Turbulent Transitions Series ~MCAT # 7

Reconciliations

Authors: tannertexaslady

Wendymypooh

E-mail:

Characters: Chris/Ofc, Vin/Ofc, Ezra/Ofc, Buck/ Inez, JD/Case, Nathan/Rain ~Josiah/Ofc~ Orrin Travis ~ Nettie, plus OC.

Rating: Het~ FRM, Profanity, some violence and offensive language. MCAT case deals with a sensitive subject matter.Story contains consensual sex sexual situations, between heterosexual couples in committed relationships.

Special disclaimer: The subject matter of the MCAT case is a sensitive one and in the course of writing about it certain offensive terms are used that do NOT reflect the views of either author.

Disclaimer: This is entirely a work of fiction, for entertainment purposes only, based on the characters from "The Magnificent Seven." I don't own them, but if I did I would run away with 'em and never be seen again. CBS and Co., Trilogy Entertainment, and MGM had 'em first and do not want to give 'em away. I only play at this for fun and do not make any money doing it. No infringement of any copyrights is intended. This is strictly a piece of fiction, any references to locations or people are only for story use and is not intended to depict any real place or person.

MCAT AU: MCAT (Major Crimes and Acts of Terrorism) is under the leadership of Commander Chris Larabee. It is an independent, versatile, responsive, and respected premier Federal law enforcement agency, demonstrating excellence in all aspects of its operations. In the last year, this MCAT unit has done outstanding work on a number of cases. Most notably, this unit has neutralized three terrorist's threats, halted at least two assassination attempts of high ranking officials, taken on serial killers, public corruption, computer crimes, and formed several specialized task forces to thwart major criminal activities.

Chris, along with three members of his extended family of brothers, (Vin, Buck, Nathan) and their families reside on the Larabee 7. The seven men work together, and jointly own the ranch, where they are raising thoroughbreds, quarter horses and children. Ezra lives in town, while Josiah and JD reside on adjoining properties to the ranch with their families. This first series establishes relationships and provides background for the characters in this AU. 'Reconciliations" is the seventh story in this series.

MCAT Story #7 ~ Reconciliations (shared in three parts) follows the events that transpired in MCAT #6, Addition and Apprehensions, and references previous stories in this series. It unfolds a year of changes for the Wild Bunch filled with emotional upheavals and danger that will either break them apart or mend the cracks in their relationships that have weakened their bond of strength.

Part 1 ~ Reclamation ~ Chris encounters turbulence as he attempts to reconcile his life, his career, and his marriage. In the meantime Vin sets out alone on a quest to protect his brothers, MCAT, and his family; while Nathan encounters roadblocks in his struggle to recover the balance in his life.

Part II ~ Revelations.Events coincide to reveal hidden truths, as life-altering affirmations are disclosed, and the entire family is forced to confront an evil that lurks in the shadows of their lives, hell-bent on destroying the life that they all cherish.

Part III ~ Resolutions. Brings the Turbulent Transitions series to a conclusion and will lay the pathway for Series Two ~"Strength in Solidarity".

Reconciliations

Part 1 ~ Reclamation

Chapter 1

Journal Entry September 14th ~Reclamation~ week two

I have not written in here for a while… It's been too long, I'm afraid. I am not sure that I can even write about the last few months just now, but I can write about the last two weeks. It began September third…I can now admit that I have a problem with addiction to pills, and it took a six-year-old to lead me to the truth about myself. Regardless of the reasons, or how I became addicted…, I was in trouble, nonetheless. Jason's four simple words reached deep inside of me in a way that no one else's has since this whole situation occurred. While he might be a Larabee by blood, he has already become a Tanner through and through with his own unique ability to see into the hearts of the people around him, especially the adults, and call them on things that they don't want to admit. "It always comes back…"

Making the phone call to the counselor Josiah recommended to me, was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. After two weeks of intense, one-on one sessions, as well as participating in group meetings three times a week, I see my life from a different perspective now. Before I could attempt to untangle the mess I made with my family, friends, and work; I had to learn a few things. Most importantly that there is no quick fix, and it will take time to straighten my life out. I also had to realize that it will be an ongoing process that will never be finished. The counseling will end eventually, but I will never be an ex-addict, only a reformed one.

The withdrawal stage was hell. Recognizing, and admitting that I had a problem was even worse. A man doesn't like to admit that he's wrong about anything, especially me! It seems that I have been wrong about a great many things recently. Eating humble pie has never been my strong suit. I have learned that what is called early recovery pertains to the first two years of abstinence…not just the first two months. Finally I have come to accept that I must make an ongoing effort to keep a clean and sober lifestyle to remain free from addictive substances. This is where my counseling and attendance at recovery group support meetings come in to play... Recovery is not an event that happens at a given time. It is a process of involvement that encompasses all aspects of my life.

Narcotics Anonymous provides a recovery process and support network inextricably linked together. One of the keys to NA's success is the therapeutic value of addicts working with other addicts. Members share their successes and challenges in overcoming active addiction and living drug-free productive lives through the application of the principles contained within the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of NA. These principles are the core of the Narcotics Anonymous recovery program. I believed that admitting I had a problem was the hard part, but making amends to everyone I have hurt is going to be a challenge.

Besides keeping a record of my progress, my counselor also informed me that I needed to find a sponsor. A sponsor is someone who will help me to stay on track, be brutally honest with me at all times, and see to it that I don't get away with using excuses to explain my actions or feelings. I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say that I was hesitant about getting a sponsor. I've never been one to talk easily about my feelings, outside of my brothers...especially Vin. To have to do so with a total stranger is something that I'm not comfortable with at all, but if it helps in getting my life and family back to some resemblance of what it used to be...then I'll do just about anything...even talk to a stranger.

Impatient, controlling man that I am, I wanted it all to be wrapped up in a neat little package, finished and for me to be able to move on…that is not gonna happen…not this time. I have found the hardest part to 'fix' is with those people closest to me. So, I started with the relationships outside my family first, and then moved onto the Wild Bunch.

I went to the hospital and to see Raphael. He assured me that Victor Donner was the man he blamed for his being laid up in that hospital bed, and not me. Thank God he is recovering! Although I still feel at least partially responsible for his condition, he refuses to judge me, and said he would go undercover with me again if the need arises in the future. Cordova is a good man and a damn fine partner.

Josiah…well is Josiah. He has the patience and wisdom of a saint and I am humbled by his faith in me. He will bide his time and wait to see what I will do, and he has the tenacity to keep me focused if I wander off track. Buck has seen me at my worst too many times to reiterate here and no matter what, he always stays and I am extremely lucky to have such a steadfast friend in my life. I know we will be fine. Nathan sees my problem from a medical perspective and that's okay. Ezra is not naive about the evils of the world and he is willing to let me work through what I need to. JD does not understand it all, but he has shown more insight than I would have given him credit for in the past. Underestimating him in anything isn't something I'm going to be so quick to do in the future. All of them, however, are waiting to see how I handle things with Vin.

Vin…At this point I am not sure how or if I will ever be able to 'make amends'' to him. I do know that it will take a good long time before we reach the level of trust and friendship we have always taken for granted. I went too far over the line this time to expect unconditional forgiveness from him. If it were only a matter of our friendship; I have no doubt that he would forgive me in a heartbeat. But I hurt more than our friendship. I struck at the core of who he is and the people he cares most about. I disrespected the man, called him irresponsible, and insinuated that he was not concerned about the unit, or the lives of the people on our team. I accused him of greed and valuing his temporary position as the commanding officer of MCAT as being more precious than the gift of life. I deliberately attempted to undermine his marriage and failed him as a brother. Yet he has not once said one judgmental word to me…

Some of the things that I had accused him of doing were the very things I was actually guilty of myself. I got too wrapped up in my own personal crusade to save as many children as I could, as if believing that by doing so I was making up for my not being able to protect Kelli from all she had endured as a child, and to prevent Grace from ever being hurt in such a manner in the future. The Demerol in Mexico may have been unintentional, but the pills I took after that were my choice to take, and I could have thrown them away. I refused to listen to anyone and damn near hit bottom before I realized what I had done. Several people that I care about were hurt in the process. Hard truths to swallow, but if I am to be completely free, I need to at least be honest with myself.

Tanner has been in charge during the rebuilding phase of MCAT and the new office will open in a couple of weeks. Our injured teammates are recovering slowly, but surely. Vin has done a helluva job under a tremendous amount of pressure and I should have told him that, but…. Once I return to work, I hope we can find our way back to the easy comradeship we had before, or close to it. Time will tell. In the meantime we will be polite to one another for the sake of our families and the children. Vin personally asked for a truce between us and wants me to attend Jason's birthday party next Wednesday.

Kelli…I lost all the progress I had made with her as a father. Expecting her to choose me over Vin was a big mistake on my part and one that I will have to work hard to mend if I am to restore our personal relationship. As far as work is concerned, she is a professional and while we may not have the easiest time of it, I expect we will manage. I still have almost sixty days to work out how I will handle myself with the unit when Travis gives me the green light to go back.

Linda…Part of my recovery is to make amends to those that I have hurt. As difficult as the last eight months have been on me, they have been hard on her too. She has had to endure so much in just a short amount of time in our married life, that I'm going to try my damnest to make things up to her. I want to make her happy, but I realize that might not be as easy to do as I hoped it would. She has given me a list of her demands and I will make every effort to address each one, but we will have to reach some kind of compromise on more than one of them. I do want her and Grace back here on the Larabee 7 though, so I have agreed to accept as many of her 'requests' as reasonably possible. Having Grace with me is worth a few sacrifices of comfort.

She wants me to quit working with MCAT…I agreed to stay more on the administrative side and do less field work.

She wants more time away from the Wild Bunch…I agreed on one family get together per month, along with the children's birthdays. I refused to give up attending them, and she reluctantly agreed.

She wants to remodel the house with her money so her old jet-set friends can come visit for a week-end or two….I agreed to allow her to do the remodeling on the condition that she has to keep me informed of what she plans to do, before any of it takes place.

She insists that we do more together as a couple: romantic dinners, attend the theater, going to parties given by some of her friends, and traveling …I agreed to try to do more of these things with her, although I don't see us traveling much right now . Grace is far too little to be jet-setting all over the world, and I'm not willing to go more than a day without seeing my little girl.

She wants a full-time live-in Nanny for Grace…I agreed to a part-time Nanny that does not live with us.

She and Grace are coming home today…

MCAT Office ~8:00am

Monday September 24th

JD was in heaven. All the high-tech equipment now accessible to MCAT was mind boggling to most of them, but for Dunne it was ideal. There were big screens for teleconference calls, satellite links, and even more enhancements for CASSIE. He could now access any system in the world from here and still remain anonymous. The newest surveillance tools were at his fingertips making it easy to track just about anyone, anywhere and he loved it. Best of all, this was his baby, he was in charge of this computerized wonderland, and the operatives he added were under his authority.

Orrin Travis chuckled watching the younger man beam with pride. "I believe Agent Dunne is in his element."

Vin agreed with a grin. "If it beeps, dings, rings, pings, whirs, or clicks he has it covered."

"When I found this location, I saw many possibilities for MCAT; I have to admit, though, with your detailed plans, JD's electronic wizardry, and the input of the others it is more than I imagined. Who would have believed that an old airfield with a few buildings on it now houses the best-equipped, specialized law enforcement Agency in the country? The remarkable part is that to the outside observer, it is still a small nondescript airfield situated in the middle of nowhere. Yet our lab rivals the one at Quantico and our training facilities are some of the best I have ever seen. Well done, Tanner."

"Thank you sir, but I didn't do it alone." The Texan was quick to point out to Director Travis. "We all worked together to come up with a feasible way to implement your required guidelines, and added what we believed was necessary to get the job done. We should be operational within two weeks, and then we can put our attention to addin' personnel. Greg and Kat will be out a few more weeks, but accordin' to their doctors they will be able to return to their duties then. Raphael needs another six weeks before he'll be at a hundred percent, and Mark will be back with us in a month or so. JD has even found a place in the computer sector for Ross, if he decides to come back."

"I particularly like the fact that while you had the contractors allow a detached space for our jet and helicopter, my office is separated in the smaller building. Renovating the larger hanger into office space, and using the other one for the lab was perfect. I am close enough, but not too close." Travis laughed. "I'm an old man and need my occasional solitude."

Tanner grinned, "With all due respect sir, you're one old man I wouldn't want to tangle with."

Travis laughed at the younger man's remark and then became serious. "I did take note that you made sure that Chris's office was included. Should I take that to mean that you two have worked out your differences?"

"It means…that I expect Commander Lar'bee to resume his MCAT duties." Vin was not prepared to say more and was relieved when Josiah drew the Director's attention.

"Sanchez, do you have your list of requests ready concerning your needs for your profiling team?" Travis questioned.

"Certainly sir, step into my office." Josiah grinned and directed Travis around the construction that was still going on and into his new space.

Vin looked around and he felt good about what they had pulled together. When his eyes came to rest on the door to what would be Chris's office he wondered if he would be around as Captain to see this unit operational? *Time and fate will tell you Tanner.*

Larabee 7 Ranch ~3:00pm

Chris sat on the porch with Grace in his arms. He could not get enough of holding his baby daughter. It seemed as if it had been forever since he had seen Grace and now that she was in front of him he was reluctant to let her go. She had changed so much since he had seen her last. The blonde tufts of hair he remembered her having when he had gone undercover, had grown longer into cute little waves. She seemed to have grown at least six inches, and gained some weight to boot. Her smile was a bit lopsided like his, but it had the ability to warm his heart with its innocence. Linda had come in with the baby ten days ago, and had quickly settled back in. The nights had belonged to Larabee and his wife, renewing their commitment to one another and making love. Today Linda had headed into town early, and it was just him and Grace sitting on the deck enjoying the beauty of the day.

Buck pulled into the driveway, spying Chris sitting on the porch from the front window of his truck. He got out, and walked up onto the porch. He stood and observed the pair for several moments before he spoke. "There's just something about little girls that make grown men melt into puddles of mush."

Chris grinned up at him. "I don't know about all of 'em Buck, but this one sure does."

"Trust me, all little girls have the ability to wrap their daddies around their pinkie fingers." Buck said, thinking of two particular little imps that held his heartstrings in their tiny hands. He pulled up a chair and sat down. "It's good to see you two together again. How's Linda?"

Larabee hesitated a moment too long in answering, alerting his old friend that all was not as it seemed. "She's okay. I expect it will take a bit of time before she completely gets over all that happened. I agreed that she can do some remodeling around here to keep her busy and she is out shopping this morning. I expect that she'll be hauling in a bunch of fabric samples and such for me to look at."

Wilmington cringed. "Ouch. I hate it when Inez wants to redo anything. I'd just as soon she did it and then showed me afterwards."

"You two don't have that much longer for Tannis to arrive. How is Inez doing?" Chris shifted the now sleeping Grace to his other arm.

"Hell, you know Inez. She'll be blowing and going right up to the time of delivery." Buck brought up his reason for stopping by. "Walter said you looked over the plans for the new building project. I wanted to check with you and see if you had any changes in mind to make while we still can."

"No, everything looked okay to me. He said it could all be finished quickly as long as we all approved, so I told him to continue working on it. Vin did a good job on the blueprints and camouflaging the facilities as barns was smart."

Buck did not mask his surprise. "How did you know it was Vin's idea about the camouflage and that he drew up the blueprints for us?"

"I've seen enough of Tanner's plans in the last nine years to recognize his work when I see it. And before you ask…No, we haven't had any serious discussions yet. Give it time Buck."

"Okay, I won't push. Ezra and Barbara will be back tomorrow. They didn't want to miss Jason's birthday party. I assume you and Linda will be there too."

"Yep, and I'll be on my best behavior so relax. This is a big day for Jason and I want him to have good memories of it. It'll be his first real birthday party since he was two, and he has this huge new family to share it with. Besides, a boy doesn't turn seven every day."

"Nope, and Caleb can hardly wait. Those two have become best friends. He's anxious to give Jason the birthday presents that we bought for him."

"What did you get him?" Chris asked.

"More Denver Bronco gear, of course. I tell you, those two have become dedicated fans since Vin and I took 'em to that exhibition game."

"So I heard. We're giving him tickets to next Sunday's game." Chris smiled, "Four of 'em so you and Caleb can attend too."

Buck grinned. "You'll send him over the moon with those. Maybe you and…"

Chris interrupted, and shook his head. "I'll get my chance to take him, just not now." *You hope Larabee, with time and fate's help.*

Linda returned home just then. She was excited about the plans that she had made for her and Chris, as well as the details of the changes that she wanted to do to the house to make it more hers. Her excitement dimmed a little when she noticed the other truck in the driveway parked beside Chris.*Can't any of his family leave us alone for one day? One day, is that too damn much to ask? *She quickly stamped down on her anger, as she got out of her car. * I'll make the most of it by asking Buck for that favor I was going to have Chris call him about later.*

As the sound of a vehicle pulling into the driveway, Chris glanced over the railing and saw that it was Linda. Buck too, noticed the new arrival and the conversation between the two men changed, as Linda came up onto the porch with her hands full of loaded bags. Chris cringed inwardly when he saw the bags, and wondered how much money she had wasted that day.

"Howdy Buck, I'm glad you're here. I need a favor." Linda set her packages down.

Chris was curious. "What kind of favor?"

"I booked Chris and me a week at the same chateau we honeymooned at and I need Inez to watch Grace for us while we're gone." She turned to Buck. "We'll leave this Thursday and be back on October sixth."

"Linda I have recovery meetings to attend; I cannot stay away for a week." Chris reminded her.

Buck stood up. "I'm gonna let you two work on this. When you have it all figured out give Inez a call. See you later Chris." He wasted no time getting out of the potential argument he saw brewing.

"I don't see what the big deal is if you miss a session or two. I thought I was more important than any old meeting anyway.' Linda pouted.

Chris sighed. "You are important, but I have to continue counseling or I can't return to work."

"And that would be bad because?" Linda recognized the stubborn look on Chris's face. "I know why. You want to go back to that horrible job."

Ignoring the jab at MCAT, Chris continued. "We might be able to go for one night, but that's about all for now."

"Fine! I'll call and change the reservation." She pulled an envelope out of her bag and handed it to Chris. "I got the Bronco tickets, but instead of one game I paid for season tickets for the entire family and added another set for all of Buck's brood."

"Linda that is way too much to spend on a birthday gift for a seven-year-old." Chris shook his head when he saw that she had no idea what he was talking about.

"Never mind, I'll handle it."

"I don't see the problem; it's not as if we can't afford it." Linda sighed. "Do what you want Chris. Just let me know when you can squeeze me in." Linda stood up and then went inside, leaving Chris and Grace alone.

Chris fingered the envelope trying to decide what to do about the tickets. *Looks as if you're gonna either have to change them yourself or talk to Vin. How in the hell did a simple birthday present become so complicated? Hell, when did your life get so complicated Larabee? When you started caring about life again Chris, you opened yourself up to all that goes with it. Now you have friends, brothers, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, a wife, and two daughters. They all expect you to be there. How can I be there for them? I can barely be there for myself right now.*

Looking down at the little angel in his arms Chris knew that somehow, someway he would do whatever was required to keep her in his life. He could live with a few changes here at home and he had managed a standoffish attitude at work before. He could do it again. *That was before team seven Chris, and … meeting Vin. Can you really go back to the way you were? I really don't have a choice…do I?*

Chris whispered softly to his sleeping daughter. "Don't worry Grace…Daddy will move heaven and earth if he has to, but we will stay together. I lost Adam too early, and was not there for twenty-five years of Kelli's life, but I won't lose you." He kissed the top of her head "For now, you and I will start some dinner before your old dad has to feed the horses."

Linda slammed her bag onto the bed. *Okay Larabee, I'll let you slide on the weeklong second honeymoon, but you had better go along with my other plans or we will have a big problem. No more will I sit in the background and let your work and your brothers run our lives! I am your wife and it is about damn time that you remember that! I promise you that by the first of the year you will be out of MCAT and we will have our own ranch with a full-time Nanny for Grace. Then it will be just you and me!*