Disclaimer: I own neither Leverage or Power Rangers

A/N: This is nominally a series of phone conversations surrounding Elliot's Christmas gift. I heard Nate say he "knew a guy" etc and I just... had this idea. There is no romance, although I mention two couples. Enjoy!

Nate cleared his throat as the phone rang. Moments later a supercilious voice was saying, "Hartford Residence, whom may I say is calling?"

"My name is Nathan Ford," Nate said, "and I would like to leave a message for Will Aston."

What is the message, Mister Ford?"

"Tell him that I found the thief from the Jewelry Museum in Pforzheim," Nate replied, "please contact me through the usual channel."

"I will tell him," the voice said.

"Thank you, and have a good day," Nate said.

"You as well, sir," the voice said and hung up.

Nate put the phone down and smiled at Sophie, "That will get him."

"What do you mean?" Sophie asked.

"Will Aston worked for IYS, or rather for me, on an insurance case at the museum. We were looking into the security there for a client who wanted to have a showcase of his jewelry collection. Will and I cleared the security there, the client brought in their jewelry, and it was stolen two days later. Will had to resign from IYS, but in doing so, he avoided criminal charges. He was freelancing for a year or so before Mister Hartford called him up to be the black ranger." Nate said.

"Why would Andrew Hartford pick a disgraced insurance investigator to be the black ranger?" Sophie asked.

"Andrew asked me for opinions," Nate said, "I knew that Will was clean, and I thought he'd do well on a team like that, so I recommended him."

"Does Will know?" Sophie asked.

"He does," Nate said with a slight smile.

The phone rang and Nate picked it up, "Nathan Ford," he said.

"If I were to ask you were that thief was right now, could you tell me?" Will Aston asked.

"She's two stories below me in a bar," Nate replied, "and no, I am not going to introduce you. It's good to hear from you Will."

"You too, Nate. I heard you left IYS?"

"I did," Nate said, "listen, you know how you owe me a favor without limit?"

"Possibly," Will said warily.

"I'm looking for a Christmas gift for a friend," Nate said, "I was hoping you had some of your old contacts and could help."

"What kind of gift?" Will asked.

"Something for a fighter who cooks and has a great deal of respect for warrior societies, a man with a dangerous reputation and a great deal of personal honor." Nate said. "You've probably heard of him, Elliot Spencer."

"I heard he worked for you," Will said.

"About the same as you work for Mack Hartford, I would imagine," Nate replied.

Will was silent for a moment, then laughed softly, "I don't suppose he's an artist, is he?"

"Well, he's an excellent chef," Nate said after a moment.

Will chuckled. "I think I can help you find something, just let me make a few phone calls. Hey, and tell Parker that I said thanks. If she hadn't of robbed the museum, I would never have made it to where I am today."

"I'll pass on the message," Nate said.

"Great, thanks Ford. I'll call you soon."

"Good bye, Will," Nate replied. "I'll be waiting for your call." He hung up, wondering what was so funny.