Published: 27 Nov 2025

From the Previous Chapter:

As the owner of The Cove was getting ready for bed that Wednesday evening, he thought to himself about what the fire marshal told him about Darrin possibly being a part of a two-man arsonist team. He, for the life of him, couldn’t believe that the teen could be a part of anything like that. He told himself that the teen had never wanted to go outside The Cove by himself, and had never shown an interest in matches, lighters or anything that had to do with fire.

The man decided he was worrying about something that didn’t appear to be worth worrying about, so with that, he turned off the lights in his retreat crawled under the covers and went to sleep. The Cove was quiet throughout the night.

During breakfast that Thursday morning, ‘dad’ Ken reminded the three younger Covers not to mention anything about the fire marshal, and how he was asked to leave The Cove yesterday.

Darrin did ask if it was alright to tell his friends that the fire marshal did come there to talk to him, since they knew there was that possibility. Mr. Ken told the teen that it was OK for him to tell them that. But he asked the teen not to go into too much detail about what was said, and to only say thing in generalities. The teen said that he could do that.

The man also reminded the boys that Sunday was their Family Day and that they should remind their friends that they could not come over that day.

Then, before the boys left to walk up to the Main Gate to catch the school bus, ‘dad’ Ken reminded Darrin that he had a dentist appointment after school that day.

When the three older teenagers came down for breakfast, ‘dad’ Ken also reminded them not to go about telling everyone about how the fire marshal departed The Cove last night. He mentioned that if they felt like they had to saying anything that they should say that the man did come there to talk to Darrin about the house fire, and leave it at that, since they were not in the Study where the meeting took place.

Then before the teenagers left to catch the school bus, Mr. Ken reminded the boys that Sunday was their Family Day, and that they needed to tell their friends, as well as the ones who have part time jobs, that they could not come over that day, due to them being gone all day.

When the younger boys arrived at their school, Darrin’s friends gathered around him and asked him if the fire marshal talked to him last night. The Cover told them that the man did arrive just after five o’clock and he, Mr. Ken, his lawyer and the fire marshal talked about how he recognized that something was on fire. The Cover added that he told the man how he asked Mr. Gene and Mr. George to come to that house and check to see if there was something wrong, as he thought there might be.

The boys wanted to know more, but Darrin told them that there wasn’t anything else, but the man asking him to go through what he did step by step. Sam spoke up just then and told the friends how Darrin insisted there was something on fire and how Mr. Gene and Mr. George had them spread out to ask the other Trick-Or-Treaters if they smelled smoke and, if so, where did they think it was coming from.

Terran continued the story by saying how the adults had them spread out to search for something on fire when Darrin called them over to the house that was For Sale. The young teen mentioned how both men checked the house out and decided that it was on fire, and then they called the fire department and Sheriff’s office.

Other classmates had heard that Darrin located a house that was on fire the other night and they were listening in on the friend’s conversation. Some of them chuckled when they learned that they had been out Trick-Or-Treating, but when the five boys told them how much candy and other treats that they got their peers went silent.

Phillip and Matthew’s friends also wanted to know if Darrin had to talk to anyone about the house fire that he identified the other night, while they were out Trick-Or-Treating. Other students in their classes heard that one of their ‘brothers’ noticed that a house was on fire and they wanted to know more.

Both Covers told their classmates how Darrin smelled something like it was burning and he convinced the two men walking with them that they all needed to check it out. They both told the story as it happened and that their ‘brother’ talked to the fire marshal last night at The Cove and he told him the same thing.

The ones who hadn’t gone out ‘begging’ for candy, as Mr. Ken put it, asked them if they made a big haul. The Covers told how their pillow cases were almost overflowing before they found the house that was on fire.

Phillip then added to his group of fellow students how the man, when he told him that the house next door was on fire, got out his garden hose and began wetting down the side of his house and roof, until the fire department came and started doing that for him.

Once Mr. Ken arrived at work, Rosemary, his executive secretary, had a message from Amy Ozarker, his back east lawyer, that she had called and had wanted him to call her, as soon as he arrived, as she had a court case later that morning.

Mr. Ken went to his desk and called Amy to find out what she needed to tell him.

“Amy, what good news, I hope, do you have for me?” asked Mr. Ken.

“Mr. Thomas, I attended the Lake Water Board’s meeting last night … and after some very contentious citizen feedback, they have approved your request to take the lake’s water and to return it at the end of the summer swimming season.

“They reasoned to the public that you are only borrowing it and that you would return it in better condition than when you took it from the lake. They also told the citizens that with your being able to use the lake’s water it would reduce the strain on the city’s water supply because you wouldn’t be taking huge amounts of treated water away from the households and potentially causing lower water pressures during certain times of the summer.

“Mr. Ken … Mr. Arnolds was there, as well … and he told the Lake Water Board that you had discussed with him the possibility of you building … a one-million-gallon storage tank, sometime in the future. Mr. Arnolds … he indicated that it would ultimately help service the water park’s needs, but that it could also be a back-up water supply for that area’s residents. Is that true, Mr. Thomas?” asked Amy Ozarker.

“Yes, Amy, that is true. You do know that I also own most of the surrounding lake property, right? And by me building that storage tank … I am also supporting the houses that I intend to build, once that highway construction project is completed.

“So, it will not only be good for my Crystal Lake Water Park, but it will be used as an additional potable water storage resource for the area, and it will ultimately help with maintaining water pressure in that area, as well,” fully explained M. Ken.

“That is so good to hear, Mr. Ken. Once that road is built out to the lake everyone expects the area to explode with new housing, restaurants and small stores along the lake shore and into the hillside. Ahh, Mr. Ken …if you ever need a lawyer … I’m available,” chuckled Amy.

“Amy … you’ve done such a wonderful job for me and Kate; how could I not ask you to help me when the time came. Kate’s realtor …he will be handling the sales on those properties and I’ve interviewed a number of builders out that way.

“But I haven’t decided on any one builder, just yet. I might let two or three of them offer different styles and let the buying public decide on what they want versus me only giving them four or five styles to choose from. But I’ve got the time to decide on that. So, I better let you go so you can make your court appearance,” offered Mr. Ken.

Ken then decided to call Kate. He didn’t want to wait as long as he did before he called her, as he had previously done. When they talked, he told her about the house fire that Darrin found and about the fire marshal coming to The Cove to question him. Ken also told his girlfriend about what the fire marshal told him how they felt that the teen was part of a two-person arson team.

Kate told her boyfriend that she was at a loss after hearing that, and then asked how was it then that the two boys burned down their own home to lose not only their mom and dad but then the older teen died, as well. She felt that they wouldn’t do that to themselves and that the materials could have been planted to make it look like they were the ones responsible for the fires in their area. She asked Ken if he ever learned how Darrin escaped from the burning house.

Ken told her that it was on his mind, but because he had lost his entire family, he hadn’t wanted to add insult to injury, so close to his arrival, that he had been putting it off. He indicated that he might just have to ask him now with the fire marshal’s inquiry.

The two lovebirds talked about the pending wedding ceremony and how it might look at The Cove. Ken had to be honest with Kate as he told her he had no idea what Jules and Eleanor had planned, as they were supposed to be working it all through Chris. He told her in retrospect that he probably should talk to Chris to find out what they had planned, so he doesn’t find out at the last minute that they decided to paint or construct something that will mar the looks of The Cove.

Ken did remind Kate that next week he was going to allow Chief to again get heavy with pups and by the time they arrive for Thanksgiving the resident pet might begin to show that she was putting on her belly weight. He told her that just in case the boys ask why Chief was not playing with them as she once did, and why she was getting fat. Kate thanked him for the advanced notice.

With the Diamond-Whittier wedding on his mind, Ken Thomas called The Cove to talk with Chris, his Estate Manager. He wanted to know what the soon-to-be wedded couple had planned to do for their nuptials, and the reception that was only sixteen days away.

Chris Dominions told his employer that the couple still wanted to have their nuptials out on the Patio, with the lake as their backdrop. The Estate Manager, told Mr. Ken that the wedding planner would be delivering a Classic Greco-Roman Style Colonnade Arch the week of the wedding, along with flower stands and other accompaniments that they will decorate the day before the ceremony. He added that there will also be between forty to fifty white seats also brought in on Friday to be set up prior to the ceremony.

Chris continued and told Mr. Ken that they will have a Gift Table on the Patio and one up at the Pavilion for those guests who attend the ceremony, and for those who just come for the reception. The Estate Manager added that the wedding cake will be on a separate table up at the Pavilion and the caterer wants to set up a covered serving area in the case of bad weather, and that they will begin their preparations on Thursday before the wedding. The caterer will also provide additional tables and chairs where people can sit and eat.

Chris then told his boss that he informed Jules that they only had a finite amount of colorful seating, tables and umbrellas that they set around the Pavilion and elsewhere near the Cove Skate Park, and that it would not be hardly enough for 250 people and that he would need to provide some sort of chairs to accommodate them, too.

Mr. Ken told Chris to plan for Phillip’s band to play from the storage garage, as they do every day. He then said that he needed to decide what the boys should wear for the reception. So, he asked if Chris knew what colors had Eleanor decided to use for her wedding. Chris said he didn’t know, but that he will call Jules to find out. Then he asked why. Mr. Ken said that he felt the boys should wear something that would go with those colors, but until he knew what they were he couldn’t say, just yet.

When Mr. Ken finished talking with Chris, he called Ms. Judy. He had to wait for her to get off the phone with someone. When the Director of CPS came on the line the two exchanged pleasantries until Ken told her his call was about the meeting between Eugene Murphy, the County Fire Marshal and his foster son, Darrin Rossman.

Ms. Judy had him tell her everything that happened. But the important thing that Ken told her, that she wasn’t aware of and which surprised her the most, was what Eugene Murphy told Ken when he first arrived at The Cove.

When Ken told her that when they investigated the Rossman’s fire, they found many of the same materials that were used to start the fires at all of the other suspicious fires in the southern part of the county. Ken then added Murphy thought they had found their arsonist with the demise of sixteen-year-old Dawson Rossman. But after some hard thinking they figured it was a two-man team.

Ken told Judy that they figured that one drove to the buildings and then the two of them helped one another, deployed the accelerant all over the intended target and then they used a simple delay mechanism, so that they would be home when the fires actually started.

It was when Ken told the Director of Children’s Protective Services that they found parts and pieces of such a delay mechanism in the Rossman’s basement that was not totally destroyed by the fire because the water had pooled down there and shielded them from the fire that made them decide on that both Dawson and Darrin were involved.

Judy was just as dumbfounded as Kate was earlier, because she couldn’t understand what could have happened that they burned down their own home only to have their parents get killed and then one of the boys dies in the process, as well.

Ken asked Judy if anyone talked to Darrin to find out how he escaped from the house, while the rest of the family didn’t. Judy told her friend that she hadn’t heard, but remarked that it would be a very good question to ask and learn how the teenager was able to save himself from the burning building, when no one else did.

Ken told her that if he finds out the answer to that question that he’d let her know. Then the two ended their phone conversation.

After dinner that evening, during the Covers meeting, ‘dad’ Ken covered what he usually did about who had appointments and what was going to happen at The Cove in the coming days, weeks and months, so the boys were aware of them and not be caught off guard.

‘Dad’ Ken did add an item, or two, though. He reminded Robert that he and Eric needed to cut and trim the field and that the boys needed to power wash the restrooms that three-day weekend he and Phillip are away. He also asked the boys and their friends to wash down the tables and seats and anything else that needs attention, so that the Pavilion looks its best for the reception.

‘Dad’ Ken then asked Darrin how his dentist appointment went today. The teen told his foster dad that he no longer has any cavities and his teeth are clean and polished. The teen then smiled big as he showed his teeth to everyone.

The foster dad then addressed Phillip. He told the boy that he was going to find out what the wedding colors were so that the band could wear something close to it, or contrasting. The boys foster dad told him that he would buy the band what they would need, so for him not to worry.

‘Dad’ Ken then asked Phillip if he knew if his band was practicing the Christmas songs. The young Cover told his ‘dad’ that they told him that they were working on the simplest ones, like Jingle Bells and Frosty and they would work on all of them this weekend. Phillip then added with him going away for three-days he would have to work on the songs by himself after this weekend, and he wasn’t sure if he could learn them without his band mates.

“Phillip … you are … a very good guitar player. And I bet that you will know the ten Christmas songs by the time we go on our trip. So, please, ‘son’, don’t fret, or agonize, over this. Just practice as you have been doing every night, and I know you’ll be able to play the songs when Mr. Ben and Mr. Nelson come to audition the band. And don’t forget to tell Mr. Bindy about you being away next weekend. OK?

“Just make sure that the band … that they come over that weekend you are gone, and that they practice the ten songs, as well as the wedding songs for Mr. Jules and Ms. Eleanor, and you all will do well. Trust me,” counseled ‘dad’ Ken.

Phillip smiled at hearing what his ‘dad said to him. His ‘brothers’ then all spoke up and agreed with what ‘dad’ Ken had said about him being a good guitar player.

After the boys were sent up to their rooms to relax before going to bed, Mr. Ken and Wayne talked about the upcoming wedding and reception, and what the owner of The Cove wanted the Estate Master to do before then.

“Wayne … what I need for you to do is get with the landscaping service … get with them and have them come in and spruce up the Patio, Cove Skate Park and Pavilion areas. Have them add new mulch and whatever flowers they have that will add fall color, like mums, and something that will also live through the winter, like the pansy or petunias.

“Also, how about you and Dennis check out what the box stores have left in the way of outdoor furniture. See if they have anything left over that remotely resembles what we already have and pick up some more. Another ten or twenty pieces will do. That is IF you can find it. Don’t order anything, just see if they have anything they are looking to get rid of.

“Oh, and can you check on our supply of ammo for this weekend. Get whatever we might need for everyone to send at least one hundred rounds downrange. I think you know what I mean, 9mm and .22LR, and I need some 10mm for my other gun, too, please. And use that black card I gave you,” laughed Mr. Ken.

When Mr. Ken went up to talk to the boys, he talked with Darrin a little longer than the other boys. He wanted to ask the teen about how he as able to get out of the house the night of the fire.

“Darrin … I’m not sure if anyone had ever asked you this question, but … well, it has been on my mind ever since you joined us, and… well, since the fire marshal was here yesterday, it … well, it brought the question back on my mind.

“So, I would like to ask you … how was it that you … that you were able to get out of the house the night of the fire and … and your parents and your older brother … they … they weren’t able to?” awkwardly asked the foster dad.

Darrin stared at his foster dad like he didn’t want to ever have to answer that question. He stayed quiet and as he did the tears began to flow down his cheeks. ‘Dad’ Ken saw the tears and he immediately grabbed the boy and pulled him to him and hugged the teen and let him cry.

The other boys heard Darrin crying and they quickly came to their ‘brothers’ room to see why he was crying. Their ‘dad’ told them that he asked their ‘brother’ a question that brought about a memory of that fateful night that he lost his entire family. The boys quickly formed a group hug and pulled him into it. It took the teen about five minutes for him to slow his tears.

After Darrin had stopped crying, and his ‘brothers’ had gone back to their own rooms, ‘dad’ Ken apologized for asking that question. But the foster dad told him at some time, in the future, if he hadn’t answered that question, he will have to.

The foster dad suggested that he talk it out with him saying that it will be much easier when the authorities do come and ask him. Mr. Ken emphasized that when they do, he won’t have his ‘brothers’ there as a support group.

Darrin thanked him for telling him that and that he would like to think about sitting down and talking with him. The teen did express the fact that he and Doctor Doug have discussed that issue, and he was working through it, but it was hard as each time he thinks about how his family perished it still hurts him inside.

As soon as Mr. Ken left his room, Darrin closed his door and gave a sigh of relief. He had again put off telling anyone how he was able to get out of the house that night of the fire that took the lives of his mother, father and older brother.

Ever since the fire and his time in the hospital, he’d been able to bring up the tears at a moment’s notice and ward off any further questions about that horrendous night. But his talk with Mr. Ken put him on notice, though, with his foster dad telling him that eventually he will have to tell the authorities what happened the night of the fire and no matter how he feels and reacts to the questions he knows that he will have to tell the story that he doesn’t ever want to come out.

Mr. Ken slowly walked down to his retreat. He wondered if Darrin will ever be able to tell what happened the night of the fire, without breaking down and crying. But he knows the authorities will only wait so long before they will grill him relentlessly until he tells them what happened that night and they are satisfied that he is telling the truth.

The owner of The Cove then got ready for bed and before turning off the lights and laying down, he said a little prayer that the teen was innocent of any wrong doing in the deaths of his family. The man then turned off the lights, crawled into bed, and before long everyone inside The Cove was sound asleep.

Breakfast was a lively one that Friday morning. Matthew and Phillip were telling Darrin about what it was like to go to the shooting range and that they couldn’t wait until Sunday. The new teen Cover asked his ‘brothers’ what types of guns they got to shoot. Phillip told him that he only got to shoot the .22LR, or the .22 Long Rifle caliber pistol because he wasn’t old enough to handle the 9-millimeter guns recoil yet.

Darrin then asked his foster dad if he would get to shoot the 9-millimeter gun on Sunday. Mr. Ken told the teen that after he gets some instruction on how to handle the gun, and he gets to put a few single rounds down range on the target to get used to the gun, that he’ll eventually get to shoot about one-hundred rounds down range at the target they’ll have set up. Hearing that put a big smile on the teen’s face.

Seeing that smile made Ken Thomas remark to himself that there sure was a big change in his foster son’s demeanor between last night, when he departed his room, and now. He then added that a good night’s sleep could do wonders for some people.

It hadn’t been very long after the three younger Cover boys had left for school when the three older boys came down for their breakfast. They too were talking about going to the shooting range that Sunday.

It will be two months and one day, when they arrive at the shooting range, since their ‘dad’ had taken them there last, so it was going to be a big treat for all of them to not only go there, but that they would also get to go out for breakfast first.

Going out for breakfast was something that Mr. Dan had introduced Charles to when the then Sheriff’s Deputy, was staying at The Cove recovering from a gunshot wound, a little over three years ago. And ever since that time, Charles was always asking his dad to take them out for breakfast.

Charles did ask his dad if they were going to go to any place different for breakfast on Sunday morning, or were they going to go to his usual go to place. All the teen’s dad did was smile.

So, on the way up to catch their school bus, Robert told his brother that they were definitely going to IHOP on Sunday. The three teenagers then had a good laugh.

When Mr. Ken arrived at his office, he went to his desk and called Judy Turner. He knew that she arrived at her office about the same time he did, so he was pretty sure that he’d get to talk to her before she got way too busy with her day.

“Judy … I tried to talk to Darrin last night, you know, about how he got out of the house during the fire. When I asked him the question, Judy … he almost immediately broke down and cried. The boys heard him and they came and did their group hug to get him settled.

“Judy … I think that when he is asked about the fire, that he immediately remembers that he lost his entire family to that blaze and he internalizes it and that bad memory … it still causes him distress. He is still seeing Doctor Jennings, by-the-way.

“But one thing that I did tell him was that the authorities … that the authorities will eventually come to him and press him for an answer, and that his crying will not dissuade them,” finished Ken Thomas

“Ken … it’s only been about a month since the fire. So, I suppose that they are willing to let the boy have some time to grieve, before they come to him to get some answers. They already have their own suspicions. But I am sure they want to get to the bottom of the why and the how.

“Thanks, Ken for at least trying to get something from the boy, and telling him that he will have to explain himself one day, and soon. I got a busy day ahead of me, so I’ll have to talk to you later. Bye.” And with that the phone conversation was over.

Rosemary, Mr. Ken’s executive secretary, didn’t have any phone messages for him, just yet, so, Mr. Ken decided to call Kate.

Ken Thomas was trying to make up for his failure to call the woman he loves so much, as he usually did, so with three phone calls in a row he hoped it would get him back on her good side.

Kate was happy to hear from the man she also loved. She always made the time to talk to him no matter whether she was either at home, or the office. And her realtor didn’t mind her talking to him when she was at the office. He knew that the man was responsible for a sizable amount of revenue to his agency.

And the realtor also knew that when the man began to build houses out on his lake properties that there will be even more revenue coming in than he could ever imagine. He couldn’t be happier with Kate’s continued involvement with one, Ken Thomas.

Ken and Kate talked for about an hour about anything and everything, but they both knew that they needed to get some work done and before long they sent their hugs and kisses over the phone lines and then ended the call.

At their school, Phillip and his band mates got together and they talked about the Christmas songs that Mr. Ken wanted them to learn if they wanted to work at his Four Corners Amusement Park that Holiday Season.

Phillip asked them if they had been practicing the songs at home like he asked them too. Some said that they had, but with ten songs they didn’t have enough time to learn them all. The Cover told them that they’ve heard these songs every year and they should know them and all they need to do is run through the music once or twice to get the rhythm down.

Phillip told them to focus on the most popular ones like Frosty, Rudolph and Jingle Bells because in the ten to twelve minutes they want them to play every half hour that’s about all they will be able to play anyway.

Bryce Harris, the bass guitarist and alternate leader when Phillip isn’t available, told the group that they should add “Gramma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” to their list. He reasoned that it was a funny song that he felt the people would like, and that it wasn’t very hard to learn as the cords repeated themselves over and over.

Jeffrey Jenkins, the band drummer, then told everyone that his parents told him that even if they do get to work at Four Corners that they weren’t going to allow him to work all the time being that he was the only drummer. And, that his dad wasn’t going to be hauling those ‘damn’ drums back and forth all of the time, either.

Phillip asked Easton if his keyboard could mimic the drums when he plays. The keyboard player said that he could add that beat to the songs, but he wasn’t too sure how loud it would be as he hasn’t tried it yet.

Then someone asked if they were going to have a sound system there, or was Mr. Ken going to bring the one from the Pavilion. The band had a few wrinkles to work out if they were going to ever work at Four Corners that Holiday Season.

Darrin and his friends talked about the Cover going to the shooting range that coming Sunday. None of the teen’s friends had ever gone to one, let alone shot a gun, so they were interested in what Darrin would get to shoot.

Darrin told his friends that this morning, during breakfast, that was what they were talking about, because he had never been to a shooting range either. He told them that both Matthew and Phillip had shot there, and that Mr. Ken told him that after he learns how to handle the gun and puts a few shots down the range to get used to the gun, that he will eventually get to shoot about one hundred rounds at the target.

They asked him what type of gun he’ll get to shoot and Darrin told them that he believes he’ll get to shoot the 9-millimeter, as that was what Matthew shot the last time they went to the range, about two months ago. They asked him if he knew what type of gun Phillip shot. The Cover told them that he only gets to shoot a .22 Long Rifle caliber pistol, because he isn’t old enough to handle the 9-millimeter recoil yet.

Jody and Martin, the two newest boys who just recently got to begin visiting The Cove were awestruck at what the boys who live at The Cove got to do. They had heard the stories of what the Cover’s friends got to do with them, like riding the WaveRunners, using the sailboats and swimming in the cove. And now that they’ve been there and had the opportunity to experience a sleepover, with the morning breakfast and them making their own sub sandwich, as well as getting to swim in that awesome indoor pool, they were both hoping that in the future they will also get to go to either Six Flags Fiesta Texas, or SeaWorld, with them as well.

That afternoon, Mr. Ken received a phone call from the father of the boy who had been stabbed, Frank Longger, telling him that the Nickolas Crown trial was over. Richard’s dad told him that the defense decided, after hearing the five boys accounts of their attack in The Mall’s Men’s Restroom, and then the five older teenagers, who accompanied Nicholas Crown that fateful day, how they recounted the day’s events of what led up to the attack, that it was a losing proposition for Nicholas, and the plea bargain was a better deal for the lad.

Mr. Ken asked what did Nicholas Crown agree to and Frank told him that he believes that the teenager would get five years in the state prison versus ten years if he had been found guilty by the jury. Frank Longger said that he was only telling him what he heard through the grapevine, but that the trial judge still had to sign off on the plea bargain, and that he could refuse it and still give the teen the full ten years.

Ken Thomas thanked the man for calling him and that he would tell Charles later tonight when they are all at home. He asked the man if Richard would be at The Cove tomorrow, and the dad said that he’ll leave that up to his son.

That evening before dinner, dad Ken called Charles into his Study to talk to him. He then told his son of the phone call he received from Richard’s dad that afternoon, and how Nicholas Crown had decided to take the plea bargain, instead of continuing with the trial.

Charles asked what kind of plea did the teenager get, and his dad told him that Mr. Longger heard through the grapevine that Nicholas could get five years in a state prison, if the trial judge agrees to the plea bargain. Charles said he was happy with that.

In the Study, after dinner, ‘dad’ Ken quickly went through what was in store for The Cove, and its inhabitants for the upcoming weeks through Thanksgiving, and then he asked if the boys had anything they wanted to add.

Phillip quickly raised his hand and said that he had. Then when ‘dad’ Ken asked the youngest Cover what he wanted to say Phillip began telling his ‘dad’ about a number of problems his band mates brought up.

“‘Dad’,” began Phillip, “the guys in the band … they think that ten songs are a daunting task in such a short time frame. Plus, Jeffrey’s parents … they have told him that he won’t be allowed to play all of the time. The trouble is, ‘dad’, he’s our only drummer. And Jeffrey’s dad said that he can’t be hauling the drums back and forth all of the time, too.

“Then the question came up about the sound system. They asked if you were going to bring the system from the Pavilion garage over to Four Corners every time that we needed it. Then on top of that, Bryce, the bass guitarist … he thinks we should add “Gramma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” to our song list.

“So, ‘dad’, what should we do? Do we continue to try to play at Four Corners, or … do we give up even trying?” now asked the young Cover, who was a little distraught over the whole thing.

‘Dad’ Ken sat there thinking about what the young Cover just brought up to him. He was perplexed about it because he hadn’t thought it through about having a small group playing music during the Holidays at the park and what it would entail.

“Phillip, ‘son’ … you brought up some very interesting questions that I do not have all of the answers for. As for the sound system … I can have Mr. Nelson buy one for the park and have it ready for you. We would need one eventually, anyway.

“As for the drums … well, that does pose a problem. I’ll have to talk to Mr. Ben and Mr. Nelson about that to see what the other parks do, that have musicians. Now, as for adding that other song. I know which one Bryce is talking about. And yes, it is a catchy one and it might liven up the crowd some when they hear it. But can the band learn it before the audition, is what I want to know?” asked Mr. Ken.

“Bryce says that it is a repeat of cords, ‘dad’. So, I think if we play it a few times we’ll do OK,” replied Phillip.

“And ‘dad’ … are you sure that the band can come over the weekend that I am gone to practice? They need the time to continue to practice for the reception and for the audition. So, will it be OK for them to come over?” queried Phillip.

‘Dad’ Ken thought for a moment and then he remembered that he already told Phillip that it would be OK for them to come over and practice. He reasoned that the other boys would be there, and that the wedding reception was an important event at The Cove and the band needed to put their best effort forward. Hearing that put a big smile on the young Cover’s face.

Then, with nothing else being brought up by the other boys, ‘dad’ Ken asked the boys to go up to their rooms and to relax before going to bed.

Mr. Ken and Wayne talked before they went up to say goodnight to the boys. Wayne told his employer that Dennis went out to check the big box stores to see if they had any leftover summer furniture and he came back saying that there was none to be had.

Wayne then told the owner of The Cove that he has obtained the needed ammunition for Sunday’s Family Day at the shooting range. The Estate Master then told his boss that he was able to purchase 1000 rounds of 9mm, 200 rounds of 10mm and 200 rounds of .22LR. He said that he didn’t buy Dan’s ammo, so the man would have to purchase his own .357 magnum rounds, himself.

The Estate Master continued with his report and added that the landscapers would be there beginning at the end of next week, and they would work through the week before Thanksgiving, sprucing up the grounds and adding the fall flowers, as he asked.

Ken Thomas was happy with all that he had heard. The two men then went upstairs to say goodnight to the boys.

Mr. Ken started in Bill’s room, while the Estate Master began in Darrin’s. Both men differed in how they approached the boys and with what they talked to them about. ‘Dad’ Ken talked to them more about their everyday life at The Cove and how they were doing at school and other family type things.

Whereas Mr. Wayne talked to them about issues like going to the shooting range, their upcoming trip to the amusement parks and that they would soon need to think about buying Christmas presents for Mr. Ken and the gag gifts they like to buy, too.

Darrin had never heard of buying gag gifts, so that concept was new to him. But after hearing more about it he liked the idea and he told Mr. Wayne that he would be looking forward to doing that when the time came.

‘Dad’ Ken didn’t have much to talk about with the boys that Friday night. The following day was going to be a regular Saturday, with their friends staying until six and them going out to dinner. Then, on Sunday, they would all be going out for their Family Day with breakfast first and then on to the shooting range and then afterwards they would head off to a dinner somewhere different.

Bill and Robert did ask ‘dad’ Ken if Mr. Chris was able to send their moms the money that they gave him to send to them since it was the new month. The man said that he would have to check with the man on Monday, but he would figure that he would have done that as that was one of his duties as the Estate Manager.

In Matthew’s room, ‘dad’ Ken apologized to the pre-teen for not following through with working with him to find a suitable place on The Cove where he could have a dog training area to train the puppies and small dogs. Mr. Ken told Matthew that with everything going on right now that he will be hard pressed to do that until after the Holiday.

Matthew told him that it was OK, because he didn’t have any puppies or small dogs that he was looking to train, anyways. The pre-teen did say that he would like to be set up to go when Chief has her next litter, so he could be ready to offer his services to the new owners. The pre-teen also mentioned that he’ll need to buy the things the other trainers told him he should have available when he starts up his business. ‘Dad’ Ken hugged the boy for being so understanding and told him that he’d try his best to see what he could do beforehand.

In Phillip’s room, ‘dad’ Ken thanked the little rascal for bringing up those important items about what a band would need at Four Corners when they play. The ‘dad’ said that he’ll call Mr. Ben tomorrow and broach the subject with him, so the man can start working the problem before the Holidays are upon them.

In Darrin’s room, the teen told him that he was looking forward to getting the chance to go shooting a gun. The young teenager told his foster dad that he’d never even handled one before and this was going to be a ‘neat’ experience.

Darrin also mentioned that Mr. Wayne mentioned to him about how they buy gag gifts for one another at Christmas. The teen talked about how fun it sounded to do figuring out what sort of gag to get someone, but not be too mean at the same time. Darrin told his foster dad that ever since he’s been there, he’s seen how much things are done so differently there than where he grew up. He thanked the man again for taking him in as his foster son. The two then hugged.

As the owner of The Cove walked down to his retreat, he passed Chief and Sarge coming up the stairs. The two resident pets stopped him for a behind the ear scratch and a belly rub before continuing on their way to either Darrin or Matthew’s rooms.

Ken Thomas was glad that the week was finally over. It had been a very busy week and with the Holidays just around the corner he knew the upcoming weeks were going to be even busier. He knew tomorrow he could stay in bed for at least an extra hour, as the boys didn’t have to get up really early for school.

The man got himself ready for bed and then sat down on the side of his king-sized bed and contemplated what was ahead of him in the coming weeks. There was the Family Day, the three-day trip with Phillip, the IAAPA trip to Florida, Kate and family arriving for Thanksgiving, Jules and Eleanor’s wedding and reception, the band’s auditioning to work at Four Corners, the buying of Christmas presents for the boys, and then there were the buying of the gag gifts and then what to buy the staff for Christmas.

After thinking of all the things that were on his plate in the coming months, Ken’s head began to hurt. So, the man turned off his lights, climbed into his comfortable king-sized bed and before long he was asleep and, so was the entire Cove household.

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

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