Made Man Part 4

Vin's shot went exactly where he wanted it to go. The tinted, passenger side glass of the limousine shattered. Dominic Senior's henchman covered his boss's body, to protect him from anymore gunfire. Then he began firing at Vin's location. Tanner could hear the bullets chipping the masonry. Then suddenly it stopped and Vin peeked over the edge to see the limo speeding off. The large six door vehicle went around Josiah's SUV, which was attempting to block the road, and escaped. Chris's Dodge Ram blocked off the other route. Larabee, clad in black and Standish jumped out, Chris had his gun drawn and yelled,

"ATF!"

The occupants of the foyer did not like the new players and came out guns blazing. Vin watched as the team found cover: Ezra and Chris by Larabee's Dodge and Josiah, Nathan and Buck by Sanchez's vehicle. Vin stayed put, watching their backs. Tanner didn't see Eli getting away from the group and head towards the four story brick building across the street. He was too busy putting a bullet in the arm of one of the mobsters who was trying to take out Nathan.

In the background Vin could hear sirens. The Denver police were on their way. In the meantime the team was holding their own, forcing Junior's henchmen to fall back. Tanner was about to provide some more assistance, but then heard the cocking of a gun behind him. He closed his eyes, and dropped his head against the rifle. 'How could he let someone sneak up on him.'

"Turn around Tanner and roll away from the gun," said the man he had lived with for two weeks in a gravely tone.

The sharpshooter did as he was told. He rolled away from the gun, the chips of cement sticking to his suede jacket. He was laying down facing a pale enforcer. "Joey, I missed." Vin said, shrugging his shoulders, stating the obvious.

Eli squinted his eyes, "I noticed." He took a few steps so he was closer to Vin. "You have anything else to say?"

"You don't have to pay me." Vin spoke calmly, giving himself some time to slowly move his left hand down his leg to his boot which contained the knife.

Eli face flamed red with aggravation. "Years of plans ruined!" He yelled at Vin. Then he spoke more rapidly about his plan, "One chance to get only those loyal to Junior and who would support a takeover at the compound while the old man was away. I was going to be an caporegime." He explained, "I was going to be head of my own family! We were going to make it look like one of the other families had done it. There would be confusion-the best time to gain more power." Joey crinkled his face with disgust. "I shouldn't of trusted you. You never had the heart of a blood thirsty son-of-a-bitch. "

Vin had moved into a sitting position during Eli's revelations. He had bent his leg and could feel the hilt of the knife against his hand. "Yep, Joey and you were always a sick bastard," Tanner said matter-of-factly.

"Bye Tanner," Vin heard the shot go off and threw the knife. He knew he hadn't been fast enough and waited for the impact of the bullet. It never came. He saw the knife had hit Eli in the shoulder. Joey stood, his eyes glazed looking at Vin and fell forward, allowing Vin to see Chris holding a smoking Glock. Vin dropped his head back and looked up, glad he made it through another day without getting shot. Still looking up he spoke to Larabee.

"Thanks Pard," Vin tipped an imaginary hat towards Chris. He also noticed there was silence down below on the street, no gunfire.

Vin brought his head back and watched as Chris collected the bag, coveralls, and the MS690. "Guns are at the compound in a hidden room under the cabana."

"We'll take care of it." Chris motioned for the sharpshooter to stand up. "Come on, Vin."

Funny, he thought he would get a warmer welcome. He wanted to ask about JD, but he guessed Chris wanted to play it serious. Of course Larabee was usually very serious all the time. Sometimes he would let himself have fun, and Buck would always let them know, 'That's the Ol' Chris I know.'

Vin didn't know if that was to remind them all he was Larabee's oldest friend or to tell them all that Chris was a nice guy. Tanner didn't care, he liked Chris Larabee the way he was, the past made no difference to him. So, he would wait until he was debriefed to ask his questions and follow his boss's lead. They went down the metal fire escape, their footsteps echoing. This must of been how Chris had come up unnoticed. Buck was there waiting at the bottom, watching them making their descent.

Buck looked at Vin grimly, but only for a second before diverting his attention to Chris. "We got them. They're being mirandized right now."

"I need to go and arrange a warrant for the compound." Chris gestured to Vin. "He needs to be mirandized too, and Eli Giuseppe is on the roof -dead." Buck nodded. Larabee settled his blue eyes on Buck. "Can you handle it properly. Agent Wilmington?"

"Not a problem," Buck answered. Tanner and Wilmington watched as Larabee left them to tend to the other details of the bust. Vin wasn't expecting Buck to jerk his arm behind his back roughly, "You have the right to remain silent, if you. . ."

The sharpshooter hadn't expected to be treated with kid gloves, but weren't they all acting a little strange. They had done that whole pizza stunt to make sure he was okay and now he was being manhandled. What the hell was going on? Buck was leading him to a van. When they reached the open doors, guarded by two uniformed police officers, Vin could see Junior's men were inside. The same men he had shared meals with and gotten to know. Tony, who had shadowed Vin at the compound spoke to him.

"Eli?" He had noticed the enforcer was no where in sight.

"Dead," Tanner replied.

Tony stood up and started to come at the door yelling at Vin.

"You set him up!" The other men joined in and began stomping their feet. One of the police officers banged a club against the floor of the van telling them to be quiet, while the other pushed Tony back in. Buck propelled Vin towards the step of the large vehicle. He wanted to put him in the van with the other men. Vin twisted his head to look at Wilmington, no one can be this stupid, Tanner thought. I'll be dead by the time we reach the federal building. Buck was a fun guy, but when came to his job he was serious. If this was a joke, Vin was not finding it funny. The door of the van suddenly slammed shut, muffling the men inside. Josiah stepped forward.

"Buck, I'll take him off your hands." Josiah put his hand on Vin's arm. "He gets special accommodations."

Wilmington stepped back, as if to gesture 'he's all yours.' He walked off to where Ezra was talking to some police officers.

Tanner looked at Sanchez and nodded his head in thanks. Side by side they walked in silence to an awaiting police car. Vin could see Dominic Junior was also getting special treatment. He was seated in another police car in front of he police car Sanchez was directing him to.

Josiah opened the back door and gently pushed down on Vin's head. He sat back against the black vinyl seating looking at the plastic screen which partitioned him off from everyone else.

What had he done to tick Buck off?

Vin had paced the length of the interrogation room as he recounted his story of the last two weeks. Chris had taken it all in, but still hadn't answered his question. Did Chris really think he had gone bad?

Larabee glared at Tanner as if he was trying to see into the man's soul for the truth. "Can anyone back up your story?"

Purposefully Vin walked over to where Chris was sitting, and bent down to look at Larabee directly. "Well you killed one of them, and the other one is unconscious. Guess you are going to have to take my word." Vin slapped his leg and stood up, still not believing the situation he had found himself in. "Is that good enough?"

Chris stood up slowly. Tanner finally taking in the leader's disheveled appearance. Unblinking he looked at the sharpshooter. "Vin, it's good enough for me." He put his hand out for Vin to shake. Tanner clutched his right hand, hesitant to extend it. He had always gone with his gut instinct, had trusted these men. In the situations they had been placed in you had to, but damn, had they really thought he had gone over? Maybe now Chris had regretted his actions, but Tanner wasn't so sure he could forget it. He was confused. Part of him just wanted to let it go the other part of him was so angry he wanted to hit someone or something.

A knock at the door, diverted each man's attention, and Chris dropped his hand back. Through the small window Josiah's head could be seen. He entered when he received a nod from Chris. Vin noted Josiah was looking at the two men trying to gauge if they were friends or enemies. "JD is awake and asking for us."

Chris smiled and looked at Vin, who felt relieved at the news. "We're coming," Chris replied.

Josiah nodded, "Buck and I are heading out. Ezra and Nathan plan to catch a ride with you." Sanchez filled his supervisor in on the rest of the bust. "Team 3 went in and found the guns at the compound." Chris reached out and patted Vin on the back as if to say 'good job,' or maybe that was some sort of signal to let Josiah know all was well. The sharpshooter shook his head as if to brush off the praise. Josiah continued, "The rest of them have been booked on possession of firearms, conspiracy and racketeering." Sanchez turned to Tanner, "Good job, Vin. There has been no sign of Dominic Cuoco Senior."

"Thanks," he answered plainly. Josiah opened the door and Chris followed. Vin stayed put.

Larabee went to make a comment to the sharpshooter and noticed he had stayed behind. Chris stopped and turned around, "You coming?"

Josiah had also stopped at the door's opening and waited for Vin's response. "You all want me around?" Vin crossed his arms in front of him. "I mean Buck's trying to kill me and all."

"Come on." Chris glared at him, as if to say, just let it go. "You know Buck when it comes to the kid, and then he started running off at that mouth."

Vin wanted to know more. "And the rest of you believed him?" He directed his question to Josiah. "Doesn't seem like it was just Buck." His eyes flicked to Josiah as if to ask Sanchez if the older agent really believed that Vin would go in with Joey.

Sanchez sighed. "Vin, I'm going to be honest," Josiah took a step inside the door. "Buck made us think, and we were still making up our minds, waiting to see what you would say."

Vin closed his eyes and shook his head. He would accept it for now. Truthfully he wanted to see JD and make sure the kid was alright. The rest could wait till he had a chance to think on it.

Josiah went out ahead and Vin could see Buck waiting by the elevator eager to see JD. Tanner stood next to Larabee who signed him out, and handed him a plastic baggie with his belongings, including his car keys and ATF badge. In silence they made their way to the garage where Nathan and Ezra were waiting by the black Dodge Ram. Nathan was first to break the silence,

"Nice to see your back in one piece." Jackson looked him over from top to bottom to make sure he had no bullet holes.

"Yep," Vin knew he was just making small talk until they could find out what had happened from Chris or himself. He knew they were going on the assumption that if Chris had let him out then everything must be fine.

Ezra smiled and drawled, "Glad you are amongst us once more."

Vin again replied tersely "Thanks," and went to the back door of the black vehicle. He was not going to be glared at by Chris Larabee on the drive over to the hospital. Ezra looked surprised. His green eyes glancing from his leader back to Vin, finally he opened the front door and got in without a word.

They left the garage and Nathan turned to Vin, opening his mouth to talk to the sharpshooter. He then saw Jackson's eyes drop to his left arm. Nathan frowned and looked from the fresh blood to Vin's eyes catching his attention. "What happened?"

Vin shrugged his shoulders, looking at his sleeve realizing when Buck shoved him he must have popped a stitch. "Nothing, it's fine."

Vin felt the Dodge slowing down. Chris must have heard the conversation. "What's going on?" He didn't look back, but Ezra did and received an explanation from Nathan.

"Vin has blood on his sleeve," Jackson said to Standish.

Ezra looked at Chris, then smiled at Vin. "May I suggest you have Nathan look at the wound so that our leader can concentrate on driving us to the hospital."

Vin sighed audibly and rolled up his sleeve on his gray t-shirt to reveal the cut on his bicep. Gently Nathan placed his hands on Vin's arms and examined the wound carefully. "Nice stitches."

Tanner looked down at the neat, black stitches he had made yesterday, "Thanks."

Jackson's head jerked back. "You?"

"Yep, no one else to do it." Vin looked away, out the window. Yesterday his only worry was how long it was going to take for him to be killed. Hell, he had risked his life for them and they repaid him with mistrust. Now there was all this concern for him.

Nathan had found the problem. "You popped one."

Tanner was still focused on the scenery as it past, mostly nondescript buildings and cars. "Figured as much."

Ezra reported the discovery to Chris. "Seems as though Agent Tanner has another hidden talent as a tailor. He gave himself a few stitches. Nathan has surmised one of them has become dislodged. I believe due to the altercation with Agent Wilmington." Out of the corner of his eye Vin could see Chris tighten his hands on the steering wheel. Ezra looked from Chris to Vin's arm and then to the marksman himself. He sighed and then turned around.

Nathan offered some advice, not knowing what else to do since Vin had taken care of it himself, as usual. "Should clean it."

Vin worked the sleeve down his arm. They had pulled into the hospital parking area. "I'll do that."

Buck quickly exited the elevator and made his way to JD's room. He was a few steps ahead of Josiah, who had driven them to the hospital. Sanchez had tried to tell Buck about Vin but Wilmington did not want to hear about it. JD was awake and was going to be fine; Tanner could just wait. Buck couldn't quiet the nasty little voice that kept telling him it was all Vin's fault anyway. He was just damned lucky the kid had woken up.

Buck hit the door of room 2103. A huge grin broke out on his face as he saw the young agent; his forehead swathed with white gauze, propped up in bed, eyes open.

"Kid, it's about time!" He exclaimed as he went to the bed. Buck contained his exuberance and decided to let JD off with just a pat on the shoulder. "You had me worried," he added seriously, only to allow the grin to return a moment later. "I'm just glad you have a hard head."

Wilmington knew the young man didn't like all the attention. The times Dunne had been injured in the past he always said the others made him feel like a little kid.

JD shrugged off his friend's protectiveness. "I'm fine. Listen. . .," his dark eyes focused intently on Buck. The older agent couldn't help but notice the change in demeanor and knew something was wrong; he picked up the switch to call the nurse.

JD snatched the wire away, "It doesn't matter now, just listen. . ."

Josiah walked in, a smile on his face too. "Already giving orders JD?"

"Hi, Josiah, and no, I am not giving orders, just trying to do my job." Dunne accentuated the last few words. Buck stepped back, allowing the young man some breathing room and reminded himself that JD was an ATF agent too, not a child that needed to be coddled.

"Vin said it's going down soon." JD swallowed and brushed his hand against the bandage on his forehead. "That guy, Eli, is crazy! He shot me! I thought I was a goner. Last thing I remember was Vin pushing me...how did I get here?" The thoughts came out in a rush; an intelligent brain processing memories, situations and needs faster than his mouth could coordinate them.

The door opened again and the rest of the seven came in. The last person to enter was Tanner. Buck's smile dropped from his face when he saw the man and he unconsciously moved back next to JD's bed.

"Hey kid, nice to see ya." Vin drawled, looking happy and more than a little relieved to see the young man.

JD pushed himself up further on the pillows, blinking at Vin. "What's going on?" Dunne turned to Wilmington for an explanation. "What have I missed?"

Buck wanted to go into his version of the events. Might as well make the kid understand now that Vin had almost gotten him killed.

Chris interrupted, "I think Vin can explain it."

All eyes went to Tanner, except for Buck's. He kept his focus on JD.

In a detached manner, Vin relayed his story again. Finally drawing to a close in the same soft drawl in which he started, ". . .convinced Joey to change his plan and take you to Purgatorio, figured the team would find you once I put the signal on ya."

JD sat back against the pillows. "The signal was meant for you." Dunne shook his head. "But you're here, so it all worked out?"

Vin blue eyes stared intently at Buck. "Yeah, you could say that."

JD hadn't missed the stare nor the cool temperature in the room. The kid always knew when something just wasn't quite right with his family. "What's going on?"

Vin spoke up, but not in answer to Dunne's question. Rather, he responded more as if he hadn't heard it at all. "You get your rest, JD. I gotta go check on my apartment. The kids. . ." He slapped the younger agent on a foot that rested under the hospital sheets and slipped out before anyone could speak.

But before the door shut completely Buck uttered a soft curse and followed on his friend's heels, catching him in the hall.

"Vin."

Tanner stopped but didn't turn, forcing Buck to come further down the empty hall to face him. Vin didn't say anything, just gazed levelly at his teammate, waiting for him to say what was on his mind. Buck shook his head and stared for a moment at the gray Berber carpet beneath his feet, before finally meeting Tanner's eyes.

"Sorry, Vin, it's just when I saw JD and all. . .well..." he trailed off his apology and wondering, if he were Vin, would he take it. He realized he had become as stubborn as Chris. He didn't want to see the possibilities 'cause the kid was involved, and no one could take care of him like ol' Buck. He had found an innocent man guilty and at that moment it dawned on him - he wasn't sure how that man was going to react.

Tanner dropped his head slightly and did not make eye contact with Wilmington. "Yeah, Buck I understand."

Vin started again for the elevator, but Buck called out to him as he left. "Watch your back. Cuoco's men know your involved and you never know."

"I know."

"Why don'tcha wait, I'll give ya a ride."

"I'm fine."

"I could-"

"You could quit buggin' me and get back in and see JD." Vin had never stopped walking down the hall. Buck watched him walk away. How would he feel if when he came out of undercover he had been hit with his so-called friends not trusting him? Wilmington shook his head and quickened his step back to room 2103.

As soon as Buck had left the room JD scanned the faces of the men around him.

"Is someone going to tell me what is going on? What the heck did I miss?"

The others seemed reluctant to speak so Ezra took it upon himself to elaborate.

"There were...doubts raised as to Vin's connection to and dealings in...shall we say, nefarious activities associated with Eli Giuseppe."

"You thought Vin was crooked?"

Josiah responded in a soft tone, "We weren't sure what to think, son. Finding a friend unconscious and bleeding hardly helps the brain work as clearly as it should."

JD was still having trouble digesting what he was hearing. "He put the medal on me. That didn't give you a clue that maybe he was willing to risk himself."

Nathan attempted to explain, "Now, JD, Buck was only-"

But Dunne cut him off, "Buck is always trying to-"

At that moment Wilmington popped back into the room and JD continued his train of thought onto the object of his irritation.

"What's the matter with you Buck? I can take care of myself, and I trust Vin; which is why I volunteered. And the rest of you-what did you guys do? I'm out for 24 hours and everything falls apart. We are cops, and cops need to trust each other - at least that's what I learned in Boston."

Buck was caught off guard by the tirade thrown in his direction. "Whoa, whoa, hold up there, kid. You're right. You're right. I was stupid, and I just told Vin that same thing, and now I'm telling you." The look in Buck's eyes made it clear he was offering his apology for being such a horse's ass.

JD stared at his friend for several seconds before shaking his head in mock disgust and letting a smile cross his tired face. "You owe him a beer."

"That's fair."

"Ya owe me one, too."

"I can do that."

Chris spoke up, "We better get Buck outta here before he ends up owing us all."

Ezra cocked an eyebrow, "You say that like it's a bad thing."

Larabee ignored the southerner's comment, addressing JD again as the others made for the door, "We'll let you rest. We've got paperwork to do."

"Wait!" exclaimed Dunne, "You're just gonna walk out of here and not tell me what the heck I slept through?"

Buck exchanged a look with Chris and the team leader silently gave Wilmington permission to hold off on his own report writing for a bit longer. The others, knowing that Buck would stay, filed out, tossing back a few more comments as they left.

"We'll let 'the great exaggerator' there, fill ya in," offered Nathan.

"Take notes, JD," Josiah added, "you could have some screenplay material by the end."

Buck attempted to look wounded, "Just 'cause I know how to tell a story-"

"Tell a story', Agent Wilmington? I have heard people lie in front of a Federal Grand Jury and still be based closer in reality than your tales."

As the door closed behind Ezra the sound of a plastic cup hitting it caused Standish and his teammates to smile. "Apparently, his aim is about as accurate as his recollection of the truth."

He had not gone back to the house after almost being killed. He went to a safe house the family kept in case there was a war between the families. Evidence was pointing in that direction. There had been peace for so long now, who would want to tip the scales? The Dicicio's or maybe the Rantini family. If it wasn't for Nunzio, his most devoted man, being there. Then they arrested his son, and when he got home, he had decided not to hide from anyone, he found some ATF pezzonovante, big shot, waiting for him. The agent kindly escorted him to the federal building. The family's consigliare, Pietro, joined him. Pietro was Junior's age, he looked unruffled with his brown hair slicked back and immaculate navy blue suit. He knew nearly everything about the family's operations. He knew the Don so well that there is no need to speak. Pietro kept the faith.

The Don let his eyes flicker to the two way glass and shook his head. Did they think making him wait would intimidate him? He would wait and listen to what they would have to say, maybe they would give him some information on his son. Silence is golden, in fact the code of omerta or of silence was part of the oath a man took when he became part of the family. Dominic already had his consigliere talking to the federal judges that owed them some favors. Junior was being held on weapons charges, easy enough to sweep under the rug. It would all work out. He tapped his gold pinky ring against the dark, formica table.

A blonde man dressed in black came in to the interrogation room. Was this guy supposed to scare him? He grinned at his right hand man as if to say, 'Look another pezzonovante.'

"Special Agent Chris Larabee of the ATF." The man did not offer any handshake. He wanted the Don to know he did not respect him. He sat down, still not looking at Dominic. He opened a folder. "We found quite a lot of weapons on your premises."

As consigliare, Pietro was also one of the family's lawyers. "The house is not held by Mister Couco."

Larabee flicked through the folder in front of him, not looking up, "Whatever." Then he snapped the folder closed and looked at the Don. "Your son is currently being held for conspiracy to commit murder, specifically your murder."

Pietro laughed, "Premeditated murder? Agent Larabee where do you come up with these charges?" The consigliare relaxed back in the chair. "Father and son have an ideal relationship."

Chris smiled at the slick lawyer, "We had a man on the inside..."

Pietro loved a challenge and bent forward to meet Larabee, "Entrapment, tsk, tsk."

Larabee continued, "Not exactly. Our agent saved your employer's life." He directed his comments to the Dominic, "Seems as though your son wanted your alleged job and hired my agent for the hit."

Pietro was about to answer, but Dominic touched his arm. He had to think about this. . . Figlio di buttana, son-of-a-bitch! Him and that enforcer of his, Eli Giuseppe. He never liked the man. They planned this. Greedy bastards going against their padrone. And my son, my own son. . .It would have been all his one day, the young ones, they are all the same. They want it now. Ahhh, figlio mio, my son, you are going to get it. . .

The blonde man could see the Don was thinking about what had been said, "Let me assure you he is a crack shot and the shot at the window was a warning."

The Don tapped his lawyer on the shoulder to signal he was going to talk, "What do you want?"

Chris smiled to the angry Don, "Your assurances no one will harm Vin Tanner." Menacingly he added, "If my man even gets a paper cut, I will make your life a living hell."

The Don nodded his head. He owed this man, Vin Tanner, his life. Plus he knew if this Chris Larabee started a personal crusade against the family there would be problems, "Done, you have my word."

Larabee accepted and stood up, "You are free to go."

Dominic and Pietro stood up and headed for the door. The Don turned back to the agent, "The house is held in trust, with my son as trustee." His consigliare looked shocked. He had just hung his son out to dry. This meant all family support would be taken away from Junior. He was no longer part of the family. The Don no longer had a son.

They closed the door behind them and headed toward the hallway, "Pietro look into buying a television studio. Maybe we will start producing westerns. I need to relax."

Chris entered the viewing room which was attached to the interrogation room, feeling a little lighter in his step. JD was going to be released today and he had just prevented Vin from ending up on the Cuoco family's hit list. His agents had watched the whole discussion and were waiting for him.

"Nice job, Chris," Josiah said patting Larabee on the back.

Jokingly Ezra added, "Junior seems to have found himself in quite a predicament."

Chris looked for the sharpshooter, expecting the relieved man to step forward. Tanner wasn't among the group. "Where's Vin?" He asked his agents.

Nathan coughed, Ezra cleared his throat, Josiah looked at Buck who answered looking at the ground and very uncomfortable, "He never came in."

Larabee felt his anger rising, "You called?" He thought Vin was going to let the situation drop and go back to work. Chris didn't know who he was getting angry at, Vin for not coming to work, Buck for causing this whole mess or himself for not seeing this coming.

Buck met the leader's fiery eyes, "No one answered."

"He didn't call in," Nathan added wanting to dilute some of the tension between the two old friends.

Ezra must have had the same thoughts, "I fear Agent Tanner has taken grave offense of our treatment towards him."

Chris looked at his agents, and tossed the folder at the two way glass. "You blame him?" Larabee left the room, slamming the door behind him.

Ezra turned to Buck, "Did your apology have a tone of sincerity?"

Wilmington frowned, and his voice was tense with anger ."Yes, it did." He opened the door, and threw back to the others, "At least I apologized." The others looked at each other guiltily and followed.

Nathan caught up to Buck "We all messed up."

In his office, Chris looked at the post-its note on his phone. 'Gone to Nettie's. Need some time to think. Be back soon. -Vin'

He saw his agents leave the room, and he opened the door to tell them the contents of the note, and heard Nathan's comment. "Vin's taking a breather," he held up the note. But, Nathan was right they had fucked up the whole situation with the sharpshooter.