All Disclaimers Apply

"If this has anything to do with his reputation for destroying police vehicles or pissing off the mayor, I have nothing to do with any of that." Boone joked, knowing exactly what the two ATF agents were getting at.

"I'm guessing they are referring to Mr. Mackalister's position as National Snow Boarding champion two years straight, and his short-lived career in the Olympics." Dr. Freeman surprised everyone, especially Tray by speaking up. "I do have a grandson, and I can be 'down' with the happening stuff when I need to."

"Yeah, well, I didn't know anyone remembered that." Tray blushed slightly, before a somewhat subdued look came over his handsome face. "That was a 'very' long time ago."

"Vin and I saw you compete once." JD continued, not picking up on the hint that Mackalister would have rather it been forgotten. "About three years ago, you were like Evil Knieval on ice. I've tried some of your jumps, they're nearly impossible."

Buck saw the expression on Tray's face and rushed to put a lid on his over exuberant little brother. "Yeah, well kid, I could have done without knowing that you were training to give me more gray hair. Now why don't you settle down before you start that shoulder bleeding again."

"Yeah, all your jawing is really starting to give me a headache." Everyone turned to see that they had, by sheer misfortune, drawn the attention of Billy Sage and another one of the henchmen. "I could always put another bullet in you to keep you quiet."

Buck tensed, but Mackalister beat him to the draw. "How about you use your real talents and cook us up something to eat, I mean surely your skills as a chef surpass those of your aim."

"Watch your feet, Mackalister," Boone offered softly, and Ezra noticed the strained look that came over the detective's features.

It wasn't unlike the one he often got when Tanner insisted on pushing the his luck.

"You sure do like to talk a lot, Pig. Maybe you and I should have a little discussion of our own." Billy reached down and hauled Tray to his feet, while the other henchmen trained a gun on the rest of the group.

"I don't see a problem with that." Tray had given the 'kid' a hard shove away from him before a single thought even registered with his brain. The Mackalister temper was known far and wide and never did bode well for anyone afflicted with it.

"Bring it on, Copper." Billy recovered with a renewed vengeance and tackled Tray, knocking them both to the floor.

Buck instinctively pulled JD out of the way and tried to shield him from the flying arms and legs. Another one of Freeman's men joined the fray, and Ezra noted with some relief that Quinn must have been in the back still securing the other hostages.

He made a move to get up, but Lawrence's hand on his arm stopped him. "They will kill you. Don't make this worse."

Before anything else could be said, a loud pop echoed in the air and all attention was drawn to the middle of the diner where Josh Quinn had just fired his weapon into the ceiling. "Billy! Get the hell up. I thought I told you no trouble."

Two of Freeman's men stepped around Quinn and quickly jerked Tray to his feet and held him. Billy made it up on his own, wiping at his now bleeding lip. "No trouble , Boss. I was just having a little chat."

With that said, Sage landed a vicious right cross against the defenseless detectives face , followed by several blows to his midsection.

Boone looked down at the floor, hating like hell that there wasn't a damn thing he could do, and angry at Tray for getting himself into yet another mess.

"Let him go." Luckily Quinn seemed the only one with any brains in his head and the pure vehemence in his voice caused the other men holding Mackalister to let him drop to the floor, out of Billy's reach.

"You all right, champ?" Buck reached out and lightly touched Tray on the shoulder.

"Oh yeah," Mackalister gasped, holding his side in an effort to keep his ribs from crumbling. "Just peachy."

"Remind me to thank you properly, later." Buck forced a smile, knowing the detective had deflected Billy's wrath from his intended victim, JD.

"Billy, get over here. Now. There are some things we need to discuss."

"We'll finish this later." Sage glared at Tray and then JD.

"I don't like this." Ezra muttered softly under his breath as he rechecked the soaked bandage on his partner's side.

"What's not to like, Ez?" The weak question startled the southerner but he felt relief as he locked eyes with Tanner.

"Well, if you must know, I have yet to eat my lunch and I do hate waiting." Standish tried to hide the growing concern with his dry humor, but he saw that the observant Texan wasn't buying it. "Although the luncheon show put on by our new compatriot, Mr. Mackalister, was rather entertaining.

"Heck, we've been in worse situations, Ez?" Vin tried to swivel his head around and take in the scene but a sharp pain sliced through his side, causing him to hiss.

"Easy, Mr. Tanner. You don't need to be moving around like that. You just lay still." Lawrence had been watching his patient closely and suspected he would try something of this sort. "I don't have all the medical tools handy to patch you up right now, and you sure don't need to go and make it harder on those poor doctors' once we get you out of here." He smiled gently as he leaned over the young man, also checking the bandage.

"Sorry, doc, I'm not exactly known for doing anything the easy way." Vin attempted to return the man's smile with one of his own, but the loss of blood and the recent rush of adrenaline had left him weak.

"And I can attest to that statement personally." Ezra nodded to the doctor. "He's very good at doing anything but."

"Hey Ez," Tanner raised one eyebrow slightly.

"Yes, Vin?"

"Shut up." The sharpshooter closed his eyes with a sigh, thinking how he always ended up with a bad deal when something like this would happen.

"Be prepared Lawrence, he can get down right ornery when he's feelin' poorly." Buck had settled once more beside JD, and watched the play with mixed feelings. "Especially, seeing as how he hasn't inhaled his usual quantity of fat and sugar today."

Wilmington paused suddenly and looked taken aback, when he saw the reaction from the injured man they had been discussing. The ladies man couldn't help but chuckle as Tanner brought his extended middle finger back into his fist and laid the arm by his side once more. "See what I mean."

"The name's LJ, son. Nobody's called me Lawrence since I was a boy." The man replied, assessing his other patient who seemed to be watching them.

Dunne was observing the play through his growing drowsiness. "How do you know, Malcom Freeman?"

Buck gave his best friend a wary glance, but the doctor didn't seem offended. "He's my son. I was here for his sentencing."

The law enforcement officers shared a look, and none knew quite what to say.

"He has a just cause, just not the best way of seeing it accomplished." Boone was the first one to speak, honestly meaning what he said. Malcom Freeman often spoke out against the oppression of blacks and the intolerance the white man had for any advancement by the African American community.

As a man of color, Victor could understand that. There had been a time when he'd actually gone and listened to Malcom Freeman speak, but that was before the man became involved in more lucrative practices that civil rebellion.

"At one time, I might have agreed with you." LJ. looked very tired. "Now, I just think he wants to hurt people. But I'm still his father and I guess that I still hold a small hope that he'll somehow prove me and all of the media and justice system wrong."

JD sighed at the doctor's words and turned his head as Freeman continued to work on Vin. The whole situation was beginning to seem hopeless.

"You all right, kid?" Buck swung his gaze from the other agents to the young man laying beside him.

"Yeah, just thinking too much, I guess."

"Well, at least that's not a new problem." The older agent laid a hand gently on Dunne's shoulder. "Hang in there, son, you know Chris and the other guys will get us out of here soon."

"I know, Buck." JD tried to smile. "I know."

"Hey, there's to much talking back here. Again." Quinn walked past Wilmington and Dunne stopping in front of Freeman. "I only let you try and help these men because we have history and I didn't want a murder rap on our heads. But if you push, I'll push back. Understand?" To make his point, Quinn brought his foot back and kicked Tanner, luckily, in his uninjured side, eliciting a howl of agony.

Buck and Ezra were both ready to spring at the terrorist but Victor spoke up, hoping to avoid yet another violent confrontation.

"We get the picture man, ease off." He gave Tray a quick glance before returning his attention to Quinn. "Besides, you said yourself a murder rap won't help you right now."

Lawrence now glared at the man he'd known since he was a little boy. Josh Quinn had grown up with his son, had been a part of both there lives for many years, and now it was as if LJ. barely recognized him. "And if you don't want that murder rap, we need those paramedics you promised me in here. Now, son." Freeman tried to keep the anger from his voice as he reminded the other man about their earlier discussion. If he kept his calm, perhaps he could play on what little morality Josh still might have.

The gunman gave each of the officers and LJ a deadly glare, allowing himself to get his temper in check. "You'll get those medics when I say." He spat the words. "Just keep these men quiet , Dr. Freeman, before I give you more patients to worry about."

"Nice guy, remind me to send him a thank you card for his wonderful hospitality." Trayven watched as Quinn retreated back to one of the booths he and his goons were using to study a large map and some other papers.

"Or better yet..." Tanner paused, trying to bring his pain to a bearable level once more. "We stick him in a cell with a really huge, lonely, guy."

"They must be getting anxious because they've not heard from the brass," Buck offered. "I heard one of them say that the FBI hadn't returned Quinn's call."

"Let's just hope Deakens isn't in charge." Boone spoke up thoughtfully, that man couldn't negotiate his ass out of a paper bag."

"It doesn't matter who's in charge, the rest of our team is out there." Buck wasn't about to let JD or anyone else lose hope. "They'll see to it that Josh Quinn gets just what he's asking for."

No one else replied as the men fell into silence once more, each lost in thoughts of what was happening, what was to come, and what it meant for each of them.

**************

"Judge Reinhart." Nathan Jackson casually stepped alongside the man who was in the center of the commotion going on around them.

The FBI had set up a sort of central base station in the atrium of the Federal building, which just so happened to face Athena's . Several police cars lined Main Street in front of them as well as a news van and two SWAT vehicles. Inside, there was a mixture of men and women from nearly every branch of law enforcement

"Agent Jackson," the judge turned to face the ATF agent, "we have some good news. We just spoke with Josh Quinn. Freeman's men are going to allow a group of paramedics to come in and check the wounded."

"We know that, sir."

"And just 'how' did you know that?" Deakens nudged his way in between Nathan and Reinhart. He'd only gotten off the phone with Quinn moments before.

"That information is on a need to know basis," Josiah gave the agent a sideways glance, "and you don't need to know, Mr. Deakens."

The FBI agent's face reddened with anger. "You were ordered to stay out of this, Sanchez."

"We're very selective about who we take orders from."

"Gentlemen," Reinhart held his hand up to stop the ugly argument which was about to ensue. "We are all on the same side here. Let's try to focus on the problem at hand, shall we."

"That's what we're trying to do, sir." Nathan looked at Josiah who nodded for him to continue. "We believe we have a plan that might enable us to solve all our problems."

"I guess you all have single-handedly came up with the ransom, a chopper, and a means of giving these goons Malcom Freeman on a silver platter." Reinhart rolled his eyes. "Give us a break, Jackson."

"Ye have little faith, Fred." Josiah smiled. "We have accomplished just that."

Reinhart looked confused. "Sanchez, we don't have time to waste with any jokes. These men want an answer to their demands within thirty minutes or they start shooting people, starting with my colleague Judge Helms."

"I say we use Captain Santos and his men. Gas the place and then go in there and take the hostages from them."

Nathan glared at Deakens. "Have you ever dealt with terrorist before? Have you even read the file on Malcom Freeman?"

"I'm familiar with Mr. Freeman," Deakens snapped. "I know he's a very angry man who used his race as a means of power. He thought he was above the law, but I guess we showed him some affirmative action when we busted his ass."

Jackson shook his head at the man's ignorance and attempt at humor. "Malcom Freeman is a smart man. His men are just as sharp. If you've forgotten, it took five years of undercover work and the lives of three federal agents to take him down. They think they are fighting for a cause, not just money or power. That makes them twice as dangerous. They don't care to die. Can you say the same thing?"

"Maybe you respect the man, Jackson, and I can understand why you would; but I don't feel the same way."

"Damn it," Nathan swore, trying to control his patience. "This isn't about respect or any other issue except for the lives of fifteen people, four of which I happen to consider family."

Josiah laid his hand on Jackson's shoulder and turned to face the judge. "We know that there is no way for you to get the money that they want, or can you turn over Malcom. But we have an alternative. Do you want to hear it, or not."

By this time Captain Santos of the SWAT team and Captain Elliot of the DPD were gathered around them. Santos finally spoke up.

"If we try to take these men, I can promise there will be casualties. My men are good, but none of them can get a clear shot with those blinds drawn at the restaurant. The gas won't take effect quick enough to prevent someone from pulling a trigger." Santos glanced to a young man in SWAT gear standing beside him. "Besides, we have friends in there also."

"My department has a lot to lose also if things don't go down well." The DPD's captain stepped alongside the SWAT leader. He hadn't been in the judge's chambers when the earlier meeting had taken place, but he'd been called when it was discovered he had officers on the inside also. "I think what Juan is saying is that we'd be willing to hear what the Magnificent Seven have to say." Captain Elliot offered a small smile. "I helped trained two of them after all, I 'know' how good they are."

Josiah returned the gray-haired man's grin and nodded his appreciation. He slapped Jackson on the back. "This is Nate's baby, I'll let him deliver it."

"First," the judge held up his hand again, "Where's Agent Larabee?"

Nathan looked at Josiah and then to the two Captains. "He's going inside."

"What?!" A large vein jumped out on Reinhart's forehead and Josiah could have sworn his face turned three shades of red, before settling on a deep crimson that was usually reserved for the worse offender in his courtroom. "What do you mean he went 'inside'?"

"With the paramedics, sir." Nathan glanced to the young man beside Captain Santos. "He and Mackalister."

"I knew something like this would happen." Deakens moaned and started towards the door to see if he could stop the deployment of the medics that they had chosen to go in.

Santos grabbed his arm but gave Sanchez and Jackson a hard stare. "Ethan Mackalister?"

Josiah watched as Ethan's partner Jack Sloan took a reflexive step back. Suddenly the Captain's dark gaze was no longer on the ATF agent, but on the young SWAT member.

"Did you know about this, Sloan?" Before the kid could answer, the Captain voiced his own conclusion. "Of course you knew about this. You're probably the one who told them about the paramedics in the first place. You were there when Deakens made the call."

"You little weasel." Deakens glared at the young man, and Santos tightened his grip on him. "I could have your badge for that."

"Are you telling me that Larabee and a member of the SWAT team are pretending to be medical personnel?" Judge Reinhart had now regained some of his natural color, but still looked angry enough to spit nails.

"Chris has had some training in medical procedure, Judge. He wanted to get a look at what we were facing for himself."

"And check on Dunne and Tanner." Deakens spat, pulling away from Santos. "He could blow everything. And if he doesn't, that lunatic Mackalister will. He's as about as stable as C4."

Jack Sloan's face reddened with anger. "Ethan has been commended for bravery probably more times than you've got lai.."

"Sloan," Santos interrupted his officer, and then glared at Deakens. "Mackalister can hold his own. He won't do anything to jeopardize those people."

"Not even for his brother. Their loyalty goes as far as each other. In my book, you can't trust a Mackalister as far as you can throw him. After all, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

Jack Sloan glanced from the emotionless face of his Captain to Deakens. He ignored the jab at his partner's lineage and pointed a finger at the overbearing FBI agent. "Ethan's putting his neck on the line for those hostages, not just because of Tray either. He had medical training in the marines. Captain, you know he wouldn't go in there with out a plan."

"And Chris wouldn't have gone with someone he didn't think he could trust." Josiah looked at the judge. "You know I'm right. They'll be fine, and they'll let us know exactly what we're facing, as well as letting the others on the inside know what's going on."

"I think they're right, Jim." Josiah and Nathan turned to see Orrin Travis. He ignored his men for the moment and continued to speak to his old friend. "Chris doesn't take going against orders lightly. He must have thought it was the only way. Besides, everyone seems to forget that this isn't a usual hostage situation. Most of the people on the inside are highly trained law enforcement personnel. If we give them a chance, they could make our jobs a whole hell of a lot easier." The Assitant Director of the ATF then turned his attention on Fred. "Agent Deakens, I've spoken with your superiors. They seem to think that you should consider working 'with' us, rather than against us. This is not a pissing contest. Do I make myself clear?"

Deakens seemed to deflate some, but Josiah didn't miss the glare that he sent in his and Nathan's direction. "Crystal, sir. We'll let your boys run with the boy, seeing as how they've already intercepted it."

"Good," Judge Travis smiled and then slapped Reinhart on the shoulder. "How about I buy you a cup of coffee old man, and we discuss when we're going to retire while we wait for word from the medical team."

"Sounds good, Orrin, but who are you calling old?"

As the two judges walked off, Deakens faced Santos. "I'm going to talk with the negotiator and see if anymore information has been exchanged. Hopefully, no one on the other team has recognized your boys."

With that said the FBI agent turned on his heel and scooted away like a scolded child.

"That Judge Travis sure set him straight." Jack spoke up, crossing his arms over his chest and letting a huge smile play across his face. "Maybe he'll think before he shoots his mouth off again."

"Speaking of which," Santos cut dark eyes to his officer, "I think someone needs to learn who gives the orders in this department, and when to adhere to protocol."

"You said I should listen to Ethan, Cap. He's suppose to show me the ropes, remember?"

Josiah and Nathan exchanged glances wondering if JD and Jack had studied at the same 'innocent as a new born babe' school of looks.

"Besides," Jack continued, "I'm a rookie, it was a rookie mistake. Ethan's the one who should be getting the lecture."

Juan ran a hand through his dark hair, perturbed by the slight grin he saw on the other men's faces. "I thought you said Ethan was brave?"

Jack shrugged. "Brave, but stupid. I just left the last part out because I didn't want to give 'shit for brains' anymore ammo."

Santos raised his gaze to meet Nathan and Josiah's. "I'm holding you two as well as Larabee personally responsible for all of this. I'll expect compensation."