Chapter 1

JD closed his eyes, hoping that it would relieve some of the pressure to his throbbing head. but it didn't help at all. He winced as his stomach threatened to expel his lunch for about the hundredth time in the last hour. The uncomfortable chairs in the high school office were not helping either.

"Don't worry Honey, your uncle will be here to pick you up in a little while," the school secretly told JD sympathetically.

JD nodded his head slightly; afraid of what would come out if he opened his mouth. It had been a long hard day at school and JD hadn't even been to any of his classes.

The school had hosted a memorial service for a man and a woman who had been killed during a terrorist attack at Fort Rollson a few days ago. Some man had driven through the front gate with a truck full of explosives. the bomb had taken two of the guards at the base with them. One of them had been JD's favorite science teacher who had been called on up on reserve duty for the weekend.

School was bad enough, but JD's home had also turned into chaos right after the attack. His uncle had been in and out of the house fir the last week. Well Ezra wasn't really his uncle. Ezra had been a friend of his mother's. When she had died of a brain tumor, he had taken JD in and the two had become very close. Recently, there had been several new additions to their unique little family. Most of the world thought that Ezra Standish was a stuck-up insurance agent who sold high end insurance policies to international wealthy clientele. Only a few months ago, JD had learned differently. The insurance agency was only a cover operation. His uncle was really part of secret operations team organized to combat terrorism threats without having to deal with all the bureaucracy involved in the US agencies. Code named the ambiguous team Seven, the team answered to one person, Secretary of State Orrin Travis. Team Seven had been organized to help prevent attacks like the one on Fort Rollson. Ezra, Chris, Buck, Vin, Nathan and Josiah had taken it as a personal insult that the attack had basically occurred in their own backyard.

Ezra hadn't been home when JD had left for school this morning, but he didn't bother telling the secretary that. Ezra's whole team was listed on his emergency contact form, so he had no idea who would be picking him up.

"How are you feeling JD?"

JD looked up to see a large, blond woman standing over him. It was his English teacher Mrs. Ferinbach.

"I'll be aright," he said quietly.

"I don't think anyone is alright sweetie," she stated. JD was grateful that she didn't pester him anymore. Mrs. Ferinbach walked over and started talking to the secretary. "Marline, did you hear that they released the name of the suicide bomber?"

"Yes, wasn't it like Bariut or something?" the secretary answered.

"Ba-i-yat," Mrs. Ferinbach responded, sounding out the letters.

"Wait isn't that the same name as…" The secretary didn't finish her sentence.

JD jumped slightly. He recognized that name it was the same as….. JD could feel both pairs of eyes on him.

"Yes, it's the same as her," Mrs. Ferinbach responded darkly.

The women continued talking, but they had lowered their voices so JD couldn't hear. That was just fine with the teenager.

A few minutes later, JD heard a familiar voice.

"Hello ladies, Hey JD."

JD looked up to see Ebony Sawyer standing in the doorway of the office. The petite, olive skinned twenty five year old and moved in with he and Ezra two years ago and had become the older sister that JD never had. Several years ago, Ebony and JD's fathers had both been legendary CIA agents murdered during a mission in Lebanon by a jealous director. Ezra had worked with both men and had attempted to bring down the director, but had only destroyed his career in the process. Ebony was working on her doctorate degree at the local university and stayed with them. She and Ezra had worked out a deal that she would have free lodging if she helped keep an eye on JD while his uncle was away. OF course, that is what everyone thought. Like everyone else in JD's life, most people didn't know what Ebony Sawyer really did for a living.

Ebony was born while her father was still living and working in Afghanistan. He had managed to get his family out before the Taliban had taken over the country.

Chris Larabee and Ezra Standish had seen the value of having a half Aghani agent who's talents included speaking several Middle Eastern language and a strong knowledge of the region. She was working as part of the team as sort of a probationary agent.

JD was excited to see the young woman, She had left the same day as the attack and he hadn't seen her since. Ezra had simply told him that the CIA had needed her expertise in Middle Eastern customs. Ebony had left Afghanistan when she was toddler, but she was a fluent Arabic speaker and had returned to the country several times with her mother Saima Baiyat. All of a sudden, he realized why the women had lowered their voices around him.

Both women were staring coldly at the young woman.

"Hello Ms. Sawyer," the secretary's tone was sarcastic. "I am surprised you are willing to show your face after everything that's happened."

"I am here to pick up JD," Ebony stated, her whole body tensing. "Is there a problem?"

"I am quite concerned with letting JD go with somebody who is…" the secretary answered, not wanting to finish the sentence.

"I am listed as one JD's contact people. If there is a problem I'm sure we can call Ezra Standish," Ebony answered coolly. She put her hand on JD's shoulder. JD winced.

"I question the judgment of a man who leaves the well being of his child in the hands of somebody who obviously has ties to a terr…"

"Marline that is enough!"

JD looked look up to see a tall, black man standing in the doorway.

"Ebony Sawyer is a dedicated volunteer at this school and we completely trust her with JD's well being."

JD had always liked Mr. Borton, despite what several people had said about him being too young for the job. His respect for the school principal had increased even more.

"JD, do you have your things?" Mr. Borton asked. "Then let's go." JD picked up his backpack and followed Ebony and the principal out the hallway. "I am truly sorry what you experienced in here Ebony. It was uncalled for." The principal stated as they walked down the hallway.

Ebony smiled sadly.

"Don't worry about it."

"I will worry about it. I pride myself on hiring the best role models for my students, and what you experienced inside was absolutely disgusting. We know that you have no connection to whoever was responsible for the tragedy." The three walked out of the school doors.

"Mr. Borton, I feel much better knowing that at least you…" Ebony gasped before she finished her sentence.

"What the hell?"

JD wasn't sure what surprised him more, hearing his principal swear or seeing the scrape marks all over Ebony's car. Ezra had bought the young woman the little black Mercedes for her birthday a couple of months ago. JD knew how much she loved that car.

JD looked around to see several parents standing around with their kids in the parking lot.

"Who did this?" Mr. Borton growled, looking around.

Everyone in the parking lot looked down at their feet. Nobody answered.

"I'm calling the police," Mr. Borton said turning on his heels.

"No, please," Ebony pleaded, grabbing onto his arm.

"Ms. Sawyer this is a blatant example of discrimination. It is showing disrespect to you, JD and to my school."

"Then call the police, but please let me take JD home. He's worn out and needs to rest."

The principal looked like he was going to disagree, but then then sighed in resignation.

"Alright, but please tell me you accept my sincerest apologies and know that something will be done about this." He lowered his voice. "I truly am sorry about this Ebbi."

"Of course, thank you Rick."

JD was confused. He didn't know how to interpret the look between them. Since when were Ebbi and his principal on a first name basis?

"Let's go JD," Ebony ordered. JD crawled into the driver's seat. Ebony held her head up high as she drove out of the parking lot, but JD noticed that her knuckles were white from clenching the steering wheel so hard.

"I'm sorry JD, I never got the chance to ask how you were feeling," Ebony answered. "You don't look so hot."

"I have a headache and I feel like I'm going to puke." JD answered. He really looked at Ebony for the first time since she had left.

Her big brown that eyes that usually sparkled were drawn and tired. She brushed her long black hair behind her ear.. A huge bruise covered the left side of her face.

"How did you get that?" he asked.

"Let's just say I spent the last few days with people who shared similar attitudes as your school secretary," she answered cryptically. "So, you do feel okay enough to go out to Chris's ranch? Ezra and everyone else are out there right now. Nathan can check you out. If not, I can take you to the doctor right now, and Ezra will meet us there."

Although not officially medically trained at a doctor, Nathan Jackson had served as a Medic with the army for a few years. He was usually able to handle the minor aches and pains of the Team. For a group of people who engaged in dangerous activities for both work and play, it saved time and a lot of money.

"I can go to Chris's," JD answered, excited to hear that his uncle was home. "Is everyone else really home?" he asked.

"For the time being," Ebony answered with a smile. "Are you sure? I don't want you to puke all over my car. The outside looks bad enough."

It was the first time, JD had heard Ebony laugh since he had seen her. It made him feel much better. Ebony spent the rest of the car ride telling him little pieces of information about what was being done to find out more about the terrorist.

Ever since he had found out who Ezra and the others really were, they had begun telling him a little bit about what they were doing. They couldn't tell him everything, but they usually would give him a brief overview of their missions and tell him where they would be traveling.

Twenty minutes later, Ebony pulled the car into the dirt driveway leading up to Chris's ranch. As soon as she had turned off the car, she turned to look at JD.

"Think you can make it up to the house by yourself?" she asked.

"Of course," JD answered. "Why?"

"I think I need a little de-stress time right now. I am going to take Calypso out for a ride," she responded referring to her horse.

"Okay, but I'm sure everyone is going to want to talk to you about your car."

"That's exactly why I need to be myself for a little while," Ebony answered before exiting the car. "You can tell them I'll be back in an hour."

JD got out of the car slowly. He did feel better, but his head still hurt and the nauseous feeling had not completely left his stomach. When she was sure he was able to walk, she sprinted towards the barn.

Ezra and Chris were already out on the front porch by the time he got there.

"Hey JD," Ezra walked up to him concerned. He put an arm around his shoulders. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay," the teen answered, "but my head really hurts and I feel like I'm going to puke."

"Nathan's inside waiting to check you out," Ezra responded sympathetically.

"JD, where's Ebbi?" Chris asked.

"She went out for a ride," JD answered, "she said she needed some time to herself."

"Little brat," Chris growled. He started walking towards the car.

"JD, why don't you go inside? You look like you are about to fall over." Ezra stated.

"but…"JD protested.

"We'll take care of Ebbi," Ezra stated. He waited until JD had walked inside before joining Chris. He could almost see the steam rising out of Chris's ears. He saw the scratch marks on the side of Ebbi's car and clenched his fists in anger.

"You know she probably never would have told us what happened at the school if JD's principal hadn't called," Chris stated quietly.

"I was afraid something like this would occur when they released that name. It doesn't matter that her mother is one of the most respected lawyers i this country..." he let his voice trail off, not finishing the sentence. He sighed, making a mental note to call a body shop as soon as he had a chance They both turned to see Vin walk out of the house and look at the car.

"Bastards," The Texan said quietly. "JD's principal just called your cell phone again Ezra.. He wanted to make sure that Ebbi and JD got here alright." He paused and smiled slightly. "Think he might have a little bit of a crush on Ebbi."

"Hmpff," Ezra stated. Chris didn't look too happy either.

"Oh come on guys, She's twenty five years old and she's hot, you don't think that other guys aren't going to notice those big brown eyes….."

"This is Ebony where talking about Mr. Tanner, I'd remind you that….."

Chris's cell phone went off, interrupting him.

"Yeah?" Chris answered gruffly. "Oh hello Sir."

Ezra stifled a laugh at the change in tone in Chris's voice. It had to be Travis on the line.

"What...You know what happened to her last time they interviewed her!...No!...Alright sir."

Chris slammed his phone shut with more force than what was necessary.

"You alright?" Vin asked.

"That bastard Heart from NSA want to interview Ebbi again," Chris growled.

"What?" Ezra asked. "She just spent three days in Washington. What on earth could they possibly ask her that she hasn't told them already?"

"Says some new evidence has come to light that he needs to ask her about," Chris growled.

"I thought we were supposed to receive the information first considering out position," Ezra responded, feeling his own anger growing.

"Travis says Heart will share once he's interviewed Ebbi," Chris answered. "But she sure as hell is not going alone this time. If he so much as implies that she's somehow connected to this, foreign terrorists are going to be the least of his worries."