Good to be Larabee M7 ATF AU
Vin Tanner stood in his boss' office with the phone held to his ear and a frustrated expression on his attractive face.
"No sir, it has to be by the 6th." reiterated the slightly raspy voice as the blond owner of the space walked in. Green eyes gave the sniper a quizzical look as the ATF leader dropped gracefully down into his chair.
"I'm sorry about your scheduling conflict, but the 8th is too late. Ya promised when I first contacted ya that ya could handle my request by the 6th with no problem. It's too late to get someone else. I expect a man of your reputation to honor your word." The slender figure's tones were definitely beginning to show annoyance. All of the team's carefully laid plans would be down the toilet now if the man on the other end of the line didn't get his ass in gear by the specified date. Chris raised one brow, then motioned for the phone. Vin handed it over with a sigh of relief.
"This is Larabee with Team Seven. Is there a problem with the arrangements my partner made earlier?" The soft voice was never raised, but sounded more dangerous than a shout from anyone else.
"Yes, that Chris Larabee." What could only be called a smirk turned up the sculpted lips. "Yeah, I've heard that too." The hazel gaze sparkled in amused satisfaction at the placating and slightly awed comments from the other side of the conversation.
"Whatever you have to do to have everything ready by the day specified by my sniper. Yes, I understand there may be an added 'rescheduling' fee. Do what it takes to make Tanner's arrangement happen. Just tell 'em it's on Larabee's say so. Alright. We'll expect to see you then, with everything you promised. A pleasure doing business with you too. Good afternoon." The smirk got more pronounced as the voice on the other end stammered goodbye with a sincere promise to fulfill the 'request'. Vin's mouth turned up in a pleased grin as well.
Tossing the sandy-haired form's phone back, Chris leaned back in his seat and laced his hands behind his head. The smirk turned to a genuine smile that drew attention to the handsome features under the dark gold hair.
"So you wanna tell me what exactly I just used my reputation to authorize?"
Tanner winked one blue eye and moved to close the door all the way.
"Gettin' that famous chef that Ez likes to cater his surprise birthday party."
The blond raised one eyebrow. "The one he gets those cakes flown in from every few months?"
Vin nodded. "Yep. The ones we have to promise to bet a week's pay in poker and grovel for just t' get a bite apiece."
The sniper's grin got larger at the exaggeration. Well… slight exaggeration. They did have to promise to make more than their usual parsimonious bets and practically beg to get some of the decadent molten-centered delicacies, but Ezra did usually share a small slice each from the extra cake he always ordered.
Chris' tongue came out involuntarily to wet the center of his bottom lip. The lean from often skipped desserts, but had to admit that while expensive for the rather small size, the ones the undercover agent had sent special delivery were some of the most delicious foods he'd ever eaten and well worth the cost occasionally. Standish had dined at the renowned chef's restaurant several times as well, and swore all of the options were equally delectable.
"Is he gonna bring some of those cakes?" asked the blond with an anticipatory bob of his eyebrows.
The sniper nodded, licking his own mouth just at the thought.
"Yep. Fixin' enough for all of us. Doin' the whole meal. Prime rib, and some stuff I cain't even pronounce. Looked it up though and it sounds mighty fine."
A nod was the reply, then the leader lowered his hands. "So how much is this gonna set us back?"
His friend just grinned. "Ya don't wanna know, Cowboy. I used that special card with your name on it…"
"Shit, Tanner! So I not only authorized it, I'm payin' for it?"
"We'll all chip in. 'Sides, ya know you're the only one of us other than Ez that has a limit that high. Your name carries clout, Pard. It's good t' be Larabee. Just think of that meal…"
Chris finally dipped his head in agreement, chuckling at the teasing expression his best friend wore. His gaze then flicked to the rest of his teammates… his family… where they sat in the bullpen picking on each other. Vin was right. It was good to be Larabee.
By DMA