When all the boys were seated in the Study, 'dad' Ken told the boys he wanted them to know everything as he learned it, so they would understand it as he did.
Mr. Ken told them about noticing a phone message on the answering machine the night before. He told them that he didn't listen to it because he figured he couldn't do anything about it until today. Then, that morning, he decided he'd listen to it after he returned from taking Kevin to his appointment with Doctor Doug, because he didn't have time to deal with it right then, either.
He then played the phone message for them.
The boys listened to the phone message. They heard the man say Billy was a drug dealer up to his old tricks, and that he had it on good authority that Billy had drugs hidden in his room and they would be found behind the false panel in his walk-in closet.
The boys couldn't believe what they just heard. Here was someone who undoubtedly knew Billy, somehow, and that he had drugs hidden in his room. And, besides that, they knew exactly where to find them. That was the thing they couldn't understand.
They asked 'dad' Ken how that man knew where to find the drugs, and how did he know they were there. The boy's 'dad' said he didn't know, but somehow the man knew and Mr. Wayne and Mr. Chris did go and look together, and together they did find the drugs exactly where they were told they could be found.
Matthew was still convinced that Billy didn't do anything wrong, and said so again and again. Mr. Ken told the youngster that the drugs found couldn't be denied, and there was no other person who had used the room who he could blamed for the drugs being there.
'Dad' Ken told his 'boys' that Billy knew from the start about his stance on illegal drugs. The man told the boys that once he had taken a position on them, he couldn't say one thing and then not follow through by allowing someone who was caught with drugs in his room to remain living in his house. He hoped the boys would understand why he had to send Bill away.
"But … but why did you have to send him away so fast? Why … why couldn't you have done some more investigation before you sent him away?" argued Matthew, with tears in his eyes and running down his face.
"Matthew, I had Mr. Dan come over and review what I'm telling you. And then … you saw … he brought over the K-9 officer and his partner to see if the baggie of what we thought was marijuana was actually the illegal drug.
"Mr. Dan … he hid the baggie in the office and had the dog search for it. The dog found it right away. We then knew what was in the baggie and that it was an illegal drug and it was found in Bill's room.
"If it had been in your room, or the twin's room, it would have been you, or them, that Ms. Judy would have found a new foster home for, and not Bill. I talked to Mr. Wayne and got his take on what he saw and knew and Mr. Chris, as well. Both men gave me their honest opinion on everything they knew and saw. Remember, it was Bill's room the drugs were found in and because it was an illegal drug, I made the decision to send him away.
"When I called Ms. Judy, she too couldn't believe Billy would be so dumb as to do that. But the fact was … the drugs were found in his room," stated 'dad' Ken.
"But … but how did that man know, 'dad'," continued to argue a sniffling Matthew.
"That, I do not know, Matthew. I wish I did. Mr. Dan said if he had the authority, he would get Lieutenant Matthias and Sergeant Roberts to investigate, but he can't spend those types of resources for a private citizen," explained 'dad' Ken.
"Dad … what about Mr. Diamond? Could he … is that something … isn't that something his business does for people? Could he do that for you?" asked Robert.
The teen's dad sat there and thought about what his son just said. He wasn't thinking about that when he was figuring what to do after Chris and Wayne found the drugs in Bill's room. But now that calmer heads were thinking and talking to him, it was something he could do tomorrow. He made a big note on his desk to call Jules in the morning to see what he might be able to do.
Mr. Ken didn't tell the boys what he just did. He didn't want to get their hopes up, especially Matthew who was taking the loss of his older 'brother' harder than any of the other boys were. The man encouraged the boys to ask questions and to comment on what they knew.
Mr. Ken wanted the boys to feel fully involved in the discussion, and that their questions were fully answered and concerns addressed. He knew the loss of their older 'brother' was taking a toll on them, and he wanted to make sure they would eventually accept his decision as the one he needed to do, so as not to be considered two faced.
The Covers talked about Billy and the phone message and how it all came about. None of them could fathom how the drugs could get into the room, and who could have done it. The biggest question the boys had was, who could have done this to their older 'brother'.
In trying to help them answer that question, Mr. Ken told them what Billy had mentioned about Mr. Stanley and the three teens who tried to railroad him at the high school. Their 'dad' also mentioned two other boys at the high school Bill has run-ins with, but added that none of those people he mentioned had been seen around The Cove.
Robert then remembered what Lonnie asked. So, he asked his dad what would happen to Billy's friends. The teen told his dad they came to him and asked. Robert added that according to the new Rule Jamie and Gabe could still come by if their brothers were there, but the question concerned Lonnie and Brett.
Mr. Ken said he didn't know and, for now, it wasn't a high priority for him. He told the teen to tell Lonnie and Brett they could continue to stop by if they wanted to, and the rules would still apply as if Bill was still here.
"Dad … what about them taking the PWCs out? With Billy gone … ahh … who would go out with them?" asked Robert.
"Oh, yea, I see what you mean. Ahh … why don't you add them to your group if they ask about still riding them. OK? And, Robert … if other things come up like this, let me know right away. I don't want to be blindsided," said the teen's dad.
Mr. Wayne sat in the Study with the boys as Mr. Ken talked to them about why he sent Billy away. He was there to add anything Mr. Ken forgot, or maybe oversimplified. There was one item he thought might be important, so he spoke up.
"Boys … while your 'dad' was with Kevin at Doctor Doug's this morning, Mr. Chris and I, we came in here and saw he hadn't listened to the message your 'dad' and I saw there last night. So, I hit the PLAY button and we both heard the message you all just heard.
"We knew it could have been a hoax, so we went up to Billy's room and we looked where the man said in the message. We had hoped when Mr. Ken got back, we could have told him it was a big joke. Unfortunately, we found the drugs the man described, exactly where he said they would be.
"Boys … your 'dad' … he was devastated when he heard the message and then … and then when we presented the baggie of marijuana to him … he was at a loss. He couldn't believe Billy … that Billy would be so dumb as to get involved with drugs. But … well the baggie was right there in front of him, and both Mr. Chris and I found it together. What else could your 'dad' do?" asked Mr. Wayne.
The boys mulled around what Mr. Wayne just told them. They didn't want their older 'brother' to be gone, but he was and they knew there wasn't anything they could do to bring him back.
It was Robert who finally decided his dad had told them everything he knew and why he sent Billy away. The teen told everyone he was going to go up to his room and relax before going to bed. Charles quickly followed suit and the three young boys weren't too far behind.
Mr. Ken asked Wayne if he thought the boys accepted what he told them. The Estate Master said that what his boss told them was what happened, and there wasn't much more that he could have said. Mr. Wayne said that after a few days the boys would get over it and move on, although the memory of Bill being here would never go away.
Mr. Ken said he hoped the boys didn't dwell on Bill's departure too much, and he also hoped Bill's leaving wouldn't ruin his relationship with the boys. All Mr. Wayne did was shrug his shoulders because he didn't know himself how the boys would react over the coming days.
Even though it was still early, the men decided to go upstairs and say goodnight to the boys. They started at Robert's room and worked their way to Matthew's. Robert was still a bit dismayed at Billy's leaving. He told his dad he had wished he had done more investigation into the man who called before he had decided to send Billy away.
In Charles' room, the teen asked why his dad had to send Billy away so quickly. Charles asked why they couldn't have had a chance to at least have a party to say goodbye to him. Charles was bummed out, it happened so fast.
The twins weren't all that close to Billy. They liked the way he played with them, at times, but they didn't go out of their way to do things with him. So, when 'dad' Ken asked them about Bill's leaving they said they would miss him because he was one of their 'brothers', but he hadn't been there all that long.
When the men got to Matthew's room that was a different story. They learned that Matthew was still upset that his big 'brother' was gone, and that he couldn't believe his 'dad' would send him away so fast and without even a hearing. Matthew also told his 'dad' that they didn't even get to say goodbye to him. And with that Matthew broke down and cried.
'Dad' Ken pulled the boy to him, held him tight and let the boy cry it out. Mr. Ken knew Matthew looked at Billy differently than the other teenagers. It was almost as if Bill was his 'big brother', as the two did wrestle some and they did their afterschool snacks together first. Mr. Ken also knew Matthew gravitated to Bill when they ever went anywhere.
When Matthew settled down, he looked up to Mr. Ken and asked him if Billy would ever be back. 'Dad' Ken told him honestly that the chances were not good and that it would take a miracle to prove that those drugs were planted somehow, and then the new foster parents would have to voluntarily give Bill up.
Matthew, through his tear-soaked eyes, asked his 'dad' to try to get Billy back. The youngster said he wanted his 'big brother' back and he didn't' care how long it took. 'Dad' Ken told the boy he'd see what he could do, but he wasn't making any promises.
Chief was in with Matthew, so Mr. Ken gave the resident pet a few behind the ear scratches and asked her to watch over Matthew, as she once did. Chief barked a few "Woofs" and then gave her first master a few doggie kisses.
The man then hugged the boy tight and kissed his forehead and asked him to have good dreams of what he and Bill had done together. Matthew hugged the man and said he would try. Mr. Ken then left the boy's room.
Once the men got downstairs, Mr. Wayne decided to head back to his apartment, while Mr. Ken went to his Study to think through what he was going to do tomorrow. The one thing he was definitely going to do was call Jules Diamond and see what he could do to get to the bottom of that phone call and figure out if someone had planted those drugs in Bill's closet.
It may have been quiet in the Cove that night, but no one slept well.
When Mr. Ken woke up that morning, he felt like he hadn't slept at all. He tossed and turned all night, second guessing his decision to send Bill away. But the decision had been made and there was no turning back. The new family would be getting settled in with Bill, and if the teen worked out as well for them as he had at The Cove then they weren't going to want to give him up.
Mr. Ken used the facilities, dressed in his usual morning attire and then went out to retrieve his newspaper. Momma had his first cup of hot coffee ready for him when he sat down to read the paper.
When the boys came into the Kitchen Nook for breakfast, they said good morning to their 'dad', but there wasn't much enthusiasm in it. They did say good morning to Momma Maria. But none of them took care of getting Chief her fresh water and kibble.
"Boys … one of you needs to take care of Chief this morning. Would one of you please do that for her," politely asked the boys 'dad'.
Robert got up from the table and took care of Chief. Momma had brought the boys breakfast over for the boys to eat, but Robert knew what to do and his food didn't get too cold while he cleaned both bowls and filled one with fresh water and the other with fresh kibble.
Mr. Ken thanked his son, for Chief, for taking care of that. Robert smiled back at his dad.
Conversation at the table wasn't as plentiful as it usually was. Mr. Ken knew it would take the boys a few days to get over Bill's departure. He also wondered if he would need to get them all over to talk to Doctor Dug if their demeanor didn't improve by Monday.
"So, boys, what's on your schedule for today?" asked their 'dad'.
The three younger boys looked at one another. They really didn't have anything planned, so they just said they'd skate and probably go swimming and play King of the Raft.
Charles said his Team had the barbeque today, so he would be busy at the beginning and then later. Robert mentioned that Billy had set up the four competitions and had gotten Mr. Chris to get the poster boards and they were going to continue with what he started. Robert further explained what he intended to do and who was going to help him.
Mr. Ken was happy the boys were going to follow through with what Bill had begun. It told him they would push through the loss of their older 'brother' and move on.
After breakfast, all the Covers headed to their own areas to get ready for their day. Mr. Chris had arrived and used that time to continue making those phone calls Mr. Ken asked him to make earlier in the week. He also had those barges Charles showed him to check out.
As soon as Mr. Ken was washed and dressed for the day, his first phone call was to Jules Diamond. He told the man his situation and asked him if he could investigate the phone call and how those drugs could have gotten into Bill's closet if Bill himself hadn't put them there. Jules told him he would personally be over to the Cove after lunch.
The boys met their friends and when they were all there, they told them what they were told by their 'dad' about Billy's quick removal from The Cove. The boys asked questions about Bill and the phone message and how that man knew about the drugs in the closet. The Covers said they had the same question and even their dad didn't have the answer, other than the drugs were there and it was Billy's room.
The boys also asked why Billy had to go so quickly. Robert explained that his dad told them that with his stance about illegal drugs he felt he couldn't very well let Billy stay after finding drugs in his room. Robert told their friends he had wished they could have had some sort of send-off party for Billy, but their 'dad' made the quick decision and didn't ask them.
After the boys were satisfied with the answers to their questions, many of the boys decided to go swimming. The boys who were helping with the competition schedule poster boards decided to work on them, so they could possibly start the competitions that Sunday.
The noticeable missing person that day was Brett. Robert asked Lonnie if he knew where he was, but neither he nor Jamie or Gabe had heard anything from him as to why he wasn't there, and if he was going to ever come back.
Lonnie, Jamie and Gabe were happy to learn that they could still use the watercrafts, but they had to use them with Robert. Robert said he would take over Billy's turn on the PWC schedule so they wouldn't miss out.
Lonnie then said he'd take over Billy's Team on the barbeque schedule, if that would be OK with him. Robert thanked the teenager for stepping up and told him he had totally forgotten all about that. Lonnie then went over to Matthew to tell him what he was going to do.
As the day moved along, the boys swam, skated, had lunch then skated and swam some more before going home. Robert did take Lonnie, Jamie and Gabe out on the PWCs for an hour, or so. They were getting more and more comfortable on them and were picking up their speed and really getting to enjoy that amenity The Cove had to offer.
Jules Diamond did arrive at The Cove after lunch. He and Ken Thomas talked about the phone message and then the security man listened to it. He got permission from the owner of The Cove to do a phone check on his phone line to see if he could track where the phone call was made and go from there. Mr. Ken was looking forward to his report.
Mr. Ken did make it up to the Main Gate that evening. He knew he couldn't avoid the parents forever and the sooner he met them and answered their many questions about Billy, the quicker he and The Cove could get back to normal.
Some of the parent's questions were a bit embarrassing, but Mr. Ken answered them honestly. He was up front about his stance on illegal drugs and he wasn't going to be two-faced by saying one thing and then keeping someone caught with drugs living in his home. Most of the parents applauded him for taking that position.
Dinner in the Cover household was a little livelier than the previous evening's dinner. The boys talked more about what they did that day, and how the cove water was getting better for swimming. Robert told his dad he did take Lonnie, Jamie and Gabe out on the PWCs and that Lonnie jumped up and said he'd take over Billy's barbeque duties. Mr. Ken was pleased to hear that. Robert added that Brett never showed up and none of the older teens knew why.
In the Study that evening, Mr. Ken mentioned to the boys about their trip the first two weeks of August to go back to visit the amusement parks. He asked them to mention it to their friends so it wouldn't come as a shock to them that they would be gone for those two weeks. Charles asked his dad if he heard anything back about Edgewood, and was he still interested in buying it
'Dad' Ken told the boys that if he could make the right deal for Edgewood he would, but he wouldn't buy it just to buy it. He told the boys they'd seen the property and knew what he told them about it and what he needed to do to bring it up to his other properties' standards.
Charles then asked his dad if Mr. Chris had shown him the barges, he picked for him to consider to buy, so he could take all of their friends out on the lake at the same time. The teen's dad admitted Mr. Chris had not shown him, but had mentioned them to him.
Mr. Ken told Charles that Mr. Chris wanted to research them some before he had him look at them. Charles asked him not to take too long because the summer was moving along and fast. Mr. Ken and all the boys laughed.
Mr. Wayne had gone home early that day, because he was going to take Kevin to Doctor Doug's the following day. So, when it came time to visit the boys before they went to bed, Mr. Ken was by himself that evening.
The boys all had something to say about Billy being gone that evening, but they all accepted that he was gone and probably would never be back. Everyone that is except Matthew. He kept up the hope that Billy would somehow be back there. Mr. Ken told the youngster to never give up hope, but not to stop moving forward in case it never happened.
Mr. Ken sat down on the bed and hugged the boy and told him he was loved. He explained to the youngster again that Billy had broken his major rule about drugs and he couldn't let him remain there living there. Matthew said he sort of understood, but he still missed his big 'brother'. Mr. Ken hugged the boy and said he understood what he meant. The man kissed his forehead and told him to sleep well.
The Covers slept much better that night, but not everyone.
Breakfast the next morning was a bit livelier than the previous day. The boys' active conversation at the table was an indicator to their 'dad' that they were becoming more accepting to Billy's departure. He was hopeful they would be back to their normal rambunctious selves soon.
Mr. Wayne was there at 9:30 to take Kevin over to Doctor Doug's. The twin needed to wash his face and hands and he would be ready to go. When they left, the other boys went upstairs to get their showers and ready for their day.
When Mr. Ken was ready for his day, he called Mr. Chris to the study to talk about the barges Charles showed him on the web. Mr. Chris brought pictures of what Charles was looking at and the prices. The two men talked about the three Charles thought would be a good fit to carry up to sixty people. The only thing missing was a restroom. Mr. Ken said that he should go look at the biggest one and see if it was something he really wanted to buy and add to the marina.
The two men talked about the Fire Chief wanting to stop by Monday morning to finalize what Mr. Ken had in mind and what the Fire Chief could arrange with his equipment and men. Mr. Chris also said he heard from their insurance company and told his employer they wanted to return next Wednesday to inspect the CCTV cameras on the Skate Park and talk to him personally.
Mr. Ken said Monday would be fine for the Fire Chief. He told Mr. Chris to remind him he wants to see if they could allow the boys to climb down one of the fire ladders. The owner of The Cove said it would be a good experience for the boys, and it would let him know if it was a good purchase when he built the house.
Mr. Ken told the Estate Manager he should have the insurance company representative visit the same day they have the fire drill. It would show him that he was proactive about fire safety and including the boys in learning about it, as well.
Mr. Chris asked if he wanted the boys' friends there as well. Mr. Ken said that was a good question. Chris Dominions reminded his employer that as soon as the boys hear about the fire drill and the fire equipment being here, they will want some of their friends involved. Mr. Ken laughed and said they definitely will, for sure.
Mr. Ken asked Mr. Chris to schedule a 60-passenger bus for next Friday to take the boys to the Lakeside Water Park. He told his Estate Manager to have the bus there so it could leave by 10:30 and also leave the water park at 7 p.m. He told Mr. Chris he would handle the issue with the tickets. That surprised Mr. Chris as he usually did that chore, but he wasn't going to argue with the boss.
Kevin went to see his 'dad' when he returned from talking to Doctor Doug. The twin thanked Mr. Ken again for getting him over to talk to Doctor Doug. The older twin said he knows it wasn't his problem, but his dad's. And he knows that he had no control over what his dad had done to him before and won't after the trial.
Kevin then asked his 'dad' if he knew when his mom and dad's trials would be. Mr. Ken had Kevin sit opposite him in the Study, with Mr. Wayne sitting in to hear what was said.
"Kevin … it is very possible that your parent's trials … they could very well happen within the next few weeks. I don't know for sure, as I hadn't heard anything, but … well, we should be prepared if they call us," honestly said 'dad' Ken.
"Will … will me and Kyle … will we have to testify?" asked Kevin.
"Kevin … I would say at least you would. My bet is they would want you to tell the court about all the men who were at all those Sunday meetings. And … and they may even want you to tell them what was done at them. Now … if your dad will accept a plea bargain that they will undoubtedly offer him, then that won't be necessary. But, Kevin … we have to be ready to go to trial," candidly said 'dad' Ken.
Kevin just sat there thinking of what 'dad' Ken just told him. Kevin then jumped to the man's lap and began crying. "Will … will I ever get from under this 'dad'?" asked the crying twin.
"Yes, Kevin, you will. Robert has. It's taken him some time, though. And you know, having you guys showing up has brought some of it all back to him. And until your dad's trial is over, it will keep affecting him. Maybe you two can talk and you can get a feel for how you will eventually move forward yourself," counseled 'dad' Ken.
Kevin thanked his 'dad' for talking to him. The twin hugged the man, then went to change into his play clothes before heading up to the Skate Park to meet up with his friends.
Mr. Ken, Mr. Chris and Mr. Wayne continued their conversation after Kevin left the Study.
Lonnie and Matthew got their Team together as soon as the boys arrived and got them to do the initial set up for the barbeque. They filled the dispensers, put the sodas on ice and, using the mandolin, sliced the tomatoes and onions. After that, they could skate or go swim until it was time to cook.
The boys working on the competition poster board schedules, went back to working on them. There was a lot still to be done, because with 50 plus boys competing and there being a double elimination there were a lot of numbers and lines that had to be put on those boards.
Charles and his friends did take the PWCs out on the lake on that beautiful Texas day. It was hot and humid and being out on the lake with the water spray coming up on them made the boys feel cool. And having fun on those big machines under their butts made it even better. They were back in time for lunch.
While Charles and his friends were out on the lake, the other boys played in the cove waters. The water toys got a good workout and the lifeguards had to be on their 'A' game as there were about forty boys climbing all over the Rave Iceberg and either falling off, being pushed off or thrown off.
When it came time to eat. Lonnie and Matthew and their Team headed up to the Pavilion to get the counter set up and started cooking the burgers and dogs. The Cover men were invited up and as they ate with the boys, they all talked about the summer and what there was yet to do.
Mr. Ken told the boys that next week there would be a fire drill at The Cove and that he was looking to take them all to the Lakeside Water Park on Friday. He told them the bus would leave at 10:30 and return at 7 p.m. He told them if any of their parents wanted to go, for them to call him, but he was going to let them be on their best behavior while they were there, just as they are when they are at The Cove. Mr. Ken told the lifeguards they would have that day off.
Hearing all that, perked the boys up. They began talking amongst themselves about the fire drill and the water park trip. Robert immediately asked if their friends would be involved with the fire drill. The teen's dad said that decision hadn't been made yet, and wouldn't be until the Fire Chief was here on Monday to make the final arrangements.
Max asked Mr. Ken, what he needed to bring to the water park, as he only ever went on that one trip with him and he paid for just about everything. Mr. Ken told the boys they should wear their swimsuits and he would purchase a few lockers for them to place their valuables in. He also told them he would buy them something to eat if they were hungry and wanted to stop their fun.
The boys all thanked the man for telling them that, so they and their parents could plan for next Friday. Robert asked his dad if he was going to ask Todd. The teen's dad said he'd totally forgotten about his Beach Master and asked the teen to find Todd and tell him about the trip.
The boys couldn't wait until their parents arrived to pick them up at 6 o'clock. Many of them called their moms and told them about the Lakeside Water Park trip scheduled for next Friday. They told them Mr. Ken was going to trust them to be on their best behavior that day, just as they are when they are at The Cove.
When the parents came to The Cove that night, they had to ask Mr. Ken about his decision to take the boys to the water park, and then let them be on their own. Mr. Ken told them that they were on their own the whole time they are at The Cove, and being at the water park would be no different.
Ken Thomas then told the parents, that if they didn't want their son to go, then to not let them come to The Cove on Friday morning. The owner of The Cove, and the host for the Lakeside Water Park trip, told the parents who were there that they needed to trust their sons to do the right thing and act the right way.
He added that those boys have never disappointed him for the entire time they've been coming there and on the trips he sponsored. He said they've proven themselves to him that they are trustworthy, as he allowed them free access to the house as they previously set up the barbeques on the Patio and they've earned it from him.
Dinner was a bit late that Friday night as Mr. Ken had to talk to the parents a bit longer than usual. Momma was used to the delay and just went with the flow. Mr. Ken apologized for their lateness. The boys covered for their 'dad' by telling Momma the parents had lots of questions about next Friday's water park trip.
After dinner, Mr. Ken talked to the boys in the Study as usual. He told them it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, to take them to the water park. Robert laughed and said a spur-like his mentioning it to him. The teen's dad smiled and continued his talk.
The boys also asked where the fire drill idea came from. Charles said it was probably the insurance company's idea. Kyle asked what it would be like. Their 'dad' said when the Fire Chief was there on Monday, they would finalize what they would do and until then everything was up in the air.
Mr. Ken did let one thing out of the bag. He told the boys he was going to ask the Fire Chief if they could use one of the fire ladders. That confused the boys at first, but Matthew asked if he meant the thing under the windows in their rooms. Learning it did, the boys got enthused about doing it.
Their 'dad' told them the Fire Chief would make that decision and his insurance company would have a say in it as well. He told them it was very high up off the ground and the chance of them falling would be there. That dampened their enthusiasm, somewhat.
Robert said they had these air bags they could put under them, and that the firemen could put ropes under them to steady them as they climbed down. The teen said it would be a good experience for them, to know what to do if they ever had to use them. 'Dad' Ken said he'd take that under advisement, but the Fire Chief and the insurance company would make the final decision.
Matthew then asked if he had heard anything about Billy. 'Dad' Ken said he hadn't and even if he had called Ms. Judy, she wouldn't tell him as he was no longer a member of their 'family' and wasn't allowed to talk about a foster child to anyone, but the current foster parents.
Robert then said he asked Eric the same questions and got the same answer. Robert said Eric's mom never talks to him about the children in the system and that she wouldn't tell him anything, especially about Billy, when he asked her.
Matthew was disappointed and everyone could tell, as he hung his head and they could tell he was crying. 'Dad' Ken went to the boy, pulled him up into his arms and held him.
The boys went up to their rooms to relax before bed. Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne went up later to say goodnight to them. Robert asked his dad if there was anything he could do for Matthew. All his dad could tell him was the youngster had to get over the fact that Billy was gone, and that he was never coming back.
All the Covers, but Matthew, slept well that night.
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