Chapter 38
Tanner Home
*Just do it Tanner.* Vin had never had a problem confronting dangerous situations, but when it came to possibly hurting Kelli he had discovered that he was not that confident about just how to go about it. There was no way to soften the risks that Chris was taking and any way the Texas looked at it she was going to get hurt by either her father or her husband.
"Buck's got the kids. Ezra volunteered himself and Barbara to finish cleaning up and Walter is going to walk Max home. "Vin told his redhead when he entered the kitchen. "We need to talk."
Kelli nodded silently, having anticipated that Vin would be ready to talk soon, and slipped her hand into his, allowing him to lead her out of the kitchen toward their bedroom.
Tanner closed the bedroom door behind them, leading her over to their rocker, and sat down, pulling her down onto his lap.
She gently caressed his bruised cheek. "Dad did this to you. Why?"
"He's not comin' home any time soon Kel, he's on his own private mission and likely to get himself seriously hurt or killed." Vin told her. "He was hostile, and just down right mean about it. He let me know in no uncertain terms that he didn't approve of the way I was runnin' HIS unit. In fact, he tried to hand the reins over to Buck, but Wilmington refused. "
Kelli had figured out that Vin was reluctant to talk to her about Chris, and knew that whatever her father had done it could mean trouble. She decided to make it easy on Vin and not ask for details…yet. "So what happened?"
"Bottom line, the day Larabee walks back into MCAT, I'm walkin' out. I've already written my resignation, Chris has accepted the terms, and I see no way of us continuin' to work together after this case is over."
She looked up at Vin to make certain that he understood where she stood. "Okay, so what do you have planned for us?"
Somewhat surprised by her apparent easy acceptance of his words Vin was a little thrown off track. He had expected to have to answer a few more questions about Chris. "Hell, I don't know. I'll probably take some time off and then go back to bounty huntin'."
"Good, that's somethin' that we can do together."
"Like hell it is." Vin exclaimed. "You are NOT goin' to be a bounty hunter."
"And why NOT?"
"It's too damn dangerous." Vin stopped just short of yelling at her.
"As opposed to bein' kidnapped, shot at, assaulted, and run off the road?"
"You are not goin' to do this." The Texan softened his tone and drew her closer. "
"I can be like that bounty hunter's wife on TV. They always work together, and they even get their kids involved."
Vin gazed down at her with an incredulous look. "You're serious, aren't you?"
"Vin, my whole point is that we can do whatever we want to do. I love my Dad and of course 'm worried about him, but my life is with you. I'll back whatever decision you need to make."
The Texan tightened his hold around her waist in response to her words. "You don't realize how much that means to me. I know how difficult this is for you to be in the middle between us. This is the one time that I can't be my brother's keeper though and it hurts like hell."
With Kelli's encouragement he eventually gave her all the details about their trip to California. He knew that she was as worried about Chris as he was, but she made her feelings crystal clear. If she had her way she would be on a plane today, hunt Larabee down and give him one helluva lecture about his responsibilities to the people that love him and the foolishness of risk taking with his life as well as the lives of others. Fortunately the Texan was able to talk her out of it, reminding her about her concussion and their responsibilities to the children.
Once they had both vented, Kelli went to work on easing his pain. They made love and found the peaceful comfort in one another that they both desperately needed. Neither of them could control Chris' actions, but together they could face the emotional turmoil that was created as a consequence of those actions. XXXXXXXX
"Tanner, you're thinkin' too hard." Kelli snuggled closer to him "Whatever happens is out of your hands, Chris saw to that. The only thing we can do is pray that he comes out of this okay."
"I got that message loud and clear, actually I was thinkin' about you." The Texan kissed the top of her head and tightened his hold on her. "The next few days are gonna be rough, I need Kelli Tanner wife, more than I need Kelli Coulter the agent. I want you to stay home, for a while, give yourself time to completely heal, and be here to give me a place to retreat to after I leave the office. I'm not asking you to quit work, just…"
Kelli silenced him with a light kiss. "Vin, I do understand and I'll stay at home if that's what you need me to do. We will get thought this storm together, the same as we have all the others. You have been my safe shelter since the first day I met you, and I'm here for whatever you need, for as long as you want."
"Then you had best plan on forever baby, 'cause that's what I want." With a one swift movement, he then proceeded to show her what he needed, and their shelter shut out the rest of the world.
MCAT Office
Tuesday ~ August 15~ 5:00am
Tanner had secluded himself in his office most of the morning reviewing reports. Had he been completely truthful, he would have acknowledged the fact that he was purposely distancing himself from the rest of the unit. After reading the same paragraph for the third time he threw the paper across his desk and sighed.
*You made your decision Tanner, now live with it! I can damn it! Then why can't you shake the feeling in your gut that says you should do more? Chris may have shut you out of his thoughts, but you can still feel his pain. Yes, but how do I help him and protect our families? Could you live with any of their deaths, if you didn't do what your head says is required to insure their safety? You can follow your heart Vin, as long as you're prepared to face the consequences. Are you? Damn you Larabee! Your stubborn ass is going to get someone killed if you don't come to your senses soon. Talk to me, help me help you!*
A sharp knock on his door pulled him back to the present. "Come in!"
Paul walked in, he was not certain if his information was important enough to disturb his Captain. However he was not willing to risk not telling him. "Sir, I've been going over the credit card receipts from our undercover operatives as you requested. Most of them are expected purchases but this one came in this morning and I think you should see it." Roberts handed the information to Vin.
Vin looked it over, and was concerned. "Can you get me an itemized billing on this?"
"I already have Captain." Paul passed three sheets of paper to Tanner.
Taking a deep breath, Vin knew he was holding a big piece to the Larabee puzzle. "Thanks Paul and let's keep this private. If anymore come in, bring them to me immediately."
"I'll see if I can pry more information out of that computer for you." Paul went back to his own deck, leaving a contemplative Texan behind.
Raised voice from the bullpen drew Vin's attention. He recognized the two combatant's words as belonging to Buck and Nathan. Those two had been dancing around one another since the Wilmingtons had announced their decision to adopt Caleb. It sounded as if they were done avoiding the issue.
Throwing his door open Tanner ordered. "Wilmington, Jackson, my office now!" Once he had them inside, Vin slammed the door. "What in the hell is going on with you two?
"I'm tried of hearing sarcastic remarks about us adopting Caleb. If you have a problem with me Nathan just say it!" Buck yelled.
"I don't have a problem with you Buck! But what do you know about being black?"
"What in the hell are you talking about?"
"Caleb is a mixed race child. He has needs that you may not be able to handle anymore than Vin and Kelli could. He needs to know about his black heritage and someone that understands what that feels like. Until he came along, I didn't realize how much I had neglected my own heritage and now I plan to do something about it."
Buck was stunned by Nathan's remarks. "You prejudiced bastard! You dare stand there and say we can't be fair to that child! MY WIFE is Hispanic, and in case you've forgotten, my girls are of mixed race." Wilmington took a threatening step toward Nathan. "We don't consider race an issue with our children, and I damn well won't allow ANYONE ELSE TO!"
"You don't understand any better than Rain! I am NOT prejudiced! "Nathan met Buck face to face.
"ENOUGH!" Vin stood up shouted. "Both of you sit your asses down NOW!" Vin shot a scathing glare to both men. "Buck, you cool off."
Tanner then turned and addressed the medic. "Nathan, I don't know why this is an issue suddenly but it ends here at work. In all the years we've known one another I don't think any of us have even thought about the fact that your skin color is darker than ours. "Vin put his hand up to stop Jackson's reply. "Regardless, whether you approve or not, Caleb is gonna have two parents that will give him what he needs more than anythin', and that's love. You have a problem with that, keep it to yourself! I want both of you to check your goddamn attitudes at the door! We have work to do here! Are we clear?"
"Yeah," Buck sighed.
"Yes," Nathan took a deep breath.
The Texan sat down again. "We may have a much bigger problem on our hands." He pulled out the papers Paul had brought in. "Nathan look at this and tell me I'm wrong about what I'm thinkin'."
Nathan read, and then raised his head to meet Vin's eyes. "I wish I could tell you that this means nothing, but I can't. If this is true then Chris is serious trouble. Did you know he was injured?"
"Yeah…yeah I did, but I didn't think about how or…hell!" Vin looked at Buck. "According' to what Paul dug up, he was injured in Mexico; a doctor there treated him and then sewed him up. The wound was contaminated and he had to go to the emergency room in Santa Clara. Evidently he or Raphael used Adam Carmichael's credit card to pay the hospital expenses. Roberts was able to get an itemized list of the charges…they admitted him and …morphine was on the list of drugs included in the bill."
"That is something Chris should never have, and I would guess that he had pain pills prescribed by the first doctor." Nathan explained. "After what he just went through a few months ago…it's too soon to expect his body not to react and demand more."
"Damn, if he's taking pills again that would explain his belligerence and all that hostility." Buck shook his head. "We have to do something."
"What would you suggest that we do, Buck? You saw how he was, and like it or not the man is of legal age, we can't force him to do anythin'." Vin stared out the window. "Chris knew that he couldn't take any drugs without consequences. He made his decision and now we have to do our jobs."
"I have some contacts in California, maybe I can track down the doctor that is treating the infection." Nathan tried to think of a way to help.
"And then do what Nathan? You can't ask about Chris Lar'bee, and you can't use your name." Tanner shook his head. "There is not a damn thing we can do unless Chris voluntarily agrees to it or comes home. I don't see either of those things happenin' anytime soon."
Buck stood, "Vin…"
"Team meetin' in thirty minutes, I'll see you both then." With those words, Tanner effectively closed the subject and dismissed them.
Santa Ana, California
Adam Carmichael did not have nightmares last night; in fact he slept better than he had in weeks. His arm still throbbed, but the sharp pains that he had been experiencing were gone, evidently the antibiotics were doing their job. As he lay in the hospital bed waiting for his doctor he thought about his situation. He knew he was walking on thin ice, but this was something that he had to do, for himself. He did not know any of these kids personally, but he did have children of his own and he felt the weigh of responsibility to do something to help them resting heavily on his shoulders.
*Vin doesn't understand…Donner has to go down for what he has done to those kids. Anything less is unacceptable. I want the world to see him as the monster he really is. Didn't Buck say Linda was home? Yes, but she will understand that I could not protect Kelli, but I can damn sure make a difference for Grace's future. You should call her….No, not until I get that bastard and see that those girls make it home. Linda and Grace are safe, Tanner will see to that. You cut him out, what makes you think that you can fix things with him when you get home. This is Vin we're talking about; of course I can fix things. He will forgive me, he always has.*
Dr Glass entered the room with a nurse and picked up Adam's chart." How are you feeling Mr. Carmichael?" He began to remove the bandages on his arm to examine the wound.
"Better, it hurts like hell, but…better."
"Uh huh, I believe the antibiotics have taken hold of the infection. I will be releasing you, but you must continue taking them orally. I will also prescribe a pain killer for you. Do you have someone that can pick you up?" Dr. Glass had the nurse redress the injury.
"Yes I do, but do you think you could double that prescription? I will be out of the country again soon and don't trust foreign doctors anymore." Adam requested.
"Sure, the antibiotics you only need for ten days, but I will give you a double script on the pain meds." The doctor smiled. "You take care and don't bang that arm around for a while."
"Don't worry doc, I won't." When the doctor left, Adam reached for the phone to dial Creed's cell number.
MCAT Office
War Room
The agents barely had time to be seated when Vin started the meeting. The first thing they noticed was his short clipped words, no banter, and no preamble, just straight down to business.
"We have a lot to cover so let's get started. Buck, you have a report on the task force results?" Tanner waited for Wilmington to start.
Buck opened the folder in front of him. "The task force has officially disbanded. The U.S. Attorney's office has asked for and received felony indictments against thirty two individuals that we arrested in association with child trafficking and illegal imprisonment. Sorenson has felony indictments pending against him and is facing thirty years in prison. Two thirds of the juveniles recovered have either been reunited with their families or placed in a foster home. The rest are being treated for an assortment of medical problems and placements are pending. Bottom line, we shut down a large part of a multi-million dollar operation and our apprehended suspects will be spending many years behind bars."
"Greg was next. "Forensics did not find any further evidence that would tell us who was responsible for the attacks on Agents Coulter, Santos, Walton or me. We are at a dead end on that part of our investigation. The only good news is that the two Denver PD officers that were wounded will recover."
Nathan picked up next. "We may have found a South American connection to O'Mara Enterprises and weapons. I should have more information later today".
"Our covert ops teams have been active. Justin aka Billy Ray has been assigned as a driver to the Costa Mesa Chief of Police and has been able to procure enough evidence to prove corruption in that department. The attorney general's man, Michael Vance aka Michael Welch has proof of at least one FBI agents' involvement and unfortunately has given us a trail of bodies to follow. It would appear that no one has survived to testify against either O'Mara enterprises or Victor Donner. Each possible informant has met with an untimely death. Raphael aka Creed Cortez has managed to send us picture of individuals that have met with Donner and I believe Agent Dunne has information for us as to their identities." Ezra ended his report.
JD stood up and went to the big board. "Donner has met with several men over the last few days. This one is FBI Agent Zimmerman." He pointed out the photos on the board. "This one is a known mercenary that specializes in weapons, Charles 'Ghost' Gant; CASSIE is digging into his background now. These other two we have not identified yet, but we will. I also am tracking a financial trail that had led to a blind trust. I am waiting on answers to inquires that I sent out, but if my suspicions are correct, we may have over first real link to Donner."
Tanner nodded. Nathan, I expect to see what you've found as soon as it comes in. JD, Pam, stay on that link and I want Gant's dossier on my desk ASAP. Buck, you and Mark join Nathan and Ross on finding those ties to Donner. Paul, you are to stay on top of the matter we discussed this morning. We are still on high alert status and will continue to work in teams, do not let your guards down, dismissed."
Vin stood up, grabbed his folders, made a stop at Gunny's desk and then went straight to his office.
Twenty minutes later JD was at his door and brought Gant's file with him. "He is definitely a bad boy."
Tanner took the file and JD still stood in front of his desk as if waiting for something. "What's on your mind?
"How long do you want Mallory to work from the ranch, and do you think it's safe for me to take Casey and the girls' home?"
"I want to keep Mal out of the office for as long as Josiah is undercover, and no, I don't think it's safe." Vin answered the younger man. "Keep working on that link. If the person you think is involved is at the top of this heap of criminals, he may be what we need to bring 'em all down." The Texan waited until JD had left to open the file and then began to read.
Three hours later, Tanner was finished making calls to his own unique sources, and he did not like the information that he had be able to gather. One thing he was certain of, MCAT was a target and this was no practice game. Whoever was behind this had hired the best and intended for the results to be lethal.
A sharp rap on his door as it opened was all the warning he got. Director Orrin Travis entered the room. "Don't get up son, but we need to talk." Orrin made himself comfortable in the chair in front of Tanner's desk.
"Sir, you received the reports I had Gunny prepare and send to you?"
"Yes, I did, and that's one reason that I'm here. I came to see for myself what it is that you weren't telling me and to find out why you haven't called Larabee in." Travis laughed. "One look at your face tells me what you did not want me to see and unless I miss my guess, your received that paint job while attempting to convince Agent Larabee that it was time to come home."
Vin did not answer, either to confirm or deny Travis' guess.
Travis shook his head. "It doesn't matter Vin, I suppose deep down I knew Chris was not ready for this. Travis the director is still in the dark, but Orrin the friend knows the demons that Chris has faced in the last few months. I should have pulled rank and ordered him not to go under, but…I did not. You are not to blame for him being out there, I am. Is he in serious trouble?"
The Texan thought about his answer. He may be pissed as hell with his brother, but he did not want to hang out their dirty laundry in public, especially with the director. "Probably."
"I understand that this has put you in a difficult position Agent Tanner and I empathize with you. However, I trust you to do your job and right now MCAT's survival is your job. I need to know exactly where we stand." Travis made a decision. "What I am about to tell you does not leave this room."
The tone of the director's voice had Tanner's full attention. "Yes sir."
"As you well know, MCAT started out as a test. In the last year, we have done outstanding work on a number of cases. Most notably, this unit has neutralizing three terrorist's threats, and halted at least two assassination attempts of high- ranking officials. Taking on serial killers, public corruption, computer crimes, and formed some remarkable specialized task forces, as well as now being involved with the current trafficking case, all of these successes have convinced the higher ups of MCAT's worth. I told Chris that I wanted to move the office; I did not tell him the whole truth about why because at the time I could not confirm it. As of the first of the year we will not longer be under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Attorney General. MCAT will become an independent, specialized unit, and the only person I will report to resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. We have been given an unlimited budget and will have state of the art equipment, satellite feeds, a video war room, and anything else we ask for. We will remain a versatile, responsive, and respected premier Federal law enforcement agency, demonstrating excellence in all aspects of our operations. "
"Damn, sounds like a lot of expectations."
"Indeed, and MCAT has proven itself capable of meeting those expectations. This unit will meet terrorist threats at home and from abroad, as well as to continue to take on the toughest, dirtiest cases, which will be what the public sees. We will however be called upon to covertly work on delicate matters that concern the national interest, which will not be publicly acknowledged. We will play an important part in keeping this country safe. MCAT must survive whatever threat is out there…even if all the agents do not. I need strong leadership and regardless of what happens with this case I plan for you to be a part of that. I will talk to Agent Larabee when he returns and make my expectations from him clear also. In the meantime, what are we facing?
Vin gave Travis the file on Gant. "My sources tell me he plays hardball, he is the best at what he does, he is successful ninety nine percent of the time, and has never left even one thread of evidence that would lead back to him for an arrest, hence the nickname, Ghost. I believe he has been hired to take out the unit."
Travis read the dossier and Vin's notes. "Okay what are you doing?"
"I am keepin' the number of agents in the office at a minimum, our families are in safe locations, we are workin' in teams of two or more, and I have ordered that our sensitive materials be moved to another location. I have also put buildin' security on notice as well as kept all of MCAT of the highest alert status." Vin leaned forward. "To be honest sir, if this man wants to take us out, there is not much I can do to stop him unless I have specifics on how he plans to do it. All we can do is to try to minimize the damage."
"Can you link this to Donner?"
"He met with Gant in his office at the club, but just meetin' with him is not illegal, I can only tell you what my gut says. We can take Zimmerman now for bribery and conspiracy to commit murder, connectin' him to the attempt on Agents, Standish and Dunne in the warehouse. We have enough to indict five members of the Costa Mesa Police Department on conspiracy and corruptions charges. The only possible we have on Donner is this.' Vin gave him the financial records that JD found. "I think you might recognize that name."
"Yes I recognize that name and I hope you allow me to be the one to arrest the bastard." Travis was learning how tough this job really was, with each new case. Not only did they have to watch for terrorist threats, they also had to deal with the greed of people that disguise themselves as law abiding citizens. "The man was already a millionaire, but he has to make money on the backs of innocent children too. That is unforgivable!"
"The only thing holding me back from giving the go ahead is the fact that I have two agents in deep with Donner. We blow the whistle now; they are as good as dead."
Travis took in a deep breath and turned to Vin with troubled eyes. "Give them a forty-eight hour deadline to get out, and then we move on this despite the consequences. I will alert the proper authorities that we may have an attack coming, do what you can to protect as many as you can, but remember…this unit is not just one agent. Keep me informed and good luck son."
As soon as Travis was out the door, Vin picked up the phone, dialed, and waited for the secretary to answer. "Jonah Drake, please."
Santa Ana California ~ 5:00pm
Creed had picked up Adam at the hospital earlier and was surprised at the difference twenty-fours hours could make. Adam looked one hundred percent better and sounded great. They were back at the club, sitting at the bar, waiting for Donner to give them their next assignment.
"Man, I can't get over how good you look; yesterday I thought you were on death's door." Creed studied his partner.
"I'm fine, the arm is better and I'll be good as new in a few days. Has Donner been busy while I was gone?"
"Yeah, something is up but I haven't been able to find out what it is. I've sent pictures back home, but as for around here they have clamed up tight as a drum. You want to see who Donner's been meeting with?" Creed had the stored pictures ready to show him.
"Hell, erase those and let the guys at home work on them, let's see what we can dig up around here." Adam rose from the table. "I think it's time to let the boss know we're ready to roll." Carmichael downed what was left in his glass.
The two men walked through the club to the back and knocked on the door to Donner's office.
"Come in", Donner answered and turned to face them. "Just the men I wanted to see. You ready to work or do you need time for the arm to heal?"
Adam grinned, "Hell, it's just a scratch and it's not my gun arm anyway. What do you need?"
"I have a new associate that wishes to do some business with us. His men will be meeting me tonight to show me his merchandise. If I like what I see, then tomorrow night we meet with him. I want you two to go along as my protection. Be ready to move out in two hours."
Creed smiled, "Will do." He and Carmichael exited the office and walked outside the club.
"Now we have to protect the sonofabitch from one of his associates. I hate this!" Adam growled.
"Maybe this will be the one we can nail him on." Creed tried to think positively. "I need to call Jonah and then we can go get ready."
Make it fast; we don't want to keep the man waiting." Adam snarled.
Creed made the call and listened to what Jonah had to say. "I understand, we have a meet tonight, but we will make that deadline, I promise you. This is the last check-in we'll make by phone, see you in two days."
Adam had half-listened to the conversation. "What about two days?
"Code red, we have forty-eight hours and then we are out of here, with or without evidence. MCAT will be moving in on Donner then."
"They couldn't have enough to get him on the trafficking! What in the hell is Tanner doing? I should have hit him harder to knock some sense into that hard head of his!
"Doesn't matter, we are out of here before they move in, you got that Carmichael! Midnight Wednesday we find Jonah and we are finished!"
"A lot can happen in forty eight hours!"
MCAT Office ~ 5:30pm
Tanner was ready to leave for the day. Tomorrow morning they would start the plans to take down, Zimmerman, The Costa Mesa PD, Donner and The big boss. Vin was anxious about Chris and Raphael, but hopefully Josiah could deliver the message and they would get out in time.
JD stopped him as he was headed to the elevator. "Vin!" Dunne was waving a picture at him. "You need to see this. I ran this photo through CASSIE again and crosschecked with our old cases. This man is the one that met with Donner this morning…he is also KyleWheeler, the same man that Chris busted five years ago."
"Sonofabitch!"