And the Twain Shall Meet...
By Brate
ATF Universe
"Thanks fer the loan, Ez," said Vin as he placed two books on his partner's desk.
"My pleasure, Mr. Tanner," the Southerner replied, tucking both books into his briefcase beside the desk. "You enjoyed them I hope?"
"I did, they was good reads. I 'preciate ya lendin' them to me, sorry it took me so long to get 'em back to ya."
"There was no inconvenience," Ezra assured the anxious Texan. "I am always pleased to share great literature, my friend."
"So why'd you offer 'em?"
"Beg pardon?"
"You didn't offer 'em to anyone else, didja?"
"No."
The sharpshooter looked over his desk at his friend, capturing his eye, "So, why me?"
"I thought you'd take some amount of pleasure in them."
"Why?" Vin asked, again.
"I'm not sure what you are asking of me, Mr. Tanner."
"I am speakin' English, ain't I?"
"In a very crude manner, yes."
"Then you should be able to figure it out." And with that, the younger man settled down in his chair, and started doing some paperwork. Both men remained silent, and each could feel the tension.
Ezra looked at the bent head, and sighed heavily. After a quick look about the office making sure no one else was listening, he broke the silence. "If you must know," he began softly, "you tend to remind me of Huckleberry Finn."
Vin glanced up, smiling at his partner. "I do, huh?"
"Yes. Both you and Mr. Finn are wild and free, completely unpredictable, and will go to any lengths to protect a friend."
Vin chuckled. "Actually, I find that kinda funny, Ez."
The undercover agent seemed offended. "And why is that, Mr. Tanner?"
"'Cause you reminded me of Tom Sawyer."
"Did I indeed?"
"Yep. Someone who loves an adventure, ain't afraid of anythin', and can talk a snake outta his skin."
Ezra leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Well, Vin. I believe we have both learned a valuable lesson."
"Which is?"
"For two loners, we certainly seem to enjoy our amity."
The two men smiled at each other as their leader made his way to the agents' desks. "Ezra, I need you to escort this prisoner to Lanley," Chris said handing a file to Standish.
Ezra took the file, disdain openly displayed across his face, which quickly turned into a sly smile. "I believe Mr. Tanner would be more than happy to take over this assignment for a chance to get out of the office, and into the great outdoors which he loves so much."
The sharpshooter shook his head. "Forgit it! I ain't whitewashin' no fences for ya, Ez."
Chris glanced back and forth at his men, confused when Ezra merely smiled, gave a two-fingered salute, and left without argument. "I will never understand the two of you," he told his remaining agent.
"Don't need to, Cowboy. Jest enjoy the ride," Tanner drawled.
