Published: 15 Aug 2024

From The Previous Chapter:

Mr. Ken hugged the boy and told him that he’s enjoyed having him there and when he leaves, he will still be a Cover and that he will be welcomed back just as Mark is. That made Phillip smile knowing he had someplace he can look forward to go to and visit.

Ken scratched behind Chief’s ear before going down to his own retreat.

It was a busy day for all of the Covers. When they each finally lay down in their own beds it didn’t take long for them to fall asleep. Another quiet night was had in The Cove that night.

Ken Thomas was up earlier than usual that Thursday morning. He knew he needed to leave around 8:15 in order to drive the boys over to the testing center, so they could take their career assessment.

Momma was surprised to see her employer out in the Kitchen Nook about fifteen minutes sooner than usual. So, she quickly brought his cup over to the table and filled it with hot coffee, while the man took his morning newspaper out of the sleeve.

Mr. Ken then told Momma that he and three of the boys had to leave by 8:15, so she asked her to fix a quick, but light breakfast for them. Momma said that she could and she hurried over to the counter and began fixing the boys’ and Mr. Ken’s breakfast.

Billy, Robert and Charles began filtering into the Kitchen Nook just before eight o’clock. ‘Dad’ Ken told them that they were cutting it a bit close, if they had intended on eating some breakfast. Momma told them to sit and as they did, she placed a plate with a rasher of bacon and three pancakes in front of each of them. Momma Maria then went and got glasses of milk for them to help wash it all down. ‘Dad’ Ken had already began eating his breakfast.

At 8:10, ‘Dad’ Ken told the boys to wash their hands and use the half bath, and then to meet him at the van, so they could leave at around 8:15. Robert quickly reminded his dad that their friends were going to start building one of the new lockers today. The teen’s dad thanked him for reminding him and he called Wayne to tell him what the boys were going to do that afternoon and for him and Dennis to help them. Then at the van, ‘dad’ Ken had Bill drive to the career assessment testing center, which was about forty minutes away. When they arrived, Ms. Judy and Eric were already waiting.

The six people walked into the center and Mr. Ken identified himself as having reserved four career assessment tests for that morning for the four teens that he had with him. The receptionist had him fill out some forms and he was happy he had Ms. Judy there, as she needed to fill one out for Eric because, since the boys were under age, they needed a parent or guardian’s approval for them to take the career assessment.

Mr. Ken told his ‘sons’ to call him when they were all done. He told them that he would come over and drive them all back to The Cove. Ms. Judy hugged her son and told him to just answer the questions as he feels them, and not to over think them. The adults then left and the proctor asked the boys to follow her into the testing room.

The career assessment proctor explained to the teenagers that the assessment is designed to help them narrow down their job choices, and to choose a career path that is compatible with their interests, skills, values, and personality.

The proctor went on to say that the career test was a little like playing “What do you want to be when you grow up?” with a twist. She explained that the twist was that the career assessment can give them concrete ideas about what they may be designed to do rather than just an opportunity to simply ponder on what they might want to do.

The proctor ended her spiel by saying, “This career assessment can help you gain insight into the careers that best fit your personality. That it will help you learn what kind of work environments and occupations suit you best. And, that it can help you understand the type and environment of work that will help you thrive as a person.”

The proctor then told the teens to answer the questions as to the way they feel about it and not to what they feel how we want them to answer. She further explained that the career assessment is about their goals, dreams, activities, and interests, so they can decide what they want to be when they grow up. The boys all laughed at hearing that. She then passed out the career assessment booklet and had them start and told them to take as much time as they needed.

Ken Thomas arrived at the office a little after 9:40, and when he entered the outer office area, Rosemary, his secretary, gave him his phone messages. One message that caught his eye was from Bill Jackson, his lawyer.

“Bill, I just got in, what do you have for me?” asked Ken Thomas, when his lawyer came to the phone.

“Ken … the lawyers for the alarm company … they have approached me with an offer to settle Bill’s lawsuit over the home invasion. It isn’t the full amount, which is what I figured they would come to me with, and Ken … I feel it is an honest and a fair settlement for the teenager to consider and possibly accept,” explained Bill Jackson, Ken’s lawyer and representative of Bill Dirketson for the lawsuit against the alarm company that didn’t properly install nor return to repair the malfunctioning panic button in the Goldersons’ home.

Bill Jackson explained the full offer the lawyers for the alarm company proposed for Ken’s foster son, Bill Dirketson to consider. The two men went through the entire proposal and the ramifications of accepting it viruses going to trial, and the possibilities of appeals and the lengthy process and added costs if they do so.

Ken then asked Bill if he could stop by later that evening and sit down and talk to Bill and explain it all to him. Ken asked Bill to give the teen the facts and figures, so he could decide for himself what he wanted to do.

Ken asked Bill to set it out for the teen Cover, just as he had for him, and explain the whole process to the teen about what he could receive now versus what he might get later. Ken wanted Bill to tell the teen that the jury could reduce the award because of any number of factors, and that the appeals process could increase costs and thus reduce his final award in the end.

Bill Jackson asked if he could be there before dinner, so he could be home with his family for dinner. Ken Thomas asked if four o’clock would work for him. The time was agreed upon and Bill said he would also bring Stewart Russell along with him.

Bill Jackson told Ken that he wanted to give Stewart some on-the-job training, so to speak, with this type of discussion. He added that the young lawyer is his ‘boys’’ counsel, and thus he should be aware of the things that go on with them. Ken told him to bring the man along and that he’ll have Bill waiting for them.

It was close to 12:30 when Robert called his dad tell him that the four of them were all finished with the career assessment. Dad Ken told his son that he’d be over there as soon as he could and that he’d give them the option of going out for a good lunch, or going back to The Cove for the barbeque. The dad told his son to let him know when he gets there.

‘Dad’ Ken took the boys out for a nice lunch. The five Covers went to Fuddruckers, a place that they had never gone to before, because it was a restaurant far away from The Cove, but close to where the career assessment testing was done.

The restaurant was known for its customizable burgers served with either fries or onion rings. Mr. Ken loved a place with onion rings, so he ordered a large basket with his burger. The boys also ordered burgers, but they were doubles with cheese and bacon and then all the Covers added lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cheese at the toppings bar. Their buns were overflowing.

As the Covers were eating, the boys told ‘dad’ Ken about the career assessment booklet they worked through and the types of questions they had to answer. Each of the teens told Mr. Ken how they answered certain questions, and the way they answered those questions indicated that they didn’t always reply in the same way.

The teens talked about the different areas the assessment focused on and how they would never have ever considered thinking about that if they were trying to figure out what they wanted to be when they grew up. They all laughed about that thought.

The boys were really energized about what they did that morning. Now that it was all over, they felt that it wasn’t a waste of time. They decided this will eventually give them something to use to focus their future on, as they plan what they will study in college. Mr. Ken was happy that the teens were enthusiastic about their own personal career assessment that they’d just taken.

When Mr. Ken brought the teens to The Cove, he took Bill aside and told him that Bill Jackson and Stewart Russell would be there at four o’clock to talk to him about his lawsuit against the alarm company.

Robert, Charles and Eric quickly changed and headed back up to the Pavilion to help with whatever needed to be done to finish building the first locker.

It was already three in the afternoon, so instead of Mr. Ken going back to the office, he used his Study to handle any work, from there, that needed to be taken care of. He and Ben talked about next year’s goals for their parks, and when Ben will announce next year’s new rides for their parks.

Billy went and talked to Lonnie about the career assessment he took that morning, while he waited for Mr. Jackson and Mr. Russell to come there to talk to him. He told his friend that it was well worth his time, and that he was now looking forward to getting his report that will offer him some insight on what he could focus on when he plans to go to college.

Bill Jackson and Stewart Russell arrived just before four o’clock and when Billy saw them arrive, he hurried down to the house. When the teenager entered the house, he went directly to the Study.

“Bill, come on in and have a seat. Mr. Jackson is here to discuss with you the offer the lawyers for the alarm company have offered. Stewart Russell is here as your counsel, as am I,” announced the teenagers foster dad, Ken Thomas.

“Bill, the lawyers for the alarm company have sent me an offer lower than what we have sued for. And what I want to do for you is explain the pros and cons for their offer, and explain to you what might and might not happen if we proceed to trial and win, or lose, or win and the jury changes the award,” started off Bill Jackson.

“OK, let me start by saying that the lawyers have sent me their fair and honest offer of $1.75 million dollars. As you know, we initially sued them for $2 million dollars and then amended that to $2.5 million.

“As it now stands, if you accept their offer of the $1.75 million dollars there will be my fees of a flat 25 percent. Keeping that in mind, you will then receive $1.31 million dollars. And one good thing about this offer is … is that you will not have to testify, and it is tax free.

“OK, if you chose to continue with the lawsuit, and we go to trial and you win the full $2.5 million dollars, after my fees of 33 percent, administrative costs and for expert witness fees you will receive approximately $1.6 million dollars.

“But … keep in mind … you will have to testify … and that the company will undoubtedly appeal that verdict. And if they do … I want you to understand that it will … it will increase the cost to you for us to continue to go to court to fight that appeal.

“Bill … if we win the appeal … your costs go up, as my time is increased and the use of those expert witnesses is also extended. So, with everything being equal, you could expect to receive approximately $1.4 million dollars.

“Bill, I also want to warn you … that at any trial … where one party is suing another, the jury … it can adjust the award either upward or downward. That is the chance you will have to take if you decide to proceed. Again, keep in mind … that you will also have to testify at any trial that we proceed to.

“I know, Bill, that I just hit you with a bunch of numbers. I think Stewart has written them all down, and, as your counsel, he and your guardian, Mr. Ken … they both can get with you and let you get your mind around them, so you can decide what you want to do.

“The alarm company’s lawyers have asked me to get back with them by close of business tomorrow, Friday. I’d ask you to sit with Stewart and Ken right now, and ask them what they think and, while I’m here, ask me any questions you may have,” finished Bill Jackson.

Bill Dirketson was taken aback at what he just heard concerning his lawsuit against the alarm company that had improperly installed the upstairs panic button at the Goldersons’ home.

Billy asked Bill Jackson why his costs go up if they have to go to trial. Lawyer Jackson told the teenager that if they settle his overhead isn’t as much, and he doesn’t have to do as much research, or contact expert witnesses to accomplish the end result. Bill Jackson then reasoned that if he has to spend more time doing trial preparation, research and find those expert witnesses and then spend a considerable amount of time in court, he has to charge more for the extra service.

The teen Cover was satisfied with the man’s answer, so he then asked Mr. Ken and Stewart Russell what they initially thought about what he should do. Mr. Ken told his foster son that if he accepts the offer, he would get $1.31 million dollars free and clear to invest for his future.

Mr. Ken then advised his foster son that if he pursues the lawsuit, he can expect to be inconvenienced by having to testify, and that he could get anywhere from $1.4 million to $1.6 million dollars if he wins, and depending on whether the company appeals, and if the jury changes the award amount either upward or downward. But in the end, the foster dad said to Bill that he was actually having to choose between either the $1.3 or $1.4 million dollars.

Stewart Russell concurred with what Ken Thomas told his foster son. The lawyer said that more money sounds good, but that Bill also needed to consider at what cost of time, trouble and hassle and how long will the process take. Stewart said the appeals process could take upwards of three years, and that if he invested the initial amount in a good way, he could have the same amount of money, without having to testify, and waiting for the cash.

Billy sat there and asked to see the numbers on a sheet of paper. Then after looking at them the Teenager asked Bill Jackson if it was true that if they won and the company appealed that he was really only looking at getting, in the end, either the $1.3 million or $1.4 million dollars.

Bill Jackson told the teenager that he couldn’t guarantee any number except the $1.31 million dollars that he would get free and clear of taxes. The lawyer explained that after they continue on to trial any number of factors can affect the outcome of the verdict and his award. So, the lawyer told the teen that he could not, in good faith, promise or assure him that he would receive any amount of money at the end of the trial, or appeal.

“So … you’re telling me that I can get a sure thing, $1.31 million dollars now, or go to trial and take my chances and, what, maybe get between $1.4 and $1.6 million dollars, or even less, or maybe even more, but I might have to wait up to maybe three years for it?” directly asked Bill Dirketson, of the three men in the Study.

The three men looked back and forth to one another to see who would answer the teenager. But it was Stewart Russell, who did answer the teenager.

“Yes, Billy … yes … I think you have the concept down of what Mr. Jackson is telling you,” was how Stewart Russell answered. “You can take the sure thing, as you so stated, or … or, you can essentially try for more.

“But you really won’t get that much more and it could take a long time. And you will be distracted and the process could take upwards of three plus years, and it will be a pain besides you having to testify at each and every trial.”

“Mr. Ken … what do you think I should do?” lightly asked the man’s foster son.

Mr. Ken sat there looking at the teenager, and then said, “Bill … I think you know what decision IS … the right one. You don’t need to let this drag on for years and years, and let it be a distraction, while you are going to college and focused on your future.”

Billy sat there thinking of all that money and what he could do with it. The teen then told himself he really didn’t know what he could do with all that money. He then asked his foster dad, “Mr. Ken … what … what would I do with all that money?”

“Bill … I’d say we’d let you set aside a few dollars, so you can buy your first clunker car,” laughed Mr. Ken. “And then we invest the rest in municipal bonds, different types of stocks, short-term investments, certificates of deposit, money markets, some in savings and whatever else we can find,” said a smiling Ken Thomas.

Bill Dirketson looked over at Bill Jackson and told him that he would accept the offer to settle the lawsuit. The teenager then asked what he needed to do. The lawyer told him that there would be some papers that he and his guardian would have to sign, but that would come later. Bill Jackson indicated that he would contact the alarm company’s lawyers tomorrow and tell them that they have a deal, and that the final papers would be signed sometime next week.

Mr. Ken then told Bill that he would be out of town Tuesday and Wednesday and possibly Thursday of next week, so he would have to work around that if he has to sign any official papers, to accept the settlement of the lawsuit.

Bill Jackson said that knowing that, he would plan for a Friday signing. He then told Billy that what they just discussed was privileged, and he was not to discuss it with anyone, but those who were in the room.

Billy looked at his foster dad, who told him that his ‘brothers’ were not to be told anything about what was said in here. The foster dad said that until the papers were signed the lawsuit was still in effect. He recommended that the teen tell his ‘brothers’ that we were discussing our strategy as we go to trial next month on the lawsuit. Bill Jackson said that was a great cover.

With the meeting concluded, the four walked to the Foyer Door and Mr. Ken thanked the two lawyers for coming out there to discuss the lawsuit with Bill. Mr. Ken and Billy then went back into the Study to discuss what the teen would do with all that money.

Since Billy never went back up to the Pavilion, he was inundated with questions at dinner as to why the two lawyers came over to The Cove to talk to him. So, staying to the story they agreed upon in the Study, Billy told his ‘brothers’ that Bill Jackson and Stewart Russell were there to talk about his lawsuit against the alarm company that had improperly installed the upstairs panic button at the Goldersons’ home.

The teen’s ‘brothers’ asked him if the trial would interfere with his going to visit their ‘dad’s’ amusement parks. They then realized that their ‘dad’ would have to be there with Billy and they now wondered if they would even get to go to visit the parks. They asked their dad about that.

‘Dad’ Ken told the boys that they would have to play that by ear, for now, and trust that Mr. Jackson can work a miracle before the trial ever happens.

In the Study after the Covers ate, Mr. Ken reminded Bill that he had his driver’s test on Saturday at ten o’clock. He told the boys that he would be leaving on Tuesday and possibly returning sometime Thursday evening. The next thing the man talked to the boys about was Chief and her getting close to her due date. Mr. Ken told them that the resident pet could very well have her litter of puppies while he was gone, and for them to start watching her very closely starting Tuesday. He then covered what they needed to watch for.

‘Dad’ Ken then asked the boys if they had anything they wanted to bring up. Robert told his dad that the first locker was built and they have it standing next to the Pavilion. The teen added that they hoped to have the second one built tomorrow and then asked when would he have the carpenters come over to help install them. The teen’s dad said that he’d have to ask the men tomorrow if they could do that over the weekend.

‘Dad’ Ken then asked the boys if they had anything they wanted to ask him. Charles asked him when they could have another sleepover. The teenager mentioned that it had been quite some time since the last one, and that with everything going on and Chief having her litter they won’t be able to have one after that.

Mr. Ken asked the boys when they would like to have one. Charles said Saturday, Sunday or Monday night. ‘Dad’ Ken looked to Mr. Wayne, who was non-committal, and said that he would have to talk to Mr. Dennis tomorrow, to see if he could be convinced to support it. He then asked the boys if having a few of their friends spend the night at a time would work instead.

Phillip asked his ‘dad’ how that worked. Robert answered for his dad and told his youngest ‘brother’ that they would each invite two or three friends, and the next time they would invite someone different. The teen also said that they wouldn’t have the big pizza party or large breakfast cookout, or sub making, but they could do some of that including a movie and midnight snack and swimming in the pool.

Billy asked his foster dad if they could talk about doing that after the sleep over, but that they all would like to do at least one more big sleep over before school starts. Mr. Ken said that he’d talk to the men tomorrow, and they need to talk to their friends so see which night would be best for them.

With the meeting over, the boys went up to their rooms, while ‘dad’ Ken and Mr. Wayne stayed in the Study and talked about the sleepover. Wayne said that if the boys wanted one last sleepover he’d vote for Saturday or Sunday night, so that their dad was there. Then he smiled. But the Estate Master said that the boys had a point that once the puppies come, they won’t be able to have a big sleepover and use the Great Room, until the puppies are gone, or at least until they were five to six weeks old.

Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne did go up to say good night to the boys. Mr. Ken reminded Billy that he couldn’t talk to anyone about what they discussed in the Study earlier. Phillip was surprised when Mr. Wayne came to his room to say good night to him. It was something he wasn’t used to, but it was also something unique for him.

Then, Mr. Ken, after stopping to talk to his other ‘boys’ stopped by and the youngest Cover felt really good to have both men stop by to talk to him. He told his ‘dad’ that he was really going to miss that special time when he goes back to living with his mom.

After talking to the boys, Mr. Wayne headed to his own apartment, and then Mr. Ken headed to his own retreat. It was an interesting day for a few of the Covers, but they were all tired after a full day of activities. It didn’t take long for all of the Covers to fall asleep after draining their dragons and laying down on their beds.

The day started as they usually did with Mr. Ken getting up at his usual time, getting ready for his day at the office, heading out to the Kitchen Nook for his first cup of coffee, and then reading his morning newspaper before heading over to the office.

The first Cover boy down was Billy. He said good morning to his foster dad, who asked him why he was down so early. The teen told his foster dad that he missed working on the estate walls yesterday with Lonnie, and he will miss tomorrow when he goes for his driver’s test, and he didn’t want to miss any more time.

Mr. Ken told the teen that he appreciated that he didn’t want to duck out on his job, but that he does have other responsibilities, such as being a teenager. The foster dad then smiled at his foster son, so he knew that he wanted the teen to do what was necessary.

“Thank you for saying that, Mr. Ken. But … well, I went down to the Riverwalk and to SeaWorld and then yesterday … I took that career assessment. So, for me, I feel like I missed doing my job. And now tomorrow, I will miss my job again, for at least part of the day. I feel like I’m letting Lonnie down by not being there with him,” confessed Billy.

“Bill … each and every one of those days that you missed doing your job … they were all good reasons for you not to be there. And it is not like you have a family to feed that you had to show up to work.

“Visiting the Alamo, the Riverwalk, the Missions and then going to SeaWorld where you have never been before … they were all part of your being exposed to life. Then your career assessment … it was designed for you to know what your strengths are, so you can focus on your future. So, Bill … please don’t fret over a few days of missed work now, when they won’t count against you,” counseled Mr. Ken.

Momma had placed Billy’s breakfast in front of him, and he had begun to eat it, while Mr. Ken had been talking to him.

Mr. Ken then asked Billy, “Bill … which day would you prefer for the sleepover to happen, Saturday, Sunday or Monday?”

Bill finished chewing what was in his mouth and swallowed it before he answered. “Mr. Ken … I think Saturday would be the best day. But I don’t know if everybody could get permission at such short notice.”

Robert and Charles had come into the Kitchen Nook while Mr. Ken and Billy were beginning to talk about the sleepover. So, they jumped into the discussion and agreed that Saturday was the better day. Mr. Ken told the boys that they had their work cut out for them, as they would need to get their friends’ parents’ permission, then they needed to buy the sandwich fixings and get Momma to buy the pancake and scrambled eggs mixes.

“So, Bill … if you do that, you’ll miss more of you work today, then,” advised Mr. Ken.

“Yea, I guess I will, Mr. Ken. Lonnie’s worked without me before. We just have to ask Momma to go out with me and get those things for us,” replied Billy.

Matthew and Phillip came into the Nook by then, and they heard the gist of the conversation and they were smiling that they would have their sleepover tomorrow night. Robert told his ‘brothers’ that they needed to call their friends now, so they would know about the sleepover and they could talk to their parents before they came over today.

Mr. Ken told the boys that he needed to get to the office and for them to talk to Mr. Wayne that Saturday night would be the sleepover. He then asked Momma to go with Bill and get what they needed for their sleepover. The owner of The Cove then departed for his office.

The boys ate their breakfast and then they went upstairs and got their showers. Billy took one too, as he would be going with Momma Maria to buy what they needed for the sleepover. After the boys got dressed for their day, they all took out their cell phones and began calling their friends to tell them about the sleepover.

When Charles had called all of his friends, he made one last call. It was to Richard. He told his friend about the sleepover and he asked him to talk to his dad about letting him come over Saturday night for pizza, a movie and then breakfast and sub sandwiches for lunch. He told him Matthew was going to invite his younger brother. Richard told him that he’d let him know.

At the office, Mr. Ken talked to Ben about the first night’s tally at the Four Corners Amusement Park. He was interested in knowing how well Nelson did by opening the park unannounced. Ben told his boss that he had to call over there to get the revenue numbers and would get back to him.

Mr. Ken then called his investors on the Marina Project. He asked them when was a good time for them to meet and talk over the project and to decide its opening day and the Grand Opening. He told them of his schedule and thus his availability. They decided to meet Monday night at six o’clock at the project. They agreed to look the Marina Project over and get an update from the on-site supervisor, and then they would go over to the Four Corners Restaurant to discuss having a ‘soft’ opening and then when to have a Grand Opening.

Ken then called Kate to see how she was doing. She told him that the closer they get to next Wednesday the more anxious she has become over the results. Ken tried to alleviate her fears by telling her that, whatever the outcome, he would be there for her. Kate thanked him for promising to be at the courthouse with her next Wednesday, and that she was looking forward to seeing him next Tuesday.

When Ken got off the phone with Kate, Ben came to him with the figures for Four Corners for their first night of ‘soft’ operations.

“Ken … wait until you see these figures. I think you have a winner at Four Corners,” offered Ben Walthers, the President of Three finger Entertainment.

Ken looked at the figures Ben placed in front of him and he whistled. “Dang, Ben, they were only opened for four hours the other night, and Nelson took in that amount of money? And broken down the refreshment stand that only sold sodas and a few odds and ends did very well themselves.

“I took the boys over there and we rode the Speedway and Tilt-A-Whirl and added to the total myself,” touted Ken Thomas. “The boys played all of the games and we even bought sodas and soft pretzels, too. And I was surprised at how many people had stopped by with their small children to try out the children’s rides.

“Nelson told me before we left that he was going to have a different family ride open tonight, but not all of the rides. He also told me that he would have the second refreshment stand open and that he would start expanding the menu with them selling hot dogs. He told me that he would slowly add to the menu to allow the workers to get used to handling the money and credit cards. He is doing a good job out there, Ben.”

Ben told Ken that he’d stop by there tonight with his family. He mentioned that he too, wanted to see how the crowds are and to watch the rides and refreshment operations. Ken told him to take lots of cash with him, or have his credit card ready. Then he laughed.

That was when Ken told Ben that they didn’t discuss what the price of a single ride would be. Ken then explained that when he and the boys wanted to ride the Speedway and the Tilt-A-Whirl he didn’t think he could because they had only talked about an All-Day-Ride price but not a single ride price.

Ken then told Ben that Nelson came to him and told him that other people had asked him the same question, so he set a Soft Opening Special Price of 2 rides for $5.00. Ben was happy that Nelson had done that, but he wondered if that was a fair price for the guest and them. The two then took some time to talk about maybe setting a single ride price for all the rides, once they have their Grand Opening.

Billy went to Lonnie and told him that they were going to have a sleepover Saturday night and he was going with Momma to get the needed items for it. He apologized for missing so much work, but Lonnie told him that it didn’t bother him, as he was still working and getting paid, unlike him. The two had a good laugh.

Billy and Momma then went out to buy all of the needed items for the breakfast and the sub sandwiches. They also were going to buy the extra drinks for the drink machines and anything else they needed for the future barbeques, while they were out.

When the Covers’ friends came over, they were all excited and talking about tomorrow night’s sleep over. Phillip’s friends especially were thrilled about the sleepover, but more so was Bryce, as this would be his first sleepover at The Cove. He got to stay for the pizza and movie party for the twins, but now he’d also get to spend the night and swim in the indoor pool, jump off the rock ledge and have a midnight snack.

But with the talk about the sleepover, they had forgotten all about their building the second locker. Robert and Charles did remind them that it was something that they could get built and stood up next to the other one and then they could all sit back and relax.

The Covers went to get all the tools while the boys laid out the parts. And since they’d built the other one just yesterday the second one went together quickly enough. The boys then lifted in place next to the other newly built locker.

When Momma and Billy returned from their shopping trip, the teenager drove over to the Pavilion and had the gathered boys help unload the van and store everything where it belonged. The boys who’d been to the sleepovers, where they built their own sub sandwiches could smell the meats and cheeses, and knew Sunday afternoon’s meal would be wonderful.

Billy and his ‘brothers’ thanked Momma for going shopping for them. They all knew that without her help their sleepovers wouldn’t be as exciting as they are now. She helped them formulate their present form of the meals that they serve, otherwise they would be peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or jelly donuts.

Later that evening when, ‘dad’ Ken talked to the boys after dinner, and he covered the upcoming events that would occur around The Cove, the boy’s ‘dad’ threw their future plans for a loop.

“Boys … it dawned on me that with Chief having her litter … that she is going to need our help. Why do I say that? Well … once she has her puppies, it will take about three weeks before they open their eyes. During that time, we’ll need to be here to change out the whelping box pads, as the pups will soil it and Chief can’t do that herself.

“Even after the puppies can see they will remain inside the whelping box until around the fourth week when they will begin to walk more and try to climb out of the whelping box. But keep in mind, we will still have to be here to change out the soiled pads. At four weeks the puppies will want to walk, run and play more, and keeping them in the whelping box will be tough. Chief might help us there, but that will have to be seen.

“At four weeks they will also have begun to eat solid foods, and we will have to be here to set out their food. Remember … there are going to be at least seven pups, so we will have our work cut out for us.

“So … why am I bringing this up? Boys … with Chief going to birth her litter around the twentieth and school starting four plus weeks after that … well, I don’t see us, or at least all of us, visiting the amusement parks before school begins,” announced ‘dad’ Ken.

The boys all began talking at once. They all talked how they could go and have someone come in and take care of Chief while they were gone. ‘Dad’ Ken heard what they were saying, so he asked them who did they know that they could trust to not only take care of Chief and her pups, but also be responsible enough to care for The Cove.

Matthew answered the question with, “Mr. Dan!”

Mr. Ken laughed at the name, and agreed that the man would be responsible enough, but he asked if it would be fair to also ask him to take care of seven puppies to include changing the whelping box to feeding them, besides doing his sheriff’s job?

The boys then mentioned Mr. Chris, and Ms. Judy and then they added Mr. Dennis to the mix, but they all knew that none of those names would work because of their jobs. The boys were beside themselves and they asked their ‘dad’ if he had a solution.

“Boys … the only solution I have is … is that some of you … will have to stay home. It is as simple as that. Or … all of you stay home, and I go and do the inspection visits by myself. You’ve already seen the parks, and you’ll get to go there during the Holidays, so you won’t miss anything. That is … unless you can come up with a workable solution that I can agree to,” offered ‘dad’ Ken.

To change the subject, ‘Dad’ Ken then asked Billy if he was ready for tomorrow’s driver’s test. The teenager said he felt he was ready for the driver’s part of the test. He told his foster dad that he’s been driving a lot as of late, and he is comfortable behind the wheel. ‘Dad’ Ken told the teen that they should leave the house by 9:15 to be sure they are there in time. The man also said that they would use the Taurus, since the teen was the most familiar with that vehicle.

The Covers then talked about tomorrow’s sleepover. ‘Dad’ Ken wanted to know how many people they should expect. Phillip quickly said all six of his friends would be there. Billy said he and Lonnie would be there. Charles told his dad that nine of his friends would be there, and he invited Richard, but he hadn’t heard from him, yet. Matthew said that he invited ten of his friends.

Robert told his dad that he invited all nine of his friends, but that four of them were working until ten o’clock tomorrow night. He asked his dad if they could still come over after they finished working. Dad Ken said he didn’t have a problem with that. He told his son that he should then save some pizza for them, for when they arrive.

Mr. Wayne said that it sounded as if there could be as many as 38 plus him, Mr. Ken and Mr. Dennis there tomorrow night. The Estate Master then asked if they wanted to do the Movie up at the Pavilion, as they did for the twins, or at the Patio. The boys voted for the Pavilion.

The boys then asked if they could go over to Four Corners. “Dad’ Ken told them that Mr. Ben and his family were going over there tonight, so he didn’t want to have both bosses over there at the same time. The boys were disappointed.

As it was getting late, the boys went up to their rooms to relax before going to bed. Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne stayed down in the Study to talk some before going up to talk to them. Wayne wanted to know if the man had any other options for taking care of Chief, while he and the boys visited the parks. Mr. Ken told him that he hadn’t.

Since he would need to be there when his employer took Billy to take his driver’s test, Mr. Wayne left The Cove instead of going up to talk the boys.

Mr. Ken didn’t spend a lot of time talking to the boys that night. They all were dismayed about the problem with taking care of Chief, and their going to visit the amusement parks. Their ‘dad’ told them that it is what it is, and they have to deal with it one way or the other.

Phillip told his ‘dad’ that the sleepover will be the first time for Bryce. The youngest Cover then told his foster dad that he doesn’t know what he’ll do when he goes back to living with his mom. He told ‘dad’ Ken that he’s had so much to do there all the time that living with his mom will probably be like being in a prison, because he will only have his room and no ‘brothers’ and friends around all the time.

Mr. Ken pulled the boy to him and hugged him tight. The man told Phillip that he will just have to continue to work on his guitar playing and to find other boys, and maybe a few girls, who also play instruments, and see if they can all get together, as he did here at The Cove.

Phillip thanked his foster dad for talking to him, and told him that he didn’t know how he could ever repay him for what he’s done for him. The young Cover then shed a few tears for how he felt about everything he’s been given a chance to do there.

Mr. Ken finally got down to his own retreat. The week was over and he was ready to relax, but he had to get up in the morning to take Bill to his driver’s test, so he knew he couldn’t sleep in. So, the man got ready for bed, made sure his alarm clock was set to wake him up, and then he went and laid down.

The day was over for the Covers, and now they were all at home and in bed. The night was to be uneventful and they all slept well.

The saga of Three Finger Cove continues. Let Chowhound know you are reading his story: Chowhnd at Gmail dot Com

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