The Absence of Shadows
Part 3
It is no patience which you can bear patiently;
Patience is to bear what is unbearable
Sengai
Federal Building
Denver, Colorado
From the glass through Chris's office door he saw Ezra and Vin come into the bullpen. He saw the effect the two men had on their team members; suddenly a hush had come over the room. Buck and Josiah recovered quickly and went to greet the wayward agents. Nathan and JD sat at their desks, heads down, typing away. Larabee saw how the lines had been drawn.
Vin looked into the leader's office and gave Chris a nod before returning his attention back to Sanchez and Wilmington. Larabee scrutinized his friend. From all appearances he looked fine, but Chris knew the sharpshooter was in turmoil over wondering what was going to happen next.
The team leader pushed his chair back; one wheel squeaking slightly as the seat rolled over the carpet. Chris opened the door, and without looking at the other agents said, "Conference room, now." Larabee heard the scuffling movements behind him. As he passed Lorna, the secretary, he paused, "I don't want any interruptions."
The receptionist nodded.
The men filed in behind him, each taking their seats. Warily, Vin sat beside Chris. The team leader noticed how the sharpshooter rested his neck back, dealing with a multitude of emotions.
Nathan sat down and did not make eye contact with anyone. JD was staring intently at Vin, who tried not to notice. Buck reclined back on his chair with a relaxed demeanor that was in direct contradiction to Wilmington's tone last night when he explained how Dunne had left their apartment very upset.
"Damn Chris, I hate to see the kid this way. All eaten up over something he had nothing to do with." Buck had told him.
Larabee had just listened, knowing exactly how the young agent felt. Chris still was in disbelief about Vin and the cocaine.
"But the boy just didn't want to see that we take care of our own and it's not as if Vin's a drug addict." Wilmington then sighed, "Man, he has to toughen up or else he'll never make it in this business."
"Don't know Buck, JD has a point." Chris replied into the receiver after a long pause. "Tanner screwed up, big time." Every time Larabee closed his eyes he saw the sharpshooter and the cocaine and a pall of darkness. According to every law enforcement code what Vin had done was plainly wrong, and had ramifications for not only him, but for the team.
"Look Chris, I hope you think this all through." Buck said exasperated. "I'm going to look for the kid. I'll see you tomorrow." Then the line went dead.
Chris held the phone to his ear for a long time until eventually the pre-recorded operator message broke his reverie. As he replaced the phone he prayed that he would make the right decision. First thing he had to do was professional and then he hoped he could sort out his personal feelings.
Now he was in the conference room ready to pass judgement on his best friend and holding the fate of the team in the balance. They were giving him their full attention. Usually the first few minutes in the conference room were filed with playful banter, but now the room was filled with a sense of seriousness. "I don't like being stuck between a fuckin' rock and hard place. They all know, Vin." He gave the sharpshooter a quick glance, "and some of you have been more vocal on your positions than others." Chris's green eyes flickered in the direction of Josiah and then Buck. Larabee shook his head at the aggravation those two had caused him. On the other hand the two silent team members equally miffed him. Chris saw JD open his mouth than quickly close it and start fidgeting with his hands. Nathan kept his gaze averted.
"I know your intentions were not to make a fuckin' mess, but that's what happened." The leader was addressing Tanner, who moved restlessly in his chair.
Vin's blue eyes flared as he replied, "I was thinkin' about not blowin' our covers and getting a chance for bustin' a bigger deal."
Standish cleared his throat to get the room's attention. "I assure you, Agent Tanner. I am grateful."
Chris, standing at the head of the table, leaned over so his hands were resting on the wooden surface and he was close to the undercover agent. "Ezra, shut up." Standish smirked and crossed his arms. Larabee just shook his head at the irreverent agent.
Chris licked his lips before continuing. "I have 2 choices. I decide. I'm the one in charge of this team." Larabee narrowed his eyes. "You all got that? You all agree that it's my call?"
Buck looked around the table. Everyone was nodding. "Get on with it, Chris." Wilmington was curious about the leader's decision.
Larabee paused before continuing. "I can fire Vin." Tanner sat up straighter in his chair as if he waiting for a physical blow. "The higher ups then come down here and investigate everyone. We won't be able to take a piss without someone questioning how long it took us to go to the bathroom. Everything we've accomplished will be tarnished by innuendo."
Ezra shifted uneasily in his chair. Chris understood why, the man's career had been almost prematurely ended by rumors. Standish didn't want to have a cloud following him again.
Josiah rich timbre resonated through the silent room. "Don't expect Judge Travis will look too kindly on us either."
Larabee heard some under breath mumbling as the team thought of the fall out. Chris sat down in his chair, and then added, "On the other hand. . .maybe it never happened."
The leader heard the sharp intake of breath from one section of the table and sighs from others; they knew what he was saying. Chris closed his eyes as he finished. "In case word leaks out, like from Ikeda, then the shit will fall on me. None of you will be implicated. I'll take full responsibility-one of the perks of being the supervisor." He added wryly with a twisted smile.
Vin stood up. "Chris," The sharpshooter said to get the Chris's attention, "Larabee".
The leader ignored the pleas of the sharpshooter. Chris had considered the scenario and knew Vin would protest. If Ikeda decided to implicate Tanner then Larabee would say the sharpshooter had the permission of his supervisor. JD was standing up to protest too, but Buck pulled him back down. "My way or the team gets disbanded."
Josiah clasped his hands in front of him as if he was praying. Nathan kept on shaking his head. Buck and Ezra gave Chris a nod, and JD stared at Vin who had sat back down. Chris knew he was asking them to make a tough decision. When the team covered for each other it was over inconsequential matters like pranks and women. They all began to look at their fellow teammates, weighing their consciences, careers and friendships all on one scale. No one voiced a grievance or disagreed.
Chris relaxed in his chair and sighed, "That's the decision you all have to live with."
The men looked liked they were still wrestling, but everyone's attention got diverted to Lorna yelling out, "You can't go in there!"
Myriads of things past
Are brought to my mind -
These cherry blossoms!
Matsuo Basho
Chris was up and out of his chair taking long strides to the conference room door. The rest of the team was still too muddleheaded to react. Vin brushed some hair that had fallen forward. The sharpshooter felt like shit. He was putting the career of his best friend on the line all with one foolish action. Tanner didn't want someone helping him, since he was the one who had done the deed. Vin was prepared to take any punishment Larabee seemed fitting to dole out even if that meant leaving a job he loved. The sharpshooter had decided that at Kojay's place.
Vin hadn't been prepared though for the reaction of his teammates. Josiah and Buck had treated him warmly. JD and Nathan, however, had given the sharpshooter a noticeably chilly reception. Chris had closed himself off to Vin. Tanner had no idea what the leader was thinking.
"Who the hell are you?" Larabee barked at the 2 men brusquely entering the confines of the private room.
"Agent Mike Sullivan," a short, older man with sparse hair raised an FBI badge. The agent pointed to the tall, silken-haired man with slanted almond shaped eyes, "and Agent James Kotsu."
"Hey, Tanner, heard you were part of this motley group." Vin jerked his head when he heard the familiar voice. The sharpshooter turned and was surprised to see a friendly face.
"Jimmy!" Vin stood up and stretched out his hand to Kotsu. "Why the hell are you here?" Tanner asked suspiciously, wondering if the FBI were here to arrest him for one line of cocaine.
James came forward with a smile and accepted the handshake. "Hear you guys have a large deal going on with the Yakuza." The FBI agent said, still keeping the joviality in his voice.
Tanner stopped smiling, and the rest of the team adopted a poker face, feigning any knowledge of the crime syndicate.
"Unfortunately, you have been misinformed." Ezra drawled, relaxing back into his leather chair nonchalantly.
Sullivan stepped away from a fuming Larabee, and sat down in a spare seat." Agent Jackson didn't realize that the information would get to me in the Asian Criminal Enterprises Department."
All eyes fell on Nathan who met their intense glare. Chris shook his head and went back to his place at the table. Vin had stayed standing. He never would have expected that the medic would contact the FBI, neither had the rest of the team. Neither had he ever expected to see James Kotsu again.
"Why is this so important?" Larabee growled at the 2 interlopers.
"Don't judge Agent Jackson too harshly," Kotsu gestured to a seat near Josiah. Vin nodded and went back to his spot. "The Yakuza are not a group your team can take on without some support and further information." Once ensconced Jimmy continued. " Let me give you some background. I've been undercover with the Yakuza in the Yamaguchi Gumi clan for 3 years. I started off as a sokaiya," James smiled as he explained the foreign terms. "A sokaiya blackmails companies by unearthing scandals involving management." The agent cleared his throat, and reached for the glass and pitcher of water in front of him. As he poured a drink, Vin could see a tattoo of a flower with a vine encircling Jimmy's right wrist. Tanner knew the tattoo symbolized that the federal agent was part of a gang.
Kotsu continued, "I came to the attention of Saizo Kishimoto, who controls six gangs in Kobe. Soon after I met Yoshinori Watanabe, the oyabun. . .um. . .the leader. . . I was initiated into the clan."
"The oyabun-kobun relationship," Josiah remarked.
James nodded, "You know about Japanese culture?"
Sanchez smiled, "Anthropologist's call it the parent-child relationship. The oyabun provides protection while the kobun reciprocates with loyalty and service."
"Damn, Josiah, I'm glad you know your shit." Buck said, trying to make sense out of the information. Vin saw that the rest of the team was nodding appreciatively at Sanchez, who blushed in embarrassment.
"Their structure is admired by major corporations." Sullivan commented from the other end of the table. "That's the problem though, they are recognized as legit businesses in Japan since they don't have anything like a RICO act."
Kotsu took a sip of water. "I am currently a fuku-honbucho, an assistant. I am part of the contingent making the amphetamines for guns deal with Ikeda. My boss Saizo and some other senior bosses will be here for the deal."
"Their paperwork is currently being held up by the American Embassy in Japan." Sullivan opened his briefcase, which he had placed under the table and slid a folder down to Larabee. "They have criminal records and therefore need to apply to the embassy for a visa."
Vin watched as Chris flipped through the folder. The team leader then passed it to Buck who was sitting on Larabee's left side. Vin noticed the slight.
Mike continued. "I'm James's liaison in the Embassy. We thought with some major Yakuza players on American soil, we might as well take the opportunity to do some damage to the largest clan."
"The largest?" JD gulped as he saw the pictures of the men they would be up against. Vin figured the photos must have been of some fierce-looking individuals.
"Travis has approved and assured us you'll co-operate." Sullivan stated and the team grumbled. They did not like being backed into a corner or ordered. Nonplussed by the reaction, Mike continued. "The Yakuza are expanding into the US. They operate through shell corporations and have channeled nearly 10 billion dollars into legitimate investments."
"You wouldn't perhaps have a list of those corporations so I can contact my stockbroker." Ezra grinned and winked at Vin. Tanner rolled his eyes. The undercover agent always pushed the envelope.
The FBI agent ignored the southerner. "They have a beachhead in Hawaii and are traveling up the coast to San Francisco, Portland and Seattle. They are also cultivating ties with other organized crime groups in the US. If you don't deal with them now, you'll be dealing with them later."
Jimmy cleared his throat, and gave a crooked grin. "It won't be bad to work with us. Have you gotten a phone call from Ikeda?"
"Not yet," Standish clasped his hands in front of him. "I hope the FBI is not wasting their time." The undercover agent added, goading the G-men.
"Cool it, Ezra." Chris said, as he gave the southerner a glare.
"Your team has an excellent reputation. I'm sure with your full co-operation we'll be able to get our men." Sullivan replied as he stood up, clutched his briefcase and headed to the door. "I'll be in touch."
With the briefing ending, the team gathered their papers and began to file out. Ezra gave Vin a nod, which Tanner returned. Buck gave the sharpshooter a grin. JD had gone ahead with Josiah asking him questions about Japan. Momentarily, Vin believed things would go back to normal, and the coke incident would be forgotten.
James stayed seated. "Agent Larabee," Chris looked up. "Can I speak to Vin privately for a moment?"
The leader glanced at Tanner and shrugged his shoulders, "Sure."
The sharpshooter kept silent as Chris exited the room. Larabee stopped at where Nathan was sitting, writing some notes. Larabee put a hand on Jackson's shoulder. "We need to talk for a minute."
Nathan took his time in writing out some notes. Vin was in the corner talking in low tones with his friend. Jackson took a minute to watch the sharpshooter during this unguarded moment. The medic hadn't made any contact with Tanner since he had arrived; in fact, Nathan had avoided looking in Vin's direction while Chris was informing the team of his decision.
Jackson was confused. On the one hand the team stayed intact, and they were good men. Nathan knew that, but he still felt conflicted. What Vin had done was plainly wrong, and the medic may have respected the man, but not the action. Did this all mean that Tanner was not deserving of Nathan's admiration? The medic had admired the sharpshooter not only for his abilities as an ATF agent, but also for his perseverance in surpassing his rough childhood. The cocaine incident gnawed at Nathan because he felt that Vin was taking a step back, reverting to the easier way to do things instead of the legal way. It was easier to fight than walk away, easier to kill the perp than deal with him in court.
In the same line of thought, Nathan wondered if he had taken the easier way out by calling his friend at the Bureau. Perhaps deep down inside Jackson wanted the source of the trouble, Ikeda and the Yakuza, to go away. Yet he was being called to task for his actions. The medic gathered up his papers. Chris wanted Nathan in his office, and Jackson did not want to keep the leader waiting.
Unlike the others on the team, Nathan knocked on Larabee's door and waited for the leader to say,
"Come in," before he entered. Jackson's father had told him some people were worthy of respect, and Nathan figured Chris was one of those men.
Nathan stayed standing and waited for Larabee to look up and acknowledge him. Finally after a pregnant pause Chris stopped writing. "Why did you call in the FBI?" The leader asked as he reclined back in his chair.
Jackson took a seat and explained. "I contacted a friend at the Bureau and asked him for some information about the Yakuza." The medic licked his lips as he noted his mouth becoming dry and gummy over the nervousness of facing Chris. As the words left his mouth Nate came to the realization Larabee was just as disappointed with Nathan as the leader was with Vin. When the medic had a problem with the case, he didn't talk to Chris. Instead he called in someone outside the team before he talked to Larabee.
Chris raised an eyebrow. "Some friend you got there," he scoffed.
"Chris, I felt we were over our heads." Steadily, Nathan met the leader's gaze. "He probably sensed it too and told his superiors." Jackson thought back to the meeting with Fred. The FBI agent hadn't been able to give him much information, just the name of some players and their reputation. Perdy must have felt that Nathan needed help and informed the Asian Criminal Enterprise section of the Bureau of a possible problem concerning the ATF and Team Seven.
"We may have been, but I would have liked to discover that myself." Chris came forward on his chair, crossed his arms and rested them against his desk. "Look, I'm tired of everyone going off half-cocked." Larabee sighed, and looked up to the ceiling at frustration.
Nathan nodded his head. He had learned his lesson, the medic would think twice before getting outside advice on a matter that was team related. Chris was genuinely hurt that Nate would betray him. Jackson felt his stomach knot as he heard the disappointment in Larabee's voice. "I understand, Chris." Jackson gulped and looked away, not wanting to see displeasure in the blond-haired man's eyes.
Larabee shook his head. "I hope so." Chris stated as he pulled a pen out of the penholder on his desk. "I hope so," he repeated again, making Nathan feel guilty at his hasty actions.
"Are we done?" The medic asked, looking at the door. He wanted to leave the office and go back to his desk, to hide out for awhile. He wondered what the team's reaction would be. Nathan had noticed their surprise. They had never expected the medic to be the one to talk. Because of his skill at patching them up, the team held him in high esteem. What would they do now, especially in light of the fact that he wasn't being supportive towards Vin?
"Yeah," Chris interrupted Nathan's thoughts and dismissed him. Jackson left and quietly made his way to his desk, going around the others to avoid them.
Nate was at his desk about five minutes when Buck came over and sat on the edge of Jackson's desk. Wilmington picked up a paperweight and moved it back and forth between his hands. "So do you feel like a teenager who has just been on the tail end of a guilt trip?"
The medic nodded, and began to shuffle papers on his desk. Nathan hadn't expected that the mustached agent would come and talk to him.
Buck whistled and grinned. "I figured that's the tactic he'd take with you."
"Yeah, it worked." Nathan said, as he removed the paperweight from Buck's hand and set it back on the desk. "He pointed out that I was wrong." Jackson furrowed his brow in worry over the team's reaction to his lapse in judgment.
Wilmington gave the medic a slap on the back as he stood up. "Hell, Nate, no matter what you do, you're still the only one who can patch us up. We need ya around." Buck began to walk away and then turned and gave Nathan a wink before adding, "Just don't do it again and we're meeting at the saloon tonight."
Nathan grinned at how easily he had been forgiven. Jackson began to wonder if he could be that merciful to Vin.
Vin and Jimmy kept their conversation to pleasantries. Nathan was still in the room. Tanner gave the medic a glance every few moments until Jackson shuffled out. The sharpshooter knew that Jackson was unhappy with him. Hell, who really was thrilled over the whole situation? But for now Vin let himself forget and allowed himself to be distracted by his old friend.
"Damn, so this is what you've been up to." Jimmy kept his arms crossed and craned his neck around. They stood looking out the conference room windows admiring the Denver skyline.
Vin chuckled, thinking about the last time he had seen Kotsu. Tanner had decided to get on with life and not re-up with the Army. He and Jimmy had been teamed on many black op missions. Both were quiet and effective, and they had more in common-a loneliness at knowing they were all that remained of their families.
Jimmy had been orphaned at fifteen, when his parents were killed in an auto accident on their way to pick him up from a baseball game. He went to live in a foster home for three years and then joined the Army. Unlike Tanner, Kotsu had stayed with one family that he said hadn't treated him badly. Like Vin, he was haunted and took solace in being a loner with a tough armor. "You too. I thought you were military all the way." Vin had decided to move on as he grew up and became disenchanted with the military bureaucracy.
"Things change," Jimmy shrugged the shoulders of his dark suit. "Then the FBI recruited me, and I ended up in Japan." He added a smile at the end, which made Vin tilt his head, questioning his friend's sincerity.
Before Tanner could ask Kotsu to explain Buck entered the conference room.
"Hey, Vin, sorry to interrupt," Wilmington announced as he strode in. He joined the two friends at the window and nodded to Jimmy. Buck winked at the sharpshooter. "We're meeting at the saloon later."
Vin nodded and hitched his thumbs on the belt loop of his jeans. Tanner felt uneasy, he hadn't expected to be socializing with the boys so soon. The glint in Buck's eyes told the sharpshooter he had arranged the after work get together.
"You're welcomed to come." Wilmington added.
"Thanks," James gave a quick smile. "But, I have to get ready for Saizo." The FBI agent buttoned up the three buttons of his suit jacket.
Vin cleared his voice, "Understood." Tanner said as he put out his hand. James accepted the handshake, and with his left hand gave the sharpshooter a pat on the back.
"You seem to work with some good men." James chuckled as he and the other two men began to walk to the door.
"Don't say that too loud." Vin drawled, and gestured to Wilmington. "It's liable to go to Bucklin's head."
The mustached agent guffawed and punched Vin in the arm. "Hell, Junior's just jealous, cause of my reputation with the ladies."
"Did I tell you they were all full of shit." Tanner grinned.
James reached out and pressed the elevator call button, his tattoo flashed momentarily. "I'll be talking to you." The FBI agent said as he entered the vacant elevator.
Vin watched the elevator door close. The silver doors mirrored the coldness emanating from inside the office. Tanner felt Buck's warm hand squeeze his shoulder, reminding the sharpshooter he needed to get back to work.