Please read chapter one for all previous disclaimers and warnings. All mistakes are my own, not beta'd.
Chapter 2
First days were always the hardest to get through. This had to be a record though, first day of school and first day undercover. Now all he had to do was get through it. Easier said than done.
Jesse arrived, parked his old pick up truck in the student parking lot and had just exited his vehicle when someone rudely bumped into him. He turned and came face to face with the leader of the Cobras, Leo Stoddard. "What the hell is your problem?"
The other boy was at least a year older than Jesse and had no problem trying to exert his authority over Jesse or any of his gang. "You." Leo spat with disgust. "You and your insignificant gang. Had to make a name for yourselves, didn't you? ATF boot lickers."
Jesse shoved Leo hard making the other stumble back a few feet. "Get your ugly ass out of my face! Who the hell do you think you're messin' with?"
Amazing how one action could escalate into another bringing about certain disaster. Leo tackled Jesse to the ground instigating the fight was on. A couple of Leo's goons weren't far from their leader and soon Jesse was outnumbered. He had been about to pull out his blade when the thunderous sound of many running feet entered the fray. The odds had drastically changed.
"You may have won this round Larabee, but it's far from over." Leo landed a vicious gut check doubling Jesse over and ultimately bringing him to his knees.
The breath whooshed out of him. Tears of pain exited unwillingly from the corners of his eyes. He vaguely heard Joe and the others concern for his wellbeing. Both of his hands covered his gut as he rolled from side to side trying desperately to assuage the pain.
His friends gingerly helped him to his feet. "Jess, you okay?"
Shaking from his recent adrenaline rush Jesse unconvincingly nodded that he was fine. "Yeah right." The unmistakable voice of his second in command was far from believing anything that Jesse might have tried to convey. "Aw shit!" To Jesse's ears he knew without even looking what that sentiment meant. No doubt the principal and whomever else were headed in their general direction.
"What the hell happened here?" Yep, his assumption had been correct. A quick and loud gasp indicated that he either didn't look so good or it didn't surprise the officials that he was involved. Probably a little of both. The next statement proved he was correct again.
"Should have known it was you Larabee."
"Thanks Principal Bowden, glad to see you too." Jesse spat some blood out of his mouth causing some people in the crowd to moan, more than likely the girls.
The principal, far from being pleased said. "I will see you in my office after the nurse has had a chance to clean you up."
A quick hand sign had Luis and Teddy by his side while Joe, Sly, Todd and Josh brought up the rear looking out for any of the original instigators. They managed to get Jesse to the nurse's office without any more trouble. She politely thanked them for their help and told them she could handle it from there. Reluctantly, all but one headed to their first class.
The nurse clucked disapprovingly over Jesse. "Why is it always you or one of the others that I constantly see in here?"
"Lucky I guess." Jesse winced as she used some antiseptic wipes to clean out some of his abrasions while he held an ice pack to the left side of his face where the bruising began to become a vivid blotch of purple and some other wicked colors.
"Anything else?"
His gut could wait until later. There was no way he was going to let her inspect that area. He'd wait and see Dr. Gilbert. Wonder what the Director would say later for this infraction.
"No. I guess it's time to see Principal Bowden." The nurse confirmed his doom with a quick nod in the affirmative.
"Thought I told you to get to class, Mr. Poliamo."
"You did. Figured he need a little help. I guessed right, didn't I?" Sly threw his best disarming grin at the nurse. It eased the overprotective matron's mind a bit.
As soon as they were out of earshot Jesse said. "Thanks."
"Any time, Ace. I'll stick around, can't have you wandering these halls by yourself. Especially in your condition."
"If I wasn't in so much pain I'd clock you."
"That's if you could catch me first." The Fox grinned wickedly.
They were told to have a seat, although it wasn't long when the principal called Jesse into his office. "Good luck! You're going to need it."
Jesse discreetly flipped off his friend. He entered the familiar office. Not much had changed since he had been in here last. Maybe the addition of a few more plaques and the unmistakable disinfectant smell that was associated with every part of the school.
"Have a seat." The principal said. He intertwined his fingers together as he studied the young man seated in front of him. "Director Travis informed me that your father would be out of the office on assignment. I have left a message with his secretary to call me at his earliest convenience."
In a small way he was thankful his dad wasn't home. "So, am I suspended?"
Principal Bowden acted as if he didn't hear Jesse's question. "A few witnesses said you had words with Mr. Stoddard. Then they said you roughly shoved Mr. Stoddard."
"Yeah I won't deny that, but he started it. The guy needs to learn to give someone some personal space."
"Let me remind you I will not tolerate any gang activity in this school or on it's grounds. I will not hesitate to call the proper authorities if this continues. It's only the first day of the school year and here you are sitting in my office. I'm not going to be lenient with you this year. You get your act together or I will expel you. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal, sir." Jesse obediently answered.
The principal quickly wrote out two passes. "You and Mr. Poliamo may go to class. Remember, I don't want to see you in my office again, understood?"
"Yes sir." As soon as the door closed Jesse handed Sly his pass.
"Since you're walking to class tells me you weren't kicked out."
"Yeah, but if I screw up one more time I'll be expelled."
"Shit, Bowden's enforced a tougher policy this year."
"No shit. When my dad returns he is going to kill me."
"But…"
"Cobras are going to pay. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with Cervantes' stranglehold on some of the usual shit that passes in and out of their territories."
Unfortunately the Cobras thought the same. A little retribution sends a very powerful message. The timing needed to be right and a very special target.
"Hey!" Inez shouted outside of her pub. "You can't sleep there! Don't you realize…Madre de Dios!" She gasped at the sight which met her eyes. Quickly she pulled out her phone and dialed the proper authorities. She then dialed another number as she tried to regain control of her breathing and offer the poor victim some comfort.
"Where's the fire, Ez?" Vin asked as he saw Ezra shove his phone back into his coat pocket.
His ashen face conveyed more than he said. "Inez has a problem. At first she thought it was a vagrant huddled between the buildings, but then realized it was a child. I'm on my way over to offer her some comfort."
"Okay, but keep me posted as to what you find out."
Twenty minutes later Ezra parked his vehicle close to a Denver PD squad. He flashed his badge and entered the cordoned area. Upon entering the scene he quickly scanned the immediate area for Inez. He found her nearby talking with a detective he then made his way toward her.
"That's all I saw. I didn't see anyone else. Like I told your dispatcher I thought he was a vagrant at first until…I saw the blood." She covered her face with one hand truly looking distraught.
"Inez!" The sound of his voice gave her the comfort she needed. Without hesitation she threw her arms around the agent burying her head into the side of his neck.
"Agent Standish, it's good to see you again. Regrettably it always seems to be under these kind of circumstances." The detective greeted Ezra.
"Detective Anderson. We've got to stop meeting like this." He rubbed Inez' back while speaking to her in soothing tones. "I heard it was a child."
"He's kind of small stature for his age, but I'm guessing he's older than he looks. We're thinking it was gang related." The detective informed him.
A cold dread seeped into Ezra chilling him to the bone. "Mind if I take a look?"
"Paramedics are loading him now." The three of them walked toward the vehicle. Detective Anderson allowed Ezra to take a glimpse at their victim. He drew in a quick breath. "Someone you know."
"Yes, he's one of the Black Marauders. That's Teddy or T.J., not sure if he has a recognizable alias like the others."
"Oh he does. They don't use it very often, because he is the quietest and the smallest of their bunch. Curious?"
"Very much so indeed." Ezra became wary when the detective grinned.
"It's not something they broadcast to the general public. The surrounding gangs know it and if I hadn't seen something a while back I truly wouldn't believe it myself."
"Must be something otherwise you would have spilled it by now." Inez stood next to Ezra she too was curious about this boy.
"They refer to him as the Reaper."
Ezra laughed flashing his gold tooth smile. "You must be pulling my leg." He laughed some more until he realized Anderson didn't even crack a smile. "Where in the hell did he get an alias like that?"
"The kid may be quiet, but he can be just as deadly as the rest of them."
"I find that hard to believe, but at the same time those same boys have proven to be more than what they show to the rest of us. Think he'll pull through."
As they talked the ambulance took off sirens blaring en route to the hospital. "Inez, Detective, I need to make a quick call." Ezra excused himself and called Tanner. "Vin, we may have trouble."
"How so." Vin answered.
"One of the Marauders, Teddy to be exact, is the one Inez found this morning."
"Geez Ez! Is he alright?"
"They're taking him to Denver General. Not sure. Sounds like he lost a lot of blood. You might want to inform the Director so he can inform Jesse."
"Yeah, will do. I'll send Nathan over to meet you at the hospital. I'm sure you're going to be heading that way. Who's in charge?"
"Anderson."
"Good. This might somehow be connected to Cervantes. Talk to ya later." Tanner disconnected the call. Hell. Why did it seem that whenever Chris was out of touch that the shit always hit the fan.
Westville High School
Six young men were called from their assorted classrooms. They were told to meet with the principal. "Anybody know what's going on?" Todd asked the obvious.
"No, but it could be that we are minus one today."
"Teddy? He never misses a day." Luis sarcastically said.
On a more serious note, "I swear if they hurt him again them people are going to pay."
"Whatever the reason we'll be ready. Here comes Bowden." Jesse remarked.
The principal opened his door to the boys. They entered his office. "Boys, what I am about to tell you is quite upsetting."
Jesse couldn't wait. "Is it something to do with Teddy?"
"Yes. Director Travis recently called. Teddy has been taken to the hospital."
They had been suspecting something along that line, but it shocked them just the same. "Any details?"
"No. I suspect they'll tell you more once you arrive."
"Thank you, sir. I'll be sure to tell the Director your concern." Jesse sounded way too formal.
"I'd appreciate that Jesse. You boys take care." Principal Bowden led the boys out of his office.
Three separate vehicles pulled up and parked in the appropriate lot. Two teens extracted themselves from each vehicle. A murderous gleam shown from each pair of eyes. They knew Teddy's predicament had been caused by someone: be it either his foster family or the Cobras. Jesse's recent altercation with Stoddard multiplied by the drug cartel's influence had them leaning in that direction. Although his foster family wasn't ruled out completely either. Past occurrences inflicted upon their friend made it difficult to stay reasonable.
Inez tapped Ezra's shoulder when she spotted the six entering through the automatic doors. He directed a glance that way and frowned upon seeing not the teens he knew, but their gang personas in full gear. Those boys were ready for battle. He now had difficulty picturing Teddy standing among this motley crew of emotions.
Jesse spoke first. "How is he?"
"They have him in surgery."
"Cause?"
Straight and to the point. Chris sure has rubbed off on the boy. "Multiple stab wounds."
Jesse turned away from them a fierce scowl crossed his features. His friends were privy to this violent display as was anyone else who could see it. Turning to face the agent Jesse said. "We'll wait."
"The police have contacted his parents and…" Ezra abruptly stopped talking when Joe and Luis snorted derisively. "This is a serious matter."
"We know that, but Teddy's foster parents don't give a shit. As long as that check comes in they could care less where he lays his head at night. You should tell the police to look long and hard at Teddy's file. The history there speaks for itself." The two moved contemptuously away from the agent fearing they might not be able to control their actions as well as they did now.
Inez whom had been standing next to Ezra listened with great concern. "That's just wrong! How long has this been going on?"
"Long enough. It's the same with each family he's been assigned to; nothing changes."
"Well it's about to. Ezra, isn't there something we can do?"
He had a feeling something of this nature was going to take place, since Inez started to spend more time with him and the rest of his brethren. He had seen the way she had looked at the boys many times when they had gathered together for special occasions. Even he had become fond of Jesse and his gang.
"Ezra." She snapped her fingers in front of his face.
Mildly startled he refocused on her request. "I shall look further into that. PD should have something and maybe a friend in social services can pull a few strings."
Sly's phone abruptly came to life. He looked at it and loudly groaned.
"Must be su padre." Sly shoved Joe harder than usual as he answered the phone.
"What? Yeah, we're here. What of it?" He soon grimaced and made faces at whomever was on the other end.
Ezra knowingly grinned and could imagine Tanner's response.
Sure enough Sly scuffed his shoe against the floor. "Fine. Yeah. See ya in a bit."
Jesse then said. "What did Tanner want?"
"My ass."
Inez smirked behind the hand she held near her mouth. Those boys were constantly crossing the line. She gave Team Seven a lot of credit as they continually kept these boys in line.
True to his word Vin arrived and greeted everyone at the hospital. He directed his best glare toward Sly with a promise they would be speaking privately later. The boy in question rolled his eyes. "Any word on Teddy?"
"No. He's been in surgery for awhile. I'm sure those wounds were deep inflicting some major damage." Ezra hazard a guess. Inez shuddered beside him the images of that poor boy lying upon the ground.
Jesse nudged Ezra as a doctor in surgical greens approached. "Gentlemen, ma'am, then he directed his gaze upon Ezra. Are you the federal agent who came in with Teddy Altwood?"
"Yes I am. How is the boy?"
"Because of the severity of the wounds and the loss of blood, we have moved him to ICU. The next forty-eight hours will be critical."
Jesse asked the doctor, "Any chance I can see him?"
"I'll allow a few visitors, but not everyone."
Vin said, "Why don't you, Ezra and Inez go we'll wait here."
"Very well, follow me please." Jesse nodded. He, Ezra and Inez followed the doctor to Teddy's room.
"I do request you go in one at a time and five minutes is all I will allow for each of you." I'll have a nurse stop by in about fifteen minutes.
"Thank you Doctor." Ezra shook the physician's hand. "We appreciate this."
Jesse went in first. "Damn. They did a number on you didn't they? Mark my words, they're going to pay." He managed to say in a hushed tone so not to raise any suspicions from the two adults hovering in the doorway. "Please get better. We need you. Take care Teddy." Jesse moved away from the bedside and out the door.
Ezra allowed Inez to go next. He turned to comfort Jesse and saw that the boy had his back to him, yet his hands were clenching and unclenching into tight fists. Placing a hand on Jesse's shoulder reassured the boy that he wasn't alone.
Jesse stiffened momentarily gaining what little composure he had left. "I'm fine, Ezra."
"Now why do I have a hard time believing that?" He turned Jesse toward him. "I want you to promise me that you are not going to seek retribution."
The incredulous look Jesse shot Ezra reminded the southerner that there was no possibility of a promise. "I can't. You know better than to ask that of me."
"I know. We all are looking after your safety as well as the others. Things are going to change. I'm going to personally see that your friend in there gets a better shot at a new life."
Jesse's thoughts whirled. "How so? What can you do?"
"I know a few people and once Teddy is able to speak for himself I think he might respond to the idea. Inez has grown rather fond of your friend in the last few months she has seen of him."
"Don't be surprised if he's not that receptive. People have made many promises and so far he's been the one to shoulder all the hurt. We're the only ones that have given his life purpose. Another foster home is not going to help his situation."
"Oh it won't be a foster home."
"Seriously? What are you going to do? Propose to Inez?" Ezra answered by placing a finger to his lips indicating Jesse to be quiet. "Holy crap you are!"
"Why are you two being so secretive?" Inez came up behind Ezra.
"Nothing you need to worry about." Ezra said. "Looks like it's my turn. I'll be back shortly."
"So? Anything I need to know?" She playfully asked.
"Sorry Inez. It was just guy talk. Nothing important."
"Uh huh." She quirked an eyebrow his way. On a more serious note she asked, "Are you missing your father?"
"Yeah." Jesse admitted. Inez gave him a quick hug. "Thanks."
"Anytime. You boys need more hugs."
"Don't say that out loud, we have reputations to protect."
She ruffled his hair as Ezra sat near Teddy's bed.
"I know you don't really know me or the young lady who just visited. You probably are acquainted with me through your friend Jesse. When you regain your strength we shall get better acquainted."
They stopped at the nurses station before leaving. "I suggest we all get some rest and we'll meet back here after dinner and visit again." Ezra announced.
"Sounds like a plan, Ez. Sly, you and me need to talk."
"Yes sir. See ya, Jess."
"Not a problem." A quick hand sign said they'd talk later. Vin caught sight of it and knew someone other then the Director also needed to talk to Jesse. He couldn't quite shake the feeling that trouble was a brewing.
Everyone exited the hospital with a promise to reconvene later. Jesse and the rest of his posse stopped at the safe house to discuss some of their options. "Can't do anything at school no matter what the Cobras do. Also, I think Tanner and Standish are becoming suspicious. Don't ask me how I know I just get the feeling. I need to see the Director before we go any further. Keep your eyes and ears open."
"What's up Jess?" Luis asked.
"I think the Cobras were put up to this. Cervantes is making a bold move. He wants to see what we're capable of and if we will be worth our weight in gold."
"Oh. He wants to inspect the merchandise, eh?"
"Exactly. The problem now is that we are one man short. There is no way the Reaper is going to recover in time and that's one of the things I need to discuss with the Director."
"What else are you going to discuss?"
"Like how we are going to keep Team Seven from interfering. I'm not sure what Vin is discussing with Sly. It could be some old infraction or it's probably his attitude, which means I'm probably in for one of his famous discussions as well."
"Meaning your ass is grass if he deems it so."
"Yeah, even though I'm under Travis' watch."
"Who are you fooling? The five of them are always watching out for you and you know it. However, I don't think J.D. counts."
"Not unless he decides he wants a rematch and if he thinks he can take me."
"So, you need to worry about Standish, Tanner, Sanchez and Jackson. You got your work cut out for ya. We wish you luck."
"Thanks. I see how much support you guys are going to give." His buddies laughed good naturedly. "Just remember, no one is to go it alone. We need to watch our backs if this is going to work."
"Will do, Ace. Let's go before all our collective asses are in mucho trouble."