Chapter 36

Larabee Home~ Friday January 19 ~7:00am

Chris was dressed and in the process of changing Grace's clothes when Linda walked in. For the last couple of weeks she had been rising early and often made time to share breakfast with him before he left for work. Since his wife had dropped all her game playing it was not bad, and the stress in his household had dropped drastically. They still planned their divorce, and both of them had come to accept that it was for the best, but if they could manage to enjoy a tranquil period together while waiting, so much the better.

"I have a doctor's appointment this morning at eleven-thirty; you're welcome to come along if you want." Linda informed him and waited for his response.

"I'll pick you up by ten-forty-five. That should give us enough time to make it downtown." Chris answered as he lifted Grace up into his arms.

"That will be fine." Linda hesitated before leaving the room. "I haven't heard you say. How is Kel doing?"

Larabee was not surprised that Linda had asked. He was aware that she missed Kelli's friendship, and he understood that her question came from genuine concern for the redhead. "She's had a rough beginning, but hopefully the worst is behind her and the rest of her pregnancy will be easier. Even though she's considered high risk, Kel has a good doctor that keeps her monitored. Max, Jason, and Vin are keeping a close watch on her too." Chris grinned. "In fact it will surprise me if she tolerates all the fussing much longer without rebelling."

Linda nodded. "She never did like to be fussed over much. Do you think…"She sighed as she collected her thoughts. "I'd like to talk to her before I leave permanently. Do you think it would be okay? I don't want to upset her, but I would like to straighten out a few things. I know it will never be the same for Kel and me, but…we were friends too long to part on bad terms."

"I think it might be good for both of you." Chris agreed. "Look how much better it is for us since we cleared the air between us."

"Yeah… it is." Linda was surprised to realize just how much better it was. "It may be a couple of weeks, but I will talk to her. I don't want bad blood between us, and maybe we can salvage some good memories." Linda turned to go. "I'll see you at ten forty-five."

Chris watched her leave as he held Grace. He wished Linda took more interest in the baby, but he was glad she recognized that their children would be better off with him. He still cared for his wife, but he knew they would never make the long haul together. They were just too far apart on agreeing about their priorities in life, and staying on friendly terms was the best that he could hope for. Linda Dubois could not change who she was anymore than Chris Larabee could walk away from his family. He would embrace the good memories they had made together, and let go of the bad ones. At least this time he was letting go by choice.

Camp Larabee~10:00am

Larabee had caught up on all of his paperwork, and had most of it ready to go to the main office on Monday. He hated to give up the office this close to home, but Travis had insisted. Even worse were all the dead ends they had followed to try and find Chambers. Nevertheless, he would comply with the Director's request and be back in the airport hanger bright and early Monday morning. Chris was more concerned about Tanner's state of mind than anything; he was not sure how long Vin would stand still and wait for results without acting on his own.

JD walked in waving a report. "I've got it!"

"Whatever it is, make it quick JD, I have to leave soon to make Linda's doctor's appointment on time." Chris answered as he stacked folders into a box.

"Chris! The leak…at the Federal Building…I found it."

That got Chris's attention. "Tell me."

"Shelly Turner, age 25, works in the secretarial pool on the fifth floor of the Federal building. That's the same floor as the offices of the prosecutors that are working on Chambers's case. On December 15th, she made a twenty-five thousand dollar cash deposit to her bank account; and it was not a Christmas bonus. She talked to the prosecutor's assistant, and watched her desk for more than ten minutes on December 8th, right after Vin made his deposition. According to one of the women she works with, Shelly has a boyfriend named…Chip."

Larabee felt a thrill of exhilaration go through him. Hot damn, they had a lead. "Good work J.D."

Dunne showed his pleasure at the praise with a smile, and waited to see what his Commander would do next.

Chris finished piling the folders into the box and then rose to a standing position. He moved around his desk toward the doorway, motioning for the younger MCAT agent to follow him. "Listen up, everyone."

He waited until he had gotten the other MCAT Agents attention before speaking again. "Thanks to JD's expertise with CASSIE, we may have found the leak at the federal building. Her name is Shelly Turner. We are going to arrange for a team to go in and execute a general investigation, enough to make her nervous. We'll also put her under twenty-four hour surveillance, and hopefully she will lead us to Bellows. If not, we'll pull her in and 'talk' to her."

"Who are you sending in?" Buck asked.

"Westin and Sandoval, they are the least likely to be recognized by Chambers's men if Miss Turner describes them to her boyfriend. Buck, you set it up for Mark and Alex, Ezra can take over at the Tanners. Just be sure and let the prosecutor's office know what we are doing. As for the surveillance, JD has her address, make of car, etc. Call in some of the officers you had on the trafficking task force to assist."

Buck nodded his agreement of Larabee's instructions." You better get going or else you're going to be late taking Linda to the doc's."

Larabee was already heading toward the door." I'll fill in Vin on this latest bit of news when I drop Linda back off at the ranch."

Tanner Home ~12:30pm

Max had enough food ready for lunch to feed ten people, but it was only Vin, Kelli, Rain, and Alex that sat down to eat. Andi was over at the Wilmington's again; and Terrell, Adam, and Grace were sleeping.

"Max, you've out done yourself on this spread." Vin commented as he served himself another helping of macaroni salad and passed the bowl to Alex.

"There is plenty more where that came from, and Missy you need to eat better than that." Max looked at Kelli's plate and shook her head. "Lord, child, you are supposed to be eating for three, and you have barely eaten enough for one."

"I know," Kelli answered wearily. "I just haven't gotten my regular appetite back, let alone grown a larger one for the twins. Guess it's because my body is still wonderin' when the next bout of mornin' sickness is goin' to hit. Why they call it mornin' sickness when it lasts all day is beyond me."

Rain laughed. "They call it that because it usually starts in the morning, but even though it may ease up as the day wears on it can strike anytime and last all day. It's also easier than explaining the rapidly increasing levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) that hits you during the first trimester."

"Thank you Dr. Jackson, I really needed to know that." Kelli stood up quickly. "Excuse me." She rushed off toward the bedroom.

Vin followed her, he was expecting to find her in the bathroom, but Kelli was laying across their bed instead. He walked over and sat down next to her rubbing her back. "Kel, are you okay?"

"Pretty much, I just needed to get out of there." She turned over to look at him. "Vin, if I eat what Max expects me to, I'll be bigger than a barn in six weeks. And it won't have anythin' to do with the twins. I also know that Rain means well, but I don't need a medical explanation for everythin'. I'm drinkin' two quarts of water daily, takin' my vitamins and iron pills, gettin' plenty of rest, followin' Dr. Week's instructions, and I eat when I get hungry. What else do I need to know?"

Since Kelli's outburst about feeling smothered he had paid special attention to how everyone was acting around her, and realized that she was right. Every conversation centered on her and the babies. How much she ate, how much she rested, what she should and shouldn't do, and he was not the only one concerned. Max, Rain, Chris, and even Jason questioned her all the time. It was as if Kelli the person had disappeared, and it was all about her pregnancy. Vin's problem was that he wanted to be involved and was not sure how to do that without making the situation worse.

The Texan moved to sit with his back against the headboard and positioned his wife to where she could lay her head on his chest. "You need to know that you are not goin' through this alone. I don't want to make you feel more confined, but I do want to share this experience as much as possible, and I will try to do that without makin' you feel like a child that has to be watched constantly."

"It's not you Vin, but it seems that all I hear lately is do this, don't do that, eat this, and stay away from that. I would not ever do anythin' to deliberately hurt our children, but 'm still me and I can think." Kelli relaxed against him. "I know they all mean well, but this is somethin' you and I should share, not the rest of the world. Maybe 'm being selfish, but the only ones that really should have a say are you, me, Jason, and Andi. I want the others to know that although I appreciate their concern, 'm still Kelli, and have not lost the use of my brain, or the ability to think."

Vin kissed the top of her head. "I can't promise not to be overprotective, but I'll try to give you your space."

Kelli sighed. "I reckon its confession time. You know that I've always been independent, and usually protest bein' fussed over, but I've never felt this vulnerable before…I will admit that I am just a little bit apprehensive about what's comin' in the next few months." She turned her head to look directly at Vin. "I like the way you've stayed close to me, and been there to keep watch over us. It makes me feel …sheltered, and less afraid of what the future may hold. The rest of them can back off, but…just till the babies are born…you think you could keep hoverin'?"

Tanner understood that her independent streak had been born out of necessity, not by deliberate choice, and until Jake, there was no one she could depend on but herself. After McKenzie died she was on her own for a long time before fate intervened and brought the two of them together, but now she had Vin and an extended family that cared about her. Kelli's life had changed considerably over the last two years, and little by little she had been adjusting to the permanent changes their love had produced. Yet after all this time, and as close as they were, it had been difficult for her to admit her vulnerabilities, even to him.

"I reckon I can do that." Tanner tightened one arm around his redhead, while his hand rubbed across her stomach. For Kelli to admit she was a little apprehensive told him that she was closer to terrified about what was happening. The last of the defenses that she had stubbornly held on to were now gone, and instead of perceiving his protectiveness as her weakness, she was allowing herself to draw on the strength he offered. "We'll take it one day at a time and get through the next few months the same way we have everythin' else…together." Vin knew that his wife would never be clingy, it was just not in her nature, but for a woman who had trouble saying I love you when they were first married, admitting the need of his protection to feel secure was a giant step. *We've come a long way, Kel.*

Kelli snuggled closer. "Good, because this is the only time havin' a baby will be a first for us. I want to experience it together, so next time, we'll know what to expect and it won't be such a mystery to either of us."

"Next time Kel?" Vin raised an eyebrow. "How 'bout we get through havin' the twins, before we plan on next time."

"I didn't mean right away, but we do want at least one more don't we? I know it won't be easy to juggle kids, work and home, but we can do it. You did say that together we could do anythin'…"

"Kel… one day at a time, baby." Vin pulled her to him for a long lingering kiss. He already had accepted the fact that if they made it through having twins without any major complications, it was inevitable that they would try to have another baby at some point in the future. "As long as your health is not at risk, and God's willin', I reckon we have room for one or two more."

"Okay, twins first, then we'll talk about it." Kelli smiled. "In case I haven't told you today…I love you, Tanner."

Vin couldn't help but kiss her again for the look of deep and abiding love shining in the depths of her sapphire blue eyes. When she looked at him like that, it was all he could do to not sweep her up in his arms and make love to her. Making love was sounding better by the minute as he lowered her back onto the bed and adjusted his body so that he could lean the upper half over her. His lips traced a pattern of kisses down to her neck, as his hands roamed elsewhere. Kelli responded to his caresses by locking her arms around his neck and arching forward to give him more access to her body. The phone rang, startling them both for a minute, but the couple decided to ignore it since they knew that Max would answer it for them. If it was important, she would let them know.

About five minutes after the phone had first rung; there came a knock at their closed bedroom door. "Vin, Kelli...that was Jason's school...one of you needs to call the principal ASAP" Max's voice came through the door.

Vin froze in the middle of his loving administrations, and fought to control his body and its insistence that he continue along the path of pleasuring himself and Kelli. When he had regained control, he reluctantly rolled off of Kelli and sat up. "Damn...talk about timin'."

Kelli worked to control her heavy breathing and the waves of passion sweeping through her body in reaction to the tender and loving caresses that Vin had been giving. "Damn, is right." she agreed.

Reaching for the phone, the Texan took a deep breath before calling the school. He dialed the numbers and waited for an answer. "This is Vin Tanner, callin for Mrs. Ross." He was put on hold and squeezed Kelli's hand as she moved closer to listen. "Yes…we'll be right down."

"What's wrong?" Kelli asked.

"Jason is extremely upset and won't talk to Mrs. Ross. He insists that he'll only talk to us." Vin stood up and hesitated only a moment, before making a decision. "Come on Kel, our son needs us and 'm not takin' Alex along to baby-sit." He handed Kelli her shoes and a jacket. "We'll go out the patio door, if Sandoval wants to throw a fit about bein' left behind, he can take it up with Lar'bee."

Kelli did not argue with her husband, technically he was still with another agent, even if she was on medical leave. She watched as Vin took their weapons from the gun safe, a reminder that even a trip to the school could become dangerous with Karl Chambers on the loose.

It was a long twenty minutes before they reached the school, and the Tanners' wasted little time in making their way to the principal's office. Raphael Cordova was standing outside the door when they reached it and was surprised to see them.

"Raphael." Vin wasn't in a mood for any questions and the low voice Tanner used to say his name broadcast that loud and clear to the other MCAT agent. Cordova moved aside to allow the younger couple access into the principal's office. Vin opened the door and held it for Kelli to enter through it before him, and then closed the door behind them.

The moment Jason saw his parents walk in he yelled, "Mom, Dad!" Vin barely had time to crouch before his son was throwing himself into his arms. "I want to go home." They could both see that Jason was obviously distraught, and tears were rolling down Jason's cheeks.

Kelli looked over to Mrs. Ross. "You have an explanation for this?"

"Not really. After lunch Jason asked to come to my office and said he needed to go home. He refused to explain his reasons, and the more I questioned him the more upset he became. I realize that there are extenuating circumstances surrounding your family at this time, and I thought perhaps Agent Cordova could assist Jason home, but the child insisted that he had to see both of you. I did not know what else to do, but to call you, since I didn't want to distress the child any more than necessary."

"You did the right thing." Vin answered as he picked up his son. "This is his last day here for a while, so we'll take him home and try to get to the bottom of what's troublin' him. Agent Cordova can bring Jason's books and lessons when he leaves with the other children."

Mrs. Ross nodded. "Call me if I can be of assistance." Directing her remarks to Jason she said, "We'll see you soon, you keep up your lessons."

Jason tightened his hold on his dad's neck and mumbled. "Yes ma'am."

"Thank you for callin' us, and for your help in arrangin' the home schoolin'. We'll be in touch." Kelli told Mrs. Ross before they exited the office.

Raphael waited just outside the door for Tanner's instructions. "We're takin' Jason home; you stay with Selina and the other kids. If you would bring his books and lessons home when you come, I'd appreciate it."

"I will, but are you two alone?" Cordova asked, concerned for Tanner's safety.

"Nope, last time I counted there were three of us." Vin answered as he headed out the front door. "We'll see you back at the ranch." All Tanner wanted to do was get Jason somewhere quiet so maybe they could find out what had happened to upset him so much.

Once the three Tanners were in the truck, Vin hoped to get some answers from Jason. "Son, can you tell us what's wrong?"

Jason was still crying, and hesitated at first to answer, but he needed to show them what he had. Digging into his pocket he pulled out a crinkled piece of paper and handed it to his dad. "Thomas and Robert gave me this and laughed, they said you were gonna die."

Vin straightened out the wrinkled paper and cursed when he saw what was on it. It was his picture and written underneath his name was the amount of $50,000, Dead or Alive, along with a brief inflammatory message to all militia groups in Colorado. "Damn fuc…"Vin stopped before he said too much, and passed the paper to Kelli for her to read. If the Harrison brothers had taunted Jason about this, then they had to have heard it from their father, and the Texan made a promise that the elder Harrison would answer for scaring his son.

"Honey, nothin' is gonna happen to your dad. The people that put these things out don't know him like we do. They think he'll be scared, but you and I both know he doesn't scare that easily." Kelli put her arm around Jason, wanting to give Vin a chance to think about what he had to say. "We are being extra careful, not only at the ranch, but with you and Caleb, Sarah, and Joanne too."

"That's why we have to home school?"

"Yes, but it won't be for long, and I promise you, the man responsible for this garbage will be in jail soon." Kelli hoped that more of an explanation would not be necessary, but Jason's next question shot that idea all to hell.

"Why does that man want you dead, Dad?"

"It's a long story Jason, and I think we need to find a better place to talk about it." Vin started the engine and began to drive. "We're goin' to a place that's special, and when we get there I'll tell you everythin'."

It did not take long for Kelli to realize where they were going. Their cabin was a special place, and until now they had not taken either Jason or Andi up there. However she silently agreed with Vin's decision. There were too many people at home, and the cabin was the best place to have the discussion that Jason needed to hear. She and Vin had both hoped to spare the kids worry about their work at least for a few more years, but thanks to the Harrison brothers, Jason was in for a crash course on what it meant to be a federal agent… the good, the bad, and the ugly side to it.

Tanner home ~1:45pm

"What do you mean you don't know where they are?" Ezra was livid. He had come over to relieve Alex of his protection duty, only to find that Sandoval had lost both Vin and Kelli. "Your job is to know where Tanner is at all times! That is what protective custody means!"

"Sir, Captain Tanner's truck is gone and it appears he and Kelli slipped out the patio door from their room. I believe they went voluntarily and no one else was involved." Alex had retraced the route the Tanners took and was fairly confident that they were not coerced into leaving.

"You believe! Three weeks ago, Chambers sent a bomb to their home, you can't believe anything! You either know or you don't know!"

"Excuse me." Max interrupted. "I do know that Jason's principal called from the school and needed to talk to either Mr. or Mrs. Tanner ASAP"

Standish pulled out his cell phone and called Raphael. After hearing Cordova's account of his encounter with Vin, he at least felt that Chambers was not involved in their disappearance, but it did not explain where they were now. Ezra looked at his watch. Chris was due back at anytime, and he did not want to be the one to tell Larabee that his daughter, Vin, and Jason were missing.

Ezra made a second call. "Buck, you had better get over here. We have a situation."