Fool's Paradise
ATF Universe
The welcome odor of cooking food tickled his nose, dragging Ezra from the depths of sleep. Rolling over slowly, he groaned aloud at the chorus of aches and pains that played along his body.
JD leaned over, concerned. You okay, Ez?
I'm fine, Ezra said automatically.
Vin said with a snort.
Ezra glared at him, hiding a grimace as he eased himself from the confines of his sleeping bag.
Hell, pard, I can hear them bones of yours creakin' all the way over here, Vin continued, expertly flipping a pancake into the air.
Here, Ez. JD took pity on his friend and handed him a handful of aspirin and some water.
Thank you, Ezra said, gratefully downing the pills.
Vin finished making the pancakes and brought them to the table, along with the coffee. Eat up, boys.
JD and Vin dug into their breakfasts eagerly, while Ezra took his time, ensuring his stomach would tolerate the food. Vin finished first and immediately jumped up from his seat and headed for the door.
I'm gonna see if I can fix the radio in the chopper, he said over his shoulder as he stepped out the door. He was only gone for a few minutes before he came back inside, slamming the door behind him in frustration.
What's wrong? JD asked through a mouthful of pancakes.
Radio's wrecked, Vin said tersely. That third guy...
Ezra offered. That's what his associates called him.
Well, Sammy did a job on it, Vin said. There's no way we're gonna be able to call out on that thing.
Guess that means we're walkin' out of here, JD said with a shrug.
It'll take us a couple extra days to get back. Vin grinned broadly. Chris is gonna have a cow.
Ezra groaned and dropped his head to the table.
Ain't your fault, Ez, Vin said. You couldn't have known there were drug dealers hangin' out in these woods.
Yes, but if I hadn't left the group, this would not have occurred and our esteemed leader would not have sent you after me, Ezra said glumly.
Chris didn't send us, Vin retorted. We came on our own cause we were worried about you.
Ezra looked up sharply, a dubious expression on his face.
added JD. We wanted to make sure you got back in one piece.
I'm very glad you did, Ezra said sincerely. I would be in dire straits had you not arrived when you did.
Vin slapped him companionably on the back. Come on. We got lots of ground to cover today.
The three men finished their breakfast and gathered their things in preparation to leave. They had found two fully loaded backpacks, presumably belonging to the two dead drug runners, in the corner of the room. A third, they surmised, had been taken by the other man after he had escaped from them the day before. Vin had appropriated one of them, along with some of the food, gear and weapons he found in the packs.
Wonder why they brought those? JD mused. They didn't exactly need all that stuff if they were flying in by helicopter and staying in this cabin.
It's their cover, Mr. Dunne, Ezra said. How better to explain their sojourns into the wilderness than as an innocent hiking trip?
This stuff'll come in handy for us, at least, Vin said. Ain't like they'll be needing it. He opened the door and paused, raising a finger to his lips to silence the other men. Ezra and JD waited, trusting the sharpshooter's instincts. A low droning sound filtered into the cabin, gradually increasing in volume. The three men looked at each other, instantly slipping out of their packs and pulling their guns. JD and Ezra moved to the windows, while Vin manned the door, watching for the unknown intruder.
Vin's attention turned skyward as the source of the noise came into view. Skimming low over the trees, a small airplane flew over the clearing, banked to the left, and circled around for another pass. Vin stepped out the door, staying within the shadow of the cabin, and waved at the plane. The aircraft circled once more, this time swooping low over the clearing. The door on the side of the plane opened and a square crate was pushed out. It fell the short distance to the ground, landing in the center of the grassy area. The plane kept going this time, the sound of its engines slowly fading away.
Vin stepped inside and hastily scrawled something on the table with the stubby pencil they had found in the cabin. Got the plane's registration number.
Wow, good eyes, JD said.
There's a reason he's our sharpshooter, Ezra said with a chuckle. Shall we go investigate the contraband?
After you. Vin grinned and gestured toward the door.
The three agents crossed the clearing, stopping next to the crate. Vin pried off the lid with the crowbar he had found leaning in the corner of the cabin. Inside, wrapped in layers of foam packing material, they discovered bags of white powder.
JD let out a low whistle. Damn! There must be fifty pounds of it!
Just about, Vin agreed.
These gentlemen were quite the entrepreneurs, Ezra noted. This amount of cocaine is worth millions on the street.
What are we going to do with it? asked JD. We can't just leave it here.
Ezra agreed. Our friend Sammy might decide to return and recover his merchandise.
We'll have to pack it out with us, Vin said. It'll be heavy, but we can leave some of our food behind, so it shouldn't be too bad.
What are we supposed to eat? JD inquired.
We can live off the land, Vin said, grinning.
Live off the land? Ezra looked at him doubtfully. Surely you don't expect us to consume tree bark and the like?
Vin laughed at his friend's horrified expression. Nah. We'll be near the river most of the way, so we'll be able to catch a lot of fish.
I'll leave that to your formidable skills, Mr. Tanner, Ezra said. My previous attempts were somewhat less than successful, if you remember.
That's just cause the other guys were gettin' in your way, Vin said dismissively. We'll show you how to fish like a real man, not like those old farts.
JD laughed. They think they know the best way to do everything.
We know better, though, Vin said smugly. Right, kid?
Ezra rolled his eyes and chuckled at his companions' antics, grateful for their tact. I'll take your word for it.
This thing's heavy! JD panted, struggling to move the crate.
Might be better to pack it up out here, Vin suggested.
Good idea, JD said, heading for the cabin. Ezra and Vin followed, retrieving their backpacks from where they had left them in the cabin.
After a lot of shuffling of gear, they finally had all of the drugs divided amongst the three packs. By silent agreement, Vin and JD had taken the heaviest of the gear, leaving Ezra with the lightest pack in order to lessen the strain on his battered body. It was late morning when they finally struck out on the trail, unaware of the eyes watching them from the trees.
Chris stared into the fire over the rim of his coffee cup. Tomorrow, they would reach the end of the trail, and he had an odd feeling that he wasn't going to like what he found when he got there. It wasn't anything he could explain. There was just a sensation in the pit of his stomach telling him that all was not well with his three youngest agents.
They're fine, Chris, Buck said, recognizing the worried frown on the blond's face.
Chris lifted an eyebrow as if to say, How would you know?
Josiah caught the look and chuckled. Our young brothers can take care of themselves.
Yeah, but they also have a knack for finding more than their share of trouble, said Nathan, always the realist.
Chris sighed. That's what I'm afraid of. They're bad enough by themselves, but together...
Hell, they'll probably be waitin' for us when we get back tomorrow, Buck said with a grin.
They better be, Chris said softly, if they know what's good for
The agents who so worried their leader were at that point attempting to coax their dinner from the river. They had made good time, and had reached the point where the closed trail met the one they would be following for the rest of the trip. Since they still had no tent, setting up camp had been an easy task and they quickly had a fire going. It had taken some convincing, but Vin and JD had finally persuaded Ezra to join them on the riverbank.
It's all in the wrist, Ez, Vin said, demonstrating with an expert cast into the water.
Ezra watched closely, then duplicated his action, sending his line sailing smoothly out into the river. Like that?
That's it, JD said, grinning broadly.
Told you it was a piece a cake, Vin said. You just needed to have a little space to work without them know-it-alls breathin' down your neck.
Ezra smiled, then froze. I think I have one.
Well, reel im on in, Vin said enthusiastically.
Ezra did as instructed and pulled in a large trout.
Now comes the fun part, JD said, as Vin grabbed the fish and removed it from the line.
It ain't hard, Vin explained. You just have to get a good grip on em, cause they're slippery. He thrust the squirming fish into Ezra's hands.
I see, Ezra said dryly.
JD and Vin burst into laughter at the disgusted look on his face.
Wait til we clean Vin said with a smirk.
I can hardly wait, Ezra retorted, the twinkle of humor in his eyes belying the sarcasm in his voice.
I'm going to check on the vegetables, JD said with a chuckle, then headed back to the fire. Vin had found some edible ferns, watercress, and wild onions, and the mixture was now simmering in a pot by the fire. The green mixture looked disgusting to him, but Vin insisted that it tasted pretty good. JD had just started back toward the river when he heard Ezra's cry of alarm. He raced forward, stopping short at the sight of Ezra with an arm around his neck and a gun to his head.
Ezra was feeling rather pleased with himself. He had managed to catch a fish without doing anything stupid, and even had some fun doing it. Turning to cast his line again, he was surprised to find himself looking down the barrel of a gun being wielded by a smirking Sammy. He reacted instinctively and dropped his fishing pole, whirling around to tackle his opponent while he yelled a warning to Vin. His injured ribs slowed his reaction time, however, and Sammy was able to gain the upper hand, wrapping his arm tightly around Ezra's throat.
Don't move, Fed, Sammy hissed into his ear, or I'll blow your brains all over your friend there.
Ezra met Vin's gaze, watching the other man closely. Vin flicked his eyes to the left, in the direction JD had gone, and Ezra blinked in response.
Where's your other pal? Sammy said, tightening his grip.
JD shouted as he slammed into the drug dealer.
The three men fell to the ground in a tangle and immediately began wrestling for control of the weapon. Vin dove into the fray, determined to subdue the man who had the audacity to attack his friend for a second time. As he was reaching out to help Ezra, the gun suddenly went off. Vin's leg crumpled beneath him as the bullet tore through his thigh.
Ezra saw the Texan fall and renewed his efforts to subdue the struggling gunman. JD had pinned the man's legs and Ezra was fighting to restrain his flailing arms when the gun discharged again, striking him in the side. Ezra fell back, clutching the wound, and rolled to the side. JD took advantage of his opponent's momentary distraction and grabbed for the gun, attempting to wrench it from his grasp. The two men struggled, trading blows as they rolled down the riverbank. The report of the gun once again split the air, and Ezra and Vin turned fearful eyes toward the two men lying motionless by the river.
Ezra called frantically.
JD said as he picked himself up off of the ground.
You all right, kid? Vin asked anxiously.
JD replied. Just hit my head again, is all.
What about that miscreant? inquired Ezra.
JD nudged him with the toe of his shoe, then checked his neck for a pulse. He's dead.
Guess we don't have to worry about him comin' after us no more, Vin said with a sigh.
How are you guys doing? JD asked, frowning at the sight of blood on his friends.
I'm all right, Vin said hoarsely as he looked toward Ezra.
It doesn't appear too serious, Ezra replied, his voice tight with pain.
Squatting next to them, JD shook his head and grinned. You're both full of shit.
I beg your pardon? Ezra said, looking offended.
You've been shot and you're bleeding, JD said matter-of-factly. That's serious enough for me... especially out here.
Kid's got a point, Vin admitted, grimacing as he tried to move his injured leg.
Stay here. I'll get the first aid kit. JD jumped to his feet and hurried toward the campfire, returning minutes later with the large kit that Nathan had insisted everyone carry.
Drop your pants, Vin, JD said as he pulled out some antiseptic.
You ain't my type, kid, Vin replied with a faint smile.
Just do it, JD prodded, flushing slightly in embarrassment.
Ezra chuckled while Vin awkwardly lowered his pants past the bleeding wound.
What are you laughin' at? Vin said, tossing a glare at Ezra. You're next.
Yes, but my injury is in a less revealing part of my anatomy, retorted Ezra.
Vin stuck out his tongue, but rapidly sucked in a pained breath when JD dabbed antiseptic on the wound.
Bullet went through, JD remarked. It's not bleeding too bad.
Hurts like hell, Vin said through clenched teeth.
JD carefully cleaned and bandaged the wound, then moved on to Ezra, lifting his shirt to reveal the gunshot wound that had torn through his bandaged ribs. Unwrapping the ruined bandages, he remarked, Damn, Ez! Those bruises look awful.
Them bastards played quite a tune on his ribs, Vin said.
Looks like the bullet didn't go too deep, JD said.
Vin craned his neck to look, grimacing at the sight of the shallow channel that the bullet had made along Ezra's bruised ribcage. That looks like it stings.
Just a bit, Ezra said, flinching as JD applied the antiseptic.
You guys are just lucky you didn't get hit any worse, JD said as he finished tending his friends. We would'a been in deep shit without Nathan here to fix you up.
We'll be fine, Vin said reassuringly.
At least until Mr. Larabee sets eyes upon us, Ezra said, cringing at the thought of the older man's reaction to their misadventures.
Aw hell, Vin moaned. He's gonna kill us for sure.
Chris was fuming. They had finished the hike yesterday and there was still no sign of his remaining agents. He glared at the telephone, wishing it would ring with good news. After he, Buck, Josiah, and Nathan had left the woods, they had been immediately concerned that their three teammates were not there waiting for them. The younger agents had turned back after three days of hiking, while his own group had had a four-day journey to the end of the trail, so they should have already finished by the time his group arrived. He allowed that Ezra might have slowed them down some, but he couldn't shake the nagging suspicion that there was more to their delay.
Though the other men wouldn't admit it, Chris knew they were just as worried about their absent teammates, and would follow him back to the woods the moment he gave the word. He had caught Buck more than once looking at the clock and at JD's empty desk. Nathan had also seemed distracted, flipping absently though some of his medical guides when he thought no one was looking. Even Josiah, usually a calming presence, had seemed restless. They were all well aware of the kind of trouble their wayward friends could get into, even in a short amount of time.
Chris sighed. His men were more than two days overdue, based on the expected timetable, and he was seriously considering going back out to look for them. He had informed the forest rangers of his plans to do just that if his men did not return by the next day, despite their assurances that they would mount an official search and rescue effort themselves at that point. He had wanted to start looking for them immediately, but had allowed himself to be convinced that the delay was not yet a cause for concern. According to the rangers, it was not uncommon for hikers to take longer than expected to traverse a trail, even if they were experienced. The feeling of unease, though, had continued to grow, tightening in his stomach until he could stand it no longer. Chris lifted the phone to call Travis.
How're you doing? JD asked Ezra worriedly, concerned about the unhealthy pallor on the man's face.
I'm fine, Ezra replied dismissively.
JD sighed and turned to his other friend, who looked just as bad. Vin? How bout you?
I'm fine, too, Vin answered flatly.
JD rolled his eyes, beginning to understand Nathan's continual frustration with the lot of them. Both of his teammates were exhausted and limping badly, but had stubbornly insisted they were every time he asked. Despite his best efforts at first aid, the gunshot wounds they had received had become infected, and both had developed fevers as a result. To make matters worse, he had stumbled and twisted his ankle the day before, forcing him to rely on his injured friends for support as they made their way along the rugged trail.
Let's stop for a rest, JD suggested. I need a drink anyway. When neither Ezra nor Vin protested, he realized they were definitely not feeling their best. Settling themselves on a convenient boulder, the three men took out their canteens. Ezra retrieved what was left of his granola bars and shared them with his teammates.
We're almost there, Vin remarked wearily.
That is good to hear, Ezra drawled with a half-smile. I am looking forward to sleeping in my own soft bed instead of this rock-strewn dirt.
Hate to say it, but I'm with you, pard, Vin said with a smirk.
Ezra smiled, but didn't take the opportunity to tease the sharpshooter – a firm testament to his weariness. I believe I need to answer Nature's call, he said, standing slowly and limping stiffly into the woods.
Need a hand? JD offered.
Ezra sent him a disbelieving look. Not hardly, Mr. Dunne.
Vin snickered and said, Ain't too many men gonna take you up on that kind of offer, kid.
JD looked at him, confused, until he gave it some thought; then he blushed deeply.
How's your ankle? Vin asked, changing the subject to spare the younger man any further embarrassment.
It's not too bad, JD replied. It'll get me to the end of the trail, and that's all that's important right now.
Vin nodded.
Did you notice, JD mused softly, that Ez hasn't complained at all since this trip started. I mean, he complained a lot before we left home, but he hardly said a word after we hit the woods.
Vin replied. He's out of his element, and I think he just didn't want to draw attention to himself.
JD nodded. I think he was tryin' not to aggravate us any more than we already were after that whole disaster last week. He's hurting now, though. I figured he would have something to say about that, but he hasn't said a thing.
Ez don't complain when it's important, Vin said.
You're right, JD agreed after thinking about it for a moment. He's always cool when it matters, like for work.
He's been kind'a quiet ever since that toy factory fiasco, Vin added.
Wasn't his fault, JD said. I heard him tell Chris that he wasn't convinced about the information from his snitch.
Yeah, Chris has a tendency to charge into everything, Vin said. Sometimes he don't think first.
Rustling in the bushes announced Ezra's return. Well, gentlemen. Shall we continue?
Let's go, JD said.
The three of them resumed their slow, shuffling pace, determined to reach the end of the trail by day's end.
Now there is a sight for sore eyes, Ezra said, grinning wide enough to show his gold tooth, as they approached the ranger station that sat near the trailhead.
Vin agreed succinctly.
We gonna call Chris now? JD inquired.
Not unless we have to, Vin said.
Yes, it would be preferable to delay that eventuality as long as possible, Ezra agreed.
They staggered wearily into the ranger station and slumped onto the benches located in the reception area with sighs of satisfaction.
The tall, mustached ranger behind the desk greeted them. Can I help you?
Ezra began, we are the rest of the Larabee party.
I figured as much, the ranger said with a smile. Your boss has been calling here ten times a day since he left.
The three men looked at each other and groaned simultaneously. They were in deep shit.
Um, we'd like to report some dead bodies out on the trail, JD said hesitantly.
The ranger gaped at them.
Vin stood stiffly and limped toward the large map on the wall. One guy got shot at the top of the ravine here, and another one guy fell over the edge. He moved his finger. The third guy jumped us here and got shot.
Jumped you? What for? The ranger's eyes darted between the three men.
I had the misfortune of stumbling upon their drug running operation, Ezra said.
The ranger's eyes grew even wider as he related the entire tale. he said, running a hand through his hair. I better get some people up here.
Good idea, Vin said. There's no tellin' how many people might be involved with their operation.
We'll alert the DEA upon our return to Denver, Ezra said. I'm certain they will be interested in this situation.
Speakin' of Denver, Vin began. I don't s'pose you have some transportation we can borrow?
That won't be necessary, a familiar, gravelly voice announced from the doorway.
Aw hell, Vin groaned as Chris, Buck, Josiah, and Nathan stalked into the station, crowding the small reception area.
Damn! You boys sure are a sorry-lookin' bunch, Buck remarked when he got his first look at them.
What the hell happened? Chris demanded quietly, taking in the bruised features of his three agents. You look like you've been in a brawl.
That's not too far off, JD mumbled.
the ranger said, clearing his throat. I've got some calls to make. I'll leave you to it. He hurried away into his back office, grinning at the picture the big brothers' made as they glared at the younger ones.
Chris studied his men, noting with concern that Ezra, the most bruised of the three, seemed to be trying to disappear into the corner. He sighed inwardly, knowing they had a hard task ahead of them to get the man to believe they were worried about him as well as the others.
Nathan had immediately moved into medic mode, starting with JD when he noticed his limping gait. What happened to your foot?
Twisted it, JD said reluctantly.
Nathan murmured as he probed the swollen appendage. Might be sprained.
I know, JD said tiredly. That's why I wrapped it.
What about your face? Nathan checked the bruises on the side of his face, along with the partially-healed split lip.
Ran into some fists, JD said nonchalantly.
Buck said, suddenly concerned. What the hell did you boys get into?
The three younger agents looked at one another resignedly, knowing their older colleagues would not cease their interrogation until they had the full story.
It's my fault, Ezra stated. I turned on to the wrong trail and came upon some drug dealers waiting for a delivery.
Ain't your fault, Vin argued. The trail marker was old and faded. Anyone could'a made that mistake.
Ezra shrugged. It hardly matters.
Does to me, Vin sighed. Ain't your fault they grabbed you, neither.
Those guys grabbed Ez and were beatin' on him when we found their cabin, JD explained.
They were a bit perturbed to find a federal agent so close to their drop location, Ezra continued.
I'll say, Vin snorted. They tossed im over a cliff.
We took care of em, though, JD said proudly.
Chris listened as they took turns telling the story, then rubbed a hand over his eyes tiredly. He shouldn't be surprised. Only these three could find trouble in the middle of nowhere. All right. Let's go home. We can sort this out tomorrow.
These two need to go to the hospital, JD piped up, ignoring the betrayed glares of his two friends. They both got shot taking down that last guy. They needed a doctor's help, even if they were too stubborn to admit it.
You neglected to mention that little detail in your narrative, brothers, Josiah chided.
Vin shrugged. Ain't bad. I can hardly feel it anymore.
Ezra stated.
JD snorted, ignoring the dirty looks Vin and Ezra sent his way.
All right. We'll hit the hospital first, Chris said.
Vin disagreed. We have to go by the office first.
What for? Buck asked. You guys ain't in any shape to work.
We must secure the contraband, Ezra answered. He unzipped his pack and pulled out a bag of cocaine.
Shit! How much of that stuff you got? Buck asked.
Forty or fifty pounds, Vin said wryly.
Nathan whistled appreciatively. No wonder they went after you.
Chris agreed reluctantly. Office first, then the hospital. He and the others ushered their fellow agents to the vehicles they had brought, glad to have found them safe and relatively sound, if somewhat worse for wear. JD rode with Josiah and Buck in Josiah's Suburban, while Vin and Ezra were herded into Chris's Ram, along with Nathan, who took the opportunity to fuss over the two injured men.
It was late by the time they had locked up the drugs and made it to the hospital. Chris had been surprised at Vin and Ezra's lack of resistance to being kept overnight at the hospital, until he realized that they were simply too tired to argue. While Vin was having his ribs and leg x-rayed, Chris studied the sleeping undercover agent, wondering what was under the complex man's façade.
Are you going to stare at me all night, Mr. Larabee? Ezra said softly, without opening his eyes.
Chris chuckled. He should have known his observant agent would be aware of his presence. I'm just wondering how you managed to survive getting thrown off a cliff.
Pure, unadulterated luck, Ezra answered, a faint smile gracing his features as he turned to look at Chris.
Somehow, I believe that, Chris said with an answering smile.
Mr. Tanner's impeccable timing helped a bit, as well.
Yes, it was lucky he and JD went after you. Chris looked at him seriously. That wasn't too smart, going off by yourself like that. You could have gotten yourself killed.
I did not wish to further burden you with my ineptitude, Ezra said, looking away from his leader's penetrating stare.
You aren't a burden, Ezra, Chris said with a frustrated sigh. You could'a just told us you'd never been camping. Vin had imparted that bit of knowledge to him when he had seen the hint of anger toward the southerner in his boss's eyes. Things made much more sense, now that he knew.
You never asked, Ezra said softly.
Chris was momentarily taken aback by that statement, but then nodded in understanding. You're right. We should've asked. It wasn't like the rest of them went around admitting their weaknesses – or what they perceived to be a weakness. In their business, they couldn't afford to. There were always plenty of criminals eager to exploit any weaknesses they found.
Ezra simply shrugged and dropped his gaze, embarrassed by the whole conversation.
I guess we figured you must have done it at some point, what with all the stepfathers you've had over the years. Chris shrugged. It's just the kind of thing most fathers do with their sons.
Ezra snorted. I never had any fathers. Most of my stepfathers barely acknowledged my presence, let alone sought my company. He looked Chris in the eye. Besides, the sort of men Maude preferred were not the type to go traipsing through the wilderness. Lying on a beach or skiing in the Alps was as close as they got to the outdoors.
That explains a lot. Chris blew out a breath. Too bad. Camping can be a lot of fun.
Yes, I've discovered that, Ezra admitted self-consciously. Despite our troublesome encounters with those miscreants, I did rather enjoy the rest of the trip with Mr. Tanner and Mr. Dunne.
Chris's eyebrows lifted in surprise. Really? Well, we'll just have to do this again sometime.
Ezra groaned. Remind me to keep my big mouth shut from now on.
Not a problem.
Ezra glared at him then gave up as the rest of the team trooped into the room. Like it or not, it seemed he was becoming a part of this motley group. A misfit among other misfits. He smiled as he drifted off to sleep. Maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.
finis