Part 8
The light bandages on his ribs – and the painkillers that came with them – felt better than his self-applied wrappings, but Vin found himself much more unsettled. Chris Larabee was probably going to be out there when he left the examination room, and Vin wasn't sure he was ready to see the man. The urge to run was strong, but he wasn't going to leave without Ezra. Ez had always stood by him – hell, he had risked a lot by coming to Larabee's house to get him after the whole MacDermott incident – and he wasn't about to turn his back on his best friend because he was afraid.
Squaring his shoulders, Vin left the examination room as soon as the doctor was finished, attempting to appear confident as he strolled into the waiting room. As he expected, Larabee was waiting there, looking up as soon as he entered the room.
Larabee inclined his head slightly in greeting. How are you doing?
I'm fine, sir, Vin said quietly, forcing himself to meet the man's penetrating gaze.
The doctor says you have a couple of cracked ribs and one broken one.
Vin shrugged gently. Had busted ribs before. They heal up pretty quick.
Larabee grimaced at his statement, leaving Vin wondering what he had said wrong.
You feel like seeing Ezra?
Vin nodded eagerly. Ezra had not looked too good the last time he saw him, and he hoped that he was doing better now. Inside the room, Vin swallowed hard at the sight of his friend lying so still. There were two intravenous lines attached to Ezra and an oxygen mask on his face, making him look helpless.
Vin called to his friend.
Ezra opened one eye, awkwardly turning his head to look at the source of the voice that disturbed him. He blinked sleepily at Vin. he said in a voice so soft it was barely audible.
I'm here, Ez, Vin said. I ain't leavin'.
Ezra nodded, his eyes sliding shut as sleep claimed him again.
Vin sat in the chair near the head of the bed, resting his sore – sprained, according to the doctor – wrist on the bed next to Ezra. Larabee had watched quietly from the door and now moved inside to take the chair by the window.
You don't have to stay, Vin said. I can take care of him.
I bet you can, Larabee replied. But I'm legally responsible for you, so I think I'll stick around for a while.
I ain't leavin' Ez, Vin stated quietly. Brothers stick together.
A grin quirked on Larabee's lips. Yeah, they do.
It was nearing nine-thirty in the morning and Vin was starting to get hungry. He didn't want to leave Ezra, but didn't think his sleeping friend would mind if he left for a few minutes to get some breakfast. Getting stiffly to his feet, Vin said, Gonna get somethin' to eat, Ez. I'll be back in a little while.
Vin headed for the door, aware of Larabee following a step behind him. They made their way to the cafeteria, where Vin filled his plate with pancakes and sausage, getting himself a large cup of coffee to go along with it. Larabee said nothing, getting his own breakfast together.
At the register, Larabee pulled out his wallet. I'll get it.
I have money, Vin said proudly.
Larabee shrugged. I'm feeling generous.
Rolling his eyes, Vin decided not to argue. They took their trays to one of the few empty tables in the place and sat down, eating in silence.
I have to use the bathroom, Vin stated when he was finished eating.
Go ahead, Larabee said. I'm still working on my coffee.
Vin headed for the men's room. When he was finished, he noticed some pay phones in a small alcove nearby. He debated with himself for a minute, then nodded decisively, reaching for the telephone. He had just hung up when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning, he found Larabee standing behind him.
Larabee eyed him curiously. Anyone I know?
Vin said, refusing to elaborate.
Larabee said, not pressing him further. You ready to get back to your friend?
Vin nodded and the two of them headed back to Ezra's room.
Chris sat quietly, studying the two boys in the room. What he could see of Ezra Standish was a slim boy with light brown hair, who appeared to be around the same age and size as Vin Tanner. The boy had opened dull green eyes two or three times during their vigil, but spent most of his time asleep. Tanner was another matter. Chris had watched him closely, cataloguing the range of emotions that crossed the boy's face. The predominant expression was the worried frown that took up residence on his face every time he looked at his stricken brother.'
Nodding to himself, Chris realized that Josiah had been correct about Tanner. The kid did have a strong sense of honor, if his concern for his friend was any indication. He looked to the boy in the bed, wondering what kind of person he was to warrant such loyalty.
It was eleven o'clock when Buck poked his head into the room. Chris nodded and quickly joined him in the hall.
Got the file on Standish, Buck said. Interesting reading.
Oh yeah? Chris took the offered folder.
Kid's been picked up a few times for gambling, Buck said with a chuckle. Seems he's quite the poker player.
Any other problems I should know about?
Buck shrugged. Kid's pretty clean, in terms of the kind of stuff we usually see. He's a lot like Tanner that way. No major criminal activities, drugs, or violence, and no record at all for the last couple of years.
I'll take a look at this, Chris said, indicating the folder. You and the rest of the boys can get to work finishing those reports. Travis is already on my ass about getting them filed.
Yes, sir, Buck said, snapping a salute.
Get your ass out of here, Buck, Chris said with a tolerant grin.
You need anything? Buck asked seriously.
Nah, I'll be fine here, Chris said. You know where to find me.
See ya later. Buck waved as he strode down the hall.
Opening the file, Chris returned to the room, curious to decipher the mystery of Ezra Standish.
It was almost two o'clock when Larabee climbed to his feet and announced he was going for lunch. Vin didn't want to leave, but he did want to keep in the man's good graces, so he agreed to a short break. After a quick and silent lunch in the cafeteria, they started back toward Ezra's room.
Passing by the bank of pay phones, Larabee asked with a smile, Any more phone calls to make?
Vin started to shake his head, then paused, wrinkling his forehead thoughtfully. Yeah. I got one more call to make.
Larabee raised his eyebrows curiously. O-kay. I'll meet you back in the room.
Vin watched him leave, wondering why the man wasn't pushing him more about the phone calls. Shrugging, he decided to figure it out later. Right now, he needed to call Rosie to explain why he and Ezra had not shown up that morning. If he knew the feisty woman, she was worried sick about them. He wasn't sure why she cared so much, but he and Ezra owed her too much to dismiss her feelings lightly.
As expected, Rosie was very concerned about them, but Vin reassured her that everything was fine and that they would be back underfoot in no time. As he hung up the phone, he hoped he wasn't lying to her.
The doctor was with Ezra when he returned and Vin waited impatiently until he was finished his examination.
How's he doing? Larabee asked the doctor when he stepped out of the room.
the doctor replied. His fever is down, but he still has a lot of congestion in his chest. He's lucky to have been brought in right away.
Larabee squeezed his shoulder as Vin lowered his head, pleased by the acknowledgement of his efforts. He was glad he had gotten Ezra the help he needed in time.
I expect we'll need to keep him here for a couple of days, until his breathing is better.
So he's gonna be okay? Vin asked tentatively.
As long as he gets plenty of rest and takes his medication, the doctor answered with a smile.
Vin sighed in relief.
You're quite welcome, the doctor replied.
Let's go. Larabee urged him gently back into the room.
Vin resumed his vigil, pulling one of the textbooks Ms. Peterson had given them from his backpack. This one was U.S. History, a subject both he and Ezra found interesting. They had studied some before, but this was the first real textbook they had acquired on the subject. Ezra had already breezed through three chapters, but Vin was still working on the first, since his reading speed was much slower. He picked up where he had left off, looking up when he felt the blond agent's eyes on him.
You're reading history? Larabee said, stating the obvious.
Vin replied with a shrug.
I ain't stupid, Vin said, unsure if he should take offense. 'Sides, I have to learn this stuff, so I can go to college with Ez.
Larabee tilted his head curiously, looking surprised at the statement. You want to go to college?
Vin rolled his eyes, wondering why people always reacted that way.
After a minute, Larabee smiled.
Vin looked at him suspiciously, then shook his head and went back to his book. Larabee was a hard one to figure out. He never seemed to act the way he was expecting. Vin wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not, so he decided to shelve his questions for later, when he could discuss them with Ezra.
I'm going for coffee, Larabee stated, later that afternoon. You want a soda or something?
Yes, please, Vin said hesitantly.
Larabee smiled as he headed for the door. I'll be back in a few.
Vin nodded and returned to his book. Moments later the door opened again, only instead of Larabee, it was Ms. Peterson who stepped through the door.
Vin? Ezra? she said, putting her hand to her mouth when she caught sight of Ezra in the bed. Oh, the poor dear. She hurried to the bed and tentatively put her hand on his forehead before turning to Vin. How is he?
Doc says he'll be okay. Vin was still working to get over his shock at seeing the librarian here at the hospital. Ya didn't need to come all the way over here, ma'am.
She shushed him with a wave of her hand. Besides I had to bring Ezra all of these. She reached into the large canvas bag she was carrying and held up a large manila envelope.
What's that?
Just as she was about to answer, Larabee returned with their drinks. He stopped just inside the doorway, taken aback at finding someone else in the room.
Ms. Peterson turned toward him, eyeing him up and down.
How are the boys? Josiah asked when Buck strolled into the office. The gregarious agent had told them of his late-night encounter with the runaways earlier that morning, and Josiah was concerned about their health.
They're okay, Buck said. Standish sounds a little better than he did last night. Hell, you could hear im wheezing all the way across the room.
Pneumonia can be rough, Nathan remarked. 'Specially if it ain't treated soon enough.
The doctor says he's gonna be all right, Buck assured him. I'll tell ya, those two are somethin' else. He handed Ezra's file to Josiah. Take a look at this. Kid's a real cardsharp.
Josiah perused the file, chuckling aloud at some of the comments added by law enforcement personnel. Seems he has a smart mouth on him, as well.
Sounds like a real delinquent, Nathan said with a snort.
He's an interesting case, Josiah added. A lot like Tanner, I'd say.
Tanner claims he's his brother, Buck said. Seems they're really good friends.
Josiah said in a faraway voice.
Uh-oh, he's going into Mr. Spock mode again, JD said, laughing. Mr. Spock mode' was what JD had dubbed Josiah's tendency to tune out the world while he contemplated something he found particularly fascinating.'
I think I'd like to meet young Mr. Tanner's Josiah said after a few minutes thought.
Nathan rolled his eyes. Don't you ever get tired of studying people?
Josiah gave him a broad grin.
Chris stopped just inside the room, surprised at the presence of another person – who was apparently not medical staff – in the room. The woman in question scrutinized him thoroughly before smiling and greeting him cordially.
Chris answered the greeting, looking toward Vin expectantly.
Uh, Ms. Peterson, Vin began. This is Agent Larabee.
Ah, yes, Ms. Peterson said, turning toward him. From the ATF, I assume?
That would be correct, Chris said with a grin, setting the drinks on the table so he could offer his hand.
I'm Paula Peterson. She offered a hand in greeting. I work in the library. Vin and Ezra are two of our favorite patrons.
Nice to meet you, Chris said, taking the offered hand. She was a tall, thin woman, with gray-streaked brown hair; he placed her age at somewhere between thirty-five and fifty. Gold wire-rimmed glasses framed intelligent brown eyes and Chris had a feeling that she was a force to be reckoned with.
Vin let me know what happened, so I came by to make sure he and Ezra were doing all right, Ms. Peterson continued. And to bring by a few well wishes. She smiled at Vin, then pulled out a number of colorful papers from the envelope. The children insisted on making some get well cards when they heard Ezra was sick.
Vin chuckled, picking up some of the folded papers. There were a large variety of drawings, most done in crayon and depicting rainbows, smiley faces, and odd-colored creatures that were probably supposed to be their favorite pets. Ez'll love
Shelley and Marie, along with a few of the mothers, sent these along. She withdrew two foil-covered plastic plates from her bag and set them on the table.
Vin reached for one, lifting the foil to reveal a pile of homemade cookies. I don't think Ez'll be up to eating these for a while, but I sure appreciate them.
Cookies and get well cards? Chris watched the scene unfold with puzzled fascination. Things were certainly taking an interesting turn.
Ms. Peterson smiled at Chris. Ezra often reads to the children during story hour at the library.
Larabee nodded in understanding, leaning casually against the wall. That explained a lot.
Vin here is quite a help, too, the librarian explained. He helps me lug books around while Ezra handles story hour. She smiled fondly at the two boys. Things just aren't the same without them.
Chris chuckled inwardly, reading the unspoken message in her words. The two boys were apparently important to her and she wouldn't tolerate anyone hurting them. Chris gave her a nod, resolving to speak with her some more later. She might just have some answers to the questions he had about these two unusual boys.
The friendly librarian stayed for twenty minutes, chatting amiably with Vin and Chris, and even saying a brief hello to Ezra when he awoke for a few minutes. Between the medication and the fever, though, Chris did not think the boy was aware of much.
Ms. Peterson stood to leave. You take good care of him, Vin. I'll be expecting regular updates.
Yes, ma'am, Vin said, giving her a smile.
Mr. Larabee? She inclined her head toward the door.
I'll walk you out, Chris said, hiding a smile at the suspicious look Vin sent him.
In the hall, Ms. Peterson gave him a knowing look. So, Mr. Larabee of the ATF. I assume you are the one who took Vin away for a couple of days?
I am, Chris answered. I believe he may be a witness in an ongoing investigation. He paused for a moment. In fact, I'm beginning to think that they both are.
I see, she said thoughtfully. How did you happen to find him here? I know that Ezra somehow engineered Vin's escape from your custody... She left the statement hanging, looking at him for an explanation.
He did, huh? Chris chuckled. I'm starting to think that there's a lot more to these boys than meets the eye.
You'd be right, there, Ms. Peterson said with a grin.
One of my men was here this morning and happened to see Vin, Chris explained. It was pure chance, but I'm glad he found them. Someone needed to take responsibility for Ezra's medical care.
Ms. Peterson sighed. Yes, I was afraid that was the case. I usually try to help them out in these kinds of situations.
This happen often?
No, thank goodness, she replied with a shake of her head. They're good boys, both of them. I've only had to provide assistance once before. She laughed lightly. I make a pretty good Aunt Paula', you know.
I bet, Chris said with a chuckle.
Still, even after knowing them for two years, I can't get them to call me by my given name. It's always ma'am or Ms. Peterson. She shrugged. I've never met more polite children in my life.
Yeah, I know what you mean. Chris scratched his chin. What can you tell me about them?
It was a few minutes before Ms. Peterson spoke. Are you going to look out for them?
Chris replied immediately.
she said, I'll tell you what I know. She proceeded to tell him about the two boys: how they spent their days at the library; how they followed their structured study schedule religiously; how they worked regular jobs to save money for college.
A soft whistle of appreciation escaped Chris's lips.
she said with a nod. That's why I do whatever I can to help them. Most kids in their situation have enough trouble just surviving, but those two have overcome the worst influences imaginable and still have the determination to make something of themselves.
It's hard to do, Chris agreed. I'll admit I was surprised when Vin pulled out a history book and told me he was going to college.
They actually attended school for a while, the librarian said, a hint of wonder in her voice. Ezra, bless his clever heart, somehow managed to forge them some transcripts. They were freshmen in high school last year for nearly four months under assumed names. She shook her head. Things fell apart when the school authorities wanted to get in touch with their parents about moving them up a grade or two, and getting Vin into some extra classes for his dyslexia.
Since there were no parents, they had to leave to avoid having Social Services called in, Chris guessed.
Ms. Peterson nodded sadly. They've had experience with the system in the past, and from what I gather, it was highly unpleasant. The expression on her face suggested she would enjoy getting her hands on those who had hurt the two boys. They want to stay together, which is unlikely given the way the foster care system works.
Is that why you never turned them in?
That, and the fact that they're managing very well on their own – probably better than they would within the system, she said candidly. They are intelligent, good-hearted boys who have done well for themselves, despite their situation. Giving him an amused look, she said, You know what they say: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.'
Chris said.
I'm usually rather law-abiding, Ms. Peterson said somewhat sheepishly. But those boys are just too special to let the system ruin them. Does that make sense?
Chris replied. It does.
I'm glad you understand, she said. I'd hate to think of them being in the care of someone who didn't recognize how exceptional they are.
I'll do whatever I can for them, Chris promised.
Thank you. The librarian rummaged in her purse and came up with a card, which she handed to Chris. If there's anything they need, or anything I can do to help, please call me.
I'll do that, Chris said, pocketing the card.
They shook hands and Chris watched the woman walk away, pondering what she had told him. He was starting to gain an understanding of the two runaways, which he hoped would help him get the information he needed about Digger's murder. Maybe he could even find a way to help them in the process. Either way, he needed to talk to both of them, once Standish was well enough.
Chris pushed through the door to the hospital room and stopped in his tracks. Tanner was gone. The cards had been placed on the side table, but both plates of cookies were gone, along with the teenager.
Chris muttered, spinning around and rushing back into the hallway. Even as he hurried toward the stairs, he knew it was a futile effort. Tanner was too smart to be easily caught.
Outside the hospital lobby, Chris saw no sign of the teenager, but he did see his men coming up the front walkway.
Buck greeted him. Something goin' on?
Tanner took off on me, Chris admitted.
JD commented, only to get the back of his head slapped by Buck.
He left while I was talking with a friend of his. Chris walked with them toward the entrance. I'll fill you in upstairs.
I hate seeing kids in this place. Buck looked sympathetically at the teenager in the hospital bed.
Well, he needs proper treatment, Nathan said, scrutinizing the machines attached to the boy.
I wonder why Vin took off? JD mused.
He doesn't trust us, Josiah said sagely. He probably thought it would be safer to go back to his own turf.
Buck inquired. He knows we aren't going to hurt him, doesn't he?
His self-proclaimed brother is sick, and we barged in and took over when you found him here. Josiah shrugged. He ran away from us before and isn't certain how we'll react to that. The boy's worried and afraid for his friend as well as for himself. He probably doesn't know what to do or who to trust. You have to remember, he's only fourteen years old, despite how much he's seen in his life.
What do we do now? Buck asked.
We wait, Chris said simply. Tanner will be back. He won't leave his brother here alone for long.
I agree, Josiah said. We simply have to play this on his terms for now.
And then what? JD interjected.
What do you mean? Chris looked at him in confusion.
What are you going to do with them afterward? JD continued. I know you want information about who killed your informant, but what happens to them after you get what you want?
Buck warned.
It's okay, Buck, Chris said. He's got a valid point. He turned to his youngest agent. I don't know yet, JD. All I can say is that I'm going to help them, if I can. He switched his gaze to the unconscious form in the bed. I'd say they've earned it.
You gonna stay here? Buck asked, already knowing the answer.
'Til they kick me out, anyway, Chris said. I could get official and insist on having someone here to watch the kid, but I don't think that's necessary.
Yeah, he's not likely to go anywhere for at least a couple of days. Nathan shook his head. Pneumonia is nothing to mess with.
Tanner will be back tomorrow, Chris said confidently. And I'll be here to meet him.
The room was dimly lit and smelled like the industrial strength cleaning products he used at some of his jobs. Without moving his head, Ezra scanned his surroundings. From the darkness he could see through the window blinds, he determined it was night time, which might explain why he was alone in this hospital room. Still, he felt an unaccountable stab of fear that Vin was not anywhere nearby. He always worried when they were apart, afraid that some mishap would befall his best friend while he was not there to help. Vin always smiled and told him not to worry, but as he explained to the other boy, he didn't have so many friends that he could afford to lose one.
Ezra shifted uncomfortably in the bed, wincing when one of the IV's pulled slightly. He always hated hospitals. They were places that restricted his freedom, one thing he had already endured far too often in his short life, so he avoided them as much as possible. He had vague recollections of Vin's worried face and a frantic taxi ride to the hospital, but everything afterward was a blur. He thought there might have been others there with him, along with Vin, but fevers tended to bring on strange dreams, so he couldn't be sure that he had not simply imagined it.
His nose twitched at the uncomfortable sensation of the oxygen mask, and Ezra resisted the urge to take a deep breath, knowing the end result of such an action would be a painful fit of coughing. The room around him was quiet, the only other bed currently unoccupied, and Ezra found himself wishing for morning to arrive. He wasn't a morning person by any stretch of the imagination, but he knew morning would bring Vin's return and he was particularly anxious to see his friend. The past week had left him feeling a bit jumpy and spending some time with Vin was what he needed to ease his worries. Focusing on positive thoughts, Ezra gradually slipped back into a deep sleep.