A couple of hours later, the Larabee Ranch was quieter, with most of men outside, looking at the stars in the evening sky.

Chris Larabee, never one for apologies, walked out, met the eyes of each man and nodded to them. He then sat down and was silent for the first few minutes.

Chris said abruptly, "Think I made a mistake hiring someone as young as JD for my team."

Four startled eyes turned towards their leader.

"Chris?" Nathan questioned.

"He's several years younger than the next youngest ATF agent. Maybe the age requirement is a good thing. I'm not thinking of kicking him off the team, Nathan. Just keeping him as a tech until he turns twenty-five."

"He'll leave before he does that," Vin warned. "Kid has a lot of pride. He could have made a lot more money in the outside world being a techy if that's what he wanted."

The others nodded.

"What brought this on, Chris?" Nathan asked.

"JD's in danger because he is more vulnerable being the youngest," Chris replied. "And just look at what it is doing to all of us – especially Buck."

"Where is Bucklin?" Vin queried.

"Got a call from a friend who needs help," Chris replied. "Thought it might

be good if we were able to talk without him. The way he has been acting, he'd flip if I even suggested demoting JD."

"Damn it, Chris, this is not JD's fault and you would be punishing him just because some criminal is targeting him," Vin fumed.

Ezra had been silent, then spoke up. "And because of Buck's behavior. Buck's actions are not JD's fault."

"Buck is acting very strange," team profiler Josiah said thoughtfully.

Chris dismissed the comment. "Buck is always overprotective when it comes to JD."

"He's been, well, almost hysterical," Josiah mused. "That is not like Buck."

"Buck has been under a lot of strain," Nathan agreed.

Noticing the glances exchanged between the other four, and the feeling Chris had that they were tiptoeing around something, Chris demanded, "Speak up."

"Perhaps Mr. Wilmington is verging on a breakdown," Ezra quietly offered.

"Buck? Nonsense! Buck is strong inside and out!" Chris argued.

Ezra glanced over at Josiah, who sighed.

"Working for the ATF is highly stressful, our case load has been very demanding and Buck had the added strain of mentoring JD; and we all know how seriously he takes that responsibility. It may be too much."

"I'm checking on the horses," Chris snapped, walking off.

"That went well," Ezra commented.

Vin was frowning. "Why is it just because JD is young and looks even younger and innocent, it is easier for Chris to doubt him? JD may be young but he is not weak."

Vin stood up. "I'm getting a beer."

"Brandy for me," Ezra said as he followed Vin in.

Nathan looked at Josiah. "Chris is too close to this situation to see clearly," Nathan said. "And Buck has always been a strong anchor for Chris. It may be hard for Chris to understand that Buck needs help."

"Or our whole team," Josiah said pensively.

TBC