“I understand. I’ll come up with something.” She assured her. “Other than that, the way I teach is ok?”

“Its better than Ok.” These kids are way above where they should be. I am most impressed with the little one. He is doing fourth quarter kindergarten work. I do expect monthly reports. I will send you test once a month to give the children.”

“That sounds good.” Jaime said as she showed her to the door. “Thank you for stopping by.”

“If you need anything, just give us a call.”

“I will, again thanks.”

After she left, Jaime turned to her to her three eager students. “Well you sure impressed her. You guys did great She did suggest having some gym time. I think its warm enough why don’t we go outside for a while. You guys can run around a bit.”

“Ok sounds good.” Marc said, “Lets go.”

They all went outside and got into a baseball game. Matt and Jaime were on one team, and Joey and Marc were on the other. Marc pitched to Matt. Matt clobbered it. The ball went sailing. Marc started running after it. Marc jumped higher than a seven year old should jump and caught the ball.

“That’s n not f fair!!” Matt objected. “That’s n not f fair at a all.”

“Matt is right Marc you can’t play that way” But before they knew it Jaime and Marc were both using their bionics in the game. After a while Matt and Joey gave up and just sat and watched.

On the other side of the iron fence that surrounded the Goldman property, a small camera was filming the entire scene.

They had been out for quite a while when Jaime decided it was time to go inside. “Come on guys, I’ll make some hot chocolate and then well get back to work.”

As they walked in the back door a man hiding in the bushes grabbed up the camera and walked toward a car parked on the road. He got in the drivers side and reached for his car phone. “I think we have enough to make our move. Next time Marc goes out by himself or any time we’ll grab him.”

“Good the man on the other end of the phone said. It will be much easier with him. He is only a child, if we tell him not to say anything he won’t. I have a feeling we are about to become very, very rich.”

“I’ll bring this film to you then I will follow him and wait for the right moment to grab him.” The first man said.

“I understand Goldman has very heavy security out there. How will you get him Beckman? I’m surprised you were even able to get any film taken.”

“Don’t worry Hendrix I’ll get him, that’s what you’re paying me for right?”

“I will need him within 24 hours. If you fail to deliver him you’ll be very sorry. Beckman.”

“I’ll deliver Hendrix. Don’t worry.”

“Oh but I do worry that boy is worth big bucks to me. He will pay any amount to keep this footage off the news. Remember you have 24 hours.”

“Yes Hendrix 24 hours I’ll see you at out usual drop point.”

“Hi Dan” Rudy said when Danny walked into the lab for his afternoon job “How did they like your science project?”

“My instructor couldn’t believe it. He wants one for our classroom at school. I told him I’d have to see what I could do.”

“Well I don’t think you’ll be able to do to much I mean the one I built for you came from scraps around here. The one I had you build for me I bought the material. It wasn’t cheap. Tell him you can do it but it might cost him.”

“I never told him I would do it, I said he would have to wait.” Danny reminded him.

“You didn’t mention anything about the time machine did you.” Rudy gave him a stern look.

“No I can’t dad classified the project a grade six then a seven and back to six. Remember?” Dan said.

“Yea I remember.” Rudy said. “When the concept of bionics became a reality I wanted to shout to the world what I had accomplished, but I knew it could put Steve in great danger, so I remained silent. It was hard at first I’ll admit that. If you were to reveal what you did it could put you in danger. If people knew how smart you actually are and that you work here. ”

“I know what you mean remember what happened when I first came to live here?”

“I remember” Rudy told him.

“I also know how you feel. I want to tell everybody.” Danny acknowledged.

Rudy set more papers on the table. “After your homework I need you to load this data again ok?”

“No problem Rudy I have a geography test tomorrow I’ll study it for a while then get started.”

“Ok Dan thanks. But take a little extra time to study. You don’t finish this today, you can do it tomorrow.”

“How is it going Oscar?” Steve said as he walked into Oscar’s office.

“Everything is great. Danny is back helping Rudy, Jaime called a while ago, and the lady from the board of ED said everything is good. I think everything is finally going the way is should. In fact I have something for you. It’s been a while since you have been on an assignment. I don’t want you to get rusty on us, no pun intended. I have been holding off cause I thought Marc might need you. But he’s doing great. So my friend you are off to the Arkansas.”

“I was wondering when you would get around to it. Oscar.” Steve sighed, “I knew it was to good to last.”

“Here is all the information you will need. I’ll see you when you get back.” Oscar said.

“Ok well I guess I’m off. Say good-bye to Marc for me and I’ll see him in a couple of days.”

“Ok boys I guess that’s enough for today, you can put your work away I won’t be giving you homework anymore since you get everything done during the day. You can go play till you dad gets home.”

“C can w we g go out s side?” Matt asked.

“I don’t think so Its getting dark, one of these days it will start staying light longer, you can go out then. I think you should just stay inside.”

“Ok L lets g go p play a g game M Marc.”

“What do you want to play?” Marc wandered.

“H how about checkers?” Matt said.

“Sounds good to me, come on lets go.”

Jaime watched as the two ran upstairs, in spite of the ‘running around’ Marc had done outside, he could really hold back if he needed to.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the phone rang. She picked it up. “Oh Hi Rudy, what did you need?”

“I need you.” He told her.

“Excuse me?”

“Its time for your complete check up. The boys will have to take a little time off of school. I have to do some work on you bionics.”

“Oh is it that time already? What’s Oscar going to do with the kids?”

“Minnie Russell, Russ’ wife said she could help out for a couple of days.” Rudy informed her.

“Does Oscar know?” Jaime wondered

“I just spoke to him. It’s a good time; Steve is on his way to Arkansas on a mission. So what better time.”

“I’ll be there first thing in the morning.” She told him.

“I’d prefer that you check in right after Oscar gets home. He’s on his way in fact.”

“Well looks like you have all the bases covered. You know how much I love this procedure.” Jaime scolded.

“That’s why I’m sending a special car just for you. “I’m not going to have you skip out on me like last time.”

“Very funny, Rudy.” Jaime said.

“Jaime!” Oscar called when he walked through the door. “Your ride is here.”

“Ok Oscar I’m ready. The twins are upstairs playing a game, and Joey is in the living room watching cartoons. I guess I’ll see you guys in a couple of days. I left some homework for the twins. Joey can practice writing his name, letters and numbers while I’m gone.”

“Ok then well see you in two days. Rudy is waiting for you.”

In a hotel on the outskirts of DC Beckman tapped lightly on the door to room 12. “Who’s there” Hendrix called.

“Its me Beckman I thought you might want the last of the film.”

Slowly Hendrix opened the door. “Come in before someone sees you, you fool.” Hendrix said. Beckman stepped into the room.

“I just thought you would want all of the footage together when I bring the little brat to you.”

“Your thinking is in the right place, but not your timing. Your time is running out I want that boy here no later than 2:00 tomorrow afternoon.”

“You’ll have him don’t worry. I found out today that Sommers woman wouldn’t be there for a few days. I thought I would place a phone call to the babysitter tomorrow to get them out of the house to a very open place. Then I’ll grab the boys I have been watching them for some time. You know Marc has a twin brother. He is bionic, the other is not.”

“You are doing much better Beckman. That sounds like an excellent plan.” Hendrix was impressed. “Yes I was aware of that fact. Can you get both boys?”

“No problem I’ll do it first thing the morning.” Beckman said. “With any luck you can expect us somewhere around noon.”

“I expect you to keep your promise. As long as you have them to me at 2:00” Hendrix ordered.

“No problem boss.

“Dad?” Marc asked when Oscar was getting them ready for bed. “Is Jaime alright?”

“Of course she is Marc. She’s just having some work done on her bionics. You don’t need to have this done yet, because before you need it. You have to have you bionics changed anyway.”

“I understand I guess. Where is Steve?”

“I sent him on an assignment son.” Oscar explained. “He’ll be home soon.”

“I hope so. I miss him already.” Marc said. “I wish you wouldn’t send him away.”

“Marc you’re doing much better now. I really need Steve. Just like one day the OSI will need you.”

“Do I have to work for the OSI? I would really rather not.”

“Well son you won’t have much of a choice.” Oscar explained.

“I guess your right.” Marc sighed. He rolled over and went to sleep.

Minnie arrived the next morning in time for Oscar to get off to work and Danny to get to school.

“Good morning boys” Minnie greeted when they came down to breakfast.

The call came after breakfast just as Minnie was finishing up the dishes.

“Mrs. Russell. I’m Tom Dillard I run the gift shop at Jamison Plaza your husband Mark fell. We think he sprained his ankle he needs you to come and pick him up.”

“I’ll be right there.” Mary stated. “Tell him I’m on my way.”

She turned to the boys “Come on guys we need to go help my husband.”

They jumped into her car and headed into the City. They went straight for Jamison Plaza. She grabbed Joey by the hand. “Come on guys. The man said they were at the gift shop.” They as much as ran through the mall to get to the gift shop, “I need the manager” she asked a clerk.

While she spoke to the clerk the twins started looking around the gift shop. Beckman was right behind them. He was hoping there was some way of telling them apart but there wasn’t He quickly walked up to both boys

“I’m the manager I saw you boys put something in your pocket. You need to come with me to the security office. We don’t take to kindly to shoplifters. Just follow me.” He led them out of the store and out to his car. There he pulled the gun from his pocket. Just get in the car, boys and no one will get hurt.

Marc and Matt climbed into the back seat.

“What do we do now?” Matt thought to Marc

“Just go along with it I guess, see what he wants.”

By the time Minnie figured out the whole thing was a hoax she turned to gather up the boys Joey was at her side but Marc and Matt were nowhere to be seen.

With both boys on the floor of his back seat, Beckman drove the two blocks up the street to meet Hendrix. He knocked on the door of the meeting place. He held on tightly to both boys. Hendrix answered surprised to see him so soon. ”I brought them both since I didn’t know which one was Marc.” He told Hendrix.

“So Rudy, how is Jaime doing?” Oscar asked walking into his office.

“She’s doing very well she’ll be up and around sooner than I expected. Have you heard form Steve? How’s the mission going? I was afraid he would get a little green.”

“I heard from him just a few moments ago. He’ll be back in a couple of days. I hated to send him, Marc depends on him so much, but on the other hand, I need Steve elsewhere and Marc is doing very well. He needs to learn how to get along by himself to…”

Callahan burst into Rudy’s office. “Mr. Goldman, Minnie called she can’t find the twins anywhere.”

“Maybe they are playing outside”. He turned to Rudy. “Now that the weather has straightened up I’ve encouraged them to play outside more.”

“No you don’t understand she is here in DC someone called her and told her Russ was hurt.”

”I’m not.” Russ said coming into Rudy’s office. “I’m fine. What happened is Minnie all right.”

“She knows that now. Someone called saying they were from Jamison Plaza and that you had been hurt. She packed the kids into the car. While she was looking for the manager they just disappeared.”

Oscar’s face went white. The only two who could really help were not available. What timing.

“Good job. Hendrix” He turned to the boys. I don’t know which of you is Marc and at this point I don’t care I just have a movie I would like you to watch.”

Hendrix turned out the lights and turned on a projector. Matt and Marc watched in horror as the film that Hendrix showed them played across the screen.

“Now my friends I intend to become very rich. I can accomplish this one of two ways. You can pay me big money to not sell them to the network news, or I can sell them to the network news and make my fortune that way.”

Marc and Matt looked at one another. “How much money do you want?” Marc asked.

“All I can get I’d say this information is priceless. I think it’s worth about 50 million what do you think.”

“I don’t have that kind of money.” Marc objected.

“You have 24 hours to deliver it to me, or I will release these films to the three major network news station. You will be a very popular young man.” He turned to Beckman “Get them out of my sight. I will see them tomorrow at this same time. And they better have the money.” Then he turned back to the twins. “Now if you tell anyone about this meeting I will do serious harm to your family understand?”

They nodded

“Take them Beckman. Beckman will pick you up at 10:30 tomorrow morning in front of your house.”

Again they nodded.

“You will have the money correct?”

Again they nodded.

“Very good.” Hendrix said.

“You better get them back before they are missed and Goldman calls out the reserves.” Hendrix ordered Beckman.

Beckman grabbed the frightened twins and again ordered them on the floor of the car.

Minnie ran up to Oscar when he arrived at the Plaza. “Oh Mr. Goldman I am so sorry I should have know better.”

”It’s not your fault Minnie.” He grumbled. “The phone call was obviously a hoax. You had no way of knowing.” She could tell by his tone of his voice he was very angry.

“We’re searching the entire area sir.” A security guard informed him.

“I feel so bad.” Minnie continued. “It was the phone call. I…”

“I said don’t worry, they wanted to lure you out of the house.” Oscar tried to remain pleasant. “I just don’t understand…”

“We found them Oscar! They were out in the parking lot.” Russ brought the twins to him.

“What happened boys?” He asked.

They looked at each other then to their dad and then to Joey. They remembered what the strange man had just told them. “Nothing “ they responded.

“Where have you been?” Oscar tried again.

The twins were scared to death to say anything. They knew if they told the truth they would put Oscar, Danny and Joey in serious danger, but if they lied and said they were just playing around they would be in serious danger themselves.

“We got lost.” Marc lied. “We were looking around the gift shop and thought Minnie had left.”

“S so w we w went o out s side to l look f for her.” Matt continued.

“That’s when we got lost. “ Marc finished.

“I don’t believe a word of it. I want the truth!!” Oscar demanded.

“That is the truth.” Matt argued.

“Well then if that’s the truth, you two are going to be grounded until you graduate high school.”

“I WOULD RATHER BE GROUNDED THAN HAVE SOMETHING HAPPEN TO DAD.” Marc said

“YEA, M ME T TOO.” Matt agreed.

“You two stop that this instant.” Oscar screamed. “Do you realize the trouble you have caused?”

‘I guess we are really in big trouble.’ Marc thought at Matt.

‘Maybe we should tell him the truth.” Matt thought back.

‘No way, you heard what that guy said. He said he would kill dad, Dan and Joey. Boy I wish Steve was here.”

‘Me too.’ Matt said.

“You two come with me. You are staying with me the rest of the day. And know more of that talking to each other understand?” Oscar was furious. “If you have something to say to one another, say it so everyone can understand!!”

He turned to Minnie “Go ahead and take Joey home I’ll keep these two with me.”

“Ok Mr. Goldman. Come on Joey we’ll go get dinner started.

Oscar took each twin by the hand. He walked into his office. “Matt. You stay out here with Callahan, Marc you come in with me.” He looked at Matt. “I’ll bring you some paper. I want both of you to write why what you did was wrong. You don’t know how angry I am with the two of you. “

‘I don’t want him mad at us.’ Matt thought to Marc.

‘I would rather have him mad than….’ Marc said.

Oscar sat Matt down in a chair and took Marc into his inner office. He handed Marc two sheets of paper. “I expect at least two pages from both oh you.” He stepped out into the outer office and handed Matt two sheets of paper and gave him the same instructions.

‘What are we going to do Marc?’

‘I don’t know. I’ll ask dad when Steve will be back, he’ll know what to do.’

‘But Marc he told us not to tell ANYBODY I think that meant Steve too.’

‘Don’t you think I know that. I really don’t know what to do.’

“Marc, you better start writing!!” Oscar chided.

“I am dad.” He whispered.

“I am so disappointed in the two of you.”

“We’re sorry dad.” ‘By the way want to lend us 50 million dollars?’

They both finished their papers and gave them to Oscar.

‘Hey I just thought of something. Maybe Jaime could help.’ Marc thought.

‘Why don’t you ask dad if we can see her?’ Matt thought.

“Dad can we go see Jaime?” Marc asked.

“Absolutely not!!” Oscar bellowed.

“Ok.” Marc’s voice could barely be heard.

Danny was surprised when Linda told had happened after he arrived to work with Rudy. Rudy wasn’t in the lab he was with Jaime. But he had left more data for him to program with strict instructions he was to do his homework first.

“I can’t believe Marc and Matt would do something like that.” Dan said to Linda. After he had done his homework. “I need to go talk to dad. If Rudy comes back before me tell him I’ll be right back.”

Danny made his way down the hall “Hi Callahan is my dad here?”

“Yes Dan, but he’s in a meeting right now.” She informed him.

“I really need to see him, it’s important.” Danny explained.

The door to Oscar’s inner office opened “Thanks for coming. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.” Oscar told the man coming out of his office

“Dad can I talk to you for a minute?” Dan asked.

“I’m really busy right now Dan I got behind looking for your brothers who were playing tricks again.”

“Again?” Danny asked.

“You remember? A few days ago?” Oscar reminded Dan of the day the twins had said they were going to DC.

“They wouldn’t do that again Dad. I know them, I hate to say it but I know them better than you. They wouldn’t do that again.”

“Well I think they did Dan. I would really love to discuss this with you, but I have another meeting I have to get to. Don’t you have some work you have to do for Rudy?”

“Yes.” Danny responded

“I’ll be done in about an hour, I’ll come down to Rudy’s office then. Then we can talk, in the mean time I have to have Russ watch these two.”

“Ok dad, but we are going to talk about this.” Danny informed him.

“See you in an hour Dan.” Oscar rushed off to his meeting.

Danny hung back. He wanted to talk to Marc and Matt by himself. “What’s up guys?”

“Noting Danny really.” Marc told him.

“I don’t believe you, where did you go today?” Danny demanded

“W we g got l lost, that’s all.” Matt lied.

“No you didn’t now what happened!!” Danny shrieked.

“Danny You need to get to work.” Russ said as he walked in. “I’ll watch the twins.” Russ assured.

Danny left and went down to Rudy’s office.

“Russ, When is Steve coming back?” Marc asked.

“I have no idea.” Russ told them. “You’ll have to ask your dad.”

On the way home that afternoon, the twins asked again when Steve was coming back.

“He’ll be here when he gets here. Now do you want to tell me exactly what happened this morning?”

“We told you, we thought Minnie left the store. So we went to look for her.”

“That’s your story, and you’re sticking by it huh?”

“It’s not a story.” Marc argued. “It’s what happened.”

“Well I don’t believe you, I think you wanted to cause trouble.”

“N no d dad, we w would n never d do that.” Matt explained.

“You did it before. Look guys I’m not mad at you, I’m mad at what you did. I was scared to death when Minnie called and told me you were missing.”

They pulled into the drive. And drove up to the house. The twins got out of the car and went straight up to their room.

A short time later Oscar called them to dinner. They ate in silence. Oscar watched them closely. He turned to Danny “Well at least they aren’t talking nonsense like earlier today.

“What makes you so sure they aren’t talking to one another?” Danny asked.

“You mean they are…” Oscar said. “That’s right I forgot.” He looked at the twins. “You guys want to talk about it?”

They shook their heads. “May we go to our room now?”

“Yea I guess so.” The twins left the table. “Boy I wish Steve was here. They seem to open up to him more…”

“Hendrix what are you going to do if they can’t come up with the money?” Beckman wanted to know. “They are kids, where are they supposed to get 50 million dollars by 11:00 tomorrow morning? Maybe you should not have threatened then”

“If I hadn’t we would be having this conversation in jail. Goldman’s men would have gotten us by now.” Hendrix said dryly

“I understand that. But where are they…”

‘Beckman you are a fool. They will tell someone sometime tonight I would suppose.”

“Then what?” Beckman wanted to know. “Do you really expect them to have the money when I pick them up tomorrow?”

‘I don’t know. Maybe we will have to take drastic measures. I don’t know yet. Let me think.

“Where are we going to get 50 million dollars before that other guy picks us up tomorrow?” Marc asked Matt that night after Oscar had put them to bed.

“I d don’t know M maybe w we should t tell d dad.” Matt whispered back.

After deciding they could never get the money and they didn't dare say anything they decided the best thing to do was to leave. That way no one would be in any danger. They figured everyone would be safer if they weren’t around.

Oscar and Danny were still in the living room when they crept downstairs and escaped out the back door.

Steve just missed them as he drove up the drive. He had called Rudy. Rudy had told him what was going on.

“I’m sorry Oscar I called Rudy to see how Jaime was doing. He filled me in on what was going on here.” Steve said when Oscar opened the door. “I dropped everything and caught the next flight home." Steve told him.

“I’ll admit I’m a little upset that you let the assignment go, but I am awful glad to see you.”

“Tell me Oscar, what’s going on with the twins.” Steve wondered.

Oscar shook his head. “I’m not really sure.”

“You want to tell me about it?”

“I don’t know what’s going on. All I know is that today they disappeared on Minnie at the mall. I don’t know what has gotten into those two.”

“Well I don’t think they did it on purpose.” Steve noted. “The way I understand it Minnie was lured out of the house.” Steve reminded him "I'm sure one thing has to do with the other. Obviously someone wanted them out of the house otherwise Minnie would never have been at the mall, right?"

“I know that. That’s why I was so concerned. But when Russ found them wondering in the parking lot, and they wouldn’t tell us where they had been, I decided that maybe they were playing a game.”

“Oscar you ought to know better than that.” Steve chided. “I’m going to go have a talk with them maybe they’ll open up to me.”

Within minutes Steve came back downstairs. “Oscar they’re gone. They must have run away.”

“Ran away. Why?” Oscar asked

“I don’t know. I need to find the twins first.” Steve pointed out. “I’ll start right now. What time did you put them to bed?”

“The usual time 8:00. Its only 8:45."

Then they haven’t been gone that long." Steve observed. "I’m on my way.”

Steve started from the back door, he figured if they had used the front door Oscar would have seen them. He quickly scanned the area to see if he could tell which direction they went.

Inside Oscar turned to Danny. “This is all my fault. I have been yelling at them all day. I should have known something was wrong. Why was I so hard o them?” He asked himself.

Danny didn’t say much. He just nodded his agreement.

“Danny, please talk to…”

Oscar picked up the ringing phone. “Rudy what is it? Is Jaime all right? The twins ran away.” He added.

“Jaime is fine, but I have a couple of visitors, they showed up at the hospital a few moments ago. Marc and Matt are fine. A little cold but their ok”

“Listen Rudy, Steve is here I’ll send him there.” Oscar hung up the phone and ran for the back door. “Steve, Rudy just called the twins are with him.”

“Tell Rudy I’m on my way.” Steve called getting into his car.

“We’re coming with you!!” Oscar called He ran upstairs and got Joey out of bed and carried him down to the car. Danny and Joey sat in the back, and Oscar rode in the front with Steve.

They arrived at the hospital within minutes. Rudy was waiting for them. “They showed up a while ago they wanted to talk to Jaime. If they had been a few minutes later I would have missed them.”

"Did they talk to her?" Oscar asked.

"No she was sleeping and I really didn't want to wake her." Rudy explained. "They really want to talk to Steve."

“I figured that. Steve is here he wants to talk to them, He thinks maybe he can get to the bottom of what’s going on.”

“Good idea” Rudy agreed. They’re in my office Steve go on in.”

“Is Marc all right? Oscar said. “You mentioned they were cold.”

“Yea just cold nothing major.” Rudy explained.

“Hi guys” Steve greeted as he walked in the room.

“Steve!!” Marc cried as he ran over to his friend.

“Ok Marc.” Steve said after holding Marc for s few minutes. "Do you want to tell me what’s going on?”

“I don’t know if we should, but I know we have to” Marc stated.

“I’m listening.” Steve told them.

Marc proceeded to tell Steve the events that had happened that morning.

After listening to what Marc had to tell him Steve replied, “It’s ok guys you did the right thing telling me. No one is going to hurt your dad, or anybody else, I won’t let them ok? You stay right here. I’ll go tell your dad.”

Steve left the room and joined Oscar and Rudy in the hallway. “You’re not going to believe this one.” Steve began.

“Ok Steve what did they tell you? Oscar questioned.

“Oscar they are being blackmailed.”

“Blackmailed? By who?” Oscar stressed “and for what? I mean I’m sure it has something to do with the fact they know about Marc. But what do they expect to get out of two seven year old boys a pack of chewing gum and a quarter?”

“According to what Marc told me. This morning when they disappeared at the mall they were taken by a couple of guys. They showed Marc home movies of him using his bionics and then told them they would turn the films over to the news unless they came up with 50 million dollars by 11:00 tomorrow morning…”

“Why didn’t they…”

“Tell you? They threatened them Oscar. They told them if they said anything to anybody they would hurt you and the other kids.” Steve informed him.

“I don’t believe this is happening.” Oscar said. “Blackmailing a little boy. This must be one sick person we’re dealing with.”

“Oscar why not. It’s happened to me before I just don’t understand where they expect two seven year old boys to acquire that much money.”

“They want how much? 50 million dollars.”

“And I guess they will give us the film.” Steve said.

“You guess?” Oscar wondered

“Well the twins didn’t really indicate one way or another.” Steve told him.

“Why not?” Oscar wanted to know.”

“Oscar they are only seven, they didn’t know how to handle it.” Steve reminded him.

“I guess you’re right.” Oscar sounded calmer now. “So when is the next meeting?”

“They told me that they are to be picked up in front of your house tomorrow morning at 10:30.” Steve said. “I’ll be with them the whole time. I swear I won’t let them out of my sight Oscar.”

“Boy am I ever glad you came back!!” Oscar noted.

“Does that mean I don’t have to go back?” Steve smiled.

“We’ll see how this plays out tomorrow. You say they’re to meet with them tomorrow morning?” Oscar was curious.

“Yea. That’s what they said anyway.

“I feel bad I’ve been yelling at them all afternoon. I as much as told them I didn’t trust them.”

“Maybe you should go talk to them.” Steve suggested.

‘”I will.” He walked into Rudy’s office. “Hey guys I need to talk to you. I am so sorry about today. I wish you had told me. Don’t ever be afraid to tell me when something like this happens. No one is going to hurt me.”

“B but h he s said…” Matt started.

“Matt they only told you that to scare you. Now do you guys have any idea where they took you?”

They shook their heads. “He made us get down on the floor.” Marc told them

“How did he get you to his car?” Oscar wanted to know.

“He said he was the manager of the store. He said he saw Matt and me steal something and we had to go talk to the police.”

‘Very clever of him’ Oscar thought.

“How about the films, could you tell where they were taken?” Oscar probed.

“Some looked like they were taken at home.” Marc observed.

“Ok, ok now we’re getting somewhere. What else did they say?”

“Just that they wanted 50 million dollars or they would sell the film to the news stations. They said they would pick us up at 10:30 tomorrow. Dad I really don’t want Matt to be involved in this. I think the only reason they took Matt today is because they didn’t know which one was me.”

‘Pretty insightful for a seven year old’ Oscar thought to himself.

“I w want t to b be with M Marc.” Matt complained.

“I agree with Marc on this one Matt. It’s dangerous enough for Marc, much less you too.” Oscar explained. “You two sit tight. I’m glad you could tell Steve what was going on.” Oscar informed them. “I’m going back out to talk to Steve. We’ll come up with something for tomorrow.”

Oscar stepped back out into the hall. “I really wish they would have told me what was going on, don’t get me wrong, I understand why the didn’t.” He turned to Steve. “I have to tell you, I get a little jealous of how close the twins are to you.”

“Oscar don’t feel that way, Marc and share a common bond and Matt sort of came along for the ride.” Steve told him. “It’s not that the twins like me better, or trust me more. I told them they could tell me anything. I guess they took me at my word.” Steve guessed.

“I suppose you’re right. The question that we should all be concentrating on is what do we do tomorrow. Marc says he doesn’t want Matt involved. I for one agree. Why put both of them in harms way.” Oscar said

“Now see, they talked to you about that. Marc said nothing to me about not wanting Matt involved.” Steve noted

“I really don’t want either one involved.” Danny suggested.

“Dan, we really don’t want either one involved either but we don’t have a choice. I wish I had never involved the twins in any to this.”

“What, are you saying dad? That if you had it to do over again you would never have taken us.”

“That’s not what I said. Dan.”

“That’s kind of what it sounded like dad.”

“Of course I’d do it over again. I just wish that you kids wouldn’t get involved in all this danger.”

‘It’s not that bad dad.” Danny said.

“Anyway,” Oscar said changing the subject. “What do we have to do to get ready for tomorrow?”

“I guess we come up with 50 million dollars to bluff them with.” Steve suggested. “I’ll leave that up to you. I’ll work with Marc, tell him what to say and make sure he doesn’t get hurt.”

“I’ll call accounting as soon as the open a 9:00.” Oscar said. “They always have some kind of an idea for this.”

“Good idea.” Steve said walking back into Rudy’s office to talk to Marc. Marc and Matt had both fallen asleep on the couch. Steve decided to let them sleep the rest of the night.

Steve woke Marc up at 7:00 “Come on Marc, we have to get ready. There are some things I need to talk to you about before we go.”

“What do we need to talk about?” Matt is not coming with me.” Marc emphasized

“I know that, Matt will stay here.” Steve agreed. “I just wanted to fill you in on a few things before we leave.”

“I’m listening.” Marc said.

“Good. According to what you said, they are picking you up at 10:30? Correct?”

‘That’s what they said.”

“OK then you go with them. I’ll be right behind you. Ok?”

“Ok, Steve I’m scared.” Marc admitted.

“I understand. You’ll be fine Marc.” Steve assured.

“Promise you’ll be right behind me?” Marc wanted to know. “I promise Marc.”

They left the OSI building at 10:00 Marc carried a case containing 50 million dollars in marked bills. They drove to Oscar’s house; Steve dropped Marc off just outside the guard stand. Marc waited for Beckman to come pick him up.

Steve was parked just out of sight of an oncoming vehicle but he could see everything.

When Beckman pulled up Marc got in the car. ‘I sure hope you’re there Steve.’

“Where’s the other one?” Beckman demanded as Marc go in the car.”

“This is between you that other guy and me. Leave my brother out of it. He’s not bionic I am. Marc informed him.

“My instructions were to bring both of you.” He scowled.

“Your friend wants the money right?” Marc was saying exactly what Steve had told him to say should the question arise as to where Matt was? “I’m sure your boss would rather have the money than Matt.” Marc showed him the case.

“All right I don’t have time for games let’s go.” Beckman said. They pulled away from the house. Steve watching everything followed keeping a safe distance between them.

When they got to the hotel Beckman and Marc got out of the car and walked up to the door. Beckman carried the case with the money. He knocked on the door.

Hendrix opened it “Ah right on time Beckman I’m so glad for your sake” He looked at Marc “Where’s the other one?” He wanted to know.

Marc gave him the same story. “You want me not my brother. I gave you your money hand over the film.”

“Listen young man it’s not that easy. You see I wanted both of you to show up, that was part of the bargain. Now here you show up alone. It hurt my feelings. I get the feeling your brother doesn’t like me.”

“If he doesn’t that makes two of us. You told me if I gave you the money, you would give me the film.”

“I said no such thing. I said if you gave me the money I wouldn’t sell them to the news. I intend to keep my promise. I am a man of my word.”

Out in the parking lot, Steve waited for Marc to come out. When it looked like he wasn’t coming out anytime soon, Steve decided to make his way toward the hotel room door Marc had gone into.

He crept up to the window and looked inside. Marc stood with two men one of whom looked very familiar to Steve. He watched closely ‘If they so much as make one move on him…’

“You give me those films now!!” Marc demanded. “If I don’t get those films you don’t get your money.”

“So you want a stand off?” Hendrix questioned.

“No I just want what I’m paying for. Maybe I’m just a kid but grownups like you always take advantage of kids like me. We give them our allowance that we have saved and then they sell us a piece of junk that doesn’t work. Then when we try to return it. They say sorry you can’t.”

Steve could hear the entire conversation ‘I didn’t tell him to say that;’ He thought to himself. ‘I’ll give you two more minutes.’

The three of them continued to argue Marc was getting nowhere Steve decided to make his move much to Marc’s relief.

Steve grabbed up the films that were lying on a dresser grabbed Marc and put both in the car. “You stay here, don’t move.” He ordered Marc.

He went back inside the hotel room sat the two would be blackmailers on the bed and called the OSI for back up.

Within minutes Oscar and Russ arrived. They took Hendrix into custody and burned the films…