CHAPTER 3

The limo purred to a halt at the door, discharging Larson, Starcher, Vin, and two bodyguards.

"Mr. Marini is expecting you Mr. Larson," Everett said as he led the way to an alcove.

"Bodyguards?" Marini frowned, as Nathan and Josiah took up positions and faded into the woodwork.

"A necessary annoyance, unfortunately," Chris growled as he sank into a comfortable chair.

Edward Starcher slid into a seat looking calmly around. Tanner stood silently at the left of Chris' chair.

A snap and a downward motion of Chris' hand had Vin kneeling beside the chair. Head down, Vin prepared to wait till Chris was ready to move.

"I must insist that, you allow, Mr. Everett to scan you for wires, gentlemen," Marini sprawled in his seat.

"Certainly," Ezra agreed.

"Fine by me," Chris grunted. "Can that thing tell the difference between a wire and a tracking device?" Chris asked.

"It can't, I can," Everett answered.

"Vin's collar has a tracker attached," Chris said.

"He ran away?" Marini studied the bruised face.

"No, a competitor attempted to acquire a special asset" Chris flashed a sharkish grin.

"Since, he's here I assume the takeover bid failed," Everett noted as he scanned Ezra and Chris.

"The asset was more difficult to acquire, than was first thought," Chris agreed and stroked a hand over Vin's hair. "It was necessary to remind Vin that he only allows my touch," Chris sighed softly.

"Hold," Chris ordered when Everett approached.

Tanner froze in position as the scanner was shifted around him. It began to squeal as it neared his collar.

"Would it be possible to remove the collar, so I can see the device?" Everett requested.

Chris frowned for a moment. "Vin belly, now." Chris ordered.

Tanner stretched out on to his belly, his wrists crossing at the small of his back. Chris rose and moved down to Vin.

//Hang on Tanner.//

//Chris don't move, I won't be able ta take it iffen yer not right here.//

//Promise cowboy, Ezra and I are staying right here.//

"Starcher, just in case he breaks," Chris growled.

Ezra rose and stood at Vin's left. While Chris attached a double snap to bind Vin's wrists together.

"Steady little one," Chris purred as he unlocked the collar and handed it to Everett. Larabee kept his hand against the back of Vin's neck as he waited for Everett to finish his examination.

"Just a simple tracking device, Mr. Marini," Everett assured as he handed the collar back.

Chris spoke in a soft whisper as he slipped the collar on and locked it into place. Quickly he freed the trapped wrists and ordered Vin to his knees.

"Sh now, it's all over," Chris assured Vin as he nodded for Ezra to resume his seat.

Vin curled close to Chris' chair as he struggled to regain his composure. Larabee gently removed the clasp freeing Vin's hair.

"Okay now?" Chris asked in genuine concern.

Vin nodded, resting his head against Chris' thigh for a moment.

"The attempted acquisition," Chris got back to business.

Marini studied the kneeling man. "Perhaps a buyout?"

"Not at this time," Chris snarled in warning.

"He would be improved with firmer discipline," Marini suggested.

"One does not make a pony ride, out of a thoroughbred," Ezra responded.

"Today is Thursday, now, we discuss business not pleasure," Chris snapped.

"Of course," Marini began.

A meal was ordered as the men discussed the deal. Chris seemed unconcerned as he fed Vin tidbits by hand.

They would fool mother into believing, that this is not act. Ezra watched thoughtfully. Vin's smirk was hidden from Marini and Everett as he winked at Ezra. And they call me a con man.

The deal was finally closed and the exchange was to occur Saturday, at a small shipping firm on the outskirts of Denver.

"A little exchange for the night? Just to sweeten the deal," Marini offered a selection of playmates for Larson's approval.

"No!" Chris answered firmly.

"Mr. Marini, please refrain from further offers," Ezra suggested strongly.

"Are you certain you wouldn't be interested in an exchange of assets?" Marini licked his lips watching Vin.

"Vin, tell Mr. Marini what you do, when I let you out of your collar," Chris ordered.

"I take care of tha garbage," Vin hissed in a deadly tone.

Marini sat back with a cold chill as feral blue eyes met his own.

"Starcher, finalize the deal," Larson ordered. "Vin, stand." //Ready to make a point Tanner.//

//Reckin so.//

"Lose it," Chris tugged on the shirt sleeve.

Choked off gasps greeted the exhibition of the terrible scars covering Vin's torso. Tanner dropped the shirt at his feet. Lifting his head he met Marini's gaze head on. Everett flinched under the challenging stare.

Chris nodded and signaled Josiah to follow. "Vin, heel."

Tanner stalked at Chris shoulder. A path cleared for the hunters as they headed for the door. The three remaining men stood silently until Larson and his shadow left the club.

"He's not really a bottom, is he?" Marini frowned.

"Vin is unique," Ezra acknowledged.

"Why the collar?" Everett questioned.

"Their unique situation would only prove to be confusing to others," Ezra allowed. "Mr. Larson will expect an update in 90 minutes gentleman," Ezra prodded the men back to business.

Loose ends were tied up and Ezra rose to leave. He waved Nathan over and the two exited the club.

Everett poured wine for Marini and himself.

"I could have lost a great deal trying to steal that kid," Marini mused.

"Most likely your life," Thomas agreed.

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Saturday, the bust went down cleanly. Like clockwork. Marini and Everett were placed in cuffs by Chris and Ezra without fanfare.

"Good work guys, thanks for your help," Johnson called to Chris and his team.

"Larabee?" Marini asked.

Chris nodded without expression.

"All clear Chris," Buck walked over.

"Vin?" Larabee asked.

"Walking it off, over there," Buck pointed to the tense figure prowling a far corner.

"Everett, make the arrangements," Marini ordered quietly.

Marini swallowed hard as Vin turned to look at him. A cold chill ran down Marini's spine, when the hunter's eyes locked onto him. Tanner had a cold smile on his face.

"Everett, never mind. We can keep this in court for years," he sighed.

"A wise decision," Ezra Standish agreed softly from the shadows.

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FEDERAL BUILDING DENVER, COLORADO

Chris got on the elevator that morning, and taking a careful sip of his coffee, he waited as other workers entered. The elevator doors closed, several gasps and a heartfelt "Oh My!" caught his attention. Looking up, he choked on his coffee as he spotted the cause of the exclamation. A blowup of a surveillance photo greeted his startled eyes. He flushed, as several women turned and ran speculative eyes over him.

"Interesting nightlife in Aspen, Agent Larabee?" Sammi Coffee's eyes danced, as she asked the question.

Chris' eyes narrowed as he pinned her with a laser glare.

"Now, Chris you can't kill me," she giggled. "You don't want the judge upset. I'm the only one who can keep his schedule straight and you know it," she reminded him.

Chris pulled the photo down, amid numerous groans and whispers of "spoilsport" and "partypooper". The doors opened and he stalked down the hall. Larabee froze in his tracks as he spotted a mob of giggling women at the door of Team 7's office.

Ah HELL! They're like starving wolves with raw meat. Chris began to ease his way through the crowd of women to reach the door. "This is harassment ladies. OW! Stop pinching. Lady turn loose of me now!" Chris thundered. A resounding thump sounded as his back hit the closed door.

"Open this the door now!" He ordered.

"Sorry Larabee, yer on yer own," Vin called through the door.

"Tanner, open the door or I'm giving them your home address," Chris threatened.

The door opened and Chris slid through the gap. Vin and JD put their weight into the door to push it closed. Chris engaged the lock and slid a chair under the door knob for good measure.

"Wilmington, do you want to tell me how these pictures got posted all over the building?" Chris growled.

"I didn't do it Chris," Buck protested. "Amy LaPlant, sent them to the secretarial pool."

"She seemed sa dang sweet," Vin moaned.

"Hell, ain't it great," Buck enthused "got all kinds of women looking for you two."

"Ain't yer ass plastered all over tha damn buildin'!" Vin snarled.

"Time to get to work," Chris growled. "Conference room in ten minutes," he ordered.

Larabee stood at the end of the table, while the others entered and took their seats.

Vin started to sit down and quickly rose. "Think I'll jus' stand," he murmured.

The five seated men exchanged wicked grins.

"Still a little tender, Junior?" Buck teased.

"Shoot yer no 'count ass," Vin threatened.

"Problem, Brother Chris?" Josiah's eyes danced.

"Josiah, don't be a pain in the ass," Chris sighed.

"Guess you're just going to have to stand for it," Nathan grinned.

The End