Published: 8 Sep 2022
From Previous Chapter:
Matthew felt the absence more than Billy and Charles did. Mr. Wayne told him that as Billy, Robert and then Charles get older and go off to college there will always be change going on at The Cove, and he had to get used to it. The man hugged the boy and Matthew melted into him and didn’t want the hug to ever end.
Mr. Wayne did eventually get the young boy to release the hug, and then he ruffled the boy’s hair. He told him to sleep well, and he’d see him at breakfast in the morning.
The Cove was quiet that night and everyone slept well.
With four Covers gone, breakfast wasn’t as lively as it usually was, but even so, the meal had more talking than it did the previous day. Billy and Mark had their appointment with Doctor Doug later that morning, as did Mr. Golderson with his physician.
The boys talked about what they were going to do that day, with Charles and Matthew holding down the fort, while everyone was gone. The two remaining Covers said they would continue taking the old wooden skate ramps apart, when their friends arrived later.
Earlier that week, Mr. Ken had talked to Nathan and Owen, who thanked them for the opportunity to have them, but they said they were afraid of the liability of having them, and they would also take up too much of their driveway. Thus, the Cover boys and their friends would now have a project to finish, hopefully, by Labor Day.
As the boys were leaving the breakfast table, Mr. Wayne told Billy and Matthew they needed to be showered, dressed and downstairs by 9:30, so he could drive them over to their appointment. He added, to Charles and Matthew, that Mr. Chris would be taking Mr. Levi to his appointment and he asked them not to mention it to their friends, that he and Mr. Chris were both gone.
Mr. Wayne sat there in the Kitchen Nook thinking about one of the reasons why Mr. Ken wanted to hire a part-time employee. He now understood that if that person was on the payroll, they could be there as a safety net for the boys, while he and Mr. Chris were gone.
The Estate Master knew that none of the boys’ friends had ever disappointed him or his employer, well except Kaden, but even still, if one of the boys were ever hurt it would be best if an adult was there to make the necessary phone calls and to smooth over the parents’ concerns as to why and how. He was now on board with the new hire.
While Wayne was in deep thought, Chris came into the Kitchen Nook to get a cup of coffee. He had a number of projects he was working on, so he didn’t stick around after he first arrived at work that morning. But now as he took a break, he saw his co-worker just sitting there, somewhat daydreaming, so he sat down at the table.
Chris’ sitting down, brought Wayne out of his thoughts, and he smiled at the man.
“A penny for your thoughts!” offered Chris.
“Oh, I was … I was just thinking about the new hire Mr. Ken is bringing on board. Today … we’ll both be gone for a couple of hours, and …and if they were already on the payroll they’d be here to watch over the boys.
“I was thinking … you know the boys … they’ve never disappointed us, well, except for Kaden, but if one of the boys … if one of them ever gets hurt, while we’re all gone, it wouldn’t look good for our employer. Sure, the guards are here … and they are all qualified in CPR and basic first aid, but still …,” and Wayne let the thought just drift along.
“I hear what you’re saying, Wayne, at least Momma Maria will still be here,” began Chris, “and Mr. Ken … he seems to know the boys and he trusts them. But what you say about one of the boys getting hurt rings true. As for the new hire, you know, don’t you, that Jules … that he’s doing the background check, but he says it won’t be finished until next week.
“And for the boys’ sake, I am glad he chose a man out of the five candidates. But the two women … they too were very well qualified,” added Chris.
The two men talked about the five people their employer interviewed just last Tuesday and what they thought about them. The two men also considered how they would be integrated into The Cove and how the boys would accept them. That, they knew, was the $64,000.00 question. They both laughed at the thought.
Billy and Mark came into the Kitchen Nook while the two men were talking and they heard the last part of their conversation. Billy asked them if Mr. Ken had hired the new part-time person yet, because of what they were talking about.
Mr. Wayne told them that a person was selected, but Mr. Diamond was doing the background check and if they passed that, then Mr. Ken would do the final interview before offering them the position, but, as of today, there was no new hire on board.
The boys thanked the man for telling them that, and then they told them they were ready to go. Mr. Levi also came into the Nook just then and told Mr. Chris he was ready, whenever he was. The five people then headed off on their separate ways.
Mark was looking forward to talking to Doctor Doug. He liked how easy it was to talk to the doctor, and he still wanted to talk to him about his part in what happened at their home. The boy still sort of blamed himself, even though everyone told him it wasn’t his fault. Even his parents told him it wasn’t his doing, but he wanted to be sure in his own mind.
When the Covers’ friends began arriving that Thursday, the older boys went right to work at dismantling the old wooden ramps. The boys got out the electric drills, screwdrivers and hammers, as well as the safety glasses and gloves, and they decided to work on the biggest ramp, the half-pipe.
But there were too many boys, and they were getting in one another’s way. So, Logan suggested they break off into smaller groups and work on the other three ramps – the quarter-pipe, fun box and launch ramp, since the grind box had already been taken apart.
Even then, there weren’t enough tools for everyone, so some of the younger boys went up to the Cove Skate Park and just skated, leaving the older boys to have all the fun.
Charles and Matthew, though, stayed down at the Parking Coral. They wanted to be a part of the process, and they also wanted to use the tools, since they didn’t get to use them ordinarily. They also knew that doing this with the older boys was going to be a great learning experience, because they would show them and teach them what and how to do the job right.
Mark, Billy and Mr. Wayne returned to The Cove a little after 12:30 and they saw that the old ramps were well on their way to being dismantled. The three Covers stopped to inspect what the boys were doing and ask questions, then Billy and Mark went inside to change, so they could come out and join in the fun.
Mark never got to use his dad’s tools, so he stuck next to Billy when they went outside and had him show him what to do. Billy asked one of the older boys for a drill, so he could let Mark try his hand at unscrewing one of the many screws that the carpenters had used to put the ramps together.
The original builders also used liquid nails to help, along with the screws, to hold the plywood, 2×4’s and Masonite together, so when it came time to dismantle the ramps it was not an easy task. The screws came out after some coaxing, but the wood needed the hammer and a chisel to help separate them.
All of the boys who stuck around to help take the ramps apart, got the chance to do virtually every part of the process. That way, they each had an opportunity to use the different tools and do something they normally wouldn’t get to do otherwise.
Mr. Wayne came out to the Parking Coral to check on the progress and talk to the boys. He thanked them for getting at the project, and then he reminded them they didn’t have to do it all in one day. He asked them if they were at a good stopping point, as they were using up valuable skating and swimming time.
The boys looked at the time and decided they’d worked for over two hours, so some started to put the tools away, while the rest began to stack the wood, pick up the screws and sweep up the mess they made.
By then, it was time to eat, so the cooking team had to hurry up to the Pavilion and get the serving line set up and get the burgers and hot dogs on the grill, so everyone could eat. The lifeguards were surprised that none of the boys had come out to swim yet. It was then they learned they were taking the old ramps apart, but they would be swimming after they ate.
Mr. Chris came back to The Cove without Mr. Golderson. That meant that Levi did get his driving privileges back, and he was over visiting his wife at the Rehabilitation Center. The Estate Manager came over to the Pavilion to get something to eat and he and Wayne exchanged stories of their day so far.
While everyone was eating, the two men went over and talked to the lifeguards. They reminded them that the Covers were going on another nine-day trip, soon, and they wouldn’t be needed during that time. Mr. Chris did tell the guards that they were having a very large Labor Day Picnic, and they would need all five of them that Saturday. Mr. Wayne then mentioned to them that once school started, they would only need them on the weekends, and they would talk to them more about that, later.
Levi Golderson returned to The Cove around 4:30. He was happy he’d gotten his driving privileges back, and he also would only need to have his dressings changed once a day, but he had to make sure he continued taking his medications.
Levi also talked to his doctor about taking that four to five-day trip with Mr. Ken. The doctor told him that as long as his wounds were healing as well as they were, and he could have someone change the dressings while he was gone, there shouldn’t be a problem.
Levi also talked to his wife about his going along on the trip. He explained to her that it would give him a chance to be with their son during that time. Otherwise, Mark would be gone without either of them.
Miriam wasn’t all that thrilled that her two men would both be gone, and wouldn’t be visiting her during that time, but she knew that with her relegated to the Rehab Center, she wasn’t going anywhere, and it wasn’t fair to keep them from having at least some fun.
The boys did go swimming after they ate and cleaned up the Pavilion area. Some of the boys took the sailboats out, some took the PWC’s, while the others either climbed on the water toys or were towed on the towing tube. It was a hot day in August and the boys were enjoying the cool lake waters.
At dinner, that night, Mark was happy to hear more about how his dad was going to be able to go with him at least part of the time on the trip. Mr. Wayne told the man he’d be happy to change his dressings, but he wanted to watch Harper the next few times to make sure he knew what to do. Levi said he had no problem with that.
Harper showed up right after dinner and the three men, Harper, Levi and Wayne, went up to the bedroom to have the dressings changed. While Harper did his job, he explained to Wayne how to change the dressings and that he needed to have sterile gloves on. When he finished changing the dressing, Levi had to decide if he wanted to have his dressings changed in the morning, or at night.
Levi and Wayne discussed the pros and cons of each of the dressing change times, and Levi decided that the mornings would fit into The Cove’s schedule better. Harper Young told Mr. Golderson he’d be back at around 10 a.m., and that he’d drop off the supplies the men would need for their trip and then he left the home.
Mr. Ken called that night when he knew the Covers would be in the Study having their evening meeting, as they usually did. Robert, Kevin and Kyle were down in the hotel pool having fun, so Mr. Ken used that time to call to talk to everyone.
The owner of The Cove was pleased that Levi was going to join them on their trip. He told everyone that he just didn’t know when the trip would happen. He also told them that the trial was just plodding along and that, with all the witnesses the DA was planning on presenting, it could be three or four weeks before the trial was over.
The boys were dismayed at hearing that it could be three or four weeks before the trial was over. But their ‘dad’ told them that the DA promised him that he would try to put Robert, and the twins on the stand either tomorrow or Monday, but by Tuesday at the latest. The boys smiled at hearing that.
The boys told their ‘dad’ that they made progress on taking the ramps apart and that they might be finished by the end of the weekend. They added that they didn’t know what to do with all the wood and screws. Mr. Ken just told them to set them aside for now, and he’d take a look and decide once he sees what’s there.
Mark asked his foster dad what his soccer team would do when they were on their trip. Mr. Ken thanked the boy for asking that question. The man then asked Wayne to think about that one and he’d call him during the trial’s lunch time tomorrow to discuss it.
Mr. Ken then asked Levi how Miriam was coming along with her recovery. Mr. Golderson told his host that if he wasn’t laid up, she would be home with him and Mark. But because he couldn’t take care of her right now, she needed to stay at the Center until he could. Mr. Ken thanked the man for that update. Before ending the call, Mr. Ken told everyone that he and the boys should be home sometime the next evening.
The remaining Covers talked about the ramp dismantling and who had doctor appointments next week. Charles asked the Estate Master if he was ever going back to see if he needed braces. Mr. Wayne said he didn’t have that answer, but would talk to the teen’s dad when he returned from the trial. Billy then asked about his wisdom teeth and if he needed more dental appointments. Mr. Wayne told him he would also talk to Mr. Ken and he’d let him know.
Before bed that evening, Mr. Wayne went upstairs to join the boys and talk to each of them as Mr. Ken does. After the Estate Master talked to Mark, the boy’s dad went into his son’s room and the two of them talked about their day and how Miriam was doing with her recovery.
Mark told his dad he liked living there at The Cove and having all those ‘brothers’. But also told his dad that he did miss his mom and he couldn’t wait until they were all back together and living in their house again, and he was back with all of his friends. The two shared a heartfelt hug, before Levi went to his room to go to bed.
The Cove was quiet that night and everyone slept well.
Momma Maria had a good breakfast ready and waiting for everyone when they entered the Kitchen Nook that Friday morning. Of course, Mr. Wayne was already there reading the morning newspaper, waiting on the boys, as they woke up and came down to eat.
The four boys all said good morning to Mr. Wayne and Momma Maria, while Mark took care of fixing Chief’s fresh kibble and cold water before sitting down to a Momma breakfast. Mr. Levi was also there and watched as his son gleefully took care of the resident pet, then scratched behind her ears before washing his hands and sitting down to his breakfast. The man was also looking forward to another one of Momma Maria’s fabulous breakfast meals.
As they ate, the boys talked about working on the ramps later, then skating and swimming. Mark asked Charles if he’d take him out sailing again. Charles said they needed to wait and see what was going on then, but he said he liked the idea.
Harper Young came to The Cove around ten o’clock. When he rang the Foyer doorbell, Chief went barking to the door and Levi and Wayne came out of the Study to open the door for the man. The three went up to the bedroom to change the dressing on Mr. Golderson’s wounds
While the three men were busy upstairs, the Main Gate guard called Mr. Chris telling him a locksmith was there, saying he was supposed to install a new lock. Mr. Chris had them let the man in and met him in the Parking Coral.
The locksmith was there to install a new cypher lock on the side garage door, as Mr. Ken had told the boys would happen. The Cover boys saw the locksmith’s van down at the garage so they quickly rode a golf cart down to find out why he was there.
Mr. Chris explained to the boys that with the new lock they would have to input the code each and every time they entered through the door. But the locksmith spoke up and told Mr. Chris that they could keep the lock open and release it at any time to engage the mechanism. Mr. Chris said he stood corrected.
The locksmith also explained that the new cypher lock had a fingerprint reader and that it held up to twenty fingerprints and that once it was programmed with those people’s fingerprints, who were given access, all they needed to do was place that finger on the reader and the lock would automatically open.
When the locksmith was finished installing the new cypher lock, he explained to Mr. Chris how to change the code with a special key, and he had him do it two times to get the concept down. He also explained that since the lock had batteries, they could also use the fingerprint pad to open the lock. The locksmith had the Estate Manager place one of his fingers on the pad to show him how to program the lock as a way to open the door that way instead of using the code.
Billy and Charles looked on as the Estate Manager learned how to change the code using the special key, and then program a fingerprint using the pad. Mr. Chris then had all four boys come over and place a finger on the pad, and he programmed their fingerprints into the lock, so it would accept it as a way to open the lock, as well. The man then had the boys check that their fingerprint worked to actually open the lock. Mr. Chris then signed the work order and told the man to bill The Cove.
After the locksmith left, Mr. Chris asked the boys what the first code should be. He reminded them that they shouldn’t be telling everyone the code, and that if there ever is a situation as they had with Kaden, they would immediately change the code. The boys discussed the four-number code for a few moments and they decided on 2683 (COVE).
When Mr. Wayne was finished with the dressing change, Mr. Chris took him out to the garage and explained the new lock to him and gave him the new code. He showed him how to change the cypher lock code using the special key and that the key and the information would be in a folder in his file cabinet.
Mr. Chris then explained about the fingerprint pad and then he programmed the man’s fingerprint into the lock, so he could also open the door without using the code. Mr. Wayne was impressed with the new lock. He did wonder how many fingerprints the lock held and it was then he learned that it could hold up to twenty and they could be deleted as needed.
When the Cover’s friends arrived that Friday, the older boys headed down to the garage to get the tools to continue taking the old ramps apart. They all saw the new cypher lock on the side garage door and, when they couldn’t get inside, they had to ask a Cover for the code.
Billy told them they couldn’t give it to them just yet, as they had to wait until Mr. Ken got back later tonight and gave them permission. The teen went inside and opened one of the overhead garage doors, then the boys went inside and gathered the tools they used the previous days.
It was a typical day at The Cove with the exception of Mr. Ken and three of the Cover boys being gone. Eric picked up on Robert’s duties while his Best Friend was gone, and he was down helping take the ramps apart that day and the previous day.
Inside the house, Wayne, Chris and Levi sat in the Study talking about the question Mark asked, about what his soccer team would do while they were away. Chris and Levi would still be at The Cove while the rest were on their trip, that is, if the trial didn’t require the boys to be there week after week. Eventually however, Levi would catch up with the Covers and Chris does not leave the estate before five o’clock.
They did not know when the trip would begin, but Mr. Ken did give the indication that it could start as early as Sunday, but as late as Wednesday. So, they decided that since Levi would be there, and he would be willing to ‘host’ them, the team could continue to use the soccer field up to, and including Tuesday of next week.
When Mr. Ken called his Estate Master during the court’s lunch hour, he was pleased the men decided on a reasonable compromise. The owner of The Cove asked Mr. Wayne to talk to the coach later that evening and explain the situation to him, so he could make arrangements for practice beginning next Wednesday.
Mr. Golderson departed The Cove after lunch and drove over to visit with his wife for a while. He then stopped over at his house to check the progress on the repairs being done to fix the bullet holes, install a new toilet in the master bathroom, and eventually paint the entire downstairs and the two bedrooms upstairs. While he was there, he decided to add the stairway leading up the second floor to the painting project.
The Estate Manager and Master joined the boys for burgers and dogs around two o’clock that afternoon. The boys had worked on the ramps for about two hours that day and, as they ate, they talked to Mr. Wayne and Mr. Chris and told them the project might be done tomorrow, but that it would be done on Sunday for sure. The men thanked the boys for their hard work.
Mark and Charles did go out sailing that afternoon. A few of the other boys also took the other sailboats out, while the rest of the boys either took the PWC’s out for a spin, or rode the towing tube, or played on the water toys.
Mr. Wayne and Mr. Levi talked to the soccer coach that evening. The man was disappointed that he’d lose the two best things about the field – having a full soccer field to practice on and a group of older boys to practice against. The coach thanked the men for at least giving him the heads-up and he went back to coaching his team.
It was while the Covers were in the Study having their normal evening meeting after dinner, that the rest of the traveling Covers came home. It was a boisterous meeting out in the Foyer, and even more so, as the twins told everyone that the trail was over.
This was something everyone had to hear, so they all gathered back in the Study, where Mr. Ken gave them all the details.
“OK, boys, settle down. This morning … when we entered the courtroom, besides the usual observers and people who were supposed to be testifying sometime during the trial, there were four surprise witnesses … sitting over there right behind the accused, Mr. Parchsons. I suspect the DA had them there so Parker … so that he would see them when he entered the courtroom,” began ‘dad’ Ken
“Who were they dad?” asked Charles.
“The people I suspect who were surprise witnesses were Stanley Vahnn and Danny Zackerson, both of whom turned State’s evidence against Julian Hankers. And then there were Frank Harrison, Robert’s dad, and Vivian Parchsons, the twin’s mother.
“Vivian saw the twins when we entered, and she wanted them to come over and talk to her, but the guards told her she couldn’t talk to anyone, and he indicated to us to find our seats. When Parker entered the courtroom, he couldn’t help but see the four witnesses sitting there right behind him and his attorney.
“The first two days were mainly taken up by the detectives laying out the case. There were lots of exhibits entered into the trial, and the detectives were cross examined to no end by the defense attorney, but they had their facts straight and their notes at the ready.
“Anyway, this morning, Frank Harrison, Robert’s dad, was called to the stand first thing. The DA had him explain why he was there and how he knew Parker. Parker’s attorney tried to get Frank to say he was getting a sweetheart reduction in his sentence for testifying, but he wouldn’t budge.
“Then Stanley Vahnn got on the stand. That man started telling the court what he told the court up here about what he knew about Julian and Parker’s association. Parker’s attorney tried to trip him up, but he couldn’t.
“Danny Zackerson … he went on the stand next, and boy did he ever add to the already damning testimony that had already been given. Again, the defense attorney tried to turn it all around, but Zackerson was out to protect his own agreement he made with the DA and he wasn’t about to change any of his testimony.
“Vivian went on the stand next. All she did was confirm that Parker came home with loads of money almost every weekend. She initially testified that she never knew where it came from. But the DA reminded her that in exchange for her complete cooperation and full testimony to her husband’s illegal actions, she would receive a reduced sentence for her own involvement in what her husband was doing including the laundering of money.
“Vivian then broke down and cried. She told the court the whole story of how her husband … how her husband told her how Frank Harrison started up the ‘business’ and made huge amounts of money, and that he was going to do the same thing. What Vivian next told the court was that Parker forgot to tell her that Frank … that Robert’s dad had been caught and was now in prison serving a lengthy sentence.
“After lunch, Kevin … he’d been called to testify and just after he’d been sworn in, Parker’s attorney asked to approach the bench. Both attorney’s … they talked to the judge and before we knew it the attorney’s and the judge went into the judge’s chambers.
“It must have been between twenty to twenty-five minutes before the three came out and the judge announced that a plea deal had been worked out between the prosecution and the defense counsel and that the sentencing would take place in two weeks when the final details were worked out,” finished ‘dad’ Ken.
“So, that means that … that you don’t have to go back?” excitedly asked Charles, with a question on his face.
“Yep! The trial is over, and we don’t have to go back next week. We can go to the sentencing in two weeks, if we want to, but we are not required to be there,” replied the boy’s dad.
Charles jumped onto his dad and hugged him. He then asked him when they could start on their trip. The other boys also asked the same question hoping they could leave tomorrow.
“Boys, the earliest we can leave on our trip will be Sunday. Let me call the air charter company and see if that is possible. I also have to call Mr. Dan to see if he can change his schedule that quickly. In the meantime, why don’t you all ask Mr. Wayne, very nicely, if he will take you all out for ice cream, or something to do while I make those phone calls.
Mr. Wayne took the boys out while Mr. Ken made a few phone calls. The first one was to Mr. Chris, since his Estate Manager had all the files with all the information for the trip. He asked the man if he could work the project from home, or did he need to come back to The Cove. Mr. Chris said he needed to come back, as everything he needed was there, so he’d be there in about an hour.
Mr. Ken then called Dan Fischer to ask him if he could get away as soon as Sunday. Dan told him that would be too quick, but Monday would work for him. Mr. Ken told the lieutenant to plan to spend Sunday night at The Cove, so they could leave together early Monday morning.
While the boys were gone, Mr. Ken got caught up on his phone messages and emails. One was from Amy Ozarker, the lawyer he uses around his Crystal Lake Amusement Park property. He looked at the time and decided he’d call her first thing in the morning. But he was now curious as to why she wanted to talk to him.
Mr. Ken also called Judy to tell her it looked like they would be leaving early Monday morning. He wanted her to know so she could start getting Eric’s clothes ready for the trip. He also wanted her to know about the trial and that it looked to be over except for Parker’s and Vivian’s sentencing.
Mr. Ken took care of as many of his business emails as he could. Luckily, he had good people running his businesses and he didn’t have to make any decisions. He did respond letting them know his thoughts and recommendations and that he would be gone through the 17th, but would be available on his cell phone for emergencies.
Mr. Ken then sat back and thought some more about what Levi Golderson was proposing. He knew he needed to bring in investors and other principals who could ramrod projects that he wanted to pursue. His only concerns were; who were these people, how trustworthy were they and can they all work together to make these projects happen.
Mr. Ken figured he would ask Levi to work on getting his investors more on board during the time before he joined them later next week. He wanted him to set up an informal meeting with them when he returned, so they could talk and get to know one another, and decide if they could work together.
Mr. Ken also wanted to talk to Levi some more while they were on their trip. He wanted to know about the investors and more about their individual backgrounds and what they bring to the table. He figured they would be doing the same about him, and since he’s been so busy with the boys and their troubles, he hasn’t been looking at them.
It was then he decided he’d get the men’s names from Levi and pass them onto Jules and have him do the background checking for him. The security man was good at doing that and this way he could have that information overnighted to him at one of the parks, and he would be prepared when he returned from the trip.
Mr. Ken didn’t realize how late it was until the boys came bounding into the Study upon their return from wherever he’d taken them. The boys were boisterous about who won which game and how good Mr. Ken’s Kreamy Kone Ice Kream was. Mr. Levi joined in on seconding that.
“Well, I’ll have you know that with you all gone I was able to clear off many of my email messages and I’ll return the phone calls tomorrow. I recalled Mr. Chris to come in and work the trip situation, since he knew all the principals. He’ll be back in the morning to finalize everything.
“Boys … the trip … it will start first thing Monday. You can tell your friends that, so they can make plans for your being gone until about the 17th. Then, when we get back, we’ll go out and buy you your new school clothes. So, plan on that, too! And since Mark has a soccer game tomorrow we will not be going out to breakfast in the morning, but … we will go out for breakfast on Sunday. Are they any questions?” finished ‘dad’ Ken.
Mr. Ken sent the boys up to their rooms so he, Mr. Wayne and Mr. Levi could talk. Mr. Ken told them that Dan would be with them until they fly to their third park Friday morning and then the air charter company will bring him back home.
He told Levi that Friday morning the limo company will drive him to the airport and the air charter company will fly him to the third amusement park, where he will join them at the hotel before they head out to the park. The owner of The Cove told his guest he would have at least his son staying with him during the remainder of the trip.
Wayne said he would change Levi’s dressings at night or the morning, whichever he wanted, but he needed to get Harper to give him enough for five days. It seems everyone had forgotten about them when Harper was there earlier that day. Levi said he’d talk to him tomorrow morning when he was there to make sure he has all he needs.
But just before the men went upstairs to talk to the boys, Levi asked Ken if he could ask him about the trial. Mr. Ken had forgotten Levi was there in the Study when he briefed everyone about the trail, so now he needed to see what damage control he needed to do, without telling him too much about the reason why the boys were living with him.
“Levi, sure you can ask, but I won’t tell you anything that might reveal why any of the boys are living with me. That is up to the boys to tell you. Will that work for you?” replied Mr. Ken.
“Yes, yes. I guess … well, I guess … I guess I just need to satisfy my curiosity … and I don’t mean to ask you about why the boys are living with you, but … but when you mentioned the Parchsons name, which is the twins last name, by the way, I take it the boys’ parents … that they were on trial and that was the reason for all of you to be there.
“I know they were in a horrific accident almost a year ago, but something … naw … I guess with the sentencing in two weeks … it will mean the twins will be without their parents for some time to come, then. Those poor, boys. I can’t imagine what’s been like for them all this time and now … and now to know they’ll probably be all grown up when they get back together, if ever,” answered Levi.
Mr. Ken sat there thinking of what Levi just said. He knew the man would like to know, but he was also satisfied if all he got to know was that it was the twin’s parents on trial and that they indeed would be out of their son’s lives for many years to some.
“Levi … yes …but only their father was on trial. Their mother … she decided to turn State’s evidence, but she was just as guilty as their dad. She would receive a reduced sentence for her testimony, but neither of them will see their sons outside of prison for many years to come. Do you have any other questions?” asked Mr. Ken.
“Yes, I do, but … but, since you’ve adopted Robert, I think … I think I know the answer, so I … so I won’t ask it,” admitted Levi.
Mr. Ken smiled at his guest’s reply and then asked him not to talk to his friends about what he knows about the boys that live there at The Cove. He reminded Levi that on the surface it might not seem like much, but underneath the boys might still be embarrassed about the reason they are here and they don’t want or need to be reminded about it.
Levi said he understood and agreed not to talk to anyone about what he might learn about the boys, including his wife. He told Ken and Wayne that although he trusts his wife, he does know that women tend to share ‘secrets’ and these are the types of things they would love to share as they get into their little coffee groups. Levi added that since they and their friends have been introduced to The Cove, and the boys, anything they learn about them would be fair game. Ken and Wayne looked back at one another with a smile.
The men then went upstairs to talk to the boys. Mr. Ken started at Mark’s room and when he finished the boy’s dad stayed and the father and son continued their own talks, as they had been doing.
Charles couldn’t wait until his dad came to his room. He missed him those past three days, and he wanted to just be with him again. Matthew was the same way. Billy also enjoyed resuming the talks with his foster dad and now that he was back living at The Cove, he wanted to make sure he wasn’t ever leaving again.
The boys were all happy they were together again, and that they would be leaving on their trip Monday morning. Knowing that, the Covers all slept well that Friday night.
The saga of Three Finger Cove continues. Let Chowhound know you are reading his story: Chowhound at CastleRoland dot Net
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