a crew that had been together for years.

*******

"What kinda woman do ya think Ezra would go for?" JD questioned out of the blue. He might be naive about some things but even he had seen the wheels spinning in the women's minds as their thoughts turned to matchmaking. Only Lucy and Celia didn't appear to be mentally running down a list of friends' qualifications, wondering who to pair with the southern bachelor.

"Hell boy, that's tooo easy.... Sophisticated and high brow...The more the better." Buck laughed. "Ya know that kind of society type that rides horses in them dress-age classes. Ya know, with one of them expensive flat saddles and she goes to the opera and has probably seen that Phantom play at least a couple a times. Hell, she probably hasn't cracked a book that wasn't written less than a hundred years ago….Or maybe a runway model cause she'd definitely have to be the height of fashion."

"A ballerina." Nathan offered, half joking. "Beautiful, classy and on tour with the dance company enough that he wouldn't have to worry about a serious commitment." With a smirk, he grabbed Rayne's elbow before it connected with his body, placing a light kiss on her cheek. "Just kidding...Well at least about the commitment thing." he amended.

"An artist or designer. Maybe a writer" Mary speculated. "Someone smart and creative."

"As many times as he ends up at the hospital, I figure he better aim for a nurse." Molly giggled.

"She's got a point." Buck laughed hugging the auburn haired woman. "Nathan ya better marry Rayne real quick cause we all know when Ez turns on that charm a his, his magnetism's almost as powerful as mine."

They all groaned aloud and several empty soda cans were tossed at the pilot who ducked behind Molly.

"She sure as hell ain't had no trouble resisting you so far." The physician retorted, his eyes narrowing as Wilmington looking around Molly only grinned wiggling his eyebrows and tweaking the end of his mustache like a villain in a silent movie.

"An executive." Casey and Rayne stated simultaneously, looking at each other and laughing that their thoughts were running on the same track.

"What kind of executive?" Dunne grimaced. His image of a female executive was Miss. Nettie in a three-piece suit.

"Who knows?...Advertising, Banking, Investment consultant, an accountant...something like that." Casey shrugged. "Maybe a CEO of some big corporation....Maybe a big time lawyer."

Well if she was that prosperous, why would she need Ezra?" JD muttered than flushed. "Oh, ya mean somebody just as smart as he is."

"Or at least with an Ivy League education, just like him." Nathan sniped.

Chris biting back his own response to the doctor's biting sarcasm, saw Vin's jaw muscles tighten momentarily as the younger man grit his teeth. He could tell the tracker was having a hard time and understood the sadness that flashed through the man's blue eyes before Vin turned to look off in the distance, attempting to get his emotions under control.

Larabee, too, wanted to jump to his feet and shout the truth at the others. To tell them what he and Vin knew. To inform them, the education they were constantly teasing the gambler about was nothing more than a fabrication. He wanted to tell them that Ezra was self educated but Standish had trusted only Vin with the secret and Chris eavesdropping on the conversation had vowed he would never let on he knew the truth.

"You're all wrong." Josiah intoned. "She'll be a social worker or something to that effect. Someone who works with children or the disadvantaged."

"Actually, you're all right." Vin remarked after receiving a strong nudge from Lucy urging him to throw in his two cents worth.

"Come on Vin. One woman can't be all them things." JD scoffed.

"And just why can't she?" Casey demanded defiantly, facing Dunne, her hands on her hips.

"If she was all them things, she wouldn't have time for Ezra or anybody else." The youngest member of the team laughed, wrapping his arms around the feisty young woman, in both affection and a way of avoiding being slapped.

"Wives and mothers are all those things." Celia pointed out. "A mother is a social worker, chauffeur, maid, accountant, chef, teacher, negotiator, counselor and performer as well as having a dozen other jobs and more often than not holding down employment outside the home."

"I ain't saying she has all them jobs but I think Ezra would fall hard for someone with the qualities y'all were talking about." Tanner blushed as everyone's attention turned to him. "I reckon Ez'll just flat out fool everybody when it comes to who he gives his heart to."

Nathan muttered something about not being sure Ezra had a heart, but knowing it was said in jest, they all chose to ignore the remark as Rayne turned to the young woman beside Tanner. "What about you Lucy? What do you think?"

"I think Vin's right and you've all described someone who could catch his interest but…" She hesitated. Whether any of them realized it or not, Lucy had gotten to know the con man fairly well when Vin had been injured by Frank Blair and she had a good sense of her own about reading people. "Ezra seems to accept people just as they are and strongly believes there are people who are meant to be together forever." Only Vin didn't look surprised by the statement. "So I don't think it'll matter to him if she's a waitress or a congresswoman. All that'll matter is how he feels."

"You've been awfully quiet Chris. Don't you have an opinion?" Mary smiled at the 'you'll pay for this' glare he threw in her direction.

"All I can say is if she intends to stick with Ezra she'll have to be as patient as Job, as clever as McGyver and as stubborn as a two headed mule." Chris pointed out with a chuckle.

"Christopher Larabee! What a rotten thing to say!" Mary admonished. "It's a wonder Ezra even speaks to you guys outside of work."

"Ah come on Mary! I didn't mean anything bad....Hell, think about it; not only would the lady have to figure out that walking Rubik’s Cube but she'll have to put up with the six of us and worse yet she'll have to deal with...."

"Maude." The men groaned in one voice.

*******

Ezra straightened and pushed away from his car as the framers secured the last beam in place and returned to the safety of solid ground. Ignoring the curious looks he garnered, he strolled to where several people were examining a set of blue prints tacked to a makeshift table.

He waited for several minutes and when no one seemed to take notice of him, he cleared his throat. "Excuse me I'm looking for the foreman."

"I'll be with you in a moment Mr. Standish."

His heart beginning to race, his cheeks tinging pink with heat, the gambler struggled to maintain his poker face, when incredibly he found himself staring into the dark eyes of the young woman from the museum benefit.

Ezra couldn't seem to take his eyes off the petite female while she discussed changes and issued orders to be carried out that afternoon. A smile played across his lips as he distractedly realized she was as gorgeous in the jeans, tank top and work boots as she had been in the white evening gown. Her ebony hair hung in a braid down her back, several loose strands peeking from under the white hard hat she wore. The con man's smile widened at the Sharpie scribbled word on the back: BOSS.

All his life one thing Standish had always held as truth was that women truly ruled the world. Perhaps it was ingrained from Maude, but he believed a woman's wisdom, strength, hard work and firm but gentle hands were the guiding force behind most of history's great leaders. He knew from his mother there was little a woman couldn't do and most times could do better than a man. While Ezra didn't consider himself a chauvinist, if he'd stopped to consider all the occupations in the universe this lovely creature might have chosen to pursue, construction would have been near the bottom of the list.

"That's lunch guys...Eddie," She caught the arm of a man who easily rivaled Josiah in size. "I have some business to take care of....I'm not sure how long it will take.."

"No problem boss. I'll take care a things here." The big man teasingly pulled down the brim of her bump cap in a gesture, which reminded the con man of Buck and JD. The warning look he gave the southerner was more than clear; nothing had better happen to the small woman or he would personally see to it Ezra paid the price. "If ya don't make it back, I'll see ya in the morning." As she moved toward Standish, the big man added, "If ya need me…for anything...ya call. Hear?"

"Ahh...You're the foreman?" Ezra questioned stupidly.

"Actually I'm the foreman and owner...." She nodded to the sign reading 'Ryan Custom Builders,' adorning the side of several trucks as she removed the tight leather gloves, extending her right hand. "Dionica Ryan."

"Ezra Standish." As his hand closed around hers, she shook it with a firm grip. "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Ryan." He wasn't sure if she'd gotten his name from Judge Travis or remembered his attempt to introduce himself but it wouldn't have been polite to mention the awkward scene in the museum so he pretended as if this were the first time they'd met.

"It's Dionica...." At his arched eyebrow look of pleasure, she knocked the wind from his sails by adding, "Most of the crew calls me Nica...I figure it helps them think of me as one of the guys."

Ezra couldn't help but think it would take a helluva lot more than that for him to think of her as just one of the fellas....He mentally shook himself. That wasn't why he was here. "I understand Judge Travis wished me to talk to you about some problem..." he trailed off, hoping she would pick up on his attempt to understand exactly what he was doing there.

The smile on her lips didn't erase the worry or fear in her dark eyes. "I really appreciate your coming."

He didn't have to imagine the relief he heard in her husky voice.

*******

Following her directions, Ezra had driven to a small out of the way diner and now turned his full attention to the young woman across from him as the waitress refilled their coffee cups and removed their empty dishes. He had kept the conversation over lunch trivial and inconsequential, talking of mutual interests and current happenings, allowing her time to work up to the subject of this meeting.

Coffee cup in hand, he listened in rapt attention as she talked, enjoying not just learning about her but the very sound of her voice. He shook himself yet again. What was it about this beautiful creature which made him forget himself. Ezra focused on her words....

"...I've always enjoyed working with my hands and have loved creating things since I was a child. When I was about nine or so, we moved into one of the first houses in a new subdivision. I used to spend hours watching the builders. Watching as a house started out as just stacks of wood and boxes of nails and over time metaphorphasized into a home where children would grow up and families would make memories."

Much to his delight, Dionica didn't seem the least bit embarrassed by her personal revelations, talking of her life and her love of her work as if she were discussing a movie they'd both seen. "My father thought I should be an architect and my mother hoped I would be an artist."

"It appears you combined the best of both worlds into the perfect profession for yourself."

"Ten years ago I got tired of working for others, There's very little challenge or satisfaction in building pre-fab houses. I don't know if you can really call it building. You're basically putting together a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The pieces are all marked and the instructions are laid out telling you exactly where they go." She fell silent and then inhaling deeply, her gaze dropped to the tabletop. "Mr. Standish-"

Smiling, he held a finger in the air getting her attention. "I thought we were on friendly enough terms for use of our Christian names."

"Fair enough...Ezra" She sounded out his name, smiling to herself as if it met her approval in some way. "First let me apologize for my poor behavior at the benefit." Although her nervous fingers played with the coffee cup she met his gaze steadily. "My only excuse is that...seeing you there, coming face to face with you was....well it was something of a...a shock."

Ezra frowned slightly certain they'd never met. This was not a woman he would have easily forgotten. "I'm sorry, I find it hard to believe I wouldn't remember someone as charming as yourself."

Dionica grinned, the gesture lighting her face and eyes. "Aww, now I see why Uncle Orrin said you were a silver tongued devil who could talk a bird out of its feathers."

Ezra struggled not to spew his mouthful of coffee across the table. "Un-Un-Uncle Orrin?" He finally stammered out.

"I've always just called him Uncle Orrin. Judge Travis is my godfather." Her cheeks flushed pink and she dropped her gaze again as she softly admitted. "I asked him about you after you left." She'd seen him talking with Mary and watched as he stopped to thank their hosts for the invitation before leaving.

The gambler dabbed at several imaginary spots on the table with the paper napkin. "I'm surprised he didn't tell you to run as fast and as far as possible in the opposite direction."

"He did." She laughed out loud, a light beautiful sound that reminded him of crystal bells on a gentle spring breeze. "Actually, he told me quite a few things...." Her expression sobered and her fingers once more played with her spoon, her cup, the salt shaker, any object within reach. "You'll probably think I've completely lost my mind but you must believe me, I wouldn't have asked him to contact you if it weren't important."

He carefully schooled his features to hide his skepticism, giving a nod or smile of encouragement as she described in vivid detail what she remembered of the dreams that had haunted her sleep for the past few weeks.

"...For as long as I can remember I've seen things happen in my dreams. Thought it was normal when I was little. I learned to keep my mouth shut later when it became all too apparent people were..." She foundered, before continuing, "afraid of me. By the time I started high school they had either stopped or I'd just gotten so good at ignoring them I barely remembered dreaming at all." She sighed, staring into her cup at the now cold coffee. "I don't know why they've started again but I swear I can't keep quiet knowing..." The words trailed off.

"There are several theories regarding psychic phenomenon." Ezra forced a smile, still wondering why in the world she wanted to see him about something like this. "One theory is that everyone is born with the ability but most lose it because of fear."

She stared at him, frowning in consternation. "Fear?"

"A child tells a adult not to go somewhere because if they do, they'll have a wreck. Adults tell them you don't say things like that, out of fear or superstition that if spoken aloud it will happen, therefore the child learns to ignore the talent....Without use, any ability becomes lost." He looked up, thanking the waitress as she warmed their coffee, waiting until she moved away before continuing. "As I said that's one theory. I won't tell you I definitely believe in psychics, but I don't scoff at things I don't understand either. There are too many things in this universe that can't be explained."

Dionica leaned back in her chair studying the handsome man across the table. "I would have thought because of your dealings with the court system, a man in your occupation would only believe in what he knew to be factual."

"My occupation?" He queried his eyes suddenly guarded. He should have realized the judge would be sure she knew of his past, at least as much as Travis knew. Ezra searched her eyes seeking the contempt he was certain to find.

Her voice was quiet; a ghost of a smile playing about her lips yet oddly enough, to his surprise, there was none of the derision or disgust he expected. "Uncle Orrin told me you were an undercover officer. He also said not to let you talk me into betting with you cause as a very skilled professional gambler you would end up owning my company."

The response, originally coming from the judge, stunned him. "He seems to have forgotten to mention con man."

"He didn't forget but actually he said ex-con man." His obvious surprise widened her smile. "I've known Uncle Orrin my entire life. He's one of the most upstanding men I've ever known and he thinks very highly of you."

Ezra gave a very ungentlemanly snort. "Never try to con a con man Dionica, I know exactly what the good judge thinks of me." Seeing the blush creep into her cheeks, he pat her hand reassuringly. "However my dear, I fail to comprehend why he suggested you talk-"

The words trailed off as once more her expression sobered, the smile and laughter fleeing, "I told you I've never clearly seen the man being...k-killed...in my dreams. The circumstances of his...death...do vary but one thing is always the same." She swallowed hard, her gaze shifting again to the coffee cup she clutched so tightly her knuckles were white. With effort she forced her gaze up to meet his puzzled eyes. "You."

*******

Ezra automatically parked the Camero next to Larabee's truck. The large vehicle would protect his paint job from the gravel being thrown in all directions under the wheels of Wilmington's pickup should the pilot leave before him.

One hand resting on the steering wheel, Standish closed his eyes; his thoughts still on Dionica's plea for help. She had struggled so hard to make him believe, explaining because of the nightmares, she thought the dreams to be Ezra committing the murders. He had to admit it had explained the stark fear, he'd seen at the museum.

As he had driven her home from the diner, Ezra had turned the problem over and over in his mind. He had considered all the possibilities and looked at it from all angles. It all came down to one thing. If, in fact, her dreams were truly premonitions of an event about to happen, how was he supposed to stop a murder when he had no idea who the victim was?

Reassuring her, he would be in touch, Ezra had stopped at the penthouse changing his clothes, leaving a message for the judge on the man's voice mail and quickly entered the facts he wanted researched into the computer, keying it to search and print. Hopefully, he would have some type of direction when he returned home.

He was jarred from his thoughts by a familiar laughing voice and a sudden rocking of the car. "Josiah says he knows ya love this shiny piece of metal but he ain't no car hop so if ya want some a his famous chili ya have to haul yer ass outta there and come and get it."

With a rueful shake of his head and a dimpled grin, Ezra climbed from the car. "Mr. Sanchez doesn't honestly believe I would allow that concoction anywhere near my vehicle does he? Why the spices alone would eat through the upholstery. I have no desire for the inside of my little beauty to resemble your stomach lining." He pulled the lanky Texan slouching against his fender away from the gleaming metal. "And, Mr. Tanner, I would appreciate it very much if you wouldn't leave your dusty ass prints on her."

Vin's blue eyes danced in amusement. "Ass prints Ez?...Ass prints? Think forensics can trace those as easily as finger prints?"

'All I know is the person in my dreams has the bluest eyes I've ever seen.'

As Dionica's words echoed through his mind, Standish's steps faltered. He dropped his gaze to the ground as if searching the rough patch of earth he'd stumbled over, giving himself time for his heartbeat to return to normal and the color to return to his face.

Was it possible Tanner was the person Dionica saw murdered in her dreams? That thought shook him. Please not Vin!!! Not any of these men he called family! Especially not Vin!

Tanner was closer to him than any of the others. Although he was loathe to admit it, somehow, somewhere along the way he and the quiet Texan had bonded and to think of losing that bond, that special friend...

"...Hell, Ez, you probably eat as much or more of the preacher's chili than me." Vin chuckled, tossing an arm around the shorter man's shoulders and steering him toward the house. "Musta not pissed the judge off to bad. We had bets goin' we'd hafta bail yer ass out of jail."

Trying to fight the irrational fear sweeping through him, the con man snorted. "As if you could afford the bail." Ezra was pleased his voice betrayed no hint of what he was feeling inside as the two of them entered the kitchen.

"Who needed bail?" Buck asked, passing a beer to the gambler.

"Is that why you couldn't get here till dinner time?" JD questioned. "Cause ya was in jail?"

"I was only kiddin' about rippin' off the judge's friends Ezra. I didn't think you'd really done it." Nathan remarked.

Tanner and Standish exchanged looks of exasperation before bursting into laughter.

"I was merely commenting on Mr. Tanner's seemingly constant lack of monetary funds." He turned to JD. "And before you ask Mr. Dunne, you are indeed still on vacation."

The extra leaf had been added to the enormous wooden table and several folding chairs pulled from the storage closet. Ezra took the last empty chair, squeezed in between Lucy and Molly.

"So what'd the judge want?" Nathan nosed.

"He merely requested that I look into a deal an acquaintance of his is thinking of investing in. He figures I would be the best person to discern whether or not it was a scam." He hated to lie to these people but it was an excuse they would believe and would stop any unwanted questions.

*******

Chris waited until Ezra returned the cell phone to his jacket pocket before he considered approaching the gambler. The con man was leaning against the fence of the empty corral fence, his emerald gaze focused somewhere beyond the meadow where the horses lazily grazed. The younger man seemed to be enjoying the quiet solitude. Larabee hadn't wanted to disturb the man but couldn't help worrying either. Ezra had been standing in that same spot for almost an hour and his thoughts appeared to be a million miles away before the ringing of the small phone had pulled him back.

"Mr. Larabee do you intend staring a hole in my back or would you like to ask whatever's on your mind?"

Chris shouldn't have been surprised at the slightly mocking question. The con man had eyes in the back of his head. With his profession, it helped keep him alive.

"Just wonderin' if you were alright?" Approaching the gambler, Larabee braced his back against the fence. Scraping a match against the rough texture, Chris lit a cheroot offering one of the thin smokes to the southerner.

"Thanks," Ezra bent to light the tobacco off the match Larabee offered, taking several puffs of the thin cigar, silently watching the smoke waft away on the breeze.

Larabee took a deep breath, fighting the impulse to order the smaller man to talk. Damn he could be irritating! Ninety percent of the time, you couldn't shut him up but try getting him to volunteer information and it was as if the verbose man had no vocal cords.

Chris had watched the gambler at dinner. Ezra had appeared his normal care-free self, joining in the conversation, flirting with the women, trading barbs with Nathan and groaning at JD's jokes, but Chris had seen worry and a strange puzzlement in the gambler's emerald eyes each time they came to rest on Tanner. "You seem awfully distracted the past couple days."

"It appears everyone spoke of their vacation plans but you Mr. Larabee." Ezra pointed out, still studying the smoke drifting off the end of his cheroot, attempting to turn the conversation away from himself.

"And you." The blond man stifled a chuckle, as the gambler looked surprised that his usual act of misdirection hadn't worked. He shrugged "I reckon I'll get some repairs and work done around here. You?"

"I plan on sleeping everyday until I'm damn well good and ready to get up." A dimple flashed. "So unless I'm otherwise warned at least twenty four hours in advance I might be forced to shoot someone who has the audacity to ring my doorbell before ten a.m. at the very earliest."

The blond nodded, then questioned softly, "Need some help with that favor for the judge?"

"Possibly....I'll let you know." Chris waited as Ezra met his eyes for the first time since the older man had joined him. He could see the gambler struggling with the decision to ask what he wanted to know. "Mr. Larabee, do you believe in psychic visions? Foretelling the future...premonitions...Things like that?"

Larabee contemplated the fiery end of the cheroot in contemplation. It was several long moments before he finally answered. "If you mean those people on TV who advertise all your questions answered for five bucks a minute on the phone...No I don't....If you mean people who have flashes of insight into where a lost kid is or when an earthquake is going to happen...possibly...I'm not sure...I don't know what you consider premonitions...But whether you call it instinct, premonitions or flashes of the future, those I do believe in." He grinned sheepishly. "Sarah used to have this dream about Buck taking some blonde for a ride in a hot air balloon...Damnedest thing....She'd have the dream and the next day sure as sunrise, we'd get mission orders. She'd have my bag packed by the time I woke up. Used to say it was like the balloon represented Buck flying off and since I was his commander..." He trailed off with a shrug.

"You were the blonde." It took all of Ezra's self-control to voice the comment with a straight face.

Chris saw the teasing twinkle in the green eyes and knew the southerner was attempting to picture him as a woman. Worse...as a woman on a date with Buck. "Just wipe that thought right out of your mind Standish!"

The statement was the gambler's undoing. His grip on the fence rail was the only thing keeping him on his feet as the laughter overwhelmed him.

"I swear Ezra, you say anything about that and I'll...." Larabee tried to think of a suitable threat when he finally got his own laughter under control. "I'll...Hell...I'll..."

"Understood Mr. Larabee." Ezra raised his hands in surrender before scrubbing a sleeve over his eyes.

The rest of the evening, the southerner couldn't help but chuckle each time his gaze met Larabee's.

*******

Standish stared at his reflection in the mirror wondering again if he should change clothes. Perhaps he should wear a suit. It would be more dignified and this wasn't a date after all; it was a business meeting. Of course he wanted to put Dionica at ease but then again since they were meeting here at his penthouse he didn't want to convey the wrong message.

'Damn! You'd think I was a teenager getting ready to date the prom queen.' Ezra berated himself studying the reflection one last time. The black slacks and turtleneck were fine. Formal enough to be business and casual enough to be comfortable.

"What do you think my friend?" He asked Scoundrel, who was sitting patiently watching his every move. The little dog yapped his approval and Ezra bent to ruffle his head, sending the tiny creature into wiggles of ecstasy.

After his phone conversation with the judge, Ezra had departed Larabee's as quickly as proper etiquette allowed and returning home had spent several hours studying the printed pages waiting in the basket next to his computer.

Dionica Ryan: Born and raised in Denver Colorado. Mother-Filipino. Father-American. She had worked construction during the summers since she was sixteen and studied architecture, with exceptionally high grades, for two years at a county technical school. She had applied for and was granted a small business loan ten years earlier to start her own company. According to the paperwork, three years after it's conception, Dionica had split the company into different factions. Several crews sub-contracted to other companies doing framing for pre-fab housing and apartment buildings while three crews dealt exclusively in expensive specially designed homes. The company had it's own division of electricians, plumbers, dry-wallers and painters.

Ezra had to admit he was impressed. The young woman knew what she was doing. Ryan Builders was a highly profitable company accepting work from all over the country. As he'd stared at the print outs, he realized not only was she beautiful but intelligent as well.

The gambler had been pleased to discover he wasn't being jerked around when Judge Travis had confirmed what Dionica had told him. Travis had readily stated her father was one of the judge's best friends and they had often talked about Dionica's uncommoningly accurate dreams when she was younger. It was because of this knowledge he had set up the meeting when she'd come to him the night of the benefit.

Ezra had spent the day, talking to so-called experts on the subject of psychic phenomenon, discovering some interesting facts but in truth feeling as if he were merely killing time until Miss Ryan arrived for her meeting at his home.

Feeling even more like that schoolboy, his heart skipped a beat as the door chimes sounded.

*******

"As closely as you can Dionica I need to know what you did a couple of days before the dreams started." According to a professor at the university, well versed in psychic ability, given the information Ezra had, something had triggered the return of Dionica's dreams. He said it could be something as simple as bumping into someone on the street or touching something the people in her dreams had held.

What fascinated the teacher was why she was seeing strangers when always before her dreams had centered on people she knew. The fact that Ezra himself was a standard feature seemed to indicate he was somehow the common denominator. When the professor had expressed a desire to know more, Standish had refused to give Dionica's name but had agreed to have her contact the man if she felt the need to talk further about her ability.

"Did you go anywhere unusual or do anything out of the ordinary?" He questioned again refilling her wineglass as they settled on the sofa. Ezra was pleased to see the woman's color had returned to her pale face and she appeared once more relaxed and in control.

His own heart had nearly stopped when casually examining the pictures which hung over the fireplace encircling a beautiful antique-framed hand-lettered calligraphy on friendship, her complexion had paled and she'd began to tremble uncontrollably, her dark gaze locked on the photo of Vin sitting near the stream which snaked through Chris' ranch.

The photos were one of the reasons he'd wanted the meeting at his home. Anyone with a normal curiosity admired the pictures and bric-a-brac when first visiting another's residence and he had prayed the woman would have no reaction to the photo of his friend.

Taking her hand, Ezra had steered her to a seat at the kitchen table. He had prepared pasta for dinner, keeping up a steady stream of aimless chatter and watching carefully as she slowly relaxed. Over dinner they'd discussed everything he'd discovered that day.

Crossing to her bag, Dionica returned to the couch with her day planner searching back over her numerous appointment notes before shaking her head. "Nothing out of the ordinary. I met with the Bensons on several changes they wanted made...that's the house we're building now....Checked out the other crews...I do that twice a week." She passed him the leather binder, explaining each appointment and meeting note.

"What's this?" A lined piece of paper fell out between them and he picked it up, handing it back to her. It was a list of names with either a y or n beside each of them.

"I needed a new crew for the remodeling division. These were the applications Janey had considered having the highest qualifications." She went on to explain when it came to the construction crews, Janey, the head of personnel, checked applications and verified information but left the final decision to Dionica.

"Can I keep this?"

"Sure. I didn't even realize I still had it." Rising, she crossed to the fireplace staring at the photos once more. "They're your family aren't they?" She questioned softly, not looking back at him.

"As close as I've ever had." He admitted, adding. "Of course I'd never tell them that."

She didn't seem surprised by his answer. "They look like good, honest men. Will you tell me about them?"

"They're my friends, my family, my teachers, my guardian angels." At the brash, too revealing, statement he felt the heat of embarrassment flush his face as he stepped up beside her. What was it about this woman that had him suddenly ignoring his rules and safeguards? What about her seemed to magically lower his walls and make him reveal things about himself? Things he'd never spoken of before.

He saw the answer in the dark gaze that met his emerald eyes. Somehow he sensed...he knew...just as he had with Vin, she wouldn't make light of his feelings or betray his trust.

"This is Buck and JD. Buck's been Chris' friend for more years than JD's been alive." He pointed to each of the pictures. "Buck is just a big overgrown kid and everyone's mother hen and big brother although JD, he's the youngest, bears the brunt of Buck's parental instincts. They're both very open about how they feel. Ya always know just where you stand with them. JD has a wonderfully naive outlook that just seems to be enhanced by Buck's optimism." He smiled wistfully at the photo of the two men. The picture had been taken as the two men finished wrestling in the dirt and Buck's arm was thrown around the kid's shoulders in that comfortable closeness they shared. "They're good men," he added softly before pointing to the photo of two men seemingly lost in deep discussion.

"This is Nathan and Josiah. If anyone was destined to be a doctor it's Nathan Jackson. He's a natural healer with a gentle touch and one of the most caring and compassionate people you'll ever meet. He's also so ethical you can almost hear him squeak. Most of the time," he grinned, "he thinks I'm completely corrupt and immoral but I can always count on an apology if he's wrong and Josiah usually makes sure he gives me the benefit of the doubt. Josiah, there, is a walking encyclopedia of parables with the wisdom of Solomon and the strength of Samson. The man has an unwavering faith in his friends and although he'd deny it, in God. If he didn't have a heart the size of Mount Rushmore and an honest streak as wide as the Grand Canyon he'd have made a great con man. He has this uncanny way of steering you right where he wants without you even realizing he's doing it."

He nodded to the picture of Chris Larabee, Tanner at his side, riding his stallion across the meadow, a look of sheer contentment and peace on his usually troubled face. "You probably saw Chris with Mary at the benefit. He's a born leader. Probably the best way to describe him is as a wild unpredictable force of nature. There's an air of authority about him that just makes you automatically believe he can do anything and make anything come out right. And I can tell you from personal experience if it's at all possible he will. He'll do whatever it takes to protect those he cares about, even if it means moving heaven and earth. He's as honest as Josiah, as ethical as Nathan, as caring as Buck and sometimes he's just as naive as JD."

"And him?" Dionica tentatively touched her fingertips to the glass covering Vin's photograph.

Ezra sighed softly. "Mr. Tanner....How to describe Vin....He's a fierce warrior with the soul of a poet lurking inside….The man is as complex as they come yet as simple to decipher as a child's puzzle. He has this remarkable ability to see people not only for who they are but also for who they want to become. If Chris is a force of nature, Vin is the eye of the hurricane. He's calm quiet and peaceful but when it's necessary he can be just as fierce as the outer core of that storm."

Dionica listened to the man's soft tones hearing the love and admiration in his voice as the gambler talked about these men who were obviously an important part of his life. She wondered if he realized he'd described the men in pairs, almost making them sound as if each pair was merely two halves of a whole. But if that were the case, where did that leave Ezra?

As cocky and self-confident as he appeared, somehow she sensed the southerner was in awe of these men, as if hidden insecurities left him feeling as if he were unworthy to be part of their family. She wondered how he would describe himself and more importantly how would those other men describe Ezra.

Ezra's eyes widened in surprise as the woman placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Thank you."

"For?"

"For sharing that with me." Dionica was touched that he had done so, knowing it wasn't easy for him.

The rest of the evening was spent in companionable conversation as each of them sought to learn about the other.

*******

Ezra whistled a soft lilting tune as he entered the main barn in search of Chris. Except for Mary who he'd found making sandwiches in the kitchen, the others had yet to arrive. A fact he was pleased about as he needed to talk to Chris alone but even the seriousness of the upcoming discussion couldn't seem to dampen his mood.

Contrary to what he'd told his boss, Ezra was up and doing research no later than nine a.m. every day. No one had questioned the additional week of down time. In actuality it wasn't unusual for two or three weeks to pass between Judge Travis' assignments. 

The seven men had spent several afternoons on the golf course, racing go-carts or playing basketball. To the others' amusement and puzzlement, Ezra's watch alarm always seemed to buzz at five o'clock on the button, an action which sent the gambler racing for home leaving them staring after him as he would head for the door with some line like, "If you'll forgive me gentlemen I must be leaving. I'll collect my winnings at our next excursion."

It was JD who always voiced the question on all their minds: "What the hell's with him lately?" It became a daily guessing game as they each threw suggestions into the pot: moonlighting, a high stakes game, even Maude calling... But they knew there was only one reason Ezra would miss their weekly poker game and all eyes turned to Chris, expecting him to tell them Ezra was preparing for their next assignment. Yet it was obvious by his shrug the blond was just as baffled as the rest of them.

And as his friends puzzled over his strange behavior, Ezra, who had never believed in becoming personally involved with people he worked with, whether on a con or since joining Larabee's team, was doing that very thing. He knew full well and mighty it was a bad idea, and if he needed any proof all he had to do was just ask his mother. She had preached and pounded that knowledge into him from an early age. How many times had she reminded him that letting himself become involved made him vulnerable. And it only served to make it that much more difficult when the time came to move on--and that time always did come.

However, if his friendship with Larabee and the other six men had blown that ideal to hell and gone, in little more than a week, Dionica had given it a proper funeral, burying the pieces so deep it would take an act of God to resurrect them.

Since that first dinner, they'd spent their evenings together. They'd gone to the symphony, the casino, bowling, dancing, and the museum. And if they were not out on the town, they stayed in and just watched a movie or talked at the penthouse. The gambler could not help but wonder what Nathan would say about this high brow lifestyle if he knew Ezra and Dionica had spent Thursday evening eating hot dogs and cheering the Rockies on to victory. But to Ezra's credit, it wasn't his fault they hadn't believed him when he'd told them he had very eclectic interests.

Needing to talk to someone he respected, whispering a quiet word to the horses, Ezra made his way down the center barn aisle, moving to the stall where Larabee was grooming his black stallion. The southerner knew the black was Chris' favorite of the small herd and with good reason. High spirited, with clean confirmation and an impressive blood line, the stallion threw foals every horse lover in the county wanted to purchase and Larabee could have retired on the stud fees offered for the animal's services.

Seeing Ezra approaching the stall, Chris made a great show of smacking the side of his head as if trying to shake water from his ears before snapping his fingers next to each ear. "Thought maybe I'd suddenly gone deaf. I didn't hear Buck's bellow."

A small smile jumped on Ezra's face. "Perhaps it is because the others have yet to arrive."

Larabee pretended not to take notice as Ezra rummaged about and found another curry brush and comb in the tack room.

With little regard for his not exactly barn working apparel, the gambler set about helping, starting with the chestnut gelding in the stall next to the black's. The gelding seemed as fond of Ezra as the southerner was of it. Truth was Chris sometimes considered the damn horse more trouble than he was worth, but the perverse animal reminded Chris so much of the con man, he couldn't imagine getting rid of it. Besides, he knew the southerner was exceedingly fond of the creature and the two seemed to belong together. Ezra was the only one the stubborn beast would allow on his back without a fight and Chris hoped the gambler would put the animal to good use in the next months, joining the other men when they went riding or camping.

"Wanna talk about it?" Larabee asked after several long moments of silence.

"What I'm about to tell you, Mr. Larabee may sound beyond belief but I assure you I have checked it out quite thoroughly." He had to assure Chris this was not a hoax or something frivolous, the gambler was cooking up to yank his boss' chain.

Chris paused, resting his hand on the stallion's flank as he looked at the man in the other stall. "This have anything to do with that conversation about premonitions?"

Turning from the gelding, leaning against the wooden partition separating the stalls, Ezra nodded. "It has everything to do with it and I would appreciate it if until necessary this strictly remains between the two of us." Ezra trusted Larabee with his life, but he did not want the facts to get out until he was ready. While Standish knew Chris would welcome the young woman to the ranch, the con man feared the men's reactions to the events which had led to his introduction to Dionica. Worse he feared their reactions would make her uncomfortable.

Turning back to the job at hand, as quickly and to the point as he could, the gambler told Larabee the reason for his meeting with the judge and the following events, omitting specific details he did not yet feel were relevant.

Chris studied the brush in his hand, his voice low, "You really think these dreams are about Vin?" He realized that explained Ezra's expressions each time he looked at the young tracker.

"It's the only explanation that makes sense...as if any of this makes sense." Ezra rubbed the velvet muzzle as the gelding nudged him, wanting the treats secreted in the con man's jacket pockets. The gelding knew his southern friend never failed to bring him something sweet. "I've begun cross referencing the names of everyone the lady has come in contact with against the cases Vin's been involved in both on this team and as a police officer...." Ezra released a long breath. "Until we know for sure, I think it would be best if we keep a close eye on Mr. Tanner...unobtrusively, of course."

"Oh of course." Chris chuckled. He raised his gaze to the barn rafters in exasperation, swearing under his breath about the cost of repaving his drive as the sounds of spewing gravel was drowned out by the blaring of a horn announcing Buck and JD's arrival.

*******

"Somebody wanna tell me what the hell's goin' on?" Accepting the cup of coffee Lucy offered Vin slid an arm around her waist, keeping her at his side. With their assignments and the women's' various careers, it wasn't often any of them had the chance to spend time with the women in their lives. When they were together Vin made it a point to keep Lucy as close as possible. To that end, Tanner had taken advantage of the extra week of down time. Talking Lucy into rearranging her appointments, the two of them had retreated to his mountain cabin for two days of solitude.

"Such as?" Chris allowed his confusion at the statement to show; hoping this wasn't one of those times when Vin instinctively knew what he was thinking. Since his discussion with Ezra in the barn, Larabee had been thinking up a list of reasons to make sure Tanner with someone at all times.

"Such as Ezra's eyes are shinin' like a damn Christmas tree and Buckley there's grinnin' like the cat th-that swallowed the canary." Vin's words faltered seeing Lucy quickly avert her gaze. "Lucy?"

"Yes, dear?" The woman was all innocence as she gave him a sweet beguiling smile.

Chris started, suddenly becoming suspicious as he immediately recognized the 'I've got a secret,' smile which curled up the corners of the young vet's lips. It was the same smile Mary had been wearing the last few days.

"It's truly amazing how two men usually so astute and in tune with their team mates can be so damn blind." Buck laughed, raising his coffee mug to his lips, then lowered it without drinking to blurt out, "Just look at him! Think about it!....Every time we've gotten together the last couple weeks, come five o'clock ol' Ez is headed home like someone shot him outta a cannon. He ain't bitched once about spendin' the day fishin' with us, or touchin' creatures that wiggle through the ooze or how fish come nice and neatly packaged in the supermarket. He ain't complained once about crawlin' outta bed before noon. Hell, he was the first one here today and..." He raised his arm and eyeballed his watch, "and it's just now nine thirty. In the morning," he stressed as if it wasn't obvious to the others.

Taking pity on his puzzled friends and indicating they should follow him, Wilmington casually strolled inside and took a seat directly across the table from Ezra, leaning on his elbows to stare intently at the man.

Neither Molly nor Casey had been able to attend the day's outing but they hoped to arrive that evening in time for the cookout. Even without Casey, JD had pitched in wrapping the sandwiches and snacks the women were preparing while Josiah packed a cooler and Nathan, just to be on the safe side, was checking his emergency first aid kit.

Pointedly ignoring the ex-pilot's intense stare, Standish concentrated on what Rayne was saying, actually forcing himself not to squirm as he helped JD, acutely aware of Buck's steady gaze and bright smile.

A silence slowly fell over the kitchen as one by one the occupants' attention was captured by the silent battle of wills taking place over the table.

"Mr. Wilmington, knowing your penchant for the fairer gender, I'm assuming your sudden intense interest in me is brought about by a question you wish answered and not by my undeniable good looks." He wiggled his eyebrows and flashed a dimpled grin at the pilot.

"Well, actually, Ez, ol' buddy, I got quite a few questions, but I'll settle for the answer to three of 'em." Pushing aside his cup Buck leaned over, almost nose to nose with the gambler. "Who is she? Where did you meet her and when do we get to check her out?"

A slow easy smile spread across the gambler's handsome face as his emerald gaze moved over each of the people gathered in the room. They all seemed to be holding their breath in anticipation of his answers and he abstractedly imagined them one by one turning blue and falling into a dead faint.

Only Mary appeared disinterested in the discussion, as she continued to slice the tomatoes in front of her but he knew appearances were deceiving and he couldn't help but wonder when Dionica had talked to her.

"Check her out?" The con man called on his acting skills to look as insulted as he sounded. "Just how did you intend to perform such an act?"

"Oh, you know... " Buck waved a hand in the air. "The usual. Interrogation room. FBI background check. Ten page questionnaire concerning hobbies, pastimes and sexual preferences..." Buck wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, "Same as the we did with Lucy, Rayne and Mary. By the way, Celia," he pulled his gaze from Ezra long enough to cast a look at the woman beside Josiah." have you finished answering your questionnaire yet?"

"Actually, Buck, I've discovered I'm having trouble describing a couple of Josiah's specialties....and I'm not just talking about his chili making ability. " The woman's remark, stated so innocently, caused the pilot's jaw to drop open and Nathan to choke on his juice as the preacher's face flushed a bright shade of red.

The southerner's act fell away, his laughter setting off the others. It wasn't often they got a good laugh at Josiah's expense.

"Come on you sneaky little bastard...Fess up!" Gasping for air, Wilmington wiped the tears from his eyes, turning everyone's attention back to the gambler.

"Since you've deemed to ask so nicely..." Ezra leaned back in his chair taking several long sips of his coffee, drawing out the tension. He loved watching Buck squirm and as his gaze flickered over the room, he realized Buck wasn't the only one. "I met the lovely Miss Ryan at the museum benefit. As for your last question," he glanced at his watch. "being very prompt, it would be a safe bet to say you'll more than likely have the chance to check her out within the next twenty minutes or so." Pushing to his feet, he refilled his cup and moved out onto the porch putting an end to the questions being fired at him.

Chris' quiet question went unnoticed in the noisy din made by the others as he looked at Mary. "You know who she is, don't ya?"

"So do you." Mary responded over her shoulder, smiling as she crossed to the refrigerator ending the discussion as effectively as Ezra had.

"Ya knew, didn't ya?" Vin cornered Lucy, his blue eyes twinkling merrily as he pulled her to his chest to stare down at her. "How?"

"You just had to look at him." Lucy declared, smiling up at him. "You knew too. Ya just didn't realize what you were seeing."

Buck smiled seeing the tracker's actions as he moved to the screen door. His dark gaze drifted to where the southerner had settled on the porch swing. It hadn't been hard for the womanizer to recognize the lighter step, the extra gleam in the mischievous eyes, the brightness in the easy smile...Standish had been bitten and hard. Hell, Ezra looked just like Chris had when he met Sarah. Like Vin did when he was around Lucy. As he turned back shaking his head almost wistfully wondering if he would ever be that lucky, Buck realized it was about damn time the southerner found someone!

******

A ghost of a smile played on Ezra's lips as he listened to the conversations drifting to him from the other side of the door. He should have known Buck would be the first to realize he was seeing someone. The womanizer was a born romantic, his instincts regarding matters of the heart enhanced by his unusual upbringing.

Ezra had really wanted to bring Dionica with him that morning, but perhaps sensing he needed to talk with Chris alone, she had urged him to go on ahead without her, insisting she needed to do a weekly inspection on two of the crew's work--inspections she had put aside to spend time with him. Being Sunday morning, with no one around to detain her, it wouldn't take long at all. She assured him she would do what she needed to get done and would be at the ranch by ten. With a wink, a smile and a light kiss, she'd waylaid his worries, assuring him nothing would keep her away for she couldn't wait to meet his friends....his family.

Standish snickered hearing Tanner's comment about the rest of them not having Buck's womanly intuition when it came to romance. He could only hope Dionica realized what she was getting herself into if she continued to see him.

*******

"Ya don't really think she's some snooty society lady, do ya, Buck?" JD questioned almost plaintively, trying to keep his voice low enough so it wouldn't carry to the man sitting on the porch. "If she's somebody like that, she wouldn't wanna go fishin'," he pointed out as if that were the worst thing in the world.

"Anybody wanna bet she shows up in a car as fancy as his?" Nathan snorted. Truth was, although he would never admit it, he didn't care if the woman arrived in a chauffeured limousine wearing furs and diamonds on every finger just as long as she treated Ezra the way he deserved to be treated and that was with love and respect.

Chris continued to watch Mary as she bit her lip to keep from commenting. If nothing else, he realized, it was going to be an interesting afternoon.

His hazel eyes met Vin's azure ones in a silent pact. It was Ezra's turn and the southerner was going to have a great day if Chris and Vin had to bind and gag the other four men.

"Let's get the truck loaded so we'll be ready to go when Miss Ryan gets here." Josiah suggested and they began moving about the kitchen to gather up the packed items.

"Hey! Y'all hear that?" JD waved his arms for silence as a rumble sounded in the distance steadily growing louder. "Listen...What is that? Don't tell me it's gonna rain!"

"Sounds like Vin's bike," Buck remarked as everyone forgot about gathering up the food and moved out onto the porch.

Glances were exchanged, eyebrows were raised in question, and answered with puzzled shrugs as a black Harley eased past the parked trucks and pulled to a stop near the porch.

"Man, that's gorgeous!" JD let out a long low whistle, his glittering eyes raking over every inch of the motorcycle, coming back to rest on the scene of two men sitting on a hilltop in relaxed companionship silhouetted against a magnificent golden sunset, which was beautifully painted on the bike's gas tanks.

"My thoughts exactly." Ezra uttered drolly as he stepped down from the porch. The slender rider kicked down the stand and killed the engine climbing from the bike, before removing the helmet and slipping the sunglasses into a pocket of the leather jacket. He didn't have to look back to know all eyes had widened and jaws had dropped low enough to hit the wooden planks when long ebony hair shaken free of the helmet tumbled to the rider's waist.

"Told ya I'd find the place." Dionica whispered lowly, grinning nervously.

"There wasn't a doubt in my mind....I give excellent directions." The gambler chuckled, blocking her view of the porch, giving the others a chance to gather their wits. "Ready?" he whispered.

"I was born ready." Dionica laughed, brushing her lips against his as Ezra rolled his eyes at the cliché.

Clutching her hand securely in his, his heart pounding like a jackhammer in his chest, Ezra slowly steered her toward the crowded porch.

"Damn, boys, I'm gonna have to start visitin' the museum more often," Wilmington wisecracked, eyeing the woman with appreciation as she stepped up onto the porch to face them.

"Mary!" Relieved to see another familiar face, Dionica rushed forward giving her old friend a fierce hug, whispering softly in the blonde woman's ear, "You were so right!"

*******

Josiah ducked his head, hiding his smile at the concern evident on Ezra's face as the southerner followed Mary and Celia into the house. Yet even as he did, he continually glanced back at the group seated around the barbecue area. It was the first time since her arrival that he had deemed leaving Dionica alone with the others. The preacher was tempted to call out to the gambler, to reassure him they wouldn't let the big bad wolf eat her.

Looking at the group gathered around the young woman, he momentarily thought he might have to rephrase that....Buck while practically drooling, was minding his manners and the others looked as if they were ready to pounce enthusiastically into questioning a suspect. The gray haired man was surprised to see what he could only describe as a touch of sadness in the sharpshooter's blue eyes each time Vin glanced at the woman who had so obviously captivated the southerner's heart. Thinking back on it, Josiah realized, although Dionica had fit easily and comfortably into the close group of friends, laughing, joking and trading barbs with each of them, she seemed to have avoided any personal contact with the quiet Texan.

Seeing Ezra's concerned expression, Dionica gave the gambler a relaxed smile and tiny wave as he looked back one more time before reluctantly entering the house. Once she was sure he had truly gone in, Dionica squared her shoulders and turned to the gathered men.

"Well, gentlemen, let the interrogation begin," she stated with a smile. She had arranged with Mary for the blonde woman to keep Ezra busy inside. It would give his friends time to ask the questions they might not be willing to voice if he were present. She had a few questions of her own.

Since their first dinner meeting at the penthouse, Dionica had been certain she wanted to know the southerner better. This was a man she would welcome into her life and every day since had only strengthened that resolve. At first she had considered, since she had contacted him about help with her nightmares her attraction could simply be a version of a patient falling for their doctor. However, the more time she spent with him, she realized that theory had dissolved as quickly as it had formed. To her joy and she hoped his as well, the attraction between them had swelled with each new discovery.

Having spent the last hours with them, Dionica realized Ezra's descriptions of the men lounging in the grass and on the lawn furniture had been more than accurate. They were indeed a unique group of individuals who had formed a very special family.

"Even with Mary and Celia's help it's gonna take Ezra awhile to make enough frozen Margaritas for everyone, so you might as well take advantage of the time and ask the questions I know are just eating away at you." she offered, letting them know she was not adverse to answering.

Lucy bit back a smile as the six men exchanged wary looks at the brash statement, each waiting for one of the others to start.

"Make ya a deal." Dionica laughed when no one spoke up. "I have one question for each of you and you can ask me anything you wish. Agreed?"

She saw suspicion enter Larabee's hazel eyes, his gaze darting to Tanner as the two men tried to decipher what kind of a game she might be trying to play with them.

To his chagrin, Chris had remembered momentarily meeting the young woman at the benefit and realized as a close friend of both Mary's and the judge, the woman more than likely knew the cover stories used by the team were fabrications. However, that didn't mean he was willing to take a chance on what she might want to know.

"We can ask anything and you'll answer it?" JD grinned, his curiosity piqued.

"I didn't say that. What I said was you can ask me anything you want to know but I didn't necessarily say I would answer it...Everyone's entitled to their privacy." The woman laughed as the youngest member's expression fell.

"She's already been around him too long." Buck chuckled. "That was an Ezra Standish answer if I ever heard one."

"Okay, tell me what would you like to know, JD?" Dionica asked when the laughter at Buck's comment had faded.

"You first." The young man smiled, relaxing. "You said you had a question for each of us."

"Actually I'd like to ask each of you the same question." She hesitated, biting her lower lip, "How would you describe Ezra to a total stranger?"

*******

"She's gonna be fine, Ezra." Mary smiled, patting the southerner's arm reassuringly as he stepped toward the window for the tenth time. "What do you think they're gonna do?....Hang her up by the thumbs and use her for target practice?"

"They'd take her to the firing range for that." Ezra quipped, chewing nervously on his lower lip as his gaze strayed toward the window again. "So how long are y'all supposed to keep me in here?"

Mary couldn't help but giggle. She should have known he wouldn't be fooled by her sudden desire for Margaritas. "Dionica just wanted a chance to meet them on their own turf, without your vigilant protection," she explained.

Ezra nodded understanding, "They can be a bit overwhelming if you're not used to them."

"I think that young lady can more than hold her own against any and all of them." Celia offered shyly. "She seems like an extraordinary woman and I can tell you for a fact, Josiah thinks she's absolutely wonderful."

"She is." The gambler's quiet words revealed a sense of wonderment that this special person had found her way into his life and his ungrounded fear he was going to discover fate was playing with him and making him the butt of an elaborate joke. He was struggling against a lifetime of training and experience, wanting so desperately to believe he wasn't being set up to have his heart crushed and his feelings tossed aside as if they were meaningless scraps of paper.

As if somehow sensing the man's thoughts, Mary laid a gentle hand on his arm. "She thinks you are, too." she whispered, pleased to see the flush of pleasure brought to his face by her words.

*******

The group stared at each other in stunned silence. Describe Ezra? The very idea defied description. How could they describe someone who took immense pleasure in defying categorization. Unfortunately, they all knew she wasn't asking them merely for a physical description but wanted more like how the man ticked, thought, acted..... She didn't want much, ran mockingly through each of their minds.

She focused large dark eyes on the youngest member of the group, eyeing him expectantly, "JD?"

"That's hard..." he groused softly, "Hell, I's just gonna ask you about your bike." The young man half-pouted at being singled out as first, He plucked at the grass, refusing to meet her steady gaze.

Dionica heard the others muttering but kept her eyes on the young man, "Would it be easier on you to just pick one word?"

"Doubt it." JD shrugged. "Probably every word in the dictionary describes Ezra in one way or another. He's fun and he sure gets a kick outta seein' how much he can push or irritate someone...especially Chris. He calls it an ongoing study in human nature." 

He finally raised dark eyes to meet hers, his gaze unwavering as he added, "He's my friend." To JD that simple answer was more than adequate. Ezra Standish was his friend. Suddenly flustered he reached over to punch Buck who was beside him.

"Your turn, " Dunne tossed the gauntlet to his roommate.

Wilmington didn't hesitate, jumping in with both feet. "He's a damn little Banty rooster!" The ex-Navy pilot snorted loudly. "He struts around in that fancy garb of his, all full a piss and vinegar and feisty as hell and damnit, ya can't help but love him." Those gathered around smiled, knowing exactly what the man meant. When he continued his voice was a little softer, "Most of the time ya'd think he'd cornered the market on self confidence, but there's times...times when he thinks ya ain't looki'..." Wilmington's words trailed off not wanting to put into words what they all at one time or another had witnessed and that was the scared little boy Ezra kept locked inside. The somber faced child who so desperately craved love and affection.

Swallowing hard, the womanizer went on, "Ezra likes to make people think he's a money hungry, self serving, conceited hard ass bastard, but he's got a heart a gold and goes outta his way to help folks without them knowing, especially kids. He's the damn Pied Piper when it comes to kids." He grinned at Dionica, "That's more than one word...."

She nodded. "That's okay, Buck," as her dark eyes settled on Nathan, remembering all too vividly what Ezra had said about the man thinking he was corrupt and immoral. She braced herself, prepared to hear the worst from this man who so seemed to think so little of the southerner.

The physician set his jaw, steeling his reserve as all eyes turned to him. He could feel Rayne tense beside him, waiting anxiously to hear what he had to say about the man who often pushed him to the very limits of his patience. He wasn't going to hold his tongue just because they all wanted to make Standish look good in this woman's eyes. Dionica wanted honesty, had asked for it in fact and deserved it. He was more than willing to give her a healthy dose of the truth concerning Ezra Standish.

"There is no doubt in my mind Ezra Standish is conceivably the most suspicious, sneaky, conniving, bewildering, arrogant, argumentative, and aggravating person I've ever...had the pleasure of calling friend. He'll con the gold fillings outta your teeth and then turn right around and give ya every dime in his pocket so you can go to the dentist. He's just that way, giving things anonymously of course, if he thinks ya need them."

Feeling Rayne relax, he slipped an arm around her shoulders. "If God himself asked for a favor, after demanding proof of His identity, Ezra would want to know what was in it for him. Yet I've seen that same distrusting man go a hundred miles outta his way to make some kid smile." He shrugged with a wry grin, "Ezra P. Standish is a living breathing, stupefying contradiction. When ya think you know everything you can possibly know about him, he throws the book away and stuns you by doing the exact opposite of what you'd expect."

Seeing her obvious surprise at his opinion of the younger man made Nathan wonder just how Ezra perceived the physician's feeling about him. They all had their faults but Nathan knew he was harder on the gambler than any of the others. He had an easier time letting the con man know just how much he cared, when the southerner was injured than when they were simply out enjoying the day and each other's company. Seeing Dionica's reaction, the doctor made a silent vow to change that.

The truth was he did enjoy Ezra's company. He liked sparring with the gambler's quick wit and challenging the con man's sometimes cockeyed views. Standish was one of the most intelligent people he knew and Nathan truly loved the intellectual and philosophical discussions he shared with both Ezra and Josiah.

Dionica took several quiet moments to digest that before turning to the large gray haired man who sat next to the doctor. "Josiah, how would you describe Ezra?"

"Our little black sheep is....wicked." Laughter rumbled from deep inside the preacher at the stunned expressions. They all knew the southerner was special to the older man giving him a focus for his paternal instincts. "Ya see, our Ezra has a way of twisting a problem around in his mind, looking at it from angles no one else would even dream of. He has a wicked sense of humor and with that amazingly sharp mind of his...along with a little help, prodding and a few suggestions...can concoct some pretty outlandish practical jokes. Isn't that right, Brother Vin?"

Tanner chuckled and dropped his head, not about to admit to anything.

"Ezra can use that intelligence and vocabulary of his to tie you up in so many mental knots you're agreein' to sign over your first born and pay for the kid's college education before ya realize all he wanted was directions to some fancy restaurant. I think," he spread his hands to include the other men around him, "with us he's finally found a way to use the many talents God blessed him with and Maude nourished. I think he's found a way that makes him feel good about himself. I know, though he ain't outright said it, one of his biggest fears is that he'll disappoint us in some way, so he keeps up that hard assed charade of his so we'll always expect the worst. You just have to remember that behind that cocky grin and the wicked twinkle in them green eyes is a very sensitive little boy who can most likely kick your ass mentally and physically, as well as at the poker table....Brother Chris?"

Larabee stared at the glass in his hand, realizing each of the men were totally correct in their assessment and description of Ezra. It had taken them time but they had eventually come to understand the enigmatic man who had fought so valiantly to hold up the walls protecting his heart. The fact they could be so correct was proof the southerner had failed at keeping those barriers between these men and his soul...Somewhere along the way, they had found chinks and holes, and while they were working their way into his soul, he was just as firmly working his way into theirs. As a wise person once said and Chris now knew to be true: love and respect was a two way street.....

"Loyal...." That word seemed to leap in his mind and out his mouth. "Half the time I think Ezra's got more courage than brains. He'd die to protect any of us...that's true courage." He fell silent for a long moment, chewing his lip as the memory of Tally's actions surfaced from that dark place he had buried them. He firmly pushed the memory away.

"Ezra just has a hard time believing any one of us would do the same for him. JD's right. Ezra gets a real kick outta seein' how close to total insanity he can push me and he sure doesn't have to try very hard to make Nathan's blood pressure rise. I think it tickles the shit out of him he can get under our skins like that. I think his main goal in life is seeing which one of us he can make age the fastest." He paused for a second, running his hand through his hair, "He's independent, a Maverick and an annoying little sonuvabitch with more pride than a damn peacock who's finally come to learn he can rely on someone besides himself." He frowned slightly, "Then again I guess he hasn't had much reason to trust people before..."

Chris shook his head ruefully. "He's a good man and a good friend who deserves the best out of life."

Dionica had noticed in all their conversations, Ezra had avoided talking of his life before meeting Larabee and the rest of these men. The few photos in his apartment were of these men. His adopted family. Now she could understand why he considered them so special and was thrilled to discover they thought the same of him.

Forcing the smile that began to slip away back into place she turned at last to Vin Tanner. She knew this quiet man with the easy lopsided grin was the closest friend Ezra had ever allowed himself to have. Having met him, she realized there was an unexplainable, almost mystical aura about the Texan. Dionica found herself praying both she and Ezra were wrong and this wasn't the man whose death haunted her dreams.

Vin lay in the grass, his eyes on the multi-colored sky, as the sun completed its journey. "He's family."

Those two words spoke volumes and said more than any ten-page speech. Ezra was a member of the ex-bounty hunter's family. And the Texan valued family above all else. If you fucked any one of them over, and especially if it was the southerner, or the Hoosier, you'd better be prepared to face the wrath of the overly protective Texas sharpshooter

"So what did Ez say about us?" Buck questioned impatiently when he realized Vin had said all he was going to say. He had no doubt the gambler had told her about each of them. "He tell ya about my natural charm and magnetism or what an overbearing asshole Chris can be?"

Dionica laughed at the man's words. "Now if I told you that, I'd have to tell Ezra what you said about him." Her smile brightened. "But on another subject, to answer your question, JD... My dad was a biker. I was probably riding before I could walk. I bought that particular bike about five years ago. I ride whenever I can."

"Vin's helpin' me fix up an old one I bought from some idiot who was gonna send it to the junk yard." he blurted out, happy to find they had something in common. He had been so afraid Ezra's choice of a lady would be someone who would look down on him and make him feel out of place. He had never dreamed she would ride a bike!

"Let me know when you're ready and if you'd like, I'll put you in touch with a friend who'll give you a great deal on a paint job. He did mine, including that scene on the tanks."

JD lit up like a neon sign. "Gee, that would be great! Have ya talked Ezra into riding it yet?"

Dionica nodded, "Actually, we rode to the ballpark the other night. Said he'd been seriously considering buying one since Vin took him riding."

Continuing to watch the kaleidoscope of colors in the darkening sky, his thumb absently rubbing Lucy's palm, a slow smile crept across Vin's handsome face. He'd known even with all of his bitchin' and moanin', the southerner had had a good time. In a lot of ways, Ezra was too much like the sharpshooter not to enjoy the rush of adrenaline and the feeling of freedom brought about by cruising on the back of a bike.

"Never figured no society lady would ride motorcycles." JD commented. "Guess ya do learn somethin' everyday. Do ya like horses, too?"

"I love horse back ri....Society lady?" Dionica looked at the youngest member in confusion. The others seemed content for the moment to let him satisfy his curiosity and possibly their own as well. Just what had Ezra told them about her? "He told you I was..?"

"No!" JD was quick to correct any misunderstanding. "We were just talkin' one day about the kind a lady Ezra..." The words trailed off as his face flushed red and the others squirmed uncomfortably. "You know...guy stuff." he finished lamely.

"Society I'm not. My father's a lawyer and my mother was his legal secretary...They retired a couple years ago and spend their time traveling now."

Dunne's eyes narrowed, "Thought you said your dad was a biker?"

She nodded. "I did. There's all types of bikers JD, not just the longhaired, tattooed brawling bad ass terrorizing small towns as depicted in the movies. Neither you or Vin fit that description and yet you both ride." Dionica hoped she wasn't making matters worse. She didn't want to embarrass the young man further or make him feel foolish. "Other than a tat, I hope I don't fit that description....My dad and Uncle Orrin used to take a two week road trip every year on their bikes. Unless there was someplace special they wanted to go they just picked a direction and headed out."

"That would be so cool. Hey, guys, we oughta-"

"You have a tattoo?" Buck interrupted, his eyes automatically scanning her exposed flesh while he mentally tried to picture her in the shorts and tank top she'd worn that afternoon. He glanced from her to Ezra as the con man and his assistant bartenders rejoined the group, each of them carrying a tray of drinks.

'He's settin' us up.' The thought raced through Buck's mind and a quick glance at Nathan assured him, the physician's thoughts were running along the same lines. This had to be one of the gambler's practical jokes. However, that thought quickly dissipated as Ezra bypassed the empty lawn chair and settled on the grass next to the young woman, giving her a bright smile and peck on the cheek as she leaned back against his chest and made herself comfortable in his embrace.

From that vantage point, she eyed Buck as Ezra spoke up. "Having dated half of Colorado's female population you should know it's not uncommon for a woman to have a tattoo Mr. Wilmington."

"I ain't saying there's anything wrong with it, Ezra. Depending on the person and the tat it can be sexy as hell..." The pilot teased giving Dionica a lecherous wink. "So what and where is it and has Ezra seen it yet?" he grilled her.

Dionica giggled, "I'm afraid your curiosity will remain unsatisfied on all counts of that subject, Buck." Yet the bright flush creeping up both their faces was answer enough to the latter part of the question.

"Do you astute gentlemen realize the Uncle Orrin she mentioned is our very own Judge Travis?"

The innocent remark accomplished its desired effect. Mary, Dionica and Ezra chuckled in amusement as alcohol was spewed in several directions and those who weren't choking on their drinks were staring at the three as if they had just stepped from a spacecraft wearing nothing but purple polka dot antenna.

"You made that up! That ain't gonna happen!" Nathan stated bluntly, his skepticism apparent. "He's your uncle and he knows you're seeing Ezra?

"My godfather and actually, he arranged the introductions and unless I'm mistaken, he has a 1969 Harley in the garage he plans on giving Billy when he's old enough." She looked to Mary who nodded in confirmation.

"So how come someone hasn't swept ya off your feet already." Another woman might have taken offense at the womanizer's somewhat chauvinistic question but to Dionica his tone evoked images of knights in shining armor, romantic swashbucklers and cowboys in white hats riding to the rescue.

'Someone has.' She almost spoke the thought aloud as her gaze momentarily drifted to the gambler before focusing on the pilot who was waiting for her answer.

Seeing the twinkle of mischief in Dionica's dark eyes, Mary averted her gaze and steeled herself for what was about to happen. She wasn't sure exactly what her friend was up to but she wasn't going to give away the game.

Knowing she was acquainted with the gambler, Dionica had called her several days after meeting the con man asking Mary's opinion of the southerner. The widow had been honest with her friend, stating emphatically that while the gambler was a hard person to get to know his friendship was well worth the effort.

Her steady gaze on Wilmington, Dionica spoke blithely. "I'm afraid my profession may have something to do with that. Most of your gender doesn't seem able or willing to handle the fact that I spend ninety-nine percent of my time with a dozen or so men a day. Admittedly it's in some of the damnedest locations and positions you can ever imagine but that's all part of the job." She shrugged, stifling the smile at the expected reaction.

The six men struggled to appear nonchalant as they exchanged looks of puzzlement. Vin had said Ezra would fall for someone they didn't expect and Lucy had voiced the opinion the gambler wouldn't give a damn what she did for a living but no one really thought....

Even Buck, with his unorthodox upbringing, couldn't bring himself to truly believe Ezra would....

Giving Standish a side long glance, she saw his slight wink. As if their thoughts were being displayed on the Super Bowl scoreboard, she and Ezra could picture the men mentally running randomly down a list of jobs fitting the description she'd given. It was plain they had each one reached the same conclusion: Ezra was dating a hooker.

Not content to let them stew in their own juices, Dionica further stirred the pot. "For the life of me, I can't comprehend why men aren't as understanding as women. Can one of you tell me why a man expects a woman to just smile and say, 'fine honey, I'll see you when you get back,' if their business takes them out of town with a woman but you automatically suspect the worst if it's the other way around."

Each of the six avoided her eyes as Dionica posed the question. She glanced at Mary and saw her friend was about to burst into convulsions from holding in her laughter. She too realized what conclusion the men had come to and couldn't believe Dionica was egging it on with her seemingly 'innocent' remarks and questions.

"Seriously, I would like to know....You would think a man would appreciate a woman who could hammer it home and nail it down." Dionica was having a hard time containing her own laughter as Ezra choked back a chuckle and Mary turned away to keep from losing it altogether. "I mean, is it my fault there aren't more women construction workers?"

Mary burst into gales of laughter at the men's expressions and Josiah pounded on the doctor's back as Nathan's drink once again went down the wrong way.

"Perhaps Brother you should let Rayne hold your drink until Dionica finishes answering questions."

"You're a construction worker?" Chris' chuckle slowly built into outrageous laughter, carrying the others along as they realized they'd been had by the dark eyed beauty.

"Actually, she owns Ryan Custom Builders." Mary informed them, her smile bright as Larabee swiped at the corners of his eyes wiping away the tears of laughter.

Ezra steeled himself as his boss realized Dionica was the person they'd been discussing that morning. He was certain he'd soon be hearing a lecture on the irresponsibility and irrationality of becoming personally involved with the woman. To his utter surprise, as he met Chris' steady gaze he saw nothing but approval.

Slipping an arm around Mary, Chris chuckled good-naturedly as Dionica began answering the questions suddenly being fired at her from four members of his team.

Yes, she had taken ballet lessons as a kid but had never thought of doing it as a career. No she'd never modeled. Yes she loved horses but had never ridden in any formal competition. Yes indeed, she loved all types of music except Opera or gangster rap and although she liked some classics, she loved a good mystery novel.

Finally, their curiosity sated for the moment, the men settled back with their drinks. With a sly twinkle in her eye, Dionica spoke up. "I do have just one more question." They all groaned, as squeezing Ezra's hand, she asked, "Who won the bet?"

Dionica giggled, Ezra outright laughed and everyone except Vin had the good graces to appear embarrassed as Josiah pulled the pool money from his pocket and placed it in Tanner's outstretched hand.

*******

Seeming to understand her need for a few minutes alone, Ezra had simply nodded when she excused herself a short time later and slipped away from the group of friends.

Lost in thought, Dionica was surprised to find her steps had taken her to the front of the old farm house. While the back porch faced corrals, out buildings and rolling hills, the front faced a clear stream winding through a lush green meadow full of wildflowers.

"Do ya care about him?" The Texas drawl was as soft as the night breeze that lifted the loose strands of hair from her face. "For true?"

Closing her eyes, Dionica concentrated on the remembered picture hanging over Ezra's fireplace, wanting the image of Vin seated beside that stream, blue eyes, that seemed to hold the wisdom of the ages, locked on the night sky to burn itself into her memory wiping away all residue of the horrible nightmare images that grew stronger each time she dared to look at him. She mentally called up the photo sitting on the end table of Vin and Ezra laughing happily hoping against hope that laughter would continue for many more years.

"Yes....I do." Taking a deep breath, Dionica turned to face the man who stepped from the darkness. "It surprises me how much."

Vin studied her intently, as if searching for some sign she was lying. Then after several moments he nodded once. "He don't believe it, but he's pretty special." With another nod he stepped away, leaving her to her thoughts.

"I think y'all are pretty special." Her softly whispered words followed the sharpshooter as he faded into the shadows, a look of puzzlement on his troubled face.

*******

Dionica stood for several long moments then moved to sit down on the front porch step, her gaze settling on the meadow in front of her. The sun had gone down and the moon was beginning to peek around the distant mountains, shedding its silver glow across the peaceful view. Thoughts far away, she was not aware she was no longer alone until someone cleared their throat. She jumped and looked up guiltily at the big man who was smiling down at her. "Josiah...."

He smiled apologetically. "Ezra told me you're an admitted addict."

Her eyes grew large as she sputtered, "He said what!"

"I volunteered to bring ya a fix." With a smile, Josiah sank onto the step beside her handing her the cold can of Pepsi he held.

"Can't call the man a liar now can I?" She popped the tab taking a long swallow.

They sat for several moments listening to the night birds and crickets, hearing the laughter of their friends drifting on the calm night air. Dionica breathed it all in, finding an ease here she had not expected. No wonder Ezra loved coming to this wonderful place. It was more than just the companionship of friends. There was something almost tangible in the air which felt right and complete somehow.

"None of that really answered your question, did it?" The preacher's soft baritone broke the silence between them.

She hesitated, studying the blue, red and white can in her hand, then she shook her head slightly, "No, I guess it didn't."

"Those answers we all gave told you how much Ezra means to us, but they didn't tell you his place in our family." He didn't need her to answer. "If I know my boy, he talks about us in sets. Buck and JD. Me and Nathan. Chris and Vin."

Dionica couldn't help listening to the man's hypnotic voice. It was almost as if in she were in a trance afraid to interrupt, hoping he could give her the understanding she sought but could not describe in words.

"In many ways, he's right. I don't know, I guess the best way to put it is that we're in tune with each other. It's like we're a part of each other. Buck kids around about Chris and Vin being separated at birth like they were Siamese twins, but it's more than that." He paused as if searching for a suitable explanation. "When they first met, Vin instinctively gave Chris his unconditional faith and in turn, that faith gave Chris a new outlook on life, allowing him to renew his friendship with Buck. JD needed a guiding hand as much as Buck needed someone to look after. Nathan has a very low tolerance when it comes to something he considers unjust and I try to make sure he keeps an open mind while he keeps my temper in check and constantly reinforces my faith in mankind."

She was beginning to understand what the big man meant, but the question that had popped into her mind when Ezra had described each of his friends was still there. "And Ezra? Where does that leave him? On the outside looking in?"

Josiah laughed softly. "Hardly that, ma'am. Ezra, well, he keeps us all on our toes....He drives us to distraction. He irritates the hell out of us. But he also makes us laugh and brings out the best in each of us without trying or even realizing it." The preacher chuckled. "Our little black sheep has taken or followed us to hell and back." A shudder coursed through the large body as he remembered Tally, Ella, Mason, Frank Blair and a dozen other enemies that had almost destroyed the seven men. "He's a fighter, but we're earning his trust and helping him past the fear and insecurity that plagues him has helped us just as much as we hopefully helped him. I think the battle to pull Ezra into this family has brought us all even closer together."

"Think of us as a jigsaw puzzle. No matter how the pieces are placed, Chris and Vin, Chris and Buck, JD and Nathan, me and Vin, everything fits together okay, but the total picture isn't complete without that seventh piece. Ezra. We might not be blood relation, but we're a family. Always have been and always will be." At her puzzled look, he shrugged. "Some might consider it blasphemy, but I truly believe that the seven of us were somehow meant to be together. God, in His infinite wisdom, saw fit to intertwine our destinies just as surely as he filled that sky there with stars. It's odd, and don't ask me how I know it, but we've been together before. We're together now and we'll be together again as long as there's a God and a universe."

"Thank you, Josiah." Dionica found herself wishing she could have heard this man preach. She could just image the congregation listening in silent awe to this bear of a man with the deep voice, rumbling laugh and gentle demeanor as he told them of God's love. "I hope Ezra knows how lucky he is to have all of you in his life."

"Ezra doesn't believe in luck.." Josiah stood and stretched, offering her a hand. "But I think he just may change his mind."

*******

"Just exactly what are we looking for?" JD's fingers raced over the keyboard inputting the seemingly endless list of names on the papers in front of him.

Securing his promise of confidentiality and discretion, Dionica had provided Ezra with a complete list of her employees, sub-contractors and clients as well as the names of people she dealt with in other companies. With Larabee's approval Standish had enlisted Dunne's assistance certain the young computer hacker would access databases even he hadn't considered.

Josiah, who had momentarily stepped downstairs to pick up the three lunch from Inez's, was helping search the mountain of files Ezra had already compiled.

"You'll know it when you see it Mr. Dunne." The con man stated without glancing up from the pages in his hand. At his urging Dionica had written down every detail she could remember about the dreams. "You've done security checks before."

"Just wonderin' if I should be lookin' for anything in particular." JD trailed off lamely. He loved being a part of the team but sometimes chaffed against the fact he seemed to get the most boring desk bound jobs certain it was because of his young age. The monotonous sound of the printer mixed with the clicking of the keys as the young hacker shrugged, releasing a deep sigh.

Ezra heard the sigh and took pity on the youngster. "I do realize you would rather be out enjoying the show with our associates but unfortunately, as we have all discovered there are aspects of this profession that while important, in fact, sometimes vital are often also the most mundane." Silence fell over the office again.

Larabee's men had spent several weeks, helping the DEA dig up evidence against a well-organized and highly profitable smuggling operation. The otherwise unknown organization had come to the attention of the authorities through a series of accidents. With the help of Larabee's team, the DEA had followed the twisted trail of evidence to the major player, stunned to discover the top man was indeed a woman. Willimena Simpson.

The woman had put together a criminal organization that had been operating for years without detection, making millions. With persistence they had determined the secret to her success was that while she ran a huge operation the personnel was kept to a bare minimum and even fewer knew of her existence.

With information that an illegal shipment was coming in that afternoon, Agent Todd Beasley with the DEA had invited the team to observe the take down.

"You can say that again," JD muttered, his fingers continuing their rapid movement over the keys. Except for noises of the machines and the rustling of paper as Ezra turned the pages, silence fell over the office again.

JD broke the quiet. "Ya know Ezra, I really like Dionica."

"She likes you too JD." Standish replied absently, pinching the bridge of his nose as the printed words seemed to blur together. No matter how he combined or rearranged the words he could find no common thread, yet he was certain there had to be one.

"Everybody thinks she's great and you two sure seem good together." The younger man commented chewing at his lower lip.

"I'm glad y'all approve." Hearing the hint of nervousness in JD's voice, Ezra spared the younger man a quick glance. The Bostonian had yet to learn the art of hiding his feelings and it was fairly obvious there was a question fighting to escape. A question the young man wasn't sure should be voiced. "Is there a point to this conversation Mr. Dunne other than a way to pass the time?"

The fingers slowed and halted. "How come she don't like Vin?"

"Excuse me!" The con man's head snapped up, his full attention focused on Dunne, the printouts forgotten. "Whatever in hell gave you that absurd idea?"

JD refused to look at him, continuing to chew at his lip. "Vin thinks that."

"Vin thinks what?" Josiah interrupted as he pushed through the door passing the other men their orders.

"That Dionica doesn't like him." JD stated, unwrapping his sandwich, completely unaware of the preacher's disapproving expression. "After what happened yesterday, I think maybe he's right."

Josiah covertly watched the con man, seeing the turmoil in the emerald eyes as Ezra leaned back in his chair, scrubbing a hand through his hair.

'Well that would certainly explain Vin's actions lately.' The gambler thought. He had hoped he was imagining Tanner's apparent reluctance to be around him since that Sunday at Larabee's.

Damn! If he could only explain to the Texan...but he knew that wasn't possible. Not yet.

Her dreams had become increasingly more vivid and frequent since she now had a name to go with the visions and Dionica had subtly kept a discreet distance from Vin. Ezra silently berated himself for not realizing the sharpshooter would notice the woman's wariness. Very little slipped past his friend unnoticed.

Everyone had been at the office when Dionica brought by the list of names Ezra had requested. In the privacy of Larabee's office Ezra had offered moral support as the young woman repeated her tale, telling Chris the disturbing events which she witnessed in her dreams. To Ezra's relief and hers as well, Larabee had listened intently, the blond man bringing up some very important points and questions even Ezra hadn't thought of.

Turning to say goodbye to Chris as they exited the office, the young woman had stepped out right into the path of Vin Tanner. The longhaired sharpshooter had instinctively reached out to catch her arm hoping to keep her from falling.

None of them could have imagined Dionica's reaction to the quiet Texan's touch on her arm. Eyes wide, the color draining from her complexion, she had jerked away from his hand and practically screamed at him to stay away from her as the stammering confused young man attempted to apologize. Hurt showing in his sapphire eyes, he had looked to Ezra, silently begging for an explanation but concerned for Dionica the gambler had followed the woman as she ran for the elevators.

Closing his eyes, Ezra could clearly picture the Texan's stricken expression. "Damnation!"

"What's really-" Josiah's question was cut short by the ringing phone. His heart skipped a beat as the gambler's expressive face showed his alarm a second before he jumped from the chair, unmindful of the coffee cup crashing to the floor.

"We're on our way."

"Which one of 'em and what happened?" The preacher queried pushing away from his desk as Ezra slammed the receiver back onto its cradle and jerked his jacket from the back of the chair. He was already half way to the elevators before the other men had a chance to move.

"Where we goin' Ezra?" JD didn't bother to shut down the computer.

"Vin. I don't know. Hospital." The answers were clipped and terse, the tension radiating from him as the vivid images Dionica had described to him raced through his mind.

*******

Heartbeats slowly returned to normal, the trembling of nerves subsided and worry slowly began to fade from three pairs of eyes as they entered the hospital. JD headed to where Buck leaned against the reception desk, flirting shamelessly with the admittance nurse. What truly helped ease their minds was Larabee. His long legs stretched out in front of him, sipping a hot cup of coffee, he sat watching a Bonanza rerun on the television mounted in the corner of the waiting room.

Josiah stopped in front of the man. "Brother Chris?"

"He's okay." The confident words were aimed at each of them but his reassuring gaze met Ezra's emerald eyes. The southerner's face was pale and he looked like he was about to collapse. Chris knew what he had thought and tried to put the man at ease as he added. "A couple stitches. Nathan says they aren't even gonna keep him."

"What the hell happened?" Josiah pushed the unmoving Standish into a chair before he himself took a seat across from Chris. "I thought you guys were only supposed to be watchin'?"

"We were. It was all over...or so everyone thought....One of the dealers managed to avoid detection. The rat bastard! He got off a couple of shots as he was trying to get away. One of 'em grazed Vin."

"Where?" Standish questioned abruptly, afraid he already knew the answer.

"Just outside the warehouse." Buck's light joke earned him a hateful glance from the gambler as the pilot and hacker joined them.

"Where Chris?" Ezra repeated his words almost frantic.

Larabee knew avoidance was useless. The con man would have his answer the moment Vin stepped back through the ER doors. Using his finger to illustrate, Larabee drew a line from above his left eye to just above his left ear, suppressing the chill that ran through him with the realization of how close the bullet had actually come.

*******

Ezra's fingers absently, gently twirled a strand of Dionica's hair as he ever so gently tightened his embrace on the woman sleeping in his arms when she snuggled closer against him.

Despite the beautiful companion in his arms, he was having a hard time finding a peaceful sleep. Larabee's earlier words kept replaying in his mind.

"It's over Ezra. It happened but he survived."

In the parking lot, Chris had pulled the southerner aside, directing his attention to where Tanner was arguing with Nathan that he didn't need a nurse maid as the physician led him to Larabee's truck, keeping a firm hand on the sharpshooter's arm.

As desperately as they wanted to, neither man truly believed what Larabee was saying but Ezra in a vain attempt to appease the woman had repeated those same placating words to Dionica.

Leaving the hospital, knowing Vin was in Chris and Nathan's capable hands, Standish had returned to the office with the others repeatedly assuring himself Vin was relatively in one piece. He had listened to Nathan’s expert opinion the sharpshooter would suffer no ill effects. The physician had confirmed Vin's insistence the wound was nothing more than a scratch, empathetically stating that a minute fraction of an inch and it would have missed him completely. Everyone avoided mentioning that a fraction of an inch the other direction and they would most likely be attending their friend's funeral.

He only stayed a short time before realizing he needed to see Dionica. Stuffing the files he'd been studying in his briefcase, he made excuses to the other men and quickly headed out.

The southerner arrived at the building site as the crew was finishing a hard days work, packing up tools and calling out good-byes as they left. He was surprised to discover just how close to completion they were since his first visit. Electricians and dry waller's had already begun the interior work as the framers finished the trim and some last minute changes.

There was no need to have someone call the 'Boss'. Seeing him pull in, Dionica waved as she finished last minute details with Eddie.

As she hurried to where he leaned against her truck, Dionica's steps slowly faltered, her bright smile just as slowly fading. Ezra hurried forward as her eyes widening and shaking her head in denial, the young woman began to backpedal turning as if to run, all the while whispering a frantic, "No...no...no!".

Ezra wasn't sure which frightened him more, the look on her terror stricken face or the desperate plea in her denial.

"He's alright...He's fine..." Closing the distance between them, he wrapped his arms around her trembling form, running a hand in soothing circles on her back as she buried her face in his chest. "He survived. He's gonna be just fine." He whispered reassuringly into her hair.

A slight smile of wonderment touched his lips as he gazed at the beautiful face, her cheek resting on his shoulder. Dionica's features were relaxed in a peaceful sleep reminding him of a little girl lost in wonderful dreams instead of the nightmares of the past few weeks.

He sighed softly to himself. How was it he couldn't seem to fool this woman who'd known him such a small time? He snickered to himself, thinking how he had once prided himself on having perfected the art of the poker face. In his profession both past and present he had found it essential to show the world only what he wanted people to see, yet, Dionica had immediately seen past all his masks right to his heart. Until now, other than Maude, only Vin had learned to read him so quickly or so completely.

Over the years, the southerner had never given much thought to sharing his life with a woman. He'd never lacked for female companionship but they had been nothing more than someone to spend time with. He had convinced himself no sane, sensible woman would want anything to do with a man such as himself. The few times he had allowed himself to dream of a new life, a life without deceit, an honest life with caring friends he had never dared fantasize of finding a woman who'd disregard his past caring only about the man himself. A woman who cared about the man he wanted to be. He had never dared hope, yet, now here she was lying in his arms...Perhaps Maude was wrong. Perhaps dreams weren't always foolish and sometimes they did come true.

Even as he lay there, Ezra stubbornly refused to give in to the old doubts, which persisted in trying to creep to the front of his mind, destroying his happy thoughts. Old habits died hard and he refused to acknowledge the possibility she was working an angle of her own or merely attempting to show her gratitude. With all his heart, trying to ignore his head, the southerner wanted to believe Dionica desired to pursue their relationship just as much as he did.

Since their first meeting, Chris, Vin and the others had constantly disproved the lessons of his lifetime. They had shown the gambler not everyone put their own best interests first. Contrary to Maude's teachings the men didn't dangle their friendship as some kind of bait or reward to make him capitulate to their desires. They had accepted him for who he was and were doing what ever he needed to help him become the man he wanted...always dreamed...to be.

They had taught him the meaning of family and Ezra had finally overcome his fear of rejection, or at least learned to control it and allowed himself to believe what they'd fought so hard to prove....Ezra Standish was one of them and nothing could make them turn away from the gambler.

He only had to keep reminding himself Dionica was made of the same fiber as his six friends. If fate was once more playing a cruel joke on him and rejection was the end result, the burden of blame would rest solely on his shoulders and he would deal with it....just as he always had.

For now, for this moment in time, he was happy. With a sigh of contentment, his cheek resting against the top of Dionica's head Ezra drifted off to sleep dreaming of a life with this woman in his arms.

*******

The two voices drifted from the other room, a familiar litany to the southerner.

"Damnit Larabee! You're gettin' worse then Nathan and Buck combined!"

"Now that's a low blow Tanner." Larabee's voice held a hint of his glare.

"Then stop hoverin'!" The Texas drawl was thick, sounding like a disgruntled child.

"I wouldn't have to hover if I could trust ya to do what you're supposed to." The growl was building into a full-blown threat. "Now take these damn pills!"

"Don't need 'em. I feel fine." The drawl held all the sounds of a pouting five-year-old.

"Take 'em or I swear I'll shove 'em down your throat!" The threat erupted.

"You can try." The drawl warned.

His hand resting lightly on the small of her back, Ezra's smile widened as he guided Dionica through the kitchen to the living room where Vin sat on the couch, his arms folded across his chest, a look of petulance on his handsome face as he stared up at Chris, studiously avoiding looking at the pills in the older man's open hand.

Ezra cleared his throat. "Excuse us gentlemen. We knocked but you were engrossed in such stimulating conversation you obviously didn't hear us."

"Shut up Ezra."

The southerner chuckled aloud as they spoke simultaneously, neither man bothering to look in his direction.

"Dionica wanted to see for herself that Mr. Tanner was going to be fine."

Cheeks flushed pink and two pairs of eyes slowly turned to see the young woman at the gambler's side.

"Glad you're here." Chris smiled warmly at Dionica. "You can keep this asshole company while I call Nathan and have him bring out an IV setup." The smile turned into a laugh as Tanner angrily snatched the medicine from his extended palm, the tracker shooting the blond man a look that promised payback as he swallowed the tiny pills. "Now was that so hard?" Larabee questioned, reaching out to pat the sharpshooter's scruffy cheek as if he were a child.

"Go to hell Larabee." Vin growled settling deeper into the couch cushions, then looked contrite as he glanced at the young woman. "Sorry Dionica."

"You forget what I do for a living Vin. I can guarantee I've heard worse. Hell I've said worse." She smiled her worried gaze on the white bandage encircling his head like a bandana. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Vin nodded, surprised by the concern so evident in her voice and expression. She was a paradox, one moment acting as if he had the plague, the next all concern and worry. It disturbed him he hadn't been able to get a read on her.

"Yes ma'am. I've cut myself worse shavin'...Shut up Ezra." The sharpshooter had seen the gambler's eyebrows arch in surprise, realizing a moment too late he'd left himself wide open for a sarcastic comment. "Ain't in no kinda mood for smart ass remarks from Mr. GQ." He grumbled in warning.

"I was just curious if that's why you avoid it at every possible opportunity." Ezra smirked. "Perhaps Mr. Larabee or myself could show you the proper way to perform the morning ritual...a way which won't result in major blood loss."

"Didn't I say I didn't need no smart ass comments from you?" Tanner glared at the southerner with narrowed azure eyes. "How come I'm the one damn near loses an ear to some nervous fool and y'all are the ones having trouble hearin'?"

"Don't pay any attention to his bitchin' Dionica. It's just his way of lettin' us know he's feelin' better." Chris sneered, crossing to the kitchen. "He's just pissed cause he knows Ezra can't sneak him outta here like he does every place else. Want some coffee?"

His back to the men, Larabee didn't see the exchanged looks of mischief or the wink the gambler sent the tracker as he silently accepted the challenge tossed down before him by Larabee's words.

*******

"She's a real nice lady Ez." From his comfortable seat on the porch swing, Vin watched Dionica's truck until it disappeared around the bend in Larabee's drive. She had insisted on bringing her own vehicle so Ezra could stay with his friend when she went back to work.

"Yes she is. She thinks you're pretty terrific yourself." Ezra nodded agreement, seeing the doubt in the azure eyes at the second half of his statement. He hadn't disclosed to Dionica what Tanner was feeling concerning her avoidance of him and chose not to embarrass the Texan by voicing it now. The southerner was an expert at getting his point across in a round about way and would put that expertise to use with Vin.

"You two wanna get in here and help me with lunch before the rest of the motley crew shows up?" Larabee called from inside the house.

"Do you always put your guests to work Mr. Larabee?" Ezra questioned, remaining in the deck chair as he glanced over his shoulder at the screen door.

"No but I do believe in making my family work their asses instead of their mouths once in awhile." The man retorted.

"I'm injured." Vin groaned aloud, making it sound as pitiful as possible. "Ya know Nathan'll be madder than a wet hen if I over do it in my impaired condition."

"Impaired my ass! You've been around Ezra waaay too much. Sittin' at the table helpin' make sandwiches ain't gonna impede your recovery." Chris growled. "Now both of ya get your skinny asses in here before I really give ya an injury!"

"I'd almost bet the man was giving orders to the doctor during his own delivery." Ezra smirked, holding the door open for Tanner. As the tracker stepped up beside him to enter the house, he abruptly changed the subject. "You know, Mr. Tanner, Dionica's been dreaming about you."

"Excuse me!" Stumbling over the threshold, Vin turned wide eyes to his friend as Ezra grabbed his arm to keep him from falling. "She what?" He focused on Standish's face. "Thought ya didn't pull cons on your friends Ez?"

"I take immense umbrage at that remark, sir! This is no con." Ezra stiffened attempting to appear indignant. "She has had you in her dreams for a few weeks now. Isn't that correct Mr. Larabee?"

"Isn't what correct?" Larabee continued to place the fixings for lunch on the table as they sat down.

Vin snorted, pulling the bread and sliced ham towards him as the gambler began slicing tomatoes. "He's got some harebrained notion that Dionica's been dreamin' 'bout me."

"Ya know what they say." Chris shrugged. "Truth is stranger than fiction. Told her, I couldn't believe she'd dream about a longhaired bounty hunter either, especially when she could be dreaming about a rugged good lookin' rancher."

"He ain't kiddin'?" His attention captured, Vin's sharp gaze traveled between Ezra and Chris as the card sharp explained the young woman's dreams to the sharpshooter. Not wanting to alarm the tracker or give him the impression Dionica was some sort of wacko to be avoided, he explained the woman's premonitions just as he had to Larabee that Sunday morning in the stables.

Ezra carefully kept his voice even, his tone casual as if he were delivering a lecture on the correct procedure for changing a flat tire. "...I hope Mr. Tanner you didn't misread Dionica's apparent aversion to being near you or her reaction, the other day when you two collided outside Chris' office. I assure you it was nothing personal, she simply feared that physical contact with you would intensify the nightmares."

Vin nodded his understanding but his voice still held a hint of hurt, "So how come ya didn't just tell me all this in the first place?"

Standish exchanged a quick look with Larabee who nodded slightly, encouraging him to continue. "Several reasons. At first Dionica had never clearly seen the...victim...for lack of a better word, in her dreams and never the perpetrator." He went on to explain what he had learned from the professor and how it wasn't until she'd seen his picture she was fairly certain the victim was indeed Vin. "If I had told you immediately of her...premonitions...would you have believed it or blown it off as superstitious nonsense?"

Ezra started, staring at Vin as if suddenly realizing whom he was talking to. Tanner was a throw back to the old days when man was in tune with his surroundings. Like the Native Americans, who had wandered this very land the ranch sat on, the man believed in living with nature on its own terms rather than fighting against it. Vin was one of those rare people who, without question, accepted all nature's mysteries and vast wonders as offered gifts. The sharpshooter was well known for following his own premonitions. "Forgive my utter stupidity, Mr. Tanner. No need to respond to such a ridiculous question. I already know the answer."

Tanner jerked his chin in Larabee's direction. "Is them dreams the reason big brother's been watchin' me like I was gonna spontaneously combust or something?"

"I would assume you would be familiar with Mr. Larabee's rather over zealous and often overbearing compulsion to protect his friends. I would have thought that was something so common you would accept it as a given...like breathing."

"Might not have been so freakin' obvious 'cept he's had me out here every day this week helpin' fix things and half of 'em didn't need fixin'." Vin grinned ignoring the look of disgust the blond tossed him. "Figured he was just takin' advantage of free labor."

"Free!" Chris bellowed dumping another can of vegetables into the soup he was concocting. "You and the rest of those miserable..." The blond searched his mind for the perfect insult to describe his friends, "ingrates spend so much time here ya'd think this was some sorta Club Med. I should own stock in the local supermarket the way you six eat! Least ya can do is help with some of the work." He groused.

"So how come I eat the least," he ignored Chris' snort of derision, "and I'm only one ya have help? I sure ain't seen Buck or JD or Ezra out there cleanin' horse shit outta the stalls, stackin' hay bales, replacin' barn shingles or fixin' fences."

"I, sir, am a gentleman and a gentleman..."

"Doesn't debase himself performing menial labor." The two men replied together finishing the gambler's oft uttered remark.

"I see my lessons have not gone unheeded." Standish graced them with a dimpled grin dodging to one side to avoid the carrot Chris lobbed in the direction of his head. "You know Mr. Larabee," Ezra pushed the onions toward his boss, "if you slice those under running water, your eyes won't tear."

Larabee gave him a wicked grin. "I know of an even better way than that."

"Do tell."

"Let someone else slice the damn things." The older man sneered, sliding them back in front of the gambler, who with a much put upon sigh began peeling the offensive items.

*******

Knowing Ezra and Vin had helped Chris prepare the soup and sandwiches they'd eaten while exchanging friendly barbs and gossip, the other men pitched in to do cleanup detail.

"This what we were looking for?" Josiah dropped the file on the table in front of Ezra.

Buck gave the sink a last swipe and JD placed the last bowl back in the cabinet before turning their full attention to the men still gathered around the table.

His insides churning like an industrial washing machine, Ezra called on all his skills to appear calm and collected as silence descended over the kitchen.

Flipping open the manila folder, Standish quickly scanned the papers in front of him. The normal background history was followed by what appeared to be several papers documenting an extensive criminal record.

"Well Ez, ya gonna keep us all in suspense or tell us what this is all about?" Buck demanded as Ezra's emerald gaze rose to meet Josiah's somber blue gray eyes.

"Mr. Tanner is there a possibility you remember this person?" All eyes seemed to follow the folder as the southerner slid it across the table to the lanky Texan.

The muscles in his jaw jumped sporadically as Vin clenched his teeth. Clutching the folder until the thin cardboard began to crease in his white knuckled grasp, the tracker's azure eyes flashed with revulsion.

"Vin?" Seeing the younger man's reaction, Larabee stepped closer to the Texan's chair and lay a calming hand on Tanner's shoulder, glancing at the name on the top page. "Who's Billy James Candless?"

*******

Buck tightened his grip on the back of JD's neck as a warning for the young man to remain silent as the six men waited quietly giving their friend the time he needed to collect himself. Apprehension flowed freely through each of them as Tanner sat tensely, staring blankly at the folder. A myriad of emotions flashed across his unguarded face and he unconsciously, continuously wiped his hand on his jeans. It was as if he trying to clean away some unseen filth which contaminated his fingers from the printed pages.

Everyone jumped in surprise as the tracker, with a sound, which bordered on a sob, suddenly shoved the file angrily back at the southerner, the papers within its flimsy covers scattering in various directions onto the floor.

The wooden chair toppled over with a loud clattering as Vin sprang to his feet. Gripping the edge of the table he blinked several times as if someone had physically assaulted him as he tried to push away the dizziness that assailed him. "Ya checkin' up on me Standish? Ya got somethin' ya wanna know damnit just ask me! Don't be sneakin' around behind my back. Fuckin' little weasel!"

"Damnit Vin, that's enough!" Chris ordered harshly, seeing the hurt flash through the gambler's emerald eyes before the shutters dropped and his infamous poker face fell into place.

The sharpshooter sagged, his anger visibly draining away at Larabee's harsh tone, and with an inarticulate sound, he sank back into the chair JD had quickly set up right.

Ezra swallowed hard and focused on the longhaired man, his tone contrite, "Mr. Tanner the subject we were discussing earlier necessitated..."

"All right! One of ya wanna tell the rest of us what the hell's goin' on!" Buck demanded with a bellow.

"While I'd rather not reveal my source, suffice to say I received information there could possibly be an attempt on Mr. Tanner's life." Ezra admitted, concentrating on gathering the pages and sliding them back into the folder to avoid looking at the other men.

Buck snorted and turned away, shaking his head in disbelief as Nathan spoke before the pilot could say anything.

"And ya didn't think the rest of us would wanna know?" the physician questioned, his anger at being excluded all too evident. "What the hell's wrong with you?! If we had known, that little side trip to the hospital yesterday might have been avoided!"

"My apologies Dr. Jackson. You are of course correct." Pushing to his feet, Standish started for the door. "I should have appraised y'all of the situation. I regret that I didn't and now if you'll excuse..."

"The hell we will!" Larabee growled. "Sit your ass down Ezra." He pointed at Buck, knowing the man was ready to ante his two cents and ream out the southerner. "And don't you say a word!"

Ezra hesitated, seeing the angry expressions. "Mr. Larabee I think it would be best-"

"I said sit the fuck down!" As Ezra reluctantly returned to his vacated chair, Larabee's gaze swept over the other men, focusing first on Nathan. "You're wrong Nathan...In the first place, what happened yesterday was an accident, pure and simple. There was no way, it had to do with the warning Ezra got because in case all you dumb asses, and that includes you Ezra, have forgotten, we weren't even supposed to be there." Only Josiah didn't seem discomforted as Chris raked his hard gaze over each man before directing his next statement at Tanner. "Ezra was just doin' the same thing I would have...And for the record it was with our help and my approval so there's no need for any of ya ta be jumpin' in his shit. I sure as hell didn't have JD and Josiah sitting at the computer and reading printouts for the last three days so they wouldn't get bored."

Knowing Chris was going to back him up, Ezra spoke up softly, "The checks we've been running Mr. Tanner, were simply to discover if there might be some sort of connection, someone you and...my informant...might have in common."

"But-" Whatever JD was about to say died an instant death as Larabee threw a green glare in his direction. Dunne glanced at Josiah to see the preacher give him an almost imperceptible shake of his head. Whatever was happening, if Ezra or Larabee wanted the source of those security checks mentioned, they could do it.

"Well y'all just been wastin' yer time. Ya can forget about Candless bein' involved." Tanner mumbled his thick drawl a sign of just how upset he was. "Bastard's in prison."

"Not according to that." Josiah nodded at the file. "DOC says he was released on parole almost three months ago."

"No fuckin’ way! Sonuvabitch went down for kidnappin' and murder!" The ex-bounty hunter blanched and he looked stunned, finally stammering, "Kidnappin' alone's a life sentence."

"Vin?" Chris slid into the chair beside his best friend. The tracker's head was bowed and Tanner's downcast eyes were focused on the imaginary design his index finger was drawing on the tabletop. "Wanna tell us about it Pard?"

Everyone remained motionless, holding their breath in anticipation as the tracker finally leaned back in the chair releasing a deep sigh. He slowly turned to look at the man beside him as if finding the strength there to bring the hated memories back to life. Chris sighed softly, recognizing all the signs of Vin withdrawing back into himself. "I's huntin' Candless when you and me first met Chris. After that mess down at the tracks and then your offer I'd decided ta hell with it...Somebody else could haul his slimy ass ta court."

The other men exchanged looks, each giving a slight shake of their head. Except for Buck and Nathan, who pretended ignorance none of them had an inkling of what 'mess' Vin was referring to. All they really knew was that the Texan had been a bounty hunter before joining up with Chris.

"So what changed your mind?" Larabee grinned at the sharpshooter's surprised expression. "We all know you Tanner."

"A week before Jamie was...ahhh...A couple weeks before I quit the force, we got a call ta work the perimeter of a crime scene...Ya know the routine....keep bystanders back and check houses in the area for anybody who mighta seen anything. Murder victim was a-a little g-girl." The young man's face took on a haunted look as he swallowed convulsively. "Candless stole her right outta her bed in the middle a the night....Bastard, raped her then beat her ta death."

Tanner nodded his thanks as Josiah placed a cup of coffee in front of him. He didn't reach for the mug, afraid the other men would see how badly his hands were shaking. Not from fear but from the rage of remembering. "One of the beat cops recognized a description some teenager give of him. Remembered seein' him hangin’ around the area. I kept up with news watchin', waitin'. Took 'em long enough but the law finally caught up with him and they pulled him in. Some liberal judge give the sadistic bastard bail and the sonuvabitch rabbited....Only reason I couldn't let it go was...Kept seeing that dead little girl in my head...Nobody deserves havin' ta suffer somethin' like that....I'll never forget that or the look on her mama's face...." He trailed off, lifting the cup to his lips but lowered it before taking a swallow. When he'd healed enough after the beating suffered in the attack by the railway tracks, having accepted Larabee's offer, Vin had decided he had to finish the job he'd started. "Followed a friend a his....I found the...found Candless holed up out in the sticks with his latest girl..."

"Ya got him!" JD exclaimed with pride. "Vin that's great!"

"Ain't somethin' I'm proud of...." The Texan's voice dropped lowly. "On the way takin' him in....Fucker wouldn't shut up...He just kept braggin' bout how they didn't have enough on him ta prove anything...Oh he never outright admitted nothin' but he might as well have...You could tell the bastard had done it and that he'd like doin' it...It was like he weren't right in the head...He's one of them mean bastards who gets off on hurtin' folks.....He started talkin' 'bout what that little girl must've felt...How it would have felt to...God help me, I just lost it.....I totally lost it..." He admitted, clutching the coffee mug so tightly his knuckles were white. "I pulled off the side a the road and...."

"Vin?" There was a note of alarm in Buck's voice. The mother hen of their unorthodox family stepped to the other side of the sharpshooter, easing the mug from Tanner's shaky hands. Wilmington was dismayed at the shame his young friend was obviously feeling. "It's alright Vin....You don't have ta tell us if ya don't wanna."

Tanner raised his head, his sapphire eyes bleak as he forced himself to meet his friends' worried gaze. "I beat the fuck outta the sonuvabitch!...."

"Anybody..."

"His hands were cuffed behind him but I didn't give a shit!" The tracker interrupted Nathan, his voice full of self-disgust. "...I just kept seein' that little girl's body and hearin' him laugh...and...." Tremors racked the Texan's lanky body at the memory. "Cops chalked up his bruises as resistin'....They'd a probably give me a medal and the key to the city iffen I'd killed him...." He slammed his fist down on the tabletop. "Why the hell isn't that bastard in jail?"

"Plea bargain brother." Josiah sighed heavily as the younger man's confession dredged up memories of his own, he would just as soon have remained buried. "Evidently he was right and they didn't have enough proof against him. Reckon they figured a couple a years was better than nothin' at all."

Vin shook his head wearily. "Wonderful legal system we got." Tanner pushed to his feet. "Think I'll go lay down for awhile...Kinda tired."

They watched silently not knowing what to say as he moved from the kitchen, his head down, refusing to meet their eyes.

*******

"Ya don't know how sorry I am for what I said Ez....I know-"

"No apology necessary Mr. Tanner." The gambler passed Vin a beer from the brown bag at his side, before popping the tab on his own can. "You only get one. Remember you're on antibiotics and Nathan'll be standin' in line behind Mr. Larabee for a piece a my ass if he finds out I let ya mix alcohol and pills."

Vin made a face but nodded knowing the southerner was right but also knowing he could wheedle more out the con man if he wanted, after all, it wasn't as if he were mixing the Lite beer with pain pills. He settled back, taking a sip of the beer and smiled in momentary contentment. The two friends sat high above Larabee's ranch on what Vin had dubbed Lookout Ledge. The natural rock outcropping had been discovered on one of the tracker's many day trips into the woods and several months earlier he had shared its location with Ezra. For all his bitching about hating the outdoors, Vin knew the gambler had spent many hours sitting on the ledge lost in thought.

They sat in companionable silence, their backs resting against the solid rock behind them as they gazed out over Larabee's valley, seeing the ranch house and the vehicles still parked in the drive.

As soon as the discussions had ended and the assignments had been handed out, Ezra had downed another cup of coffee and took the time to check on Tanner before making a show of climbing into his vehicle and heading back to town.

And a show it had been for the sharpshooter had been securely hidden under a blanket on the floor of the back seat. Standish had tossed a wave to his teammates and driven to the small bar at the crossroads. Securing a twelve pack of cold ones, and with the Texan more comfortably ensconced in the passenger seat had made their way back up to the ledge. Ezra felt obligated to bitch slightly at driving his Lexus through the pastures and over what amounted to little more than a horse trail to reach the ledge without being seen from the ranch house. He tossed Tanner a sneer of derision when the sharpshooter pointed out at least he wasn't driving his Camero.

"Ya really do deserve an apology Ez." Tanner insisted his azure gaze on the man seated beside him. "I honestly don't know why I said those things...I just..."

"Tell me something Vin....Would ya have been just as pissed if Chris was the one doin' the checkin’?"

"Yep. Royally pissed." There was no hesitation in man's answer. "I don't give a shit if ya investigate me. Like I said, I'll tell ya damn near anything ya wanna know...It was just the shock of seein' that bastard's name...Brought it all back...All I could see was that dead little girl in my head and just...Truth is I guess I just wanted somebody else ta hurt as bad as me." Tanner took a large swallow of alcohol fighting against the tears burning his eyes. "You don't know how sorry I am Ez."

"Yes I do." The con man assured him, to be rewarded with a lopsided grin as with a deep sigh of contentment the tracker relaxed, slouching even further back against the hard rock.

"Perhaps I could interest you in a game of chance Mr. Tanner? Something to while away the hours..." Ezra pulled the deck of cards from the inside pocket of his jacket. "Purely for the enjoyment of competition." He pointed out. 'And hopefully give you something to think about besides dead babies and murdering assholes.'

"Ya don't think you've taken enough chances today Pard? Like ya said Larabee's gonna have your ass."

Ezra flashed a dimpled smile as he shuffled the cards. "Unless I'm hallucinatin' Mr. Tanner, and I haven't had that much to drink, my ass is not the only one sittin' here."

"Yeah but I'm injured." Vin joked. "Ya know Nathan says head injuries are tricky...They make ya do things ya normally wouldn't."

Ezra's smile widened even further. "You're gonna play it to the hilt aren't ya?"

"What?" Vin gave him a mock look of astonishment. "Yer gonna try and tell me you wouldn't?" The grin and twinkle in the green eyes was all the answer the sharpshooter needed as they both broke into laughter which echoed off the rocks and rolled across the valley.

*******

The sun was sinking low in the sky and the twelve pack had dwindled to two cans when an unnatural sound broke the stillness.

"Hey Ez, that fancy jacket a yourn's ringing." Vin chuckled as both men stared at the sport coat draped over the near by rock. The sound coming from the pocket.

"You have a talent for stating the obvious Mr. Tanner. I would say it's a safe bet your host has discovered he was in error believing you were sleeping and that in fact you're missing from his premises." Inhaling deeply, Ezra pulled the cell phone from his pocket contemplating the small device with knitted brow. "How long do you think it will take for Mr. Larabee to give up."

Vin snorted. "Remember who yer talkin' about Pard. We'll all be buildin' snowmen in hell the day that happens. He's damn near as stubborn as you."

"Thank you for that...compliment...I think." With a sigh of resignation, the con man flipped open the phone, holding it several inches from his ear for a moment expecting to hear Larabee's screaming tirade through the small device but instead was shocked the blond's angry voice couldn't be heard.

Instead, there was one low word as Standish slowly moved the phone closer to his ear. "Ezra?"

Shrugging at Vin who had ducked away from the little phone in anticipation of Chris' screaming, Ezra answered quietly. "Yes Mr. Larabee?"

"I'm gonna say this very calmly and very clearly." Chris spoke slowly and distinctly.

"I appreciate that sir. My head is beginnin' to thump horrendously at the moment." He really shouldn't have had that last beer. "...Just what is it you intend to state very calmly and very clearly?"

"The game's over. You win. You've proved your point."

"And what point might that be Mr. Larabee?" Standish shrugged off Vin's insistent tugging at his sleeve, his gaze traveling to where the sharpshooter pointed. A slow smile spread across the gambler's face as far below them they could make out Chris stalking toward his truck.

"Don't push it Standish." Chris growled. "Just get that little bastard's skinny ass back here now."

"Who's skinny ass might you be referring to?" With a grin, Ezra held the phone so Vin could hear the other side of the conversation, which was beginning to increase in volume.

"Damnit Standish...You stood in my kitchen, looked me right in the eye and lied to me. In bed my ass!" The blond's voice rose in anger.

"I beg to differ Mr. Larabee. If you will recall all I said was Mr. Tanner was snuggled under the cover nice and peaceful. I never said a word about him being in any bed." Ezra quickly placed a hand over the speaker as both men burst into laughter when Vin pointed to where Chris had dropped his hands to his side and turned his face skyward as if begging the good Lord for patience before raising the phone to his ear again.

"Please Ezra, just tell me you two aren't out lookin' for Candless." There was a soft note of pleading in the older man's voice.

"I can most definitely assure you we are doing no such thing, unless you expect to find him on your ranch. As much as we would all, especially Mr. Tanner, like to see the man dead, alas the only thing we've managed to kill are a few cold ones."

"Just wonderful! He's not supposed ta be drinkin' ya know!" They saw Larabee rake his hand through his hair. "Ta hell with it! Tell me where you are and I'll come get ya."

"I can assure you, Mr. Larabee, there's absolutely no reason for you to be pulling your hair out. We are both quite capable of making the five minute drive back to the house."

As if the gambler's words had finally pushed their way past his frustration and registered in his brain, the ex-SEAL glanced around, before slowly turning to face the ridge. Shading his eyes with one hand, he could swear the two distant figures were waving at him. He dropped his hand and shook his head.

'One of these days....'

*******

Standing at the window, watching but not really seeing the traffic below, Ezra wearily massaged the tense muscles at the back of his neck. The words from the files, spread open in scattered disarray on his deck, swirled through his thoughts in a mind numbing combination of confusing images. Despite all the information or perhaps because of it, nothing would fall into any kind of comprehensible form.

For some indiscernible reason, the undercover agent found the silence of the office unnerving. For the past several days, the computer printer had continuously hummed as it spewed forth a mountain of paper, its sound blending with JD's incessant chatter, the clacking of the keyboard and that morning the mixture of muted voices as the men took to the phones checking information.

At least the noise had indicated some form of direction, giving some sense of progress. With the other men's input, a plan of action had been put into motion yet despite their assistance, at the moment Ezra felt useless.

He knew Buck and JD were shadowing Candless' only known residence. Josiah was planning to talk with the man's parole officer before meeting Nathan for lunch at the restaurant Billy James listed as his place of employment. Chris had taken Vin with him to pick up the transcripts of the ex-con's several court appearances including the plea bargain for Debbie Campbell's kidnapping and murder provided by Judge Travis, leaving Ezra to man the office, pouring over the research they'd already done.

"Ezra!"

The southerner jumped at the sound of his name, whirling about with wide eyes to stare at the man who approached.

"Whoa there pard it's just us." Vin raised his hands in mock surrender, the lopsided grin on his handsome face vanishing as the southerner's hand automatically grabbed for the weapon in his shoulder holster.

Ezra dropped his hand, returning Vin's look with a wry grin. "My apologies, Mr. Tanner. You simply startled me."

"Kinda got that feelin'. Been hollerin' your name since we walked in the door. Ya okay?" The Texan questioned softly.

Standish nodded. "I'm afraid my mind was elsewhere."

"That's pretty obvious." The sharpshooter nodded slouched against the corner of Ezra's desk, reaching out to toy with the little Pooh bear, which was nearly buried under the reams of paper printouts. "Wanna talk about it?"

"Just trying to make sense of....Nahhh doesn't matter." The gambler smiled, his gaze settling on the box overflowing with bound transcripts that now graced Tanner's desk. "Good Lord!"

"That's just the tip of the iceberg, Pard. There's another box in Chris' office and two more still in the truck."

Ezra sighed heavily. "It appears Candless has had a very busy career."

"Shoulda retired the murdering motherfucker permanently when I had the chance."

Ezra wasn't sure which stunned him more the actual statement or the bitterness behind Vin's words as he realized again just how much his friend had been affected by the entire incident with Candless. Vin Tanner was one of the kindest most gentle people Ezra had ever met. He could still hear the ringing shame in the tracker's voice as Tanner described giving in to his rage and beating the man who couldn't defend himself. For the expert marksman who only shot to kill if it were absolutely necessary to continue carrying such a deep hatred as to confess his desire to have forfeited the man's life, took a moment to fully comprehend.

Whether or not Candless was the man Dionica's dreams foretold of, finding the murderer before he could hurt anyone else, especially Vin, had become a priority to the team.

"Buck and JD are on their way back in." Chris announced exiting his office. "They're bringin' lunch back with 'em. Ez ya wanna give me a hand with the other boxes?"

"I can-" Vin pushed to his feet.

"You can sit your ass back down." Larabee ordered the sharpshooter as Ezra stood and trailed their boss to the elevator.

Chris groaned as Vin sneered. "Fine I'll get a pot a coffee started. I can do that can't I?" The sharpshooter groused sarcastically, chaffing under Larabee's watchful eye. It seemed he hadn't been out of the man's sight since Ezra had told him of the premonitions. "Or are ya afraid I might burn myself?"

"Not to worry, Mr. Larabee, a fresh pot was made just before you arrived." The southerner smiled when the longhaired man stuck his tongue out at him as the elevator doors slid closed.

The ride down to the parking garage was quiet and it wasn't until they were crossing to Chris' truck that the blond man finally spoke. "Wanna talk about it?"

The gambler frowned in puzzlement. "About what?"

"About the reason you're feeling so guilty." Unlocking the door, Larabee turned and leaned against the side of the truck, studying the keys in his hand. "Ya know Ezra we're your friends. Now maybe no one else would notice it but we're learnin' ta read ya...just a little....And I'm readin' enough right now to know you're feelin' guilty about somethin'."

Ezra was more startled than he let on. "And might I ask just what is it that put such an absurd idea in your head?"

"You..." The blond caught himself before falling completely into the set trap. "Ohhh no ya don't ya sneaky little bastard...I ain't givin' away your tells...Took us to long to figure out the ones we know." He grinned. "Right now you're feelin' guilty and I'd like to know why...." Afraid it sounded like an order, he amended. "I'd like you to tell me why."

Shoving his hands in his pockets, the con man stared at the concrete floor, shuffling his feet nervously as he weighed his chances of ignoring the man's request, but realized Larabee was honestly concerned about what he was feeling and that was something Ezra couldn't ignore. "I must apologize Mr. Larabee. We might have known about Candless sooner if I hadn't let myself get distracted....To my embarrassment I must admit I never considered cross referencing the names against those Mr. Tanner brought to the justice system as a fugitive retrieval officer." His voice was filled with self-disgust.

"Listen to me Ezra..." Chris demanded. "You're not God or some...super computer...You're human. Hell, look at what all you have done."

The gambler shook his head in mystification. "And just what might that be?"

"You took what most people would consider an unbelievable scenario and not only proved it to be factual but put us ahead of the game by figuring out the best way to proceed. I don't remember suggesting ya check out his bounty huntin' days when you told me what you were lookin' into..."

"But-" Chris waved him to silence. "No buts Ezra....Ain't none of us perfect. Hell what do you think you were supposed to do? Check every fuckin' criminal record in the state for the last few years lookin' for Vin's name. Not to mention the ones he took back to other states for trial." Larabee rationally pointed out, using logic to make his argument.

He replayed the gambler's words in his mind. '...let myself get distracted.' Larabee suddenly felt sick to his stomach, certain he knew exactly where the gambler's thoughts were headed. "She seems like a good lady Ezra. Don't use this as an excuse to back away from her.....Just don't."

The fact Larabee had so obviously read what was at the heart of his guilt shocked the southerner, that dismay showing clearly in his expression. Ezra didn't want to give up his budding relationship with Dionica but the con man had come to the conclusion if that relationship was going to interfere with his job he would indeed break it off. It was an option he didn't want but if Dionica was an interference that could possibly cost one of the six men their life, then heart be damned, it was exactly what he'd do.

Standish couldn't help but wonder if his boss wasn't right. Was he giving into a lifetime of fear and inventing reasons to back away from the wonderful closeness developing with the woman?

Hell! Hadn't that always been his MO? Anytime anyone got close to him he instinctively backed away. He had always kept people at arms length. And he always made the first move, leaving before he could be hurt.

His entire life Ezra had followed the lessons his mother had drilled into him. Always, always look out for number one and never get emotionally involved with anyone. It had been his tenet all his life. No matter whom he met, or what his heart had felt he had always backed away, hurting himself more than any other person possibly could. Was that why he was feeling such guilt now? Perhaps it had nothing to do with Vin and Candless but was his subconscious trying to force him to back out of a situation before it went too far. Was he unconsciously fighting against a relationship he truly wanted and needed to develop but would leave him vulnerable?

Knowing if he gave Ezra a chance the gambler would find an plausible argument to Larabee's statement, Chris shoved one of the boxes into Ezra's arms and taking the other re-locked the door and moved back to the elevator, leaving the stunned con man to follow.

*******

"The neighbors said the couple a times they've seen Candless, he was barely there long enough to change his clothes." Buck reported to the men gathered around the conference table. "Reckon he's usin' that rat trap mainly as a mailing address and someplace for his P.O to check out."

"Is anyone surprised?" Chris sniped.

According to the restaurant owner, Candless only worked a couple days a week busing tables, washing dishes and mopping floors. He'd told the manager he was working a second job unloading trucks. A quick check proved the company didn't exist.

Although his parole officer didn't like Billy James' the man but had no legal recourse to run the man's ass in. Candless always reported on time, passed all the drug screenings and had, at least to the best of his knowledge, stayed out of trouble.

Chris flipped new folders across the table to the other men. "This is a copy of the file Vin put together on the asshole when he was chasing him the first time."

The three men had driven to Vin's cabin after he and Ezra had returned from Lookout Ledge....that is, Chris drove since the gambler and the tracker were still feeling a little to good to be behind the wheel, where Tanner had retrieved the information from the locked metal cabinet next to his computer.

Now stone cold sober, Vin kept his eyes on the table as the copies of his notes, Ezra had made that morning, were passed to each man. Tanner cringed inwardly not wanting to see the pity or derision in their expressions as they tried to make heads or tails out of his barely decipherable handwriting, misspelled words and what to his friends would probably be totally incomprehensible notes. He flushed as he realized they were about to discover just how poorly educated he truly was.

"Damn Vin, no wonder you were so good at this." Josiah chuckled. "This list of known associates is twice the size of the one his P.O. gave us."

"Don't figure all these addresses are up to date but I'll run 'em through the computer and see what pops up." JD volunteered, heading for his desk.

Ezra studiously avoided meeting Vin's grateful gaze as the sharpshooter glanced from the neatly typed notes to the gambler and back again. The spelling, grammar and essence of the text were correct while still reflecting the Texan's style. It wasn't perfect but perfection would have been a sure giveaway someone other than the ex-bounty hunter had composed the file.

"Figure this Betty Pierson waited faithfully for Billy James to serve his time and return to her lovin' embrace?" Buck quipped reading over the profile of Candless' girlfriend. The pilot had to agree with Josiah's assessment of Tanner's fugitive retrieval career as he studied the exceptional research material. "Even if she didn't she might still know where he's staying."

"Well Buck, why don't ya use that animal magnetism you're always braggin' about to find out just what she knows?" Chris snorted.

Flashing his lady killer smile, Buck nodded. "Consider it done."

Plans were discussed and assignments handed out by the time JD returned with the updated information.

*******

Ezra nodded slightly as the bartender replaced the empty can with a full beer, laying the gambler's change on the smooth surface. The run down tavern was fairly busy for the middle of the week, and seeming to mind his own business, the con man unobtrusively scanned the other patrons.

The bar's clientele was made up of a variety of neighborhood residents of both genders from retirees to a couple of kids, making out in a back booth, who more than likely weren't of legal drinking age.

Several people sat on stools along the wall watching a game of eight ball. Ezra had to admire the skill of the silver haired pool player as even from where he was seated, the con man could see the lone billiard table was uneven, tilting slightly toward the left corner pocket.

Dressed in worn jeans and a black tee-shirt emblazoned with a likeness of Travis Tritt on the front and the words, 'If your best isn't good enough tell em to kiss your *ss,' on the back, comfortable old boots replacing his usual expensive loafers, the gambler seemed to fit right in with the other customers.

Reaching for his beer, he forced himself not to scratch at the two-day old growth of hair covering his cheeks and chin, wondering again how Tanner put up with the perpetual stubble that graced his face.

He could still hear Buck's teasing words when the previous day, Ezra had used the excuse he hadn't had time to shave explaining he'd overslept. Wilmington had thrown a brotherly arm about his shoulders and offered, 'Buck's basic rule of a relationship big guy....Either leave a razor at her place or remember to carry one in the car.'

Certain they wouldn't believe another excuse he might come up with this morning, Standish hadn't bothered. He'd left a message on the office machine saying he had some errands to run and probably wouldn't make it in but they could reach him on the cell phone. Wisely he'd turned the phone off before entering the tavern.

Sipping at the beer, his emerald gaze working over the small crowd, he told himself, Tanner wouldn't be pleased but Larabee would just flat out kick his ass if they ever found out about this little escapade

Standish had found the name of the small bar in the file Vin had compiled on Candless and again in one of the arrest records as having been a place of employment. It was unlikely the man still frequented the establishment but most humans were creatures of habit who relished the sense of familiarity and....well, the gambler in Ezra was playing a hunch.

His emerald gaze paused on an older couple as the man held the chair for his wife, giving her a light kiss before taking the seat beside her. His expression softened as his thoughts turned to Dionica. Did they have a chance of lasting that long? Were they meant to be together like Vin and Lucy?

"Just get out?"

Ezra half jumped at the words and pulled himself from his thoughts of the woman who'd claimed a place in his heart. Now wasn't the time or the place to be daydreaming. He raked his gaze over the waitress as she slid onto the stool beside him, her back to the bar so she could see the customers.

"Out?" He questioned.

"Ya got that look that says you're either in love or someone who's just enjoyin' your freedom." She smiled. "Can't imagine a handsome fella like you havin' woman trouble, ‘cept maybe with his mama,..."

It took every ounce of self-control for the gambler not to react to the woman's innocent remark.

"...so must be ya just got out of the joint."

"And ya figure this...how?" Standish thickened his accent.

"You're new...Ain't seen ya in here before. Ya picked this last stool, despite all the other empty ones, where ya can see everything goin' on and still keep your back to the wall. Ya checked out everyone in the place the second ya walked through the door and I don't think ya've missed a move anyone in here's made." As she spoke, she ticked off the reasons on her fingers.

"Ya always so observant 'bout yer customers?" The con man took a large swallow of the beer, glancing at the barely audible corner television as the half dozen men watching the ball game cheered.

She was a nice looking woman, her shoulder length brown hair showing the first signs of gray, the blouse and jeans displaying a nice figure. If he'd had to guess, Ezra would say the woman was in her late forties, comfortable enough with her age not to try and hide it with makeup or clothes that were too young for her.

"Just the good lookin' ones." She teased. "Pays to be observant. Keeps ya a step ahead. Figured I'd ease your mind a little. Let ya know it don't matter ta anybody in here if you're on the run or did your time as long as ya don't cause no trouble. People round here mind their own business."

The woman laughed at the eyebrow he raised as if questioning that statement. "Just cause I know what goes on around here doesn't mean I tell what I know. Name's Carla Banks."

"Ezra."

"Welcome to the neighborhood Ezra." Carla nodded as he shook her offered hand. "Strong Bible name. Your mama must be a good Christian woman."

No amount of self-control could stop his laughter this time. "Maude's been called a lot of things but no one's ever accused her a that before."

The southerner watched as Carla made another sweep of the bar taking orders and delivering drinks before returning to the stool.

"I take it ya've worked here a long time." The gambler questioned.

"Worse. I own the place." Carla grinned, lighting a cigarette and blowing the smoke toward the ceiling. "Me and the old man bought it a couple years after we got married. Probably shoulda sold it when Rusty passed on but....I just didn't have the heart. Area ain't much but the people are all right. The business pays the bills and most months I can even put a little in the bank. Hell I'm my own boss and I'm happy so what more could I ask for?"

Ezra listened quietly as she talked about her late husband, telling him about the area, offering suggestions on where he might find work and a half way decent apartment for a reasonable price. Asking seemingly innocent questions, the southerner steered the conversation in the direction of her customers but true to her word, Carla said nothing disparaging about anyone, giving away none of the secrets she held.

The bar suddenly fell silent as all eyes riveted on the television. Someone had kicked up the sound and the newscaster was talking about a missing child. Ezra showed his stupefaction as the patrons' attention quickly returned to their previous conversations when it was reported the little boy had been found frightened but unharmed and returned to the loving arms of his parents.

"Well, least we know Billy James wasn't involved this time." Mike, the barkeep commented to Carla, whom it turned out was his sister, as he swiped the bar with a wet towel before setting another cold beer in front of Ezra.

"Thank God!" Carla's sigh was almost prayerful before her expression turned vemenous. "Can't believe they let the murderin' bastard out....Ain't been around for a couple a months. I hope that sonuvabitch has left the state for good."

Mike shook his head as he moved to take an order, calling back over his shoulder, "’Fraid not, Rick says he's stayin' at the old place."

The woman's face paled and she swore under her breath.

"Ya okay?" Ezra asked as Mike moved away.

"Yeah...just..." Carla smiled at him visibly shaking aside the anger and whatever she was about to say. "Listen, most people round here know me and Mike. Tell 'em I sent ya and ya shouldn't have much trouble gettin' a job."

"Thanks." The southerner was touched by her sincere desire to help and caught her arm as she rose to move away. "Why?"

She frowned. "Why what?"

"Most people don't go outta their way for someone they don't know....Less there's somethin' in it for them."

This time it was a sad smile that touched Carla's lips as she lay a hand gently on his cheek. "Ninety-five percent of the time I can tell with a look what's goin' on in someone's life but I'm never wrong about a person's character. No matter what kinda trouble ya been in, ya seem like a good man...a little cynical but a good man. Take care."

******* The deep voice, spoken from out of the darkness startled Ezra. "Find out anything interestin' brother?" As he spun around, Josiah stepped from the shadows. Releasing a long sigh of relief, Ezra continued walking to the old truck he'd gotten from 'Rent a Wreck.' "What are ya doin' here Josiah?" Standish schooled his features, hiding his shock at seeing the older man as the ex-FBI agent fell into step beside him. "Watchin' yer back." The preacher grinned, clapping a large hand on the gambler's shoulder. "Ya didn't point this place out when we was goin' over the files so Vin figured ya was plannin' to check it out yourself. He figured with me out here, Chris couldn't raise too much hell about ya not havin' backup. Course ya can expect a full lecture from Brother Tanner...when I'm through." Josiah chuckled as Ezra attempted to stifle a groan of disgust, muttering about becoming predictable as he unlocked the truck and slid behind the wheel. *******

"...Says she ain't seen him since he went down." Listening to Buck's report on his visit with Billy Joe's old girlfriend Ezra scribbled notes his eyes studying the file Vin had put together on Candless as his mind replayed everything he'd heard at Carla's bar.

"Ya believe her?" Chris questioned. Moving to the coffeepot, he refilled his mug and slowly wandered back to his seat, pausing behind the gambler hoping for a glimpse of what had the con man so intrigued.

His observant gaze hadn't failed to notice that not only did Ezra seem preoccupied but a certain sharpshooter and gray haired preacher was also avoiding meeting his eyes. He didn't have to be a psychologist or even particularly smart to know at least two of the men and more likely all three were hiding something. It was just a question of which one would ‘fess up first.

"The sweet Miss Betty doesn't like being lonely. She don't strike me as the type ta wait around for more than a couple minutes." The womanizer chuckled. "Course she made it clear I'd be the exception."

"Yeah she'd at least wait till ya were outta sight." JD ducked away from the playful slap Buck aimed at the back of his head, drawing laughs from the other men gathered at the conference table.

Buck concentrated on keeping his smile in place as he thought about the hours spent with Candless' ex-girl friend.

It had taken him the better part of the day to track the woman down finally wheedling her new address from the girl's best friend. Knocking on the room door of the seedy run down residential hotel, Wilmington had used more than his fair share of charm in convincing the pretty little brunette to talk to him. Leery, having moved into the room the day after Billy James was paroled and finally believing Buck wasn't a friend of Candless she had let him into the dingy room.

Always a good judge of people and particularly of women, Buck had been surprised at discovering the ex-girlfriend was only a year younger than JD. Evidently Candless liked them young.

Buck had been even more startled when a tiny body launched itself at his legs as he stepped into the room. A smile had spread across his face as he looked down into the large brown eyes peeking at him from under a mop of black hair.

Apologizing profusely, Betty had quickly grabbed the pudgy toddler, backing away as if she feared the pilot would snatch the child from her grip and disappear into the night. Abstractedly, Buck realized such circumstance could very well have happened if he had indeed been one of Candless' friends.

Slowly gaining her confidence, the pilot, despite her protests, had used his cell phone to call in an order for pizza. Buck's heart had flipped at the way she and the child wolfed down the food. Somewhere between the disappearing slices, Betty came to understand she could trust this big smiling man. Their belly's full she had watched as Buck had bounced the giggling toddler on his knee, not knowing the man's heart was flooded with memories of Adam Larabee.

Forcing himself to focus on the reason he was there Buck listened to the young mother's hushed talk of the year of terror she had spent in the company of Benjamin's father....Billy James Candless.

At his question, she was quick to assure him Candless knew nothing of the boy's existence and she was doing everything in her power to keep it that way. The haunting thoughts of what would become of the happy child under his father's brutal influence terrified her more than the pain and cruelty her ex loved to inflict.

Like Tanner, she had thought Billy James would be spending the rest of his life behind bars. That had been her hope but like most of her dreams it wasn't to be. Without the resources to leave the state, she had taken her son and moved into the flea bag hotel under an assumed name, working the late shift at the front desk for rent and a minimal salary. She pointed out it wasn't much but at least it put a roof over her son's head, food in his stomach and kept the bright eyed little boy from suffering at his father's hand.

Thanking her, Buck had unwrapped the little fella's arms from about his legs and accepting a hug passed the child to his mother. Unable to shake the young woman or small child from his mind Buck had returned later that night, his arms laden down with enough groceries to last them a while as well as several toys for Benjy. At his generous actions, the woman had broken down in tears, amazed someone who didn't know them could be so kind. Wilmington had brushed her gratitude aside gently and assuring Betty, her secret was safe, he'd pressed a card with both his home and his cell phone numbers on it into her hand, telling her to call if she needed anything.

Later he would tell his friends that everyone's perception of the woman had been wrong. She wasn't an experienced party girl but simply a terrified kid barely out of her teens. When this was finally over he would tell them about the child. Right now he didn't want to listen to their teasing. He didn't need to be reminded he was a soft touch. Buck already knew he was a marshmallow, without having it loudly and repeatedly confirmed by his teammates.

Trying to shake the vision of Benjy's bright inquisitive eyes from his mind, he forced himself to focus on the meeting. "Actually, Vin, ya did her a big favor takin' Candless in. She was too afraid of him to break it off. Said everybody's afraid of him, even his so called friends. Soon as ya hauled his ass outta there, she moved and never looked back, avoiding people who had even heard of Billy James Candless."

Josiah had already analyzed the psychiatric reports. In simple layman terms, Billy James was the type of individual who thrived on the feeling of power and control he got from causing pain and fear in others. Especially those smaller or more helpless. There was no need for a degree to come to that conclusion. Any one who'd met the man said the same thing. He was evil, cruel and vindictive.

"Seems the only one who hasn't been practically hiding since he got out is some idiot named Rick Rogers."

Ezra's head snapped up, his eyes on Wilmington as the other men searched the names of Candless' known associates. Ezra knew they'd find the name but JD hadn't been able to discover a current address. A shiver ran through him as he recalled a remark heard at the bar. 'Rick says he's stayin' at the old place.'

"Does Miss Pierson happen to know where we might find this person?" The gambler questioned struggling to keep his tone sounding bored.

They needed a way to locate where Candless was holed up. JD had already suggested simply following Billy James from his job or POs appointment. That would be the easy way to find and keep an eye on the murderous Mr. Candless but of course fate had deemed it necessary that nothing was ever just handed to Larabee's team. Candless' next appointment wasn't for three weeks, when the parole officer came back from vacation and the restaurant manager had called the day before informing them, Billy James had quit his job. Evidently someone had told him of Nate and Josiah's visit and the man had gone underground.

"Says he used ta hang out at the arcade by the old park. He's a real video junkie."

'Rick says he's stayin' at the old place.' The phrase repeated itself in Ezra's mind. Perhaps...

"Mr. Tanner, might I ask where Candless was when you apprehended him?"

"They were stayin' in an old campin' trailer...ya know, one of them pull behinds...at some run down camp ground out near Miller's Crossing." Vin shrugged. "Don't even know if the place still exists anymore."

"Ya goin' some place with this Ezra?" Chris inquired catching the studious look on the southerner's face.

"I was wondering if that could be the old place Rick mentioned." The gambler responded absently, searching through the file in front of him, an idea beginning to form in his mind.

"Excuse me! You've talked to this person?" Nathan jumped in before anyone could react to the statement.

"No..." Ezra mentally berated himself for not paying more attention while the three men began rapidly firing questions at him. "I just happened to overhear someone who knows him."

"When?" Larabee barked out the one word, his temper beginning to rise as realization began to dawn.

Silence fell over the room and all eyes turned to the glaring man seated at the head of the table.

At that moment, Ezra could fully empathize with the mouse who suddenly found himself the cat's play toy watching as Chris leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, his hands clasped tightly in front of him. "Pardon?"

"I said when did you overhear this person who knows Rick?" Larabee repeated, emphasizing each word, his glare pinning the southerner with fierce intensity.

Ezra could find no logical reason for lying, thereby further pissing off his boss but a little evasiveness certainly couldn't hurt. "Last night." He admitted honestly.

"Where?" The blond demanded when it became apparent the southerner wasn't going to volunteer any more information.

Ezra stared at his Mont Blanc pen, wondering if he could use it to commit suicide. He knew all too well that expression on Chris' face and it meant only one thing...He was in serious shit. "A bar called The Refuge."

"That sounds familiar." His brow knitted in consternation, JD pulled a file from the stack in front of him and ran a finger down one of the pages searching for the name.

Larabee ignored the youngster, his gaze still locked on Standish. "And you didn't answer your cell phone because....?" It was a guess.

The previous evening, Larabee had watched Tanner become more hyper. He knew the tracker well enough to know he hated being watched and confined with someone always at his side but last night had seemed particularly difficult for the younger man. He'd paced the old farmhouse like a caged animal, his blue gaze constantly straying to the telephone, jumping expectantly each time it rang. He had finally visibly relaxed after a thirty-second call that consisted of three words. 'Yeah? Good. Later.'

Ezra's response brought him back to the present. "It didn't ring."

Hearing Buck snort and having trouble choking back a laugh of his own at the simple answer, Nathan wisely kept his eyes on the table top as he pictured that vein beginning to visibly throb in Chris' forehead as if he needed to see that to know the man's blood pressure was rapidly rising.

"That tends to happen when ya don't turn the power on." Chris growled disgustedly.

"Oh is that what causes that?" The gambler asked innocently.

"Here it is..." JD exclaimed diverting some of his boss' attention from Ezra. "It's one of the places Vin had listed where Candless..." His words trailed off as Buck reached over and closed the folder with a small shake of his head.

But Chris had heard enough and he glared at the gambler, his eyes sparkling with fire. "Let me guess...." He waved his hand in the air, "You just happened to be passing by the place when you were suddenly overcome by an overwhelming urge for a Coors." Sarcasm dripped from the scathing words.

"Okay." Ezra agreed bringing snickers from the others as Larabee's face began to redden. "Works for me." He turned to the others questioning, "Does it work for you guys?"

Chris pushed up out of his chair, leaning across the table to come nose to nose with the seemingly unperturbed southerner. "Damnit Standish! Do I-"

"Before you blow a gasket Chris, I knew Ezra was gonna check it out." Vin's soft drawl interrupted. The Texan nervously twisted his pencil between his fingers trying desperately not to squirm as Larabee leaned back in his chair to silently scrutinize the young sharpshooter.

Eyes glittering green, Larabee slowly sank back into his chair continuing to stare at the tracker. "So let me get this straight. What you're telling me is that Ezra told you he was going to a bar that was once and quite possibly still is frequented by a known psychopath...A dangerous psychopath who very likely wants you dead...and you thought that was just fine and dandy. That's what you want me to believe?" Until now the blond man didn't think it was possible for anyone to lie worse than JD. "You really expect me to believe that?"

Tanner tried not to cringe as Larabee's hazel eyes again began to blaze flames of green. He realized the man was way past angry. Vin remembered a few months after Ezra had joined the team, JD had questioned the gambler's ability to judge Chris' moods so accurately. As a 'public service' to aid the team members, the southerner had emailed them a list...A list which pointed out the color of Larabee's changeable eyes at the moment of each particular mood. Hazel: calm, relaxed, happy. Aquamarine: worried, frightened. Green: angry. Jade: Furious. Dark Blue: Run for your life. Right now, Larabee's eyes were turning jade...and the Texan tried not to cringe as the man cut loose on him.

"You didn't think it might be a good idea if he had some kind of backup?...Just in case!"

"He had backup." The baritone voice drew everyone's attention to the gray haired man seated at the opposite end of the table. "Chris I was right outside the door if he'd needed any help."

The jade gaze jumped to the ex-preacher. So the third guilty member had decided to 'fess up' and join the party. It wouldn't have surprised him in the least if the other three had chimed in as well.

He wearily shook his head, scrubbing his hand through his hair as he went on. "So ya told Josiah you were going to check out this....Refuge place and asked him to go along as backup?" Chris directed the question at the gambler who for once in his life had chosen to keep his mouth shut and not to try and talk his way out of the trouble in which he'd found himself.

In his heart, Chris truly wanted to believe Ezra had asked for backup. They had all fought so long and hard to tear down the man's protective walls and prove to the stubborn southerner he no longer had to depend solely on himself that Standish admitting he had asked Josiah to watch his back would have been the ultimate proof of their success.

"He never got the chance." Vin spoke up, not giving the con man the opportunity to answer and therefore have to lie. "Told ya I knew where he was goin' and since I doubted you were gonna let me go along, I asked Josiah to go keep an eye on him."

Chris' gaze jumped from one man to the other before resting on Standish again. "So you told Vin you were gonna see what you could find out at the bar?" Larabee persisted again directing the question at the unnaturally quiet gambler.

"Now brother we all know you'd rip Ezra a new asshole if ya thought he was doing anything you considered dangerous without one of us there to help out." Sanchez stated. "I'm always more then happy to contribute to the cause, especially when it saves a man's ass."

Although Ezra's expression was as somber as if he were attending a funeral, the twinkle in his emerald eyes when he met Larabee's stern continence was unmistakable.

Ezra wasn't certain exactly which cause Josiah was referring to, helping find Candless or keeping the gambler from facing the wrath of Larabee but evidently he and Vin were both learning the art of misdirection from the con man. Neither man had stated a falsehood. Vin had known, in that special way of his, and had asked the preacher to be there for backup. Neither man had come right out and admitted Ezra hadn't personally told them where he was going.

"Y'all really expect me to buy this load a crap!" The overly taxed expression on Chris' face spoke volumes.

"That's my story and I'm stickin’ to it!" Straight faced, Vin and Josiah simultaneously quoted the Collin Raye song.

Buck pressed his lips tightly together, swallowing hard in a desperate attempt to suppress the laughter threatening to burst forth as his oldest friend's bulging eyes traveled between the two men skimming over the gambler who, the corners of his mouth twitching, had suddenly found a spot on the far wall extremely fascinating.

Like a fish out of water, Larabee's own mouth was moving sporadically but no sound was emerging.

"Y'all think this is funny?" He finally shouted in frustration.

Not meeting his eyes, six heads shook no in total unison.

Drawing in a deep breath, trying to get a handle on his sanity which he knew was slipping away the longer he was around these men, Larabee jerked his head toward the door. "Ain't y'all got things to do?"

This time the six heads nodded in unison.

"Then get the hell outta here! We'll finish this later!" He roared.

Wilmington elbowed Dunne as a giggle escaped the youth and seeing Nathan's shoulders shaking, he shoved back from the table and followed quickly by the others barely escaped out the door before the volcano of laughter erupted.

Slamming the door behind them, Chris sank back into the chair resting his head in his hands. Lord help him he'd created a monster. A six headed monster. They were not only thinking as one they were starting to talk as one.

A slow smile began to spread as the sound of six voices joined in song drifted through the glass. "That's my story and I'm stickin' to it." At least Collin Raye didn't have any competition.

*******

Seated at Standish's desk, their heads bent over the opened, well-thumbed file, Vin and Ezra were the only ones still in the office when Chris, his own mirth under control emerged from the conference room.

Josiah and Nathan had left to keep an appointment with the prison warden, while Buck and JD had departed to follow possible leads on the last of Candless' known associates.

Seeing the look on the southerner's face, Larabee moved closer to the desk. "Find somethin'?"

"Possibly." Ezra shrugged. "According to Josiah, most dreams are reflections of past events. Bits and pieces of your day and often one thing symbolizes something else. Dr. Michaels, the professor I told you about, said premonitions are often the same way, one thing representing something all together different. This," he tapped the sheet of paper in front of him with the tip of his pen, "is the description Dionica wrote of her dreams. Re-reading them it occurred to me that it's possible not all of the events pertain to Billy James. For example Mr. Tanner's head wound was merely a fluke. We need to eliminate those things we know have no connection, thereby giving us a better idea what to be on the alert for."

"Good idea." Chris agreed resting his hip on the corner of the desk, amazed yet again at how the man's mind worked.

Ezra turned to Vin, "Is it possible Mr. Tanner, your vehicular mishap was something more than a simple-"

Chris straightened suddenly all ears. "What mishap?" Larabee barked.

"Aww hell, I just blew a tire a week or so ago. Truck ended up in a ditch." Vin brushed the incident aside as inconsequential. "No big deal."

"That may very well be Mr. Tanner," Ezra frowned, shaking his head. "However, one of Dionica's dreams involved a wreck on a deserted road."

"Still got the tire?" Receiving a nod in reply, certain Tanner had tossed the ruined object in the bed of the truck and quickly erased the incident from his mind, Chris made a mental note to have the tire checked.

Some time later, the three men had managed to interpret most of the young woman's dreams, coinciding with incidents in Vin's life over the past month from the blown tire to a small cut he'd received helping hang a basketball hoop at the community center.

"I'd like to have Dr. Michaels look at these." The gambler suggested. "None of us are exactly experts in this particular area and he might at least be able to corroborate our opinions." The words were spoken absently, the green gaze still on the last page of the file. This page troubled Ezra more than the entire file. It was the bits and pieces, small scenes and misty fragments of Dionica's nightmares, which they hadn't yet managed to connect to Vin. 'Yet...' The one word jumped into Ezra’s mind and he paled as he skimmed the list again. Needles, loops of rope, swirling colors, wooden walls, broken glass, blood....

"Want some more coffee Ez?" Tanner's question drew him back and he slowly nodded as Vin crossed to the coffee maker.

Straightening, Larabee towered over the gambler, taking advantage of the opportunity to finish what he'd wanted to say earlier. Sitting alone in the conference room, Chris had realized that Vin and Josiah were simply trying to give their boss time to cool down before he tore into the southerner for what he considered a reckless act. Once he had cooled down he knew there was no reason to rake the man over the coals in front of the others. Unless his temper was totally out of control, which the con man had a more than frequent knack for causing to happen, Larabee wouldn't do it to the other team members and Vin or Josiah weren't going to let him do it to Ezra.

In his own way and against his somewhat jaded view of life, Chris had come to care deeply about these six men and he worried about everyone on his team. They were all good men, good friends and his family but it wasn't as if he didn't have reason to worry. Riding herd over this bunch was, more often than not, like trying to control the weather or a volcanic eruption, AKA next to impossible. If he were going to be honest he had to admit having an illogical tendency to over react when it came to the sharpshooter and the con man.

He knew each man could handle themselves. First hand experience and countless missions had taught him as fun loving and laxidasical as the womanizer often appeared, Buck Wilmington knew the importance of following orders. Under pressure he could be counted on to assess a situation almost as quickly as Larabee himself. Although at times he appeared to be Larabee's shadow, more often than not he was where he was needed and doing what had to be done to protect the others. He was the perfect tutor for the young and fearless Dunne. Chris' oldest friend would see to it the enthusiastic kid lived to a ripe old age.

Equally he knew although Josiah Sanchez's temper and Nathan Jackson's inclination to rush to help had landed them in trouble more than once and caused their boss a few heart stopping moments, they were both in their own ways level headed, stalwart trustworthy pillars of dependency.

Heaven help him Tanner and Standish were another matter altogether. To put it in the gambler's vernacular, they were the wild cards in Larabee's deck of six. They were both mavericks and both had spent so many years on their own, it was just natural for either of them to move ahead when something needed done. Neither of them was used to asking for help, especially if it might mean putting the others in danger. The two men seemed determined to keep Larabee on the edge of insanity and his heart racing as they rushed head on to meet any danger before it could hurt one of their family.

They were all good men and he knew without a doubt any of them would willingly give their life to protect the others but Ezra seemed to act as if he had less to lose than the other six. It appeared to Larabee because of that misguided view he often took more than his fair share of risks. Secretly Chris hoped that would change now that the southerner finally had Dionica in his life.

He was pulled from his thoughts as Vin set the full mugs of steaming hot coffee on the desk. "Gonna make myself a sandwich. Either of ya want one?"

"Ya just had breakfast a coupla hours ago." It never failed to amaze Chris how much the tracker could eat and still remain so lean.

Tanner gave him a disgusted look. "And your point is?"

"Guess I don't have one." Chris grinned. He would have had to be blind to miss the silent message in the Texan's azure eyes. 'Take it easy on him or you'll answer to me.'

Larabee settled in the chair Vin had vacated as the lanky sharpshooter strolled toward the apartment at the far end of the hall.

Ezra leaned back and lifting the cup to his lips took a long swallow. "Would you to care to begin or would you rather I save you the trouble and give myself the tongue lashing you feel I deserve?"

Chris shook his head as he stared at his own coffee mug. "Not a tongue lashing Ezra...just a friendly reminder."

A frown crossed Ezra's face before he could hide it. "Reminder?"

The blond brought his eyes up to meet the gambler's puzzled green gaze. "A reminder that you're part of a team."

Standish stared at his mug, his long fingers toying with it as he admitted softly, "I'm well aware of that, Mr. Larabee."

"Yeah well, ya may be aware of it but ya seem to forget what it means sometimes." Larabee set his cup on the desk and leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. "I realize why ya went to The Refuge last night and that nothin' happened but we both know damn well what could have. We're basically dealing with an unknown element here Ezra. We have no idea what's goin' on in Candless' head or how much he knows." He rushed on seeing Ezra about to interrupt. "You have to admit if he's been watchin' Vin, and we'd be stupid to assume otherwise, then it's more than likely Candless knows the rest of us. Right?"

"Correct." The con man conceded that point.

"Then you also have to assume that if Candless had been in that bar last night he more than likely would have known who you were." Watching that fact sink in, Chris had to admit Ezra was the best Larabee had ever seen when it came to doing undercover work. The ex-SEAL was certain Standish hadn't just blatantly walked into the neighborhood tavern and started asking questions. In fact if he knew the southerner at all, the con man probably hadn't asked any questions at all. With that ability of his, nearly sinking into the woodwork, he had more than likely simply listened and steered the conversations in the direction which would provide him the most information.

"There's no need to take unnecessary chances Ezra." He raised a hand before Standish could protest. "I know. Josiah was right outside...but you didn't know that." Ezra's eyes darted away for a micro second confirming Chris' assumption. Taking a page from the southerner's own book, he changed tactics. "How do you think Vin would have felt if you'd been hurt?" The slight blush of guilt highlighting the gambler's cheeks told him he'd made his point. Not giving the man a chance to answer, Larabee changed direction again. "How's Dionica? You guys joinin' us at the ranch Sunday?"

*******

Ezra had filled Chris in on the small portion of information, gleaned the night before at The Refuge when Vin wandered back in to join them, a half eaten sandwich in hand.

Speaking around a mouthful, the Texan eyed Larabee. "Ain't ya supposed ta have a meetin' with Theo this mornin'?"

"Shit!" A quick glance at his watch told the man if he didn't leave now, he'd be late. "Let's go."

"Hell, I wasn't invited." Tanner protested. "I'll just stay here with Ez."

Chris shook his head, not liking the fact it would be those two together without supervision. What one of them didn't think to get into the other did. "He's goin' out to see that professor at the college."

"So I'll go with 'im. It's gotta beat sittin' in the reception area like some kindergarten kid waitin' on his pa, bein' stared at by everybody."

"Fine." Larabee crossed to his office pulling the file containing his notes and copies of the team's reports from a desk drawer. He didn't point out that Vin wouldn't have to sit in the reception area, but the tracker wouldn't find it any better sitting in on the meeting. "Stay together, stay outta trouble and stay the hell away from that bar." He ordered wondering if he was wasting his breath. He paused at the door. "And Ezra?"

"Yes Mr. Larabee?"

"Turn that cell phone off again when you're not home...and I'll feed it to you for breakfast."

Standish gave the sharpshooter a shrug. "Evidently, he forgot I don't normally eat breakfast."

Unable to stifle his smile at the retort, Chris didn't look back as he entered the elevator.

*******

Larabee made his way toward ADA Ellis' office, oblivious to the admiring stares of secretaries and clerks as he passed.

"Lucky woman." One of the women mumbled to a friend as Theodora Ellis led Chris to the conference room. "If she's as smart as she seems Ellis'll send everyone else on their way, lock that door, and make good use of that great big table....and I don't mean using it to write writs either," she added with a wicked grin.

"Wouldn't do her a damn bit of good." The other woman chuckled. "She could strip and dance naked on that table and Chris Larabee would never even notice. That man's got tunnel vision and Mary Travis is the only woman in the tunnel."

Her friend sighed. "Damn lucky lady...Don't ya just hate her guts?"

*******

Glimpsing a thick binder, he recognized as a trial transcript, on one of the bookcase shelves, Larabee half listened to the voices around him, his mind on Candless and most definitely not on the meeting.

He had spent the last several days with his nose buried in the transcripts, Travis had provided often finding himself stunned and sickened by some of the things he'd read. He was still struggling to understand how the parole board could have even considered giving Candless parole let alone actually allowing it.

True, the man hadn't gone down for kidnapping and murder as he should have but...Well what mattered now was making sure the sonuvabitch never hurt anyone again! Chris didn't care if doing that meant putting the man back in prison, this time with no chance of getting out or putting him in a grave. Either way suited him just fine. The only catch was they had to find him first.

"...Chris?"

Larabee pulled his thoughts from the mental list he was making wondering how many times Theo had called his name.

*******

"He seems pretty smart." Vin commented as he and Ezra crossed the campus parking lot.

"He certainly does appear to know what he's talking about." Ezra agreed as they settled in the Camero. "And he definitely knows more about this sort of situation than we do."

"For someone who don't know much about this kinda stuff ya did a pretty damn good job a matchin' the dreams with actual events." Tanner pointed out.

"I wasn't alone in my efforts." The gambler grinned as he pulled out into traffic. "Mr. Larabee and yourself are quite proficient at solving puzzles."

"Okay than we all did a good job." Vin compromised.

With only a few moments to spare they had walked with him to his next class as Dr. Michaels skimmed the material they'd presented him. Asking several questions, slowing their pace to scribble notes assuring them he'd be in touch when he'd had time to thoroughly study the material, the professor seemed to agree with most of their conclusions.

Suddenly realizing they weren't headed back to the office or either of their apartments, Tanner straightened in the passenger seat. "Ez where we goin'?....To lunch?" He asked hopefully.

"I swear Mr. Tanner, I'm going to suggest Dr. Jackson examine you for a tape worm." Ezra sighed in exasperation.

"So where are we goin'?" Vin persisted.

"To lunch." Standish mumbled.

"Where?"

"To lunch, Mr. Tanner." Ezra proclaimed, rolling his eyes. "We're going to lunch."

Aware the younger man was beginning to feel penned in always having someone near, Standish planned to combine his own desire to see Dionica with Vin's unvoiced need to experience a few moments of sunshine and fresh air. He knew the sharpshooter wouldn't mind eating off the lunch truck at the construction site.

Unable to fathom exactly why, Ezra had an overwhelming need to see Dionica. He wanted to see her smile, hear her laugh, touch her hair, smell that unique mixture of soap and sweat from a hard day of work that was hers alone. It frightened him how desperately he missed her. Had it only been three days since he'd seen her?

"Great!" Vin's exclamation drew his thoughts back from the woman he loved. "Why don't we see if Dionica wants to go?"

Smiling smugly, Vin settled back in the seat refusing to comment as the con man almost ran the classic car onto the curb. In the time they'd worked together, he sharpshooter had gotten to know Ezra better than either man would have believed or would admit to and was proud of how well he could read the gambler. If he followed true to form, the southerner hadn't seen Dionica for the last few days, afraid of letting anything interfere with the Candless case.

The tracker knew Standish's greatest fear was one day he'd make a mistake and that mistake would result in death...not his own...but rather one of the other members of Larabee's team and he would take every precaution possible to keep that from happening. 

Regaining control of the vehicle, Ezra said nothing stunned by the seemingly innocent suggestion. Although he should be used to it by now, it nonetheless surprised him when Tanner seemed to read his mind. Maude would be appalled, insisting he was losing his touch and immediately planning his next 'lesson' in self-preservation.

Fortunately, the last he'd heard, his mother and her latest conquest were vacationing in France.

*******

Buck was already seated in Mark Johnson's office when Chris arrived. The pilot's call had been a welcome interruption.

Chris hated the pre-trial meetings. On this particular case, no one on his team needed to testify but Theo was meticulous in her prosecution and always insisted on reviewing each detail including the chain of evidence, which probably explained her ninety- percent conviction rate.

Despite that conviction rate it was a long and boring process and his men seemed to excel in giving him a small respite by finding an assortment of imaginative excuses to call.

The latest information was Buck and JD had come up empty with the last of Candless' friends. It had been two weeks since anyone had seen the man or if they had they certainly didn’t own up to the fact. They'd made a run by the arcade but the manager said Rick hadn't been there for a couple a days, which was unusual in itself because Rick was a fairly routine guy.

Wilmington wanted to know if there was anything else Larabee needed done since JD was borrowing the Dakota so he and Casey could help a friend move.

Larabee took the opportunity to have Buck handle the first item on his mental list, telling the ex-pilot to have JD drop him off. Chris would pick him up when the meeting ended.

Judging by his oldest friend's expression, Larabee knew he wasn't going to like the news.

He and Mark made small talk long enough for the blond to pour himself a cup of coffee and take the seat next to Wilmington. "Okay spit it out."

"Mark put out what he calls an internal APB asking for any information on Rogers...Unfortunately it seems he wasn't just a video junkie." Buck sighed shaking his head dejectedly. "Guy OD yesterday."

"Sonuvabitch!" Chris' fist met the desk top with enough force to make the coffee cups jump. Every time they got a lead toward Candless, it evaporated into thin air. Calming himself, he focused on Johnson. "They sure it was an accident?"

"Looks that way." Mark nodded. "He'd been busted a couple of times for holdin'. Seems he was more a speed freak than anything but that didn't stop him from tryin' damn near everything else out there on the streets...I took the liberty of pulling the case file on the Campbell murder...It was never closed ya know."

Larabee straightened frowning, "What? I thought Candless took a plea bargain in that case."

"Nope. I figure he took the plea they were offering him in an earlier A and B during a bar fight that resulted in the guy dyin'. He probably figured they'd drop the investigation against him for that little girl's murder." Mark pushed the file across the desk. "Can't let ya have that yet. Reckon if Travis asks for copies though..."

"Thanks," They sat in silence as Chris read what Buck had already seen. Josiah had been right. The reports showed the authorities really had nothing other than suspicions. Candless had been seen in the vicinity. He didn't have an alibi. His car had been spotted in the area where the body was found. It was enough for a grand jury to indict but wouldn't hold water at trial.

He couldn't suppress the shudder as his gaze skimmed the crime scene photos. Chris knew the horror and sadness he saw in Buck's eyes reflected his own. This was what Vin had seen. Not some sanitized photos or censored news coverage. He'd been there. He'd seen the little body lying crumpled in the mud like some discarded rag doll battered beyond recognition. Was it any wonder the ex-bounty hunter had gone over the edge when actually confronting the mocking smug monster that had caused such devastation?

'I want this bastard!' Neither man had to give voice to the thought. It was understood. They were going to get Candless if it took an eternity. They were going to help their friend put this nightmare behind him.

The three men spent the next forty-five minutes exchanging information, Mark agreeing to put out another of his internal APBs. He'd be in touch as soon as anyone had seen Billy James. With his assurances, the two left the office, quiet and somber.

*******

"Where is our favorite bounty hunter?"

"With Ezra."

Buck's dark eyes widened. "Ya sure that was wise Hoss?" He questioned sliding into the truck's passenger seat.

Chris nodded. "They went out to have lunch with Dionica. Haven't heard from them since that call though." He slid the brown envelope of files under the seat. He wouldn't look at it again until Mark called to say Travis had asked for the copies. In truth, Chris knew, Johnson didn't give a damn whether Travis called or not. He'd do everything possible to help Larabee's team put this bastard away for good. "Call and find out where they are. We'll pick him up..."

"Reckon Ezra could use an evening with a certain construction worker?" Wilmington's grin slowly faded as Ezra's cell phone continued to ring. Disconnecting he hit speed dial the unusually somber expression turning to a frown when Vin also failed to answer his phone.

"Buck?" A note of trepidation crept into the word as Larabee pulled his gaze from the road to stare at his friend.

"No answer."

"Fuck! I'm gonna wring that southerner's scrawny neck." Pulling to the curb, Chris reached for his own phone. "Call the office." He ordered as he called Ryan's Construction and got directions from Janey as to where Dionica's crew was working that day. Thanking the young woman, he made a U-turn, steering back into traffic while Buck continued to call anywhere their two friends might have gone.

*******

Larabee wasn't sure if he should feel relieved at the sight of the gambler's familiar Camero parked a short distance from the other vehicles or even more worried that neither man had answered their phone.

Climbing from the truck, his consternation increased at finding Ezra's suit jacket and silk shirt neatly draped over the back of the driver's seat.

"Chris." Buck couldn't stop the growing smile as he nodded toward the building. Bare chested, his expensive slacks filthy and ruined beyond all repair Ezra was using a hydraulic hammer to nail the pieces of flooring Vin laid in place before he followed the gambler with a caulking gun.

They were working on their own as Dionica and other members of her crew were in the process of erecting a second wall on a section Ezra and Vin had already completed.

Wilmington's smile stretched ear to ear as he proclaimed, "Boy's got it bad."

"Ezra P. Standish doing manual labor." Chris chuckled. "I wonder if the Devil's digging out his winter parka."

"Damn Hoss, don't it make ya wish ya had a camera for this Kodak moment?"

*******

"Uh oh. Shit's about to hit the fan."

Following the sharpshooter down the ladder, Ezra reached the last rung and turned to see what had caused Tanner's groan of despair.

Chris, his arms folded over his chest was leaning against his truck fender, his gaze on the two missing members of his team. Buck, standing next to him didn't attempt to hide his smile of amusement.

Standish hastily skimmed over the day's events in his mind. "As far as I know we've done nothing to warrant such a stern expression from Mr. Larabee. You called and told him where we were going for lunch." He turned to his companion. "Didn't you?"

"That was almost five hours ago Ezra." Tanner chortled at the southerner's stunned expression.

Over sandwiches and chips, seated on her truck's tailgate, Dionica had explained they were running behind schedule because two of the crew had been off sick and another had to report for possible jury duty that morning.

"We should have the second story half way up by now and don't even have the floor put down." She lamented softly.

Strangely, it hadn't surprised Tanner in the least when seeing Vin's nod of consent to help, Ezra had shed his jacket and shirt, changing the expensive leather loafers for the running shoes in the trunk of the car. Understanding her protests weren't going to persuade them otherwise, Dionica had produced spare safety hats and tool belts.

"I think it would be wise if you kept that with you Mr. Tanner." The southerner objected when Vin started to place his weapon in the trunk next to Ezra's shoulder holster. "I know it would make me feel better knowing you're not out in the open so to speak and unarmed."

Vin motioned to the gambler's weapon lying beside the expensive shoes pointing out quietly, "You are."

"On the contrary, I'm not."

The sharpshooter's gaze dropped to the gambler's right leg realizing the man hadn't removed his ankle holster.

"And might I point out, I'm not the one Billy James Candless wishes to take revenge upon."

"We don't know for sure he does." Vin argued.

"And we don't know for sure he doesn't." Ezra gingerly returned the weapon to Tanner. "Put my mind at ease and keep it with you...Please."

He smiled setting the hard hat on the Texan's head as Vin clipped the Sig in its normal place at the back of his belt.

Seeing their boss had arrived and caught them in the act, Ezra realized there was no way other than facing Larabee head on. "Might as well face the music." Standish sighed shoving Tanner slightly ahead of him, offering the tracker as a sacrificial lamb certain Larabee wouldn't shoot the Texan.

"You boys decide on a career change since this mornin'?" Buck laughed. If possible his smile widened as the two errant members shuffled up to where their friends waited looking every bit like two schoolboys caught tying a little girl's pigtails together.

Standish held up a hand to forestall any comments. "Mr. Larabee, before you...rip us a new one...might I point out that we followed your orders to the letter. We stayed together. We didn't get into trouble and we didn't go to The Refuge."

The blond knew the man was right. They had done as he had asked and didn't to be in any trouble, however...looks could be deceiving. "And what did I tell you would happen if you turned your phone off?"

"The power is on, I swear on my mother's grave." The con man quickly responded.

"Your mother's alive Ezra." The pilot snickered.

Ezra shrugged giving him a small smile. "Merely a figure of speech."

"And just where is your phone?" Chris improvised still trying to maintain his big bad leader on a rampage role. He hadn't been planning on delivering a lecture. He was just happy to see the tracker appearing more relaxed than he had in days obviously having released the building tension with an afternoon of physical labor under the bright sun.

"In my jacket pocket," Realizing his mistake, Ezra's words faltered as he muttered lowly. "In the car."

"And your phone is...?" Larabee turned to Tanner. "Keeping his company perhaps?"

"Nah...It's in the glove compartment." Digging a toe in the dirt like a chastised schoolboy, Vin kept his eyes on the ground certain if he looked up he wouldn't be able to contain his laughter.

"A lot of good they do ya there." Larabee groused.

"An oversight on my part, sir." Ezra admitted willing to take all the blame. He hesitated as Eddie approached.

"You boys did a good job. Ya decide ta quit bein' cops I'm sure the boss would hire ya on permanent." The foreman offered admiration in his voice. He hadn't been impressed with the flashy man in his fancy car and fancier talk but having seen a change in Nica whom he loved like a daughter and realizing the southerner was the cause he had reviewed and revised his opinion. Today watching as the man pitched in to help, working in the sun with the rest of the crew, that opinion had risen considerably. "Helluva lot safer. Anytime ya wanna help out you're more than welcome. Be damned right pleased ta have ya." Nodding to Chris and Buck he accepted the hats and belts and crossed to the equipment trailer.

Following the southerner to his car, Larabee made no comment about the foreman's slight misconception certain it was Standish's way of explaining the weapon Tanner carried. He waited silently as Vin collected his phone and then watching as the two wayward men exchanged 'let's get this over with' looks, Chris ducked his head to hide his smile as they turned to face him.

"As I was saying-"

"I have a job for you Ezra." Chris interrupted, leading the gambler a few steps from Vin and Buck. "Tonight...I want you to spend the entire evening..." He stifled a smile imagining the cringe Standish suppressed at the upcoming punishment, "with her."

A genuine smile spread across the southerner's face as Larabee nodded to the approaching woman. "Go out to dinner. Relax and under no circumstances even think about Billy James Candless...Is that understood Mr. Standish?"

"Understood Mr. Larabee." His dimples deepened as he slipped an arm around Dionica. With a slight shove Chris motioned Vin and Buck to his truck.

*******

"Damnit Chris, I'm a grown man. I don't need a babysitter!" The four team members hesitated just inside the office door as the angry voices raised in heated debate sounded clearly from the other side of the conference room door. "I've got things ta do. I haven't been to my apartment in so long they've probably rented it out from under me."

"Like that would be such a loss," Nathan mumbled to no one in particular.

"Is there a problem gentlemen?" Ezra stepped from the elevator surprised to find the others huddled in the middle of the large room housing their collective desks. Before anyone could respond the voices sounded from the other room answering his question.

"And there's nothing there worth losing your life for." Larabee growled heatedly.

"Forget I even asked." The gambler quipped. "If you gentlemen would care to join me at Inez's I'll buy breakfast."

"You always said ya don't eat breakfast Ezra." JD joked.

The southerner shrugged. "Oddly enough I find myself extremely hungry this morning."

"Appreciate the offer son but reckon we better enter the lion's den before those two young cubs kill each other." Catching the southerner's arm as Standish retreated for the exit, Josiah dragged him along, a warning glance over his shoulder telling the others they'd all better follow him if they knew what was good for them.

The heated debate was still going on as the men entered and silently took their seats.

"As long as we don't know where Candless is, Tanner, you don't go anywhere alone." Chris rocked back in his chair watching the younger man pace the length of the table pausing at the window to face his friend seemingly oblivious of the others.

"Aww hell Chris we're acting on a hunch for God sake's. As far as we know that bastard doesn't even remember my name."

"Oh he remembers more than your name Brother Vin." Josiah sighed catching the two men's attention. The large preacher took his time organizing his notes, waiting until Tanner angrily dropped into his chair, studiously avoiding everyone's eyes before continuing. "While Warden James was talking with Nathan, he arranged for me to speak with several of the prisoners who knew Candless, including his last cell mate."

"What'd they say?" JD questioned his interest and concern shining in his dark eyes.

Josiah flipped through his notes although there really was no need. He remembered all too well what had been said. "Most of 'em all said the same thing...Candless blamed Vin for everything that was happening to him and constantly swore he'd get even."

"We kinda figured he blamed Vin for him goin' ta jail didn't we?" Dunne asked expecting the others to agree.

"Candless has been to jail before." Buck stated the argument Vin had been about to make before they entered. "And since he took that plea which had nothin' ta do with Vin haulin' him in, then why's he blame him?"

"I think he blames Vin for a lot more than that." Nathan offered. "I think he feels Vin's responsible for what happened to him while he was in jail."

"Which was?" Ezra prompted.

"Seems with all the news coverage about the police investigating Billy James for the murder of that little girl, he wasn't one of their more popular inmates when he arrived." There was none of the compassion that usually tinged Nathan's voice when he spoke of an underdog. "Warden James told me there wasn't a week passed that Candless didn't get the shit kicked out of him at least once. Couple a times ended up with stays in the infirmary."

"Thought they kept child molesters in...their own special area." The young Bostonian tried to pretend he didn't see the sharpshooter visibly cringe at the memory the words 'child molester' invoked.

"They usually do but he wasn't in for the Campbell case. The warden had no legal reason for keeping him outta the general population. Truth is I don't think he looked to hard for one." Nathan admitted. "It got to the point, he figured Candless was gonna end up dead...Don't reckon that bothered him too much either, except for the paper work involved when one a his prisoners gets killed. That's the main reason he pushed for parole when Billy James was eligible. He wanted to get rid of him before someone did him in."

Sanchez jumped in before anyone could react to the news the warden had actually helped put Candless back on the street. "According to D.C. McNamara, his cellmate, the last six months before he was paroled, Billy James was constantly mumbling about different plans for paying Vin back. Said that's all the man talked about. He said it near drove him nuts listening to him. Said actually he didn't really talk to anyone....Just kept mumbling to himself. "

He glanced around to make sure they realized the seriousness of what he was saying. "Scared the hell outta ol' D.C. and he's a lifer. Nothing much scares him. He says Candless is totally insane and he's happy as hell the guy got out. Everyone I talked to, prisoners and guards alike all had the same opinion."

"Just fucking wonderful." Chris muttered bitterly. "This cellmate remember any of these plans."

"Nope. Only understood a word here and there...mostly Vin's name and..." Josiah glanced at the notes in front of him, "dead mother fucker." He smiled apologetically at Tanner but the Texan's eyes were locked on the tabletop.

"I take it none of 'em had any idea where he might go to hide out."

"'Fraid not. Needless to say, he kept to himself as much as possible."

"So we go with plan B." Vin finally spoke up. "We need to draw him out."

"Forget it Tanner!" Larabee snarled. "We aren't dangling you out there like bait on a hook. Have you not been listening to a thing Josiah's said? This sonuvabitch’s crazier than we thought."

Vin glared at the older man. "Then what the hell are we supposed to do, just bide our time and hope he gives up?...Hell like that's gonna happen." The sharpshooter snorted sarcastically. "Damnit Chris he ain't even tried nothin'."

"That we know of," Larabee pointed out. "Which doesn't mean he won't."

"So what am I supposed to do huh?...Spend the rest of my life, hiding out and hoping the crazy sonuvabitch doesn't decide to take revenge on one of you instead!" Vin pushed back from the table and shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans began pacing the room again.

Chris continued to watch his best friend as four of the men seated at the conference table, pointed out the flaws in offered suggestions and argued over what would or wouldn't work.

They were all well aware Tanner wasn't a man to sit idly by, cowering in the shadows while others took action on his behalf but Chris also knew what frightened the sharpshooter more than anything Candless could do to him was that the man would turn his twisted attentions toward Vin's friends.

"Face it," Tanner slouched against the windowsill running a hand through his long hair. "We have no idea where Candless is and there's only one way to get him out in the open."

"I have to disagree with you Mr. Tanner."

It suddenly occurred to Larabee, Ezra had been unusually silent during the meeting, which usually meant the con man was cooking up some scheme.

"As you have so sagely pointed out, our biggest problem at the moment is locating Candless..."

"And the only way to do that is give him a reason to come out of hiding...Me."

Standish shook his head. "Again, I must disagree."

"You have an idea Ezra?" Chris questioned, his gaze sliding from Tanner to Standish.

"Why don't we offer him a job?" Ezra stated calmly.

The others stared at the southerner in stunned silence before laughter erupted throughout the room.

"Sounds good to me." JD giggled, "Have him do all the damn filing and crap."

"We can send him to nursing school so he can work in the clinic." Nathan chuckled.

"Better yet, we'll hire him on as Vin's bodyguard." Buck roared, wiping at the tears in the corner of his eyes as the others convulsed with laughter at the very thought.

"If you gentlemen are quite finished." Ezra's emerald gaze coldly swept over them as each man fought to control his amusement. He was deadly serious. He smiled as Vin slid back into the chair beside him, happy to see even he had relaxed enough to join in the laughter. "Candless has already applied for a job. It occurs to me, needing money as he no doubt does, he might just show up if called for an interview. An interview which would give us the perfect opportunity to set up surveillance."

"Damnit Ezra," Tanner was back on his feet facing the gambler. "You ain't draggin' Dionica into this!" The vehemence in his voice was plain.

"Mr. Tanner..."

"No!" Wrapping his long fingers around Ezra's wrist, the Texan pulled him from the chair bodily dragging the southerner from the room.

"Are you outta your fuckin' mind?" Vin hissed spinning to face his friend as soon as he closed the door behind them. "First off, this guy's totally wacko and if she started getting these premonitions just from handling his application, what do you think would happen meeting him face to face."

"I assure you Vin, I wasn't considering having her do the actual interview. I have something else in mind." Ezra lay a gentle hand on the taller man's shoulder. "Thank you." He added sincerely.

Tanner frowned in confusion. "For what?"

"Your concern." It meant a lot to him the Texan would voice his worry about Dionica. He steered the tracker back into the room, no one choosing to satisfy their curiosity with unwanted questions as the two men returned to their chairs.

"We could have Chris do the interview." JD suggested.

"Not likely kid." Buck snickered. "Chris would dive across the desk and throttle the guy before he even got sat down. Josiah would be better."

"No!" The preacher's unexpected refusal startled everyone. "I...I...No." He shook his head. "I'd rather not." Josiah admitted without elaborating.

"Actually, I don't think it would be very wise for any of us to take that position." Ezra drew their attention away from the older man. "As Mr. Larabee so clearly pointed out to me earlier, we have to work on the assumption that Billy James has done his homework and might recognize any of us as Mr. Tanner's associates. Since it is merely a preliminary interview rather than offering him the job, I believe Janey could handle it. Especially if one of us was ensconced in the next room to insure her safety."

Larabee sighed and finally nodded. "It might work at that." He focused on Ezra. "I have a few conditions though. Dionica has to agree to this and be aware of what we're doing. Janey has to be willing to go along with it and I want as few people around as possible. If things get out of hand I want her employees outta range of that madman."

"I'm sure I can arrange that."

"Okay. We got a plan. C'mon guys, let's get cookin'..." He watched as the men gathered their notes and files, trooping from the room. He hazel eyes locked on the southerner. Damn he hoped Standish knew what he was asking of the woman who'd come to mean so much to him.

*******

Nathan watched Chris pace the small room attached to the Human Resources office, certain the man hadn't been still for thirty seconds of the twenty minutes since they'd arrived.

"Would you please sit down? You're wearing me out." Nathan requested wearily as Larabee glanced at his watch for the hundredth time. "I'm exhausted just watchin' ya."

"Where the hell is he?"

The number on the application had been a pager but to everyone's amazement Candless had returned the call almost immediately and it hadn't taking any persuading on Janey's part to have the man come in for an interview. Of course as far as the woman knew, this was nothing more than what it appeared to be. A job interview for one of the remodeling crews. She hadn't asked why they were interviewing for a job that didn't exist or why the two men were ensconced in the filing room, the door left standing open and had stopped their explanation, afraid she wouldn't behave naturally if she knew what they were up to. She did know the two men were friends of Dionica's and that was all that mattered. She thought highly of the young business woman who had given her a chance at a job she wanted when no one else would and if it was in her power Janey would always see her beloved boss got what she wanted.

Nathan scowled as Chris looked at his watch again. "His appointment isn't for ten minutes yet."

Larabee shot him a dirty look. "Hell hasn't he ever heard it makes a good impression on your potential employer if ya show up early?"

"Evidently not." The physician quipped as Chris sank into a chair. "It also helps to bring donuts. Of course you haven't been able to convince Ezra of that argument either and you know what he always says...."

"Appearances are everything." The two men stated simultaneously. Larabee chuckled, looking at his watch once more before climbing to his feet to resume wearing a rut on the tiled floor.

Josiah and Buck were waiting in a surveillance van on the street and JD, on Vin's motorcycle, had taken up a position down the block. Everyone had pitched in to convince Chris to let Ezra return to The Refuge to see what else he could learn with Vin as backup.

He had finally relented on the condition Ezra wore a wire. He hadn't been too hot on the idea until Buck had pulled the blond man aside logically pointing out that no matter how much they wanted to, they simply couldn't lock the Texan in a dungeon until this was over. As the ex-pilot had stated, Tanner was Ezra's usual back up and the tracker would never do anything that might endanger the gambler. And hell there was no question in anyone's mind the southerner would do whatever he thought necessary to protect Vin. Keeping Tanner on a leash and preventing him from helping would only anger the sharpshooter and might drive him, and not for the first time, to act on his own.

The pilot had argued it was better to allow their friend to assist in this part in the plot, since they were fairly certain where Billy James would be at the time. Buck knew secretly Chris would be relieved knowing if Tanner was at the bar he would be miles from Candless.

Larabee had finally capitulated after insisting on Vin's word of honor the tracker would listen from the relative safety of the truck and act only if it was essential to Ezra's safety. He had also insisted on Ezra's word of honor that he would do nothing to make Vin's action essential.

Knowing those two were miles away, Chris turned his thoughts back to the job at hand. Arriving at the headquarters of Ryan Construction, Jackson and Larabee had both cringed when Janey had informed them, Dionica was attending a meeting upstairs if they needed anything. Chris wasn't pleased. He had hoped the office would be nearly empty in case Candless got wind of something wrong and decided to act. People in the building meant possible hostages and perhaps worse. Worse...Ezra would probably blow a gasket. 

Chris grinned as he recalled the flustered con man that'd stormed into the office that morning.

Standish had been in a rare mood, slamming his briefcase on his desktop, mumbling angrily to himself, ranting about stubborn, irritating, construction workers who didn't know what was good for them.

"She has to be the most obstinate, bull headed, mulish person walking the face of the earth!" He fumed to anyone within earshot.

"Oh yeah, it's definitely a match made in heaven." Josiah declared, drawing chuckles as the con man talking to no one in particular, continued to expound expansively on the argument that had encompassed most of the previous evening.

Knowing Standish didn't want the others aware of Dionica's involvement in the case and certain he would be embarrassed later about revealing so much of his personal life, Chris had pulled the gambler into his office struggling to hide his amusement at the con man's angry prattle.

Agreeing with Tanner, afraid how seeing Candless face to face would affect Dionica, the southerner had asked that she stay away from the office until the interview was over and Billy James was miles from the building.

Ezra had laid out their plans, asking she only have a skeleton crew on hand stating their reasons for not having one of the team do the interview. He pointed out as he had to the others, if Candless was indeed watching Vin, there was every possibility he'd seen Dionica with them. If, by chance he had, it would not only put her in danger but would alert him to the fact the interview was nothing more than a way to lure him out of hiding.

For her part, Dionica had calmly pointed out the monthly meetings with her accountants and department heads wasn't something she could cancel as everyone's schedules were planned around these meetings, but under the circumstances she did agree to compromise by staying on the upper floors and to try and keep everyone who wasn't essential out of the interviewing area until Chris gave the all clear. It was the best he was going to get.

The two men fell silent, moving closer to the half open door as Janey's assistant announced Mr. Candless was there for his interview.

*******

"Well, Mr. Tanner," He spoke softly, knowing the listening device would pick up his words, "shall we proceed with our part of today's assignment?" Ready to enter The Refuge, Ezra glanced at the parked vehicle seeing the flash of the turn signal light indicating the wire was working perfectly.

Watching from the relative safety of the Lexus, Vin chuckled to himself as Ezra took a deep breath and straightened his shoulders visibly forcing himself to turn his attention to the job at hand, shoving the thoughts of Dionica and what might be happening at her office building to a far corner of his mind.

"She'll be fine Ez." Even though he knew the gambler couldn't hear him Tanner felt the need to offer the reassurance. "Chris won't let anything happen to her." He promised.

Dressed much the same as his previous visit, Ezra stopped just inside the door giving his eyes time to adjust to the dim lighting before crossing to the bar and settling on the same stool he'd occupied several nights earlier. His astute green eyes skimmed over the room.

The tavern was nearly deserted this early in the afternoon. Two patrons were engrossed in a game of darts, the sound of billiard balls clacking together competed with the television, as the silver haired man from his previous visit played alone. Seeing Ezra, Mike laid his cards on the bar and informing the elderly gentleman he'd been playing gin with that he'd be back approached the southerner.

"Beer?" He questioned pulling a can of Coors from the cooler and sliding it across the bar.

"Please." Ezra pulled some bills from the pocket of his jeans motioning for him to keep the change. "Carla around?"

"In the kitchen makin' Ernie a sandwich." The bartender indicated his gin partner. "How goes the job huntin'?"

The southerner shrugged, avoiding an answer. He liked this man and his sister. They'd offered their help to a total stranger and it somehow didn't feel right to him to return their concern with a lie. He mentally started. What the hell was happening to him? Lying used to come as easily as breathing. It's what he did. It was how he made a living.

'Made...' those four little letters proved to make a world of difference in his life, his very existence.

Ezra was raised not to worry about other people, especially not to be concerned for their feelings. The only thing that mattered was Ezra P. Standish and what he wanted. He had been brought up to look out for number one. For most of his life he had done whatever it took and said whatever was needed to get what he wanted. Now something had changed. Something had made a difference...somewhere along the way since joining Larabee's team, he had developed a conscience. Perhaps he merely discovered he'd had one all along.

Good Lord, if she ever found out Maude would disown him for sure. Worse she might find a way to have it surgically removed.

"Hey good lookin'." Carla smiled brightly. Having delivered the old man's food she slid onto the stool next to Ezra. "Missed me did ya?"

"Course darlin'." Standish easily fell back on his southern honeyed charm. After several minutes of harmless flirting, Ezra grew serious. Instinct warned, he didn't have time to covertly dig for the needed information. He had to ask outright.

"Carla," his serious tone immediately captured the woman's full attention. "I need your help."

She nodded and after a quick word to Mike motioned him to follow her. Carrying his drink, the gambler followed her to a booth in the back. Lighting a cigarette, blowing the smoke upward Carla waited patiently while the gambler considered the best way to broach the subject of Billy James Candless.

"I got the impression the other night you know Billy James Candless." No use beating around the bush, he reasoned. Might as well dive right in.

"Might." The bar owner stiffened, wariness entering her eyes as she studied the man across from her. "You don't look like some one who'd be a friend a his."

Ezra shrugged noncommittally. "Neither do you."

Her eyes darkened and she straightened. "I'm not." She remarked bitterly.

"Well neither am I?" he admitted softly.

"C'mon Ezra you seem like a smart fella." Carla leaned forward lowering her voice. "Take my advice and stay as far away from that sadistic bastard as you can. Billy James ain't nobody ta mess with."

Ezra caught her arm stopping her as she started to slip from the booth. "I don't have much of a choice in the matter Carla. He wants to hurt a friend of mine and I'm not gonna let that happen if I can help it."

Seated in the Lexus, Vin smiled, hearing the stubborn determination in the con man's voice. An earlier conversation with Ezra flashed through the sharpshooter's mind. How the southerner could ever doubt not knowing how to be a friend was incomprehensible to the Texan. He turned his attention back to the conversation in the bar.

"Please Carla." The imploring tone in Ezra's voice matched the look in his emerald eyes.

"Had ya pegged all wrong didn't I?" The woman shook her head in self-disgust. "Ruined my percentages. Shoulda known you weren't no ex-con. Ya ain't got that callused look about ya that most end up with after doin' hard time."

"Your percentage rate is still in good standing, my dear. You weren't that wrong." The gambler assured her before returning to the reason for his visit. "When I was here before, Mike mentioned a Rick...Is that Rick Rogers?"

She nodded. "Yep. Fool kid worships that sick bastard....Ain't his fault...Rick,...well he just ain't right in the head." The woman sighed sadly. "Damned drugs don't help but if anyone knows where Candless is, it would be him."

Standish hesitated but there wasn't any easy way to say what needed to be said. "Rick's dead Carla. He OD"

"Damnit!" She swore, crushing out the cigarette only to immediately light another. "Can't say I ain't been expectin' it but kinda hoped...." She trailed off. "He wasn't a bad kid ya know...just needed more help than any of us could give him."

"I'm sorry..." Sensing her distress at the news, Ezra wished he'd thought of a kinder way to tell her of the boy's passing.

Carla straightened staring at him intently. "They sure it was an accident?" Anger flashed in her eyes. "Billy James ain't exactly the most trusting person in the world. Wouldn't be a bit surprised if he took out Rick hisself, ya know, to keep anybody from getting to him. Be sure the kid couldn't tell anyone where he was."

"The police are looking into it but that's the way it reads right now." Reaching across the table, Standish gently took the woman's hand. "The officer in charge is one of the good guys. Like some other people I know he has a tendency to take things personally. He won't let them sweep it under the rug. He'll keep diggin' until he finds the truth."

She stared at him intently before finally questioning, "You a cop?"

"I work for the court system." The southerner answered evasively. "Believe me Carla, I wouldn't ask if I didn't need your help and no matter what...I won't do anything to put you in harm's way."

Electronically eavesdropping on the conversation, Vin smiled, not the least surprised when the bar owner opened up and began telling the con man everything she knew about Billy James Candless. She ended up calling Mike over to the table to add any information she might have forgotten.

"He used to talk a lot about this old huntin' lodge his granddad owned. Reckon he practically grew up there." Mike provided. "Made it sound like it was heaven on earth. He swore he'd always have that place no matter what else happened. Reckon he still might."

'So why was he livin' in a camper when Vin caught up with him?' The gambler wondered. "You figure that's where he's stayin' now?"

"Wouldn't surprise me none. Nobody around here's really seen him for at least a couple weeks...Course nobody I know of has wanted to...The only one who's ever been up to that place was Rick."

"What about Betty?" Carla suggested. "Reckon she knows where it's at?"

"Might." Her brother shrugged. "Good luck gettin' her ta say anything about him though." He hesitated before quickly scribbling on a napkin. Mike jerked his hand back as Ezra reached for the extended paper. "I'm only gonna say this once. Bett's a good kid and scared to death of that bastard. Anything happens ta her...anything at all and you'll answer ta me." The promise was all too clear in the big man's eyes and tone.

"My word as a gentleman." The gambler smiled uncertain if the bartender had heard him as Mike pushed away from the table to wait on the couple who'd just entered. He might have to discreetly put a bug in Betty's ear. Whether she knew it or not she obviously had a champion.

Carla studied the con man as she walked him to the door. "He must be some friend." She murmured.

"The best..." Ezra readily agreed forgetting the object of their discussion could hear every word. "You'd like him. He's the kinda person who'll back ya when you're right tell ya when you're wrong and stand by ya through thick and thin. All he asks is that you're his friend." He placed a light kiss on the older woman's cheek. "Thanks for everything."

"Watch your back handsome." Carla whispered, as the door closed behind him.

*******

"Perhaps one of us should wait in the car, Mr. Tanner." Ezra purposed a moment too late as Vin rapped on the door marked 203. The number two was hanging upside down and the zero was only an outline between the other numbers. "We'll probably scare..."

His words trailed off at the loud creaking as the door slowly opened just wide enough to reveal a partial face peeking cautiously passed the hanging chain.

"Miss Pierson?" Ezra smiled winningly, hoping to allay the fear he saw in her eyes.

"Who are you?" She demanded brusquely, her grip on the door's edge tightening.

"We're friends of Buck Wilmington's. Mike down at The Refuge said you might be willing to help us." Ezra stated. "I'm Ezra Standish and this-"

As the southerner pulled Vin into her line of vision, the girl's eyes widened and the door was slammed shut.

"Well that was a rather odd reaction. Does that happen to you often Mr. Tanner?" The gambler quipped in an attempt to dispel the uncomfortable silence.

Turning to leave, they hesitated hearing the rattle of the chain being removed before the door was slowly opened allowing them entrance.

As they entered and turned to face the young woman, she replaced the door's safety chain. Facing them, squaring her thin shoulders she wrapped her robe tight around herself as if it could somehow protect her. Betty leaned back against the door her eyes on Vin who stood near the crib staring down at the sleeping toddler. The dark haired boy had a chubby little arm draped around a teddy bear almost as big as the boy himself.

"He's beautiful." The sharpshooter murmured, keeping his voice soft so as not to wake the child.

The girl's sleepy expression didn't hide the pride at the compliment. "I try to sleep while he's nappin'."

The gambler nodded understandingly. "We're sorry to disturb you Miss. Pierson but we needed to speak with you on a matter of some urgency." Ezra began, also keeping his voice low yet to his surprise when the young woman spoke her voice was shrill.

"How come he ain't still in jail?" The bitter question was directed at Vin, a touch of panic and recrimination in her voice. "Thought when ya took him in it was for good."

Ezra saw the look of remorse on the Texan's face as he turned to face the woman who'd been little more than a teenager when the two of them had seen each other for the first time.

Vin could still vividly picture the terrified little woman cowering in a corner when he had bodily hauled the handcuffed Candless from the tiny camper. He could still recall the vivid bruises on her frightened face and thin arms and the look of overwhelming relief in the small smile she'd given him. He focused on that same face, a little older and a little more haggard before him now. "Me too." He whispered brokenly.

She drew her gaze from the Texan and settled on Ezra lifting her chin defiantly. "Told your friend I ain't seen Billy James since that day." A visible shudder shook her as she added. "Hope I never see him again." Betty hadn't moved from her position by the door but relaxed slightly coming to realize they meant her no harm. "Why'd Mike send ya here?"

Letting Vin explain Ezra remained silent, his eyes traveling over the small crowded room. Although rundown, the paint on the walls so long ago faded as to be an unidentifiable color, the curtains at the window something they might have found in a museum display of days long past, the room was clean and oddly homey, a fact which surprised the southerner.

Shelves, the new pine wood unvarnished had been built over one of the battered dressers, holding several boxes of cereal, instant potatoes, macaroni and cheese, various canned goods fruits and vegetables as well as two old pots and a skillet. An old hot plate sat on top of the miniature refrigerator in the corner.

A small smile touched the gambler's lips as his emerald gaze came to rest on the pile of toys occupying the lone well-used armchair. Like the stuffed teddy bear in the crib, the plastic dump truck, fighter plane and farm set were obviously quite new. His smile grew as realization dawned.

Buck! The jovial womanizer was a soft touch for a damsel in distress or little children. The man had a heart that knew no bounds when it came to helping those in need. Someday that man was going to make some lucky kid one helluva father.

"Mike's right. If Billy James don't wanna be found he's probably stayin’ at his grandpa's old place. Once when he was drunk he told me it was the only place he ever felt safe." Ezra stepped aside as Betty crossed to the dresser, digging through one of the drawers before withdrawing a pad of paper and a pen. "I was only there once...." She admitted quietly as she wrote, "but this might help. I ain't sure if they're right. Most of the roads don't have names but the river bridge and them other landmarks shouldn't have changed much."

"Thanks." Vin nodded slipping the paper into his pocket as he moved to the door.

Betty reached out, snagging his sleeve as he passed her. "Please just make sure he goes down for good this time." The woman pleaded, adding. "And I swear Tanner, if this comes back to haunt me, I'll make sure ya pay."

Ezra saw the hurt in Vin's blue eyes before he nodded, moving out into the hallway. "Thank you Miss. Pierson. Call us if you need anything." Laying a card on the dresser top, Ezra hesitated in the doorway, his gaze resting momentarily on the still sleeping child in the cradle. "Mike seems like a good man....Bet he'd make a good father." With a nod he followed Tanner waiting until he heard the chain slide into place behind them.

*******

Buck flipped open the cell phone, his eyes still glued on Candless' beat up little Honda. "Wilmington.....Hey Vin......Yeah, got here a few minutes ago...."

Josiah turned to the man beside him at the alarm suddenly filling the pilot's voice. "I don't think that's such a good idea Vin......Chris ain't....Let me talk ta Ez...Vin....Vin!.....Damnit!"

"Buck?" Concern filled the gray haired man's face and voice.

Disconnecting Buck immediately hit the speed dial button for Ezra's cell phone. "Ezra?....Vin damnit let me talk....Sonuvabitch!" He swore in disgust.

"Buck!" Josiah shook the pilot's arm to get his attention. "What's goin' on?"

"Those two idiots got a lead on where Candless might be stayin'..." Buck began.

"Don't tell me." Josiah groaned.

Wilmington nodded. "They're on their way to check it out."

"Do you know the meaning of the words 'Don't tell me'?" The large preacher groused as he raked a hand through his gray hair. "Now I'm an accessory after the fact."

"Do you know the meaning of the words Chris is going to kill them?" Wilmington retorted.

"Hell Buck don't you know the meaning of 'Chris is gonna kill all of us?'

*******

At that moment a similar conversation was taking place.

"Ya do realize Mr. Larabee is goin' ta take great pleasure in slowly crushin' us beneath the heels of his well worn boots." Ezra commented steering the Lexus past the large tree branch Vin had removed from the trail.

"Ya said that before Ez." Tanner retorted drolly.

"It bears repeating my young friend." The gambler gave his friend a sidelong glance. "I do hope you remember the most unappetizing breakfast I was promised by Mr. Larabee for turning my cell phone off when I wasn't at home?"

"You didn't turn it off." Vin shrugged. "I did."

"Yes well you can explain that to our fearless leader when he attempts to serve said meal." The southerner stated.

"Come on now Ez, you're about as afraid of Chris as ya are a Royal Flush." The sharpshooter chuckled.

"Depends on who's holdin' that Royal Flush." The gambler grinned. The dimpled smile slowly faded as he tried to pull forth the thought, which kept itching at his mind. Something didn't feel right but for the life of him, he couldn't place a finger on what that something was as it persistently gnawed at the back of his thoughts.

The two had followed Betty's written directions driving steadily higher into the mountains, backtracking and moving on when the directions didn't pan out, whether because of their misinterpretation or the actual instructions themselves.

Ezra was aware of Vin consistently rubbing the muscles in the back of his neck followed by raking a hand through his long hair, a sure sign something was troubling the tracker.

"There." The itching in Ezra's mind grew stronger as Vin pointed to a small building barely visible in the distance.

Sitting high on the side of the mountain slope almost hidden by the encroaching forest growth was a dilapidated shack. It was still vaguely evident it had once been a nice cabin but years of disrepair had taken their toll. The wild growth of weeds and shrubs nearly hid it from more than just casual view.

Ezra pulled the vehicle to a stop between two enormous pines and killed the engine.

"That's a hunting lodge?" Standish sneered. He didn't want to admit he'd imagined something more along the lines of Vin's homey well-built cabin.

Tanner shrugged. "Was nice once...Maybe a couple a generations ago."

"Why do I feel like we've missed something?" The gambler questioned in a low worried voice as both men checked their weapons before slipping from the vehicle, easing the doors closed with a barely audible click that sounded as loud as a gunshot in the stillness of the wilderness.

"Because we have." Vin whispered. "Just ain't figured what it is yet." His worried expression warned Ezra of the truth of the statement. "But we're here. Ain't no reason to let the opportunity slip by..." He nodded and motioned toward the structure and Ezra with a nod stepped out ahead of him.

"Slow and easy Ez." Tanner kept his voice low as they approached the little building, his weapon in hand down by his side, easily hidden by his leg if necessary. "Even if this ain't the right place it still might be occupied."

The warning was unnecessary. Images of scenes from the horror movies, JD loved kept flashing through Standish's mind. He couldn't prevent an embarrassed smile, picturing the two of them being hunted down by some psycho in a hockey mask waving an ax, the images superimposed with scenes from Deliverance.

With a small lopsided grin of his own Vin nodded in understanding.

*******

Calling a break in the meeting Dionica hurried downstairs to approach Chris as soon as Janey gave her word the interview was over and Candles had left the building. "So how did it go?"

"Smooth as silk," Chris smiled turning from the window when he saw Josiah's Yukon pull away from the curb blending into the afternoon traffic tailing the Honda. "Janey's very good at her job."

"The best." Her boss agreed, smiling at the pleased blush on the other woman's face before the secretary made an excuse to leave the office.

Nathan was reading over the notes Janey had made to the list of interview questions paying particular attention to the questions they had added. The woman had worked them into the conversation as naturally as if they were a standard part of every interview.

"Nathan!" The physician dropped the paper onto the desk at the panic in Larabee's voice and spun around as Chris stooped in front of Dionica who sat white faced in the chair in front of him.

The young woman was shaking as violently as if she were caught in a blizzard, her terror filled eyes wide and brimming with tears. All the color had left her complexion as if someone had pulled a plug from a drain.

Chris spared a moment's glance at his teammate. "Nathan?"

"Dionica?...Dionica talk to me..." Pulling a handkerchief from his pocket, Nathan gently wiped the sheen of sweat from her face, keeping his voice calm and gentle. "Dionica are you in any pain....I need you to talk to me..." He glanced quickly at Larabee. "Ezra ever mention her having seizures?"

"No. Should I call an ambulance?"

She didn't resist as gripping her chin, he turned her head forcing her face him. "Dionica I need you to talk to me!" He ordered. "Tell me what's wrong." He could see the internal struggle as she tried to focus on him.

"Nathan?" Chris hovering at his shoulder questioned again.

"I don't know Chris. It's almost like she's going into some kind of shock." He admitted. "I really don't know."

Cursing, Chris jerked the ringing cell phone from his pocket flipping it open. "Larabee...Not now Buck...I'll call you back...Just stay the hell with Candless."

With the name of the monster came comprehension. Dionica had without thinking taken the seat, Billy James had occupied only moments earlier. Remembering Ezra saying the professor thought her visions may have started with her handling the bastard's application, Larabee could only imagine what the sensitive perceptive woman was feeling now.

Shoving Nathan aside Chris jerked the young woman from the chair. Wrapping her in his arms, he continued to hold her whispering soothingly, as his large hand rubbed circles on the small of her back trying to help her relax.

Dionica was stiff and unresponsive before suddenly gasping aloud her eyes welling with tears as she frantically locked on Chris' worried face. "H-he's got 'em....I s-saw...I saw..."

Larabee, knowing how zealously Ezra had tried to guard her, nodded to the door silently motioning for Nathan to wait outside. Frowning but complying the healer left the room and Chris focused his full attention on the young woman trembling in his arms. Her muffled words were murmured against his chest as Dionica continued to maintain a death grip on the front of his shirt. The trembling which had begun to subside slightly strengthened.

"No he doesn't Nica." Falling back on the nickname she'd mentioned that first Sunday, the blond tried to reassure her. "He just left here and Buck and the others are right behind him. Vin and Ezra are-"

She shook her head violently not looking up. "I saw 'em..." A shudder raced through her as she repeated. "I saw..."

"Where?" Chris persisted, keeping his voice soft not wanting to distress her any further.

"I d-don't kn-know..." She stuttered, her tears renewing and rolling down her cheeks. "I...I...can't..."

Leading her around the desk, he eased her into Janey's chair, prying her fingers from his shirt and replacing the material with his callused hands. "What did you see Nica? Tell me what you saw." He urged gently.

"I...I..." He watched as she straightened and struggled to focus on whatever was in her mind. "Trees...D-dead animals....Bl-blood....Lots of bl-blood...Colors....V-Vin...c-ouldn't..b-breath..." The words were coming faster matching the tears streaming unchecked down her pale cheeks. "Ez....He couldn't move Chris!...Oh G-God...V-Vin!..." She blinked rapidly, her eyes focusing on Larabee as she grasped his hands nearly breaking his fingers. "They need help Chris....They need you! You have to help them!" She pleaded desperately.

"We will, Nica...I promise." He pulled her to him, rubbing her back, offering comfort and letting her cry. "I promise."

It was several minutes before she finally pulled from his comforting embrace and yanked some Kleenex from the box on the desk. With trembling fingers she attempted to wipe away all traces of her tears. Averting her eyes from the man in front of her, Dionica gave a short self-depreciating laugh. "I'm sorry....Ya probably think I've gone completely over the edge."

"Nope." Chris grinned, easing her embarrassment. "Figure that little voice in your head just talks to you differently than it does most folks." The cell phone began ringing again and silently cursing the caller he flipped it open stopping the incessant ringing. "Hold on..." He ordered the person on the other end as he directed his attention back to Dionica. "You gonna be okay?"

"I'm fine Chris...Really I am," She assured him. 'Ezra and Vin aren't.' The message in her eyes was clear as day. "Go on Chris...They need you."

"I'll call you as soon as we have some news..." Snatching the paper from the desk, he started for the door. "Better yet, I'll have Ezra and Vin call you."

He hurried out into the hallway and she heard him call to Nathan as she moved to the window. Sniffling, she watched as the men hurried to their vehicle and peeled away from the curb. Ezra and Vin were in serious trouble, of that she was dead certain. Dionica was just as certain those men would see to it they were rescued. She closed her eyes. Ezra had to be okay. She hadn't waited all her life to find the gambler only to lose him now.

*******

"What the hell do you mean you lost him!" Larabee roared as he scrambled into the passenger seat of Nathan's Saturn. "I can't believe it!...What about JD?....Tell me at the office. We'll be there in ten."

"Good news?" Nathan quipped sarcastically, flinching as Chris angrily tossed the small phone onto the dash.

"They lost him! Got stuck at an intersection by a damn funeral procession and the mother fucker just disappeared." He slammed a fist against the dashboard, the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach growing with the sound of Dionica's words ringing in his ears. "Sonuvabitch!"

*******

Larabee stormed through the office doors with Nathan on his heels. His glare swept over the men freezing on Wilmington without a word.

"It was a fluke Chris." Buck tried to explain as he slammed down the receiver. "A fuckin' fluke."

"Tell me." Chris hissed, his eyes flashing fire. He knew Buck would face hell for his teammates but the overwhelming feelings of helplessness washing over him needed release and at the moment Wilmington was ground zero.

Watching the by-play in case he was needed to step in, Josiah remained on the phone, JD, his fingers racing over the computer keys kept his eyes on the monitor listening as Wilmington relayed the afternoon's events.

"Here's where JD lost him," Buck moved to the city map mounted on the wall, pointing to a square grid they all knew as the old warehouse district. The half dozen or so city blocks had been renovated a few years earlier to accommodate the yuppies who wanted to claim living in the suburbs while remaining close to downtown Denver. The warehouses had been remodeled into outrageously expensive lofts and business space. Exclusive shops, art galleries, restaurants and nightclubs dotted the area giving it the air of a Rocky Mountain Greenwich Village.

Buck traced a long finger along the map. "We caught up with him and did a grid sweep but came up empty."

Larabee pulled his green gaze from the map and locked on his oldest friend. "Where's Vin and Ezra?" He demanded.

Sitting silently at their desks, JD and Josiah both avoided looking at their boss as Wilmington dropped his gaze to the closest desktop clearing his throat.

"Where are Vin and Ezra?" Chris repeated, emphasizing each word, his stomach churning.

Wilmington didn't look up as he mumbled. "I tried to call you as soon as Candless left but..."

"Damnit Buck quit fuckin' with me! Just tell me where they are!"

"We don't know." The pilot admitted lowly.

Chris stared at the other men seeing Josiah's confirming nod, he spun back to Buck, an inarticulate growl breaking from his throat.

Wilmington tried to ignore the accusatory look on Larabee's face. "Vin called to say they had a lead on where Candless might be stayin' and since Billy James'd just gotten to the interview..."

"Don't you fuckin' dare say what I think you're goin' to." Larabee threatened.

"They were going to check it out." Buck finished before rushing on. "We tried to stop 'em! Honest we did Chris. Me and Josiah both...I told him it wasn't a good idea! I told him you wouldn't be hap-"

"I don't give a flyin' fuck what you told 'em! Just get 'em on the phone!" Chris growled.

"You think I was born with this thing attached to my ear?" Josiah grunted irritably, speaking up for the first time. "We've been trying to reach them since their first call."

"JD what the hell are you doing?" Larabee rounded on the still silent youngest member of the team as Nathan dove to answer Ezra's ringing phone.

"I was running a scan to see if there was any place in that grid that might match the places we know he used to hang out. Someplace Candless might not know wasn't there anymore."

"And?" Chris demanded impatiently.

"Nothin'." He shook his head dejectedly, pushing the hair from his eyes. "I'm sorry Chris."

"Chris," Nathan held out the receiver. "It's a Professor Michaels calling for Ezra."

"I'll talk to him. Transfer him to my phone." Larabee ordered brusquely crossing to his office. "Meanwhile, somebody figure out how we find out where the hell those two went. That southern bastard always has to do things his own damn way." He muttered slamming the door behind him.

*******

Vin glanced through the filthy window unable to see through the grime that covered the pane but heard no movement inside the small shack. "Don't look like anybody's home but somebody's been here." He nodded to the side of the building behind him. "Grass is dead like something sat there and there's a partial tire track in the dirt."

"Perhaps we'll be invited to dinner." Ezra joked rapping on the door. "Pheasant under glass, wild rice..."

"More likely possum. Maybe rabbit stew." Vin chuckled softly seeing a shiver of disgust course through the other man's body from his position at the corner of the building.

"I guess it's better than being dinner." Shifting his weapon to his left hand, the gambler slowly turned the knob, cautiously pushing open the door. "Would you care to join me Mr. Tanner?"

With a slight shrug Tanner followed him inside.

While not meeting either of their standards for cleanliness, the inside of the cabin clearly indicated someone was staying there. The living area contained a Formica topped kitchen table and two chairs, situated between a built-in countertop holding a rusted hand pump for the well and a antique wood burning stove. Against the far wall a battered couch, the stuffing showing through in more places than they could count sat next to a scarred footstool being used as a end table holding a kerosene lamp that seemed to be the only light for the small building.

Tanner moved to a door indicating a back room as the southerner began a thorough search of the cluttered drawers and cabinets.

"This is why he ain't been around or needin' money." Vin wandered from the bedroom holding an animal pelt. "He's been poachin'. There's more pelts back there, not to mention a collection a some of the sickest magazines I've ever seen." Disgust oozed from his voice.

Standish turned to face him, delicately wiping his hands on his handkerchief. "I hate to point this out Mr. Tanner but we still have no evidence this is the domicile of Billy James Candless."

"Yeah we do." Vin grinned. "His release papers are layin' on the dresser."

"Then I think it would be most prudent if we departed as quickly as possible." Ezra pointed out the obvious.

"I'll wipe out any sign we been here." The sharpshooter nodded in agreement. "Get the car started and ya might call Chris...Let him know what we found."

"Oh thank you very kindly." Ezra sniped, crossing to the door. "Why don't you just shoot me now?"

Tanner's smile widened wickedly. "What?...And deprive Chris of the pleasure. Not likely."

*******

Vin raked a hand through his hair, taking a last glance around the shack. He knew if Ezra had disturbed any of the security measures Candless might have placed around the room, he'd replaced them exactly just as Tanner had in the bedroom. Security measures....It suddenly hit him!

"Damnit!" Drawing his weapon, Vin threw open the door. His heart was racing as he found himself face to face with Ezra. "Wh-"

The gambler stood stiffly, his back pressed against Candless' chest, as the man held him, his massive arm around Ezra's throat, the barrel of his cocked pistol pressed to his temple.

*******

Chris nervously raked a hand through his blond hair, his eyes on the scribbled notes in front of him. His mind was reeling with the dark images described by Dionica, worry surging through his system. His fear for his missing friends making his heart pound.

For the most part, Professor Michaels had agreed with their conclusions eliminating most of the incidents as unrelated to Candless. What worried him were the fragmented images. No matter how he tried he couldn't correlate or connect them to other incidents in Vin's life. The remaining images, dark and threatening seemed to represent exactly what they were.

Chris had briefly described the incident in the office that afternoon, waiting patiently while the doctor mulled over the new information. As Larabee had expected, the teacher agreed judging by Chris' description Dionica had indeed experienced a psychic episode. That affirmation wasn't what Chris wanted to hear. It could only mean if Candless didn't already have Vin, he would soon be moving to extract his vengeance on the former bounty hunter.

Seeking any avenue of hope, the team leader had questioned the professor as to a possible location. Judging by the images, the professor would only hazard a guess Billy James had taken to the mountains. Nothing in the images was indicative of occupied surroundings such as a city or even small town. Wishing them luck the professor had hung up leaving Larabee staring at the humming receiver. A needle in a haystack...

Spinning the chair around Larabee dug through the stack of reports and depositions on the shelves behind him, searching until he found Candless' juvenile records flipping it open to the psychiatric interview.

The shrink had reported Candless had spent most of the scheduled time talking about his grandfather. The doctor described it as a form of hero worship for the man who chose to live rustically and primitively as the mountain men who had first explored the early untamed land.

Chris skimmed over the reports yet again. Candless had been deserted by his mother at the age of ten, and had been bounced back and forth between an alcoholic father and his hermit grandfather. The doctor hadn't considered it the healthiest situation for a growing boy but had found no other reasons to remove the boy from his present environment. Instead the physician had recommended further counseling and continued observation by Children's Services.

Chris flipped the file shut. While he had to admit it wasn't the best childhood he couldn't help but think it had been a walk in the park compared to what he knew of Vin or Ezra's and both of them had grown into men he was only too proud to call friend. With their brutal and often lonely backgrounds he still couldn't imagine either of them deliberately hurting anyone unless it was to protect someone else.

"Chris?" Buck knocked lightly before stepping further into his office.

"Tell JD to dig up what he can on William Andrew Candless. See if he can get a fix on any property he mighta owned."

"Sure." Wilmington nodded. "Reckon the fastest way to find Vin and Ez is to go The Refuge. Find out what it is Ez was told."

"Thinkin' the same thing." Larabee gained his feet. "Have JD run that check anyway...Might help." He paused, laying a hand on the pilot's broad shoulder. "Sorry about earlier. Ain't none of this your fault Buck..."

"Yeah...Right." Guilt filled the big man's voice.

"Hell, you know those two. They get somethin' in their heads and they're off and runnin'."

Wilmington nodded in agreement. "Well then we best be doin' some catchin' up."

*******

"Drop it Tanner unless you want this fucker's brains splattered all over the front of your shirt." Candless grinned, tightening his chokehold on the gambler.

"Don't-" Ezra couldn't prevent the flash of pain which raced across his face as Candless ground the hard metal barrel deeper into his flesh.

Knowing he had the upper hand Candless' smile grew as he demanded. "Put the gun down and back up."

Ignoring both the gun and the forearm cutting off his air Ezra managed to wheeze out the words. "Take your shot Vin."

His pain filled green gaze held the sharpshooter's eyes, silently pleading with him not to surrender his life to save the gambler. It was his fault Vin was now faced with this decision.

Ezra had just reached the Lexus holstering his weapon as he reached for the cell phone when Candless slammed the butt of his own weapon against the con man's skull, hard enough to stun the smaller man without causing him to completely lose consciousness.

'Please don't do this Vin.' The message was all too clear. They both knew the mad man wouldn't allow either of them leave the cabin alive. Vin's best chance was to take his shot and to hell if Ezra was in the way.

Staring into the emerald eyes, Tanner read the con man's thoughts as clearly as if he'd spoken them aloud. 'Don't let the bastard win. Don't let him end your life....I trust you.....Do whatever you have to....I don't matter.'

His own look spoke volumes. 'You're wrong Ez. You matter.'

Seeing the resolution in Tanner's azure gaze, the southerner felt his heart sink.

"Don't..." he attempted to stop what he knew was about to happen but Vin just gave him a small lopsided smile.

Shifting his gaze to Candless, Tanner slowly stooped, carefully laying the weapon in the dirt before taking two steps back.