"How is Grammy actually doing, Collin?" directly asked Mr. Ken, after Collin sat down with a brisket barbeque sandwich and a glass of milk.
"Bro, she's hurt and embarrassed ... that she fell. She twisted her ankle and will be relegated to a chair, with her leg elevated for a few days. Uncle Andy can handle her for a day or two, but I should get back. I would have loved to go with all of you to Six Flags. Maybe we can do that after we get back from visiting your amusement parks," laughed the young man.
"Yea, that sounds good. We'll all go to another amusement park after seeing three and flying back and forth to and from the east coast," sarcastically replied Big Bro Ken.
After some quiet time, Big Brother Ken Thomas asked Collin how his first semester of college was actually going. Collin said he went to too many frat parties and he didn't apply himself as he should have. The freshman college student said if he has a 2.0 grade point average he'd thank his lucky stars.
Mr. Ken asked Collin if he wanted to talk about it or had he chastised himself enough that he won't do that again next semester. Collin laughed at the calm and subtle way his Big Bro 'yelled' at him.
"Bro, that's what I really love about you," started Collin, "you never really yell or get mad. You have a unique way of making someone realize they messed up, and they need to fess up and straighten it out."
"Collin, what does yelling ever accomplish? Especially ... if you are dealing with someone who's already had a bad hand dealt to him. I'd rather have someone realize their mistake, and learn from it, and how to prevent it from happening again, than to remember the yelling and trauma from it," counseled Big Brother Ken Thomas.
"Thanks, Bro ...I ... I really miss talking to you," revealed Collin.
"Collin you have a cell phone. You used to call your 'brothers', so that means you can also call me. There is nothing wrong with just talking over some problems or situations you're not comfortable with. You know I've been there and I do have the t-shirt.
"I may not have experienced what you have, but we can talk it out and come up with a solution you can accept and go with. ... What do you say to trying that?" calmly suggested Mr. Ken.
"Thanks, Bro ... when the new semester begins, after the Holidays, I'll make sure we talk and often. I ... I thought I could deal with not having my dad around. I figured after I went back to the Wilkinson Estate and, you know, and dealt with Grammy, I ... I could handle college. I was wrong, Bro.
"I partied like there was no tomorrow. I wanted to be popular and liked. I spread my money around and eventually found that many of my classmates only cared that I was paying and they were drinking. I made a big mistake, Mr. Ken. How ... how do I go back to school and change who I am? How do I deal with the students, when I don't fund the parties anymore?" asked a dejected Collin Wilkinson.
Mr. Ken got up from his chair, went over to his first foster son and pulled him up into a big hug. Collin immediately started to cry. The more Big Brother Mr. Ken hugged the teenager the harder he cried. He was letting out all of his frustrations, hurt and anger over everything that happened to him since he started college.
"Collin, you need a vacation; some quiet time; time away. You need the downtime to let your body wash away whatever is bottled up inside of you. If Grammy didn't need you I'd tell you to take a trip," advised Mr. Ken.
"Bro ... I wish ... I wish just the two of us could go away like we did that first Christmas I spent here. We ... we took off to California and we were free spirits. We looked at amusement parks and we also had fun. That was the most fun I had since ... since I turned twelve. Do you ... do you think we could do that, again?" asked a hopeful Collin.
"Oh, Collin, I would love to do that with you, but ...," started Mr. Ken, before he was interrupted by Collin.
"There's always a 'but' isn't there?" Sarcastically inserted, Collin.
"Collin, I have a son now, and four other foster sons. And right now ... I am having a difficult time trying to find a time and place to take three of them on a promised special one-on-one trip. How can I justify to them if I drop everything to take you and not them? You know that they are my main concern, right now, as you were four years ago. ...
"Collin ... I understand you need me right now, and ... and I want to help you out ... as long as I don't put you ahead of my other five boys. ... Collin ... listen to me ... you are ALL equally important to me. None of you are more important than another, so, please ... don't ask me to do that, because I won't," stated Ken Thomas, Foster Dad and Big Bro.
"I'm sorry, Bro, I need ... I need someone to talk to me and ... and help me get my life back on track. I ... I shouldn't have asked you the way I did. I'm desperate, Bro," cried Collin, as he leaned onto his Big Brother's shoulder,
What neither the man nor teenager knew was that the five younger Cover boys were outside the Kitchen Nook and heard the entire exchange. They went looking for Collin in the guest bedroom thinking he had come upstairs to relax before the party. When they didn't find him they went directly to where they thought he'd be, but he wasn't in the Study. So, they checked the Kitchen Nook
Robert saw what was happening was very private and they should all sneak away before their 'dad' got mad. As they walked away, Chief's paws on the tile floor gave them away.
"Boooys!" called out 'dad' Ken, with a louder voice than usual.
"Yeees, siiir," said Matthew. "We didn't mean to listen in. We came looking for our older 'brother' and ... and when we saw you talking we figured we'd ... we'd wait until you were finished. We didn't know you would talk about what you did."
"Don't be mad Bro. They need to know about these things. Come over here, my 'brothers'," called out Collin.
"My 'brothers', I made ... I made some bad choices while at college. I drank way too much and didn't study enough. I didn't have a home base to fall back on with both my parents ... dead. I felt ... lost. My Big Bro, Mr. Ken here, was my only fallback, but ... but I didn't use him. I didn't call him to ask for help ... until now.
"You heard me say some things that ... that are on my mind. What you didn't hear was how ... how frustrated, hurt and angry I was over everything that happened to me. Being all alone at college made me feel left out. I had no one to turn to. Well, I did, but ... but I ignored calling him. Guys ... that was my mistake; it's one I won't make again," revealed Collin.
The boys all ran to their older 'brother' and gave him a group hug. After a few seconds, 'dad' Ken joined in.
"Does ... does this mean that ... that when we all leave here we'll ... we'll feel the same way? The same things," asked Matthew, with a big question on his face.
"I hope not," said Collin. "I made the mistake of not turning to my Big Bro for help. I knew I needed it, but I was probably too proud to ask for it. I was rich; I had money galore. But, what I didn't have was a family base to fall back on.
"I still feel hurt over all the things Grammy did to me. And I am still angry over those men who wanted to take over my dad's businesses, but botched the job and murdered my parents in front of me. Then ... then they abused me, used me, they even tried to kill me ... twice, and I have never really recovered from that," revealed Collin, as he bared his soul.
"Guys ... don't ever forget that Mr. Ken will always be there for you. I did, and now I regret that I did. Never forget ... he will drop what he's doing just for you!" said Collin, hoping his 'brothers' won't make the same mistakes he did.
"Boys ... it is going on 4 PM. How about all of you, you too Collin, go lay down for an hour, then get up and take your showers. Remember to dress in your suits and boys wear your red vest tonight. OK? Meet me in my Study at 5:30, so we can talk about what you can expect at tonight's Party," directed 'dad' Ken.
It was about that time the band for the night arrived to set up. The guard called Mr. Ken to ask if he should allow them to enter the estate. Mr. Ken told him to enter them into the database since they will be coming back for the New Year's Eve Party.
Mr. Ken met the men at the Foyer Door. The men then began bringing their equipment into the house. They used the next two hours setting up then dressed for the occasion.
Wayne Mitchell arrived at The Cove at 5:15. He knew his boss wanted to talk to him before the event, so he made sure he was there in plenty of time. He was greeted at the Foyer Door by Chief. The two interacted as human and pet do, then Mr. Wayne went and sat down in the Study to await Mr. Ken.
Mr. Ken and all the boys arrived at the same time. That's because the boys were waiting on the stairs for their 'dad' and Big Bro to come out of his private bedroom area. They all walked into the Study to find Mr. Wayne already there.
Everyone scrambled for a chair. Collin got one and had Matthew sit on his lap. The twins shared as they always did. That left Robert and Charles vying for the last leather chair. Charles won. Mr. Ken asked his son to sit with him. Everyone laughed at what just happened.
"OK, tonight is a very important party for me. Many movers and shakers of the state and county should be here. Boys, you did a great job last night interacting with our guests. You were polite and attentive and I want you to act that same way tonight.
"We'll use the same call signs as we did last night, but I don't expect any trouble from any of these guests. OK, I'll meet and greet our guests and I would like all of you to be in the reception line. I will introduce you to our guests and all you need to do is shake their hand and greet them. They may ask you a question. If they do, just answer them as I told you to last night.
"Tonight's party lasts until eleven. There will be mixed drinks served, so some of them may get a bit tipsy. You know, they drank too much. The Police Explorers will hand out voting chips and as you talk to our guests please ask them if they voted and if they hadn't ask them to do so.
"Do you have any questions for me?" finished 'dad' Ken.
"How long do we have to stay with you meeting and greeting?" asked Kyle.
"Well, let's wait and see. Many of our guests will show within the first forty-five minutes or so. And, I would love to introduce them to all of you. So, just hang in there with me, Kyle. It won't be so bad; you'll see," assured 'dad' Ken.
When their meeting was over, 'dad' Ken, Collin and Mr. Wayne checked over the Cover boys to make sure they were presentable to meet their night's guests. Then, while they awaited their invitees, the boys talked with older 'brother' Collin.
Mr. Wayne questioned his being included in the reception line. But, Mr. Ken assured him he wanted him there, so he could introduce him to all of his contacts and then some. The owner of The Cove told his Estate Master that the people needed to know he spoke for him when he wasn't available.
The night's guests began arriving around 6:15. No one wanted to be the first one there, so they took the 'fashionably late' route. As they arrived, the majority voted for the Toy Soldier they liked and then went into the house through the Foyer Door.
Mr. Ken did introduce his Estate Master, first foster son, Collin, his son, Robert, and then his four new foster sons. Many of the attendees didn't know Ken Thomas had taken in more foster sons and had adopted one of them. Mr. Ken was proud of all his boys and it showed to the many guests.
"Good evening Judge and Mrs. Richards," said Ken Thomas, as he greeted the Judge who helped Collin, so much, four years ago.
"Collin, it is good to see you again, son," said Judge Adam, as he shook the college freshman's hand. "You remember my wife Kathleen?"
"Judge, these are my younger 'brothers', Robert, Charles, Kevin, Kyle and Matthew. All but the twins are only children like me," explained Collin.
As the guests made their way into the house, they talked to Mr. Ken and his reception group. They asked the boys how they liked living there. Matthew told them he got there as fast as he could. That brought out a laugh or two from the guests. The people then headed down the stairs for an alcoholic drink and small talk with other attendees.
"Janice," said a very surprised Ken Thomas, "how are you doing?"
"Ken, or is it Mister Ken?" laughed Janice, a woman he went to college with. The woman was one Mr. Ken had once asked to attend his New Year's Eve Party with him four years ago, but she said she had another invitation. At that same New Year's Eve Party, Janice was totally surprised to learn that Ken Thomas owned the estate where that first New Year's Eve Party was held.
Not long after Janice arrived, another one of Mr. Ken's female interests arrived.
"Mary Ann, it so good to see you again," said Ken Thomas, as he hugged the woman.
"You remember, Collin? And this is my Estate Master, Wayne Mitchell. He fills in for me with the boys when I can't be around. Then, we have Robert, my son," was all Mr. Ken got to say when Mary Ann asked a question.
"A son? Ken, I didn't know you had a love interest at the age of, what, fourteen?" laughed Mary Ann.
"Mary Ann, there is a story behind my adopting Robert, and maybe later on we can talk. That is if your escort will let me," laughed Mr. Ken.
"I also want you to meet my four foster sons. This is Charles, the twins Kevin and Kyle, and lastly Matthew," proudly announced Ken Thomas, to his college classmate.
Eventually, 'dad' Ken told the boys they could go out and mingle with their guests. He told them to get a slider or two and enjoy themselves. That's what the Cover boys did.
Mr. Ken made the rounds with all the important people he knew he needed on his side for any of his business interests. Many of the people he talked with wanted to know more about his foster boys. He told them the bare minimum about the boys, and that he was dedicated to their well-being and growth. That impressed many of those who talked with the man.
The band was very good that night and many of the guests asked them to play special requests, which they gracefully did. It wasn't until the band took a break at 8 PM that things got a little interesting.
Judge Adam Richards took advantage of the break and took up the microphone as the band left the area.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to take this time to tell you a short story. Many of you were present four years ago when it was revealed that your host, Ken Thomas, had taken a bullet for one Collin Wilkinson, his then foster son. They are both here tonight, of course, so I'd ask you to again join me in recognizing that selfless act," started out Judge Adam.
After the applause died down, Judge Richards continued. "Ladies and gentlemen, as you arrived here tonight most of you were greeted by our host and a number of young men. Wayne Mitchell, Mr. Ken's Estate Master, will soon be a licensed foster parent and will help Mr. Ken when he has to be away from his boys. Mr. Mitchell is a recent college graduate with plans to work for the Children's Protectives Service.
"The boys you met were Collin, Mr. Ken's first foster son. Then, there was Robert, a former foster son, who I had the distinct pleasure of presiding over Mr. Ken's recent adoption of the young teen. The next four boys you met are Mr. Ken's present foster sons.
"Charles came to Mr. Ken at the time of his Annual Neighborhood 4th of July Picnic. The twins, Kevin and Kyle, were involved in that horrendous fiery accident that happened that first week of school. As for Matthew, if you asked him, he probably told you he got here as fast as he could. He sure is worth keeping, Mr. Ken. (That got a lot of laughs from the guests.)
"I mention all this because ... well, Mr. Ken won't pat his own back. And, I think it is time for us to recognize what he has done for our community. He's taken in these young men who, through no fault of their own, are in the CPS system.
"We all know Ken Thomas ... was in the right place at the wrong time, or vice versa, depending on your perspective, and was shot by a rogue FBI agent who was out to kill Collin. It happened right here in this very room. Right over there by the elevator, if you were wondering.
"After Collin's grandmother won custody of him ... Mr. Ken never thought he'd ever get to foster another child. But to be ready for that possibility, he ... he went back to college and got a degree in Early Childhood Development. That has made it much easier for him to be considered by CPS, since he has the book training and he had almost a year of fostering his first foster son, Collin.
"There are other things many of you probably not aware of. Take Lakeside Water Park. It was this man's money ... with which it was built. He also built the Lake Water Safety and Rescue Team Headquarters without any arm-twisting from the County Commissioners. I think they can verify that one, for sure. (More laughs were heard.)
"It was Ken Thomas who built Four Corners and paid for all the infrastructure for the area. If he hadn't used his money that area would still be stagnant. Also, right after the New Year, when it is fully completed there will be a 400 unit apartment complex. That apartment complex will also have a senior's only section separate from the rest of the buildings. Who else would do something like that?
"Then there is his personal investments that he is making along the lakeshore. That office building and hotel going up are his. The hotel will add jobs and I believe will eventually bring further development to that area. The office building will house some of his business concerns. But one thing that Mr. Ken has done is design the one side of the first floor of that building for a childcare operation.
"Men and women, we have our own mover and shaker right here in our little part of this county. And because of what Mr. Ken Thomas has done ... I am asking all of you to join with me as we applaud him for doing his damnedest to help grow our community and county and bring good jobs and housing to our residents," finished Judge Richards.
When the judge was finished he started the applause and before long the entire room was rocking with applause. Then, someone yelled, "Speech" and others joined in calling for Ken Thomas to talk to them.
Mr. Ken didn't want to be the center of attention, but it was too late. Judge Adam Richards had already done that to him. So, Ken Thomas, host for the night's Holiday Party, was put on the spot. So, he slowly walked to the judge and accepted the microphone from him.
"I don't know what to say about what our esteemed Presiding Juvenile Court Judge, Adam Richards, said about me. If I knew he was going to do this to me I wouldn't have invited him. (Lots of laughs.) And Judge, don't hold your breath for an invitation for next year. (More laughs.) But your wife Kathleen will be welcomed with open arms. (Everyone laughed hard, including the judge.)
"I ... I don't like being singled out because ... because of the things I've done. I will not deny any of what the judge just said. I'm ... I'm just a little embarrassed he told all of you what he did. In the beginning, I did what was necessary to help Collin heal from his injuries from the storm. Then, learning what happened to his parents, I volunteered to foster him as we had already established a good rapport.
"To tell you the truth, I ... I thoroughly enjoyed being Collin's foster, ahh, I was more like an older brother to him, than a foster dad. He was fifteen and I was what, twenty-three. There was no way I was his foster dad. So, I treated him as if he was my little brother.
"You all know about the shootout that happened here at The Cove. I don't know how you could have missed it as it was all over all the television channels. Many have said that I took a bullet meant for Collin. But, the truth is ... the rogue FBI agent heard me moving and while I was trying to not be seen ... he shot in my direction and hit me. The rest is history.
"Last January, a few days after my New Year's Eve Party, Judy Turner, Director of CPS, called me and asked me if I would foster Robert. She gave me his particulars and after I met the boy he and I agreed to a two-week trial fostering. It obviously worked, as he is now my son. Mr. Ken looked over at Robert and smiled. (The crowd applauded.)
"Then, just as the 4th of July was happening, Ms. Judy, that's what the boys call her, called me and asked me if I had room for a boy named Charlie. When I met the boy and agreed to take him in, he and I agreed to a two-week trial to see if we'd mesh as foster dad and son. I also told him that this was a chance at a new life for him and a change of name might be appropriate. Thus, I present to you, Charles. Mr. Ken pointed out Charles to the crowd. (They applauded loudly.)
"My next foster boys are the twins, Kevin and Kyle, who were injured in that horrific crash that put their parents into the burn unit down at Fort Sam Houston. I didn't give them, at least I don't remember giving them a two-week trial. But, I guess that doesn't matter as they are still here. Rats!" laughed 'dad' Ken, who was joined in by his guests.
Then, from the background came a duet of voices, "'Daaaaad'!" The crowd laughed some more.
"That's my boys, well, my foster boys. And, then, lastly came Matthew. He's been with us, err, me for about six weeks now. As to how he came to be with me and my other boys' is not up for discussion. The Sheriff's office is still doing an investigation on what caused him to be placed with me. But, as he says, he got here as fast as he could. And, Judge, he is definitely worth keeping.
"And yes, I did help with building the Water Park and RescueHheadquarters and I am the one responsible for developing Four Corners and after purchasing the remaining acreage, I started my plan to build the apartments. I specifically dedicated a portion for our seniors over the age of 55. They'll have their own amenities and separate entrance to help them feel safe from rowdy kids and disruptive parents.
"I have my hand in things other than building structures. I also own a manufacturing plant and three amusement parks back east. The boys and I are going to visit them right after Christmas. Do any of you have any non-personal questions about me or my 'boys'?" finished Mr. Ken.
There were a few questions about the office building and hotel and when they would be finished. But the guests kept from asking about his foster sons.
"Well, Judge ... I also want to thank you for delaying the arrival of Santa. Here he comes now," announced Mr. Ken, to the applause of the attendees.
Santa arrived with his bells ringing and his two scantily dressed elves following along. The jolly old man took up his special seat right next to the platform as he had the previous night. Tonight he didn't ask the adults to sit on his lap as he handed out his gifts. But a few of the women decided to sit on his lap anyway and have someone use their cell phone to take their picture.
The adults that night, just as the adults and their children the previous night were amazed at how many presents Santa had in his small red bag. Most of the gifts were from husband to wife or vice versa.
A few special gifts were the dinner for two Mr. Ken had arranged for with Ed Henry at his restaurant. The people who received the special gifts wanted to thank Mr. Ken for the dinners, but all Mr. Ken would say was they were from Santa, not him. He then put a smile on his face.
When the Cover boys found an opening, they went to their 'dad' and asked him about what he told the crowd. They wanted to know how true everything the judge and he said was. All Mr. Ken would say was that it was the truth as the people needed to hear. He told them he had to protect his 'boys' and they didn't need to know the full story.
Their 'dad' explained as time went along, their memories will fade and they will have forgotten what was said then and tonight. The man wanted them to know he would have their backs and would protect them as best he could. He asked them to look back at what he'd already done for them, and ask themselves if they wanted the people to know more then he told them that night.
As the evening progressed, many people came up to Mr. Ken and told him how they loved the new decorations. They also marveled at the size and number of animated figures outside. Some even asked if he was going to announce the winner of the Toy Soldier competition.
Mr. Ken let it be known that he intended to announce the winner of the Toy Soldier competition at the New Year's Eve Party. Their host told those gathered that he wanted to have the contest next year and hoped to make it an annual rivalry between the local high schools.
The owner of The Cove also told his guests he wanted the students to have something to look forward to each year. Ken Thomas also said he had invited all the students, who worked on the Toy Soldiers, and their teachers, as well as a significant other, to the New Year's Eve Party that he always held out in the garage.
The Cove's owner explained he wanted all three schools' students and their teachers there when the winner was announced and they received their prize. He told his guests that part of the prize was their being invited to a very special New Year's Eve Party he has always held out in his four-vehicle garage. That the only thing different was there were no alcoholic drinks available to them.
The party moved along and everyone said they had a good time. They all appreciated the good food Mr. Thomas provided and the open bar was a hit with the attendees, as well.
As his guests departed the house, Mr. Ken, or his 'sons', reminded the people to vote for the Toy Soldier they thought was the best designed and built. They also wished them a Merry Christmas.
After all their guests were gone, the boys asked their 'dad' if they could go for a swim. 'Dad' Ken hemmed and hawed over it, until Collin said he wanted to swim too. It didn't take the boys very long to run to the Locker Room and change into their swimsuits.
As the boys headed in that direction, Big Bro Ken called Collin aside and told him he was an adult now and he shouldn't change with the much younger boys. When Collin asked him about that, the college freshman's Bro told him he had to start acting and thinking as an adult.
Mr. Ken explained that exposing young boys to an adult's naked body wasn't right, even if they were father and son. Mr. Ken explained that what happened to him also happened to four of his younger 'brothers'. That shocked Collin to hear that. He knew Robert and Charles had been molested, but he didn't know which of the other three had been. Collin shook his head and went up to his bedroom to change.
"This is fun, dad," yelled Robert. "We haven't done something like this for a long time."
"You mean you used to have late-night swims with 'dad' before we came?" asked Matthew.
"Yes, we did, but it was usually just me and dad. Then, when Charles arrived we might have done it once or twice, but that was during the summer, so night swims usually happened when we had sleepovers," explained the teenager.
Kyle had brought his diving disks, weighted rings, torpedo gliders, and the colorful but heavy washers. He threw them all in and then dove in looking for them. He didn't have a large lung capacity, so it took him several tries to get them all back on the deck.
The younger twin then challenged his 'brothers' to a contest. They agreed and they spent almost an hour diving for the disks, rings, gliders and washers. 'Dad' Ken noticed how late it was getting and told his 'boys' they had five minutes to get changed and up to bed. He also told Collin that included him. The older teen laughed as he dried off most of the water on him and then headed up to bed himself.
As the boys headed up to bed, 'dad' Ken said he'd be up in about five minutes to tuck them in. When he finally did go up to say Goodnight to his 'boys', he told them he wanted them to sleep in as much as they could in the morning. He explained he wanted them to get caught up on their rest, telling them they will be up fairly early on Monday as they get ready for their Six Flags trip.
The boys all hugged him and thanked him for the two great parties before the man left their bedroom. As Mr. Ken headed down to his private space, Collin was waiting for him. The teenager wanted the man to tuck him in, as well. Big Brother Ken readily agreed and tucked the needful teen into bed before heading down to get into bed himself.
Comments are encouraged and appreciated. Just use the email address listed at the top of the page.