**Buck Bradley - MEC - Farren/Dean **

Buck snorted.

He had fallen asleep again!  This was becoming a bad habit.  A dangerous habit.  He turned his head to the source of the loud “GOOD MORNING!” that had just been shouted in his ear.  Dean stood there proud as could be, his mother close behind.  Buck smiled.  “Well good morning to you too, Champ,” he said as he rose.  He stretched and ruffled the boy’s hair.  “Did you and your mom have a good sleep?”  He looked at Farren.  “Well you clean up real nice, don’t you?”

He noticed the food tray and open door across the hall.  “Looks like someone was checking on us in the night.”  He looked at Farren again.  “Sorry if I made things uncomfortable for the two of you last night.  I’ve learned you’ve got to be careful who you let yourself get close to.  I’m just tryin’ to look out for you and the boy.”  He sighed.  “Didn’t get a chance last night, but I think I should apologize to our hosts.  Reckon I should do that this mornin’.  I don’t want to mess anything up for you guys.”  He gestured towards the food on the tray.  “You two take what you want.  I’m sure I can find something else.”

The three of them still hadn’t seen anybody.  Buck looked up and down the halls.  “What do you say?  Want to come and help me find ‘em?”