December 27

the team wandered into the office throughout the early morning in various stages of preparedness to face the day. The failure to track down Ezra the day before had left them a bit deflated, but an evening of toasting the holidays, friendship, and anything else they could think of, helped resolve the situation.

As was his norm, Ezra arrived last, although not as late as he often was. Chris had already given up on reprimanding him over the fact. Truth was, Ezra was never late when it mattered and more than once Chris had found the man working well after hours ensuring all details of an operation were set.

"Where the hell of you been?" JD asked as soon as Ezra entered the office. His tone was curious, not angry, which in turn had Ezra curious.

"Strange. You don't look like Mr. Larabee, although the words are frighteningly familiar. Your tone is decidedly less confrontational though. You'll need to work on that."

"Sorry Ezra, mean it that way. It's just, we were trying to find you yesterday, but couldn't."

"I was under the impression we would not be working yesterday. I apologize if I misunderstood that and cause difficulties." He appeared genuinely upset by the notion.

Vin sought to reassure him. "No Ezra. Nothing like that. We were off. We just been hoping you'd show up at Chris's place, and when you didn't, we kinda went looking."

"Oh. I see. I was not aware I was expected."

"Well, it wasn't mandatory or anything. Like I said, we just hoped you'd show up."

"Yeah. The fellas were making suggestions about who I should take out on New Year's Eve. Would have been interesting to hear your opinion?" Buck brought his voice up toward the end, making it more of a question than a comment. Ezra replied with a small grin. "No Mr. Wilmington, that is your dilemma to resolve, and I wish you luck."

"Maybe I could just put all the names in a hat?" he considered.

"Perhaps you should give some consideration to selecting one woman who shares your character and interests most thoroughly. Then you could inquire as to whether or not she would allow you to enjoy the pleasure of her company for the evening."

"Sounds like you're trying to domesticate our Playboy," Josiah observed. "Don't see that happening."

"Not at all. I merely suggest that he should focus his attention a bit more. Given the date, and his most likely plan for January 1, perhaps a date who enjoys football?"

"And crowds – since if she's watching football that means she'll be at the party at the ranch." JD added.

Ezra looked at him, waiting for the inevitable offering of further details, and undoubtedly an invitation. "It will be the same as last year Ezra, remember? New Year's Day everybody shows up at Chris's – generally after about, oh I don't know, 9 o'clock."

"I was up that early in the morning? On a day off? Dreadful. No wonder I have blocked the experience from my mind."

"You can show up any time Ezra." Chris joined the gathering, giving up on trying to focus on schedules. He was still hoping to find out where Ezra had disappeared to the day before, but desperately wanted to avoid sounding like it was an interrogation. "Whenever you feel like showing up, you're more than welcome. Come as you are deal. Nothing fancy."

"For Ezra, come as you are is fancy." Vin teased gently.

"Thank you for noticing Mr. Tanner."

"Yeah. Best part is always the food." Again, Ezra waited for JD to expound.

"Okay. Josiah will bring his amazing taco salad. Vin has the barbecue meatballs that are beyond belief. Nathan always finds us something healthy, but it still really good."

"Except for the tofu experiment," Buck amended. "It was a while before he was forgiven for that little disaster."

"And you Mr. Wilmington?"

"I cheat. Chips and dip. Actually, just the chips. JD is the dip." He grinned when he heard himself. "Sorry kid."

"Yeah, I'll pretend you didn't mean it."

"Got any idea what you'll bring?" Chris figured it lacked subtlety but might confirm Ezra's intentions.

Ezra stood quietly, mulling the question and the implications. He'd had no real plans for the day, but that didn't mean he was necessarily looking for something to do.

Josiah interrupted his thoughts. "You could always contact Colson's Bakery about an order. Sure they'd give a good deal to such a big spending return customer."

"Return customer? I have no idea to what you refer." Josiah just stared, smiling with a friendly tilt to his head. Ezra really couldn't see the point in maintaining the pretense. "The items sent to the shelter were hardly significant Mr. Sanchez. Not worth mentioning."

"Say the same thing as I did at Thanksgiving, Easter and last Christmas. They were very significant to the folks who got them. Made the day a little more special." Ezra merely shrugged, but Josiah could see the man's growing discomfort at the attention, so drop the subject for now. He'd thank him properly in private later.

"Back to the question then," Vin encouraged. "What can we look forward to from you?"

"Well, I am not exactly knowing for my epicurean expertise, so I believe something simple and catered. A sandwich platter possibly. I could easily have it delivered at an appropriate time."

"Delivered? Why not just bring it?" Chris was afraid he knew the answer and had no plan to let Ezra off the hook like that.

Ezra thought back to last year's celebration of the day. He had only been with the team a short while, and the day had proven to be a bit awkward as he tried to find his way through what he saw as a minefield of conversation. In the 12 months since he had learned that was in fact merely the opening moves of friendship. Moves he had rarely before witnessed. This year promised to be more relaxed, and possibly even entertaining.

"Ezra?" Chris prodded again.

Knowing he'd been caught, and fully aware of how the conversation would likely play out, Ezra decided capitulation, or at least apparent capitulation, was the only option. "I would prefer not to have the fine leather of my vehicle exposed to the hazards of mustard and mayonnaise."

"So, you'll be joining us again?"

"Would you like me to take a blood oath on it?" He was a bit surprised himself at the sudden defensiveness he was feeling and hoped he had kept it out of his voice.

"No Ezra, a simple yes will do."

"I shall attend your event Mr. Larabee. You have my solemn promise. Now, is there work to be done here today, or not."

Quitting time took forever to arrive. Paperwork seemed to actually make the hands of the clock go backwards. At least, that was JD's contention. Finally it was close enough to quitting time to allow them to start packing it in for the night.

"Okay, who's up for a beer?" Buck surveyed the team. He wasn't surprised to see limited enthusiasm given the tedium of the day had more or less put them to sleep. "Now come on guys. Wouldn't just say we've earned at least one beer before heading off to our humble homes?"

"You just don't want to have to cook for yourself," JD guessed.

"What? You mean you aren't making dinner?" He asked his roommate.

"No, I have plans with Casey."

"And I'm meeting up with Rain."

Chris declined as well, using work at the ranch for his excuse.

"Vin? You backing out as well?"

"Nope. I got nothing special lined up for tonight, but I'll be running a bit behind you. Got an errand to run if I'm going to get the sauce made for those meatballs."

"I'll take you up as well Buck" Josiah added. "No plans myself."

Eyes went to Ezra. He really had nothing on his calendar either, not that he had a problem with that. Still, as he had avoided joining in on the team gathering the day before, opting instead for relaxing drive in the mountains to enjoy a day of solitude, he didn't feel he could turn this invitation down. And this did have the makings of a short and simple evening. "Yes Mr. Wilmington, I think it might be a suitable manner to pass some time this evening"

The desks were quickly cleared off, and it was only a matter of minutes before the team had headed out for the evening. JD was delayed briefly by a phone call, and a moment later was running after Ezra in the parking lot.

"Ezra, hold up a minute."

"Yes Mr. Dunne how can I help you?"

"Will you could start by calling me JD instead of Mr. Dunne, but I know that's not going to happen. That was Casey on the phone. She's got a head out to her aunt's place to help her with something or another, so it's gonna be a couple of hours before I can meet up with her. Figured I might join you guys?"

"And you need a ride to get there. Of course I would be more than happy to offer you transportation."

Ezra and JD arrived a few moments after the others had and made their way inside to join them. It wasn't until they were through the doors that they realized how unnaturally quiet the bar was. One glance up explained the situation instantly. A young man stood behind the bar his arm wrapped around Inez's neck, while he rifled through the register for cash.

"This is it? This is all the money you've got?"

Inez was doing her best to stay calm, but there remained a tremor in her voice. "The day's receipts have already been taken to the bank. It's always quiet between the holidays."

"Shut up. You gotta have more cash than this."

"The lady said that was all there was." It took every ounce of control Buck had not to charge forward. The gunmen looked up when he heard the door open again. "I thought I told you to lock that."

"You told us not to move." Josiah countered.

"It would appear we have arrived at an inopportune moment." Ezra could see the gun the young man's hands were trembling as he brought the gun closer to Inez's neck. "I really don't think you want to do that do you sir. I can assure you that if any harm comes to that woman, you will not be walking out of this establishment."

"Yeah, like you're going to stop me."

"Rest assured, you will be stopped."

"Look, I just want the money. I got no reason to hurt any of you if you cooperate."

"Then by all means, we will be more than happy to cooperate. Aside from the money, which you already have, what is it you would like?"

"Want you all to get down in the basement."

"I beg your pardon."

"Pretty lady and I are getting out of here. You won't do anything stupid while I've got a hostage."

"She's not going with you." Buck's tone left no room for discussion, even though he had very little to backup his command.

"The hell she ain't." His tone hardened as he pointed the gun clearly at her head. "Get your asses down to the basement."

Ezra took a deep breath, as he took a step forward. "You'll be wanting to make a quick getaway. I would propose that there is a suitable vehicle in the parking lot."

"What the hell are you doing Ezra?" Buck growled.

"There is a sports car out there that will get you away from him much faster than any other vehicle around. There is however one condition. It is my vehicle, and I am the only one who can drive it."

"You think I give a rat's ass who you want driving your car?"

"It isn't a matter of who I want driving it. It is a matter of who can drive it. It has an antitheft device. As such, it requires that I be behind the wheel. Any other driver, and it would simply shut down. And you would be locked inside, unable to escape."

"Smooth Ezra, you couldn't just let him get in the car and be trapped?"

"Not with Miss Ricios as hostage."

"Fine. The rest of you into the basement. Mr. Sports Car here and I will be leaving you.

"We leave them alive and unharmed. Otherwise, I will not be going anywhere with you. And threatening to kill me really will not do you any good."

The punk looked at Ezra, seeing the determination on his face. "Like I said, get in the basement. And give me your cellphones."

A few minutes later they could hear the loud revving of Ezra's car as it squealed out of the parking lot. Buck and Josiah were both working at the door, trying to find a way to open it.

"You're wasting your time. I heard him turn the lock, and based on your excellent recommendations, I have a very secure storage space." Inez's voice was still trembling.

Buck slammed his fist into the door, regretting it immediately. He turned to JD. "All that stuff Ezra was saying about security in his car. It was a load of bull wasn't it?"

"Well I suppose it's possible. But I didn't see anything like that when he drove me over."

"So it was a trick?" Inez asked, the fear giving way to anger.

"I know there are security systems like that, but I doubt Ezra has one."

"Madre de Dios! What was he thinking?"

"He was thinking, as we all were, that the bastard was going to shoot you," Buck replied, not adding that the hood undoubtedly had even more in mind than that.

"And now he is going to shoot Señor Standish."

"JD, tell me you have a second phone on you?" Buck all but pleaded.

"Of course I do."

"Well thank God."

"It's in my jacket pocket. And my jacket is in Ezra's car."

"Shit."

"Yeah, pretty much."

"Inez, you don't have a backdoor to the cellar by any chance?"

It was too dark to get the full effect of her glare, but the general impression was evident.

"Window?"

"In the back, but it is too small to climb out. And we probably won't get anyone passing by in the alley."

"I suppose there is it really much to lose by trying."

The discussion was halted by the distant sound of a door opening. A moment later a voice was heard. "Anybody around?"

"Vin? Vin is that you?"

"Where is everybody?"

"In the basement. We're locked in."

"Any chance there's a key around somewhere?"

"Si. A spare key is in the back of the cash register."

A moment later they heard the lock turn. The door was pushed open before Vin could pull it himself. "We need to get in APB out on Ezra's car." Josiah spoke as he headed out towards the parking lot.

"What the hell?"

"Robbery, and the guy took Ezra's car."

"He must be pissed off."

JD was placing the call to the local authorities, so Buck needed another phone. "Vin, call Chris. I'll talk to him. And to answer your question, Ezra's with him."

"What? Just what the hell's going on?"

"We'll fill you in the car, but we gotta get going."

"That's all well and good, but where the hell are we going?" Vinh asked.

JD turned to Buck. "Give me your keys. I left my laptop in your back seat so that you could take it home for me."

"So?"

"So, like I said, my cell phone is in my jacket pocket, which is in the back seat of Ezra's car. I can use the laptop to locate it with the GPS.

"What the hell are you just standing here for?"

Inez grabbed Buck's arm as they left. "Find him Buck. He saved my life. You find him. I'm going to thank him. Then I might just kill him myself."

"You'll have to get in line for that." He gave what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, we'll get him home."

7-7-7-7-7-7-7

"It looks like they're headed out to the valley." JD was monitoring every turn Ezra's car was making, and with Buck driving, they were quickly closing the gap. "We're getting closer. No left and – damn. They aren't moving."

"You think they abandoned the car?" Josiah knew what the consequences were of that.

"If he took Ezra on foot it's going to be hard to foll–"

"Shit!" Vin swore softly as they took the next turn and he shrieked the SUV to a halt. Buck was out before it was even in park.

"Get rescue here," he called as he ran toward the broken guard rail. He froze when he was near enough to see over. JD was so close behind that he bumped into him. "Buck – is it them? Is Ezra's car there?"

"It's at the bottom kid. That's too big a drop." JD's face fell, and Josiah let out a soft groan.

"No." Vin couldn't believe this. "This is not happening." A second groan replied, and he looked over to Josiah.

"Well that one wasn't me."

Buck scanned the area, getting closer to the cliff edge. There was no one there. There couldn't be. It was a sheer drop straight down. "Ezra?" he called out. "Is that you? Make more noise." Silence.

"Dammit Ezra, don't do this." Josiah pleaded. Silence again, then Vin turned suddenly. "Look – there at the bushes. They're moving." They charged over, JD getting there first.

"Oh God. 911 somebody. He's busted up. Ezra, don't try to move."

"Mr. Dunne?" The voice was weak and broken, but one of the sweetest sounds they'd ever heard.

"Yeah Ezra, we're here. You take it easy now."

"Please, tell Mr. Larabee –"

Vin knelt beside them. "You can tell him yourself Ezra. You just relax, you can tell him later."

"Tell – te – t – tell, tell – s-s-sorry for breaking promise." Ezra gasped out as his eyes closed and his head lolled off to the side.

"He'll understand, but you are going to be there. Ezra dammit stay awake. Don't you give up! Ezra? Ezra?"

M7-M7-M7-M7-M7-M7-M7

TBC