Disclaimer: I do not own; never have and never will T-T. Thanks again to MOG for creating the ATF Universe.
Chapter 3
It had been embarrassing enough when Mr. Larabee carried him from the hospital lobby and placed him in the pickup truck. It was even more humiliating when he did it again at the ranch. "I may be injured, but I'm not completely disabled." An irate teen mentioned to Chris as he was placed on top of the bed.
"Since you're in the mood for talking, now's a good time for our discussion, don't you think?" The sarcasm lay heavily in Mr. Larabee's voice.
Aw hell! Lecture time. Wonderful. Jesse's attention was brought back to the present when Chris focused his attention on him.
"Chris." Vin hovered in the doorway. "I'll be taking care of Peso if you need me." The sharpshooter didn't wait for a reply and walked quietly away. Leaving Chris to the task at hand.
As if Vin hadn't even been there, Chris began the discussion in a tone used many times with his own men when he wanted to get his point across. "What was one of the first rules I gave to you?" Folding his arms across his chest Chris waited for an answer.
Fuck! I don't need this shit. "I'm waiting for an answer, young man." The low voice broke through Jesse's thoughts.
Who does he think he is, my father? Hell. "No running or taking off…sir." His petulant tone did not go unnoticed.
Chris had known this discussion was not going to be easy. He was already counting slowly to ten after the kid copped an attitude. Never breaking eye contact Chris sent Jesse a smoldering no nonsense glare. The end result: Jesse immediately dropped his gaze.
Holy shit! Jesse's heart rate accelerated, kept his eyes glued to the floor while he listened to Mr. Larabee's voice.
"Jesse, you're here for a reason. I've been appointed your guardian, and it's a responsibility that I'll give one hundred percent and then some. Your nosing around has upset certain people who wouldn't think twice to hurt you or worse. My team and I are here for your protection.
"Granted, this is new to both of us. However, while you're here you are going to abide by my rules. If you decide to run again I guarantee you will not sit comfortably for at least a week." Chris purposefully waited while Jesse processed that bit of information. Judging by the range of emotions that crossed his face the comment had struck a nerve.
What? Who the hell does he think he is? "I'm not a little kid."
The response he received was unexpected. "Act like one then expect to be treated like one. I repeat run off again like you did and I'll blister your ass."
Jesse didn't hear the rest, because the roaring in his ears blocked everything else.
Flashback – Five years ago
Another argument began within a week's time. This time it had been planned. Jesse was tired of his dad working long hours and decided he had enough. He purposefully neglected to give his father a letter from the principal regarding his truancy.
"Jesse! Why wasn't I informed of this? It says a letter was sent home with the student, meaning you."
"Like it would have mattered. You're never home long enough to notice. I figured it didn't matter, since work is all you think about lately." Jesse turned to leave only to have his father firmly grab his arm making him stay put.
"Skipping school is not an answer to your problems."
There he goes again, not listening. What the fuck does he want me to do? Say hey go ahead save the world, I'll be here waiting for you. Not likely. "My problems? If I have any problems it's because of you and your job."
He definitely pushed the right buttons. His dad breathed in deep and then slowly exhaled. "Jesse, we've discussed this."
"Discussed? That's bullshit and you know it!" Jesse spat out the words as his hands clenched into tight fists.
His father had all he could take. "That's enough! Go to your room!"
The defiance radiated from him. "No."
"Jesse, I am going to tell you this one more time. Go to your room. Since you insist on acting like a child you give me no choice but to treat you like one. I'll be up in a little while. Now go."
He saw his father visibly flinch when he uttered the next few words before stomping up the stairs to his room. "I hate you!" Jesse had no intention of staying in his room to await his father's arrival. He knew he was in trouble and the consequences for his actions were nothing short of sitting uncomfortably for at least a week.
Casting caution to the wind, he opened his window, jumped the short distance to the big Oak, and climbed down to the ground below. If no one would listen then he wouldn't listen either. He decided to go for a walk, let things cool down a bit before heading home.
End flashback
"Jesse. Jesse! Hey are you alright, son?" He never expected a simple word like "son" could cause such a commotion.
The echoing of that single word brought Jesse back to the hear and now. With venom in his voice he rounded on Chris. "I ain't nobody's son. Don't ever call me that again!" The pain of yesterdays flared within him, while the hard unmoving lump in his throat threatened his resolve.
Chris watched again as Jesse struggled to keep his emotions intact. He wondered what sort of demons plagued the boy. "We'll continue this discussion later. Get some rest. I'll call when dinner is ready."
As Jesse listened to Mr. Larabee's retreating footsteps, a single tear slipped past the tough exterior.
Several hours later the rest of the team arrived. First Buck and JD, next Nathan and Josiah, followed by Ezra. They each received the memo from the Director stating they had earned a week off due to the unavoidable circumstances following their recent bust.
Chris greeted each of his men and waited for Vin to join them. After everyone was present and accounted for Nathan finally asked. "What's the deal with the boy?"
"First, his name is Jesse Ryder. I want to thank all of you for helping in the recent search and rescue operation. This young man has been placed under our protection for the time being courtesy of Director Travis."
J.D. interrupted. "Why us? Why not the Feds?"
"It would seem that Jesse is the sole survivor of Kansas City's Team 2. The five members that made up the team and their immediate families have been murdered. I don't have all the details yet since Director Travis wants us to work with the boy and find out what he knows concerning this tragedy. He believes whether the boy knows it or not holds the answers or clues to our current case."
Ezra's eyes grew wide with shock. "Do you mean to tell me that this young man knows the whereabouts of Nero Valentine?"
"Not his whereabouts, but may have unfortunately become his next target."
"Oh good lord. He didn't."
Chris nodded. "Yeah, he did."
JD couldn't help but ask. "Did what?"
"It would seem our obtuse juvenile delinquent has unknowingly taken the proverbial stick and poked the tiger in the eye."
Vin drawled, "Ezra, English please."
"Oh for heaven's sake. Young Mr. Ryder has taken to rattling Mr. Nero Valentine's cage, shaking him up a bit, tailing him like a bounty hunter. Is that to your satisfaction?"
"Thanks Ez. Chris, aren't ya gonna tell them the other thing?"
Buck's smile widened. "Oh, this is the best part yet."
"Director Travis has specifically appointed me as Jesse's guardian." He finally said it out loud and almost regretted doing so. The silence was deafening. "Shit. If I knew this would shut you guys up I would've done this a long time ago."
"Wow." JD finally said. "So, does this mean you're his uh…"
"JD don't go there if you value your life." Buck insisted. "Chris has been appointed to watch over the boy, keep him out of trouble and stuff like that. Which so far he has failed miserably. Ain't that right, stud?"
"Buck." That tone left Buck smiling ear to ear.
"Are you truly ready for something like this, brother Chris?" Josiah inquired. "Pretty big step."
Their leader let out a sigh. "Not real sure, Josiah. I plan on taking this one day at a time. There's a lot I need to do and.."
"Uh oh, look out, the wheels in Chris' head are turning." Vin alerted his friends.
"Thanks Vin. I am going to insist on each of you helping me with this. Since it has something to do with our present case there will be no excuses. That includes you, Ezra."
"I never uttered a word." The undercover agent said.
Chris added, "But the thought was plainly there." Ezra shrugged in defeat.
"Any idea what you're going to do with him while you're at the office?" Nathan asked.
Vin answered instead. "Maybe Nettie wouldn't mind looking after him."
"Maybe, that could be a possibility, but I don't want Nettie coming to any harm if there is someone watching Jesse's every move."
"Whoa! Hey now! You failed to mention that piece of information. Who's watching him?" Nathan's voice rose an octave.
He had been eyeing the time and wondered if Jesse had ventured out of the room yet. "Not sure if it's friend or foe, but according to the notes in his file, someone has kept tabs on him over the years. Same caller, but the voice has been altered over the phone. J.D. that's something I want you to look into for me. Access those recordings and see if it could possibly be the same person. Log the time and date, etc. That's part of the puzzle that doesn't sit right with me.
"I was told someone on Team 2, or someone close to them offered them as a sacrifice for their own gain. I don't know what to think on this one. Jesse hasn't been forthcoming on any information he may have obtained over the years. He's used to working alone, which should give us an advantage, since some of our members are still used to doing that."
A Texan drawl asked, "Why are looking at me? I'm not the only one, there are at least two others if ya all have forgotten."
"Didn't mean to single you out. I'm as guilty of that as well. Stay alert, if Jesse says something and you think it's important come find me or jot it down, so we can discuss it later.
"Speaking of which, I see Travis allowed us a few extra days and I think we should take advantage of it. If there aren't any more questions, I say let's get those grills going." Chris said with satisfaction. He figured he had an hour to finish his previous discussion with Jesse.
J.D. shouted. "Woo hoo! Let's get them steaks started Buck."
"Right behind you, kid." Buck agreed.
Vin headed back to the stables with Ezra, while Josiah and Nathan headed to Chris' kitchen. "Chris."
"I'll be back in awhile. The kid and I need to finish something. We'll join you later." He made his way down the hallway and gently knocked on Jesse's door. Not hearing a response or anything for that matter, he opened the door expecting the worse. Chris was stunned to see Jesse sitting up on the bed and his ankle elevated on some pillows.
"Isn't it rude to enter someone's room without waiting for permission to enter." Jesse remarked.
"Not an option. Besides it's my house. Until I can trust you, you're stuck with how it's going to be. We're going to finish what we began earlier and you are going to listen.
"Again, no running off. You've heard what I've had to say on what the consequences will be if you do. Next, you are not allowed to touch those guns or rifles, unless you have my permission. Finally, when that ankle is healed I expect you to name that black stubborn mule out there."
Wait, what did he say? "Name it?" The confusion was evident in the kid's voice.
Chris' eyes twinkled mischievously. "Yeah, name it, train it and take good care of it." Having a little something to call your own usually worked wonders with some people and Chris used it to his advantage.
This one act of kindness messed with Jesse's emotions. He hadn't expected this turn of events. "Why didn't you name him?"
"Wasn't sure if I was going to keep him. He was only half trained when you took off with him. I figured since he didn't throw you, he must've seen something in you that he liked. He trusted you with his instincts. Animals tend to be smarter than humans. So, I take it you had a misstep that night." He indicated toward Jesse's ankle. Chris figured it was time he heard what had taken.
Thoroughly embarrassed Jesse nodded. "After I thought I put enough distance between me and your ranch I figured it was time to rest the horse. I wasn't planning on taking him too far, I just needed a good head start then I'd let him go. Figuring he'd find his way back to the stables. I dismounted with no problems, took a couple of steps backwards, lost my footing and fell. Heard a loud snap followed by some mind blowing pain. After awhile I came to grips with my dilemma, knew I had to get the swelling down, so I gave it a good soaking in that little stream nearby.
"When did it finally dawn on you that you needed help?" Chris sat down at the far end of the bed.
"Right after I heard the snap, but my stubborn pride got in the way later."
Sitting there talking felt right to Chris. It was better than the exchange they had earlier that day. "If you don't mind me asking, where did you learn to shoot?"
"My dad. We used to take part in the mounted horse shooting competitions."
"Kind of figured you had experience in both areas. If you hadn't been under the weather your aim would've been deadly."
Mr. Larabee's assessment on his shooting skills had been correct. "Not much gets past you."
"Believe it or not, sometimes it does. That's when things get scary." Chris stated. "Like when you took off that night. That was beyond my control. Then to make matters worse, Buck noticed you had picked the lock on the gun cabinet and one of the guns was missing. I didn't know what to think. You had made it known, more than once, that you were unhappy.
"I wasn't either. For the rest of that day I had an uneasy feeling that I couldn't shake. Eventually, that particular something woke me out of a dead sleep. I could've turned over and ignored it, but it wouldn't let go. I went to check on you and discovered you were gone. Like I said, not a good feeling.
"Then to discover you took the one horse that hadn't been trained was the last straw, at least in my book. I was livid. Couldn't believe some teenager got the best of Chris Larabee."
Jesse interrupted. "Mr. Larabee."
"Call me Chris. Mr. Larabee makes me feel way older than I am."
"Thanks for being there." That lump was back again. Jesse cleared his throat.
"Anytime. Are you hungry?" He waited for an answer.
The teen's stomach growled loudly.
The smile that greeted Chris was genuine. "I'll take that as a yes. Want any help before you meet the rest of my team?"
"Would you hand me those crutches?" Jesse asked.
"Let's get a move on otherwise they'll eat me out of house and home. Steady, take it easy." Chris watched and guided the teen out of the room and down the hallway.
Chairs and a table laden with food had been set outside. Jesse hadn't ever seen that much food or at least in a very long time. He still fought against that damn lump in his throat. Couldn't quite believe he actually had a normal conversation with someone. He wondered what that would do to his reputation. He decided to push it away for now and enjoy the moment. There were too few moments like this in his young life.
Chris helped him over to a chair on the deck, placed his crutches within easy reach against the railing, and managed to find a small end table to prop his ankle upon. It wasn't long when the smell of food enticed two of his men from the stable. The first lanky man he saw was Vin Tanner, who he already met. The second man looked a little out of place, and then again he fit right in talking animatedly with the quiet Texan.
"About time, thought you two got lost in there. Jesse you've met Vin Tanner, what you didn't know is he's our sharpshooter. I imagine once that ankle's better you may want to challenge Vin here to a shooting competition. I'd like to see how good you really compared to one of the best." Vin ducked his head to hide the blush that hit his cheeks from Chris' compliment.
"Mr. Larabee, it would seem yet again you have rendered Mr. Tanner speechless. Then again, you two make that a regular habit."
Chris proceeded with the introductions. "And this is Ezra Standish, conman extraordinaire. He's a valuable asset to our team."
Ezra was stunned by Chris' compliment. He gaped at the man while his mouth opened and closed no sound issuing forth. "I guess I'm not the only one you can render speechless." Vin smiled fully enjoying Ezra's plight.
"Well lookee here, we have a blowfish." Buck commented looking over Ezra's shoulder. "Hey kid nice to see you again!" His arms were laden with a full tray containing the main course for tonight. J.D. wasn't too far behind. "Hey J.D.! Quit your lollygagging and get your butt up here."
"Buck, I wasn't that far behind! What's your hurry anyway, you got a hot date tonight!" J.D. shouted. He stopped a little in front of Buck, noticed the teen and said, "Oh. Uh…"
Nothing ever changes and in some way he hoped it never would. Chris couldn't help but smile at J.D.'s and Buck's antics, they were in a class all by themselves.
"Nice impression." Buck admonished his young friend. "J.D. Dunne meet Jesse Ryder. Jesse, you wouldn't believe it, but J.D. and that other man over there," Buck looked directly at Vin, "those two are our youngest members."
Vin hated when Buck or the others did that to him and J.D. "Buck's just jealous because he's such a decrepit, old man."
"Decrepit? Old?" Buck flushed red. "I'll show you whose old, young pup!"
"Look out Vin. Buck's aimed both barrels at you."
Vin wasn't done. "I'm not worried. Remember this Jesse, his bark is worse than his bite. Same goes for Larabee."
Chris' head whipped around after that statement. "What did I do to you today?"
"You woke up." His dead serious tone caused Chris to raise an eyebrow.
Chris muttered to Jesse, "I'll be right back." Vin's lips quirked into a smile as his instincts kicked in. He moved before Chris did, making tracks, with Chris not too far behind.
Nathan and Josiah came out of the kitchen to see what all the ruckus was about and started to laugh when Chris caught Vin half way to the stables. They hit the ground and wrestled around a bit.
"I swear, those two are worse than kids some days." Nathan said shaking his head.
"Yeah, but you have to admit, it's entertaining as hell." Josiah added. He continued to watch as Chris and Vin rolled around seeing who could pin the other to the ground first. Josiah let out a sigh. "Ezra, did you plant that idea in Vin's head?"
"As much as I would like to take credit for that, Mr. Tanner came up with that all on his own."
Nathan still shaking his head slowly. "I guess this was Vin's way of helping Chris relieve some of his stress."
"Looks to me like a good way." Josiah's gaze then fell on Jesse. "Nathan, our manners need a little fine tuning. Forgive us for not introducing ourselves. I'm Josiah, the team's preacher, so to speak and I'm sure you remember Nathan, he's our personal paramedic."
Jesse nodded back to the two men. Preacher? Nathan could see Jesse's confusion. "Josiah's our profiler, but don't let his profession fool you. He comes in handy as backup. If you ever have a problem and can't discuss it normally with Chris, find Josiah he's a great listener, or any one of us."
"Nathan's right." A breathless voice spoke. Chris looked happy. His hair tousled, grass stains on his clothing, definitely more relaxed. Standing beside him was an equally scruffy looking Vin. "If you ever feel that I'm not seeing the point…"
"Which happens a lot." Buck interjected.
"See or call Josiah. He'll listen." Chris finished saying. He clapped a hand on Vin's shoulder. A mutual look of 'thanks' passed between them.
"So? Who won?" J.D. inquired as Jesse wondered as well. He missed the rest of the battle when Josiah and Nathan had come out on the deck.
"Chris." Muttered Vin. "He fights dirty."
The men laughed leaving Jesse to wonder what he missed. Chris saw the perplexed look on Jesse's face and strode over to his side. He squatted down next to his chair and whispered, "I'll tell you later. I think it's time for your meds."
Jesse rolled his eyes. Everyone else laughed. They knew this boy would fit in fine especially with his aversion to medication like the rest of them. Nathan could only shake his head, wondering how one so young could sport the same attitude as this group of misfits. This one was going to keep all of them on their toes.
After supper and clean up, everyone relaxed on the deck as the stars made their nightly appearance. It had been quite a day. Jesse knew it was too early for bed, but his damn medication was starting to take effect. He was losing the battle on trying to keep his eyelids open. No sooner had he startled himself awake for the third time a low, but quiet voice gently asked, "Ready to call it a night?"
He nodded. Chris handed Jesse the crutches and stayed close as Jesse made his way back into the house and down the hallway to his room. "Need any help?"
"No. I'll manage. Thanks anyway."
Chris added. "If you need anything, holler. We'll be right outside."
"Okay." Jesse watched as Chris went out of the room and closed the door behind him. As soon as Jesse changed he crawled into bed and was out before his head hit the pillow.
As the night wore on, each man called it a night retiring to their respective rooms. Chris and Vin were the only ones remaining. "Vin, I believe there's a connection between me and the kid. Similar to you and me. Something I can't explain."
The exasperated sigh that followed took Chris off guard. "Some days you are so dense, cowboy. That connection between you and me, and now between you and the kid means you've opened your heart a little more. Scary as all hell if you ask me."
"When did you become so wise?"
Vin seriously replied. "When I became your friend. Someone needs to watch your back."
"Thanks Vin."
Vin slightly nodded before he, too, turned to head inside. Chris followed shortly thereafter hoping from here on out things were definitely headed in the right direction.
Several hours later not long before dawn Jesse thrashed around in his sleep. Memories of that fateful night had him in a terror filled grip. A voice taunted him as the flames engulfed the house he once knew as home. "If you're going to play with fire eventually you're going to get burned." The voice was eerily familiar. Of course, nightmares tended to accentuate the subtle meaning. While Jesse fought his demons in his sleep he hadn't realized he was voicing his fears out loud. The sounds traveled through the silent home of Chris Larabee awakening everyone there. Men who harbored their own demons were immediately on their feet, guns drawn as they each moved stealthily out of their rooms. Chris motioned to the others he was headed down the hall, when a voice yelled, "No! Let me go! I got to save them!"
In a heartbeat, Chris raced toward Jesse's room. Opening the door he realized the boy wrestled with a nightmare. It was heart wrenching to watch as Jesse's fists clenched the blanket tightly struggling against something unknown. Chris entered the room padding quietly across the hard wood floor until he arrived at Jesse's bed.
He sat on the edge of the bed facing Jesse and gently tried to wake him. "Come on Jesse, wake up. Jesse, you're dreaming." He kept repeating until he heard a gasp.
Struggling to catch his breath, Jesse slowly emerged from the abyss of the nightmare. A soothing, reassuring voice helped to lead him out of past. Two strong arms held him in a safe embrace.
"Jesse, you're going to be fine. It was just a nightmare. Easy now. I got you." The soothing tones continued while a hand rubbed his back.
Oh to have a simpler life, what I almost would give, but not until it's over. Jesse abruptly pulled out of Chris' embrace putting an abrupt end to the tender moment.
So much for making a little headway. Chris then asked, "You want to talk about it?"
"Nothing to talk about. It was a nightmare, that's all." Try as he might Jesse struggled to keep his voice steady. That damn lump in his throat had returned, threatening mutiny.
"I'll stay if you need me to." There he said it. Now it was the kid's decision.
You have absolutely no idea how much I want to say yes. "Not a little kid. I'm fine." Jesse mumbled. Hurry up and leave before I lose it. Thank god the room was dark, otherwise it would be more difficult to convince Chris. The moisture in his eyes was already brimming and he be damned if he was going to spill them in front of anyone.
"Okay. But if you need me, come get me or just holler. I'll be at your side."
Jesse didn't say another word, his throat was raw with pain. Instead he laid back down on the bed and turned his head away from Chris. Those silent tears began their descent unseen by the man currently walking back to his room.
How was he going to get that boy to open up to him?
"Patience."
Chris so lost in thought jumped, startled by that one word. "Give a little warning next time Josiah." He placed his right hand over his heart trying to steady his breathing. "I'm not quite ready to meet my maker, yet."
"Like I said, you need to be patient with that boy. I would've been very surprised if he bared his soul to you. He's not ready to trust you or any of us. Although, I do see a connection beginning to form between you and him, in such a short time. I agree with the Director, you and Jesse may have more in common than you realize and the future or past may hold the answers.
"Chris, he'll come around, but only when he's ready. Give him some space and time."
He was too exhausted mentally and physically to argue. "I'm going to bed. Good night, Josiah."
Chris walked away leaving Josiah standing in the doorway with a big happy grin plastered across his face.