The Cove's owner let the boys sleep in that Saturday morning. They all had had a long and stressful day, the previous day, and he wanted them to get caught up on any and all the restful sleep they could get.
The man got out of bed, at his usual time before 8:15 AM, and used the facilities. He dressed in his shorts and shirt and put on his Crocks so he could go outside and retrieve his morning paper. When he walked outside, he was reminded of what transpired the previous day. He saw the security guards still at their posts and doing the job they were hired for – protecting Three Finger Cove and the people within. What he didn't find was his morning newspaper.
Not having his usual morning newspaper, Mr. Ken decided to walk up to the Main Gate to ask the security guard what may have happened to his morning newspaper. He figured the security guards didn't allow the paperboy to enter the grounds so he could throw the paper into its usual resting place. What he found when he arrived at the Gatehouse didn't make him happy.
Ken Thomas knocked on the Gatehouse window to get the attention of the security guard inside. It took his knocking twice before the man recognized there was someone there.
"Who the hell are you?" was the first question out of the arrogant security guards mouth. His second question was, "How the hell did you get inside our cordoned off area?" The guard then pulled his gun. "Put your hands up!" demanded the guard.
"GO TO HELL!" yelled Mr. Ken. "I own this place. Now get your supervisor on the phone and I mean NOW!" yelled The Cove's Owner.
"Like HELL I will. Now … Get your hands up over your head or I will be forced to take you down!" screamed the security guard.
"Who? You? … I guess it will be you and that …that donut … who will be able to do that," laughed Mr. Ken.
"Now … do as I told you … and get YOUR SUPERVISOR on the phone or your radio. Tell him to get HIS ASS up here and I MEAN NOW!" almost fully yelled Ken Thomas. He hadn't totally lost his temper but he was close, very close.
The security guard did key his mic on his radio but instead of calling for his supervisor he called in a code that meant something to only those who were on the same channel. Less than fifteen seconds later, five additional security guards descended on the Main Entrance Gatehouse.
One security guard grabbed Mr. Ken from behind and forced him down onto the ground. The guard then placed nylon handcuffs on him and then patted him down. He and another security guard then grabbed him and forced him to stand up. It was then they began to question him as to who he was, and how he got inside the estate's grounds.
Ken Thomas tried to control his anger and was successful while he told them his name and that he was the owner of the estate they were guarding. He told them "I told this FAT-ASSED GUARD to call HIS SUPERVISOR¸ but he wanted to play HERO! Now … GET YOUR SUPERVISOR ON THE PHONE OR YOUR RADIO AND I MEAN NOWWWW!"
One of security guards became pissed, at the attitude of their prisoner, and pulled his arms up behind his back to try to make him shut up. Another security guard went around to the other side of the Gatehouse, to go inside and to call the morning supervisor. It was while he dialed the morning supervisor that he saw a picture. The picture was of the man they had taken down and had handcuffed. Under Mr. Ken's picture, it said he was the owner and to give him all due respect and attention. When the morning supervisor answered the phone, the security guard told him they had a major problem and that he better get there, and now!
The supervisor was already on his way, so he arrived less than five minutes later. In the meantime, the security guard, who now knew who the man was, began telling his fellow guards what he knew. The senior security guard told the man who had Mr. Ken's arms still being held high on his back to release them and to cut the cuffs off. The man balked and the fat security guard backed him up by saying the man made threats to him and was trespassing and they needed to call the Sheriff's office about the man they had in custody.
Ken Thomas heard all that went on and he told the men that he indeed was the owner of The Cove and evidently the other four now knew it. He then told the two guards who were not complying with the senior man's orders that if he wasn't released before the supervisor got there they would be arrested for assault and battery and would never work in the security business ever again.
When the guards did not act quickly to release Mr. Ken, the senior man pulled The Cove's owner's arms down and then got out his knife and cut the nylon cuffs off himself. He then told the two non-compliant security guards to take a walk. No sooner had the two men left that the morning supervisor arrived. It was then that Ken Thomas had some choice words for the supervisor.
Mr. Ken then demanded the supervisor call up Jules Diamond and get him on the phone. It was when the supervisor asked if Mr. Ken knew what time it was that Mr. Ken told the man to get out of his sight and he walked into the Gatehouse and picked up the phone and dialed Jules private phone number from memory.
With the remaining security guards and their morning supervisor listening, they heard Mr. Ken's side of the conversation.
"Jules? YOU HAVE A PROBLEM OUT HERE," yelled Ken Thomas. "GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE and fix it … please! And that fat-assed so-called security guard … I want him fired, immediately, and off my premises!"
After that, there was a lull in that side of the conversation the guards could hear and they figured Mr. Diamond had to be yelling back as hard as he got. It wasn't until Mr. Ken handed the phone to the morning supervisor that they learned differently.
"Yes sir! … I understand, sir! … Right away, sir! … I'll get right on that, sir!" was all the remaining security guards heard. Hearing the man's response was enough for them to know they had 'screwed the pooch' and it was a royal screwing. They figure they'd get screwed in the end, too.
When the morning supervisor was finished talking to Jules Diamond, he handed the receiver back to Mr. Ken. Then they again heard what the owner of The Cove had to say. "Yes, especially that FAT-ASSED guard. He was here all night and he never made the attempt to look at my picture hanging in the Gatehouse, so he could recognize the owner of The Cove, if he EVER saw me. When I got to the Gatehouse, this morning, he was stuffing his face with donuts and reading MY NEWSPAPER. He had powdered sugar all over it and whatever else, I do not know.
"Lucky for me one of the guards was smart enough to recognize who I was and got the other guards to take the corrective action. As for the guard who wanted to be 'Dirty Harry', you need to reign him in or he'll be a problem for you Jules. Oh, and before I go, they owe me a brand new Sunday newspaper! I'll talk to you when you get out here. Bye."
As Mr. Ken began walking down the slight hill, and back to his residence, he looked over his shoulder and said, "I expect a brand new newspaper at my front door in less than ten minutes." Then, Mr. Ken continued his walk to his front door.
The supervisor told one man to stay at the Gatehouse and to be aware that the BIG Boss would be there, soon. He told the others to go back to their posts, while he went to Four Corners and got The Cove's owner a new Sunday newspaper. None of them knew what would happen when Mr. Diamond arrived, but they figured the fat guy was history.
When Mr. Ken entered the Kitchen area, he saw the lads were there and getting a few breakfast burritos ready.
"Morning Bro," offered Collin.
"Morning 'dad'," called out Robert, while he was looking in the freezer deciding which burritos to select for everyone.
"Morning, ahh, Mr. Ken," hesitated Charles. He was originally going to say 'dad', too, but figured he shouldn't, even though he had slipped up a few times, already. He figured he needed to get to know the man better, much better, before he asked about calling him 'dad', too.
"Morning, boys … did you get any burritos out for me?" replied Mr. Ken.
"We can," said Robert. "We haven't begun to heat them yet. Which ones do you want?"
"Where's your morning paper?" innocently asked Collin.
"You DO NOT want to know, my little brother. They, the security guards, wouldn't let the paperboy deliver it to the front of the house, so they kept it up at the Gatehouse. I figured as much, so … I walked up there to retrieve it. … Then this FAT-ASSED guard at the Gatehouse …" and Mr. Ken continued to explain what happened to him up at the Main Entrance and how he handled it.
Collin had seen that side of Mr. Ken before and knew that man would get things figured out and soon. Robert had never seen anything like that since he began living there so it surprised him that, even with all his money, stuff like that could still happen to him. Charles couldn't believe what he just heard. He asked a few questions in order to get his mind around it. Then he went over to Mr. Ken and gave the man a hug, telling him that when he hugged him he felt a lot better and had hoped his hugging his new foster dad would have the same affect. Mr. Ken just smiled at the lad and hugged his new foster son back.
It took the security supervisor about seven minutes to get a new Sunday newspaper and deliver it to the Front Door of The Cove. He rang the doorbell and waited for someone to come and take the paper out of his hands. Charles decided to answer the door for his new foster dad. When he opened it he saw the supervisor handing the paper out to him, Charles took it and said, "Thank you", and closed the door. The supervisor was startled by the lad's kindness and that settled him down for what he figured was going to happen when Mr. Diamond arrived.
Ken Thomas opened the newspaper and the headline hit him hard.
The owner of The Cove immediately turned on the kitchen's radio so he could hear what they were saying.
"Our big story of the morning is what we know about the shootout that occurred between Sheriff Deputies and the gang of the suspected kidnapper who was unsuccessful in keeping his intended victim. Residents of the area, where the shootout occurred, say that it sounded like a war zone with the number of shots that were fired. We also learned that two of the gang members were pronounced dead at the scene and the other two were in intensive care this morning. The gang's leader was also shot but he managed to slip away but was later found on a circling boat out on the lake. He too is in intensive care but is in critical condition. Doctors at the hospital refuse to tell us if they believe if the man will live.
"It is also understood that the gang's leader, one Lawrence 'Smokey' Masson, was going to try one more attempt at kidnapping the youngster he had tried to take away from the carnival the other night. There has been no confirmation on that speculation, and no name nor description of the intended victim has been released. It is said the intended victim was only twelve years old.
"This station also learned that two Sheriff Deputies were also injured during the shootout and are expected to recover from their wounds. Both men had gun shots to their extremities and will back on the job in a month to five weeks. The community owes these men a debt of gratitude for placing their lives on the line to protect us against murderous gangs like the ones they went after last night.
"Again, our lead story this morning is the shootout between sheriff deputies and a gang who are thought to have been out to try to again kidnap the same person they tried to from the carnival the other night. Attempts to contact Mr. Ken Thomas, the owner of Three Finger Cove, where the carnival was held were unsuccessful. His estate currently looks like armed camp with all the armed security he has stationed there. Our speculation is that, after the armed attack of his home three years ago, he was taking no chances and hired the added security. Only time will tell how long those men will remain."
After hearing that radio report, Mr. Ken turned off the radio.
"Well, guys … you heard what is being reported about what happened yesterday and last night. I will ask you not to talk to any newspaper reporters nor to answer anyone's questions about what may or may not have happened here, either at the carnival, or about the armed security guards here this weekend. If they hound you then get a hold of me. We need to keep Charles' name out of this as best we can. He's trying to start a new life here, but what kind of life will he have if the media gets his name and uses it in conjunction with the attempted kidnapping and the shootout. If that ever happens his chances at a new life here at Three Finger Cove could very well be dashed. Do you have any questions?" finished Mr. Ken.
The three 'brothers' looked back and forth to one another and eventually said they didn't have any questions.
Mr. Ken went back to reading his Sunday paper trying to gather up any and all the information the media had gleaned from their well-placed unnamed sources. The man wanted to know what names did show up in the news reports and how they are used. He knew he needed to protect Robert and Charles at all costs.
While Mr. Ken was reading, Robert's cell phone rang. It was Eric. After a few minutes of talk, Robert had to interrupt his 'dad' to ask if Eric could come over. Then, the new teen decided to ask if his other friends could stop by, too. Mr. Ken knew of nothing that should preclude the lads from stopping over so he told his 'son' he could have his friends stop over. Robert told Eric to spread the word and that they could come over any time after twelve noon.
"Boys, while you're waiting for your friends to show, what do you say to you heading upstairs and get your showers? That way you'll be all cleaned up for when your buddies get here. Will that work?" asked Mr. Ken.
Robert and Charles nodded their heads and left the study to head upstairs.
That interruption gave Collin the timely opportunity to talk to his Big Bro about a cell phone for Charles.
"Hey, Big Bro," began Collin, "can I talk to you about something … something that I feel is very important? Something that is not only important to me, but especially for my new 'brother' Charles."
Ken Thomas was now all ears now that he heard Collin ask for something from him, which was not like the teenager to do. So, Mr. Ken put down his newspaper and directed his full attention to his first foster kid.
"Mr. Ken … you know I don't ask you for many things but … well, this one is very important to me," stammered out Collin. "I'm not sure if you knew, or not, but Charles and I … we sort of had a 'brother to brother' talk yesterday … before all hell broke loose. What we talked about were the things … the things that had happened to both of us. Bro, what we talked about isn't what is as important as to … isn't as important to us as us being able to stay in touch with one another. Just like Robert and I do."
"So … what you are trying to say to me, Collin, is that … you want me to get Charles a cell phone. … Is that about it?" quickly asked Colin's Big Bro.
"Well … yeah, but how did you know?" asked a surprised Collin.
Mr. Ken smiled at Collin and replied, "Well, if you and Robert do stay in touch, with one another, the thing is I never see him use the land line to talk to you so, the only thing left is his cell phone. Did I get that part right?"
"Yes, my Big Bro you did. The thing is … Robert was here for quite some time before you got him his cell phone and Charles … well, he's only been here two days," explained Collin.
Then, in a very fast pace manner, the teenager added, "Now, if you don't think Charles should have a cell phone yet, because it hasn't been two weeks and he hasn't decided to stay here or not … well, if that's the case … then I'll get him one and pay for it myself," finished Collin, with a flourish.
"You're right," replied Mr. Ken with a smile.
"I'm right?" questioned Collin, with his eyebrows raised. "Wait … which part of what I said am I right? The part about Charles should have a cell phone, or the part where Charles hasn't decide to stay here, yet, or … the part where I said I'd pay for it?"
Ken Thomas looked at his first foster son and smiling said to the teenager, "I guess two out of three ain't bad."
"Two out of three? What's that supposed to mean, Bro?" asked Collin.
"Well, the first two for starters. I agree with you that Charles is in real need of a cell phone right now, especially as he and his new friends began to roam and wander about. I sure want him to be able to contact me and, of course, the police if necessary. And, his being here for two weeks or not, yet, shouldn't mean he has to wait his turn. As for you paying for the cell phone, well, I think I can handle that expense, don't you think? I'll get him a phone like Robert's and if he needs a better phone with more talk time and data download, I'll just add him to my account and take the discount," now laughed Mr. Ken.
"But there is one thing I do want to say to you … and that is … I am very proud of the person you've become, Collin. I am especially proud of the way you are taking to your new 'brothers' and acting like a big brother should. I didn't know about you and Charles sitting down, and discussing your mutual experiences, but I am not surprised after you and Robert did the same thing back when we visited. I believe those two boys will benefit greatly from your learned counsel as you are much closer to their age than I am. Also, since you've had to deal with the same issues, they are now dealing with, it will mean a whole lot more to them knowing they can talk to you about things knowing you also experienced them. They'll know they will receive an honest, experienced reply.
"I believe, over time, you can help guide them, as they continue to talk to Doctor Doug and me, about their individual nightmares. And, I trust over time they may be able to recover faster from their ordeal than they would have otherwise. I'm not saying you should become 'doctor Collin', but letting them talk it out and assuring them they will get better, you know, … hearing it from you … someone they know who has been there and giving them the support they will desperately need. Now, come over here and let me give you a great big hug!" motioned Big Brother Ken.
The two original 'brothers' hugged like they never hugged before. The love that transferred during that hug could have never been measured as the two 'brothers' shared a special love between them that could only have been formed through the shared experiences of despair, hardship, and adversity while overcoming them all, together.
When the man and teen released their hug, they each had a smile for the other.
"Mr. Ken, my Big Bro … I also need to get my shower and I need to get packed, too. I told Grammy I'd be back this afternoon. You know, this has been an interesting visit. My bet is it rivals what happened on our Disney cruise but only a condensed version," laughed Collin.
"You know I always love coming to visit you here at Three Finger Cove don't you? It was here that I learned about life and love and about people. People like you! I led such a sheltered life until I landed on your patio. It was here, at Three Finger Cove that my real life truly began. All the parties, the hugs, the getting involved with politics, and the freedom to have friends over any time I wanted. It was also the way you fought for me to keep me here in the beginning and when Grammy took us to court to make me go live with her. Those and a ton of other things are what I am most grateful for.
"Mr. Ken … I don't know how I will ever be able to repay you. I can't even begin to tell you how much your love and counsel and help through all those difficult times changed my outlook on life. But most of all … it was the 'love' you freely gave me. You never hesitated to hold me when I cried. You were always there to listen to me when I told you my story. You were my protector the entire time I lived with you. Yes … it was ALL the love you gave me that changed my life for the better and I will never forget what you did for me!" With that said, Collin hugged Mr. Ken and began to cry. All Mr. Ken could do was hold the still somewhat troubled teenager and to continue to offer him his unrequited love.
Upstairs, Robert and Charles took their showers together. Robert had no difficulty in showering with other boys, but Charles still wasn't all that keen on the idea. Sure he felt a bit 'weird' that first time he showered with Robert and Eric but he noticed that that's all they did was shower. He then decided that as long as that's what they only did, he would be okay with it.
When the two lads finished getting cleaned up they each headed to their own bedroom to get dressed for the day. Charles finished dressing first and then headed to Robert's room. Robert's closet door was open and when Charles walked into his friend's bedroom and it was then he saw all the clothes Robert had to wear.
"Did … did your 'dad' buy all those clothes for you?" Charles asked Robert.
"Yes, he did and he'll buy you what you need, too. You know he's been real busy with everything, but I bet he takes you out today. And if he doesn't, I'll remind him and make sure that he takes you out tomorrow," replied Robert.
Charles smiled at what Robert had said and then followed his friend out of the bedroom and down the stairs to Mr. Ken's Study.
When the two friends entered the Study, they saw that Mr. Ken and Collin were hugging and that Collin was leaking a few tears. They didn't say anything so as not to interfere with what was happening between them. It was when the man and teen released themselves from their hug that they saw the two younger lads waiting for them.
"Oh, ahh, hi, Robert …. Charles … we were just … ahh, what we were doing …" began to stammer out Collin.
"You don't have to explain it to me," spoke up Robert. "I bet he and you were just reliving some things that happened when you lived here … and it brought back both bad and good memories. And your tears … I bet they are a part of those memories."
Collin walked over to Robert and hugged him tight. "Robert … I am so lucky to have you as my little 'brother'. And, you too, Charles … I am so happy to have another little 'brother' in my life. I was an only child and when I came here to live I got my first taste of what it was like to have a Big Brother … Mr. Ken, here. Then Ryan and Eric came along and we four all became 'brothers'."
"You know I'm an only child, too," offered Charles.
"Sheesh, Charles, I didn't realize that. Hey, Mr. Ken, that makes six of us who are all only children who have come together in a … well, into a family of our own. Come here Charles; let's get you in this hug. You too, Mr. Ken?" offered Collin.
As the four 'brothers' relished their mutual hug, the phone rang.
Mr. Ken broke out of the hug and went to his desk to answer it. "Hello! …. Oh, yes, the boys are my foster son's friends. We'll be right up to verify who they are. … Thanks for calling. Oh, has Mr. Diamond arrived yet? … Good, tell him we can talk when I walk up there. Bye!"
"I suppose we all need to walk up to the Entrance Gate and let your friends in," announced Mr. Ken. "As for you Collin, I guess you need to get packed and showered and ready to get back home. Come on boys, let's get going and leave Collin here to do what he needs to get done."
The boys led Mr. Ken out the Foyer door and then up the slight hill to the Main Gate. When they arrived there, the lads saw that Eric, Chuck, Trevor, Brad, Gordon, Josh, Cody, Logan, Sam, and Terran were all waiting to be allowed into The Cove. Charles, but especially Robert, smiled at seeing all the lads there wanting to gain entrance.
Mr. Ken had all the boys print, then sign their names to the visitor roster. He then explained to them that for the foreseeable future that was the only way they can gain entrance to The Cove as the security men took their pictures. But, he also told them, that they wouldn't have to wait for the security guard to call and ask if it was okay for them to come in. That all they would need to do was print and sign from now on.
Robert and Charles waited for all ten of their friends to get though the sign-in process. When they were all done, the twelve boys all headed down to the Parking Coral and the skateboard ramps. The boys, who had their skateboards with them, which was everyone but Robert and Charles, rode their boards down the slight incline and then waited for their friends to walk there.
"Hey, Charles," called out Chuck, "do you have a skateboard?"
"Chuck is it?" asked Charles as he was trying to learn and remember all the lads' names. Then getting a positive nod said, "No, I don't. I'm sorry. They didn't let us have them where I used to live." Then feeling unwelcome he began to walk away.
"Hey, where're you going?" called out Chuck. "You can use one of ours when it's your turn. Mr. Ken won't allow all of us to ride at the same time since the ramps are so close together. Come, on, Charles, don't be that way."
Robert went over to his new 'brother' to talk to him and to try to clear things up. After a few moments, the two turned towards the gathered boys and smiled and walked back to the group. Then, they all walked over to the skateboard ramps and began to ride.
As the boys were trying out their skills on the ramps, Ken Thomas and Jules Diamond walked away from the Entrance Gate to talk about the problem Ken had that morning with the overnight crew.
"Jules … I know I gave you a difficult job to quickly find security guards because of what was happening around here, but I thought you at least had a cadre of men and women you could call on and who could fill the bill," began Mr. Ken. "That, that fat-assed man this morning … he was the epitome of uselessness among security guards the world all over. I never saw anyone who worked so hard at antagonizing a person without ever finding out who they were. Even after he knew who I was, he was adamant about making me kowtow to him.
"Then, there is that other guard … sheesh … he just went along and I think he got off at cuffing people and slamming them to the ground. He's lucky I don't press charges against him. But, lucky for him, the Sheriff's office has their hands full with that attempted kidnapping from the other night and now the shootout they were involved in yesterday."
Jules Diamond just stood there and took it all in. He knew he was exclusively responsible for providing the security guards and any and all failures of the security personnel he provided was solely on his doorstep. He didn't even try to apologize to the man. The owner of The Cove was paying good, no very good money for him to supply the armed security for Three Finger Cove and he just about let the man down.
"Jules, aren't you going to even try to explain what happened or even argue it wasn't your fault?" asked Mr. Ken.
"Truthfully, Mr. Thomas … I AM totally responsible for the failure of my armed security guards to provide you with the highest grade and topnotch security available knowing what was to be guarded and secured. I won't even try to make excuses for the poor behavior and unprofessional attitude of the man you call 'fat-assed' nor the man who accosted you. They both have been dismissed and will never work for my firm again. The person who recommended him will be counseled and if he doesn't have a reasonable explanation he too will be dismissed. I am sorry I let you down, Mr. Thomas. I will personally take over the operations here for the time being," replied Jules.
"Well, that's a refreshing change from many business norms. I appreciate the fact that you took the entire blame and are taking a pro-active role in fixing the problem. I always knew you were a first-class operator, Jules. You haven't failed me yet and now you have come through again. Thank you, Jules," declared Mr. Ken.
"Well, thank you, too, Mr. Ken … I figured you'd be thoroughly pissed at me and this would be my last operation for you," began Jules. "I take it you are disappointed with the men who I had posted here but you are also thankful that the boss didn't take the high road and blame others for the snafu. I've always prided myself with providing the most professional and unique investigative and security services available and I won't run from a serious breach of my firm's duty.
"Unfortunately, I obviously chose a few wrong people to send here but that wouldn't have been very good if they failed to protect you and yours. I will make this right for you, Mr. Ken," a now smiling Jules Diamond began. "You've forwarded me and my firm's name to other people and that has generated additional revenue. The extra exposure has accelerated my plans for expansion and all because I was able to find Collin's grandmother. Mr. Ken … I owe you big time. Thank you!"
"Okay, I accept your apology and now I will tell you to never let this happen again," smiled back Mr. Ken. "Now that the yelling and screaming are over, let's discuss what we need to do for the future. Let's go down to my Study and talk this over," said Mr. Ken as he shook Jules's hand.
Over at the skateboard ramps, the fellas were trying to glean information out of Robert and Charles about what happened at The Cove after they left the morning the DA and Sheriff arrived to talk to Charles about the attempted kidnapping.
"Guys … Mr. Ken has asked us not to talk about the things that happened here yesterday. It isn't that we don't trust you it's just that…" started Robert, but Charles finished it by saying, "he is trying to protect me against the media reporters. He wants to give me the chance at a new life here at Three Finger Cove and … well he's afraid if my name is used in conjunction with the attempted kidnapping, and the shootout, then I will never be out of their crosshairs."
Eric came over to Charles and thanked him for being honest with them. Then, he hugged his new 'brother'. Before long the other guys also came over and hugged the new Cover.
Sam and Terran weren't with their older brothers at the carnival when Smokey tried to kidnap Charles. The only thing they did know for sure was that some biker's tried to crash the carnival and the sheriff deputies arrested them. Then, later, they did see the commotion at the carnival but they didn't know it was a kidnapping in progress and that Charles was the one who was almost kidnapped. Now, with all this talk, it was revealed to them information they probably should not know about. So, they asked the question: Were they supposed to know what was just talked about?
The older boys all looked around at one another, not knowing how they should respond. It was Logan who took the lead on the younger boy's question. He asked the two adolescents to tell him what they knew about what happened at the carnival. Then, he asked what they knew about the attempted kidnapping. Once he learned what they knew, he turned to Robert and Charles and asked if they wanted to fill in the gaps so they totally understood what the rest of them already knew.
Robert walked over to Sam and Terran and asked, "Do you really want to know the whole story? If you say you do, you have to promise to never tell another person until Mr. Ken says it is okay and that may not be until you guys are out of college. Are you ready to make that commitment to Mr. Ken and especially to Charles? If you are … say so!"
Terran immediately agreed to keep the secret. He said Mr. Ken didn't treat him any different than he did his brother, or any of the other guys, for that matter, so he owed the man his loyalty. As the younger Fletcher told how he felt, his older brother, Trevor, saw another side of his brother and was becoming more and more impressed with the way he was handling himself, not only around his friends, but in the way he reacted to Mr. Ken.
Sam listened to his friend Terran's reason for agreeing to keeping the secret and the more he thought through Terran's reasons the more he realized that as he grew up he would have to be more accepting and mature about things and what better way than to begin now. Then, he too agreed to keep Charles's secret.
With the two younger lads stepping up and becoming a part of something only a select few wouldn't ever be a part of, Robert explained what he knew about the attempted kidnapping and what the bikers were trying to do. Then, Charles told the group a bit more about Smokey and what he did while he tried to take him away from The Cove. Then teen after teen told what he knew and saw the other night at the carnival and that evening when they spent the night.
Needless to say, Terran and Sam had their eyes opened wide that day and were totally surprised at all that they heard. They both knew they were given the opportunity to participate in something much bigger than they were and they thanked Robert and Charles for believing and trusting in them. The boys then hugged both Robert and Charles as their way of sealing their agreeing to keep the secret.
Up in the Study, while Ken and Jules discussed The Cove's security need for the foreseeable future, Ken's desktop phone rang.
"Hello!" offered Mr. Ken.
"Oh, hey there Dan … do you have any news for me?" asked The Cove's owner.
Ken just sat there, with the handset to his ear, as Dan Fischer, the Deputy Sheriff, told him what was going on with the investigation of the shootout and Smokey Masson and his gang. After a few minutes, Ken Thomas hung up the phone but he didn't have a smile on his face.
"Jules … I need to go outside and speak to the boys," a very somber Ken Thomas told his guest.
Then the man walked out of his Study, and out the Foyer door. He headed towards the Parking Coral and the skateboard ramps. When he turned the corner to enter the Coral he noticed all the boys gathered at the biggest ramp and talking. He wondered what that was all about but figured he would find out in due time. But, for now, he needed to talk to Charles and Robert.
"Hi, fellas," began Mr. Ken, as he walked up to the assembled boys, "I need to talk to my 'son's' for a few minutes if you don't mind?"
Mr. Ken pulled Charles and Robert to the side. Then looking at Charles he told the lad what Deputy Sheriff Dan Fischer just told him.
"Charles … Dan, you know the Deputy Sheriff … well, he called me a few minutes ago and I … well, I felt it was my responsibility to come out here and tell you what he said. He told me that Sherriff Barnes wanted to thank you for the information you gave them, yesterday. He told me that with that intelligence they were able to raid all five of those 'safe houses' you revealed to them and in them was a treasure trove of evidence covering all of Smokey's drug related trade and who his main contacts are locally and where his suppliers were also located.
"Charles, what you did is beyond many people's comprehension. When someone does something like this they are usually hailed as a hero, but … well, I told Dan that … that we didn't want the publicity nor do we need the drug people to be made aware of who did this to them. I hope you'll understand that when we don't publicize who you are. I'm sure you'd agree with me that you don't want to have to run away and hide for the rest of your life.
"Charles … well, there is something else that I want … ahh, I need to tell you. Last night, you know that Smokey Masson was taken to the hospital after he was found circling in the boat he commandeered the other night. You also knew he was in surgery but we all went to bed before we heard anything. Well, ahhhh … Dan also called to tell me, well you, that Smokey … he didn't make it. He died this morning after they took him back into surgery. Charles … you now won't have to testify and we can now keep your identity safe," finally finished Mr. Ken.
Charles stood there dumbfounded, from the news. Robert didn't fare any better. Then seeing the confusing and indecision on both of their faces their foster father pulled them both into a big hug. As the three Covers hugged one another, their assembled friends saw what was happening, and wanting to help in any way they could, they slowly walked over to the trio.
Eric spoke up first. "Mr. Ken … is there something we can do … to help you with for Robert and Charles?"
Mr. Ken looked at his two foster sons, with a question in his face, and seeing it, Robert looked at him and told him that all their friends knew everything. Ken Thomas now knew what they lads were talking about when he turned the corner.
"Is that what you were talking about when I came out here?" Mr. Ken asked, in order for him to verify what he figured out.
"Yes 'dad'," replied Robert. "They knew most everything else so Charles and I filled them in on what else happened. We figured this way … they wouldn't be asking us questions, all the time, and trying to figure things out on their own. Sam and Terran … they didn't know as much as everyone else did but now they do. 'Dad' … they both have agreed to abide by our secrecy pact we made with the rest of our friends. I hope you won't be mad at us for telling them."
"Boys … has any sheriff deputies or investigators talked to any of you, yet?" asked Mr. Ken, of Robert's friends.
The boys mumbled stuff between themselves and then they all shook their heads to indicate to The Cove's owner they hadn't. Mr. Ken reminded the lads that he would appreciate them calling him should anyone contact them and ask them questions about what they saw at the Carnival and afterwards during the attempted kidnapping.
"'Dad'," began Robert, "will it be okay if we tell them, ahh, what you just told us? They'll hear it on the radio or television anyway. This way they'll hear it first, from us. It will sort of finish the story for them, don't you think?"
Mr. Ken smiled at his very intelligent 'son' and decided that there would be nothing they couldn't be told that they wouldn't eventually hear from the media. "Sure, 'son' … you can tell them. And you are NOT in trouble for sharing everything with your BEST friends. By the way, there is something else we'll talk about at dinner, later.
"Boys … please keep what you know to yourself and please don't discuss it amongst yourselves when you are out in public. I want to spare Charles any notoriety so he can get along with his new life here at The Cove. Now, go back to being boys and having fun on your skateboards. Oh, and Charles … after an early dinner … we have some shopping to do!"
Charles smiled big at hearing that he would be going out shopping for new clothes, later. His hearing that also made him jump in to hug his new foster dad for not forgetting his promise.