Magnificent 7: CSET AU: Some Assembly Required: Gathering the Team

by charli911

This is a Magnificent 7 Alternate Universe, Set in Lake Tahoe on the California/Nevada state line. Chris is asked to head up a new federal team which will be a combination Law Enforcement and Search & Rescue Team. He recruits Buck to be his second-in-command and they start pulling the team together. Originally Posted at Lady Angels

1. Chapter 1

SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: GATHERING THE TEAM

By Charli911 & Larabeelady

Summary: A new Cross State Enforcement Team is set up in South Lake Tahoe, on the border of California and Nevada

Disclaimer: We don't own them, just like to dust them off and borrow them once in a while. The boys (sigh) belong to Trilogy Entertainment and the Mirisch Group

Thanks Ro for all your input and suggestions and for the tireless beta-ing you have done for us.

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CHAPTER 1

"Come in."

U.S. Marshal Chris Larabee took a deep breath in an attempt to stifle his nervousness and reached for the doorknob. It wasn't every day that an ex-federal judge asked him to travel over a thousand miles from his home in Denver to discuss a job opportunity. Normally, Chris wouldn't even have considered it, but Travis was one of the few men that Chris liked and respected. Up until his retirement from the bench three years ago, "Death Row" Travis was one of the toughest judges Chris had ever met. His strict adherence to the law had garnered respect and admiration from the men and women of law enforcement that put their lives on the line to get the criminals to his court. It had also made him enemies with the criminal element that couldn't bribe the honest man. Chris had come to the man's attention when he had saved Travis' life more than five years before.

When Travis had refused a drug-kingpin's 'request' that his case be dropped, the defendant had placed a contract out on Travis' life. The hit had gone down right outside the courthouse. Chris' quick action had not only gotten the judge out of the line of fire, but he'd taken down the shooter.

After moving to Nevada with his wife after he retired from the bench, Orrin Travis took a position on the governor's staff. Six months ago, he had been elected Attorney General of the state of Nevada. When he called Chris to request he fly to Carson City and talk with him, Chris couldn't say 'no.'

Opening the door, Chris entered the subtly decorated office with its magnificent view of the surrounding peaks. Seated behind the desk was the same commanding presence that Chris remembered from countless courtrooms. He may have a different title, but Orrin Travis still demanded and received respect. Chris walked toward the desk and extended his hand.

"Sir, it's good to see you again."

"Chris, my boy, I'm glad you're here," the man said, returning Chris' handshake. He motioned to a chair. "Have a seat. Would you like some coffee?"

"No, thank you, sir." Chris answered. "I had enough on the plane this morning."

"Well, then, let's not beat around the bush. I'm sure you're wondering about the job I mentioned."

"Truthfully, yes I am. I'm happy as a Marshal, sir."

"I understand. But I'm hoping that this job will be challenging enough to tempt you. So hear me out."

"If it was anyone but you, sir, I wouldn't even be here. Okay, so what is this challenging job?" Chris smiled.

"The city of Lake Tahoe has an unusual problem, because it sits on both sides of the California-Nevada state line. Because of that, when something unusual occurs, time is wasted by agencies bickering about whose jurisdiction it belongs in."

"What do you mean?"

"Two months ago, a four-year old girl wandered away from one of the local ski resorts. While search and rescue was gearing up to go after her, police got word that a bank robbery suspect from Diamond Springs was holed-up somewhere in the search area. Different agencies started bickering about who had jurisdiction and which situation warranted a more immediate concern. It wasted precious time. Needless to say, the robbery suspect found the girl and used her as a hostage when the police got too close. Luckily, one of the search and rescue volunteers also happened to be a sharpshooter. He managed to take the robber out without harming the girl. The robber died and the girl was returned to her parents, a little cold and frightened, but otherwise unharmed. But it raised a lot of ugly accusations."

Travis took a sip of his coffee and continued on with his story. "There was a lot of blame-placing and calls for reform. California's AG, Howard Macauliff, and I met with the members of Tahoe's city council. It was decided that what was needed was a cross-state enforcement team. It will be primarily a federal law enforcement agency, but will also be available to handle large-scale search and rescues that cross the state lines. It will be a multi-functional team. In the event of anything similar occurring in the future, this team will take command of all the local agencies; police, fire, rescue squads, the works. They'll coordinate everyone to cut down on the bickering. This will be a test project of a sort. If it goes well, we may implement the same type of team in other state boundary areas. We're calling it C-SET, that stands for Cross-State Enforcement Team."

"Well, I can definitely see the need for a team like you're proposing, sir. Am I to assume that you want me to be on this team?"

"Not just on the team, Chris, we would like you to lead the team." Travis stated.

Chris was silent while he took this information in. "Why me? I mean, I'm sure that there are any number of qualified individuals in this area that would work just as well. Buck Wilmington comes to mind," he said, smiling as he mentioned an old friend of his that was a member of the Tahoe PD. Buck and Chris went along way back. The two men had met at college, being teammates on the school football team. They'd shared a common interest in the law, both of them being criminal justice majors. Even though they had gone their separate ways, Chris becoming a federal Marshal and Buck returning home to his native California, they'd kept in touch. Buck had been Chris' best man as well as godfather to his son, Adam. And he'd been the first person Chris had called when his wife, Sarah and son, Adam had been killed in an avalanche three years ago. "Why bring in someone who isn't a local?"

"Just for that reason. When someone was mentioned that was from an agency from one state, council members from the other state would gripe. It wasn't a pretty sight. Buck was actually approached. Although he said that he would love to be a part of the team, he told us that he didn't want to be team leader. He mentioned that you would be a perfect choice to lead this team. He couldn't think of anyone that could do a better job than you, and that since you were from out of the area, no one could complain about favoritism. Macauliff has heard of you and knew your reputation, and I agreed that you would be a good choice. So the decision was made to offer you the position."

Chris couldn't believe that he was actually seriously considering this job. He'd never thought about not being a Marshal. But Travis was right, it would be a challenge. And settling down near his old friend would be a bonus. With a team like they were proposing, not only would he still be a law officer, but since he'd also be working search and rescue, he'd feel like he was making a contribution to Sarah and Adam's memories.

"Well, it's certainly an intriguing offer, sir. I'd like some time to think about it. When do you need an answer?" Chris asked.

Travis smiled, satisfied that Chris was considering the offer. "Macauliff and I will be attending the next council meeting in Tahoe next Wednesday. That's a little over a week. Would that be enough time?"

"Yes, I can have an answer for you by then. If I do this, what are my options in choosing team members?"

"Well, we actually have files of potential candidates for you to peruse. Some are law enforcement officers and some are rescue workers. Most are from Tahoe and surrounding areas, although some are from out of state. You'd be able to pick who you would want on the team."

"Would I get to choose only people from your list of candidates or could I recruit from outside that? Buck might have some ideas of applicants that might not be on your list of potential candidates. I'd like to know if I could consider his suggestions."

"No, you wouldn't have to abide by our choices. We put the files together as a courtesy to you. You would have the ability to choose whomever you wanted." He leaned forward in this chair. "Can I assume that if you do take the job, that Buck is going to be one of your choices?"

"Count on it."

Travis smiled, then held out a hand to Chris. "Well, then, I look forward to hearing your answer, Chris."

"I'll give it some serious thought, sir. If you need to reach me in the meantime, I'll be staying with Buck while I'm in Tahoe." Chris got up to leave. "No matter what my answer, sir, I'm honored that you thought enough of me to make the offer. It was good to see you again." Chris walked out, leaving the man to get back to his work.

Two hours later, Chris pulled up in front of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department headquarters. Parking his rental car, he headed inside. At the front desk, he waited patiently while an older couple talked with the officer on the duty desk. Once they had finished and left, Chris stepped up to the desk.

"Hi. Chris Larabee to see Buck Wilmington." The officer nodded his head and picked up the phone to let Buck know that someone was here to see him. He had barely put down the phone when Buck was coming out of the back office area. Striding up to Chris, the tall, mustached man was grinning widely.

"Chris, you old war dog. Good to see you." He pulled Chris into a rough hug, slapping him heartily on the back. "Glad you made it in okay. How was your flight?"

"Uneventful, Buck. It's good to see you too. How are things going?" Chris asked his friend.

"Oh, same old, same old. So many ladies, so little time." Buck laughed as Chris rolled his eyes. Buck loved the ladies and wasn't ashamed to admit that they loved him, too. He knew that would never change. Buck was a law unto himself.

"Well, pard," Buck said. "What say we go get some lunch, then I can take you to my place and let you get settled in?"

"Sounds good, Buck. I'm in the mood for a thick steak. Any recommendations?"

"Oh, yeah. Let's go," he said, putting on his hat. "I'm driving."

/

They had settled in at the restaurant and given their order. As soon as their waiter had left, Buck nonchalantly asked, "So, pard, how did your meeting with AG Travis go?"

Chris smiled slightly, not fooled by Buck's seeming disinterest. "It went okay, Buck," he said, taking a sip of his coffee. "I understand that you threw my name into the ring for this position."

"Yep. And I stand by what I said to the city council, Chris. You would do a hell of a job leading this team."

"Thanks for the compliment, Buck." Chris stared into his coffee cup, stifling a smile. "Ya know, if I were to take the job, I'd need a good right hand man. Someone I could trust, and who knows the area. You got any ideas on who I could get for that job?" Chris asked teasingly.

Buck laughed out loud. "Hell, pard, you gonna make me beg? I would love to be a part of this team." Buck's face then got serious. "But more importantly, Chris, I'd be thrilled to work with you. You take this job, and you can guarantee that I'll be the first one asking for an application."

"Hell, Buck, I'll have enough paperwork to wade through without getting an application I don't need from you. I've already told Travis that if I accept, you'll be on the team. Why bother filling out an application?"

Buck just smiled. "Listen, Chris, I've got the day off tomorrow. What do you say we take a drive around? You can get a good idea of the area. How about it?"

"Sounds good, Buck. I have to admit that you were right, it is beautiful up here."

"It's a great city, Chris. There's a lot to do, and all within an easy driving distance. There's something for everyone. Casinos, skiing, climbing, fishing, hiking, water sports on the lake. It can certainly keep a person busy."

"Well, that can be good and bad, Buck. But I reckon it could definitely be challenging."

Talk turned to other topics as the men enjoyed their lunch.

/

Buck's pickup turned off the paved highway onto a dirt road just wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other with only inches to spare. He followed that road for about six miles before turning onto another road that was even narrower. Next to him in the cab, Chris Larabee watched the passing scenery as they climbed higher into the mountains east of Lake Tahoe.

A few more minutes down the road, the trees thinned out and finally he could see a large meadow with the Sierra Nevada Mountains as the backdrop for what could have been a picture postcard. Completing the postcard look, across the meadow, sat a log house, with corrals and stables nearby.

The meadow was about 7 or 8 acres, with fir trees and pine trees surrounding three sides. Buck pulled his truck into the long driveway and stopped in front of the house. The two men got out of the truck and gazed around at the serene setting. Chris closed his eyes and took a deep breath of the mountain air before following Buck up the half dozen steps to the wrap-around porch. Wilmington opened the door and stepped in, his friend right behind him.

A short hallway opened up into a great room, with ceiling to floor windows on the opposite wall, with a breathtaking view of the mountains behind the house. A large stone fireplace was on the right, with a hallway running off beyond it. To the left was an open area that Chris could see was the kitchen and dining room.

Above and behind them, opposite the wall of windows, was a loft area. Buck headed up the stairs to look around while Chris explored the hallway behind the fireplace.

"There's two small bedrooms up here, Chris and an open area that would make a great office. And a full bathroom."

Chris came back into the great room and stared out at the mountains. "Yeah? There are two more bedrooms down here. One's a master bedroom with a huge bathroom and there's a second full bathroom off the hall."

"Man, this place is beautiful, huh?" Buck commented as he descended the stairs, stopping halfway down to admire the view again. "And only 45 minutes to town."

"It sure is peaceful up here."

"And it's for sale, Chris." Buck looked at his friend, hoping he'd take the hint.

Larabee didn't say anything for several minutes. He wandered into the kitchen, opened a door that led to a large walk-in pantry. Another door led to a mud room and laundry room and from there to the attached two-car garage.

"Why did you bring me up here?" Chris knew the purpose of the trip. He hadn't been Wilmington's friend for so long without being able to read him well. But he wanted to make Buck sweat a bit, make him spell out his intentions.

"Well, I just wanted you to see it," Buck stammered. "You do like it don't ya?"

"Yeah, I like it."

"There's lotsa space for horses. The stable has six stalls and a large tack room."

"You don't own any horses, Buck."

"Well, yeah, I know."

"So, are you buying this place?"

"Hell, no."

"So, then why bring me up to here to show it to me?" Chris walked over toward the fireplace. On the opposite side from the hallway was a door that led to the porch. He opened it and walked out, leaning against the railing. Buck followed him out and perch his hip on the rail next to him.

"Chris, what have you got holding you in Denver? I know that Titus has offered to buy your place several times, so it's not that. And although I know you like your job, this would give you the chance to be the boss in charge of your own team."

"Buck…"

"Chris, I know you miss Sarah and Adam. And I understand it's hard to leave the place where you think all their memories are. But you have those memories in your head, Chris. They'll move with ya."

"I know you're right, Buck. It's been three years and it is time for me to move on. It's just that Sarah loved that ranch."

"I know. And she'd have loved this one too. Don't let your love for them and your grief at losing them interfere with the rest of your life. Sarah would pitch a fit if she knew you were doing that."

Chris chuckled. "Yeah, that Irish temper of hers would be bringing down the hills, wouldn't it?" Chris looked around again and took another deep breath. "It is peaceful here. I love hearing the wind blowing and not having to listen to traffic outside my window."

"The first time I saw this place, it reminded me of your ranch in Colorado. We could have some hellacious Sunday barbecues out here!"

"I'll tell you what, Buck. I will at least talk to the realtor. But I won't make any promises."

"Good enough partner. We have an appointment this afternoon at two."

"Pretty sure of yourself aren't you?" Chris asked with a smile.

"This just feels right, Chris. You and me working together. You up here."

"Maybe we can even teach you to ride, huh, Buck."

"I'll leave that to you, pard, while I sit on the porch watching the deer and the antelope play. So, does that mean you're gonna take the job?"

"Let's get back to town, Wilmington," Chris said, pushed his friend ahead of him into the house so they could lock up. He didn't answer his friend; but then he didn't have to. It did feel right.

/

Two weeks later, Chris and Buck were once again in the house, this time waiting for the movers to arrive with Chris' belongings from Colorado. While they waited, they were taking their first look through the files that Travis had supplied them with.

"You know, Buck, the hardest position to fill will be the pilot," Chris said, running a hand through his short-cropped blonde hair. "We need someone who can fly helicopters and light planes. All these candidates can fly one or the other, none of them can fly both."

"Ezra."

"Bless you," Chris said without looking up from the file in front of him.

Buck looked at his friend and rolled his eyes. "That wasn't a sneeze, Chris. It was an answer to our problem."

"What?"

"Ezra Standish. He's the head of security over at Harrah's Casino. He also happens to be qualified on helos and Cessnas. He doesn't have a law enforcement background, but he's been working security for over ten years, and has been running Harrah's security for the last six. He's good, Chris, damn good. In less than a week, he identified one of the biggest burglary rings I'd ever seen in Tahoe or anywhere. They had been working all the hotel/casinos in town. When they got to his, he put a stop to it."

Chris thought about it for a minute, contemplating Buck's words. "You think he'd be interested in joining an outfit like this?" he finally asked.

Buck smirked. "If he's approached right."

"Tell me what you know about him," he ordered.

The more Chris heard, the more he liked Buck's idea. This guy sounded like he'd make a good addition to the group. Buck explained that Ezra Standish had started out attempting to penetrate security for Fortune 500 companies. Ezra's Uncle Max, at the time head of security for Harrah's, had asked Ezra to test the casino's security force. Ezra had, and they had failed.

At Ezra's suggestions, the casino had installed several new security measures and added different procedures to the security routines. The casino owners were so impressed that when Max announced his wish to retire, they had asked his nephew to take over. Since then, Harrah's had had the least amount of theft or cheating of any of the casinos in Tahoe. Harrah's owners had also implemented Standish's methods in their other casinos in Vegas and the Caribbean.

Chris nodded. "I wanna meet him, Buck."

"Not a problem, Chris. Buy him dinner and you can talk to your heart's content. But when the time comes, follow my lead," the man cautioned.

Chris had never been one to just follow someone else blindly. "What do ya mean, Buck?"

"Trust me, I know how to handle Standish. It just takes a little…finesse. Something you're sorely lacking in, pard."

"Gee, Buck, all these compliments are gonna turn my head if you're not careful," Chris said wryly. Buck just laughed.

/

They had dinner at one of the restaurants inside the casino, while Chris and Buck discussed the team with Ezra Standish. The more they talked, the more impressed Chris was with the stylish southerner. He was sure the man would make a good pilot for their team, but decided the man's innate ability to plan for contingencies would prove to be even more useful. But when the time came, Standish was uncertain about accepting their generous offer. They couldn't match the pay he was getting from the casino. And the perks, which included a free suite at the casino's hotel, were something Ezra had gotten quite used to.

But Standish never did a job just for the paycheck. His family was old money, so Ezra didn't want for much. And his own stint as a professional gambler when he was barely old enough to legally enter a casino, would keep his bank accounts full well into his retirement.

Buck sighed, pulled out his wallet and handed Chris a fifty-dollar bill. "Here ya go, Chris. You won."

Chris took the money, not letting his confusion show on his face. "Buck…"

Buck held up a hand. "No, you were right, pard. You said someone like Standish wouldn't be up to the challenge, and you were right." He didn't seem to notice as Ezra's eyes narrowed on him. "You kept saying that someone without prior police experience wouldn't work on this team, even if he could fly as well as he claimed." He rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Well, you humored me and gave it a shot. That's all I can ask."

"Mr. Wilmington, it's not that I'm not up to the challenge. But I do have certain amenities here that the U.S. Government couldn't begin to match."

"Sorry, Chris, I thought that we could tempt his gambler's spirit."

Both men turned at a snort from the other side of the table. "Really, Mr. Wilmington, your acting abilities leave much to be desired. Trying to con me isn't the way to insure my employment with your organization." Ezra drained his coffee cup. Turning a calculating eye on Buck, he said, "Although your offer is intriguing, Mr. Larabee, I feel that I must decline at this time. My apologies…" He stood up, but didn't walk away just yet. "It would behoove you to remember in the future, Mr. Wilmington, that the best way to insure my capitulation is to bet against what you really want me to do. Because I'd be more inclined to do the opposite of what you want, simply to make sure you don't win your bet." He turned to Chris. "I thank you for the offer."

Chris pulled a business card from his pocket and handed it to Ezra. "If you change your mind, you can reach me there."

Ezra nodded. "Good evening, gentlemen." With that, Ezra walked away from the table. Chris paid the bill and he and Buck crossed the casino floor, headed toward the exit.

"Well, Buck, he certainly saw through you," Chris teased.

"That's exactly what I wanted him to think, Chris. He played right into my hands. I told you that he had to be approached in just the right way. It went down exactly like I intended it to," Buck assured him.

Chris raised an eyebrow, not believing Buck for a minute. But he let it go. Gracing Buck with an innocent expression, he clapped his friend on the shoulder. "By the way, Buck, it was mighty nice of you to pay for dinner. Thanks."

Buck froze as Chris walked away. Stuttering, he hurried to catch up. "Chris, that ain't funny. I've gotta date tonight. I need that money. Chris…"

/

Two days later Ezra Standish was sitting in his office. He reached for the pile of mail. As he sorted through the various pieces of correspondence, one struck him as odd. There was no return address and it was postmarked from South Lake Tahoe. He reached for the gold letter opener that lay on his desk, and slipped in under the flap, slicing the envelope open. Pulling out the single sheet of paper he read:

Mr. Standish,

You strike me as a man who likes a good game of chance. The higher the stakes, the better you like it. I am issuing you a challenge. Give me two weeks of your time.

Chris Larabee

Ezra smiled, his gold tooth glinting in the light from his desk lamp. A challenge, huh, Mr. Larabee. Very well, let's see what you're made of. Ezra pulled out a piece of Casino stationary from his desk. He wrote just four words across the page before folding it and sliding it in an envelope, which he sealed and addressed. He sat back and chuckled. He wondered what type of 'game' Larabee had in mind.

/

Chris was reading his mail. After working his way through budget forms, job applications and a letter from Orrin Travis, his eyes fell on the final letter at the bottom of the pile. The return address read "Harrah's Casino—S. Lake Tahoe". Chris slit open the envelope and slid out the single piece of paper. He smiled. In a strong hand, written across the center of the page, were the words "I Accept Your Challenge".

"Buck," he called. "We got some work to do."

/

Over the next week and a half, several letters went back and forth between Larabee and Standish, each only a few lines long. No other form of correspondence was used. It was all part of the game. Challenges were made and accepted, terms laid out, stakes agreed to.