Part 3
Chris and Josiah entered the office, surprised to find that Buck, JD, and Nathan had already arrived. You boys are here early, Chris remarked.
Couldn't sleep, Buck said with a shrug.
Me neither, Nathan agreed.
I kept having weird dreams, JD said distractedly as he worked on his computer.
Chris looked at Josiah, who quirked an eyebrow in response. What kind of dreams, JD? Chris asked seriously.
JD looked up from his work and shrugged. It's not important.
Humor me, Chris ordered.
JD colored faintly, then said, Well, there were bunch of cowboys on horses...
Seven of them, Buck interrupted in an odd voice.
Two of them rode away in a different direction, Nathan said, looking around at the stunned faces of his friends.
Oh shit! Buck exclaimed. You guys had the same dream?
Nathan and JD nodded, then turned to Chris and Josiah, who murmured their affirmatives.
This is wild! JD said excitedly. You think it's a vision or something?
Anything is possible, JD, Josiah said. But it appears someone is trying to tell us something.
So what do we do about it? asked Nathan.
We listen, Josiah said with a serene smile.
Squinting against the sudden glare, Ezra and Vin stepped through the small opening in the boards that covered the entrance to the tunnel. They were free. It wasn't full daylight yet, just the muted gray light of pre-dawn, but to eyes that had been without anything but faint light for nearly five days, it was as bright as noon.
We made it! Vin grinned and grabbed Ezra in an rare hug.
Yes, we did. Ezra returned the hug, his joy at being free greater than his usual discomfort with such gestures.
Well, it is time for us to take our leave, Gambler Ezra said, dusting off his sleeve.
Yep, the boys are waitin' for us, Buckskin Vin said, gesturing to his right.
Vin and Ezra watched in amazement as five men on horseback suddenly appeared out of nowhere with two riderless horses beside them. Tipping his hat to them, the buckskin-clad tracker gracefully mounted one of the horses.
Thank you, Ezra said to the apparitions.
Yeah, thanks, Vin added. We wouldn't a made it without your help.
I'm glad we could be of service, the gambler said, mounting his horse with a satisfied smile.
Let's ride, boys, the darkly-dressed leader, who looked suspiciously like Chris Larabee, directed.
The gambler tossed off a two-fingered salute and wheeled his horse around. The leader flashed them a grin and spurred his horse into a gallop. The seven men who so resembled themselves and their team gradually faded away as they rode off together.
Vin looked at Ezra and smiled sheepishly. Ain't no one gonna believe any of this.
Then who are we to tell them? Ezra said. We were simply fortunate enough to stumble upon an exit.
Works for me, Vin said, sucking in a deep breath. Feels damn good to be out in the fresh air.
Ezra said appreciatively. Shall we depart?
After you, Vin said, gesturing to the overgrown path that was all that remained of a dirt road through the woods.
I can't believe we're doing this, JD said, watching the passing scenery. How're we gonna explain it to Travis?
I think we'll leave that to Chris, Buck said. I'm not so sure I believe it either.
Behind them, in his own truck, Chris was thinking exactly the same thing. It was either insanity or just pure desperation. There was no other way to explain why they were driving along these winding mountain roads looking for their friends. After the discovery about their dreams, they had piled into Buck's pickup and his Ram and headed for the mountains. They hadn't even discussed which direction to take, they somehow knew just which way to go.
This is crazy, you know, Nathan said from his seat behind Chris. Travis is gonna have a fit.
I know, Chris replied with a sigh. But we have to do this. I don't know why, but we do.
Josiah smiled. Travis should be used to our eccentricities by now.
I sure as hell hope so, Chris said, smiling faintly. Otherwise, we're all going to be visiting the unemployment line soon.
They had been driving for almost four hours, and Buck was beginning to think that they were on a wild goose chase. He was about to pull over when JD suddenly straightened and pointed out the window.
Buck, look!
Buck looked in the direction he was pointing and saw two figures walking along the opposite side of the road. He accelerated until he could see them more clearly, then quickly pulled over and jumped out of his truck with JD close on his heels.
Vin and Ezra were leaning heavily on each other as they staggered along the narrow road. They had stumbled more than once, since the bright sunlight was blinding to their sensitive eyes, forcing to keep them closed much of the time. Ezra opened his eyes wider for a moment, hoping to see a vehicle of some sort on the road. He and Vin were going to be forced to stop soon, before they collapsed from exhaustion. They had been walking for hours and had not encountered a soul, save for a single truck that blew past them without a second glance.
Brunelli would choose a remote location such as this to dispose of us, Ezra said with a sigh. This has to be the most unpopulated road in the state.
No kiddin', Vin replied. I could really do with a ride, right about now.
The faint sound of an approaching vehicle registered and Ezra grinned broadly. I do believe your request is about to be fulfilled.
Vin looked down the road, squinting at the source of the sound. He laughed aloud when he recognized Buck's truck. I don't believe it! How the hell did they find us?
After what we have experienced, I'm almost afraid to ask, Ezra said.
A minute later, they were nearly bowled over by Buck and JD, who wrapped them in tight hugs. Nathan, Josiah, and Chris joined them a minute later, eager to reassure themselves that their teammates were intact.
Buck stepped back, keeping his grip on Ezra's shoulders and studying him and Vin intently. He let out a low whistle. Damn, you boys look like hell!
Ezra squinted at him, then reached up to snatch Buck's sunglasses off of his head. Slipping them on, he sighed happily. Much better.
Vin mimicked his actions with JD's glasses just as Nathan pushed forward. Pulling the glasses away, Nathan grabbed the sharpshooter's chin and scrutinized the watery eyes he was trying to squeeze shut. What's wrong with your eyes?
We were incarcerated underground for the past... Ezra paused and frowned. What day is it?
It's Friday, Chris said, his forehead creasing in puzzlement at Ezra's stunned expression.
That bastard Brunelli ditched us in an old mine up in the hills, Vin growled. Took us all this time to find a way out.
We were rather, um, fortunate to stumble upon an exit, Ezra offered, sharing an odd look with Vin.
Yeah, specially since Brunelli sealed off the tunnel he used to put us in there, Vin continued, fury evident in his voice. We passed by it on the way down the mountain.
How'd your cover get blown? JD asked.
Brunelli received a call from a source while we were meeting with him, Ezra replied.
Vin added. Whoever the source was, he knew we were ATF.
Son of a bitch! Buck hissed. Brunelli has a serious ass-kicking comin' his way.
He's going down, Chris agreed, his eyes hard with a look that promised retribution for the harm inflicted on his own.
Come on, let's get you two to the hospital, Nathan said sternly.
Don't need no hospital, Vin said stubbornly. I'm just tired.
He is correct, Ezra said. We simply require sustenance and rest.
Buck snorted. That's why you can barely stay on your feet.
You're going, Chris commanded when Ezra and Vin opened their mouths to protest.
Too tired to argue, Ezra and Vin allowed their teammates to hustle them into Chris's Ram. The two weary agents were asleep within minutes, despite having Nathan fussing over them. Chris looked into his rearview mirror and smiled, feeling better than he had all week.
By six that evening, Ezra and Vin were safely ensconced in a room at the hospital, receiving intravenous fluids. Leaving Nathan to watch over his sleeping agents, Chris and the others returned to the federal building to begin searching for the mysterious source that had compromised his men. To say that Travis had been irate when they had called him was an understatement, but once they had given him the good news about Ezra and Vin, he had offered them his full cooperation. The dangerous glint they saw in the older man's eyes when he met them at the office was all the proof they needed of his support. With Orrin Travis and Team Seven after him, Rudolfo Brunelli didn't stand a chance.
Hey Ez! Vin whispered across the snoring form of Josiah to the man in the other bed. Ezra looked up and Vin jerked his head toward the door. A slow grin spread across Ezra's face and he nodded eagerly. Quietly, the two men climbed out of their respective beds and made for the bag of clean clothes that their friends had so kindly provided. The nurse had removed their IV's earlier and both men had been biding their time, waiting for Josiah to succumb to sleep so they could escape. Within minutes, they were dressed and making their way down the quiet corridor.
Where to? Ezra asked, squinting at the afternoon sun as they slipped out the side door of the hospital.
Remember that dinner we were gonna eat if we got out of there? Vin asked with a grin.
How could I forget? Ezra chuckled. It had been hard not to think about it, especially in the face of the bland hospital cuisine they had been forced to endure that afternoon.
Do you know any places that might have what we wanted? Vin asked.
I certainly do, Ezra said, already anticipating the meal they would soon be enjoying. We can find a taxi over there. He pointed toward the main hospital entrance. Grinning broadly, the two men jogged toward their destination.
Despite the fact that it was a Saturday, most of Team Seven was in the office. Josiah had taken over babysitting duty at the hospital, while the remaining four agents worked on locating the leak that had nearly gotten Ezra and Vin killed. Chris was staring at the computer screen when the phone rang. he greeted the caller.
It's me, Chris, Josiah said wearily.
Josiah? What's up?
They bolted on me.
Shit. How long ago?
About an hour. I dozed off sometime after lunch, Josiah admitted sheepishly. They took off before the dinner trays were delivered.
Chris snorted. Can't say I blame them there.
Josiah's rich laughter came over the phone. It is a bit of an incentive.
Still, we need to find them, Chris sighed. If Brunelli finds out they're not dead... He trailed off, knowing his meaning was understood.
I'll ask around here and see if anyone saw them leave, Josiah said.
We'll take their apartments, Chris said. Let me know if you find out anything.
Josiah said as he clicked off the phone.
Chris hung up and rubbed a hand over his eyes. The stress and lack of sleep was catching up with him, and this latest development, while not unexpected, was only making things worse. Heaving a sigh, he stood and went into the bullpen.
Ez and Vin went AWOL, Chris announced, watching as his men took in the news.
Aw hell, Nathan said. Should'a figured those fools wouldn't stay there. Idiots don't know what's good for
JD shrugged. I'm not surprised. They really hate hospitals.
Can't say as I blame Buck said with a laugh. I'm surprised it took em this long.
Yeah, but Brunelli is still out there, Chris reminded them. I want those two where we can keep an eye on them.
Did you try their apartments? Buck asked.
Not yet, Chris replied. I figure it'd be better to check them out in person, in case they aren't feeling sociable enough to answer the phone.
Good idea, Nathan agreed.
I'm going to head to Vin's, Chris continued. Buck, you take Ezra's place. Nate, you and JD check the Saloon and any other places they might be likely to show up.
Will do, boss man, Buck said, tossing off a sloppy salute as he headed for the door. The rest of the men scattered to perform their assigned tasks.
Damn, that was the best meal I ever ate! Vin said, leaning back in his chair.
Ezra grinned as he surveyed the remains of their meal. That wouldn't be because of the number of desserts you've consumed, would it?
Part of it, Vin said, smiling contentedly. Hell, I'm surprised we were able to get all of this stuff in one place.
Jacques is a wonderful chef, Ezra said. I expected he would have most of what we desired.
You think the others are lookin' for us yet?
Most likely.
We should give em a call, Vin said. 'Fore Chris wears a hole in the rug from pacin' around his office.
Ezra chuckled at that picture of their boss, knowing that it was probably close to the truth. I can't see that it would hurt to alert them to our location, now that we have enjoyed our celebratory repast.
Vin rolled his eyes at his verbose companion before pushing away from the table and heading for the pay phones near the entrance to the restaurant. Ezra ordered them both some coffee while he waited for Vin's return.
I called JD, Vin said when he returned. I figure he's the least likely to pitch a fit.
Good idea. Ezra leaned back and sipped his coffee, savoring the steaming beverage while they waited for their young teammate to arrive.
JD stepped into the restaurant and scanned the patrons slowly, looking for his two wayward friends. Vin spotted him first and waved him over to their table.
Guess you guys were hungry, JD said, eyeing the numerous plates covering their table. Damn, did you eat every dessert in the place, or what?
Vin laughed. Me and Ez promised ourselves this meal if we ever got out a that hellhole, so we had to have it.
Yes, the thought of another round of hospital cuisine was simply too unbearable to endure, Ezra said with a shudder.
JD laughed. Well, I have to get you out to the ranch before Chris has a cow.
Ezra sighed and Vin rolled his eyes, but both of them followed JD to the car – which happened to be Ezra's Jaguar.
I figured you wouldn't mind having your Jag out at the ranch, JD said in response to Ezra's quizzical look. Besides, you wouldn't both fit on the back of my bike.
Vin and Ezra sat on the porch, while Josiah cooked some steaks on the grill. JD and Buck were taking advantage of the rapidly diminishing daylight to toss a football around, while Chris and Nathan sat on the steps enjoying their beer.
Hey Chris, Vin said, breaking the companionable silence. There's one thing that's been buggin' me. How did you guys know where to find us?
I have been wondering that myself, Ezra added. We were not in the most obvious location.
There was a moment of silence where the five men looked at each other strangely. Ezra lifted a silent eyebrow in Vin's direction. Vin shrugged in response, clueless to their friends' odd behavior.
JD finally sighed and said, We all had this strange dream. There were these cowboys riding their horses... He trailed off, knowing how ridiculous it sounded.
Vin said with a grin, sharing a look with Ezra.
Don't laugh, Buck said. It's true.
How did this bring you to our location? Ezra asked.
Two of the cowboys headed for the mountains, JD said. So that's where we went.
What did these two cowboys' look like? Ezra asked.
Vin looked at him curiously, then realized why he was asking.
One was wearing buckskins, Nathan said. And the other one...
He was wearin' a red coat, right? Vin said.
Five heads snapped in his direction.
How'd you know that? Chris demanded.
Vin looked at Ezra, who nodded. We, uh, had a little help gettin' out of the mine.
Josiah said.
Vin said with a shrug.
Non-corporeal reflections of their real selves, Ezra reminded him with a chuckle.
JD said.
Ezra shrugged. That is how the gambler characterized himself and his buckskin-wearing companion.
They talked to you? Buck said, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Vin confirmed. They led us straight to the entrance.
Chris said, running a hand through his hair. This is all a little too weird for my tastes.
The Lord works in mysterious ways, brothers, Josiah said.
Ezra said quietly, lifting his beer in a toast to the flickering apparition that had appeared a few feet away. The gambler smiled, his gold tooth flashing before he disappeared again.
– 1875 –
Ezra made his way down the stairs, stifling a yawn. He was unsurprised to find Vin sitting at their usual table, sipping his coffee. Good morning, Mr. Tanner, Ezra greeted him, taking a seat across from the tracker.
You're up awful early, Vin noted curiously.
I'm afraid I didn't sleep well last night, Ezra said, pouring himself a cup of coffee from the pot on the table.
Me neither, Vin commiserated.
I had the most unsettling dream, Ezra said absently. It was quite... odd.
I had a dream, too, Ez, Vin said quietly. Ezra looked up and met Vin's eyes, surprised at the strangely knowing look in them. He couldn't possibly have had the same dream... could he?
How strange, Ezra mused, sipping his coffee and trying to ignore the memory of two men who looked just like himself and Vin. It was just a dream, he mumbled softly.
If you say so, Vin said, amusement shining in his blue eyes.
Just a dream...
finis