They aren't mine. If they were I'd take better care of them. I make no money off them. I'd donate any to fixing Josiah's church.
This story is full of OC's be warned. I just can't resist alright.
New Trails
Vin was acting strange. Tired and to quiet like something was riding him after he received the call that morning. When Chris arrived from his meeting with Travis. Vin followed into his office.
"Chris I'm gonna need some leave," Vin started.
"Can it wait Vin?" Chris demanded.
"No Larabee It cain't. This won't wait," Vin snarled.
"You picked a bad time Tanner. Well when do you need it," Chris sighed.
"Today, don't know how long I'll need," Vin spoke.
"Damn it all Vin we got that Ferguson bust tonight. We've been setting this up for months," Chris exploded.
"I kin leave after the bust," Vin offered.
"Do that," Chris glared.
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The bust was clean but took two hours longer than anticipated. "Damnation," Vin muttered as he started tossing equipment into the surveillance van. "Cain't miss the plane just have ta get me a suit when I get there. Don't have time ta head home and make the flight," Vin stormed.
"Got a hot date Junior?" Buck teased. "Only thing that'll get you in a suit's a direct order, a wedding or a funeral," Buck snickered.
"It's a funeral," Vin slammed a fist into the side of the van.
"I'm sorry Vin," Buck offered.
"Not yer fault Buck ya didn't know," Vin began stripping off the ATF jacket and bullet proof vest.
"Mr. Tanner under the circumstances I would like to offer my assistance," Ezra offered cautiously.
"How's that Ez?" Vin questioned.
"The differences in our sizes is not extreme. I would consider offering my suit considering the situation. I realize it hasn't been cleaned," Ezra trailed off as Vin grabbed him and pulled him towards the van.
"Yer a life saver Ezra," Vin exclaimed.
The two men climbed into the van. Ezra appeared wearing Vin's sniper black. Bringing grins to the faces of his fellow agents at his expression.
"Ole Ez looks like he's sucking a lemon," Buck noted. Vin clamored out in Ezra's suit. Cat calls greeted his appearance. "Junior cleans up good" Buck said to Ezra.
"He should he's attired in a $2,000 dollar suit," Ezra exclaimed. Stepping over Ezra adjusted the fall of the jacket. "Please purchase a creditable pair of shoes when you get there Mr. Tanner," Ezra fussed as he pushed Vin towards the Jag.
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Ezra arrived at the office the next day. "Hey Ez, did Vin catch his plane?" JD asked.
"Mr. Tanner had time to board," Ezra informed them.
"Didn't tell you anything about the funeral did he?" Chris asked. "Like who it's for."
"No Mr. Larabee, Mr. Tanner did not see fit to offer me that information," Ezra responded.
"When's Junior coming back?" Buck asked.
"He didn't say," Chris frowned.
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Two mornings later, Chris arrived at work early. Seeing a light in the office he approached to find Vin at the computer. Ezra's suit and shirt hung on a coat hook in a dry cleaner bag.
"Morning Vin," Chris spoke.
"I need ta talk with ya Chris," Vin looked exhausted. Looking closer Chris spotted bruises and fresh stitches along his right eyebrow.
"Are you in trouble Cowboy?" Chris asked. A strange smile flitted across Vin's mouth.
"Reckon so," Vin responded. Opening the door to his office Chris froze as he stepped in.
"Tanner what kind of prank is this?" Chris demanded.
"Ain't no prank, keep yer voice down I just got 'em ta sleep," Vin growled.
Approaching cautiously Chris gazed down at the two lumps on his couch. Lots of golden brown curls showed at each end but not much else. Gingerly he shifted the blanket covering a lump and stared down at small child maybe two or so. The face was turned into the pillow so Chris couldn't see much of the features. Just darkening bruises on the exposed cheek. Gently Chris tucked the blanket back.
Grabbing Vin by the arm he pulled him out closing the door behind them. "Talk to me Tanner," Chris demanded.
"Went to their momma's funeral yeste'day," Vin collapsed into a chair.
"Why do you have them?" Chris frowned.
"I'se their God Father," Vin said flatly. "Lawyer says I gotta figure out what ta do with 'em". Vin worried. "Ain't a good man ta raise no babies. Always figured I'd have a woman ta help me ya know," Vin shuddered. "They's in tha car when she's hit by a drunk. Didn't find 'em fer hours Chris. Beau's askin' fer his momma. He's got some busted ribs. Devin's never said a word since they found him. He's got a broken arm and more bruises then clear spots. His momma's head was layin' on his lap when they found those boys."
What are they two maybe?" Chris finally asked.
"Closer to three," Vin answered "They's on tha small side."
"How'd you get involved?" Chris asked gently.
"Their daddy was my spotter when I'se in the rangers. Got mighty close spent a lot a time with Blue and Shannon. They's some money in tha family. Blue didn't want them boys raised fer money. Wanted 'em ta be loved fer themselves. Promised him ta watch over 'em," Vin spoke sadly.
"Well Vin I guess it boils down to weather your going to keep them or find them a family," Chris offered.
"I'se scared Chris. I love them boys. I want ta do right by 'em. I don't know nothin' 'bout raising children," Vin floundered to a halt.
"You have a good start and some uncles," Chris reminded.
"Reckon ole Bucklin's gonna be in heaven," Vin grinned faintly.
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Loud voices were heard approaching from the elevator. JD and Buck pushed each other into the room. "Hey Junior's back" Buck shouted. Vin looked over as the door to Chris's office opened. The tiny body launched itself into Vin's arms. The curly head buried itself against his shoulder as silent sobs shook the small form. A bright blue cast hung over Vin's shoulder.
This one must be Devin. Vin needs to get both of them into counciling. We need to ask Josiah if he knows anyone. Chris considered as he watched Vin soothe the youngster.
"Junior, you have some explaining to do," Buck noted. JD walked over to take a closer look at the tiny stranger.
"Who's your friend?" JD asked. Vin quietly whispered and rocked the crying child.
"This here's Devin," Vin began speaking coming to a halt as Beau woke. He rushed into Chris's office as Beau's screams pealed. Buck stood open mouthed in the door watching Vin cuddle the twins. Chris pushed the pair out the door.
"Let Vin calm 'em down a little," he directed.
"Did you know anything about this?" Buck asked.
"No guess you could say Vin's inherited them," Chris shook his head.
"They orphans?" Buck questioned.
"Yeah," Chris said.
"Damn, poor little fellas," Buck answered.
Nathan and Josiah arrived intrigued by the three peering in Chris' office door. "Brothers what is so interesting?" Josiah walked over.
"We've been adopted," JD nodded. Looking over JD's head Josiah watched the three on the couch.
"Guess I'll be back we're going to need some milk," Josiah laughed as he sauntered out. Nathan looked in shaking his head
"Think Vin will tell us or wait for us to notice the kids?" Nathan smiled at the tenderness on Vin's face.
"Let's go to the break room and give them some privacy," Chris suggested.
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Grins crossed the waiting men's faces as they listened when Ezra arrived. Snickers filled the room as Ezra's gasp was heard. Rapid footsteps approached.
"Dear Lord!" Ezra stalked into the break room pouring himself a mug of Tanner coffee he drank it down black took a deep breath and shuddered. Turning Ezra stalked back out without saying a word. The other four exchanged amused glances. Ezra returned shortly. "Mr. Larabee our office has been infested," Ezra's voice broke.
"I know Ezra," Chris spoke calmly.
"Mr. Larabee they seem to be attached to Mr. Tanner," Ezra gritted.
"I know Ezra," Chris acknowledged.
"Are they associates of Mr. Tanner?" Ezra asked.
"Yes, Ezra," Chris responded.
"I must tender my resignation at this time," Ezra returned.
"Why, Ez?" Chris asked.
"Mr. Larabee have you considered the ramifications of not one but two Tanner protege?" Ezra askeded.
"Oh shit!" Chris moaned.
"I agree Mr. Larabee," Ezra sighed.
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Josiah returned with milk, fruit, cereal, bowls and sipper cups. "I wasn't sure how prepared Brother Vin was," Josiah said as he unloaded the bag.
Chris rose and sauntered into the office. "Vin, Josiah's brought some food for the boys," he said.
Chris was speechless as the two small faces studied him. Vin who the hell are you trying to fool. Those babies are yours. You must have looked just like that when you were that size.
"Chris I need ta explain somethin' 'bout the boys," Vin hesitated.
"I think so too," Chris glared.
A tiny hand pulled on Chris' pants leg. "Who i'th you?" the child asked. Kneeling Chris looked into Tanner blue eyes.
"I'm Chris," he offered.
"I'th hungry," the serious little voice continued. Chris openly grinned as he scooped the boy into his arms.
"Careful them ribth hurt like a ...,"
"Beau," Vin cut in.
"I thorry I forgetted I wathn't thpoth ta say bith," Beau apologized. Chris choked as he tried to stifle a snigger.
"You ain't any help at all Larabee," Vin growled as he carried Devin into the break room.
Buck's jaw dropped as he saw the boys faces. "Damn we got tiny Tanners". Ezra pounded his head against the wall.
"Better thop that yer gonna make a hole in the wall," Beau addressed Ezra.
"That is my intention," Ezra groaned.
"I'th thtill damn hungry," Beau informed Chris.
"Beau!" Vin thundered.
"I'th not thpoth ta thay damn neither?" Beau asked "Well Thit!" Snorts and choked breathing as the agents attempted to control their amusement. Josiah rose and silently left the room. His thunderous laughter carried back into the room.
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Vin spoke, "Nate you wanta look at Devin? Them fingers look like sausages." Serious eyes studied Nathan before the little boy reached out. Nathan sat him down gently on the table.