"You want to try saying that again Chris? Don't think we heard you right." Buck Wilmington was doing everything he could to control his tone, trying to remember he was speaking to not just his friend, but his oldest friend. And his boss. Still, it was proving to be a challenge.

"You heard me right. You've all been saying we need a full-time undercover expert for the team. Well, I found us one."

"No. What you found us is a shitload of trouble looking for a place to land."

"Watch it Buck."

"He has a right to be concerned Chris." Josiah intervened before tempers got hotter. "This Standish fellow does have quite a reputation."

"So what? Our whole team has a reputation and that never seemed to bother anyone."

"Bit different. Our reputation is as troublemakers. His reputation is just plain trouble." Nathan, like the rest of them, did not look happy.

"Whoa! He has got a huge file." JD's voice came from behind his monitor. "It's not pretty."

"What the hell are you doing Dunne?"

"Buck said we should find out what you got us into, so I'm looking." He explained. After tossing another angry look at Buck, Chris flipped his attention back to JD. "By hacking into FBI files. Do I have to point out the illegality, not to mention the irony of that?"

"But I do it all the time."

"Shut up kid, before you bury yourself," Vin advised.

JD sank at little lower in the chair. "Didn't mean anything by it."

"Look, since he found the file –" Buck started.

"No! I find out any of you have gone into there for any reason and I will suspend your sorry ass. Got that?"

"You do get that just makes us all think there's something to hide?" Vinh glanced at Chris, hoping his face was looking calmer than he felt about this.

"The man has had a bunch of accusations thrown at him without a bit of evidence to back them up. That's all you need to know."

"Not true Chris. We need to know there's no evidence because there was no wrongdoing. Not just because he's good at hiding it. You're asking us to trust this guy with our lives."

"Actually Nathan, it's kind of the other way around. The first job is lined up -sending him undercover, and he's gonna be counting on all of you much more than the other way around. Doubt this discussion would give him much reason to do that."

"Difference is, we've got nothing to prove."

"Neither does he. Least ways, he shouldn't."

"How do we trust him if we know he's hiding something?"

"Because everybody hides something Buck. Basic human nature, right Josiah?"

"Most people have a few things in their lives they would prefer to keep secret, present company included," he admitted.

"I'd be more worried about someone swearing to be an open book. And being accused of something doesn't mean you did it – right Vin?"

"No," Vin recognized his own hypocrisy in this. It hadn't been all that long ago he'd faced accusations in a case of a wrongful death. "But I was cleared," he pointed out.

"That's because you were given the chance to clear yourself. Standish never got that. They just kept piling on the accusations. He became the scapegoat for everything that went wrong." He looked around at his team, who, for the most part, now at least seemed willing to listen. "While you're looking up his file JD, you might want to check his arrests. Until all the rumours kicked in, he had one of the top arrest rates in the Bureau. And to this day, half the crooks he took down don't even know he was responsible. He's that good."

"Then why the rumours Chris?" Buck was not about to let this go.

"Because he was that good, until one case went bad. Yeah, there was some kind of leak and things went south. Every time since then something went wrong, Standish was the easiest place to target the blame, so they did."

"And he didn't fight it?" JD wondered.

"Of course he did. But it's damned hard to fight innuendo."

"Chris," Buck dug in again, "bottom line is that there are way too many questions here. One case could be jealousy or spite, but from what you won't let JD tell us, this is more than one case. And like I said, his reputation stinks. Not just the FBI. DEA, ICE, you name a federal or even state agency, and I guarantee they've heard the stories. Stories that will screw our reputation along with his. So, are you going to tell us, or do we ask for it straight from the horse's mouth?"

"That, Mr. Wilmington, would most likely be the preferred option, since the story would be being told to the horse's ass."

They all turned to see a well-dressed, suave looking man leaning comfortably against the doorframe, looking for all the world like he had not a single care. In reality, Ezra's heart was pounding so forcefully he had trouble believing it was staying in his chest. Once again, he thanked lady luck that he had long ago perfected his poker face and calm demeanour. They were, at this point, the only things keeping him from complete collapse.

"Wasn't expecting you today Standish." Chris stood and walked towards the new agent, wondering if he was going to be around long enough to make introductions worthwhile.

"That would appear to be obvious. I find it often advantageous to do the unexpected. Of course, it has its negative side as well."

"So it seems. Well, since you're here, might as well meet the team."

"Introductions will not be necessary, Mr. Larrabee."

Damn, Chris thought, he was already quitting.

"I have taken the liberty of familiarizing myself with your associates.

Mr. Sanchez's reputation is well known. I am aware of at least three agencies who would sacrifice their photocopying budgets to have him in their employ. The same can be said for Mr. Dunne. The cyber crime division at the FBI have approached him at least twice I believe." JD nodded mutely.

"It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to make your acquaintance as well Mr. Tanner. I would have liked at some point to have had the occasion to discuss the techniques you utilized to develop the extraordinary hand to eye coordination it takes to master the sniper skills you possess. My skills in that area tend to be limited to small sleight-of-hand manipulations. And Mr. Jackson. Yet another formidable member of such an impressive team. Emergency medicine's loss was law enforcement's gain. There is no doubt, with your reputation for care and detail, you would excel in any field you choose."

He turned slightly. "That leaves just you, Mr. Wilmington." Buck braced himself. Given how well Standish had familiarized himself with the others, and given his devil-may-care lifestyle, he knew he would be an easy target. And in light of the first exchange they'd had, he fully expected to be hit with both barrels.

"I wonder if Mr. Larrabee realizes how fortunate he is to have you as his second-in-command. In addition to the years and variety of experience you offer, you have the humour to diffuse awkward moments, loyalty beyond compare and a tenacity that would shame all others. The exact character of the man I would want at my back." Buck simply stared in dumbfounded silence.

"You seem to know a fair bit about us, son." Josiah noted. He was surprised at the slight grimace he spotted from Standish. Apparently, the man was not fond of being referred to by anything less formal than mister."

"I make it a point to determine as many facts about people I expect to be dealing with as is possible. Thorough review and preparation can help ensure there are no surprises. Or misunderstandings."

"Ezra," JD ventured, "or would you prefer Mr. Standish?"

"Whatever title you are comfortable with is fine. As it doesn't appear I will be staying, I cannot see that it makes any real difference."

"What the hell do you mean you're not staying?" Chris demanded. "I waded through a mess of crap to get you on board here, and you're just walking out?"

"I make it a practice not to stay where I am not welcome. I have ample evidence to support my contention that such a habit will extend by life expectancy."

"So, you don't trust us?" JD asked, his original intended question forgotten.

"I don't know you. I have find it dangerous to trust people I do not know."

"All that talking you just did sounds like you tried to get to know us," Vin speculated. "And did a pretty fair job. So, what's the problem?"

"But what I said was only a part of the story Mr. Tanner. There were other discoveries that came up in my quest. Details, speculations, anecdotes, allegations. Known to all of you." He looked around at the curious faces.

"Accusations, disproven of course, against Mr. Tanner. Concerns over the reckless nature of Mr. Wilmington. The youthful inexperience of Mr. Dunne. The quick and unpredictable temper of Mr. Larrabee. Shall I go on?"

Buck took a step forward in anger. "We are the best team in the ATF, and you're throwing the chance to work with us away based on rumours and gossip –" he cut himself off. "Oh shit."

"Well said Mr. Wilmington. Gentlemen." He turned and left before any of them could respond. He had made it as far as the elevators when Chris came into the hallway, shouting after him. "Standish, get your ass back here!"

Ezra didn't turn, but instead raised his fingers in something between a salute and a wave, and entered the elevator.

7-7-7-7-7-7-7

Ezra avoided looking in the mirrors that lined the elevator. He knew he had a spurious smile plastered on his face along with his overall "ain't life grand" posturing firmly in place. He couldn't stand to look at that deception. As the doors opened, he took a deep breath and headed through the lobby, smiling and nodding a greeting to anyone he passed. The only outer sign of the inner turmoil was the fact his hands were in his pockets. Anyone who knew him, and so few did, would recognize the act of hiding small tremors of panic.

He headed for his car before registering he was in no shape to drive right now. Instead, he detoured around to the side of the building, where he'd noticed benches on his way in. He found the one furthest from all the activity and try to settle himself there.

"Idiot. Damn dense, foolish, naïve little idiot. What did you think was going to happen?" He stopped when he heard his voice, not realizing he'd been speaking aloud.

It didn't stop the rant from continuing in his head. How could he, for one moment, have thought things would be any different? This only proved what he should have seen in Atlanta. What he should have seen coming the day he made his ridiculous career choice.

Well, no more. He was done with it. There was no town, no state he could go to where his reputation wouldn't destroy him. He had little doubt that the most desolate Alaskan outpost had somehow gotten word of his persona non grata status. Maybe it was time to fall back into the Standish traditions. He shuddered unconsciously at the thought.

"No." Again, he was startled by his voice. That wasn't the path he wanted. He done that for more than the first half of his life, and had hated almost every moment of it. Much to his mother's everlasting disappointment, he was not designed for that life. This was what he did. This was who he was.

He looked up at the office above. Larrabee had seen that side of his character. Despite it all, he had seen something that made him decide Ezra Standish belonged at the ATF. And, somewhere in that giant bureaucracy someone with the authority to make it happen, agreed. That meant two people had at least a modicum of faith in him. And, when you thought about it, that was twice as many as he'd had when Williams recruited him into the FBI. It wasn't much to work with, but then again, he'd always enjoyed beating the odds.

7-7-7-7-7-7-7

"I've checked every hotel in town Chris. Can't find a registered anywhere. I could put in an APB on his car."

"Are you nuts? That the last message we need to send to him now," Vin answered before Chris had a chance.

"We won't be sending any message if we can't find him," JD replied

"Look, for all we know he has friends here in town he's with, in which case we won't likely be able to track him. And before you ask JD, no I do not want you trying to find his phone location either. At least not yet."

"Yet?"

"He may yet show up for work tomorrow." Chris responded with only minimal conviction. The team looked every bit as skeptical.

"Why would he?" Vin asked. "After all of this."

"Because I already sent him the info on the first job, and I know he reviewed it."

"And that's good to be enough to bring him in?"

"I don't know." Chris shrugged before admitting his doubt. "Probably not." He had been rethinking the entire idea from the moment the team started to raise their concerns. And, as much as he was loath to admit it, they were valid concerns. Not to mention that the initial brief, but decidedly unpleasant, team confrontation did not bode well for the outcome of the venture. "At this point, I'm not entirely sure which answer I want."

"Well, can't believe I am about to say this, I have to admit I'd kinda like to see him come back." Chris turned, surprised by Buck's comment. "He was right Chris. I was a horse's ass. I know better than to judge someone that way. Especially someone from the Fibbers. The Bureau is the worst for putting the blame somewhere, anywhere. I should've at least given him a chance."

"So why didn't you?"

Buck shrugged, then nearly jumped out of his skin at the voice from the door.

"Because he was looking out for the best interests of his team. I believe I stated that was his nature. Tenacious, loyal, the man who watches your back."

"You forgot horse's ass, Standish."

"No. I didn't." He smiled, giving them a quick flash of a gold tooth.

Chris walked sternly to the door. "Don't you ever walk out like that again. Not the way we work around here."

Ezra stared at him for a moment then turned his eyes down and nodded. "Understood."

He looked up, hazarding a glance around the room. They weren't exactly the friendliest smiles he'd ever seen, but at least he didn't think anyone was about to throw him out the door.

The most encouraging look came from young Mr. Dunne. But then he seemed like the eager type who adopted stray puppies and wayward souls. It was hardly a challenge to win that support. Mr. Sanchez appeared to be reasonably comfortable with the arrangement. But that could have simply been intrigue over the profiling possibilities Ezra was sure he presented to the man. Wilmington had an interesting combination of genuine contrition over his rush to judgment, and underlying suspicion that this remained a questionable choice for his team.

Ezra had little doubt that Mr. Jackson would present a challenge. He could see no trust whatsoever coming through on that front. Still, his research had shown the man to be the most cool-headed and self-controlled member of the team. Hopefully, if he had enough time he would be able to bring him around.

The unexpected, and unnerving turn of events had Larrabee now being the one that worried him a bit. Yes, the offer had come from there, but Ezra was getting the distinct impression second thoughts were flooding in. He hoped it was just the less than stellar first contact they all had. But, far more likely it was that the reality of the complications that might arise from this experiment had him anxious. Ezra knew his own reaction, to turn and run, had done nothing to encourage any confidence. It was a mistake that would take a while to rectify. If he could.

His gaze landed last on Mr. Tanner, the final member of his new working team. He was not surprised to see Vin Tanner staring back at him. Sizing him up, making his assessments now that the initial impact had faded. He doubted this man was the type to let a first impression interfere with his way of seeing things. He was surprised to see a quick smile cross Tanner's face.

"Okay then Pard. Might as well get yourself settled in over here." He pointed to the desk next to his own. "Chris said you reviewed the case file were working on. What do you think?"

I think, Ezra commented to himself, this is going to be an interesting ride.

M7-M7-M7-M7-M7-M7-M7

The end…

…for the moment. I am working on (along with a half dozen or so other things) a follow up on this. Everybody's early one-on-one moments with my boy Ezra. May be a bit before it gets posted, as I have sort of hit a wall with a few of the interactions. A couple of other works in progress may get published first, but I promise to come back to this. Eventually "Second Chances" will get posted.