Chapter 10

Larabee 7 ~November 1st

Tanner Home~8:00am

Breakfast was finished and Vin spent a few minutes alone with Andi before he and Kelli left to take Jason to school. Saying goodbye was hard on the Texan and he made certain that he had spent as much time as possible with the kids before he left.

Yesterday they had taken Jason out of school for the day, and along with Andi, they spent the entire day together. A trip to the mall had them Christmas shopping early, and then to McDonalds for lunch, followed by an hour spent on the playground. A quick stop at the hospital to check on Paul was the only non-kid activity of the day. They had done more shopping in the afternoon for Halloween costumes, a quick pizza for dinner and then visited the Halloween carnival at the Church. Vin read them three of their favorite bedtime stories to hold them over until he returned home again. He had already signed and addressed a stack of cards for them that would be bundled and sent to a post office box in Virginia to an agent friend. Over the next few weeks they would be sent to Jason and Andi with a Quantico postmark. Buck had also promised to take Jason with Caleb to all the Bronco home games. They were small details, but hopefully these few actions would make his absence easier for the children.

Pulling up in front of Jason's school, Tanner cut the engine and hugged his son. "I'll call every chance I get, but I expect it won't be that often. You look after your Mom and Andi for me, son."

Jason was determined not to cry. "I will Dad."

"Max and Walter are stayin' at the house with y'all tonight and I'll be home in the mornin'." Kelli hugged him, too.

Vin opened the door for Jason so he could walk him to the front door. "I love you son. Remember that, and I'll be home as soon as I can."

The Texan choked up when Jason threw his arms around his neck. "I love you Dad." He finally released his hold and after hugging his Mom again, walked to the front of the school with Vin.

Kelli knew how hard this was on Vin as well as the kids; six weeks seemed like forever when you are a child. Hell, it seemed like forever to her too. She watched her husband as he walked back alone and her heart clenched when she saw him looking so miserable. He climbed into the driver's seat, started the engine and drove for twenty minutes without saying a word. They were on their way to a cabin that one of Vin's acquaintances had prepared for Vin Tanner to transform into Dusty Slater. Tomorrow morning Dusty would travel on to Rocky Meadows and Kelli would return home.

Tanner hit the steering wheel and cursed. "Damnit! What in the hell made me think that I could leave y'all for six weeks or more? When I get home Kel… I promise you, 'm taking at least three months or longer to spend with you and the kids, before I do any damn thing else!"

"I'll hold you to that time off Tanner, but I know as well as you do that this is somethin' you need to do, and not just to protect Nathan or the unit. Remember what Jason said when he took on those bullies that harassed Caleb?"

"Yeah, he said that bein' a Tanner meant he had to do somethin'." Vin clearly heard his grandfather saying those same words.

"That is why you are goin' in there Vin. You have no other choice, any more than Jason felt that he had a choice to stand up for Caleb. What those men did to Paul and what they would have done to Nathan is wrong and they need to be held accountable for it. That Tanner code of justice that your grandfather instilled in you and that you are teachin' our kids is part of who you are. You can't change that any more than you could make the sun rise in the west. I would never expect you to either. It won't be fun, but the kids and I will manage." Kelli reached over and trailed her fingers down his cheek. "I waited a lifetime to find you, I reckon I can handle a few weeks of separation, as long as I know that you're comin' back.

Vin took one hand off the steering wheel and squeezed her hand. "I am comin' back, baby. Count on it."

MCAT Office ~10:00am

Buck had met with Director Travis for over an hour this morning and now sat behind the desk that he still considered Tanner's, staring out the window. Watching the snow fall was supposed to be relaxing, but that was a state of being that was elusive for him at the moment. Wilmington had only been acting Commander for one day, but he already felt the extra weight on his shoulders that the job carried. Even before they were in law enforcement, back in their Navy Seal days, Chris had always handled the responsibilities of command much better than he did, and liked doing it. Vin hated being in charge but never shirked the responsibility when it was forced on him. Both men had set the bar high for MCAT and Buck was uncertain about measuring up to what was expected of him, but he would give it one hell of a shot.

Ezra rose from his desk and moved through the hangar toward the office that he had seen Buck disappear into a few moments earlier. He had a hunch that Wilmington was feeling a bit burdened with all of the hefty responsibilities his new title presented him with and wanted to give his brother a bit of support. He knocked softly on the door and waited for Buck to signal to him to enter.

"Come in," Buck yelled.

"I thought perhaps you would have some work for me."

"Hell, there is always more work to do around here." Buck motioned to the stack of papers on his desk. "Travis sent us a whole mess of it."

"Oh, joy." Ezra said sarcastically as he settled himself down in one of the chairs before the desk.

"Is any of it worthy of our undivided attention and superb individual skills?"

Buck heaved a sigh. "Damnit Ezra, there should be something we can do to help Vin besides sit on our ass here and do…paperwork. He only left this morning and I'm already worried about him."

It was the opening that Standish had been waiting for. The perilous solo sojourn that their brother was taking had kept him up most of the night, despite the fact that he had Barbara's luscious nude body curled up beside him. Tanner was gifted with his methods of defense, but even he had vulnerabilities, and the thought of him being without backup in an isolated situation didn't bode well with him. "It seems as we are both plagued with concern over Vin's welfare." he said softly.

The intercom on the desk beeped and Gunny's voice was loud and clear, "Captain?" Buck looked around hesitantly.

Ezra cleared his throat and pointed to the speaker. "I think that's for you…Captain."

"Right…uh" He fumbled for the speaker button. "Yeah…it's me."

"Commander Larabee is on line one and is requesting to speak to Captain Tanner."

"Oh Crap..." Buck said..."Uh...thanks Gunny."

His finger hesitated over the flashing yellow light that indicating a call was waiting. He glanced over at Ezra. "What do I tell him?"

"First you need to ascertain what Chris requires." Standish told him. "Answer it."

"Yeah right…Hey Chris, it's good to hear your voice stud…Vin? ...No, he's not here…he…"Buck hesitated too long. "Wrong? Nothing's wrong exactly… Hell, Chris I guess you'll find out soon enough, Vin is gone." Wilmington pushed the button for the speaker to be on, and looked to Ezra for assistance.

"What the hell do you mean he's gone?" Larabee's voice bellowed over the speaker making Ezra wince." Explain that cryptic remark Buck or so help me..."

Buck did not want to lie to Larabee, but he had his orders and he reluctantly gave Tanner's cover story. "Chris…Vin left this morning for Quantico, Virginia. He was offered a new position with Homeland security…a chance to command his own unit, and he accepted. I'm in charge here until you get back and…"

"When did this all go down? Why didn't he tell me?" Larabee's voice was calmer than it had been and even over the speaker Wilmington and Standish could hear the thread of hurt in it.

"It was sudden, but it was too good of an offer for him to pass up. He told us on Monday and he left for six weeks of training today. He will be back…he is to be assigned here in Denver. Kel is staying with MCAT…" Buck swallowed hard. "You got me now as your Captain when you come back."

A lengthy silence followed. Buck raised a worried eyebrow at Ezra. Standish shrugged his shoulders. He didn't know any other way in which they could have possibly told Larabee about Tanner leaving...even if it was only a cover story.

"Damn." Larabee was unmistakably disappointed. "I had hoped to talk to him today...about things."

"Whatever you had in mind Chris, I reckon it will have to wait, at least until his training is over…" Buck wanted so much to tell him the truth, but held back. "Or maybe he'll call when he gets settled in there."

"Yeah…I'll talk to you later Buck." The line went silent as Larabee hung up the phone.

"Vin's mission, although admirable, couldn't have come at a more inopportune time." Standish stated calmly. "It is a certainty that Mr. Larabee has finally come to some clarity with his life and most assuredly decided to try to atone for his grievances toward Mr. Tanner, and attempt reconciliation."

Buck smirked. "I just hope Chris forgives me when he finds out the truth. He is not gonna be a happy man when he discovers where Vin really is and I have no doubt that he will find out."

"Don't worry Captain; I'll be standing right behind you when he confronts you."

"Standish you best be standing beside me when thundercloud Larabee storms into the office." Buck told him. "He won't kill me in front of witnesses..."

Larabee 7

Chris already knew that Vin was not at home and that he was not answering his cell, that's why he had called the office. Now he sat and stared at the phone replaying Buck's words in his head. Something was off, way off. Tanner wouldn't leave MCAT for Homeland Security, he hated being in command, hated the paperwork, and hated the hours. He only did it…*He did it for you Larabee, plain and simple, because you asked him to.* "Damnit Vin what are you up to and why?"

Reaching for the phone again he dialed Travis's number. Suzanne answered. "This is Chris Larabee; I need to see the man, ASAP!"

"Director Travis is out of the office for the remainder of the day, but I do have a morning opening at ten tomorrow. Do you want to see him then?"

"I'll be there before ten, thanks."

Chris pulled out his phone book; he had several other calls to make and errands to run before his NA meeting tonight. Orrin Travis may not know it yet, but he was going to be the center of a full-fledged paper assault tomorrow morning.

The directions to the cabin were not hard to follow and they arrived shortly before noon. Vin pulled up close to the door and killed the engine. A light snow was falling and it looked like a picture in a magazine, but Tanner knew that no matter how pretty it looked, this was where Vin was going to cease to exist for a while and he shivered involuntarily. There was a blue GMC pickup parked by the side of the house that the Texan knew was registered to Dusty Slater. He shook his head when he saw all the stickers on the back window. 'White is right', NRA Rules, 'guns equal freedom', and more.

"Are we gonna sit here or go inside? Kelli prodded.

"Right," Vin grabbed their bags and they both trekked up to the front door. Tanner pulled up a loose board on the porch and produced a key. Unlocking the door he entered first, he was confident that it was safe, but all the same he wanted to make certain that there were no surprises waiting before Kelli walked in. "Clear."

Kelli walked up behind him. "Are you really worried about bein' compromised or are you just practicin' paranoia?"

"Reckon 'm might be overreactin' a bit, sorry. I'll feel better about things once I get my mind around Dusty and who he is."

"That's why we're here Tanner. By tomorrow mornin' you will be Dusty Slater and I'll be…on my way home." Kelli was determined to make this as easy as possible for Vin, but it was going to be damn hard for her. "Why don't we explore and see what's here for us?" She took off her coat and accepted his, hanging them both on the pegs by the door.

Tanner tossed the bags into the other room, which was obviously a bedroom, while Kelli checked out the rest of the cabin. He decided that the first item on his agenda was to get a fire going. Wood had already been laid in the fireplace and within a couple of minutes he had a blaze going and the room began to heat up. The Texan knew that all the information he needed was in that large brown envelope on the counter, but he was not ready to open it just yet

Instead he headed into the bedroom where Kelli had just finished changing and was putting their belongings in order. Vin leaned against the doorframe and smiled, as he watched his redhead. She was wearing nothing but one of his old shirts, barefooted and beautiful. It amazed him that as long as they had been together, she could still affect his senses now, as much as she did the first time he laid eyes on her. He also knew that no matter how much this mission may resemble the ones he used to take, that it was different. Always before it had been just him, there was no one that would be affected if he did not make it back, he had been a loner. Now he had his brothers, his kids, and this woman whom he carried with him in his heart wherever he went. *You are a fortunate man Tanner, don't lose sight of what you have.*

Making his presence known, he spoke softly. "It should be warmin' up in here real soon, baby."

Laughing, Kelli walked over and hugged Vin. He had stopped shaving Sunday and he now had that scruffy look about him that she found so damn sexy. "I expect that we'll be generatin' our own heat. This is our last day together for a while and I plan to take advantage of every minute." Kelli patted his stomach. "First though, 'm gonna check out the kitchen and rustle us up some food."

Vin swatted her backside as he gave her a quick kiss. "Good, 'cause 'm starved." He waited until she walked out of the room and then sat on the bed to remove his boots and rid himself of his cumbersome clothing, in exchange for something more comfortable. Before joining Kelli in the kitchen he grabbed a couple of comforters, and some pillows to make a cozy love nest for them in front of the fireplace.

Kelli was impressed with Vin's former colleague, the man known only as Raven to her, he had certainly thought of just about everything. There was enough food stocked in the cabinets for any situation. In the refrigerator there was a plate of chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of expensive champagne. The note attached simply said, 'compliments of the house'. She also felt better knowing that Tanner would have a safe place to come to if he needed it. She knew that her Texan trusted this man with his life and although she wanted to know more about why and who he was, she had refrained from prying into that part of Vin's past. Still, she worried, so many things could happen out there and Vin would be facing them on his own. *God, please keep him safe and bring him home to us.*

Tanner came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Looking over her shoulder he saw a plate full of cut up meat, sliced cheese and grapes. "Looks good, but you look better." He nuzzled her neck and began to trail kisses across her shoulder.

Kelli leaned back into him. "I thought you were hungry."

"I am baby, but man does not live by bread alone. Besides I want time for just me and you, before Dusty joins us." He continued kissing her neck as one hand moved under her shirt to caress a bare breast.

"Ummm…your friend left us champagne and chocolate covered strawberries in the fridge."

"You grab the plate, I'll get the champagne." Vin used one hand to open the refrigerator to collect the bottle and the strawberries, while Kelli balanced the plate of food and two glasses. The Texan then led her to the love nest he had made for them by the fire, where after undressing each other they curled up under the soft comforter to enjoy their time of just being together. As they lay snuggled in front of the roaring fire and were feeding each other strawberries it was too painful to think beyond the here and now.

Kelli lay with her head close to her Texan's heart, feeling the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. Vin took in the vision before him, no make up, just pure natural beauty. The firelight bathed her skin with a warm glow, while her hair hung loosely over her bare shoulders. She was sexy as hell, and just looking at her, he knew that he had found his own private paradise as he felt currents of desire ripple throughout his body.

Vin drew her to him for a slow kiss, his tongue exploring and claiming every part of her mouth. They shared kisses that tasted of champagne and chocolate, beginning their slow and sensual lovemaking. Vin ran his hands down the soft curve of her spine, caressing her bare skin and the problems of the real world fell away as passion sparked between them. A soft moan escaped her throat as he trailed kisses down her neck and he felt the tremors of desire that flowed through her. Kelli's hands slid down his muscular back to caress his firm ass, which only made him want more. One look in her darkened blue eyes told him that she wanted him and it filled him with a strong surge of possessiveness.

"Slow and sweet, baby, we have all the time in the world." Vin rolled over, pinning her beneath him.

Once he had her there, and had full access to her beautiful breasts, he teased her nipples with light strokes of his tongue before suckling each one. Kelli moaned as the effects of his tender touches raced through her body. His hand gently caressed its way up her leg and over a silky-smooth thigh to reach the moist heat that called to him. The Texan's fingers sought the wet heat between her thighs as he lowered his head to tug at her lips with his teeth. His tongue darted in and out of her mouth, in time with the movement of his fingers, teasing her repeatedly, until at last he claimed her with a hungry kiss that left them both breathless.

Writhing in pure bliss, her hands sought to caress her Tanner Treasure, but the Texan stopped her with his words. "Baby, you'll get your turn, but I get mine first and I want to make a memory." Again, he claimed her breast and long lean fingers stroked firmly and rhythmically, stoking the fires of passion inside her. Vin made love to her with his mouth and his hands, continuing his sensual assault until he felt her quiver and cry out his name capturing her cries with an insatiable kiss that stole her breath. Her response pleased him and he was ready to possess her completely.

On his knees, he arched his body over hers. Kelli saw him as a magnificent predator, waiting to spring into action. Vin's blue eyes had darkened with passion, beads of sweat glistened across his shoulders and he licked at his lips in anticipation. She loved to see him this way, his naked muscular body glistening in the firelight. Three soft-spoken words were all he needed to hear. "Love you, Vin."

Her sweet responses spurred him on, gentle hands caressed her hips as he eased into her warmth and when he felt her close around him, he groaned with pleasure. Vin ceased his movements to savor the feel of being inside his woman, until her body demanded more. The Texan took his time and with slow powerful strokes, buried himself inside her again and again. Their lovemaking intensified until neither of them could hold back the fulfillment that consumed their passion.

Resting in familiar warmth, neither of them moved for a long while. Kelli enjoyed the feel of him inside her and Vin not wanting any space to come between them, rolled over taking her with him. Instead of letting her go, he covered them with the blanket and held onto her as he etched the image of their love making into his mental book of memories.

It was early evening before they thought about food again, and reluctantly they began the process of discovering Dusty Slater. Kelli worked in the kitchen, while Vin dressed warmly and went out to 'Dusty's truck'. He returned with his arms full of assorted weapons, including a rifle, handgun, and a bag just as Kelli set their food on the table. She started to take the rifle from him to lay it aside and he stopped her.

"Don't touch it!" Vin laid it down along with the rest of his load. "Sorry for yellin' Kel, I don't want your fingerprints on any of these weapons. That's why 'm wearin' gloves, I expect someone will try to lift prints from anythin' I bring in."

"No need to say you're sorry, I should have thought about that. This is your show Tanner, you tell me what you need me to do and I'll do it."

Vin slid the brown envelope off the counter, sat down at the table with Kelli and they ate as he tore off the top of it and spilled the contents onto the table. The identifications, wallet, cash, and keys for the pickup he set aside, and then began to read the information that had been left for him. As he read each page he passed it to Kelli for her to look at. By the time they had finished eating they both had a good idea about who Dusty Slater was and neither of them was too fond of his background.

"It shouldn't be too difficult to remember most of it. " Vin commented. In fact, the basic information, such as birthplace, age and schooling, mirrored his life. Both men were weapons specialist and proficient in martial arts. They were both considered dangerous men to cross and worthy adversaries. The biggest difference was that while Vin Tanner entered law enforcement after the Rangers and a stint of bounty hunting, Dusty Slater became seriously involved in the anti-government militia, the KKK and the white supremacy movement. Three months ago the real Dusty Slater had been killed in a shootout with law officers. It had been fairly simple to keep his death quiet because he was a loner that no one really knew well enough to identify by sight. With no family to claim his body, he was buried as a John Doe and any documents with his name on them had been destroyed.

Dusty's reputation lived on with the help of unofficial manipulation of the facts, and his identity had been added to, and now it appeared that Slater had left Texas not by choice, but out of necessity, apparently he was being investigated by the Texas Rangers in connection with several hate crimes, one of which had ended in the death of two black males. Slater had gone into seclusion and now was rumored to be headed toward Colorado.

"I think Slater's record will be burned in my memory forever." Kelli was suddenly apprehensive about Vin going through with this mission. "After readin' his rap sheet, I don't think I like Dusty very much."

"I reckon that means that the RMR will love him." Tanner resigned himself to the fact that the next few weeks were going to be a private hell for him. "I think I'll go outside and check out these weapons, you can quiz me later on Dusty's background." Vin leaned over, kissed Kelli, and then picked up the guns as he headed out the door.

Kelli realized that Vin needed some time alone and after slipping on her own gloves, busied herself packing Vin Tanner's personal effects into her bag and Dusty Slater's into his. She cringed at the obscenities printed on the shirts that were suppose to be Slater's, and almost cried when she took out Vin's wallet and replaced it with Dusty's. They had already left his cell phone, badge, and gun at home so the only way to communicate with him after today would be with Slater's untraceable cell and the phone that was designated for her to receive his calls.

When Vin came back inside an hour later, Kelli immediately noticed the difference in his demeanor. Apparently he had locked the weapons in the GMC and he was satisfied that the Winchester 70 stealth was a good choice for him, but she detected a harder edge to his words and actions than before he had gone outside. It was very unsettling to watch Vin Tanner disappear before her eyes, to be replaced by Dusty Slater.

"I changed the duffel bag over for Dusty and yes, I used gloves and your stuff is in with mine, now. Are you ready for a review?"

"Sure, fire away." Vin sprawled on the couch next to his wife, and for the next hour answered the questions about Dusty as Kelli asked them.

Kelli felt him distancing himself already and the more confident he became with Dusty's background the more clipped his answers were. Finally he decided that he had answered enough questions and he felt he could handle anything the RMR wanted to throw at him.

"Enough already! I've got it and we're done with the questions." Vin pulled her over to him and fiercely claimed a possessive kiss that was lusty and provocative, but screamed detached, rough sex, not fiery loving passion.

Kelli was not about to have sex with Dusty Slater on the last night she would spend with her husband for possibly weeks. "Vin, stop," she pulled away from him. "I love you and would do anythin' within my power to make you happy, but I refuse to let Dusty into our marriage bed. If Vin Tanner wants hot lusty sex, 'm ready, but I don't think the man that just kissed me is my Vin and that is who I want to make love with in that bed tonight…my Vin."

Tanner immediately realized that in the process of transforming his mind over to thinking like the persona of Dusty Slater, he had gone too far. "Kel, 'm sorry, I…" The Texan drew her close again. "Baby, I love you and I don't want to share you with him. Dusty doesn't deserve someone like you." He kissed her again, still with fiery passion, but also with the love she was accustomed to receiving from her Vin. "The only two people in our bed tonight will be you and me."

Vin then proceeded to prove just that, sweeping her up into his arms, he carried her to the bedroom.

Quickly discarding their clothes they collapsed onto the bed. Hands and mouths caressed bare skin until they were both in a fever of desire;licentious passion took over their lovemaking. His hands roughly kneaded her breasts and she nipped at his skin leaving a trail of love bites on his neck and shoulders. He claimed her mouth with hot demanding kisses and lifted her to him. One insatiable kiss followed another and their wanton behavior pushed an out of control need to be closer to its ultimate level until finally in the midst of their frenzied desire, they came together. Vin buried himself inside her by way of one hard thrust and pure passion took over. With powerful strokes, he rocked hard and deep into her soft body and her throaty growls intensified the wild ride they were taking. Locking hands with hers, Vin took forceful possession of her mouth tasting her as he arched and shuddered against her, taking the two Texans to their special place. Tremors of pleasure coursed through their bodies as mutual ecstasy consumed them.

It was hot and lusty lovemaking that they made, but it was between the only two people that mattered. The rest of their night was spent making sweet memories to sustain them over the long weeks that lay ahead.

Journal Entry~ November 1~Reclamation

It was a proud day for me; I received my sixty day chip. I didn't tell anyone in the family that I was getting it either. I feel better about myself than I have felt since before California. It is getting easier to talk at the meeting and as I see more first-timers come in, I find myself even reaching out to a few of the newer members. Who would have thought that I would be doing that?

I spent the rest of the day preparing for my meeting with Travis. I saw my shrink early today and then had an even longer discussion with my counselor at NA. Finally I talked it over with Colonel Mike. They all agreed that I was ready…now all I have to do is convince Travis. I have to do this because it's the only way I can find out the true reason Vin left MCAT. I know the story Buck gave me sounds good, but my gut says that Tanner is walking on dangerous ground.