The Librarian

By: Celticcowgrl

Disclaimer:  The Magnificent Seven do not belong to me, nor does the ATF AU, which was created by Mog.  I'm simply giving into the ramblings in my mind. 

Genre: Romance with a little Action thrown in.

Rating: PG-13 for language and a little violence.

The members of Team 7 were working on making a very difficult decision.  Mexican or Italian?

"I say Italian.  We go for Mexican almost once a week." JD said trying not to shudder at the thought of one more taco.

Buck grinned and slapped his young roommate on the shoulder, "Exactly, it's tradition!"

Josiah chuckled, "Brother Buck may be onto something, JD."

"Or he's just tryin' to get his way!"

So far the decision was tied three to three.  The only one who had yet to make up his mind was Vin Tanner.  And it didn't look like he was going to join the conversation for a while. 

Vin was hunched over his desk trying to listen to the woman on the phone and ignore the good-natured argument that his friends were waging.  "Mr. Tanner, it is my understanding that you have come into possession of some items from the time period of the western expansion."

"That's right."

"Well, sir, I'm in charge of a display at the Denver Public Library commemorating the expansion.  Yet I have very few artifacts for the display.  We are trying to stay away from the usual antique guns and knives.  I'm trying to focus on other items that were used during the era."

Vin wasn't real sure what the librarian wanted other than maybe the spyglass he had bought at an estate sale recently, but was willing to listen to the rest of her request.  An indignant shout caused him to look up towards his friends with a glare.  "Would ya keep it down?"

"Excuse me?"

"Oh, sorry, Ma'am, just got a little too loud over here.  You were saying?"

"Well, what I was hoping is that you would be willing to loan the library any of the items that you have.  I was told by Mary Travis that you have an extensive collection."

Vin was going to have to talk to Mary about telling people about his hobby.  "Well, no offense Ms. Rawlins, but I would prefer to check out this display area before I agreed or not.  The things you're wantin' to borrow are real important to me."

Understanding could easily be heard through the phone, "Oh!  Of course, Mr. Tanner!  I would be happy to show you the display case.  Also, the library has a state of the art security system."

"Alright.  When would be a good time to come by?"

"Any day of the week is fine, and though I would hate to seem pushy or try to rush you, the sooner the better."

Vin chuckled, she didn't seem pushy, just excited.  "Well, I'm about to go to lunch, how about I stop by on my way?" 

"Oh that sounds just wonderful!  Thank you, very much!  Just ask for me at the information desk and someone will come and get me."

Vin got off the phone and looked up to see his friends staring at him.  "What?"

Ezra Standish sighed in exasperation, "Mr. Tanner, we have been patiently awaiting the end of your enlightening conversation so that we may all go and partake a meal with one and other, and you just made other plans?"

Vin smiled sheepishly, "I just gotta stop by the library."

Ezra laughed, "Mr. Tanner, I would be interested in accompanying you on your visit.  To see you in such a cultured setting would be worth a delay in dining."

Vin shot Ezra a good-natured "go to hell" look and then said, "I'm sorry, but this'll only take a few minutes.  I'll meet y'all at La Ranchera ok?"

Buck raised his arms and let out a victory whoop.  "I knew it!  Enchiladas here I come!"

Chris Larabee smirked then turned towards Vin, "Just make sure you make it, or you'll be treating us to dinner tonight at the Italian place."

Vin grimaced.  He knew exactly where Chris was talking about and knew there was no way he could afford to buy seven dinners there.  "I'll meet ya.  Promise."

Part 2

Vin walked past the granite columns that surrounded the central Denver library and went straight to the information desk.  Despite what Ezra thought, Vin actually came to the library often.  He told the person at the desk who he was looking for and waited while they walked off to get her. 

"Mr. Tanner?"

Vin turned and smiled at the pretty young woman in front of him.  "Yes, Ma'am?"

She smiled and held out her hand, "I'm Judith Rawlins."

Vin knew his jaw dropped, but he heard the same soft southern drawl in her voice as he had on the phone.  He quickly looked over the woman before him, taking in every detail.

Judith Rawlins couldn't have been any older than him.  She had an open, caring face, with dark hazel eyes and wavy shoulder length brown hair.  He wasn't exactly the tallest person on earth, but she stood only a little taller than his shoulder.

Judith smiled as she watched Vin Tanner.  His short cropped hair and bright blue eyes only enhanced the presence that radiated from him.  She hadn't expected the man to be so…handsome when she had called him that morning.  "Mr. Tanner, I don't want to take up too much of your time, so if you would just come with me?"

Vin recovered himself and nodded.  He walked with her through the massive library and soon found himself in the children's section.  He looked around curious about just where this display case was.  When he saw the large empty glass window he knew that the display was for children, not adults.  No wonder she had wanted to stay away from weapons.

"I hope you don't mind that I didn't tell you it was a children's display."  Judith was feeling guilty that she hadn't been completely honest with the young man beside her. 

Vin shook his head, "Not a problem.  Kids gotta learn about our past too don't they?"  Judging by the relieved smiled Judith flashed him he was certain he'd given the right answer.

Judith straightened her purple cardigan before launching into telling him about the display case.  The depth she went into amazed Vin.  He was told about dimensions, security measures, and even the thickness of the glass.  He could tell that Judith was very interested in using some of the items he had.  Though he was thrown off a little when she referred to them as memorabilia.  "Wait, ain't that stuff like movie posters?  You're not gonna put this stuff in there like it was used in a movie are you?"

After a brief silence as she was mulling over what he had said, Judith chuckled, "Oh no, Sir.  I'm not referring to movie memorabilia.  All too often Hollywood represents the Western Expansion as an era of violence and actually, all too clean.  I'm wanting to create a display of authentic Western Memorabilia that will be used to spark children's interest in their history."

Vin watched her for a moment then suddenly said, "Do all Southerners use ten dollar words?"

Judith blinked, "What?"

"UH, well, ya see I have a friend from the South and he uses them ten dollar words all the time.  I was noticing that ya do the same thing."  Vin was wishing he had kept his mouth shut.

"Well, perhaps we attended the same University.  I know my time at college put me into a habit of using academic language almost all the time."

Vin could feel his cheeks reddening, "Maybe so."

"Well," Judith glanced at her watch, "oh dear, I have kept you much longer than I intended.  Do you think that this display would be appropriate for your collection?"

Vin checked his watch and saw he was quickly running out of a lunch hour.  If he didn't hurry he was definitely going to be out a paycheck after dinner that night.  "Yes, Ma'am, I'd be happy to help you out.  When would you like me to bring the stuff by?"

"Oh, anytime this week would be fine." 

Vin nodded, "Alright, I'll try and bring it by tomorrow."  Judith smiled brightly and the feeling that he would like to do whatever he could to keep the smile on her face surprised Vin.

"Thank you, Mr. Tanner.  I'll be here all day tomorrow, so if you'd like to come straight here, I'll meet you."

Vin nodded, "Alright.  But, if you'll excuse me, I really got to be going."  Judith clasped his hand in a firm handshake and walked him to the entrance.

Once Vin arrived at La Ranchera he noted the irritated expressions on Chris, Nathan, and JD's faces.  He was just a bit late in their eyes.  "Sorry.  I got held up at the library."

Buck grinned, "Did the librarian get taken in by your baby blues?" 

Vin didn't even try to block out the picture of Judith Rawlins that formed in his head.  "I don't think so, but she was awful nice."  He didn't waste anymore time talking, but quickly scarfed down his food the moment it arrived. 

It wasn't until they were all walking out the door that Chris clapped his hand down on Vin's shoulder, "What do you say to seven o'clock at Mama Rosa's?"

Vin looked at him pleadingly, "I made it here before lunch was over."

Chris couldn't hide the sparkle of amusement that was shining in his eyes, "Not soon enough.  We'll meet you there."

Vin sighed, "And all I'm tryin' to do is help out a librarian."

Part 3

Vin was surprised the next day when he found a folder sitting on his desk.  He carefully set down the box that was filled with his western antiques before picking up the folder and flipping through its contents on the way to the meeting room.  When he arrived he saw that somehow, he was late again.  Even Ezra had already arrived.

Chris quickly started the meeting explaining the ATF team's newest assignment.  He looked carefully at Vin as he told them all about the surveillance of the Denver Public Library.   "It seems that someone is smuggling guns into the city through the library somehow.  It's up to us to figure out how and to put a stop to it.  Obviously there is someone on the inside helping the gunrunners, it's our job to find out who.  Vin, did you see anything out of the ordinary when you were there yesterday?"

Vin shook his head, "Not a thing.  The only thing that was different was two new display cases.  One in the children's department and then one in the main lobby.  I don't know what they're doin' with the one in the lobby, but the one in the children's department is clean.  I looked over it myself yesterday."

"That the one your antiques are going in?"  Nathan asked curiously.  Vin nodded.

"Seems awfully convenient for this librarian to call an ATF agent for this stuff right before we get the case."  Buck said mulling over the facts in his mind.

"Ms. Rawlins didn't seem like the type to be trying to pull a fast one on me.  She seemed more concerned with making sure I knew that my things would be safe there."  Vin felt like he needed to defend the poor woman before his teammates hauled her in for questioning.

Chris nodded, "JD, I want a background check done on Ms. Rawlins.  Let's find out exactly what she is up to before we move on. Vin, when are you supposed to take that stuff over there?"

"Sometime today.  Was gonna do it on my lunch break."

"Look the place over while you're there.  Ask her for a tour or something.  See what she'll tell you.  But wait until we have the check back."

Vin nodded though he really didn't like the idea that the sweet woman he'd talked to the day before could be involved in a gun smuggling scam.

*******

Chris dropped the background check on Vin's desk.  "Thought you might like to see this before going over to the library."

Vin felt an odd clenching inside.  "Something suspicious?"

Chris snorted, "Other than a couple of parking tickets, not a thing.  Seems like the perfect little lady, though she had her subversive days back in college."

Vin raised an eyebrow, "Subversive days?"

Chris nodded, "Yep.  Was a part of the Young Republicans."

Vin's bark of laughter echoed through the office causing the other team members to look up from their own desks.  "So does that mean I can relax and not treat her like a suspect?"

A frown crossed Chris' face, "You need to watch yourself, Pard.  You're still dealing with someone who may or may not be affiliated with this operation."

Vin nodded, "I'll be careful."

Part 4

Judith Rawlins noticed a bit of tension in her co-workers in the children's department that hadn't been there the week before.  When she'd tried to find out what was bothering them she'd immediately gotten her head bit off for it.  It wasn't surprising.  Judith always had the habit of sticking her nose where it didn't belong.  After her failed attempt at relieving her co-workers tension she kept to herself, focusing on the paperwork she had neglected while getting the western expansion display started.

"Dr. Rawlins?"  She looked up quickly to see her assistant Gloria Potter in the doorway of her office.

"Yes, Gloria, what is it?"

"A young man is here to see you.  He said it was about the display."

Judith's face broke into a smile, "Oh, that must be Mr. Tanner!  Tell him I'll be right out."

Gloria nodded and went back outside.  Judith smoothed her hair back and walked out into the department a moment later.  She was easily able to spot Vin Tanner, who was looking around the department with the same curiosity he had shown the day before.

"Mr. Tanner, it's good to see you again.  Thank you for coming." 

Vin smiled as he clasped her hand gently.  "Well, I'm looking forward to seeing your display.  Might have to bring my friends around to see it.  Especially Ezra.  He loves kids."

Judith removed her hand from his grasp once she realized he was still holding it.  "I'd be delighted to show it to them personally.  There will be a plaque indicating who donated or loaned the items to the library, so I'll make sure your name has a space of prominence."

"Oh, ya don't have to do that, Ma'am.  Actually, I'd prefer that ya didn't."

She cocked her head to the side curiously, "Really?  You don't want people to know that you're partially responsible for the display?"

Vin shook his head, "No ma'am.  It ain't exactly done out of the goodness of yer heart if yer gettin' credit for it now are ya?" While that was part of his reasoning, he really didn't want to explain that some people might recognize him as an ATF agent and get suspicious about his involvement now that they had been given the smuggling case.

Judith felt her respect for him grow a little bit more.  "Well, then at least let me buy you lunch in appreciation would you?"

"Well Ma'am," he chuckled softly, "I'm a bit low on cash, so that would be greatly appreciated."

"Then once we finish looking through your treasures we can go.  Sound good?"  Once Vin nodded she directed him to his office.  She couldn't wait to get her hands on the items in the cardboard box he was carrying.

Vin watched as she reverently pulled the buff colored leather duster out of the box and saw her dreams play across her face.  He could see the longing for a bygone era in her eyes.  As she ran her hands over the leather he could almost feel the passion in her fingertips.  She hugged the duster to her, ignoring the light coat of dust that he couldn't seem to get off it, and he was certain she had forgotten he was even there.  No one had ever been as open with him as she was being.  And she hadn't even said a word.

When Judith pulled the spyglass from the carton he smiled at her delight.  "Can't you just imagine?  A man tracking his prey, using this spyglass to mark just how far a head of him he was, making sure that he was alone.  All to catch a wanted man and bring him in to justice."  Vin felt the hairs on his neck stand on end as he thought about how many times he had looked into the spyglass and envisioned the very same thing.  Judith gave an embarrassed chuckle.  "You must think I'm crazy."

He shook his head, "Oh no.  I just see that you really care about what you're doing."

A slight blush reddened her cheeks, "I must confess, part of the reason I brought up the idea of doing this display was just so I could be a little closer to this time period myself.  It's also one of the reasons I came west."

Vin nodded.  He was completely enchanted by this woman.  And he found himself wanting to know as much about her as he could.  "Why don't we go on and get that burger and you can tell me your other reasons…for the display that is." 

Judith grinned and grabbed her sweater.  "Sounds great."  As they left the office Judith felt the need to lock the door, since the antiques were inside.  Gloria Potter smiled behind her hand as she watched the two of them leave with Vin gently guiding Judith by placing his hand on the small of her back.

Part 5

The burger joint Judith took him to was nothing more than a hole in the wall, but Vin could feel the place growing on him.  The scent of greasy burgers and fries permeated everything, and to a hungry man the scent was a heady perfume.

They fell into an easy silence while waiting for their food, but once it arrived it seemed that they could not stop talking.  Judith had never felt so comfortable with someone so quickly.  It wasn't long before she told him the real reason she had moved west.

"I was married while I was still getting my undergraduate degree, but it didn't work out.  About six years ago I divorced my husband after I found out that he was involved in a few illegal activities.  I was six months pregnant at the time."  She stopped speaking as she watched him for the inevitable look of panic she saw on the faces of so many men when they heard that she had a child.  Vin only continued to look interested in her story.

"Anyway, when I presented some of the evidence that I found in our apartment I was able to get a restraining order put on my husband and full custody of my unborn child.  My husband also went to jail.  But his family started hassling me.  They couldn't believe that I hadn't stuck with him and I wanted to get out of there.  My parents helped me afford the move out here and I got my job at the library a few months after my son was born."

Vin tried to sound casual when he asked, but he had a feeling in his gut that it was important to know what her ex-husband's name was.  Judith was perfectly willing to tell him and he filed it away to check on once he got back to the office.  They continued talking and Vin started revealing bits and pieces about himself without coming out and telling her just what he did.  The only thing he really told her about his career was that he was in law enforcement.  He felt like he could tell her exactly what he did after he saw a flash of relief in her eyes.  It wasn't until his cell phone rang that he had any idea of the time that had passed.

"Tanner."

"Where the hell are you?  You were supposed to be back a half hour ago!" 

Vin winced as he heard the anger and the worry in his best friend's voice.  "Chris, I'm sorry.  I got tied up with Judith.  I'm on my way right now."

"You'd better be.  We've got a lead."

"On my way."

He shut the phone and looked apologetically at the woman across from him.  "I'm sorry, but I've got to get back to work.  I…I would like to continue our conversation though."

Judith inwardly groaned when she thought about the work waiting for her back at the library but perked up at Vin's last statement.  "I'd like that as well."

Vin looked bashful as he haltingly asked if he could call her, or perhaps meet her that evening if work allowed.  When Judith told him he could call her anytime and gave him her number Vin's face lit up with a bright smile.  He dropped her off at the curb in front of the library but quickly leaned across the seat to settle a kiss on her cheek before she got out of the car.  "See you tonight."

*******

Vin all but ran through the ATF office to JD's desk, "JD, can you pull up a record on one Chester Rawlins?"

JD stared at his friend with a look of surprise, "I got one right here, but how did you…did Chris brief you on the phone?"

Vin was looking over the record barely listening to JD, "What?  No…he just told me to get back here."

"Then how did you know about Chester?"

Vin glanced up briefly, "Judith told me.  He's her ex-husband.  Was supposed to be in prison.  How did you know to have this waiting for me?"

"He didn't."  Chris told him gravely.  "We got a tip that a gun runner from Mississippi was in town.  He was paroled last week."

Vin frowned, "Judith has a restraining order out on him, but those things run out.  I need to let her know."

Chris gently placed a hand on Vin's arm, "She probably already knows."

Vin shook his head, "No, Chris, you don't understand.  I was just talking to her about him.  I asked her what his name was; she freely gave me the information.  She even helped put him away.  She's not working with him."

Josiah watched Vin closely, "Vin, you hardly know this woman."

Vin jerked away from Chris and looked wildly between his friends and co-workers.  "I know her well enough!  She wouldn't be working with him!  All she wants is to help kids read and learn about the west, what's so wrong with that?  She's got a son, she wouldn't be endangering him!"

Buck frowned; he hadn't seen the young marksman so convinced about someone's character in a long while.  "Vin, would you mind if me and JD went over and talked to this lady?"

Ezra stepped forward, "Perhaps I should be the one to talk to her.  She may look forward to speaking with one from her native land."  He flashed a smile at Vin trying to let him know that Judith Rawlins was not already thought guilty by all of them.  And he truly doubted that even Chris Larabee thought she was guilty, but Chris did want to protect his friend from any hurt.

Vin sighed and sat down, "Sure.  Go talk to her.  And when you're done you're going to see that she isn't involved in this!"

Ezra nodded then glanced at Buck and JD.  By the looks on their faces he knew they would be joining him on this little excursion.

Part 6

Buck didn't go to the library very often, but after walking in the door and seeing all the pretty women walking around he began to think he should come more often.

JD navigated his way through the library with practiced ease.  He frequently came to look over the replicas of the old Dime Novels that were held at there.  He only had one of the original novels, but he treasured it.  When the three men arrived in the children's department, the first thing they noticed was the massive display case that seemed to tower over all the children in the area.

Buck had to force himself to stay away from the display case so that he wouldn't be inclined to give it a through search.  He was confident that these display cases were how the guns were being smuggled in to the city.  His theory was completely blown when they walked behind the case and saw the entire back open.  The only thing inside was a very pretty woman.  Buck grinned at JD and Ezra before tapping the woman on the shoulder.  His eyes widened in surprise when she turned around and he found himself staring into the hazel eyes of Judith Rawlins.

"Uh…Ms. Rawlins?"  He stammered.  She nodded politely, then put the scissors she was hold down. 

"Can I help you?"

Buck regained his composure quickly, "Buck Wilmington, Ma'am, at your service."

Judith looked at the tall man and noticed the way the corners of his mouth turned up and were hidden under his mustache.  "Pleasure to meet you, Sir.  Is there something I can do for you?"

Ezra could see that it was going to take Buck a while to get around to questioning the lady so he stepped forward, "Ms. Rawlins, I do believe I hear a bit of Georgia in your voice." 

Judith smiled, "Mississippi, Sir."

Ezra smiled and shook his head, "I have been away from the south for too long if I am mistaking a Mississippi accent for Georgian.  I do hope your accept my apology."

Judith nodded, "Of course.  Can I help you, Gentlemen?"

Ezra held out his hand and said, "My associates and I heard from a colleague of ours that you were putting together an extensive collection of Western Memorabilia.  Well, we have a fine selection of revolvers and a Henry Repeating Rifle that we would be happy to…donate to your collection."

Judith tried to hide her distaste but was certain she failed.  "I am sorry, Gentlemen, your offer is most gracious, but I will have to decline.  This display is for children, and I am not using a single firearm in it.  Truth be told, I abhor guns and would prefer to keep any and all locked away where no one can reach them.

Her words sounded true, but Ezra wanted to make certain.  "Ma'am, could we speak to you more privately?"

After watching the three men exchange a glance between each other, Judith wondered if she wasn't going to regret ever giving them a moment of her time.  "If you'll follow me."  She went to her office but stopped at the desk in front of it.  JD almost laughed out loud when he over heard her say to her assistant, "If you hear anything out of the ordinary, call security.  Then call Mr. Tanner.  I think these men might be after the antiques."  After a firm nod, Judith led the three agents into her office and shut the door.

"What is it, Gentlemen?"

Ezra sat down in her chair, looking for all the world like he belonged there.  "Ms. Rawlins, we understand that you were once married to Chester Rawlins, am I correct?"

Judith edged towards the door; suddenly these men seemed more threatening than they had out in the department.  "Yes, that's true."

"He ran guns for a living, right?"

Judith closed her eyes briefly, "Yes."

Buck grinned, picking up on Ezra's plan, "Well, ya see, Ms. Rawlins, we got us some merchandise he's gonna like.  Now, we need to find out from you where he is.  Show her."

Ezra moved aside his jacket and Judith's eyes widened as she stared at the nine millimeter that was nestled in his shoulder holster.

"GLORIA!"  Judith shouted as she reached over and grabbed the first thing her hand touched.  It was a small picture frame and she quickly threw it at Ezra, "Don't you dare pull that thing out!  My EX-husband is in jail for God's sake!  He went to jail for the very thing you men are trying to sell!" 

Gloria Potter opened the door quickly, just in time to see Ezra grab his hand after the picture frame bounced off it.  Security was right behind her. 

Judith looked at the two security guards and said in an icy voice, "Get those men out of here."  She turned to the three stricken agents, "I had best not see any of you again."

As soon as Ezra, JD, and Buck were out of her office Judith picked up the phone and quickly called Vin's number.

At the ATF office Vin was waiting for the call he was sure would come.  When the phone rang, he immediately picked it up.  "I was right wasn't I?"

"What?  No, Mr. Tanner, it's me, Judith Rawlins."

Vin glanced up at Chris and waved him over.  "Judith, is everything alright?  Ya sound upset."

"I am upset!  Three thugs just waltzed in here and tried to get me to put them in touch with Chester!  They showed me a gun they wanted to sell him!  Can you imagine?  No one out here knows Chester, how could anyone have found out he was my ex-husband?  Why would anyone think I would be willing to help him in that…that…mess!”?

Vin grinned at Chris and with his eyes said, "I told ya so!"

"Ok, Judith, calm down.  Can ya give me a description of these uh…thugs?"

"Yes!  One of them gave me his name, Buck Wilmington.  I imagine it's a fake; after all, what kind of name is Buck?  He was tall, with a mustache.  He tried to be charming but it just came across as slimy!"

Vin couldn't help his laughter, "Slimy?  Ok, tall, mustache, and came across as slimy."

Josiah let out a hoot of laughter.

Judith heard Vin's laughter and shouted in frustration, "This isn't funny, Vin!"

"No.  No, yer right, it isn't funny.  What about the other two?"

Judith sighed, "One of them was nothing more than a boy.  Probably just picked up off the street.  But he seemed so innocent!  He didn't say a word the entire time, so I'm not sure if he was really involved or just along for the ride.  But the other one!  Oh, what a weasel!"

"A weasel?  Ok, an innocent boy and a weasel.  Can ya give me anything else?"

"Yes.  I was so mad and scared when the weasel showed me the gun that I grabbed a picture frame and threw it at him.  It hit his hand and when they were escorted out of here he was still clutching his hand.  I think I hurt him pretty good with it."

"Hold on a second, Judith."  He covered the mouthpiece and said to Nathan, "Ezra's got a hurt hand.  Judith threw a picture frame at him."  Nathan grinned wickedly.  He just might like this woman.

"Ok, Judith, what else?"

"That's all I really know.  I was afraid they were wanting the antiques when they started offering antique firearms, but they changed their tune completely in my office."

"Well, I'll see what I can find out.  I'll let ya know tonight alright?"

"Ok.  Thank you, Mr. Tanner."

He smiled gently, "Judith, ya can call me Vin, ya know."

"Oh!  Of course, yes, well.  Thank you, Vin.  I'll see you tonight."

Vin hung up the phone and absolutely roared with laughter.  It was increased when Buck, Ezra, and JD walked in.  The others joined right in.  "How's your hand, Ezra?"  Nathan asked solicitously.

Ezra looked at Nathan and held up his hand, which had a small cut, surrounded by black and blue tissue.  "That woman has remarkable aim."

Chris smirked, "So, what did you find out?"

Buck opened his mouth to tell them, but Ezra cut him off, "By your cackling, I'm sure that harridan has already phoned Mr. Tanner.  I truly do not see any way that she could be the inside man at the library."

JD agreed with Ezra, "Yeah, she hates guns.  Made that plain from the first."

Josiah chuckled, "Didn't care too much for you boys either!"

Chris whispered in Buck's ear and leaned back to watch once Buck registered exactly what he had told him.  "She called me Slimy!!??"

Part 7

Vin drove to the library and tried to calm the butterflies that were dancing in his stomach.  He wasn't normally so nervous when he went out, but he hadn't gone out with anyone other than his friends in a long while.  He smoothed his hair down nervously as he walked into the library.  When he passed by Gloria Potter's desk she gave him a welcoming smile and waved him on towards Judith's office.  He was about to knock on the partially opened door when he heard Judith talking to someone.

"But why do you want to delay putting the new books out, Doris?  Some of the children have been asking when the new Animorphs books will get here.  How can we tell them that they have arrived but won't be put out for another two weeks?"

A higher pitched more nasal voice responded harshly, "I don't want those books out for two more weeks, Doctor Rawlins.  I wish to set up a section of classic literature in that section for the next two weeks.  After that we can put out the new releases as we normally would.  You shouldn't question my requests, Judith."

Vin frowned.  Why would someone be trying to throw their weight around a children's department?  He shifted his weight and glanced around wondering if Mrs. Potter had known someone was in Judith's office when she waved him on.  His attention returned to the conversation when he heard Judith's tired reply, "Alright.  All right, Doris, we'll put out a classics display instead of the new releases.  I'll figure out something to tell the kids."

"Good.  I think that would be much better than promoting that worthless tripe publishers are trying to call literature these days.  By the way, you'll have to take down what you've done on your Western Expansion display."

"WHAT?!  Doris, I've been working hard -"

"Now, Judith, don't jump to conclusions."  Doris' voice had lost the harshness and she sounded almost friendly now.  Vin was curious as to what was going on.  "I realize how hard you've worked on gathering the items in that display.  That's why the library would prefer to have it in the lobby rather than tucked back here where only the little patrons will see it.  You're doing a wonderful job, and we only want to share the fruit of your labors."

Judith sounded amazed, "That's wonderful, Doris, but what will be in the display back here?"

Vin was immediately suspicious when he heard the silken tone in the woman's reply, "You leave the display back here to me.  I have a wonderful idea for a display to go along with the literature section.  If it goes over well we may make it permanent, what do you think?"

"Of course, Doris."

"Yes, well, it's about time to head home don't you think?"

Vin straightened up from where he had been leaning against a support pillar and knocked on the door.  Doris opened it as she was walking out, "Oh, well, hello there."

Vin smiled, "Ma'am."  He spied Judith and noticed her tuck her hair back behind her ear, " Evenin', Judith."

She smiled getting ready to introduce him, when Doris said, "Well, I don't want to keep you any longer.  See you tomorrow, Judith."

It was easy to see the relief on her face when Judith murmured a slight good bye.  As soon as Doris was out of earshot Vin said, "Who was that?"

Judith groaned and flopped back into her chair.  "THAT was my boss, the director of the library, Mrs. Doris Felding."

Vin nodded, "So yer display is being moved?"  At Judith's curious glance he said sheepishly, "I was at the door a few minutes before I knocked.  I didn't want to interrupt ya."  Judith smiled then noticed the peach rose he was carrying.

"Is that for me?"

He glanced down having forgotten the rose entirely.  "Oh!  Yeah, I picked this up for ya."

Judith smiled in delight before disappearing out of the office for a moment.  When she came back in she had a glass coke bottle filled with water.  She grinned at him as she explained, "I don't have a vase here, but this will work beautifully."  Vin was glad she liked the flower.  He didn't expect it to make up for his friends' and co-workers' suspicions about her, but it might ease it a little when he told her.

"Um, Judith, there's somethin' I need to tell ya."

She set down the coke bottle and braced herself.  "You're not married are you?"

Vin blinked in surprise.  "What?  Married?  No!"

Judith sighed with relief, "Oh.  All right.  What did you want to tell me?"

Vin leaned against her desk and reached into his back pocket pulling out his wallet.  "I, uh, told ya that I was in law enforcement, but I didn't tell ya what branch."  Judith nodded.  "Well, ya see…” he looked around the office for a moment then said, "I'm not tryin' to put this off, ok, well, maybe I am, but can we go for a walk, or a drive or something?"

Judith was becoming very curious and a little concerned but she nodded, "Alright."  She grabbed her sweater and her purse and they left the office with a quick goodbye to Gloria. 

They walked along in silence for a few moments until they reached Civic Center Park.  Vin looked around at the mix of concrete and grassy areas with a small sigh.  "They have some great parks in this town." 

Judith nodded absently, "Vin, what's going on?  What did you want to tell me?"

He kept walking, looking around the park and trying to imagine it when there were just governmental buildings and no beautification.  He had to admit, Denver certainly tried to keep things pretty.  He was stalling, and he knew it.  "Judith, I'm with the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Fire Arms.  Those men who came to see ya today, the thugs…they're my co-workers and my friends."

Judith stopped and looked at him puzzled.  "You're an ATF agent."  He nodded.  "And those three men were ATF agents."  Again he nodded.  "But they wanted me to put them in touch with Chester."  He nodded slowly.  He could practically see the wheels turning in her brain.  Any moment now she was going to - "They were trying to set me up weren't they?"

Vin winced.  She figured it out.  "Well, not exac -"

"That is entrapment, Agent Tanner!"

He winced again.  He wasn't even Mr. Tanner anymore, but AGENT Tanner.  "Judith, it's not what you - "

"Why?!  Why would you do that to me?"

He could see that she was hurt and he felt his heart squeeze, "Please, Judith, it's not what you're thinking.  Let me explain, please!"

She wasn't listening to him.  "So did I pass?  Was I proven innocent?  Are you wearing a wire while talking to me?  What is all this about?!"

Her hurt was quickly turning into anger.  Judging by the level of hurt that she was showing he was sure that anger would be extremely unpleasant.  To try and hold it off he quickly reached over and covered her mouth.  "If you'll stop and listen to me, I'll tell you what this is about.  I did not suspect you of anything, please believe me about that."

Judith stood rigidly still.  "Will you listen?"  At her brisk nod he sighed and moved his hand.  "This morning we received a new case.  Someone is smuggling guns into the city and we think they are bringing them in through the library.  Some members of my team thought it was awfully convenient that ya got in touch with me right before this case was put on our desks.  They did a background check on ya and it was clean.  But somehow the fact that ya had been married to Chester Rawlins wasn't on the check.  When I came back from lunch with ya, they'd gotten a check on Chester and found out he ran guns.  I'll be honest, I asked for a check on him, I wanted to know what he'd gone to jail for."

"You couldn't have just asked me?"

Vin shook his head. "It was a connection.  I had a hunch and it panned out.  Only my teammates had gotten a tip about Chester.  His record had already been pulled up by the time I'd even gotten there.  Buck, JD, and Ezra offered to go talk to ya.  See what ya knew about Chester.  Ezra didn't believe ya were involved, but he wanted to make sure and prove it to Buck and JD.  If four of us were sayin' ya weren't involved then there was a better chance that Chris, Nathan, and Josiah would back off.  Though really I think they were only concerned because of me.  I…well, I don't exactly go out all that often.  They didn't want me to be a mark."

"But what does Chester have to do with this?"

Vin reached over and took her hand hesitantly.  He felt like it was a good sign when she allowed him to hold it.  "Chester was paroled last week.  There's a good chance he's in Denver.  That was the tip we got."

He watched as the blood drained out of her face.   "My son.  If he's here he must know about him!"

Vin sighed, "That's probably right.  But please, Judith, don't worry.  We know what Chester looked like as of last week and we've got an APB out on him.  He's broken parole, as he wasn't even supposed to leave Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  Chris talked to Denver PD and has a cop patrolling yer neighborhood 24/7 until he's found."

Judith was shocked.  "Why would he do that?"

"Because we think he's the one trying to smuggle in the guns."

A deep shudder ran through her and Judith said, "I have to get home to my son.  I'm sorry, Vin, but I can't stay here.  Anna is just a teenager, she wouldn't know how to handle Chester!"

Vin nodded, "I understand.  I'll escort ya home if ya want me to.  I won't let any harm come to ya or yer little boy."

Judith almost smiled, "I would appreciate that.  Oh god…I'm going to see him everywhere now.  Why didn't they let me know he was out of prison?"

Vin shook his head, "They don't have to do that.  Especially when ya don't even live in that state any more."

They walked quickly back to the library and got Vin's car.  He drove Judith to her parking deck and waited for her before they drove across town to Judith's town home. 

Part 8

Vin felt a moment of dread when he saw Chris Larabee's Dodge Ram in front of Judith's home.  He jumped out of the car just in time to see her shove Chris out of her way and run into the house.

"Chris, what's going on?"

Larabee turned towards Vin, not surprised that he'd followed Judith home.  "The babysitter called the police about an hour ago.  Apparently Rawlins has already tried to get into the house.  Soon as the call came in they called us."

Vin watched at Judith walked back outside holding a small boy in her arms.  Chris smiled slightly, noticing the look that crossed his best friend's face.  He could see that Vin had already fallen for the Rawlins woman.

Judith walked over to Vin and Chris holding the boy tightly.  "What happened?  The other officers wouldn't let me talk to Anna."

Chris held out his hand, "Ms. Rawlins, good to meet you.  Sorry for the confusion.  It seems that your ex-husband decided to pay you a visit."

Judith's frantic gaze immediately turned towards Vin, "Oh god, what do I do now?"

Chris answered her before Vin could even begin to say anything, "Well, Ma'am, if you are willing, one of my team will stay here with you for protection.  We're certain your husband will try to visit again.  He may have been watching you for a week or so now."

Vin put his arm around Judith protectively, gaining a curious look from the boy in her arms.  After a few moments Judith nodded, "I would appreciate anything you could do to keep that man from getting near my son."

The little boy heard the tremor in Judith's voice and looked up at her.  "Am I in trouble, Mommy?"

Judith smiled and smoothed his hair, "Of course not, Paden.  Go back in the house alright?"  Paden nodded then slid down to the ground before running back into the house.  Judith smiled slightly then looked back toward Chris, "I am not involved in whatever Chester is doing.  I assure you.  And I will do anything I can to help you find him."

Chris nodded.  He politely asked if she would be willing to get her son and come back to the ATF offices with them so that they could discuss what they needed from her.  She readily agreed to go as soon as the police were finished Chris gave a signal to the rest of his agents and all of them but Vin left.  Not long after that the Police were finished getting Anna's statement and were gone as well. 

Vin waited for Judith to bundle her son up then escorted her out to his jeep.  He drove to the federal building in silence, not knowing what to say.  Once there he escorted her up to the eleventh floor where Team 7's office was located.  After she settles Paden down in Vin's desk chair, he turned to introduce her to the team.

"Uh, Judith, I'd like ya to meet Chris Larabee, Nathan Jackson, and Josiah Sanchez."

Judith recognized Chris from her townhouse and shook his hand.  Nathan and Josiah nodded politely to her.

Vin waited a moment before continuing the introductions.  Judith tried to smile at Buck but found it hard when she remembered the scare she'd received that afternoon.  When Vin introduced Ezra, she noticed a bandage on his hand and was caught between feeling elated that she'd wounded one of the men who'd frightened her and feeling guilty for hurting one of Vin's friends.  Guilt won out.  "Mr. Standish, I am so sorry that I threw that picture frame at you."

Ezra smiled graciously, "Ms. Rawlins, it was nothing.  However, I do feel it is my duty to warn my compatriots to never anger you.  You have extraordinarily good aim."

Judith smiled sheepishly.  Then she turned towards JD, "I don't mean to be rude, but Mr. Dunne, how old are you?"

JD felt his face redden, "I'm 20, Ma'am."

Judith nodded and felt a sense of respect come over her, "You must be very good at your job to be with the ATF so young."

JD grinned.  He couldn't help but like this woman.  Anyone who didn't immediately think he was too young to do his job he felt more inclined to accept.

"Ms. Rawlins, we don't want to keep you too long.  If we could just get started?"  Chris said quietly.

Judith nodded and after one more look towards her son, she followed Chris into the conference room.

"Ms. Rawlins, -" Judith interrupted Chris as politely as she could, "Excuse me, Mr. Larabee, please call me Judith.  There really is no need to be so formal with me."

Chris nodded then began again, "Judith, you are caught in the middle of a volatile situation.  Our sources have given us information pointing towards your ex-husband's plans in Denver.  We suspect that he is trying to smuggle a large shipment of weaponry into the city.  It has been suggested that this shipment will come through the library.  He may be planning on using you to do this.  Josiah is our profiler and he has been studying everything we've been able to find on Chester Rawlins.  He'll be able to better explain."

Josiah took his cue from Chris, "From what we have determined, Rawlins is a vindictive man."  He paused when he saw Judith's nod of agreement.  "He may be wanting to gain revenge for your help in his incarceration by getting you to help him with this deal."

Chris and Josiah noticed Judith grab Vin's hand.  "He'd try and use my son against me wouldn't he?"

Josiah sighed, "We believe so, Ma'am."

Judith looked out the open door of the conference room, making sure that Paden was still sleeping in Vin's chair.

Chris leaned forward, "This is why we want to put an agent on you.  Now, the earlier situation with Buck, Ezra, and JD gave us the perfect set up."

Judith cocked her head to the side.  She wasn't making a connection.  "How so?"

Chris grinned remembering her phone call, "When you called Vin you told him that JD appeared to be an innocent, maybe drawn into the wrong crowd.  What we suggest is that JD go undercover.  We'll have him picked up on the street and he'll be released into your custody.  He'll be staying with you, go to work for you, maybe as a volunteer.  That would be up to you."

Judith nodded.  She could easily see how the situation would be plausible.  "I can work with that."

Chris nodded, "For tonight though, to get this set up, would you be willing to allow Vin to stay with you?  He's the only one who's been seen with you before."

Judith glanced at Vin and saw that he was a bit surprised by the suggestion, but he didn't seem like he minded.  When he noticed her looking at him, he nodded.  After another moment she said, "That would be fine."

They worked out a few more details and broke up the meeting.  Chris warned them that a call would come in sometime that night to pick up JD.

Part 9

Vin drove Judith home and followed her inside.  He felt awkward knowing that he would be staying with her that night, though he also felt an odd sense of excitement as well.

He watched as she gently tucked her son, Paden, into bed.  As they walked back down the hall towards the living room she said quietly, "We never got around to dinner.  Would you like me to fix something?"

Vin's stomach rumbled loudly and he smirked, "I guess that would be yes."

Judith chuckled and took his hand. "Come with me.  You can keep me company while I fix dinner."

The longer Vin was with Judith the more relaxed he felt.  He was amazed with how content he was while watching her work around him in the kitchen.  Several times she would start to ask him to hand her something and he would hand it to her without Judith ever finishing the request.  They seemed to understand each other instinctively.

Judith placed a plate of sautéed vegetables and rice in front of Vin and smiled apologetically, "I'm afraid I don't have any meat in the house right now."  Vin smiled, while his stomach was crying out for a thick steak, or at least a hamburger, he assured her that the meal was just fine.  She offered him a beer and he gratefully took it.  Throughout dinner Vin found himself telling her all the wonderful things he could remember about his childhood.  He avoided the unhappy memories completely.  They were both relaxed; he didn't want anything to spoil it.

*******

Vin flopped on the couch sighing in satisfaction while he watched Judith choose a movie to watch.  When she joined him on the couch he couldn't stop the silly grin that formed on his face.  She smiled at him as he shyly put his arm around her and pulled her a little closer to him.

Judith snuggled up to Vin all the while wondering how she could possibly be so taken with him.  She'd never felt so comfortable with someone after such a short amount of time.  She wasn't really paying attention to the movie that was playing, though she usually enjoyed Con-Air a great deal.  She continued to mull over her obvious attraction towards Vin, never realizing that she was kneading his hand.

She was absolutely driving him crazy.  Her fingers were performing miracles on his often-tense hands.  He glanced down at her and could see she had no idea what she was doing.  Her mind was far away.  Vin had never wanted to kiss a woman more than he did at that moment.  He continued to watch her until she realized that she was being watched.  Judith looked up at him and her breath caught in her throat.  His blue eyes had darkened, causing her to absently lick her lips.  She titled her head back slightly, and it was all the permission that he needed. 

Vin leaned closer to her and gently pressed his lips to hers.  Time completely faded away.  He was completely caught up in kissing Judith.  He reveled in the taste of her lips, as he felt her lightly nibbling on his lower lip.  He felt like he was flying.  Vaguely, he heard a ringing and tried to ignore it.  Reluctantly he pulled away and reached for his phone.

"Tanner." He winced as he heard how gruff his voice sounded.

"Vin?  This is Sargent Williams, Fourteenth Precient."

"Yeah, Sarge, what have you got?"

"We picked up one John Daniel, sixteen year old male, matched the description you gave us earlier."

"Alright, I'll be over in a little while."

"See you then."

Vin hung up the phone and looked over at Judith.  He wanted nothing more than to return to the embrace they had shared, but he knew that the moment had passed.  "The kid's been taken in.  You sure you want to do this?"

Judith nodded.  There was very little chance that the house had been bugged, but just in case, Vin was being careful about what was said.  He waited in the living room while Judith bundled Paden up once again.  They weren't in the car two minutes before he'd fallen back asleep.  Josiah, who stayed outside talking to Judith while Vin went inside to post JD’s bail, met them at the police station.  He had to go through the motions of convincing the assistant DA, who just happened to be there, that JD should be released into Judith's custody.  Almost an hour later, Vin came out holding a surly looking JD by the arm.

Judith was amazed at the change in the young man's appearance.  Gone was the well-kept figure she'd met that evening.  In his place was an angry youth wearing torn, faded blue jeans, fancy sneakers, a NO FEAR shirt, and a beat up leather jacket.  His shaggy black hair looked like it hadn't seen a comb in days and he sported a large purple bruise on his cheek.

Josiah watched Judith closely as she took in JD's appearance.  He noticed her surprise when she saw his attire and noted her concern when she saw the bruise.  After talking with her for the better part of the hour he felt certain that she was a good person.  Her affection for Vin was obvious.  Josiah was pleased as she got out of the car and walked over to JD and Vin.

"Judith, this is John Daniel."  Vin told her quietly.

Judith smiled brightly.  She hoped that she could pull this off.  "Hello, John.  You'll be staying with me for a while."

JD gave her an insolent smile.  "Whatever you want, lady.  Ya got me out of jail, guess I can hang with ya for a couple of nights.  Give ya what ya need."

Vin cuffed JD roughly across the back of his head.  He knew JD was just playing his part, but the comment enraged him nonetheless.

Judith blinked in surprise at JD response.  "Excuse me?"

JD felt really low.  He liked Judith and didn't want to insult her, but he knew that he had to in order to make the situation convincing.  "Hey, I saw ya today.  You were turned on.  You'll get what ya need, don't worry."

Judith's face went red immediately.  Before she realized what she was doing, she stepped forward and grabbed JD's jacket.  "So you'll give me what I need, huh?  Listen to me, you no-good little brat.  I don't need anything like that from you. I have someone who can take care of that just fine.  And right now he looks like he wants to tear you apart.  I'm taking you in to try and help you turn your life around.  You will work, you will learn, and you will become responsible.  If you don't like that deal then you can turn right back around and go back to jail.  Do you understand me?"

JD nodded wordlessly and got into the car.  Vin and Josiah exchanged a surprised glance.  Neither of them had expected Judith to take JD's street-wise smart mouth.  Instead they found that she gave as good as she got!  They parted and Vin got into the car.  He looked over at Judith and flashed his shy smile.  He noticed that she'd singled him out as a partner of sorts, but didn't know if she had meant what she said.  Yet he still felt an unfamiliar sense of pride.  They were silent during the drive until JD said, "We're clean." 

Judith turned around in her seat and looked at him curiously, "What do you mean?"

He held up a small device and said, "This checks for bugs.  No one's touched the car.  I'll check out your house when we get there."

"Oh.  Alright, thank you, JD."

JD nodded then said hesitantly, "Uh, Judith, I hope you know, I…I didn't mean those things I said in front of the station."

Judith smiled, "I know.  And I apologize for my reaction.  That was incredibly crass of me."

Vin looked in the rear view mirror and caught JD's eye.  He mouthed an apology for cuffing him so hard.  JD grinned and Vin knew immediately that he understood.  Once they returned to the townhouse Vin didn't go home like he'd planned.  Judith silently asked him to stay simply by taking his hand when he started towards his jeep.  He stood by the jeep simply holding her hand for several minutes.  JD discreetly slipped into the house and laid Paden down in his bed.

"Are you sure?" Vin asked softly.

Judith nodded, "Vin, I like you.  More than I probably should, but never the less, I do.  I don't want you to go tonight."

He nodded and followed her in the house, trying to ignore the silly grin on JD's face.  "House is clear."  Judith smiled gratefully before showing JD to the guest room.  Once he was taken care of, she yawned and gratefully lay down in Vin's arms, falling asleep almost immediately.

Part 10

Vin woke up to the sound of a shower.  He looked around the bright room and wondered for a moment where he was.  The night before came back to him quickly and he broke into a smile.  The door to the bathroom opened and his smile widened.  Judith walked out toweling her wet hair with one hand, while holding her robe closed with her other hand. 

“Good morning.”

Judith gave a small yelp of surprise before she looked out from under the towel.  “Vin!  I didn’t think you’d be awake yet.”  She walked over to the bed and kissed him softly.  “Good morning.”

Vin threw off the covers and laughed softly.  He was still completely dressed from the day before.  He hadn’t even taken the time to pull off his shirt the night before.  “You mind if I borrow…?”

Judith nodded, “Go right a head.  You know, if JD doesn’t get up soon he’s not going to have any hot water.” 

Vin laughed mischievously.  “Serve him right for sleepin’ late.”

Judith grinned, “Vin, it’s six A.M.  I’m not surprised he’s still sleeping.”

“So what are you doing up so early?”

“MAMA!!!”

Judith glanced at Vin quickly then ran out of her room.  In the hall Paden was standing plastered to the wall, staring wide-eyed at a sleepy looking JD Dunne.  “Paden, honey, it’s ok.  I promise, it’s ok.  This is John.  He’s staying with us for a little while.”

Paden looked up at his mother curiously, his fear of the stranger forgotten.  “Why?”

“Well,” she truly hated lying to her son, but knew that he wouldn’t understand if she told him the truth.  “John needs our help.  He’s going to be working with me at the library and he needed some place to stay.”

“Oh.  Ok, Mama.  Hi, John.”

JD sleepily grinned at the little boy.  “Hi, Paden.” 

Judith smiled, trying not to laugh at JD’s Loony Tunes boxer shorts. 

Vin noticed and said quietly, “Hey, Kid, you might want to go put some pants on.”

JD looked at Vin in confusion then glanced down.  His face went red almost immediately and he darted back in the bedroom.  Paden turned towards the new voice and stared.  This man looked familiar.  After thinking about it he remembered him from the night before.  He was there when his mother tucked him in.  “Mama, who’s dat?”

Judith smiled glancing over her shoulder.  “That, Sweetheart is Vin Tanner.  He’s a good friend of mine.”

Vin hunkered down in front of Paden and smiled, “Hey, Pard, nice to meet ya.”

Paden looked into Vin’s blue eyes for a long minute.  Vin didn’t break the stare, looking right back at Paden, making sure that he kept a smile on his face.  He understood that the boy was surprised to see not one, but two men in his mother’s house.  Vin had an idea that Judith didn’t go out with many people.  “Hi, Vin.  What was you doin’ in my mama’s room?”

Vin’s eyes widened.  The kid was observant.  “Well, uh…I was about to take a shower.”

Judith covered her mouth and masked her laugh as a cough.  She swooped Paden up in her arms as she said, “Vin, you go and take your shower while I get breakfast fixed, alright?”  He nodded and walked back into her room, leaving her with her son. 

Paden waited until Vin was out of his sight then said, “Mama, is that my Daddy?”

Judith sighed and shook her head.  “No, Sweetheart, he’s not your daddy.”

“Does he want to be?”

“Well, I don’t know.  It’s a little too soon to tell, Paden.”

The boy nodded and squirmed to get out of her arms.  He padded back to his own room, and waited for her to follow him.  His mother wasn’t doing anything according to their normal schedule this morning.  Judith smiled slightly and followed him, quickly laying out some clothes for him before heading to the kitchen.  By the time she walked in, Vin was already there and rummaging through the refrigerator.

“That was quick.”

Vin spun around, “Well, there wasn’t much hot water left.”

Judith blushed, “Sorry about that.  I’m not used to leaving any water for anyone else.”

Vin nodded and wrapped an arm around her waist.  “I can understand that.  You haven’t ever had anyone over here have you?”

She shook her head.  He nodded and kissed her cheek.  “Thank you.”  She smiled and slipped out of his grasp as JD walked into the kitchen.  He grinned at Vin, and really couldn’t wait to talk to his friend privately.  He got his chance when Vin shooed Judith back to her room to get herself ready for work. 

“You must like her a lot, Vin.”

Vin glanced up from the eggs he was starting to scramble and nodded.  “I do, JD.” 

JD was dying to find out more about their relationship, but knew that Vin would say nothing else.  He’d heard the man say more that one hour than he normally did all morning.  When Paden came in Vin asked him if he liked eggs and the boy nodded with a grin.  This was a treat.  His mother didn’t cook breakfast except on the weekends.  He was expecting a bowl of cereal.

“Here you go, Son.” Vin said absently as he put a plate down in front of Paden.  He was startled when he saw the boys eyes fill with tears.  Concerned he immediately knelt in front of the boy, “Paden, what’s wrong?”

The little boy’s lip trembled and Vin wrapped his arms around him, picking him up and holding him close.  “It’s ok, Son.  Whatever it is, tell me and I’ll fix it.”  Paden’s arms tightened around Vin’s neck and he wailed, “You called me son!”

Vin groaned.  He hadn’t meant to.  He should have known that the little boy wouldn’t like someone calling him that.  After all, he did have a father, even if he hadn’t met him before.  He quietly murmured to the boy that he was sorry; he wasn’t trying to upset him.  Paden shook his head.  “You not gonna call me that again?”

Vin shook his head, “I won’t call you anything you don’t want me to call you.”  He glanced at JD and saw an odd understanding in the young man’s eyes. 

Paden let go of Vin and looked at him.  “So you don’t wanna be my daddy?”

Vin sat down roughly.  How on earth had that come up?  He looked back at JD in complete confusion.  JD said quietly, “Kid’s probably never had anyone call him that before.  Only fitting that his father would call him that, or someone who wants to be his father.” 

Paden looked up at Vin again, still waiting for an answer.  He didn’t know the man very well, but he was an observant little boy.  He’d seen a look pass between his mother and him in the hall.  He’d never seen her look at anyone that way.  He wanted a father desperately, and he thought Vin was the perfect candidate.

“Paden, I don’t know what’s going to happen here.”  Vin said in a tone lower than he normally used.  JD picked up a plate of eggs and quietly left the room.  He shouldn’t be there for this discussion.  All of Vin’s attention was focused on the little boy who was looking at him with big brown eyes.  He smoothed back the boy’s black hair and absently thought, “This is what JD must have looked like as a child.”  He turned his thoughts back to Paden’s question and told him honestly.  “I haven’t known your mother very long, Son, but I do know I care about her.  And I care about you.  If everything goes well, then I’d like nothing more than to be your dad.”

A wide grin spread across Paden’s face as he threw his arms back around Vin’s neck.  When he let go he quickly ate his eggs then went running back towards his room.  Vin watched him go then realized that Judith was standing there watching him.  “How long have ya been there?”

He noticed that she had tears in her eyes.   “Long enough.”  Shit.  She’d heard him.

He ducked his head silently wishing he hadn’t cut his hair last month.  He would have loved for his hair to cover his face so he couldn’t see her cry.  “Judith, I’m sorry.  I wasn’t tryin’ to get the boy’s hopes up.  I know I shouldn’t have said anythin’…”

“Did you mean what you said?”

Vin nodded.  “Then I think we all have our hopes up.”  He looked over at her and saw that she had a bright smile on her face.  His own face lit up at her smile and she quickly walked over to him and hugged him.  “I’ve got to take Paden to school.  I’d like you to go with me, I need to tell his teacher and the principle about his father being in town.”

Vin nodded.  “Be happy to.”

Part 11

The principal and Paden's teacher weren't able to meet with them that morning.  Judith scheduled an appointment with them for that afternoon before going on to work.  She kept JD running around the library all day long.  After introducing him to Gloria, she showed him how to shelve the books then sent him off with a large cart full.  JD knew that Judith and Gloria were working him so hard to keep him busy.  Judith was also sending him all over the library so that he could get a feel for it.  He was not only supposed to keep an eye on Judith, but also try and find out who Chester's contact was.  Not long before they were getting ready to leave to go to Paden's school, Chris called.

JD flipped the phone open quickly after he noticed the number. 

"How's it goin', Kid?"

"She's killin' me, Chris!  I've gone all over this library at least thirty times today!"

JD heard a soft chuckle, "Good.  Maybe she'll work off some of that energy you've got."

He stuck his tongue out at the phone, "Was there something you needed, Chris?"

Chris's tone changed and he was all business, "Yeah.  Expect Ezra to contact you."

JD nodded, "No problem.  When?"

"Who knows?  Just be prepared.  Ezra's got out feelers already."

JD nodded absently.  Ezra was the best undercover agent the ATF had.  He was able to get in with the gunrunners in town faster than anyone else.  With his alias of Ezra Sullivan he was one of the top underground gun merchants in town.  If he had feelers out looking for a seller, then JD knew it would only be a matter of time before Rawlins contacted Ezra.  "Got it."

He heard Chris hesitate before he said quietly, "So what do you think of her?"

JD immediately knew that Chris was no longer thinking business.  "She's a good person, Chris. And it's not hard to see that she's head over heels for Vin."  He glanced across the children's department to where Judith was reading a story with about fifteen children surrounding her.  "You can't tell they just met.  It was amazing watching them this morning.  I don't know that I've ever seen him as happy."

Chris was silent for a moment.  "I noticed when he came in that he looked like he was on cloud nine.  She serious then?"

"Yes, Chris.  She's not wanting to hurt him."

"Alright, JD.  Keep me posted."

JD hung up the phone and slipped it into his pocket.  He knew Chris was referring to the case, but would also be interested in Vin and Judith's relationship as well.  It wasn't that he was trying to be nosey.  He was just concerned about his best friend.

Part 12

Judith pulled up in front of the school and tried to ignore the apprehension that she felt. 

"You want me to go get Paden while you talk to the principal?"

She shook her head and smiled at him.  "No, thanks, JD.  But I need you with me.  Otherwise they may not believe me."

The meeting lasted almost an hour.  Judith had to explain the situation, and then explain how Paden was not to speak to, or go with anyone other than herself or one of team 7.  JD gave the principal a detailed description of each member of the team, just in case.  It took some convincing to get the principal to agree, but finally, a phone call to Chris Larabee took care of it.

Judith felt thoroughly worn out after the meeting.  Paden, however, was full of energy.  He ran to the car and waited for her and JD, who fell even further behind when he stopped to tie his shoe.  Judith called over her shoulder to him, "John, if you keep lolly gagging then you'll get left behind!"

Paden seemed to think the very idea was hilarious.  He giggled loudly while his mother unlocked the car and opened the door.  Judith picked up Paden to help him into the car when she noticed a note tapped to the rubber sealant on the doorframe.

Goodbye, Pun'kin.  Should never have called Larabee.

"Oh my god."  Judith spun and began running, "JD!!!  RUN!!"

JD looked up from his shoe when he heard Judith's shout.  He didn't have a chance to move, just watch in horror as the black Buick Century burst into flames.  He threw his arm up to protect his face and felt the pain of hot metal embedding in his arm.  The force of the blast knocked him backwards and he hit his head on the ground, knocking him out. 

Part 13

Vin wasn't doing a bit of work.  He stared at the computer screen but only saw the scene from that morning.  Walking Paden to his classroom and hearing him shout, "Bye Vin!"  It had caught him off guard.  He hadn't expected the boy to single him out, but he had to admit, he liked the sound of it.

Ezra Standish looked over at his young co-worker and smiled.  Vin's grin couldn't have been any wider and still been on his face.  He got up and walked over to the sharpshooter's desk, "You, my friend, look like the cat that swallowed the canary."

Vin glanced up at Ezra in surprise.  "Oh, hey, Ez, didn't see ya there."

"That, Mr. Tanner, is because you are a million miles away."

Vin shook his head, "Nah…only fifteen."

Ezra laughed softly.  "I don't believe I have ever witnessed you in the midst of an infatuation."

Leaning back in his chair Vin said, "That's because I ain't infatuated, Ez.  I'm flat out hooked.  Judith and Paden have already reeled me in, as far as I'm concerned."

Ezra leaned against the desk; "You've only known her for three days, Vin."  He was worried about his friend.  Ezra didn't even know if Vin had ever even had a girlfriend, much less a truly serious relationship.  To him, it seemed like the boy was jumping the gun a bit.

Vin laughed, "Mighta only been three days, Ez, but I knew this a day and a half ago.  After all, didn't you tell me that it only takes a day to fall in love? I ain't never felt like this before.  And I don't want it to ever end."

Ezra silently told himself to never ever give relationship advice when he was drunk again.  He'd never thought Vin Tanner of all people would actually believe him when he said that love was instantaneous.

In the background a phone rang and Vin heard Buck pick it up.  Something told him he should be paying attention and turned towards Buck's desk.

"Wilmington."

"Buck, it's Parker."

Buck grinned, "Parker you ain't called me in almost six months!  How's it goin' buddy?"

"I wish I could say it was better.  Buck, you need to get your team down to Four Corners Mercy."

Vin saw the look on Buck's face and knew that the conversation wasn't just a social call. 

"JD's been hurt, Buck."

Buck's face contorted and his voice cracked as he asked, "What happened?"

"There was a car bomb out in front of Cody Elementary.  JD was hit with some of the shrapnel.  He and the other victims were taken to FCM."

Vin slowly stood up as he saw Buck's skin go white.  Something had happened to JD.  Ezra noticed as well and stood by Vin, just in case.  If something had happened to JD then Judith would be involved as well.  He glanced towards Josiah and gestured for him to get Chris.  Nathan was already moving towards Buck's desk.

"Who else, Parker?"

"A woman named Judith Rawlins and her son."

Buck couldn't help himself, his eyes immediately sought out Vin's.  Buck was already putting the phone down as he said, "Thanks, Parker, we'll be there soon."

Chris ran out of his office with Josiah following him, Ezra had grabbed Vin as soon as he started slumping into a chair.  "What's going on."

Buck stood up, and put a hand on Chris' shoulder.  He wasn't going to take this well.  "JD, Judith, and the boy are at Four Corners Mercy.  Parker said it was a car bomb, Chris."

Chris collapsed almost immediately.  His eyes locked with Vin's and he felt like his heart was breaking all over again.  Vin's eyes looked almost empty.  The only thing he could see radiating from them was a deep fear.  He was barely able to find his voice, "Let's go."

Josiah and Nathan were left to park the cars as they dropped Buck, Ezra, Chris, and Vin off at the emergency room.  Buck's friend Parker met them at the door. 

"Glad you made it here so quick.  JD'll be out soon.  He only had a few pieces of shrapnel in his arm."

"What about Judith?!"  Vin's voice was ragged with fear.

Parker frowned.  "We don't know."

"The boy?" Chris asked softly.

Parker pointed to the nurses’ station.  The men could see Paden sitting on the lap of one of the nurses.  He was bruised and had a few scratches, but that was all.  He looked incredibly scared.  Vin pushed past Parker as he shouted, "Paden!"

Paden looked over when his name was called and he jumped off the nurse's lap.  "Vin!"

Buck, Chris, and Ezra exchanged a look before following Vin into the emergency room.  They couldn't help but notice how tightly the boy clung to Vin's neck.

"Paden, you alright?"

The boy nodded, "Mama got hurt."

Vin choked back the tears that were threatening to spill down his face.  "I know, Son.  I'll see what I can find out."

Part 14

Vin was walking towards the nurses’ station when one of the doctors came out of the triage room with JD.  He turned towards them instead.  "JD, Kid, are you alright?"  He forced himself to ask about JD before trying to find out about Judith.  It wasn't that he didn't care about the kid, but he had already been told that other than a few cuts, he was fine.  Of course, with JD a few cuts would lead to a fever.

JD smiled tightly, "I'm fine.  And yes, I really mean that."

Vin nodded patting his gently on the shoulder.  He looked towards the doctor.  "Can you tell me anything about Ms. Rawlins?"

The doctor shook his head, "I'm afraid I can not give out information to anyone but family."

Vin came very close to losing his temper.  "Listen to me.  You see that little boy over there?  That's her family.  I'm taking care of him, and I'm dating her.  I think I've got a right to know how she's doing!"

JD looked at the doctor and said, "He's also one of the agents on the case."

With a sigh the doctor said, "Alright.  Ms. Rawlins is in very serious condition.  She was shielding her son, so she took the brunt of the explosion."  He looked around at each of the five other ATF agents that now surrounded him.  "Due to the force of the blast, Ms. Rawlins' sustained severe bruises to her ribs, and her lung collapsed on impact with the ground.  She received a great deal of cuts and other abrasions from the glass.  Once her lung is stabilized she should be fine."

Chris felt an uncomfortable wave of envy rush over him.  How did Judith deserve to survive when Sara hadn't?  How did her little boy come out alive when Adam didn't?  He shut his eyes for a moment fighting of the inevitable anger and grief, and then looked towards Vin.  His friend was trembling; he could see the fear written all over his face.

"What are her chances, Doctor?"  Chris asked.

The doctor shook his head, "Baring infection she should be fine.  It may take her a while to recover, but she will be all right.  She's been moved up to ICU, hopefully for just a couple have days until we get her lung stabilized."

Ezra shook the doctor's hand and thanked him. When he looked back to his friends he saw that they were already heading for the elevator.  Vin was holding Paden in his arms and Ezra had to smile.  It wasn't a good situation, not with the child's mother in the state she was in, but the child was seeing that Vin was going to take care of him.  It suddenly occurred to him that they still hadn't gotten much information about the car bomb.  He made a mental note to find out what JD had seen.

Once settled in Judith's room in the ICU ward, Ezra asked JD about the bombing.  "JD, what happened?"

JD looked around, expecting to see disappointment on the faces of his friends, instead all he saw was a deep concern mixed with curiosity.  "I stopped to tie my shoe.  When I looked up, Judith was running towards me shouting for me to run.  The next thing I know the car blew up.  Last thing I remember seeing is Judith hunched over Paden as she ran."

Ezra frowned.  JD didn't know anymore than they did.

Vin held Judith's hand while absently stroking her hair.  He knew she wouldn't be waking up anytime soon, and when she did it was doubtful that she would be able to talk.  He'd be surprised if the breathing tube was removed by then.

"Mr. Rawlins?"

The entire room looked towards the doorway where a doctor stood.  Vin stood up and walked to the door.  He couldn't keep the disgust out of his voice when he said, "They're divorced."

"Oh. And you are?"

"Vin Tanner.  Her, uh, boyfriend."

The doctor nodded and shook his hand.  "Mr. Tanner, I'm Dr. Davis McCrea."

Vin nodded.  Team 7 was often seen around Four Corners Mercy.  At least every couple of months one of the members of Team 7 was wounded and brought into the hospital, but this was the first time they'd been there for one of their other loved ones.

Dr. McCrea glanced around the room and frowned, "I'm afraid there are too many people here, Mr. Tanner.  Ms. Rawlins needs rest."

Vin glanced around at his friends.  He didn't want them to leave.  He didn't have to ask them if they wanted to stay.  They all could see that he needed them.  Ezra walked up behind Vin and said smoothly, "Excuse me, Doctor, but family members are permitted to visit, correct?"

The Doctor nodded, "Well, of course."

"Then all of us will remain.  As Vin's family we have the right to be here."

Dr. McCrea began to protest but Sylvia, the head nurse in the ICU ward walked over and took the doctor by the arm.  "If one of these boys is here all of them will be.  Don't even waste your breath, Doctor."

The doctor reluctantly left the room and Vin turned towards Ezra, giving him a small grateful smile.  "Thanks, Ez."

Ezra clasped Vin's arm for a moment and said, just loud enough for Vin to hear, "Of, course, Vin.  What are brothers for?"

Part 15

It wasn't long until all seven men knew that Paden was tired and needed to go home.  After talking about it they finally decided to send Nathan, Josiah, and JD back to Judith's town home with the boy.  Vin was chosen to tell him.

"But Vin, I wanna stay!  I don' wanna leave Mama!!"

Vin knew it would be easy to cave in and let the boy stay but he couldn't.  It had been six hours since they'd heard about the bombing.  The longer Paden had to stare at his mother's still form, the harder it would be for him to hold on to the hope that she would wake up.  "Paden, I need you to go with JD.  He'll take you home and you'll get to sleep in your own bed.  He'll bring you back tomorrow."

"Promise?"

Vin smiled, "I promise."  He watched as they left.  Josiah had Paden on his shoulders trying to cheer him up.  Buck had gone with them, not wanting to leave JD.  Vin shook his head as Buck playfully swatted JD and got popped in return by Paden.  He chuckled as he walked back into the hospital room.  He was caught off guard when he saw Chris sitting by Judith's bed, holding her hand.

"Mr. Larabee never had the chance to fight for Sarah's life.  Perhaps he feels that he can at least help Judith."  Ezra said quietly.

Vin nodded.  When he spoke his voice cracked and trembled with rage and fear.  "Her ex-husband did this.  He tried to kill his own son.  He would have killed Judith.  That bastard is mine."

Ezra put his hand on Vin's arm; "I have no doubt that the honor of bringing that…psychopath to justice will be yours."

Vin squeezed Ezra's shoulder then walked over and took his seat opposite Chris.  Ezra settled into a chair and thanked his lucky stars that he had put a pack of playing cards in his jacket.  It was going to be a long night.

Judith woke towards dawn.  She was disoriented.  She felt warm.  When her vision cleared she saw Vin's tired, but relief filled eyes looking at her.  She tried to speak but gagged on the breathing tube.  Fighting the tube woke Chris from his troubled sleep.  He grabbed Judith's hands so that she couldn't pull the tube out herself.  Vin was caressing Judith's face speaking softly to her, trying to calm her down.  Her eyes darted from side to side wildly.  Vin assured her that Paden was all right and she calmed a little, but didn't settle down until he said that JD was alright as well.

During the excitement Ezra had gone to get the nurse, who gently pushed past Chris and checked Judith's vitals.  She didn't expect the woman to stay awake very long but left a pad of paper and a pencil for her to write on anyway.  Judith immediately picked it up.

<Where's Paden?>

Vin smiled, "JD took him home so he could sleep."

<Alone?>

"No, Sweetheart, Josiah, Buck, and Nathan are with him."

<Good.  JD'll have company.>

Vin and Chris chuckled at the note.  Ezra had already fallen back asleep in his chair.

Judith's handwriting was getting shaky, but she kept writing.

<Chester knows.>

Chris frowned.  He could see she was getting tired, but asked, "How?"

<Don't know.  Left note.  Said shouldn't have called in Larab -> She had fallen asleep in the process of writing.

Chris' frowned deepened.  "She didn't call me.  But what's this guy know about me?"

Vin shook his head, "Don't know.  Maybe we should go over his file again.  Maybe you busted him once."

"So he creates a replica of my family's death!?"  Chris didn't even realize that he'd shouted.  It had been five years since his wife and son had been killed by a car bomb.  It was only in the two years he had started feeling anything other than grief and anger.  Chester Rawlins had no idea who he was dealing with if he thought Chris would let him send him back into that despair.  But more importantly, Chris wasn't going to let the man send his best friend down that road either.

Part 16

Chris walked into the bullpen of Team 7's office purposefully.  He didn't expect anyone to be there so early in the morning.  He was surprised to find Josiah and Nathan already at their desks.

"What are you two doing here?"

Nathan looked over at Chris with a grin, "Good morning to you too."

Chris sat down on the edge of his desk and filled them in on Judith's state.  He then told them what she'd been able to tell them about the bombing.

"If Rawlins' knows that she was helping us, then he could also know about Ezra.  Perhaps we should turn over the undercover work on this assignment to Team 2."  Josiah suggested.

Chris nodded, "Good idea.  I'll go call Hank and see if his boys can handle it.  I need you two to go back over Rawlins file, hell go over every file that you can find on him, his family, anyone he's ever worked with.  We have to find out what he has against me that would cause him to try and kill Judith and Paden."

Nathan frowned, "You sure that it's something against you and not just the fact that she's involved with the ATF?"

Chris stopped at his door, "Why else would he have tried to blow her up?"

"Maybe he was just trying to warn her.  That bomb was rigged to have a delay between when it was triggered and when it went off.  Parker already dropped off the report on it.  Once Forensics found out that ATF was involved they got to work on identifying the mechanism and the incendiary device."  Nathan told him quietly.

Chris turned back around, "Are you saying he was trying to scare her?"

Nathan nodded.  "Josiah and me already talked this out.  See, Judith helped put Rawlins away the first time.  Now that he's in town and trying a new setup, she's helping again.  Whoever planted the bomb gave her enough of a head start to where she wouldn't be killed by the blast.  If he scares her off then we don't have a way to get into the library and keep an eye out for who's working with Rawlins, or when the guns are going to be transported."

Chris thought about it for a moment and realized that Josiah and Nathan had come up with a very good theory.  "Josiah, is Rawlins the type to work with explosives himself?"

Josiah shook his head, "He deals with guns, nothing else."

"Find out who in this town can put together a bomb like that.  Then see if your powers of persuasion can find out which one did it."  Chris walked into his office and immediately got on the phone with Hank Miller, Team 2's lead agent to explain the situation.

Part 17

Vin listened quietly to what Chris was telling him.  They sat in the hospital cafeteria drinking a cup of coffee while Chris filled him in on what Josiah and Nathan had found out.

"They've been busy the last two days."

Chris nodded, "Yeah.  Well once they got the list of bomb specialists they were able to narrow the list down to three suspects.  Jim Cawlder told them almost immediately.  While he took pride in his work, he wasn't too pleased that he hadn't been paid yet.  Rawlins told him he'd get his money after the third."

Vin stared into his coffee cup thoughtfully.  "The guns must be lined up for sale around then."

"That's what we're thinking.  Hank's boys haven't been able to find anything out yet, but Morris is almost as good as Ezra.  He should find out about the deal within the week."

Vin took a drink and grimace.  He felt like he was drinking black water.  "So why'd Jim give in so easily.  Not getting' paid ain't good enough for a jail sentence."

Chris flashed a crooked smile.  "Worked out a deal.  But seems Jim's got his self a code of honor.  When he heard that Paden'd been hurt he told Josiah exactly how he'd been approached and how much he was supposed to get paid."

Vin's eyes glittered dangerously.  "Then we've got him."

Chris understood Vin's look.  He would have loved to of been able to be this successful in finding his own family's killers.  "Attempted murder and breaking parole.   For that he'll be going back to prison.  But I want the guns, Vin."

Vin nodded, "Me too, Cowboy.  But I want to be there when he's caught."

"You will be.  Now, go home and get some rest.  I'll stay here with Judith."

Vin shook his head, "I'm not leavin' her."

Chris grinned, "Vin, you're growin' a beard.  Your hair hasn't been washed in three days.  Go home.  She'll appreciate it."

"I ain't sure how to take that."  Vin said with a lopsided grin.

"Just go tell her and Paden goodbye and go home.  Get some rest and come back tonight."  Chris said as he good-naturedly shoved Vin towards the elevators and he realized that he was really happy to see how relaxed Vin was.  The past few days the young tracker had been wound as tight as a wire.  With an end in sight on the case, Vin was relaxing just enough.

Chris stood silently by the door as Vin walked into the private room Judith occupied.  A smile crossed his face as he saw smiled spread across Judith and Paden's faces at Vin's approach.  His voice was low enough that Chris couldn't hear what he told them, but Judith's nod and wave to him was inviting.  He felt a brief stab of envy when Paden held up his arms and Vin reached over Judith to hug him.  One quick kiss on her cheek and Vin left.  Chris could hear him whistling as he walked down the hall.

Ezra had stopped reading to Paden when Vin walked in.  His attention had been divided between Vin and watching Chris's face.  It would have been hard to miss the wistful expression Chris wore, but it wasn't surprising.  While Ezra had never met Chris's wife and son, he had seen their pictures and heard about them.  Sarah and Adam were very special.  Buck had quietly remarked the day before that Judith and Paden reminded him of them.  Ezra could only imagine that the comparison wasn't lost on Chris.

"Hey, Ezra, you go on and take a break.  I'd be happy to take over for you." 

Ezra looked up in surprise at Larabee's cheerful tone.  But then he saw the man's eyes and was suddenly elated.  Ezra didn't know what had triggered it, but for the first time since he'd met the man, he saw peace in Chris's eyes.  "How could I say no to such an offer?  Miss Rawlins, Paden, if you will excuse me."  Ezra made his way out of the room and Paden looked at Chris curiously.

"Are you really gonna keep readin'?"

Chris smiled, "If you want me to, Sport.  And if it won't bother your mom."

Judith waved a hand.  The doctor was supposed to come in and take out the breathing tube sometime that day.  Until then she was stuck writing and using hand gestures to communicate.  Chris noticed that her eyes sparkled happily as Paden hopped up onto Chris' lap. 

Chris sat there and quietly read Robin Hood until Paden fell asleep in his arms.  He looked down at him and smiled.  He felt a gentle tap on his knee and looked over at Judith.  She held out the notepad and he let the book slip out of his grasp to take the note.

<What happened?  When I first met you it seemed that you were grieving, that has changed.>

He didn't even try to hide his surprise.  Had he stopped grieving?  Had he finally let the pain go?  "I don't know, Judith."

She took the notepad and thought for a moment. <I know how much you must miss your family.  I realize that I never knew them, but I imagine they would be glad to see you happy.  I've gotten the impression that you haven't been in a long time.>

Chris normally would have been angered by such an assumption, but something about Judith made him understand that she wasn't trying to patronize him.  He realized that Buck was right, she did remind him of Sarah.  They would have liked each other.  "You're right, they would be."

They sat in a companionable silent for almost an hour.  Ezra walked back into the room and was curious but said nothing about how quiet the room seemed.  Chris adjusted Paden on his lap and joined Judith and Ezra when they started to play poker.

In less than an hour Chris realized that he wasn't going to win against the two southerners.  Thankfully they hadn't been playing for money.  Instead he'd managed to lose and get stuck babysitting and after that last hand he had to give Judith horseback riding lessons.  Ezra had at least beat Judith enough to wrangle two homecooked meals for the entire team.  It was one of the best bets he'd ever won in Chris' opinion.  Though he wasn't sure if Judith was just that good a poker player or if Ezra was making sure she won more than she lost.  The game was put on hold when Dr. McCrea came in to take out the breathing tube.

Ezra took Paden out to get a sandwich but Chris hesitated joining them.  Judith waved him out after the doctor gave her a shot to sedate her.  She wouldn't be any use as company as soon as the sedative kicked in.  Before he left, Chris reminded Dr. McCrea that Judith's room needed to be watched.  Just in case Rawlins showed up.

Part 18

Vin smoothed down his wet hair as he walked through the hallway of the hospital.  Quietly he entered Judith's room, surprised to find no one there.  He noticed immediately that the breathing tube had been removed.  He felt a little guilty that he hadn't been there for her, but felt a hundred percent better now that he'd gotten a few hours of sleep in a real bed and a decent shower.  He sat down next to her bed and took her hand.  He had no idea how long it had been since the tube had been removed so he wasn't sure when she'd wake up, but he didn't care that she was asleep.  He just wanted to be near her.

He couldn't wait to tell her that the case was almost solved.  He knew that there was still room for problems, but knowing when the guns were going to be moved made it feel like the end was in sight.  Soon they would have Rawlins in custody and he wouldn't need to worry about her safety. 

Vin almost jumped out of his skin when his phone started ringing.  He grabbed it quickly, answering in a hushed voice, "Tanner."

"Vin, might want to get over to the office."

Glancing over at Judith, to be sure that she was still sleeping he asked, "What's going on, Nathan?"

"Rawlins just entered the library.  Team 2's been watching the library and this is the first time he's come close to the place."

Vin frowned as he walked away from the hospital bed.  "Kinda a suspicious time to be at the library.  Ain't it closed?"

"Sure is.  Team 2's got surveillance photos of him goin' in now.  A couple of them are inside as maintenance, they may be able to find out where the guns are kept."

Glancing over at Judith's sleeping form, Vin said, "Ok, I'll be there soon."  He shut his phone and walked over to her, picking up the note pad and quickly scribbled a note.

<Gone to the office.  May have a break.  See you soon. -Vin>

He considered writing more, but didn't want to take the time and didn't know what else he would write anyway.  He kissed her cheek softly then left after telling the nurse to watch the room.

By the time Vin got to the Federal Building he was absolutely quivering with excitement.  Rawlins was getting closer to making his move.  They could take him down now, but that wouldn't get them his partner at the library.  He kept thinking over the conversation he'd overheard that night he'd gone to tell Judith about Rawlins.  At the time he hadn't been paying enough attention to put two and two together, but now, he began to get a hunch.

He strode through the office with a purpose.  Nathan watched him curiously as he pulled up a record on his computer.  "HA!"

Josiah and Nathan walked over to Vin's desk curiously.  Ezra, Chris, Buck and JD were already in the conference room with Team 2.  "Find something, Brother Vin?"

Vin nodded, not taking his eyes from the computer screen as he printed out the file.  "I've got our man in the library."  He didn't explain just grabbed the file off the printer and walked into the conference room.  He tossed the file onto the table, and said, "Doris Felding.  She's the one storing the guns."

Hank Miller, Team 2's leader, looked at Vin in surprise.  "The Director of the Library?  Vin, there's no way!"

Vin shook his head, looking straight at Chris.  "She moved the western display unexpectedly, she wouldn't let a shipment of books be put out.  She's the one hiding the guns for Rawlins."

Chris started flipping through the file as Vin told them all about the conversation between Doris and Judith.  "She sprung the change in the display on Judith by saying she'd put so much work into it they wanted it up front instead of in the children's department."  He continued with the story, but Chris had tuned him out.  He didn't need an explanation for Vin's hunches.  Nine times out of ten they were right.

"But why?" JD asked.  The woman had a good life already, why would she risk it for a smuggling operation.

Vin didn't get the chance to answer.  Chris said quietly, "She's Rawlins aunt."

Hank looked like his eyes were going to pop out.  "Are you kidding?!"  He grabbed the file from Chris and scanned it himself.  "I'll be damned." 

"We have to remember that this is still circumstantial evidence," one of Team 2's members said.

Buck shook his head, grinning, "Ain't circumstantial at all.  When Vin gets a hunch, it's a sure thing."

Ezra nodded, "I'd bet on it."

Part 19

Vin couldn't wait to tell Judith what they had learned about the case while she'd been in the hospital.  As he walked to her room he thought back over the evidence.  They had Cawlder's testimony that Rawlins had hired him to put the bomb in her car.  They had the fact that he had broken parole, and now they were a step closer to having him connected with the guns.  As soon as they had the guns, Rawlins was going back to prison.

Judith waved to Vin as he entered the room.  "Hi, handsome."  She said hoarsely.

Vin smiled at her, "Hi.  Where's Paden?"

"Gloria took him to her house tonight.  She's looking after Billy Travis this week since Mary is on assignment.  He and Paden get along well so we thought it would be nice to let him see one of his classmates."

Vin nodded, "Hope they have fun then.  How are ya feelin'?"

"I'm fine.  The cuts on my back are itching but I'm fine."  She fervently wished that people would stop asking her that question, but she couldn't help but be pleased that Vin was there.  If he wanted to ask her silly questions about her health then she wouldn't complain.

"I've got some news for you.  We've got evidence against Rawlins now."  Seeing Judith's interest he quickly told her all that Josiah and Nathan had learned.  He was excited that he could also tell her that late the night before, Morris, the undercover agent on Team 2 had set up a time to look at the guns being supplied by Rawlins.

"That's wonderful!  When?  Will this be over soon?"

He sighed, "I can't tell ya that, Sweetheart.  I'm gonna be pretty busy the next few days, so I may not be around very much.  But they're releasing you tomorrow.  So you'll at least be able to go home."

She nodded.  "Thank goodness.  I hate hospitals."

He chuckled, "So do I."

Part 20

Vin was as jumpy as a cat.  He was ready to move in, but until they got the signal from Morris, no one could make a move.

"What is takin' so long?!"  He hissed.

"Mr. Tanner, it has only been five minutes since Mr. Morris even entered the building.  I sincerely doubt that this altercation will begin anytime soon."  Ezra said patiently.

The earpiece they both wore crackled and they heard Hank say, "Move!  All units move!" 

As Vin and Ezra made their way towards the warehouse, Ezra muttered, "Then again, Lady Luck loves to make a liar out of me."

"ATF FREEZE!"  Shouts echoed all over the warehouse, guns were fired causing agents to dart behind cover as fast as they could. 

As soon as he was behind a barricade of crates, Vin took careful aim, taking down one of Rawlins' goons.  The man was about to shoot Morris, who was already down.  "Officer down!  Medic needed!"  He shouted before taking aim again on another thug.  Then he noticed that Rawlins was creeping towards the back of the warehouse.

As soon as he could get a bead on Rawlins Vin took him down.  He didn't kill him, though he wanted to.  The rational part of his mind held enough sway over the part of his mind that wanted to execute the man that had caused so much harm to cause him to shoot him in the shoulder, knocking him to the ground.

It wasn't long after Rawlins was down that the warehouse was silent.  None of Team 7 had been hurt, which was a miracle in and of itself.  Morris was the only agent that had been wounded.

As the medics looked over Rawlins' wounded shoulder, Vin took great pleasure in reading the man his rights.  Chris and the other five members of Team 7 stood behind him, just waiting for Rawlins to do something stupid.  They all wanted an excuse to kill him.

When Rawlins was loaded into the ambulance, Team 7 looked at each other in relief.  It was over.

Part 21

The case was closed.  Vin sat at his desk thinking over the weekend.  After the bust on Thursday, Team 7 had had very little luck getting any work done on Friday.  Saturday they'd spent at Judith's enjoying a huge meal of southern fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and homemade brownies.  Buck had asked her to marry him after the first bite.  Ezra had simply wrangled a standing invitation to dinner out of her.  It wasn't that the men of Team 7 couldn't cook, it was just nice when someone else did it for them.  That afternoon they had spent playing an impromptu game of backyard football, with Ezra keeping Judith and Paden company on the sidelines.

Vin smiled to himself as he thought about how Judith had cheered every time he'd gotten a hold of the ball.  He'd thought he'd noticed a camera flash occasionally as well.  Later when JD'd snapped a picture of him, Judith and Paden he was sure that pictures from that football game would surface soon.

"Vin?"

He pulled himself out of his musings and looked over at JD.  "Yeah, Kid, what is it?"

JD smiled and handed him the developed picture of himself, Judith, and Paden.  "Thought you might want a copy of this."

Vin stared at the picture for a moment before looking back at the younger agent, "Thanks, JD."  He set the picture up against his computer monitor and started working on his report of the Rawlins case.  He'd gotten almost a whole paragraph typed when he heard a familiar child's voice exit the elevator.

"Hi Ev'rbody!"

All around the office documents were saved and attention was turned towards Paden Rawlins.  Judith stood behind him silently, smiling as she waited.  Vin got up and went to her.  "What's in the bag?"

Judith smiled and pulled a candy bar out of the large canvas bag she carried.  "Brought you a snack."

Vin laughed as he snatched the Butterfinger out of her hand.  "Thanks."

"You came all this way just to bring Junior a candy bar?"  Buck asked as he sent Paden towards Chris' office.  The boy always made Chris smile.

Judith chuckled and shook her head, "Actually, I brought something for all of you."

"Really?" JD asked surprised.  Suddenly the five other agents surrounded Judith.  Even though they were all grown men, they simply loved presents.  Once Paden had appeared, dragging Chris with him, Judith pulled a brightly wrapped package from the bag.

By default, Vin was chosen to tear off the cowboy printed-paper.  When the paper was removed, no one could say anything.  Judith had been busy with her camera Saturday.  The present consisted of a large black frame and eight pictures.  Surrounding an eight by ten picture of all seven men toasting a well-played game were pictures of the individual agents. 

Nathan putting a bandage on Paden's skinned knee.

JD performing a victory dance.

Chris barking a play to his teammates.

Josiah with his arms raised in supplication.

Buck flashing his killer smile at the camera.

And Vin jumping over Buck's prostrate form, football tucked firmly in between his arm and his body.

Below the group shot was a small gold plate that read "The Magnificent 7".

-End.

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