Magnificent 7 belongs to someone else (much richer); not making any profit (purely for my amusement, but fans would be appreciated). Thanks to MOG for creating the ATF Universe. I do own any original characters created by me that are not in the Magnificent 7 TV series. Not beta'd all mistakes are mine. I wouldn't mind if someone would offer to beta. This is my first Mag7 story, please be kind. I had to take the boys off the shelf and dust them off. I promise to put them back the way I found them.

ALONG CAME TROUBLE

Chapter 1

He should've known from past experiences something had been off. It was going too smoothly. He even got that niggling feeling he had when things were about to turn sour. Why did he ignore it? Every time he ignored it he ended up in trouble with a capital T.

It all blew to hell within the hour. His snitch failed to appear and he ended up shoved up against a squad car, frisked and eventually cuffed. At least he had the sense to get his boys out of there before the shit really hit the fan. Damn, this wasn't suppose to happen. He was left alone with his thoughts in a small conference room. Things definitely were not making sense. Why was he in a conference room? This wasn't how booking procedures normally went. He knew how it worked, or has it changed that much? He sighed. What was taking so long?

That same sense of foreboding made its presence known again. The nauseous feeling hit him at about the same time as another horrendous thought came into play. Shit! Is this why he was stuck in this room? Did they finally figure out who he was? If so, they had another thing coming if they thought he would go willingly back to the dumps they stuck him in over the years. He was too close to his target to allow the system to screw it all up, again.

As his mind raced, it almost didn't register the fact that the door to the conference room had opened. Carefully reining in the distress of his situation he calmly watched as an older man in a dark colored suit walk into the room. He wasn't very tall, but he had an air of confidence; someone used to being in charge. The man held a thick file under his right arm while he carried two Styrofoam cups filled with what appeared to be water. The gentleman gingerly placed both cups onto the tabletop and then extracted the file laying that upon the table as well.

One cup was pushed toward the younger man and the other one was pushed up toward the middle of the table as the older man opened the file. The man introduced himself as Orrin Travis, Director of ATF. If Director Travis was waiting for a reaction from the young man he would soon be disappointed. He wouldn't give the man that kind of satisfaction.

As if reading his mind, Director Travis broke the silence by saying, "Well now, it looks like the world finally caught up with you, Mr. Ryder. How many years has it been?"

Was Jesse supposed to answer that or was it a rhetorical question. He decided to remain mute unless the Director prompted an answer.

"You do realize a lot of people have been worried about your whereabouts." Orrin Travis continued to browse through the file not bothering to look at his guest. The one-sided conversation continued. "No one believed that a ten year old boy, son of Kevin Ryder, leader of Team 2 ATF, State of Missouri would run away. You were safe. The only survivor of such tragic circumstances.

"Merely to be found four years later busted on the mean streets of Denver caught gathering intelligence on a well known drug and arms dealer, Nero Valentine." Orrin Travis finally looked up from the file he had been thoroughly studying. He removed his glasses rubbed one hand across the bridge of his nose before settling his gaze on Jesse's slouched form.

The attitude and careless regard for posture reminded Director Travis of a few of his men as he thoughtfully studied Jesse. "Tell me Jesse Ryder, why would you leave the safety and comfort of friends to live the life we currently find you at now?"

Jesse met the gaze of the Director without flinching, although his mind was racing for an excuse. This is exactly what he had feared many years ago. He decided to proceed with caution, because he didn't trust anybody associated with the system. "How many people know of my existence?"

He's cautious. I suspected as much. "Only Denver PD, FBI, and Denver ATF."

"That's already too many." Jesse muttered. His mind swirled with memories of a life he no longer held within his grasp. Too many people stolen from him, an unknown Judas still remained, and now his discovery. The fates sure knew how to screw with his life. "So, where do we go from here. I'm sure you won't be releasing me anytime soon."

Director Travis kept direct eye contact so nothing later could be misconstrued. "You're correct on that assumption. We cannot turn a blind eye on your present situation. It has been suggested…"

An infuriated young man abruptly interrupted the Director's explanation. "What right do you people have to run my life! I've been doing pretty damn good on my own for five years now. The system did nothing for me! All I got was a bunch of pity and bullshit! I ain't going back!" Jesse's hardened glare was almost a mirror image to a certain team leader which the Director found quite amusing.

Orrin almost couldn't contain the smirk that twitched at his lips, but knew that would not help this situation. "Circumstances and law dictate that we cannot allow you, to continue your life on the streets. You have information that we need. We are after the same individual for possibly the same reasons. We want that scumbag off the streets for good. If we pool our resources we may find justice.

"The system will not be involved like you think. One of my men will give you guidance along the way."

"Guidance?" The sarcasm was relevant. "Is that what you guys refer to it as? It's still foster care in my book. I don't need an overpaid nursemaid. I've done fine on my own." Jesse was now standing arms crossed over his chest. His eyes showed the determination he felt. How dare they disrupt his life now. Who do these bozos think they are? "I'll pass."

The Director was used to this brazen display of sarcastic attitude. Team 7 conditioned him for it. He decided to wait until the boy got it out of his system before saying anything more.

Jesse seethed with pent up rage. "You bureaucratic ass…" He stopped suddenly and decided on a different approach. Verbally abusing this man may not get him anywhere. Show him you can think for yourself. "Here's the deal: I'm close to the answers I need and your people are in the way. Don't interfere. I've been doing well enough on my own without any help."

Travis interrupted, "On your own, huh? So, you don't rely on those other boys you hang with? Oh, I know all about your gang. Your alias on the streets is Ace. The gang is known as the Black Marauders. Not too many criminal activities, more misdemeanors than felonies. You boys are actually mild compared to the others out there."

What the fuck? How much do they know about me? If Orrin hadn't been watching he may never had seen that slight pause of panic reach the boy's eyes only to be gone in an instant. He's good. I'm sure he'll give Larabee a run for his money. Then again, he'd give them all something to think about. I can hardly wait to see them all learn something from one another.

What's that old man thinking on? He's scheming. I would bet on it. Shit! Damn it! Next time that feeling comes I will not ignore it. This is not looking good.

"I see you're resourceful. You attend high school at Westville. You've racked up a few skirmishes along the way, but your grades are above average." He watched as the disbelief skittered across Jesse's face. Gotcha! Watch this old man work.

"By your expression, you had no idea someone has been keeping an eye on you. Whether it's a guardian angel or the devil's henchman I do not know. Only that your digging has disrupted the flow and you have placed yourself in danger. You have, also, placed those boys you hang with in the same danger. Nero Valentine is not a man to mess with. He has killed others for less. We've seen how far his reach is and that is why we need to work together. If he has anything to do with your tragic history we aim to bring him to justice. However, we are not into sacrificing the lives of children."

Only mine. "I say bring it on. If I'm the target, then let's get this over and done with. I don't like pussy footing around. And don't even mention the word pain. I've been carrying enough pain to last a lifetime."

"We all carry some form of it, son. I, too, know pain. However, the fact remains that Nero Valentine specializes in pain of a different kind. The one that usually leads to a slow and agonizing death. Good men and women have fallen before him, yet I hope this time will be different." A determined Director interjected. "Which brings me to another point."

Uh oh, here it comes. How much more is he going to throw at me? This is where he steps over the line. I can feel it coming.

"I've mentioned before that we are going to need to work together to bring this fiend to justice. Nevertheless, we need to ensure your safety in this process. Since you are not legally an adult, it's been decided, that you will be placed under the care of one of my men." Travis sensed the oncoming eruption and held up one hand. "There's no negotiation. It's either this or family services."

Great. I knew it. Next time Jess just listen to your instincts. He refused to sit down and continued to glare at the man calling the shots. "So, am I going to meet my designated nursemaid today? Or do you plan to further prolong the suspense?"

"You will meet him in approximately one hour."

"Ah, so he doesn't have a clue what you're about to spring on him. Perfect. Just what I need to make my day even more enjoyable than it already has been, a pissed off agent. Why don't you throw me to the lions? It would probably be less painful than this whole set up. Better yet, let me leave now and…"

It was the Travis' turn to glare. He firmly stated, "This is it. I need an answer. Either you go along with this or I call family services. What's it going to be?"

Some choice. Jesse mulled it over. "Fine. I'll relinquish my freedom to your man. But I won't go quietly."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Travis smiled. Now all he had to do was convince Chris to take this young man under his wing.

Jesse added. "So, what am I supposed to do for an hour?"

"Stay here. There will be an officer guarding this room. If you need to use the facilities you will have an escort. Also, if you're hungry there are a few vending machines, just ask the officer and he'll make sure you're fed." Travis then left the room.

A half hour later

The insistent ringing of a cell phone was ultimately silenced by a well known answer, "Larabee. Yeah. Okay. See you in ten."

Chris exited his office nearly colliding with Vin. "Hey! What's the rush?"

"Travis needs a favor." Chris' answer sounded grim.

Vin echoed the tone. "Be careful cowboy. He'll probably rope you into something that will get your boots dirty."

"Hell, when doesn't he talk me into something. Then again, the best part of that is…"

Vin knew where this was heading and growled out a response. "Don't even say it, Larabee."

"Dragging the rest of you guys right along with me."

"Damn it Chris, I asked ya not to say it." He shook his head slowly. "I swear you enjoy making us as miserable as the Director enjoys making you."

The devious grin Chris shot Vin said as much. "Isn't that what friends are for?" He quickly left the room before Vin could say another word. His smile widened more as he caught the last of Vin's mutterings.

As Chris took the elevator up to Director Travis' office he began to wonder what this 'favor' could possibly be about. The sinking feeling he was experiencing said it was not good news. Like Vin said it was never good when Travis called Chris for something. He racked his brain until it hurt. No use, might as well face the bullet head on.

He soon found himself outside of Travis' office. Anne, Travis' secretary, told him the Director would see him in a few minutes. As he waited, he could not help but feel like a kid in school again waiting his turn to see the principal. He definitely did not have the patience to wait. The Director had sounded serious. The conversation was short and to the point. Not a good sign. As far as he knew he and his team have been successful in most of their busts. All but one. That's it. Must be something to do with the Valentine case.

Before his thinking could go further, Anne told him Director Travis was ready to see him. He walked down the familiar hallway and knocked on the door. The familiar voice on the other side said, "Come on in, Chris."

At that precise moment, Chris' internal instinct kicked into high gear. Damn! He opened the door, walked in and took a seat in front of the Director's desk. Director Travis wasted no time in telling Chris what he expected from him.

A little while later inside Orrin Travis' office sat a dumbfounded Chris Larabee. That pose lasted ten seconds before an eruption shattered the silence. "What? You've got to be kidding me! Have you lost your good senses? Why should I take this kid into my home? Shouldn't this be a job for family services?" His anger radiated around the room, although Director Travis remained unfazed by Chris Larabee's behavior.

"No, that's the last thing this boy needs. You can do this. I know he's a total stranger, but that never stopped you from offering your humble abode to each and every member of your team."

Chris spat, "That's different. You're comparing apples to oranges. I don't know a thing about this kid." He slammed the file onto Travis' desk. "You're also withholding information from me. Why?"

"This is on a need to know basis only. I believe the information you seek will come directly from this source in due time." Director Travis watched as Chris raised one eyebrow in question.

Chris had briefly skimmed the information on Jesse Ryder. It told him the kid had been in and out of foster homes since the young age of ten. Until one day, the kid ran away. The disturbing bit of news was the anonymous calls to the ATF department informing them of the current whereabouts of the kid as he made his way from Missouri to Colorado. He had more questions than answers and the Director wasn't forthcoming on the rest of it.

The kid was now fifteen and living on the streets of Denver. He was the leader of a gang known as the Black Marauders. Although, this particular gang did not have too many charges racked against them. A few misdemeanors and minor altercations. Nothing made sense. Even the bit about the teen's deceased family. The ATF Kansas City, Missouri Team 2 had ceased to exist after a two week period of tragic events. The kid was the remaining survivor.

"Orrin, I'm tired of the bullshit. Just give it to me straight." The vein near Chris' temple throbbed revealing his patience level was at its limit.

The Director deeply sighed. "We've acquired some new information regarding Nero Valentine. It seems he is directly related to an incident that happened five years ago." He pointedly looked at the file in front of Chris. "It would seem Team 2 was dogging his every move until someone close to them pulled a Benedict Arnold. The whole team and their families were wiped out, except one. Whether that was by accident or not remains to be seen."

"Meaning." Chris prompted.

"I believe the boy's life is in danger. He was arrested today, not because he was in trouble, but to get him off the street. Word has it he's been rattling a few cages. The man he's been relying on for information was found dead early this morning with a knife protruding from his chest.

"We know the boy is on his own quest of vengeance against Nero Valentine. The thing is Denver PD received an anonymous tip regarding someone who has information on Valentine."

"You think the kid was set up. Somebody wanting him out of the way." Chris said.

Straight to the point Larabee. Never could get one on over him, accept his team and only barely so. "It may not look like it at first, but this boy needs you."

"Orrin, why do you insist on messing with my life? If this kid has the information we need, why not let PD extract it from him? I refuse to play nursemaid to a hard headed punk gang kid."

Director Travis knew Chris was starting to cave. To even come to the conclusion that the boy had been set up was a starting point. He was definitely riding this one out. Chris would soon come around, he always did. "I can't do that, Chris. My decision is based on this: your team is leading the investigation on Valentine. If I allow PD to interrogate the boy, chances are too many people will have access to the information. We don't want to compromise the situation. Plus, if someone has targeted the boy there will be more people in the line of fire.

"I don't trust anyone else but you Chris. Whatever information this boy has may answer some of our questions pertaining to Valentine's organization. Furthermore, I believe the boy doesn't even realize how much he knows.

Chris rubbed his hand over his face, starting at his eyes and worked downward. He let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine. When do we meet?"

Travis checked his watch, "In less than 15 minutes. I know this is going to be difficult, but Chris you are the best one for this. I firmly believe that you and the kid can learn a lot from each other."

"I'd rather have more information about him, but from the look you're giving me I'm not going to receive it."

"All I can offer is the boy is intelligent, a little stand offish and his attitude would fit in well with your team. He needs someone who understands where he's coming from. Someone he can learn to trust and lean on when needed."

"And you think I fit the bill?" An incredulous Larabee shouted.

"Yes, Chris, you do. Look at what you've accomplished with your team. That alone speaks volumes."

Chris continued to glare, even though he knew he lost the battle. Orrin was right. His team was exceptional. "So, are we going to stand here all day or are you going to introduce me to my new bundle of joy?"

"Follow me." Travis stood up to leave the office.

How am I going to explain this to the rest of them?

Orrin led him to the conference room two floors down. The officer, who had been guarding the room looked relieved as they approached.

"Did he give you any trouble, Ty?" Director Travis asked.

"A little, but he soon realized I wasn't about to back down. He behaved after that."

The Director nodded and dismissed the officer thanking him for his services. He opened the door and he and Chris entered the room. They were greeted by Jesse's obvious sullen attitude.

"I hear you gave Officer Browning a rough time. If I recall I did give you instructions to follow."

Jesse huffed, "Yeah, well you can't blame a guy for trying." He looked from the Director to the next man and asked. "So, this is my new babysitter. Lucky me."

Chris silently counted to ten, while Orrin made the introductions. Mr. Attitude meet Mr. Sarcasm. "Chris Larabee I would like you to meet Jesse Ryder. Jesse, Mr. Larabee is the leader of Team 7. He will be your guardian from this point on. I'm leaving you in his capable hands."

Jesse silently regarded Chris with open hostility, refusing to say anything. The word intimidation fit this guy Larabee like a glove. The man was dressed in black right down to his boots. He couldn't wait to see what this Larabee was made of, because he was itching for a fight. They needed him to get to Valentine. Yeah right. Throw that glare somewhere else old man it won't be working on me. Maybe some of his boys would cringe at the sight, but Jesse was made of stronger stuff. He'd show them.

Chris wasn't overly impressed either as his gaze landed on the teenager. Orrin what did you get me into? Standing not more than a foot away was a lean, hardened, scruffy looking sarcastic fifteen year old with an serious attitude problem. Hell, can my life get any worse? This boy stood almost as tall as Vin, maybe possibly a few inches shorter. His brown hair was down to his shoulders. He even acquired that mean street look: ready for anything the world threw at him.

Orrin watched as they continued to size each other up, green eyes meeting green eyes. Then the unthinkable happened. In one swift movement Chris had the kid pinned against the wall yelling, "Spread 'em."

"What the fuck?" Jesse yelled. One minute they had been glaring at each other and the next minute he was back to being frisked again.

"Can it kid." Chris' brief observation revealed results. He pulled a cell phone from the kid's inner jacket pocket along with a switchblade concealed up his sleeve. "Tell PD to do a more thorough job next time. How did he get past the metal detectors?"

The Director stood wide eyed in shock. Mostly shocked knowing the boy had been armed all this time. "He was secretly brought into the building."

"If I wanted to use it I would've done so by now. When do I get it back?" He inquired still facing the wall.

Chris grabbed a shoulder and roughly turned him around. "You'll get it back when I can trust you."

Jesse muttered, "Like that's gonna happen." How did he know where to find the blade? Cell phone I can see, but the blade? I swear he's reading my mind.

Both Larabee and Travis chose to ignore Jesse's last comment. "Now we can go. Orrin, tell my team I'll see them tomorrow. Me and junior here have a long ride ahead of us. Oh, tell Buck I'll see him later this evening." He then escorted Jesse out of the conference room keeping a firm grip on the teen's shoulder.

Jesse struggled all the way to the parking garage trying to release Chris' grip. He abruptly stopped when Chris yelled, "Knock it off!" And for emphasis he gave the teen a quick shake. As he unlocked the black pickup truck driver's side door he growled a warning. "Don't even try running away you will not like the consequences. Get in."

With a resigned huff Jesse slid across the seat and stayed as far away from Mr. Larabee. The ride to Chris' ranch was done in silence. As the ranch came into view Jesse was already formulating plans for an escape when he heard Mr. Larabee's dangerous deadpanned voice reach his ears.

"You are sorely testing my patience."

Shit! I swear this guy can read minds. He stopped all thoughts and slouched further in the seat. Chris smirked satisfied by Jesse's reaction.

As he put the truck in park, he already wished he had another set of eyes to keep watch on the skittish teen. Damn. Buck wouldn't arrive for at least another few hours. He led Jesse to the house, unlocked the door and entered through the kitchen. Chris, then, guided Jesse into the living room and directed him to the couch. "Take a seat. I think now's a good enough time to set a few ground rules."

Jesse flopped onto the couch as Chris purposefully sat upon the coffee table directly in front of Jesse. They were now knee to knee and eye to eye. It was an impressive, intimidating move, but Chris intended to get his point across.

In the meantime, Jesse felt trapped. Although, a strange feeling shot through Jesse, something familiar, yet unknown. Whatever it had been he managed to brush it quickly away.

Mr. Larabee's gruff tone drew Jesse's attention back to the here and now. "Before I give you the grand tour we need to set some things straight. One, no running away or taking off without permission. It's for your safety and everyone involved. Two, I expect you to help me with the chores while you're here. This includes but not limited to: care of the horses, yard work, and some general housework. Anything else that comes up I'll deal with it then. Got it."

"Whatever." The answer received wasn't quite to Chris' liking. He continued anyways.

"Also, since you seem to be traveling light, I'm going to give you a choice. You can decide whether or not one of my men can pick up some of the items like clothing and such from wherever you had been staying, or I need to go out and purchase some new stuff within reason."

"Wow, I'm actually getting a choice." The heavy sarcastic comment made a direct hit. This time he had Chris counting to twenty.

This kid is really pushing it. Why was I picked for this again?

After all that's happened to him in one day, Jesse was tightly wound. He wondered how far he could push this man. A verbal or physical fight seemed inevitable. Unfortunately, he was disappointed when Chris regained some control. The glare that was fixed upon almost made him flinch. Almost.

"Okay. Fine. Have one of your men pick up some of my stuff. However, I need to place a call to one of my boys. Are you going to allow me the use of my cell phone? Or do I have to use yours?"

As Jesse spoke Chris had stood and walked a few feet away. He turned and tossed the kid's cell phone. "I expect that back once you are done with it."

"Of course, wouldn't want to give me any freedom of any sorts." Jesse mumbled. He pressed a button and waited for the call to go through. He looked up unexpectedly and asked, "What?"

Chris' thoughts were close to throttling the smart ass teen. He again reined them in as well as he could under the circumstances. Deciding to keep himself occupied he made a call.

"Tanner."

"Vin. I need you and Buck to make a pick up today. Hang on, I'll have the information shortly."

"Heard you went home cowboy. Are ya sick?"

"Shut up. I'll explain more when you guys get here." Chris growled his answer.

"Yo Jess! Did they finally release you?"

Jesse grimaced. "No man, I'm under house arrest."

"Holy shit!"

"You said it. I need a favor. I need one of the boys to grab some of my shit to tie me over for awhile. Can you arrange that?" Jesse's covert glances had Chris on edge. Shit! He's reading me like a book. Damn it! Come on Jess, play it cool. Am I sweating? The only person that could do this to me was my…but he's no longer around.

"Yeah, sure. Tell them to be here at 5 p.m. today at the corner of 16th & N. Wells Who will they be sending?"

Jesse turned to Chris. "Your man needs to be at the corner of 16th & N. Wells St. at 5 p.m. I need a name."

"Tell him, Vin Tanner." Chris told Jesse. "Vin, did you catch that?"

Vin answered, "Yeah. 16th & N. Wells 5 p.m. Me and Bucklin will be there. Anything else."

"Yeah. No surprises."

"See ya cowboy." Vin ended the call. "Hey Bucklin, Chris needs us to make a pick up for him at 5 p.m. Let's go!"

Buck looked up from his computer. "Well gentlemen. I guess we'll see the rest of you tomorrow morning then. A little R&R is right around the corner."

"Amen to that brother. See you tomorrow." Josiah spoke for the rest.

"You're my back up Buck. I'm designated pick up man."

Buck nodded. "Did Chris give any indication as to what we're picking up?"

"Nope. Just mentioned he didn't want any surprises."

"Typical Chris. Let's go. Got your back."

Vin replied, "Wouldn't have it any other way."

Jesse was almost at the end of his call. "Thanks, man. If the cavalry ever grants me a pardon, I'll be sure and drop by. You're in charge "

"Later amigo. I wish you luck." The other caller softly replied ending the conversation. One step down. Out of habit Jesse almost pocketed the phone until he heard someone clear their throat. "Sorry, force of habit." He threw the phone to Chris who caught it one handed.

His heightened apprehension seemed to intensify even more. He could not help how he felt. Something still was not right. As if sensing Chris' mood Jesse suddenly looked up and asked, "What?"

To say it was an awkward moment would've been an understatement. Chris covered by saying, "Nothing. Let's finish the tour. Follow me." He showed the kid which room he would stay in while in Chris's care and the rest of the house. Then they proceeded out to the stable.

Jesse thought if things were different maybe he would've liked it here. The scents that assailed his nostrils sparked many distant memories. He forgot how much he enjoyed riding especially when he laid eyes on one particular horse sheltered away from the others. It was big, black and had a white diamond shaped marking its forehead. "Why is that one all by itself?"

"Not quite gentled yet. Giving him time to adjust to his new surroundings. Keep your distance, though." This time Chris' voice held a touch of concern. The man actually had feelings. Jesse wasn't sure if it was for the horse's benefit or for his. Maybe it was both. Whatever.

Chris showed Jesse what kind of help he expected from him when doing chores in the stable. The boy nodded at the appropriate times. Even asked a question or two if he didn't understand what Chris had said. However, that uneasy feeling sat like a wall between the agent and the teenager. Maybe Vin or Buck will have some ideas and help him through this.

The hours wheedled away while they talked in the stable. Chris heard the all too familiar sounds of vehicles coming down the drive. He glanced at his watch and was surprised to see how much time had gone by. "It looks like we need to head back to the house. Time to introduce you to part of my posse."

As they got closer to the house, Chris could see both Buck and Vin were waiting for them on the back deck. Chris indicated to Jesse with a slight movement of his head to move toward the house. As they got closer Buck shouted, "Hey Chris! Who do you have here?"

The introductions were made quickly. Vin glanced at Chris and the two moved into the house to further discuss things. Meanwhile, Buck tried to engage Jesse in conversation.

"So, it looks like the Director tied your hands pretty tight." Vin stated the obvious. "What does Travis want with Ace?"

Chris raised a questioning eyebrow. "Ace?"

It looked like Chris was left in the dark again. For a man so smart he sure was pretty dense at times. "That kid out there, Jesse. He's the leader of the Black Marauders. His alias is Ace."

Thoughtful, yet perplexed Chris asked, "Did the go between fill you in on this?"

"Nah. Me and Luis have met before. He used to live in Purgatorio sometime ago. He trusts me. He was concerned for his amigo. I assured him whatever was going on I'd watch out for him." Vin handed over the brown paper bag filled with Jesse's belongings. "Here. Nothing to worry about."

"Thanks Vin. You staying for dinner?"

"Yeah, but I need to leave got a little something to do. Don't worry, I'll be back tomorrow morning, early." He smirked.

Chris nodded. "Tomorrow's got to be better."

"Hey, the rest of the team will be here. You really got to learn how to relax, cowboy." Vin's smile widened even more.

"I'll begin relaxing when Travis gives me more information on this one. Why would he deliberately hold back information? He said me and the boy could learn something from each other."

Vin pondered it for sometime. "Maybe there's something you two have in common. Something from his past. What I can tell, so far, is that you're both ornery cusses."

"Let's get started on dinner."

Dinner flew by and Vin took his leave. Buck remained. By ten p.m. Chris told Jesse to head to bed. The boy grumbled but did as he was told, which worried Chris immensely.

"Damn Chris. You're jumpier than a horned toad stepping on a hot plate. What's eating you?"

Exhausted by the day's events Chris sat down, rubbed his face with one hand before answering. "I can't explain it, but I know the kid is up to something. Wish to hell I knew what, but I'm stumped. Sure as hell bent on doing everything on his own."

"Are you sure? It looked to me like he could barely stay awake. Still, you have to wonder what hell that kid's been through. Reminds me of a couple people I know."

"Don't even go there. He's nothing like me nor Vin for that matter."

"I beg to differ. Have you looked in the mirror recently?" Buck reminded Chris. "Okay. Why don't you wait and see. Give him a chance. Especially since we are going to be working together on this."

"Fine. I'll give him a chance. For now, I'm heading to bed. This whole guardianship thing is making my head throb something fierce. Remember the boys are coming tomorrow. We need to be up early to get the horses ready and make sure the grills are ready for later. See you in the morning." Chris then headed to his room. Buck thought over a few things before he, too, called it a night. Another waited, listening to the receding footsteps of the two men before putting his own plan into action.