Part 3
Vin sat in the room, looking nervously at the closed door. Agent Larabee had been gone for a while and he was starting to worry about what would happen to him. What if the man had lied to him and he was still destined for juvenile hall? Vin sighed and cursed softly, chastising himself for his stupidity.
The door opened and the dark-haired man named Buck entered. Hey, kid. You ready to get out of here?
Vin looked at him warily. Guess so.
Come on. The big man grinned at him and opened the door, indicating that he should leave.
Vin stood slowly and walked into the hallway, stiffening slightly when he felt the man's hand on his shoulder. His stomach chose that moment to growl loudly and he flushed in embarrassment, putting his hand over his protesting mid-section.
Buck chuckled.
Vin glared at him, barely resisting the childish urge to stick out his tongue.
Come on, Buck said. I know just the place.
The hallway ended in a large, open area filled with desks. Three of the desks were occupied. A black man sat behind one in the corner. Beside him, was a large, bearded man with salt-and-pepper hair and twinkling blue eyes. At the last desk, was a young man, who Vin didn't think looked old enough to actually be working there.
Buck said, waiting until all their eyes were on him. This here is Vin. The men all greeted him cordially, the youngest one walking over to them.
Hey, kid. I'm JD. JD offered his hand in greeting.
Vin took it tentatively. Pleased to meet ya.
JD grinned at him. I heard what you did to that jerk, MacDermott. Way to go!
Buck admonished. We ain't supposed to encourage that kind of behavior.
JD rolled his eyes. Yeah, I know. But you gotta admit, guys like him deserve an ass-kicking or two.
Vin had to smile. He figured he could get to like this guy.
Where's Chris? Buck asked, not seeing his friend in his office.
He's upstairs with Travis, pulling some strings, the big man said, walking over to join them. He turned to Vin. My name's Josiah.
Vin nodded at him, shaking his hand. His stomach growled again and he glared at it, as if that could stop it from making embarrassing noises.
I think we need to get this young man some dinner, Josiah said with a laugh.
That's the plan, Buck said. Soon as I can find Chris.
Why don't we leave him a note? the black man suggested. I sure could use some of Inez's fine cookin'.
Buck pondered that, running a hand over his mustache. Okay. I'm starved too.
Hi, I'm Nathan. The dark-skinned man moved closer to Vin, while Buck penned a quick note for Larabee.
Vin shook his hand, nodding a greeting and shifting uncomfortably under the man's intense scrutiny.
JD noticed his discomfort and chuckled. Don't mind Nathan. He's an EMT. He's always looking us over, making sure we haven't hurt ourselves.
Buck said, grinning broadly. How bout we get us some food?
Inside the bar, Vin perched stiffly on a chair at the table, surrounded by the group of men he had just met. They seemed friendly enough, but he couldn't help but feel nervous and apprehensive about his future. He was startled by a touch on his shoulder and looked up to see a pretty, dark-haired woman smiling down at him.
Who do we have here? the woman asked the group.
This is Vin, Buck said. He's gonna be hanging out with us for a while.
Well, hello, Vin, she said, smiling at him. My name is Inez.
Pleased to meet you, ma'am, Vin said softly.
Inez's smile grew wider and she turned to the group. You could learn something from this one about manners.
The men laughed and Vin blushed.
What would you like to drink, Vin? Inez asked.
Whatever you have is fine, ma'am, Vin said.
she said. I will bring you some root beer. She swept away into the kitchen.
So, Vin, Josiah began. What do you like to eat?
Vin shrugged. Ain't too picky. I'll eat most anythin'.
What's your favorite thing? JD persisted.
Vin looked at them, then said hesitantly, I like lasagna, and chocolate cake.
Kid has good taste, Buck said with a smile.
Well I can certainly recommend Inez's cooking, JD said. Everything she makes is good.
The conversation flowed around him, and Vin commented when necessary, but he spent the rest of the time studying the men around him. They seemed to be a genial bunch, and despite his misgivings, he found himself relaxing a little in their company.
Buck called.
Vin turned to see the blond man striding through the door.
he said, taking a seat next to Vin.
You get everything worked out? Josiah asked.
Larabee smiled. Yep. Travis still has a lot of connections.
JD said.
Larabee turned to Vin. I fixed it so that you can stay with me for a while, instead of goin' to juvie. That okay with you?
Vin stared at him, stunned at this new development. Why would Larabee want him to stay in his house? His eyes narrowed suspiciously as he contemplated the man's intentions. He didn't know what to think of the offer, but it meant he didn't have to go to juvenile hall... After a moment, he nodded slowly.
Larabee said. Buck's gonna come out tonight and keep us company.
Buck snorted, whispering to Vin conspiratorially, He just wants me to bring the food. Man hates to go grocery shopping.
Vin smiled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.
Inez interrupted then, bringing a tray of drinks and taking their dinner orders. When she got to Vin, she paused, then smiled. I know just what to bring you. Trust me? At his nod, she patted his shoulder and walked away.
The bar began to fill, with many of the new arrivals waving to the men at his table in greeting. Vin found himself the subject of a lot of curious stares and slumped in his chair to make himself less visible. A short time later, Inez returned with a tray full of delicious-looking dinners, which she efficiently distributed to all of them.
Vin's eyes boggled at the huge plate full of burritos the pretty woman had brought him. The others had already started in on their own dinners, so Vin picked up his fork and dug into the fragrant food.
Buck gave Inez a charming smile. Inez, darlin', this looks almost as delicious as you do.
Inez rolled her eyes and muttered something in Spanish.
Vin understood some Spanish and chuckled at the pretty woman's comments.
She likes me, Buck boasted. No woman can resist ol' Buck's charms for very long.
Vin snorted, covering his mouth with his hand to stifle his laughter.
What's so funny, kid? Buck asked him, looking puzzled.
That ain't what she said, Vin said, trying not to laugh too much.
You speak Spanish? Larabee asked.
A little, Vin said with a shrug.
What'd she say? JD asked eagerly.
Vin grinned. Somethin' about a dog with fleas.
The table erupted with laughter.
Guess she told you, Buck, JD said.
I'm wearin' her down, Buck huffed. Just wait.
The darkness outside hid much of the scenery, but Vin could make out trees on the side of the road. His apprehension had returned, increasing as they left the lights of the city behind. He looked at the man beside him, wondering again at his motives for allowing a kid like him into his home. Early in his young life, he had learned that very few things in this world came without a price.
They slowed and turned onto a narrow road and Vin sat up with interest when he saw the fenced corral outside of his window. When he spotted the house in front of them, he realized the road was actually a long driveway.
We're here, Larabee announced as he pulled the truck to a stop next to the house.
Vin unclipped his seat belt and stepped out of the truck, looking around curiously. He heard some animal noises coming from the barn and looked at Larabee curiously. You have horses?
Larabee grinned. Yep. I have four, and the boys each board their horses here. He looked at Vin. You like horses?
Vin nodded.
You can meet them tomorrow morning at feeding time, Larabee said, putting his hand on Vin's shoulder, urging him toward the house.
Vin stepped into the house hesitantly, Larabee a few steps behind him. His unease lessened when the agent snapped on the lights, illuminating the spacious and inviting home. It was decorated in a comfortable Southwestern style that Vin found appealing. It was the kind of place he hoped he and Ezra could have for themselves one day.
Make yourself at home, Larabee said, gesturing to the living room. I'll be back in a minute.
He watched Larabee disappear down the hallway before wandering into the living room area. The two sofas, arranged around the big stone fireplace, were huge and looked very comfortable. Pictures lined the mantel and Vin moved closer to look at them. Most of them were groupings of the men he had met today. The last one on the right, though, showed Larabee with a woman and a small boy. Vin felt a sudden pang of fear. He hadn't considered that the man might have a family. What if they didn't want him here?
A touch on his shoulder alerted him to Larabee's return, and Vin turned to look at him nervously. You sure your family won't mind me bein' here, sir?
The cart squeaked down the aisle of the grocery store. One wheel was out of alignment, pulling the entire cart to the right and causing the annoying squeal that was distracting JD from his task. Grocery shopping was not his favorite thing to do, but he had not volunteered to help Buck buy food simply to be helpful. His roommate had been quiet since they left Inez's bar, and quiet was definitely not a normal state for Buck.
Tired of the silence, JD finally asked, So, what's bugging you?
Buck looked at him, confused.
JD rolled his eyes. You haven't said two words since we left the saloon.
Buck sighed and rubbed his mustache. I'm just worried, is all.
About Chris and the kid? JD guessed.
Buck admitted. I haven't seen him show so much interest in a kid in a long time. I just... He shrugged, unsure of what to say.
Chris knows what he's doing, JD said reassuringly.
I just don't want him to get hurt if things with Vin don't work out, Buck explained. The aftermath is never pretty.
Maybe it's just something he needs to do?
Buck conceded reluctantly. It's just that I've seen him like this before, ya know? He takes anything involving kids real personal, and I don't want to see him drowning in a bottle if things don't go the way he planned.
Well, if they don't, he's got the rest of us around to distract him. JD grinned at his roommate.
Buck chuckled and slapped his young friend on the back. That he does, kid.
Don't worry, Buck, JD said confidently. I have a feeling everything's gonna be fine.
Chris felt like he had been punched in the gut as he stared into the anxious blue eyes. Vin took a step backwards and Chris forcibly shook himself out of his stupor. His stunned silence had probably frightened the boy. He sighed and ran a hand through his short blond locks.
I don't have a family any more, he quietly explained. They died.
Vin looked at the floor, distress evident on his face. I'm sorry.
Chris gave him a wan smile. Not your fault.
Vin nodded tentatively.
How about some hot chocolate? Chris offered, hoping to lift the suddenly somber mood.
Vin replied, following him into the kitchen.
Buck'll be here in a little while, Chris continued, pulling out the milk and the cocoa mix. Hope you like junk food, cause that's all he knows how to buy.
Smiling tentatively, Vin nodded as he took a seat at the kitchen table.
Using the microwave, it only took a few minutes to brew the hot chocolate. Chris handed one to Vin and ushered him back into the living room.
You want to watch a movie? Chris suggested, pointing to the cabinet full of videos standing next to his large television.
Blue eyes widened in surprise and Vin nodded silently.
Chris wondered at the boy's quiet behavior. It wasn't the sullen or angry silence he was used to seeing in teenagers; it was a more anxious, wary silence and he wondered what kind of things would cause such behavior in one so young. There were a lot of unanswered questions about his houseguest and Chris knew they wouldn't all be answered tonight. With a shrug, he moved toward the video collection. What would you like to see?
Vin bit his lip and shrugged. I don't know.
Looking over his collection, Chris pondered what Vin might like. Josiah had told him that the boy was not likely to state his preferences on many things, in order to be accommodating and unobtrusive. It was a street survival instinct, the big man had explained. Out there, it was safer not to draw attention to yourself or risk offending someone else when you had no one to protect you.
His eyes settled on one video, and Chris smiled, nodding to himself. He had never met a boy who didn't like this movie. How about Star Wars? Do you like that one?
Vin eyed the suggested movie curiously. Guess so. Never seen it before.
Chris had to struggle to keep himself from reacting. How could a boy his age never have seen Star Wars? It was on television all the time, in addition to all the theater showings. Sighing inwardly, he forced himself to smile.
Well, I think you'll like it. It's a classic. He slid the tape into the VCR and settled back on the sofa beside Vin to watch it. The opening credits had just started when Buck made his usual noisy entrance.
Fear not, Buck shouted cheerfully. Buck has arrived.
Lord help us, Chris said, rolling his eyes. He stood and went to help Buck with the bags he was carrying.
Vin smiled as Buck waggled his eyebrows.
The two men returned from the kitchen and sat on the sofa with Vin between them.
What are we watchin'? Buck asked, nudging Vin gently.
Star Wars, Vin replied, his eyes glued to the screen.
Buck looked at Chris, raising his eyebrows in inquiry. Chris mouthed and Buck nodded in agreement.
The three sat through the movie, snacking on some of the bags of junk food Buck had brought. The two men had to smile at Vin's obvious enjoyment of the video. He had remained completely engrossed in the story until the end.
How'd you like it? Buck asked.
That was pretty cool, Vin admitted.
Chris chuckled. We'll have to watch the second one tomorrow.
Vin nodded, then shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Uh, can I use the bathroom, sir?
Chris answered. And you can call me Chris. Sir' makes me feel like an old man.
Well, you are an old man, Buck teased. Not young and handsome like me.
You're full of crap, Buck, Chris replied, shooting a mock glare at his friend. Come on, Vin. I'll show you where it is.
Looking at himself in the mirror, Vin thought about his circumstances. Things were certainly better than he had expected. He had been given a good meal and been allowed to stay at this nice house instead of juvenile hall, and they had even let him watch a movie. It had been a long time since he had watched any television, and he could only remember going to the movies once in his life. Most of the foster parents with whom he had stayed had not permitted him to watch much television. Even if he was allowed, he was usually too busy doing homework and chores to watch it for any length of time.
School work had always taken Vin a longer time to complete than most other kids, making him feel stupid and worthless. Ezra was the only person other than his first set of foster parents to tell him that he wasn't dumb. His first foster parents, the Reeds, had been good people, who had taken extra time to help him with school. He had enjoyed living on the ranch with them, but had only stayed there three years. After his foster mother had died suddenly, the state had taken him away from his foster father, claiming that it was in his best interests. Vin snorted. As if it was in his best interest to be beaten and starved by the greedy bastard at his next foster home, who had taken him in solely for the money he could collect from the state.
He had run away three times, each time getting caught and returned to the same foster home. Finally, he was moved to a new place, which was worse than the last. There weren't many people who would take in a problem child', as he had been deemed, and most of these were equally bad – more interested in the money than his welfare. The cycle continued, until the last place. It was more of the same, and he had been planning to leave. But then Ezra had arrived, and he had made his first real friend.
There had been other kids around in most of the places he had lived. Some foster parents had children of their own; others took in more than one foster child. None of the kids had ever treated him with anything other than contempt or indifference, however. Given a choice, he preferred to be ignored – it was much less painful.
Ezra had been different, though. Vin had never met anyone quite like him before, and found himself drawn to the other boy. Despite the arrogant façade the other boy had initially displayed, he had been able to sense that, underneath, Ezra had a good heart. It had taken some doing, but he had finally gotten the other boy to talk to him. They had become fast friends and, after recovering from the last beating their drunken foster father had dispensed, had left that place together and never looked back.
With a sigh, Vin washed and dried his hands, venturing back out into the living room.
Hey, Vin, Larabee said. It's getting late. How bout I show you your room?
My room? Vin said, sending a puzzled look to his host. He had expected to be sleeping on the couch.
Larabee and Buck exchanged a look, then his blond host smiled at him. It's down here. He pointed down the hall. I have two extra bedrooms, so you can have whichever one you like.
Come on.
Vin followed him silently, still trying to process the fact that he was being given a whole room to himself. He had always had to share in his foster homes, sometimes sleeping on the floor due to the lack of available beds. Larabee showed him into the first room, and Vin looked around tentatively, taking in the large room with the big bed and attached bathroom.
What do you think? Larabee asked him.
This is nice, sir... I mean, Chris. He swallowed nervously, not sure how to respond to the benevolence this man had shown him.
Larabee said. Buck can take the other room. Do you want a t-shirt or something to sleep in?
Vin nodded mutely.
I'll be right back.
Larabee left the room and Vin moved hesitantly to the bed, sitting down on the edge to remove his shoes.
Larabee returned a few minutes later, handing him a t-shirt and a pair of light sweatpants. These are JD's. We figured they'd be the closest to your size.
Thank you, Vin said shyly as he took the proffered items.
The guys tend to crash here a lot, so they all keep some extra clothes on hand, Larabee explained. Do you need anything else?
Vin shook his head.
Okay, then, Larabee said. We need to leave by seven tomorrow morning to get to the office. I'll make sure to wake you.
Thank you, Vin repeated softly.
Larabee smiled at him and left, closing the door behind him.
It didn't take Vin long to change his clothes and climb into bed. His mind whirled with all the events of the day and his last thought before drifting off to sleep was that he hoped Ezra was safe.
Chris grabbed a couple of beers and went to sit next to Buck, handing him a bottle.
Buck said quietly.
Chris agreed. Something tells me that boy hasn't seen a lot of kindness in his life.
Buck snorted. You see the way he watched that movie? You'd think he hadn't seen it before.
He hadn't, Chris said abruptly.
Buck looked up sharply.
Chris nodded.
Kid's real quiet, too, Chris remarked. Like he's afraid to say the wrong thing.
How the hell can people treat kids so bad that they think livin' on the streets is better? Buck asked, a pained look in his eyes.
Don't know, Buck.
Buck sighed. Guess I know why you brought him home.
He gettin' to you, too? Chris eyed his old friend, knowing he had a big and caring heart.
Buck smirked at him. Hell, yeah.
The morning was colder than the one before, but, dressed in his new clothes and warmer coat, Ezra didn't feel it as much. His step was heavier than usual and he moved stiffly, his muscles protesting the previous day's abuse. His thoughts were occupied with Vin and he almost walked past the diner. With a self-deprecating shake of the head, he pushed open the door.
Good morning, Mrs. Milford, he said as the diner's owner stepped out to greet him.
Hello, Ezra, she said, puzzled by his presence, since it was Vin's turn to help her that day. Her eyes narrowed as she took in his appearance. What happened to you?
Giving her a wan smile, he gave her an abbreviated explanation of what had occurred the previous day, leaving out the part about what MacDermott had planned to do to him. From the look he saw in Rosie's eyes, though, he had a feeling she already knew.
Frowning, she grabbed hold of his good arm and led him to a booth. You sit.
Ezra started to protest, but was cut off by her stern look.
she commanded, disappearing into her kitchen, reappearing a few minutes later with a toasted bagel slathered with cream cheese. You start with that. I'll bring you some eggs in a couple of minutes.
But, ma'am, I haven't...
Ezra, you are in no shape to work today. She put her hands on her hips and eyed him sternly. You just relax and eat your breakfast..
It was futile to argue with the determined woman, so Ezra swallowed and nodded sheepishly. Yes, ma'am.
Rosie brought him a heaping plate of bacon and eggs and wouldn't let him leave until he finished all of it. Finally, he was done and Rosie nodded at him, satisfied.
At least let me help you with these, Ezra insisted, carrying his plate into the kitchen.
Rosie followed him, shaking her head. Stubborn child.
But you like me anyway, Ezra said, giving her a dimpled grin.
Laughing, Rosie gave him a gentle shove. Off with you now, boy.
Yes, ma'am, Ezra said, giving her a two-fingered salute as he headed for the door. Feeling a little better, he started back toward his home, contemplating his plans for the day. The only thing he knew for certain was that he was going to do whatever it took to find Vin.
His eyes snapped open and he sat up with a gasp, looking around him wildly. A few moments later, he remembered where he was and flopped back down into his pillows. For a minute, it had all seemed like a very strange and twisted dream. Vin looked over at the clock on the night stand. It was a few minutes past five – a little early, even for him. Gazing at the door to the bathroom, he wondered if Larabee would mind if he had a shower. The man hadn't told him he couldn't, and he did say to make himself at home. Vin grinned and headed into the bathroom.
After his shower, Vin dressed and wandered out into the hallway, leaving the borrowed clothing in a folded pile on the neatly-made bed. From the other guest room, he could hear some snoring, indicating that Buck was still asleep. The house was quiet, so he kept his steps light, moving softly into the living room. He sat on the couch and looked around the room. He didn't want to wake the two men with the television, and he didn't think Larabee would appreciate him snooping around his house, so he sat quietly until the boredom finally got to him. Levering himself off of the sofa, he ambled toward one of the two tall bookcases that flanked the fireplace.
Larabee had a large collection of books, most of which appeared to be either westerns or mystery novels. Vin perused the many volumes, finally settling on one that was familiar to him. The synopsis on the dust jacket sounded interesting, and he had seen Ezra reading it at the library last year, so he figured it was something he might like. Settling on one end of the sofa, he started reading, using his finger to help him focus on the individual sentences.
Half an hour later, Vin heard the muffled sound of a shower running and figured that one of the agents was awake. He debated with himself for a minute, then nodded decisively. Setting the book aside, he went into the kitchen and rummaged around until he found the coffee. One of the tasks he usually did at Rosie's diner was preparing the first pots of coffee for the day. He figured it was the least he could do to repay Larabee's generosity.