Breakfast was much livelier that morning. The boys continued to talk about their personal phone calls from their 'dad', as they ate their Momma Maria morning meal.
Mr. Wayne put the morning newspaper down and asked Matthew, "What makes that phone call so different from the others you've gotten?"
"Because it was 'dad'," replied the youngest Cover.
"Yes, but there had to be something that made you feel, you know, this good about it," continued the Estate Master.
Matthew thought about the question some and then said, "Well ...the thing is he called me. But, I guess the best part was ...we talked and ...and I didn't have my 'brothers' listening in to what I said to him."
"Well, my brother listened into what I had to say," spoke up Kevin.
"Well, you listened to what 'dad' and I had to say," quickly said Kyle, who then stuck his tongue out at his brother.
The twins went around and around like that a few times before Mr. Wayne put a stop to it. He told them that was how kids in a family often react and The Cove was no different. He continued and said he was proud that they didn't have many disagreements mainly because they weren't officially related and had been put into their present situation because of what others did, not them.
The boys all smiled at hearing that. Robert then spoke up saying they all tried to work out any disagreements between them before they had to get his dad involved. Mr. Wayne said he and their 'dad' appreciated them doing that, as Mr. Ken seems to be very busy right now.
Charles looked at the clock and then told his 'brothers' they needed to hurry to get to the Bus Stop. They all left their dirty dishes for Momma to clean up, and they didn't even have time to give her their hugs before running off to catch their school bus.
Billy got to sleep in every morning since he didn't catch his school bus until a little after eight in the morning. When he came down to the Kitchen Nook, he said Good morning to Mr. Wayne and Momma Maria and then immediately took care of Chief's needs before sitting down to his breakfast.
Chief lapped up some of the fresh water and then ate from her full bowl of fresh kibble. When she was finished the resident pet went over to Billy and gave him a few doggie kisses. She received a few behind the ear scratches in return.
"Bill, Chief has taken a shine to you, I'd say," said Mr. Wayne. "She seems to treat you differently than any of the other boys. I wonder if you remind her of Collin."
Just then Chief let out a few "Woofs."
"I guess that answers my question," laughed the Estate Master.
"When I first got here ...Robert ...he told me that Chief can understand most spoken words. I ...I guess this is one of those times," lamented Billy.
"Bill, please don't underestimate her," began Wayne Mitchell. "I've been coming over here a long time and ever since I've been employed here, I've seen her do some remarkable things. If you ask her to do something, she'll do it. If you're ever in trouble and she knows it she'll go and get help. And ...and keep loving her ...as you have."
Billy thanked the man for his observations. Then, he told him that Mr. Ken said he should know by tomorrow about Lonnie. The teen added he hoped he could invite him over and that his new friend seemed to be a genuine one and maybe a 'best' friend.
Mr. Wayne was taken by surprise over the comment about Lonnie. Bill had just met the teenager that day and already he was looking at the new friend as a 'best' friend. The Estate Master figured Bill knew what he was doing and he would wait judgement until he met the boy.
The Estate Master looked at the clock and quickly told Billy he had better hurry up and head up to catch the school bus. Billy quickly took his dirty dishes to the sink, gave Momma Maria a hug and then headed to the half-bath to rid himself of excess fluid. As the teenager headed out the Foyer Door he called back that he was leaving.
Now that Billy was out of the house, Mr. Wayne walked to the Study to make a phone call.
"Jules ...Wayne from over at The Cove," was how the Estate Master began the conversation.
The two men made some small talk until Wayne brought up the reason for his call.
"Jules ...Mr. Ken ...he's away this week, so he had me call you with a person's name and phone number. He told me you'd do a simple background check and let me know later if there is a reason why this teenager shouldn't be allowed to come over to The Cove," said Wayne Mitchell.
"Yes, Mr. Ken ...he calls me with those sorts of checks every now and then. He had me do two just recently. I take it his new foster son has another new friend, so he wants me to check him out," laughed Jules Diamond.
The men finished their phone call with Mr. Diamond telling Wayne he should have some information on Lonnie Crosshers by 6 p.m. The Estate Master thanked the man and the two hung up.
At school, the younger Covers couldn't say enough about the phone call they received last night. Their friends could tell their buddies were acting different from the day before. They saw how the Covers had a bigger smile, a stronger step and were more engaged than they were the previous day. The day was a good one for everyone.
At the high school, Billy met up with his three friends. The first thing Lonnie asked was if he could come over on Saturday. Billy told him that he should know by tomorrow. He explained that Mr. Ken was out of town until later on Friday. Billy continued and said with the man gone it would take a bit longer.
Kaden spoke up and told Lonnie that the same thing happened to him. He added that he had to wait until Friday to know if he could go over to The Cove. The teen mentioned Bill had to have a physical and that messed up his making plans. The teen then laughed.
Lonnie said he just couldn't understand why the man had such a decision-making process. Billy told his new friend that his foster dad was busy with his many businesses and he took his time making decisions. The Cover teen also reminded his friend that his foster dad had five other boys living at the house and that Mr. Ken would protect them before he'd let just anyone onto the estate grounds
Brett told Lonnie that once he is invited to The Cove, and he is entered into the database, he can stop over there anytime his friend is there. Brett continued and said he and Kaden were told by Mr. Ken himself that they could continue to return as long as they didn't cause problems and helped with the barbeque and anything all the boys got involved in.
Lonnie was flabbergasted over hearing that. But, before he could ask any more questions the first bell rang, and the teens had to go to their homeroom before going on to their first class.
Mr. Wayne, sitting in for Mr. Ken, received a phone call from Detective Lt. Brandt Matthias. The detective wanted to come over later that night, after dinner, and talk to William 'Billy' Dirketson about what he revealed to Lt. Fischer over the weekend.
Wayne, told the lieutenant that he had to coordinate with the boy's lawyer before he could agree to the meeting, as that was what Mr. Ken would ensure. The two men agreed that Wayne Mitchell would call the lieutenant if Mr. Russell wasn't available and they would decide on a new date and time.
As soon as he hung up the phone, the Cove's Estate Master called Stewart Russell to see if the lawyer was available for that evening. After Wayne explained the reason for his being there, Stewart said he could be there for seven. Mr. Wayne thanked Stewart and after they hung up Wayne Mitchell called, as a courtesy, Lt. Mathias to confirm that evening's meeting.
During lunch, the four new friends met. They each got their lunches and met in a quiet corner of the cafeteria. As soon as he could, Lonnie asked about what Brett and Kaden said about always being able to visit The Cove anytime Bill was there. Bill asked the teenager to call him 'Billy'. But before the Covers newest friend could answer an upperclassman came over to their table and asked Kaden if he could talk to him.
Kaden excused himself and the two teenagers walked away. Billy asked Brett and Lonnie if they knew why the upperclassmen came to Kaden. Neither of them had any idea, but they did say Kaden was a popular student and did know most of the students at the high school. Billy accepted the answer and asked them another one.
Billy wanted to know if they had any idea who was providing the drugs there at the school. Brett reminded him of what he already told him. Lonnie told his new friend that he stayed away from that crowd and if they learned he is asking those kinds of questions he would be in big trouble. Then, Lonnie asked why Bill wanted to know.
Billy told them he just wanted to stay away from any of the drug users and suppliers. He explained that Mr. Ken did not want that type of person near The Cove and thus his 'sons'. Billy said he hoped they understood as he had to protect his 'brothers'.
"Your brothers?" quickly asked Lonnie.
"They're not my real 'brothers', but we call one another that," answered Billy. "All of us, except Robert, are foster boys, but we treat one another as 'brothers'. I am an only child as they all are except for the twins. When you come over, you'll understand."
"So, I can come over this weekend?" asked Lonnie.
"Well, I won't really know until tonight, but unless you're a mass murderer or have open warrants there should be no reason why you shouldn't be allowed to come over. Oh, that is unless you are a drug dealer," now laughed Billy, as the after-lunch bell rang.
Mr. Ken's visit to Discovery Kingdom went similar to what happened at Fantasy Fun Park. He first met with its operations manager, Julia Rennartz. They talked about the Easter weekend attendance and revenues. They eventually talked about the new rides he was having installed. After learning they weren't operational yet, Mr. Ken asked to be taken over to see them.
Upon arriving at the new rides, the park's owner asked to talk to the installation contractor. The owner asked about the delays and how long before all three rides would be up and running. The onsite supervisor explained about all the wet weather they had that winter.
The contractor explained there were at least two, or maybe three, more weeks of work to be done and all three rides should be ready for their last inspections. The man said after the rides pass their final inspection they could begin testing and training. The man suggested it would be another four to five weeks, depending on the weather, before the rides could be turned over to the park.
Mr. Ken talked with Julia about the delays to see if she had a different take on why things were going so slow. She acknowledged the weather was very wet and thought they should have begun installation during the fall.
The operations manager explained the people would have seen the new rides going in and that would have garnered more interest through the Spook-Tac-U-Lair and Celebration of Christmas Wonders than the later ads did publicizing them.
Mr. Ken asked her if she knew who her ride operators would be, and if her maintenance men were involved in the installation and were learning the rides intricacies. Ms. Rennartz told the park's owner that each ride would have a knowledgeable representative on site for at least three months and during that time the maintenance men would become proficient in their operation, its care and upkeep. Mr. Ken was inwardly happy Julia was on top of the ride's installation and overall park operations.
Mr. Chris came to Wayne after lunch. The Estate Manager wanted some guidance on the Memorial Day Picnic Mr. Ken alluded to. Wayne only knew what Chris knew, but told him he had hoped the Cove Skate Park would be finished by then, so he could have a Grand Opening of the Cove Skate Park and invite all of the boys and their families.
The two men talked numbers and all Wayne could recommend was that with forty boys he'd figure at least one hundred and fifty to include their families and Mr. Ken's personal friends. Then, Mr. Wayne remembered that Bill was gaining friends, and so he may have to add at least twenty more to that number.
Chris Dominions shook his head and made the comment that one day it might be easier to ask how many weren't coming. The two men had a good laugh over that 'tongue in cheek' remark. The two then talked about banners and decorations and what to serve. They wrote down their ideas knowing that one day, and soon, their employer would ask them the question.
Mr. Wayne decided to go and talk to the contractor's supervisor. He wanted to learn more about the installation schedule and the contractor's plan to move forward. But what the Estate Master really wanted to know, was if the Cove Skate Park would be ready by the Memorial Day weekend.
When Billy and Kaden changed classrooms, Billy noticed how many of the upperclassmen would stop and shake Kaden's hand and then give his friend a salute of sorts before heading off. Billy asked Kaden why all those upper classmen wanted to talk to him.
Kaden said the end of school was getting close and some of them had plans for the summer and he was like their 'travel agent'. Billy didn't understand the reference, but he didn't want to start a prolonged conversation, as they were coming up to their classroom.
The younger Covers came home from school and immediately headed to the Kitchen Nook for their after-school snack. Momma was waiting for them and as she heard them come through the garage side door she got the prepared chocolate and vanilla milk out of the refrigerator and placed it on the table next to their afterschool snack.
About an hour later, Billy came through the same door and Momma beamed that her last niño was home. She had the different milks ready for him, but not very much vanilla as his 'brothers' drank extra that day.
After his snack, Billy stopped by the Study to talk to Mr. Wayne about whether or not Lonnie could be invited to The Cove on Saturday. The Estate Master told the foster boy that he didn't have an answer for him just then. Mr. Wayne then told Billy that Detective Lt. Matthias would be there at seven to talk to him about what he told Mr. Dan over the weekend.
Billy balked at hearing that by saying he told the police everything he knew back when they arrested his mom. All Wayne Mitchell could tell the teen was that his lawyer, Stewart Russell, would be there to protect his rights, and would advise him if he felt the questions were confusing. Billy said he understood, but he wasn't happy about it. The teen then went up to his room to start on his homework.
While the Estate Master waited in the Study, until it was dinner time, the phone rang. It was Jules Diamond. The men made small talk, but, in the end, Jules told Wayne that Lonnie was good to go. Mr. Diamond told the Estate Master he was continuing his checks on all three high school teenagers and would call if he found anything that didn't look right. The men said their goodbyes and then hung up.
During dinner Mr. Wayne told the boys that Lt. Matthias and Sgt. Roberts would be there at seven and they would have to be finished with their after-dinner talks by the time they and Mr. Russell arrived. Kyle asked if they could sit in and listen, but Mr. Wayne told him that the detective was coming to talk to Bill and there was no room for bystanders.
Kyle was miffed at hearing that he couldn't sit in and watch, but it was his older 'brother' Robert who set the young twin straight. The teen told the young Cover, and thus the rest of his 'brothers', that Billy didn't need any distractions while he answered the detective's questions.
"But we already know about him knowing Charles, so why can't we sit in and listen to what else he knows?" argued Kyle.
"That's the thing, Kyle. If Billy wants us to know more than he's told us, then it is up to him to reveal it to us. Just like you haven't told him the rest of the reason why you are living at The Cove; he gets to decide what else he wants us to know. Now give it a break," loudly retorted Robert.
Mr. Wayne told the boys to go to their rooms. As Billy walked out he asked Robert if he could help him set up his new cell phone. The teenager told his new 'brother' to get it and meet him in the Kitchen Nook. Less than five minutes later, Robert had Billy read the activation instructions and then do them. It was the middle of the week and later in the evening, so it didn't take long for Billy to get his activation message.
Robert then had Billy call his number to make sure the activation was complete. When the call went through, Robert showed Billy how to make his number as a contact in his new cell phone. With that competed, the younger teen explained to the older one how to pair his cell phone with The Cove's WiFi. Then they connected the phone to the Bluetooth and Billy was all set to go.
Robert then began to give Billy the important phone numbers of The Cove. The teen then gave Billy all of his 'brothers' cell phone numbers. The teen then reminded Billy to add his friend's cell numbers, as well, so he can contact them any time. Billy thanked Robert with a big hug and told him he was happy he was his 'brother'.
Close to 7 p.m., Stewart Russell, Billy's lawyer, came to the Foyer Door. He was quickly followed by Sheriff's Detectives Lt. Matthias and Sgt. Roberts. Wayne Mitchell met them all at the door and invited them into the Study. Robert and Billy heard the doorbell ring, so they headed to the Study as well.
Mr. Wayne made the introductions and some small talk ensued before the detectives got down to business. Billy readily answered their first questions and when the policemen asked him about what drop off and storage places he knew about, Billy said that Charles should be there as he heard he did most of that for his mom.
Mr. Wayne called Charles' cell phone and when the pre-teen answered the Estate Master asked him to come to the Study. The other Cover boys heard the cell phone ring and hearing their 'brother' was called to the Study they wanted to know what that was all about, so they followed him.
Charles knocked on the closed Study door and it was answered by the Estate Master who asked him into the room. But before the door closed, Kyle called out and asked if they can listen to what was being said. Mr. Wayne said he'd ask his 'brothers' and the detectives, and that they all had to agree otherwise they were not coming in.
Wayne Mitchell asked the question Kyle had asked. The detectives didn't have a problem with it, so it was up to the teen and pre-teen to decide to allow their 'brothers' to listen in. The two Covers talked. Billy didn't want to let them in, but Charles argued they'd hear it from him anyway, so that way they get the whole story not just his perspective.
Billy was surprised that Charles would want them to know what they would talk about. But Charles told his older 'brother' that they already knew most of why he was there and all this did was confirm what he told them earlier.
Charles then added that Billy knowing who he was, only added to the mystery of his story and it was best they knew everything, then talk about it and one of the other kids hears them. Billy reluctantly said, okay.
With four adults and six boys in the Study they were a chair short. Kyle went out to the MRS Room and brought one in from there. The detectives then started their questioning of Billy.
Billy told his story to them. He included who his mom and stepdad were, and what they did from their home and then added how his stepdad was killed. Billy explained how he knew Charles, but that he had never met him personally, as his stepdad didn't want him to, for some reason.
Moving on, Detective Roberts asked Billy how well he knew Larry Masson, aka 'Smokey', Patrick 'Spider' Pearce, Jacob 'Butcher' Cook, Paige 'Chickee' Perrie and Gina Lewis. The last name caught both Billy and Charles off guard.
After Billy told them everything he knew about their activities with his stepdad, Sgt. Roberts asked the teenager if he knew where the drug drops were and where his stepdad would sometimes meet his 'customers'.
Billy told the detective that he didn't know the names of the places, because he was too young to know where they were. The teen did say he might be able to identify them if they'd show him pictures.
Lt. Matthias asked the teen if he could tell them anything he remembered, about where the drops or meeting places were. Billy tried to remember what he saw, but he told them it was years ago and he wasn't driving. Sgt. Roberts then asked Charles if he could use Google Maps and show them again where he knew the places his mom took him to.
Mr. Wayne opened Mr. Ken's computer and called up Google Maps. He asked the pre-teen to sit behind the PC and call up the sites. As Charles did that, he asked Billy to look over his shoulder.
Charles zeroed in on the area his mom worked for Smokey and told the teenager to see if he recognized anything. Charles zoomed into the area and then did a sweep right then left as he moved the cursor down some to complete a full circuit.
"Wait!" called out Billy. "Can you get closer? Enlarge that area," said Billy to Charles.
"Yea, there. That place. That's a place I remember Jody taking me when my mom had an appointment somewhere. He didn't want to take me, I remember. Mom told him to wait until she returned, but 'Greaser' told her it would be too late and his customer would be long gone and that 'Smokey' would be more than pissed if he messed this drop-off," explained Billy.
Lt. Matthias asked the pre-teen to print that picture, but Charles wasn't too sure how to do that. Mr. Wayne went behind the chair and hit a few buttons and the laser printer started up. Before long the detectives had a black and white printout of a place Billy remembered where he'd been taken to by his stepdad.
Charles continued to sweep the area using Google Maps and when Billy said he recognized a place, Charles told him he'd already told the police about it. Charles passed over a few other places Billy thought he recognized and Charles again told him he had already told the police about them.
Charles stopped scanning the area he knew about and went over to the area where Billy lived before his stepdad was shot during the gun battle and his mom was arrested. The pre-teen Cover began a systematic scan of the area while Billy watched over his shoulder.
"There ...right there. Those old buildings. That was where Jody took me the night my mom couldn't stay home. If I remember right, there ...there is a sign on the corner of the building. It doesn't take much to unscrew the bolts and behind it is a deep hole where 'Greaser' would either drop the product off or collect the money," was how the teen Cover described the drop site.
The desk phone rang just then and upon answering it the Estate Master learned that his boss was calling to see if there was anything he needed to know about. Mr. Wayne gave him the Reader's Digest version of what was happening right then in his Study.
That surprised Mr. Ken, but he knew Dan was going to ask the detective over to talk to Billy; he'd just forgotten about it. The Cove's owner told Wayne to continue and call him if he needed to come home.
Billy saw a few more places he thought he knew, but again Charles told him he'd already identified them for the police. Charles moved to another area that he knew he was never in but had hoped Billy may have to go there. After about twenty minutes and neither Cover could identify any more places they knew, the detectives stopped the search.
Sgt. Roberts then brought out some pictures for Billy to look at. The pictures consisted of all the known associates of Smokey and some who were just ordinary people. Billy recognized all of the people in the lineup. When he was finished, he asked about a few other people that he hadn't seen. The detective's ears perked up.
All this time the rest of the Cover boys sat quietly in their chairs. They whispered a few times to their closest 'brother', but otherwise they were as quiet as a church mouse. The three adults were so engrossed in the questioning of Billy that they had completely forgotten the other four Cover boys were in the Study with them.
When Billy said there were a few faces missing, the detectives asked the teenager what names he remembered and what they looked like. All Billy could give them were the names he knew them as, and that he'd only seen them a few times and then he hadn't ever seen them again.
The two Sheriff's detectives reviewed everything with Billy to see if anything else came to mind as he answered their questions. They also asked him to try to remember other aspects of his mom's and stepdad's activities, and if he did, to call them immediately. The Lieutenant and Sergeant gave the teenager their contact cards.
It was as the two detectives walked out of the Study that they saw the other boys. Sgt. Roberts asked them if they learned anything new and then teased them by asking if it was exciting enough for them to not get their homework done.
Billy heard the question and then told Mr. Wayne he didn't know it would take that long and that he hadn't started any of his homework and needed to go to his room. Billy then hurried up to his room. His 'brothers' followed quickly behind.
Wayne led the detectives to the Foyer Door and told them he hoped they got what they needed. The Estate Master then asked them to schedule any further question and answer meetings on the weekends, until the boys were out of school. The man didn't even say goodnight to the Sheriff Detectives, he just closed the door as they stepped outside.
Stewart Russell thanked Wayne for asking him to be there. He told the man that there were a few times the detectives could have gotten testy with Billy. He added that with Charles helping at the computer and getting the older teen to recognize a few places they didn't push the envelope. Stewart left through the Foyer Door and told Wayne Mr. Ken would see his bill in a few days.
Mr. Wayne told Mr. Russell that Mr. Chris pays all the bills, so his boss would probably never see the invoice. The two men had a good laugh over that, and this time Mr. Wayne said goodnight to the lawyer as he departed the house.
Upon arriving at his room, Billy immediately got to work on his homework. His other 'brothers', as they arrived upstairs, went to their rooms to check to make sure they had accomplished all their homework. Kyle and Kevin then went over to Billy's room to talk to him about what they saw and heard down in the Study.
Robert heard talking out in the hallway, so he went out to investigate. When he realized the twins were bothering Billy, he went over and told them to leave him alone, as he had lots of homework to do, and he didn't need to talk about what happened in the Study.
Billy thanked his 'brother' for saving him from the twins. He told him he wouldn't get it all done, but that he had a study hall during the morning and he hoped he could get it done by then. Robert smiled at the interaction and then closed the door as he went back to his own room.
Mr. Wayne wasn't too far behind the boys. He headed up the stairs after Billy's lawyer, Stewart Russell, had departed the premises. The Estate Master started in Matthew's room and said goodnight to all the boys. When he got to Bill's room he apologized to the teen. He told the newest Cover that he didn't know it would take the detectives that long, and if he had realized that, he would have had them stopover on Saturday.
Billy thanked the man for telling him that. The teen said he might be a bit cranky in the morning because he wanted to get as much of his homework done as he could, before leaving for school in the morning. Mr. Wayne told the teenager not to stay up too late. The man then ruffled Chief's coat and scratched behind her eats before departing the room and closing the door.
The Estate Master was getting ready for bed when his phone rang. It was Mr. Ken. The man wanted to know all about the meeting and how it went. Wayne told his employer that it was a cordial meeting and Billy was able to remember two or three places that Charles was never at.
Mr. Wayne also told Mr. Ken that Billy also mentioned a few names the detectives weren't aware of, so they asked him a number of questions about them. Wayne added that if he'd known the detectives were going to take so much time, he would have scheduled it over the weekend.
Mr. Ken asked the man to expound on what he just said. Wayne took a deep breath and told Mr. Ken how the detectives prolonged the question and answer meeting by continuing to ask Bill about Charles and how they knew one another even though Bill kept on insisting they never met.
Wayne continued with the way Charles used his computer to look over the areas both boys knew and lived and helped Bill find those few new sites Matthias and Roberts didn't know about. Wayne told his employer about the people Bill asked about that weren't in the picture lineup. Then the Estate Master told him that all the boys were in the meeting.
Mr. Ken asked how that happened and Wayne explained how Kyle kept asking if they could sit in and watch. Eventually, Charles explained to Bill that they would find out anyway, so it would be best to let them attend and hear it firsthand.
Wayne continued and said how Bill didn't want them to be there and then asked Charles how they would find out. Charles told him matter-of-factly that he would tell them, as he could tell his 'brothers' about those things that affected him. Wayne laughed as he told Mr. Ken that Bill knew he was beaten and agreed to allow the boys to listen.
Mr. Ken laughed right along with the telling. The two men talked for a few more minutes before hanging up for the evening.
Billy stayed up longer than he should. He blamed it on those busybody detectives taking up so much of his time. It was midnight before the older Cover teen finally got to sleep.
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