Ken Thomas woke up at 8:15, as he usually did. He peed then got dressed and then went out to fetch his morning paper.
Upstairs, in Robert's bedroom the teen woke up with a start. He dreamt about his ordeals with all the men who took him on trips and he thought he had identified Parker Parchsons. That was what woke him up. The teen quickly put on his shorts and shirt and went to the bathroom to relieve his extended bladder.
At the same time down in the Kitchen Nook, Mr. Ken just sat down to his first cup of coffee and his morning newspaper when Dan walked in.
"Good morning Ken," offered Dan.
"Morning Dan. I thought you said you were moving back into your apartment?" replied Mr. Ken.
"Well, I am, slowly," laughed Dan. "I decided to stick around as long as I could and, since I don't have to be at work until Tuesday night, I figured I'd enjoy as much of my last days here as I could. Oh, by the way … I took the Commander out yesterday, while you and the boys were down in San Antonio.
"Todd had asked Conner to stop by to show him what he did as your Beach Master. When the lads had finished, I asked them if they were interested in taking the Commander out for a spin. I never knew Conner hadn't ever been out on your cabin cruiser. Anyway, you should have seen how big his eye's got when he heard me ask them if they were interested.
"We headed over past the Lakeside Water Park and Rescue Team Headquarters and then took a slow cruise over to the Lake Yacht Club, where I decided to stop for a late lunch. I'm glad Todd was along. He saved me from making a big mistake by docking without permission. But that wasn't the end of our, what shall I call it, our excitement.
"After we docked, we headed up to the outside window and we each ordered a burger, fries and a soda. Not too long after we sat down to await our lunch a number of Yacht Club members came out to greet Todd and me. The order taker must have gone and told the Commodore we were there, as he also came out to greet us. Most of the members who hadn't attended the picnic were very happy to be able to meet Todd and me and congratulate us on our awards.
"They talked to us about what Commodore Wilson had done and they expressed their thanks to us for stepping up and doing what was right. They also asked us some questions about the ceremony. I guess to gauge for themselves if what they heard actually happened," laughed Dan. "Our food was brought out and Commodore Wilson told us the meal was on them. Then he asked the members to let us eat our food in peace and while it was still hot."
"Wow, who would have guessed you would receive a 'heroes' welcome by just stopping by," spoke up a smiling Mr. Ken.
"It actually turned out to be a pleasant afternoon. Todd and I didn't know what to expect, but as the afternoon wore on the members were honestly interested in hearing our version of what happened that got us involved in helping their fellow boaters. After we told them, in our own words mind you, what we actually did they came to realize that the membership was right in presenting us the awards they had.
"I saw Commodore Wilson in the background, with a great big grin on his face, as we told our tales. He must be running for reappointment as Commodore and our fortuitous arrival worked to his favor."
Both men laughed at Dan's last statement.
It was then Robert came running into the Kitchen Noon.
"'Dad' 'dad'," called out Robert, as he came around the corner, "I need to talk to you about Mr. Parchsons!"
"Oh, good morning Mr. Dan. I thought you moved back to your apartment?" stammered out Robert.
"Ohh, I decided to revel in The Cove's surroundings for as long as I could, so I decided to stay until after lunch tomorrow. That way I'll also get to talk to Chris. So … what brings you here in such a hurry?" responded Dan Fischer.
"Oh, well I need to talk to my 'dad' about something I mentioned to him yesterday. We got so busy that I just forgot to talk to him last night," continued a still stammering Robert. "I … I can come back later."
"Robert," started out 'dad' Ken. "Dan is a policeman … and he knows about the cigar box and about all the men who did the unthinkable to you. So, 'son', come over here and sit down and talk to us," finished 'dad' Ken, as he pulled out a chair for the teen to sit in.
Robert moved to take the chair that was offered to him. After he sat down, he looked back and forth between the two men sitting across from him. He wasn't too sure about telling Mr. Dan what he wanted to tell his 'dad', but he knew Mr. Dan was one of the good guys. He also knew the man would probably be involved in arresting the men he identified as being involved in his molestations. So, he decided to talk to them both.
"Well … 'dad' … remember when I told you I thought I recognized, you know, Mr. Parchsons' voice? Well, when we were at the house I did go looking for a picture of him and … I found one. But … the picture didn't look exactly like what I remembered about him but … there was still something familiar about the face. I can't say for one hundred percent sure he was one of the men who rented me from my … my … ahh, my parents but, you know, maybe there is something in the cigar box that could identify him or not," explained Robert.
Mr. Ken and Dan looked on at the teen sitting there in front of them that just told his story.
"Robert … what was familiar or different about the face?" simply asked Dan Fischer.
Robert thought about it for a moment and then replied, "His eyebrows … they weren't as bushy as I remember and his hair … his hair is different, you know, the color and the way it is cut. I already told my 'dad' that his voice feels, you know, sounds familiar."
"Do you remember when you may have gone with him? Was it early on or later that your dad had you go with the men?" asked Dan.
"I think … I think it was early on. Almost … like he might have been one of the first men I was made to go with. At first … we … the men didn't take me out of the area; we stayed close by," remembered Robert.
"So, it has been quite a few years since you saw the man. Can you remember how many times you were made to go with him?" asked Dan.
"Well, in the beginning … the men … they didn't do as much as … they … they didn't do to me as much as the men did later on," revealed Robert.
It was then Charles and the twins made themselves known. They had come around the corner just as Robert had told Dan and his 'dad' that the man may have been one of the first men he had to go with. Luckily they didn't hear the teen was talking about Parker Parchsons.
It was Kyle that spoke first. "Robert … did you … did you have to … to go with some men? Why? What did they make you do?"
Robert looked to his 'dad to see if he should reply. Getting a nod from Mr. Ken, Robert simply told Kyle, and by default his brother Kevin, that was why he was in the foster care system. Kyle just looked at Kevin and the two hugged.
Mr. Ken saw what happened and went over to the twins and pulled them into a hug with him. He then asked them why they'd done that. Kevin told 'Dad' Ken' that they realized that some boys had it worse than they did and they were happy to be still together. 'Dad Ken' only pulled the boys into a tighter hug as he felt some tears fall.
After the hug was over, Robert asked Charles why they came down before taking their shower. Charles told him, "Your new 'brothers' wondered where you were, so they insisted we find you and if we couldn't then we had to tell 'dad'." Robert just smiled at knowing the twins cared about him.
'Dad' Ken and Mr. Dan told Robert they'd look into what he'd just told them and they'd get back to him. The four 'brothers', after hearing that, decided to go up and get their shower. But before they turned the corner, Kyle stopped and looked back at 'Dad' Ken and asked if they could stop at McDonalds before they went out for new clothes. 'Dad' Ken laughed at the twin and said he'd think about it. Then he told the boys to make sure they washed up to their elbows and then he chuckled. Kyle didn't understand what the man meant, but Robert knew and told Kyle he'd explain it while they took their shower.
After the lads walked out of the Kitchen Nook, Dan looked over at Ken and asked, "Do you think it is possible that the twin's dad might … that he could be involved?"
"Dan, I really don't know. Robert thinks there might be a connection between him and Parker Parchsons, and since the man isn't going anywhere for quite some time we can ask the question and see what comes of it. Oh, and Dan, thanks for asking Jerry to help us at the Parchsons' house. The neighbors got feisty and he had to call in reinforcements.
"Also … when I looked around inside the house … something didn't seem right. I talked to Jerry and asked him to call for a detective, and he did. Joel Carrier stopped by and I told him what I thought about what I saw.
"Dan … there just wasn't much, if any, food in the pantry or the refrigerator. The boys … they had what looked like hand-me-down, or second hand clothes. But the parents … they had this high end bedroom suite, the latest electronics, and a walk-in closet full of new clothes while the boys only had a double bed, which they had to share, and none of the electronics kids their age have today.
"It looked like the parents had money, but at the same time they didn't spend it on the kids. While I was there I … I just had this, you know, this bad feeling. It appeared to be what Robert's parents did with all the money they got after they rented him out and … and now with what Robert thinks, and just told us, I believe an investigation is warranted," explained Ken.
"I'm glad you told me what you did because … well, I just couldn't understand why you'd want a detective to stop by the house. But, now, with what you just told me, and what Robert told us a few minutes earlier, I'd be asking that question, too," admitted Dan.
Up in the shower, the twins were a bit subdued over what they heard in the Kitchen Nook. Robert saw they weren't very talkative, so he decided to tell them about what Mr. Ken meant about washing their hands all the way up to their elbows. After that explanation, the twins were a bit more animated. When their shower was over and they all had dried off they each went to their own bedroom to get dressed.
Robert was tying his sneakers when the twins knocked on his bedroom door. When the teen told them to come in, the twins, along with Chief, walked in. Robert could tell his younger 'brothers' still looked a bit subdued and the teen, noticing it, asked them what the matter was. As they were about to answer, Charles walked into the bedroom as the door was wide open.
Kyle looked to Kevin like he wanted the older of the twins to answer.
"Robert … can we ask you, you know, about what you were talking about … downstairs?" timidly asked the youngster.
"What do you mean, 'about what I was talking about downstairs'?" came back Robert, hoping he wouldn't have to mention their dad.
"Well … you said the reason you were in the foster care system was … was because of your having to go with some men. … I … I guess we both want to know what it was that you did that … that you are now living with 'Dad Ken', that is … IF you want us to know" answered Kevin.
"Come over here you two, and sit on the bed. Guys … what I am about to tell you is ONLY for you and NOT to be talked about with anyone. You understand what I am saying," firmly said Robert.
Kevin looked at Kyle who looked back and then nodded his head. Kevin turned to look at Robert and said they both understood.
"OK, then. Charles already knows this, so I won't ask him to leave," started Robert.
Getting the twins attention, Robert continued. "Guys … when I was much younger, younger than you are now … some men … they used to take me places. In the beginning … they took me just within Texas. I had a lot of fun with them. But then … after a while the men … they started to take me all over the country and eventually … they started doing some bad things to me. Sex things. Some of the stuff they did to me … well, it felt good, at first, but then some men began doing other things that … that hurt really bad."
"But, didn't your parents … ever protect you from those men? And what kind of sex things did they do to you?" innocently asked Kyle.
"Kyle, Kevin … it was my dad who … who sort of loaned me, or should I say 'Rented' me out … to these men. I didn't know what it was all about in the beginning, but after a while I asked my dad about it and all he told me to do was 'deal with it'. Anyway, one of the men had taken videos of us and when his maid somehow touched a button, or something, on his DVD player she saw us naked, so she called the police. The man was arrested and then my dad was eventually arrested," explained Robert.
"But what kind of sex things did they do to you?" persisted Kyle.
Robert looked over to Charles not really wanting to answer that question but Charles kind of nodded that he should. Then thinking that Mr. Parchsons might be one of the men who molested him, he wanted to tell the twins what happened to him so they would know about it just in case the same thing happened to them.
"Kevin, Kyle … this is something very few people know about. What I am about to tell you … you can NEVER tell another soul because if you do … it could ruin me living here with Mr. Ken and Charles. Do you understand what I am saying?" abruptly asked Robert.
Both twins looked to one another and then looked back to their older 'brother' and nodded.
But Robert wasn't having their nodding as his answer, so he told them, "Say it! Tell me that you won't tell anyone, ever!"
"I agree not to ever tell anyone," immediately said Kyle.
Kevin hesitated some, but he too then said, "I agree. I won't ever tell anyone, either."
"OK, good … because what those men did to me … the first men anyway, they made it fun to sleep with them. Then, they got me to sleep ONLY in my underwear. But eventually they had me go to bed with no clothes on at all and before long, they … they started playing with my dick. They then had me play with their dick.
"After a while, some different men took me all over the United States and they too played with my dick and had me play with theirs and even suck on it, but it went further than that. Those later men began to … they started to … it wasn't fun anymore," slowed down Robert, as a few tears came to his eyes as he remembered what all had happened to him.
Kyle and Kevin looked to Robert to continue the story but the teen began to cry due to the memories and sat down on the bed. It was Charles who finished telling Robert's story including his anal raping. The last part made both twins gasp when they finally understood what the men had done to their older 'brother'.
The room got extremely quiet.
"But what about your mom?" innocently asked Kyle, but with a mild tone.
A now teary eyed Robert looked to his new twin 'brothers' and said, "Guys … they eventually arrested her, too. They said she knew about it and she didn't do anything … to stop it,"
The twins saw the tears flow now even harder in their older 'brother's' eyes and they went to him and hugged him tight. Charles saw what was happening and he joined in with his 'brothers'.
After about a minute into their hug, Robert pushed back from the three 'brothers' and told the twins some more about the sex stuff the men made him do with them. He further told them that because of what some of the men did to his backside he had to have surgery. The teen also told the twins that since both his parents had been arrested that was the reason he was put into foster care. The thirteen year old then told the twins about the first foster homes he'd been in before coming to live with his 'dad'. Hearing what Robert just told them, the twin's eyes began to leak and they grabbed the teen into another hug.
'Dad' Ken knew the boys had gotten a late start on the morning, but when they weren't downstairs by 10:30 he went up to find out what was keeping them. He approached the bedroom where he could hear voices. It was when he heard Robert admonish the twins that they couldn't talk to anyone about what he was going to tell them, he decided he would wait outside and eavesdrop. He knew it wasn't right, but he felt he needed to know what was going on between the four 'brothers', so he could react to it if necessary.
Ken Thomas listened to the entire conversation. When he realized the talk was over he walked back down the hallway, towards the main stairs, and started calling out the boys names as he walked towards Robert's bedroom.
The boys heard their 'dad' calling, so they quickly broke apart and then wiped their eyes. Then Charles tackled Kyle to the floor and they began to wrestle like that was something they always did. Robert and Kevin, along with Chief, began to call out their encouragement just as 'Dad Ken' walked in.
"So, this is why you guys aren't downstairs and ready to go out for lunch," teased Mr. Ken.
"Well … we got to talking and then those two (Robert pointed at Charles and Kyle) started to wrestle. Then, well, we lost track of the time," explained Robert.
Mr. Ken just smiled at the little fib his oldest 'son' told him, and then told the boys to go drain their dragons and to meet him down in the garage in five minutes.
Their first stop was McDonalds. This time the lads looked at the time and they all decided to get lunch. 'Dad' went first and ordered the double hamburger, no cheese or pickle, medium fry and a coke. Hearing that order caused the twins to ask where that was on the menu. Robert had to tell them that it was on the menu, but that is wasn't readily shown like the bigger sandwiches were. Now the twins had to decide what they wanted. In the end, the four boys all ordered the Quarter Pounder with cheese with no onions, a medium fry and a coke.
Lunch was a no hurry affair. The five Covers talked about this and that. It was while they were talking that Robert remembered he hadn't called their friends. The teen quickly pulled out his cell phone and called his Best Friend, Eric.
"Eric … I need you to call everybody and tell them we aren't going to be there until later. We're out shopping for new clothes for the twins," quickly spoke Robert.
"Ohh … most of the guys are there already. … … Sorry, we got busy this morning and I forgot to call. … … I'm not sure. We're taking the twins for a few more new clothes and a new skateboard. … Oh, Mr. Dan was there when we left. Maybe it will be OK to skate until we get back. Of course, if we aren't back before dark …," tailed off Robert, as he laughed and then clicked off his cell.
"I take it you forgot to call the guys?" teased 'dad' Ken.
"Sorry, 'dad'," meekly said Robert.
"Hey, it isn't a problem for me. But you might owe your buddies an apology for forgetting to tell them you might not be there until late today," added 'dad' Ken.
The Covers arrived at The Mall right about noon time. Charles and the twins headed straight for JC Penney and the boys section. Mr. Ken and Robert lagged behind and talked some. Robert thought his 'dad' was mad at him, but Mr. Ken reminded the teen that he wasn't the one who he forgot to call.
It was then Robert stopped and looked up at his 'dad' and asked him if he heard what they were talking about in his bedroom that morning. 'Dad' Ken answered that he had, but said he hadn't wanted the boys to know. 'Dad' Ken did tell Robert they could talk about it later if he wanted to. Robert said he'd let him know and then raced ahead to catch up with his 'brothers'.
The twins were like kids in a candy shop, as they looked around the boys section for clothes. Charles was there right beside them pointing out the different styles of clothes they could get. When Robert caught up to them, he told the twins to pick something out and try it on to make sure of their size. Both boys did exactly that.
"Dad' Ken arrived as each twin took a piece of clothing into the same dressing room. The saleslady was going to say something to the boys, but Mr. Ken told her they were eleven and twins and did much of the same things together and trying on clothes was one of them. That relieved the ladies concern.
"'Dad', are we going to take them to The Outlet Mall for some shoes?" asked Charles. "You know we can get better deals there and save you some money."
Mr. Ken thought for a few moments and then asked his 'sons' if they needed new shoes or sneakers. Getting a thumbs up from both of them, Mr. Ken told Charles they'd go to The Outlet Mall after finding some school and play clothes for the twins.
It was Monday, the actual Labor Day, and many of the stores at The Outlet Mall were only moderately busy. That made Mr. Ken very happy because it made it easier for him to keep his eye on the lads. The Covers visited a number of shoe stores and after finding two pair of nice comfortable sneakers for all four lads, Mr. Ken decided he should reward himself with a pair, too.
It was now going on 3 PM and Mr. Ken remembered he told the twins he'd get them new skateboards and so he asked them if they wanted to get them today. The twins bounced up and down, well as much as they could strapped into their seat belts, indicating they were willing to get their new boards that day.
Mr. Ken took the lads to the same place he'd gotten Charles' new skateboard. The five Covers walked into the store and the same man who waited on him and Charles, a few months ago, saw them come in and hurried over to try to assist the man.
"Good afternoon sir, I remember you from about two months ago. Is there something I can help you with today?" asked the salesman.
The salesman and Mr. Ken talked for a few minutes about what Mr. Ken was going to do for his twins while the four lads were looking at all the skateboard designs.
"You mean 'Dad Ken' … he let you pick any board … from this entire display?" asked a bubbling Kyle.
"Yep, he told me to pick any one of them. Of course, the sales guy helped me pick the right trucks, wheels, and bearings; the whole works. The hardest part was deciding on the deck design," explained Charles.
Mr. Ken and the salesman came over to the lads. 'Dad Ken' asked the twins if they saw anything they liked. What he got was 20 questions of what, when, where, why and the how of which skateboard they could get. 'Dad Ken' laughed and told them the salesman would help them choose the right one for them and then outfit them with the right parts and pieces to make their skateboard the baddest on the ramps. Kevin and Kyle just smiled big and then asked the man where they should start.
Robert and Charles watched the twins choose their decks and then heard the salesman ask them questions about their ability and what type of ramps they road. From the answers to those questions the sales guy was able to choose the best parts and pieces the twins needed to ride well enough, so as not to be embarrassed.
"Thank you, 'Dad Ken'" said Kyle. "I never had anything this awesome, ever!"
"Yes, thank you, 'Dad Ken'," offered Kevin. "Our parents would never take the time to buy us something like this. If we got anything like this, they went to Walmart and bought the cheapest thing they could find in the least amount of time. We're going to love these boards and we're going to take good care of them, too. That is after our older 'brothers' show us how." Kevin then looked at Robert and Charles and laughed.
The Covers had a good laugh as they rode home. It was now going on 4:30 PM and even though Mr. Ken offered to take the boys out to dinner or to DQ, they all wanted to get home and try out the new skateboards.
When the F-150 drove into the parking corral, the lads riding their skateboards all stopped and headed over to their friends.
"Hey, Robert … it's about time you got back here," said a smiling Eric.
The rest of the lads had the same sort of words for Charles along with Robert. The twins weren't included in the banter, but only because none of the lads, maybe other than Sam and Terran, knew them very well. But the lads did laugh at what was being said to their new big 'brothers'.
It was then Mr. Dan came out to the parking corral to greet the shoppers. But no sooner had he arrived at the Ford truck that Kyle showed him his new skateboard. Dan took the offered board out of the twin's hand and looked it over. He then grabbed the lad into a big hug and spun him around.
Being grabbed, as he was, startled Kyle, at first, but as he began to spin he relaxed, hugged onto Mr. Dan, and enjoyed the ride. When Dan was ready to put the boy down Kyle hugged the man for all he was worth. Mr. Ken saw what the lad had done and made a mental note to mention it to Doctor Doug before the twins first session.
Mr. Ken got the lads to help carry all the new clothes down to the laundry room before allowing them to change into play clothes and catch up with their friends. As Ken was working on taking the tags off all the new clothes and sorting them into piles for washing, Dan stepped into the laundry room.
"I made a few calls," spoke up Dan. "I spoke to Dean Bennett, DA Morris' left-handed man," laughed Dan. "Anyway, I told him about the possibility of Parker Parchsons being another of Robert's molesters. I mentioned the cigar box and told him Robert said he might have been one of the first men who took him places, so there might not be any receipts in there from him.
"I asked him to be discrete in case it didn't pan out, and then I told him about the twins. Dean paused when I mentioned your name in conjunction with Kyle and Kevin. I think he WILL be discrete for sure." Both men laughed at Dan's last statement.
"Dan … what you did with Kyle … it was what he needed. He really did grab onto you when you tried to put him down," advised Ken.
"Yeah, he really felt needy right then," agreed Dan. "So, that's what it's like to hold onto a youngster who needs someone to protect them?"
"Yep, I'd have to say that was what he was doing right then," decided Ken.
"So … I take it you've experienced that with Collin, Robert and Charles?" directly asked Dan.
"Yes, I have. You just go with the flow and hope … and hope you can calm them down and give them your strength and love, so they know you are there for them," replied Ken.
Outside, the four Covers joined up with the regular friends who stopped over at The Cove on a near daily basis. Even James had come by as he didn't have any football practice. The regular guys all had to look at the twins new skateboards and when they were all satisfied, they were damn good boards, they had Kevin and Kyle try them out.
The twins didn't have anywhere near the skills the other lads had, but they could stay steady on their boards, easily turn on them, and they even used some of the ramp height to get some speed. All the boys applauded what they could do and that made the twins feel real good inside.
Ken and Dan retreated to Ken's Study after taking the tags off and placing the new clothes into the washing machines. They talked some more about what Dan had told Dean and what Ken had seen at the Parchsons' home. They talked for about fifteen minutes before Ken picked up the phone and called Bill, his lawyer.
"Bill, yeah, I'm sorry to call you on the last day of your three-day weekend but …," got out Ken before Bill interrupted him.
"There's always a BUT with you isn't there Ken," said a laughing Bill Jackson.
Ken placed the call on the speaker phone so Dan could join into the conversation. Ken filled Bill in what he saw at the Parchsons home and then what Robert told him and Dan that morning. Dan then filled the lawyer in on the phone call he had with Dean Bennett about the possibility that Parker Parchsons could be one of Robert's molesters.
Bill took plenty of notes and while he was doing that, Ken asked him if he thought Stewart Russell might be available to represent the twins for whatever might happen in the future. Bill told his client he'd have to talk to Stewart in the morning, but he figured he'd be happy to help.
The three men talked for about 30 minutes and ended their call just as Robert, Charles, and Eric came into the Study to ask if they could cook some burgers and dogs.
"So, where're the twins?" Mr. Ken wanted to know.
"Oh, they're out with the guys enjoying their new skateboards, 'dad'," replied Charles. "They are really having a blast and are getting to know our friends even though Terran and Sam are out there. … Well, 'dad' … can we burn some burgers?" finished Charles.
Ken looked at Dan who said he could eat a few burned doggies, which got a laugh from the three lads. Ken then told the boys they could get the grill out, but told the boys that their friends had to call their parents as it was getting late and they may already have something planned for dinner.
In the end, the majority of the lads were able to stay for burgers and dogs and they also helped get everything set up as usual. The twins watched as the boys went this way and that and as the grill got hot they finally saw the burgers and hot dogs get put on the barby.
When they all sat down to eat, Kyle gravitated over to Mr. Dan and sat next to him. Dan looked down at the twin and pulled him close and hugged him. The boy practically melted into his side. Ken saw what was happening, and had no idea what Dan was getting himself into.
Kevin saw what Kyle had done so he weaseled himself onto Dan's other side and leaned into the man. Dan now had the second twin sitting next to him, so he pulled the lad into him and hugged him as well. All Ken could do was shake his head and smile to himself.
The other lads heard Robert and Charles tell them about what they saw when they visited the twin's parents. They explained all about the infection control clothes they had to wear and all the bandages and casts the parents were wrapped in. The Cover's also told their friends about the house their new 'brothers' lived in. They then told their buddies what happened when they stopped by to get what Kevin and Kyle wanted to bring back with them.
The older lads all laughed at hearing how the deputy had to call in the reinforcements when the drunk men on the street decided they wanted into the house. The one thing Robert didn't tell his friends about was how he thought he already knew Mr. Parchsons and what the man may have done to him.
The night grew long and by 6 PM Mr. Ken said it was time for everyone to head on home as they all had school in the morning. The boys either called their parents to come and get them or they took off home on their bikes. By 6:30 all the Cover's guests, with full stomachs, had left for home.
The Covers and Dan all headed to the Study to talk about what was going to happen that week. Mr. Ken told Robert and Charles they would begin seeing Doctor Doug again. He explained to the twins who Doctor Doug was and he told the boys they would also have a scheduled appointment with him, so they could begin to deal with the accident and their parents being gone.
Ken also told the twins that tomorrow they were to wear some of the new clothes he bought them that first time, because he would be taking them to school to get them registered and then to Doctor Powers' for their physical. He then told all the boys that he would have a very busy schedule that week, but that he would be available to talk to them if they needed him.
"'Dad Ken', do we have to go to school in the morning?" asked Kyle.
"Well … as I said, I am going to take you to school first thing in the morning to register you both. Then … we are going to Doctor Powers' office to get you both a complete physical. That is so I know what, if any, health issues you may or may not have so we can address them. I need to know if you have anything like juvenile diabetes, or bad hearing, or even a bad heart. That way I can begin to address those or any other issue that Doc Rick finds. Sorry for the long answer, but beginning Wednesday you will begin getting up when your older 'brothers' do and will begin to get yourselves in the habit of getting up for school," replied 'Dad Ken'.
Dan was there the whole time, but had stayed in the background while Mr. Ken talked to his boys. He knew he would be leaving sometime after lunch tomorrow, so he didn't want to get into the discussion. Unfortunately, Kyle had other plans.
"Mr. Dan … will you be here tomorrow to talk to me?" asked Kyle.
Dan looked to Ken for some help, but all Ken did was shrug his shoulders which told the deputy he got himself into this and now he had to get himself out of it.
Dan wasn't sure what he should tell the lad, but he figured it would be best to tell him straight out and not tell a fib or an outright lie.
"Kyle … remember me telling you that I was a guest here when we first met on Friday?" said Dan, as he directed his reply to Kyle.
"Yes, I sort of remember. We were on the stairs weren't we?" replied Kyle.
"Yes, you were," agreed Dan. "And to answer your question as to whether I would be here to talk to you the answer is … no, I won't. I was injured a while back … and Mr. Ken asked me to stay here while I recovered. Well, I am better now and the Sheriff, he's my boss, wants me back in uniform. I actually have to go back to work tomorrow night about 10 PM. I will be here tomorrow morning, but I will go back to staying at my apartment when I get off work."
Kyle looked at Dan after hearing his answer and then he dove to the man and began to cry that he didn't want him to go. All Dan could do was console the lad and try to get him to understand that he had a job to do, but that he would visit as often as he could.
Kyle lifted up his teary face off of Dan's shoulder and looked into the man's eyes and said, "You, you promise?"
"Yes, I promise … but you have got to remember … I work strange hours and I won't be here at the same time as your foster dad here will, Can you live with that?" replied Dan.
"Yeah, I think I can live with that. I really like you Mr. Dan," offered Kyle, who then put his head back on Dan's shoulder.
Mr. Ken just smiled at the two.
Mr. Ken then asked if there were any questions, and getting none, he asked the group to talk about the weekend. Specifically, the owner of The Cove asked the boys what they thought about the picnic. The twins quickly spoke up and told their foster dad how they loved it. They told him that meeting all those kids, they'll be going to school with, was awesome, but that watching the ceremony where all those heroes were being honored was extra special. They told Mr. Ken they didn't know they were going to be around all those heroes even though Mr. Ken was one already.
'Dad Ken' inwardly smiled at the honesty of the twins. He then asked Robert and Charles what they thought about the picnic. Robert quickly spoke up and said he was very surprised by the Lake Yacht Club's stopping by, but was really impressed by the ceremony and them honoring Todd and the rest of the guys, including Mr. Dan and him.
Charles said he agreed with his older 'brother', but what he liked the most was all the people who were there were there because they were part of their, meaning his and Robert and now the twins, extended family. Charles further explained that all the guys who come over are like one great big family and having only them and their families and the other people associated with The Cove made sense and made it more personal.
Robert had listened to what Charles just said and he quickly told his 'dad' that he had to agree with his 'brother'. Robert explained he never looked at their friends as being a part of an extended family, but that what Charles said had made sense. He acknowledged that even though their friends aren't related in any way neither are they, but they function as and treat each other as family.
Everyone in the Study smiled at what Robert just explained. Even the twins smiled. Then the phone rang.
"Hello," offered Mr. Ken. … … "Let me put this on speaker phone."
"Go ahead, we're all here in the Study," said Mr. Ken.
"Hey, everybody," said the voice.
"Collin!" exclaimed Robert and Charles at the same time.
"How are my 'brothers' doing and how are my two NEW 'brothers' doing?" asked the college freshman.
The next forty minutes were spent with the Covers catching up with one another. They talked about the picnic and the ceremony and then Collin wanted to know more about the Twins. The three of them then hogged the conversation. Mr. Ken watched the time and when it was 9:15 he decided to end the chit-chat.
"Collin … the boys have school in the morning and … and, they've had a long weekend. Say Good Night boys!" said the owner of The Cove, as he interrupted the phone call.
The boys all said Good Night to each other and then headed up the stairs to bed.
"It was great you called Collin. I would have thought you would have called after our picnic," teased Collin's Big Bro.
"Well … I would have … but … there was this party and I got … ah, busy, Bro," chuckled Collin.
"Been there; done that, Collin," Big Bro Ken laughed in reply.
That started another conversation between Ken and Collin that Dan figured would cover some old times, so he excused himself and told Ken he'd catch up with him at breakfast.
Collin and Ken talked almost to midnight.
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