Ezra entered the federal building around 11 o'clock the next day, thinking it was entirely too early, despite sipping the Starbucks espresso in his hand.
Standish was aware of the stares he received from his teammates as he exited the elevator. He seated himself at his new desk in the cubicle he shared with Tanner.
"Hey, Ez," Tanner said, chuckling. "Yer late."
"It wouldn't happen if either mornings started later or if this office kept more appealing hours. And I do wish you would remember my given name is Ezra."
"Sure, Ez."
"Mr. Tanner, you are incorrigible."
"Thanks Ez."
"Standish!" Larabee shouted from his office.
"Yer in deep shit, pard."
"Yes Mr. Tanner, thank you for your encouragement." Ezra pushed away from his desk with a resigned sigh.
Larabee was glaring at the southern man when he entered the team leader's office. "You are late Agent Standish."
"I realize that Agent Larabee, but I am accustomed to working grave-yard. I'm sure my record shows that. My mother always considered me a 'night-owl.' "
"Well, I suggest you get your ass used to keeping normal hours."
"I shall endeavor to try Mr. Larabee."
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"Hey, Ez," Tanner spoke up at the end of the day. "Why don't you come with us to the saloon." He looked up from his computer screen as he finished the last of his paperwork.
"I appreciate the offer Mr. Tanner," Ezra answered smoothly, "but I have not fully settled into my new abode."
"Huh?" Vin face showed his confusion.
"My home. I am trying to get settled into my new townhouse."
Ezra punched one last button on his keyboard, then stood to leave. "I do believe I am ready to retire for the evening. Have a nice night."
"Back at ya, Ez."
Tanner watched as Standish retreated into the elevator.
"He's not very social, is he?" Josiah asked from the doorway to the pair's cubicle after the doors closed.
"Nah, not really."
"He seems polite," the profiler observed with a grin. "All spit an' polish."
Vin chuckled. "I was thinking more of the slippery, greasy type."
"That too."
TBC…