Rope Enough

by Brandgwen

Disclaimer: Profiler is the property of NBC and Sander/Moses. The Magnificent Seven is the property of Watson/Densham and CBS. The ATF universe belongs to Mog. I'm not making any money, I'm not worth suing.

Author's Note: This is an ATF/Profiler cross-over, inspired by the challenge put forward by Michelle Naylor. Background is gleaned from a number of ATF fics, in particular "How DID He Get That Car?", by Mog and "Your True Family", by Ruby. Thanks to to everyone who helped me with the background information.

A Level of Proficiency

Grant sat across from Standish, a wicked smile on his face. Standish's gaze wandered toward the door, where Vin Tanner had positioned himself, and then back to his captor. They could well be in for a long night.

"So, you're the infamous Standish. I've heard a lot about you."

The undercover did not move - he barely even drew breath - and his face remained an impassive mask.

"You know what I've heard? I've heard that you were passing information to a narcotics dealer. The name Lagraven ring any bells?"

Again, no response. This is one cold bastard.

"Hear you drive a real pretty car. That's what people say, anyway. You know what else they say?" John leaned forward, toward Standish, "They say your information got some good agents killed."

Standish raised an eyebrow. "They also say Elvis is alive and living in Florida."

John almost smiled. The man was undoubtedly slick, but he had been unable to let that comment go. John glanced at Tanner. He had not moved a muscle during the whole exchange, but the FBI agent got the impression that, one false move and he would be facing one very angry watch-dog. Damned ATF. Assuming, of course, they're not serial killers, they're my kind of people.

The door opened and the two profilers entered. Josiah grinned at the suspect, then turned to Vin. He kept his voice low, "Chris wants to talk to you. Looks like we might be on this a while." Vin nodded and left. John took the hint and followed.

"Ezra, this is Doctor Sam Waters. She's a profiler."

Ezra stood and extended his hand, along with is most endearing smile. He did, however, refrain from outright flirtation. This woman's impressions would dictate the amount of trouble he really faced. He judged her too astute to fall for petty charm tactics.

"Agent Standish, please, sit. I've just got a few questions for you. After that, you're free to go."

"I'm free to go, now. I've not been arrested," Ezra made sure she knew he was cooperating of his own volition.

They spoke for almost an hour, before Sam opened a folder of notes she had placed on the table. Ezra recognised his FBI record and suddenly wished Josiah would leave.

"I only have your FBI papers, here, but, from what I can see, you're very good at your job."

"Working undercover, one has no option but to develop a level of proficiency."

"Proficiency doesn't explain this good a record, but you also have a number of reprimands against you. Why is that?"

"Ability to do one's job and ability to put up with bureaucracy are traits with little in common." Ezra knew where this was going.

"But any law enforcement agency is, by nature, a hierarchical organisation. Why the problem with authority figures?"

"I don't have a problem with authority. I have a problem with ineptitude. I have generally found that my superiors believe they know how to do my job, even though they have never undertaken so much as a day's undercover work. They are incorrect."

Josiah glanced down the list of reprimands his friend had accumulated during his relatively short career with the FBI. He whistled. "Quite a list. I've known you a while, now, and I've never seen you act like this."

Standish shrugged. "Agent Larabee has undertaken more than a day's undercover work and he rarely tells me how to do my job."

Sam noticed a change in the agent's manner, while speaking of his boss. "You seem to have a lot of respect for Agent Larabee."

"He's an excellent detective and a skilled leader. Additionally, he has given me several opportunities to prove myself, even though I probably didn't deserve one."

Sam nodded and closed the file. Rising, she offered her hand to the man before her. "Thank you, Agent Standish. We appreciate your cooperation. That will be all, for now."

He shook her hand, accepting the dismissal. He was glad to get out of there.