"How are my growing like weeds boys doing this morning?" asked 'dad' Ken, as the boys entered the Kitchen Nook.
"I slept great last night, 'dad'" said Kyle. "I don't know what it was that let me sleep so good, but I wish I could do that every night."
"How about you Kevin? Did you sleep well?" asked 'dad' Ken.
"Yea, I must have. I never woke up from Kyle's snoring, so I must have," laughed Kevin.
"Hey ... I don't snore!" countered Kyle, who almost sent the fickle finger of fate to his twin.
Charles and Robert both spoke up and told their 'dad' that they slept good, too.
"And, how about you Matthew?" simply asked 'dad' Ken.
"I slept pretty good, I guess. I ... my dreams seem to always be the same. At least they don't wake me," replied Matthew.
"Matthew ... you should write down what you remember of your dreams. Maybe Doctor Doug can help you decipher them," offered big 'brother' Robert
"Yea, that's a good idea. Thanks, Robert," replied Matthew with a smile.
Mr. Ken was happy to hear the two 'brothers' have a pleasant exchange. He hoped it meant they, well Matthew in particular, had buried the hatchet from their major disagreement from yesterday.
The boys had another great Momma Maria breakfast. They each gave the woman a hug before leaving the Nook to wash up and get their jackets and books before heading up the slight rise to the Main Gate and their Bus Stop.
At school, Brant waited for Matthew. He was afraid he messed up by getting his older brother involved. His older brother, Brad, told him late last night that Matthew and Robert had a bad argument over his telling him who he can and can't have as friends.
But there was one thing that his older brother, Brad, also told him, which gave him a restless night. What Brad told his younger brother was that Matthew said that if his friends couldn't accept who he wants as his friends then they weren't his friends to begin with.
Hearing that upset Brant to no end. The younger Sullivan wanted to get to Matthew who he was hoping he was still considered as a friend. He wanted to apologize for interfering and causing him to have a big argument with Robert.
When Matthew arrived at the bus corral, he saw Brant waiting for him. What was strange, though, was that none of his other friends were waiting with him. Matthew figured either they didn't like Max either, or Brant asked them to let him talk to him alone. The young Cover hoped it was the later situation.
"Matthew," called out Brant. "Can we ... can we talk ... alone ... before school starts?"
Matthew didn't smile or frown at his friend. At least he still considered the boy his friend, although he wasn't too happy with what he'd done. He figured he'd let Brant say what he had to say, and then he'd know what the score was.
When the two friends found a quiet corner, far enough away from prying ears Brant apologized for getting Matthew and his older 'brother' into an argument. Brant tried to explain what he'd told his older brother, Brad, but figured his older brother got the message wrong.
"So, what did you tell Brad?" asked Matthew in a plain voice.
"Well, I told Brad that you were ... I told Brad that I was afraid that you'd get hurt if the bully you were talking with and doing things for backfired on you. I told Brad that Max was a known bully, and I thought you were being controlled by him somehow," replied Brant.
"Well, thank you for looking out for me. You protected me from him that first time, and I was happy you did that. But yesterday ... yesterday I turned it against him. Then, I wanted to ask him why he was bullying people.
"Brant ... Max has as bad a home life as I had and maybe worse. I think he acts out as the bully because he has no friends. He told me his dad split years ago, and, so, he lives with his mom, and his mom doesn't give him enough lunch money to have a hot lunch nor, he says, does he often get a hot meal at night.
"Brant, I sort of understand where Max is coming from. All summer long I had no friends to talk to or play with. I moved every two or three weeks, or so. And, I got beat whenever Lincoln felt like it. Yes, I'd agree Max is sort of strange, but that shouldn't mean people should avoid him.
"Look what happened at the start of the school year when Charles became friends with Richard. I heard that none of you wanted to be around Ryan because he would never play with you guys. Now, they learned he has a growth problem because his mom didn't feed him right, while his dad served overseas in Afghanistan.
"No one tried to find out what Max's problem was. Now, after I talked to him I learned he has a bad home life, and no one at school wants to be around him because he acts out which is probably why no one wants to be his friend.
"Brant, I'm going to try to be his friend. He may or may not be as good a friend as you and the other guys are, but ... if he does become my friend ... then you guys ... you will have to accept him. Just as you, Ryan and Noah accepted Greg and Aaron," finished Matthew.
By then Matthew's other friends came over to talk to the two boys. They heard the last part of Matthew's conditions and wondered what was said before that. So, they asked. Brant filled them in as to what they talked about and that Matthew wanted to be Max's friend.
Matthew told the rest of his friends that Max may or may not become as good a friend as they were to him, but that he wanted Max to have someone he could talk to or count on if things got bad at home. As he finished, the first bell rang.
Max had watched Matthew and Brant talk for quite some time. Then, he saw the other boys come over and talk, as well. He wondered what that was all about. He thought he made a friend with Matthew, but he figured it was just fluke.
Max liked it that someone actually talked to him and listened. He had also hoped his friend would help him with a hot meal again at lunchtime that day. Then, the first bell rang and a dejected Max joined with the other students as they walked into the school.
When Mr. Chris arrived at The Cove, he got his first cup of coffee and then walked over to the Study to talk to his boss. The two talked about the coming week before getting down to talking about Momma Maria's Christmas gifts from the boys.
"Mr. Ken, I talked with Sandra about the aprons and what you had planned to be embroidered on them. She said she'd add it to the list of gifts she still needed to buy. She also told me that she hopes to start wrapping tomorrow, Wednesday, and asked if Momma would be available," said Mr. Chris.
"When we finish here, I'll go out and ask her," replied the owner of The Cove.
It was while the two talked, Mr. Wayne came into the Study. Mr. Ken was glad his Estate Master had come early as they were about to discuss the arrangements for the Six Flags trip. Mr. Ken told the two men that Matthew was making a new friend and he needed to add at least one more ticket to the total for the trip.
Mr. Ken also told the men, but particularly for Mr. Wayne's sake, that he was planning to let the boys have a sleepover next Wednesday night. He mentioned it so they could ensure there was enough snacks and sodas available. The Cove's owner said that Momma usually took care of that, but with her helping wrap presents and all the other things going on, they may need to at least get any heavy items for her.
Mr. Ken also told Wayne he was planning to take Matthew to see Doctor Doug on Thursday. He told the men he wanted to get a firsthand report from the doctor. Mr. Wayne knew he would then be taking Kyle that day and Kevin the next day.
While the men were talking, Mr. Wayne mentioned that one of the three vehicles, that they knew were being used by the three men associated with Grace Turnsten, followed him the previous day. He told his boss that he and George Warren talked about it and that Mr. Warren would put it into his report.
As Mr. Ken sat there and listened to what Mr. Wayne had to say, a thought came to him.
"Wayne ... I ... well, what would you say to me ... if I were to ask you ... to get a Texas Concealed Carry Permit? I'll pay the required fees and for the handgun for you to use up to $1500.00. If you want a more exotic gun, then you can use the money towards it.
"So ... what do you say? Maybe I can get Chris here to instruct you at a licensed gun range. And, since it's been a while since I shot my gun, we could make a day out of it. Any thoughts?" asked a smiling Mr. Ken.
"Wow, I never really thought about having a concealed handgun carry permit, to tell you the truth. But, after what happened to the twins and what's going on with Matthew, and those three men who seem to be very interested in where he goes, that may not be such a bad idea. What are your thoughts Chris?" asked Mr. Wayne.
Chris Dominions sat there, not ever thinking they would have this type of conversation. The Estate Manager asked if it meant he would also have to have a permit. Mr. Ken thought about that for a few seconds and told the man that it wasn't a bad idea.
"Mr. Ken ... I would prefer I didn't have a concealed carry permit. With two very young kids in the house, I don't really want to have a gun in the house," honestly replied Chris, Dominions.
"Well, Chris ... what if you only had it ... here? Hear me out. My concern is for the boys. You know that Smokey could have killed Charles. As for Parker Parchsons, his friends also wanted to gain control over the twins and Robert, it seems, and tried to kidnap them. And, now, as for Matthew ... there are three men who we believe are out there ready to take him, too.
"All I would ask of you Chris is for you to be licensed. That way if you have to run an errand and take any of the boys, and there is some danger out there, you could have the gun with you. Otherwise, you would keep the gun here on the premises and only take it from here when necessary.
"Chris, I know I hit you with something from out in the blue, and you too Wayne, but I would ask you both to consider it. There is no need for an answer today or even this week. Even if you said yes, it would probably take until after the Holidays before it could all be legal and everything.
"It would give me added protection for the boys, as the guards don't accompany us, as a rule. And, I don't want to monopolize Gene and George from Jules. Chris, ask your wife and see what she has to say. Believe me, I do not want to put a rift between you two.
"By the way, Bill Jackson has been able to retrieve Robert's father's gun from the District Attorney. I am going to present it to him next week. And you can bet he's going to ask me when I can take him out shooting. Then, I'll have to contend with the other boys," laughed Mr. Ken.
Over at school, when lunchtime came around, Max figured he'd just do what he usually did. Get his cold sandwich and then find a quiet corner and eat. But when Matthew saw Max by himself he called out to him and for him to come over to him and asked him what was wrong.
"I saw you talking to all you friends before school, and I ... well, I figure yesterday was a fluke and you'd gone back to your friends," honestly said Max.
"No, the short story is, Brant said something to his older brother who talked to my older 'brother' and it caused a big argument between us at home last night. I had to talk to Brant to tell him no one chooses my friends for me," explained the young Cover.
"You ... you actually had an argument, and was it over ... it was over me?" asked a surprised Max.
"Let's get our lunch and then talk. OK?" responded Matthew.
The boys, Max and Matthew, and all the Cover's friends, went through the lunch line together. When it came time to pay, Max paid what he had and Matthew paid the balance. The seven boys then found an empty table to eat.
The table was very quiet as they all ate. Matthew heard the awkwardness of what was happening, so he decided to start the conversation. He told Max the full story of what happened at his home last night. That revelation not only opened Max's eyes, but the other five boys had an equal epiphany.
"So, your argument with your older 'brother', Robert, was over me? Wow! Who would have thought that something like that would ever happen? Me? The person everyone loves to hate," laughed Max.
The other boys also laughed at what the 5th grade boy had said. Then, the group of boys turned in their lunch trays and headed outside. The group of seven headed to a corner where they could talk.
"Guys ... I want to tell you what I know about Max. That is if he'll let me tell you. From what I've learned it almost sounds like Ryan's story from last year," spoke up Matthew.
That disclosure got Matthew's friend's attention. Then, Max said it was okay for his friend to tell them his story. Matthew told his friends what he heard from Max and explained what he saw that paralleled with Ryan's. Matthew said he wanted to be friends with Max, but because of his past actions it might take some time.
Max thanked the Cover for being honest with him, and telling his friends how his life sucked the past year or more. Max said he wanted friends, but since no one would pay any attention to him he figured he get their attention by being mean to everyone.
Ryan then went over to Max and asked to shake his hand. Ryan told Max how he felt last year when he and his older brother, Richard, came to the school and everyone ignored them. Then, Ryan told how Charles bugged Richard enough to be his friend and how Charles began to buy their lunches for them. Ryan told the full story of how their dad got mad because someone was buying them their lunches.
Ryan continued telling how his family was invited over to The Cove for the Labor Day Picnic and his dad coming away with a job interview set up by Mr. Ken. He then told how Brant and Noah came to him at the Labor Day Picnic and apologized to him and then they became friends.
"But, you didn't tell him what they found out about you," said Noah. "In the beginning, we asked Ryan to play with us, but he always said no. So, after a while we ignored him. Then, when Charles came here to school he wanted to know who the quiet kid was.
"In time ... Charles helped them out and then we learned ... we learned that Ryan was so small because his mom didn't feed him right. It was Mr. Ken who asked us if we ever wondered why a smaller boy wouldn't play with us bigger kids. That was an eye opener for us. And, that as they say is 'rest of the story'," finished Noah.
All the boys shook Max's hand and they said they would like to be his friend as well, but that he had to show them that he was no longer going to bully anyone. Max agreed to that with a big smile. To Max, that lunch period was the most he'd talked to anyone at school in a long time.
After the end of lunch bell rang, Matthew went with Max as they walked into the school. The Cover asked him what his last name was and Max told him it was Staffans, Maximillian Staffans. Matthew asked him what his mom did for a living. Max told his new friend his mom worked as a receptionist. They then went separate ways to their homerooms.
Mr. Wayne stopped by the school that afternoon in order to take Kyle to see Doctor Doug. Ms. Andrews knew the routine and called Kyle to the office. Mr. Wayne signed Kyle out for the day and they headed out to Mr. Wayne's car.
As the Covers exited the school parking lot, a car pulled out two car lengths behind them. Mr. George pulled out and became four car lengths behind that vehicle because he recognized the make, color and license plate number as one of the three vehicles of the men who knew Grace Turnsten.
Wayne Mitchell also recognized the vehicle that pulled in behind him. But, he wasn't worried because Matthew wasn't with him and George Warren was behind him. The Cover's continued on to Doctor Doug's and when they arrived the vehicle following him continued. Wayne met with George before he took Kyle to his appointment.
When the appointment was over, Kyle wanted to use the restroom. Mr. Wayne let the youngster go, but quickly followed behind him. When Kyle didn't come out of the Men's Restroom after a few moments, Mr. Wayne went inside to see what was wrong. Wayne Mitchell found Kyle inside shaking and sacred as a man talked to him.
"What's going on in here?" demanded Wayne Mitchell. "Kyle, GET AWAY FROM THAT MAN!" yelled Mr. Wayne.
"There's nothing wrong going on in here. I was just asking the boy some questions," smirked the man, as he attempted to leave the restroom.
"What kind of questions?" demanded Mr. Wayne, from the stranger.
"It is none of your business, short stuff," sneered the man, who then told Wayne to get out of his way.
Mr. Wayne didn't get out of the man's way, so the man threw him aside and stormed out. Kyle squeezed his coin. It took the coin a few seconds for the battery level to build up and when it did it sent its signal
The coins signal went up to the satellite and it beamed it directly down to the factory. When that happened, an alarm went off inside the control room. The operator quickly identified to whom the coin belonged too and seeing it was a different boy who activated the coin knew there was trouble. She immediately called Mr. Thomas
When Mr. Ken saw who was calling, he didn't hesitate to ask what happened. When the owner of The Cove learned another of the coins was activated, he pulled up the satellite relay on his computer. As he did that, he called Dan Fischer and told him what just happened. Dan said he'd wait to hear from him before he took any action.
Mr. Ken's next call was to George Warren to tell him that a coin's signal was just received. When George answered he told his employer he already knew. He told his employer that he was inside the office building, holding onto the man who threw Wayne to the ground. He told Mr. Ken he had intercepted him just as he ran out of the restroom.
George Warren had known the man was inside. He watched the man double back to the parking lot and the man enter the office building. George figured the man might be up to no good, so he went inside to follow. He waited until Kyle's appointment was almost over and then went up to the floor Doctor Doug's office was on.
George Warren watched the man enter the restroom just before Kyle entered. Then, when Kyle didn't come out right away, he saw Mr. Wayne go in. That's when he stood just outside and listened to what was being said. George heard everything and when the man stormed out of the room the large security man stopped him dead in his tracks.
Mr. Ken called Dan back and told him what happened. Dan quickly sent a patrol car to the office building. When the Deputy Sheriff arrived he interviewed Mr. Wayne, then Kyle and then the man to determine if an assault had occurred.
The deputy determined that the altercation was more of a tussle and not a full out assault. The deputy did give the man a summons to appear in court at the time indicated. It would be after the Holidays when the man would possibly see justice, though. The man then smiled at Wayne, waved his hand and then left.
Back at The Cove, the four Cover boys were back home well before Kyle and Mr. Wayne. They asked their 'dad' where they were and all Mr. Ken would say is for them to wait and ask them. Mr. Ken then went to Momma Maria and told her Mr. Wayne and Kyle would be late and asked her to serve the other boys their snack.
"Where were you?" asked Kevin, when his twin entered the Kitchen Nook.
Kyle looked to Mr. Wayne and then to his 'dad' to see if he could tell his 'brothers'. Getting the nod, Kyle told him all about the man who stopped him and asked him questions about Matthew.
The twin told them how the man shoved Mr. Wayne out of the way and ran out of the restroom. It was then Kyle told them how Mr. George was outside the restroom and stopped the man until the Sheriff's Deputy got there.
Kyle got his after school snack and talked to his 'brothers' some more about what happened while 'dad' Ken and Mr. Wayne went to the Study to talk. They no sooner got into the room when Mr. Wayne told his employer he would take him up on getting his Texas concealed carry permit.
Hearing that surprised Mr. Ken. Wayne Mitchell saw the surprise in his boss's face and told him that he was scared for Kyle when the man almost had him by the scruff of the neck. Wayne told him that it was right then and there, that he knew, if he was to protect the boys he'd need the training and the permit. He then qualified that by saying, he hoped he never had to use it.
The boys went to the Study to talk to their 'dad', but he asked them to go work on their homework while he and Mr. Wayne talked about what happened. He also told Kyle to remind him to get him another coin after dinner.
When it was dinnertime, Dan Fischer decided to stop by. He hugged Momma Maria and asked her if she had enough. The woman smiled at the man and told him to find a seat.
"Mr. Dan, you decided to come over," called out Kyle, as he ran to the man and hugged him.
"Yes, Kyle, I haven't had an awesome Momma meal for a very long time, so I decided to come by at just the right time. But, I do have an official reason to stop by. I just chose to stop by at dinner time," laughed Mr. Dan.
"I hope I can talk to you and Mr. Wayne about what happened at Doctor Jennings' office building after dinner. Things are getting interesting now that Matthew's mom's friends seem to be following all of you Covers. But, for now, let's all have a wonderful Momma Maria dinner," finished Mr. Dan.
Dinner was a bit lively that night. The reason was the Cover boys were still interested in hearing more about what happened to Mr. Wayne and Kyle at Doctor Doug's and how it happened. Even though the two Covers talked to them already.
Dan Fischer took it all in as he was going to have the same sort of conversation in Mr. Ken's Study with Mr. Wayne and Kyle, but figured this could very well suffice for that one-on-two interview.
After dinner, Mr. Dan, now acting as Sheriff's Lieutenant Dan Fischer, asked Mr. Wayne and Kyle to talk with him in the Study. The other boys wanted to listen in to see if anything different was said. Robert asked Mr. Dan if they could sit and listen. He argued they already heard everything during dinner and it would be interesting to his 'brothers' who hadn't had to talk to the police, yet.
Mr. Ken laughed out loud at hearing what his son said. "Robert ... which of your 'brothers' haven't had to talk to the police yet? Huh? I think you all have had to talk to the police at one time or another. But, it is up to Lieutenant Fischer if you stay."
Lt. Fischer laughed at Robert's request and allowed the boys to listen in as he asked the same questions even though they had sort of answered them during dinner when the boys asked. The lieutenant had to make sure the story stayed the same and to see if some little tidbit didn't mysteriously appear.
"Kyle, tell me again what that man, Lonny, wanted to know," asked Lt. Dan Fischer.
"Well, he first asked me if I knew Matthew. Then, he asked me how many times he talked to the police. I told him he only talked to them when he was in the hospital. He asked me if I was sure. I told him that Matthew and I were good friends and that I'd know if he talked to the police after he began living at The Cove. I told him my friend never had the police come to The Cove to talk to him, ever," answered Kyle.
When Dan Fischer was satisfied he gathered all the information he could, he talked to Mr. Ken about Christmas. Mr. Dan wanted to know what presents he could get his boys. Mr. Ken told him not to worry about doing that.
The owner of The Cove told Dan he had everything covered and he didn't think there was much more anyone could buy them without spoiling them more than he already was. The two had a good laugh over that.
But, then, Mr. Ken told Dan there might be something he could do for Robert. Mr. Ken told Dan about getting Robert's dad's gun back from the DA and that he knew his son was going to want to shoot it. Mr. Ken asked Dan if he'd be available to take him out shooting.
Dan was curious as to why Mr. Ken didn't want to take his son out to the range. Mr. Ken said he would take him, but he wanted someone, who was a professional, to teach the teen, so the teenager learned the right method and not the easy one. Dan said he understood and told his friend to let him know when Robert was ready to go shooting.
Mr. Ken also told him that he asked Wayne and Chris to each get their Texas Concealed Carry Permit. That surprised Dan, but when he heard his friend's reasoning, he said he totally understood. Mr. Ken told Dan Fischer that Wayne had already agreed to get his after what happened in the restroom that afternoon. Mr. Dan said he'd talk to Wayne and recommend a good place or him to learn the law and how to shoot.
After Mr. Dan left, Kyle went to his 'dad' and asked him if he could have a new coin. When he received his new coin, Kyle looked it over and noticed there was a different number on it. 'Dad' Ken explained they were different in case someone lost theirs they could match it to the person.
'Dad' Ken then hugged his young twin 'son' and told him that he was proud of him for deciding to squeeze his coin. The man told the twin that he'd done the right thing. He saw the man attack Mr. Wayne and was down and couldn't squeeze his own coin. The other boys were listening just outside the Study and they applauded Kyle for helping protect Mr. Wayne.
As it was getting late, Mr. Ken told his 'boys' to go up to their rooms and settle down. He told them it had been a long day, and he wanted them to relax before getting into their beds. Ten minutes after the boys went up to their rooms 'dad' Ken followed.
'Dad' Ken stopped at Robert's room first. They talked for a few minutes and then the man went over to Charles' bedroom. They talked some about the pre-teen's day before 'dad' Ken walked over to the twins' bedroom. The Cove's owner again thanked Kyle for taking quick action. He ruffled his hair before giving both twins a hug.
When 'dad' Ken walked into Matthew's room, he had no idea what the boy would say. He knew the boy had been preoccupied with what his mom told him last week and all he could hope for was something different.
"'Dad', when I got to school today, Brant was waiting for me. He asked to talk to me with none of the other guys around. He essentially apologized for getting Brad involved, but he said his older brother misunderstood what he told him. So, well, we're good.
"I also talked to Max. He thought that since I didn't talk to him first thing, that yesterday was a fluke. I explained what Brant wanted to do, which was why I hadn't talked to him first thing.
"I did help him pay for his lunch again today. We all sat together and ate our lunch. It was then I asked Max if I could tell the guys about him. When he said I could, I told my friends that from what I've learned about him that it almost sounded like Ryan's story from last year. 'Dad', that got all of my friends' attention.
"After I told them what I thought the parallels between Max and Ryan were, Ryan went over to Max and shook his hand. Ryan told Max how he felt last year when he and his older brother, Richard, came to the school and everyone ignored them.
"Then, Ryan told everyone how Charles bugged Richard enough to be his friend and how Charles bought their lunches for them. Ryan also told us about being invited over here for the Labor Day Picnic and his dad coming away with a job interview set up by you, 'dad'.
"'Dad', Ryan finished up by reminding everyone how Brant and Noah came to him at the Labor Day Picnic and apologized to him and then how they all became friends.
"But, Noah spoke up and told Ryan he didn't tell him what they found out about him. Noah explained how they asked Ryan to play with them, but he always said no. So, after a while they ignored him.
"Noah they said it was you who asked them if they ever wondered why a smaller boy wouldn't play with the bigger kids. It was Noah who mentioned it and was then they learned the reason that Ryan was so small was because his mom didn't feed him right.
"'Dad', all the boys shook Max's hand and they all said they would like to be his friend, but that he had to show them that he was no longer going to bully anyone. Max agreed to that with a big smile.
"After the end of lunch, 'dad', I talked with Max as we went into the school. I asked him what his last name was and Max told me it was Staffans, Maximillian Staffans. I then asked him what his mom did for a living. Max told me his mom worked as a receptionist.
"'Dad' ... you said we can invite someone to the Holiday Party on Friday. Can I ... can I ask Max and his mom? Max told me he doesn't get to go anywhere and maybe ... just maybe this will help him see something different. Then, maybe, 'dad', you can set up a job interview for his mom?" finished Matthew.
Mr. Ken laughed at what Matthew had to say. He was totally surprised that the boy told him about his day with his friends and then ended up asking if he could invite Max and then get his new friend's mom a job interview.
"Matthew, I'll give you an invitation at breakfast that you can hand deliver to Max at school. Now, as for getting his mom a job interview, I don't hire people outside of The Cove. I'll see what I can do, but NO promises. You hear me, 'son'? I don't want you to say anything to Max. If it happens, then it happens.
"And thank you for telling me what your day was like. It sounds like you have a good bunch of friends and maybe Max will fit in somehow. Now, go drain your dragon and get to bed. And, sleep well," said Mr. Ken. The man ruffled the boy's hair and patted him on his backside as the boy left the room to visit the bathroom.
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