Chapter 44
MCAT Office~ Wednesday ~March 21st- 9:00am
The one thing Chris had not missed in the months that he had been away was paperwork. It seemed that it grew on his desk, and although Gunny was an organizational godsend, and Buck did his share, he had never realized, until now, how much extra Tanner had taken on to lighten his workload over the last year. Considering that the Texan hated paperwork as much as he did, spoke volumes about Tanner's dedication to not only their job, but their friendship as well. As Larabee prepared for the ten o'clock team meeting, there was a knock at his office door.
"Enter!" Chris shouted as he chased the pen that was rolling off his desk.
JD walked in with a folder clutched in his hand. "Chris, you have a few minutes?"
"Sure JD, what's on your mind?" Larabee indicated that the young agent should sit, and Dunne chose a chair that was opposite Chris.
"You are aware that I have been assisting the Justice department to develop a new program that will track offshore bank accounts and provide an electronic link back to the criminals that use them. One that overrides the use of numbered accounts only, and traces the original ISP of the deposits."
"That all links to the case you were working on for them right?"
Right," JD squirmed for a minute and then plunged ahead. "They were able to make their case with the data my program provided, but…aw hell Chris I did some digging of my own, and I understand if you want to tell me I overstepped my bounds, and you probably don't want to know…"
"JD…the point, son…get to the point."
"Yeah, I went to the evidence room at the federal building and checked out Jack's laptop that we found at the cabin. Using the information on it, and my program…I tracked his movements to several offshore accounts. Chris, he had almost three hundred thousand dollars stashed away when he died. You being his next of kin, you could…you know for the kids…" JD sat back and said no more.
Chris took a minute to let the implication of JD's words soak in. Surprisingly, he did not feel the pangs of regret and apprehension he used to when Jack's name was mentioned. Maybe it was the passing of time, or the fact that he knew the kids we thriving in their new home, or…maybe it was simply because he had come to terms with that episode in his life, whatever the reason, it was not painful anymore. "I don't want it, and the kids don't need it. Ezra has invested their mother's life insurance money, and it has returned more than enough to secure their future."
"So, we just leave it there unclaimed?"
Larabee thought for a minute more. "I won't claim it, and as agents I suppose we should turn it over to the Justice department. I'm sure most of it was made through illegal activities anyway. Monday morning that is what I want you to do….provided of course, that the money is still there then. It's really a shame to have to do that though, when we know there are several charities and non profit organizations that could benefit from having that amount of money to work with, but that is what procedure dictates."
JD sat there for a minute, fully understanding what his Commander said, and what he did not say aloud. Dunne stood up. "I'll see that it is taken care of, Chris."
"You do that JD, and thanks, I appreciate you looking out for the kid's interest." Larabee watched the younger man leave the office. He knew where that money would end up, and was not sorry about it one bit.
MCAT Conference Room 10:00am
For the first time in a long time, the entire team, minus Tanner, was in attendance for a unit meeting. JD, Pam and Mallory sat close to the bank of computers in the room. Raphael, Justin and Selina, sat opposite Nathan, Josiah, and Ezra, while Mark had a special place for Bandit. Bones, Greg, and Kat represented forensics, and Captain Wilmington sat next to Chris. Larabee started with an update on the missing agent's status.
"We have a lot to cover today. First off, I received a communication from Paul's sister. He has undergone his third reconstructive surgery, and is doing well. Additionally, he has decided not to return to MCAT, and will be entering the private sector for employment. We wish him well. Captain Tanner is on administrative status pending the resolution of Chambers's trial. He will however, be conducting training classes Tuesday and Thursday mornings from eight to noon at Camp Larabee. Take a look at the schedule Buck is passing around to see what classes you are due for, and plan accordingly."
Wilmington passed the schedules out. "We will be keeping current on our required training hours, so make certain if your name is listed to attend."
"Agent Dunne is back with us after his short stint with the Justice department. Welcome back, JD." Chris flipped the page on his notes. "You will also note that over the next two weeks contractors will be in to add another office, with two Captains, we need the additional office. Make certain all sensitive materials are secured at all times. Now before we head to new business, final reports are due on the arson investigation, on my desk no later than five today."
"Chris, I received word this morning that Chambers fired his attorney and hired a new legal eagle. We should expect a call for a new hearing within the next couple of weeks, and should take all precautions when Vin is subpoenaed to testify again." Ezra advised.
"What can a new attorney do that the old one couldn't?" Nathan questioned.
"The man he hired is known for using inflammatory tactics such as: keeping the media frenzy running, holding numerous news conferences, basically anything he can do to muddy the water." Standish explained. "Their claim is that Chambers is being held prisoner, by an unlawful government that has no authority to hold him."
"His followers are practically camped out in front of the courthouse as it is, this could make a tense situation even worse. " Josiah stated.
"I suspect that is exactly what he intends to do." Chris sighed. "Keep me updated Ezra, if he is bringing in a legal zealot, we may have some problems."
Josiah recalled. "In Birmingham Alabama a few years ago, they had a white supremacist leader in jail, and each time he made an appearance in court they damn near had a riot outside the courthouse."
"The U.S. Marshals are in charge of the courthouse security, but we will take responsibility for Tanner." Chris assured. "I also heard that Harrison was making bail, Justin, I want to know when he's being released, but I want you and Raphael to keep tabs on him once he's out."
"That will be our pleasure. "Justin said and Cordova nodded in agreement.
"Our new assignment is an assist. We will be supporting the DPD by investigating a string of particularly gruesome murders of homeless people in the greater Denver area. Reports are sketchy, but indicate eight homeless men have been found brutally murdered over the last four months. All of them were examined at a clinic on fifteenth St. within a week of their deaths, so that give us a place to start. Nathan, you and Mark talk to the doctors and personnel at the clinic. JD, I want your team to give me some background on these names." Larabee handed Dunne a list. "Bones, check with your contacts, and see what rumors may be floating around. Greg and Kat will take the lead on this one, most of the investigation will center on evidence recovery."
"What about the rest of us Chris?" Buck asked.
Larabee answered. "I have a special assignment for you Buck. Josiah has several profiles I would like you to look at, and then give me a report on your assessments."
"I can do that. Is this for a new case?" Wilmington was curious.
"No. Not at this time." The last thing Larabee needed or wanted right now was another major case falling into their laps; his team was still recovering from the last two. "Our main priority is protecting Nathan, Vin, and their families until Chambers's trial is over."
Captain Wilmington was relieved to hear that. "Josiah, I'll be in your office as soon as I get the rest of these yahoos some work to do". Buck stated." I think today would be an excellent time to catch up on our reports." He grinned when he heard the groans for the other agents.
"That's it, dismissed." Chris gathered his papers.
Larabee 7 ~ 12:30 am
Tanner Home
Several ladies of the Wild Bunch were having a luncheon to discuss the upcoming Standish wedding, and the equine therapy facility that was soon to be built. They had decided to meet at Kelli's home; with Max preparing lunch for everyone. Barbara had arrived early and was spending some time with the Tanners before Rain, Casey, and Inez arrived.
"Someone did invite Linda didn't they?" Barbara questioned.
"I did. She declined, but did send something over with Chris this mornin' for you." Kellie got up to retrieve the envelope Chris had given her. "It's a contribution to help with the buildin', donated in Cody and Grace's name."
Barbara opened it and whistled. "This will certainly help. With the check you and Vin gave from your children, and the others we have, we almost have enough to pay for all the building cost. Then we only have to keep enough coming in to keep it running."
"With Ez in charge of fundraisin', I doubt that will be a problem. " Vin laughed. "I swear that man has the touch when it comes to helpin' people part with their money."
"So I've heard." Barbara smiled. "I want this to work so badly. Caitlyn is wonderful with kids, and so many children can benefit from this."
"You, lady, are preachin' to the choir. Kel and I are sold on this, and we're both lookin' forward to helpin'." Vin said as he got up to answer the phone.
"I've been so wrapped up with this project, I forgot to ask. How are you feeling Kel?"
"Better than I have felt over the first few weeks. It's a relief to know that everything is okay. Dr. Weeks nixed me goin' back to work, but now that we know about the boys, we can plan more."
"Kel, I need to talk to you for a minute." Vin walked back in, "Barbara would you excuse us?"
"Sure, I'll go in and see if Max needs any help."
Vin waited until Barbara was out of earshot before he explained. "Kel that was Carmen on the phone, she has a situation. I know we agreed that fosterin' a child was too much to take on right now, but…she has a six month old girl whose mother was brutally murdered yesterday. She needs somewhere away from the city to place the baby until the police apprehend the mom's boyfriend for the murder. There is no other family, and it's only temporary…"
"Of course we'll take her Vin. Chambers is in jail, I feel better, and besides, you're here, and we have Max to help. Tell Carmen to bring her out. We can set up the port-a-crib, and whatever else we need we can get."
"Are you sure you are up to it?"
"Yes, call her back and tell her we've got this one covered." Kelli let Vin help her up.
"You remember baby, this one is only temporary. I think we'll have our hands full with Jason, Andi, and these two." He patted her stomach. The Texan was very much aware that given half a chance Kelli would keep every one of the children they had given refuge to. Fortunately all of them, with the exception of Caleb, they had less than forty-eight hours before they were placed in permanent foster care homes.
"I'll remember, and trust me I have no illusions about this spurt of energy I seem to have. I know that the next few months will not be easy for us, but we have to help this little one now."
Tanner kissed the top of her head. "I'm callin' Carman now. You prepare for the invasion, the kids and their mamas will be here in fifteen minutes."
2:00pm
"Okay, we have the flowers, the food, the preacher, and the music taken care of. What else?" Rain questioned the others.
"Invitations are out, the rings are at the jewelers, the weddin' dress is ready for the final fittin', and the girls dresses are waitin' for them to try on Saturday mornin'." Kelli read off her list. "You declined the shower, and the girl's night out, so all we have planned is a rehearsal dinner. Mallory is in charge of that and accordin to her notes she has it well under control."
"Caleb and Jason's suits have been fitted. The outside tent is reserved with chairs, and we have alternative plans made if the weather refused to cooperate." Inez looked over her list.
Casey read off hers. "JD will be video taping the ceremony, and has a friend of his lined up that will take the wedding pictures. I'm in charge of the children, and we'll cross our fingers that the girls don't get too carried away throwing rose petals."
"You ladies are amazing, and I don't think you have missed a thing." Barbara smiled. "Not that I would know, this is pretty far off my experience scale."
"I do have a question." Casey lowered her voice. "Is Maude coming?"
"No. She told Ezra she would be in the south of France until May and wanted us to reschedule. He told her no. I did tell him that I was willing to wait, but he said the only family that mattered to him was here, and refused to consider a change. Barbara shifted in her chair. "Before you ask, I do not expect my parents either. They are one-third of the way on a trip around the world, and believe me; they are not going to take a break for my wedding."
Kelli took in the silence that statement produced, and decided to change the subject. "If we have things for the weddin' covered. Let's talk about equine therapy. What needs have not been fulfilled?"
"We need a doctor on the premises, someone willing to devote all their working hours to the group, and a hospital willing to sanction us. Caitlyn needs an assistant qualified to counsel children and teens. We also need someone to keep track of the paperwork, individual case files, registration forms, etc. Of course we need volunteers to help the younger kids with the horses, too." Barbara sighed. "All that is needed just to get us started and we certainly will find more openings as we work through procedures."
"If you give me a list of criteria, and specific requirements, I know who to talk to at Denver Memorial Hospital." Rain offered.
"Great Rain, it just so happens I do have that information with me." Barbara grinned. "I have been working on this set-up full time."
"I am four credits from havin a degree in child development, and will be qualified as a camp counselor. Plus, I know horses, and I would love the opportunity to work with the group." Casey explained.
"I'll put you in touch with Caitlyn, she'll be the one to approve anyone working with the kids, but I think you two would get along well." Barbara proposed.
"That sounds good to me." Casey smiled
"As long as I can work from home, I am used to keeping paperwork for Ezra from the Standish Tavern. I could do it for your group." Inez stated.
"Thanks, Inez, I appreciate the offer." Barbara wrote her name down on her pad.
"Once I go back to work, I'll only have weekends, but I want to help, too." Kelli said firmly.
Casey laughed. "Your weekends will be full for a while, getting used to having twins in the house takes time."
"Boys at that, and identical," Inez grinned. "You and Vin both will stay busy "
"Thank heavens the girls are fraternal, if they were identical... lord they could both be like Daisy." Casey exclaimed. "At least mine are different enough that Lilah makes up for all Daisy's energy, and insatiable curiosity. She is a handful all by herself; Lilah is more laidback and lower maintenance.
"You're already doomed, you never stop going and Vin has more energy than three men. Your boys are bound to be little whirlwinds." Rain laughed.
"I heard that, and we're used to the whirlwinds, look at the two we already have. Besides, it will be a while before the boys catch up to our Andi." Vin said as he walked into the room and sat on the arm of Kelli's chair. "I hate to intrude on you ladies, but I thought Kel should know." Tanner turned to address his wife. "Carmen called, and she'll be here in five minutes."
"Okay, is everythin' ready?"
"Ready and waitin'," Vin replied.
"Is that the same Carmen that helped us with Caleb? " Inez asked.
"Yep, only this time she's bringin' us a girl, and she's only six months old." Tanner answered. "Her name is Ronesha Jewel, and Carmen says she is a little doll."
"I thought you two weren't taking on any more foster kids for a while." Barbara was surprised.
"Special circumstances, Barbara," Kelli explained. "Her mother was murdered yesterday, and Carmen needs a safe place for her while the police hunt down the boyfriend. We're only takin' her until they find him, and she can locate a more permanent home for her. Apparently she was a single mom, with no relatives that can be located, so the baby will probably be going up for adoption."
"We are through here anyway aren't we? "Casey asked, prepared to take her girls home. "I need to get to the house and help Aunt Nettie, or she'll tackle dinner on her own."
"Yes, I'd best be taking my bunch home, too." Inez stood up. That is if I can pry Tannis away from Max."
"Good luck on that one, Max has Tannis, Grace, Terrell, and Adam." Tanner grinned. "The other girls are all in Andi's room, and Caleb is with Jason in the loft."
Casey and Inez went off to claim their children. Rain and Barbara stuck around, both waiting to see the baby that Carmen was bringing.
Carmen Johnson arrived a few minutes after Inez, and Casey had left. Vin met her at the car, and carried in the supplies she had brought with her while Carmen took the baby inside. She removed the baby from the carrier and handed her to Kelli.
"Isn't she beautiful?" Kelli looked down at the baby. "Look at those eyes, man she is goin' to break some hearts one of these days."
Andi peeked over her shoulder. "Is that how small the boys will be?" The little blonde was intrigues at the small size of the child.
"They'll be way smaller than this Sugar. Ronesha is six months old, and has gained a few pounds since she was born." The baby reached out to grab Andi's hair.
Andi yelped. "Ouch, she's strong." Rain untangled Andi's long locks from the baby's grasp.
Rain looked at the light brown skinned baby, and…fell in love. "She is absolutely beautiful. Can I hold her?"
"Sure," Kelli passed the baby to Rain and watched the two of them.
"Ronesha's mother was African American, we have no idea who her father is, but according to neighbors he may have been white. They said that the mom's previous long-term boyfriend was a Caucasian man that stopped coming around shortly before the baby was born. On the birth certificate the father was listed as unknown." Carmen explained.
Vin came inside with the box that Carmen had left in the car. "Is this all of it?"
"Yes, she didn't have much in the apartment. A few baby clothes, and the one stuffed toy. I added some disposable diapers, and some baby food, but if you need something you know the routine. Buy it, save me the receipt and I'll see that you are reimbursed. I hope to have her placed within the week, but a lot depends on how fast they pick up the new boyfriend. He was seen leaving the apartment shortly before the neighbors found the mom's body."
"Do what you need to Carmen. We'll be fine with her until you make other arrangements." Vin told her.
"I know, and that's why I wanted to bring her here. I'll check with you tomorrow, and let you know if they make an arrest." Carmen walked toward the door. "Take care, I can see myself out."
Kelli noticed the look in Rain's eyes as she held Ronesha, and she was not the only one watching. Barbara was, too. The two friends exchanged a knowing look; Rain Jackson was definitely taken with the young guest in the Tanner household.
MCAT Office~ 3:00pm
Chris was reviewing expense reports when Gunny buzzed him. "Sir, you have a call from Agent Cordova, line one."
"Thanks Gunny." Larabee picked up the phone and pushed the button. "Talk to me." He listened for a minute before saying anything. "I've got it. Stay there in case we miss him." Chris stood up, grabbed his jacket, and left his office, stopping long enough at Wilmington's door to issue an order. "Grab your coat; we're going for a ride."
Buck did grab his coat, but had to ask. "Where are we going?"
"Federal lock up."
Thirty minutes later the two MCAT agents were waiting outside the rear exit of the Federal Detention building, in downtown Denver. They were watching specifically for one man to emerge from the jail. Buck spotted him first.
"That's him." The two agents moved in to flank the ex-prisoner.
"Frank Harrison?" Chris asked.
"Yeah, that's me, who in the hell are you?"
"Your worst nightmare," Larabee growled as he pushed Harrison up against the building. "You are gonna pass the word to your acquaintances that the bounty on Vin Tanner is null and void."
"Why would I do that?" Frank retorted.
"Because I am going to make certain that you spend so many years in jail, your kids will forget what you look like, if Tanner so much as gets a scrapped knee from any of your nutcase associates." Chris tightened his hold on the man's throat. "Are we clear?"
"Yeah, but I can't guarantee the right people will hear that."
"Then I strongly suggest that you find a way to make certain they do, or you will be an old man before you see the outside world again." Larabee snarled.
"Is that supposed to be a threat?"
"No, that is a promise." Chris released his hold on Harrison. "Now you have work to do Mr. Harrison, get to it." Larabee watched as the man hurried off, confidant that Justin and Raphael would dog his trail.
"You think he believed you?" Buck asked.
"Doesn't matter, he'll led Cordova and Michaels to the men we need." Chris walked toward his truck. "Harrison is a coward, and stupid enough to not realize he's being followed."
Buck grinned. "Damn, I'm glad we're on the same side."
"Me too Buck…me too." Chris climbed inside the truck and started the engine.