In a cabin not more that 10 miles from where they had taken Danny three men sat around a small table. “How long till he comes around?” The shortest man with no hair asked.

“He should be out of it in a few minutes Benson. Just be, patient.”

Danny was laying a small sofa slowly started to come around. He sat up and looked around.

“Don’t be a fool Daniel. You can’t get away from us.”

“Ok your one up on me. You know my name but I don’t know yours.” Danny said.

“You don’t need to know our names.” The short bald man addressed him. Dan figured him to be the leader.

“What do you want from me?” Danny asked.

“Danny, you’re finally awake.” Millie turned to the short bald man. “I really wished you hadn’t done that to him.” She scolded.

“Believe me Mrs. Jenkins. It was the only way. The gate guard was right there. If Dan had seen us, he would have screamed and alerted the guard.” The short bald man explained.

“Well I still don’t like it. When you bring me the rest of the children I would prefer you not abuse them. I will give you more money if you don’t harm them.

Millie walked over to where Dan sat on the couch. “I’m sorry honey I didn’t expect them to hurt you.”

“You wait till dad finds out.” Dan shouted at her.

“He’s not your father!!!” She screamed back at him. “Don’t you ever refer to him by that name in my presence again!! Do you understand?” She continued.

“Well you just wait till he finds out. You’ll be sorry ‘Millie’.”

“I am your grandmother and deserve to be addressed as such.”

Danny was still groggy from the chloroform. He slipped back to sleep.

“I want you to go get the rest of my grandchildren. The faster I get them out of here the better off I’m going to be!!” Millie ordered. “You heard him, they brainwashed him they turned him against me.”

The short bald man Rance (Bear) Colby stayed with Daniel and Millie while his partners Hank Jakes and Bart Martin. Headed back to the Goldman house.

“How old is the little one?” Bart asked

“I think he’s around five he’ll be easy to get.” Hank answered.

Then he continued “The faster we get this over with the better off we’ll be. I want to get them all out of our lives as quickly as possible. She is paying us enough but she is way to bossy.”

“Yea I agree.” Bart stated.

Oscar, Steve and Rudy were turning the grounds upside down, hoping that Danny was still on the property.

Jaime was trying to keep the twins and Joey out of the way, and especially trying to keep Marc from finding out.

It was a beautiful day so Jaime had the kids outside. She watched them very closely but her mind was distracted wondering what had happened to Danny. The twins and Joey were playing catch in the front yard. Matt threw the ball to Joey, Joey missed. “Better go get it Joey.” Matt gave Marc the thumbs up, they had been trying all morning to ditch Joey and this was their chance.

“Joey went out to the road and the twins ran off leaving Joey to the mercy of the two men waiting for him just outside the gate.

Hank reached down a picked up the ball. “Here you go sonny. Come over here and I’ll give it to you.”

Slowly Joey walked over to the man holding his ball He didn’t see the other man sneak up behind him.

It took only a matter of seconds to get Joey into the back seat of the car and speed off.

Again Danny slowly came around. “Glad your back with us.” Millie said “I was getting very worried about you.”

“I told you before. I don’t want to go with you M…Grandma. I want to go home.

“Your home is in NY Danny Your home is with me.”

“You’re wrong. Mom and dad wanted us to live with uncle Oscar that’s why they had their lawyer draw up the papers,” Danny argued.

“That was going to change, your father told us. He was changing the papers as soon as the divorce was final.”

“I want to be a lawyer, so I know the law. They didn’t change the papers, and they didn’t divorce. You have no case. Plus dad was seeing another woman. I suppose you put her up to that little show. Did you know the baby didn’t belong to dad?”

“I didn’t know. She told us the baby belonged to Tom. We I mean I thought that since you were her brothers she deserved visitation. Then I would get to see you.

“Look did you put these guys up to this?

“Yes I did. When your uncle refused to allow me to send Marc and Matt a present for their birthday I really got upset.”

“I know that now.” Danny stated. “But what you don’t understand is that it was on my advice that dad refused to let you send them the presents. I told him it would be a bad idea.”

I don’t believe it. You would do this to me?”

“You don’t understand. That’s not the point. I was afraid you would consider it an open invitation to try and take us away.”

“You don’t want to see me anymore?” Millie began to cry.

“I do want to see you, but I don’t want to go with you and at this point I don’t trust you with the twins, Joey or me.”

Just then the door of the cabin opened and Hank and Bart entered carrying Joey. ‘At least he’s not asleep’ Dan thought to himself.

“You didn’t drug him. Thank goodness.” Millie expressed.

“We didn’t have to, he was easy.” Hank announced.

“Well two down, two to go.” Mille observed.

“We will take the twins tomorrow. “ Bart stated.

“Why are you waiting till tomorrow? Don’t you understand the longer we stay here, the bigger the opportunity for them to find us?”

“I’m sorry Mrs. Jenkins. My men are tired they will get started first thing in the morning. We will take you to NY ourselves. But tomorrow, not tonight.”

Jaime came running up to Rudy, Oscar and Steve. “Have you guys seen Joey?”

“You mean Joey is missing now too?” Oscar yelled.

“I can’t find him anywhere. The last I saw he was playing with the twins. They are up in their room playing a game.”

Oscar ran in the house. “Guys where is your brother?”

“I don’t know. He was playing ball the last time we saw him.” Marc explained.

“I thought you were playing ball with him.” Oscar stated.

“We got tired of playing ball so we sort of ditched him. He was bugging us.” Marc continued.

“Don’t you boys!”…

“Oscar.” Steve pulled Oscar out of the room. “They don’t know what’s going on, and we don’t want them to know. “

“You think the same person who took Dan has Joey?”

“It would only stand to reason.” Steve pointed out.”

“What do we do now?” Oscar sighed.

“Find them both.” Steve answered slowly.

“Ok, ok but I want to be out of here by noon. It’s about a three hour drive to NY and I want to be home by at least four.”

“That can be arranged”. Bear told her. Hank will stay with you tonight I’ll be back in the morning.

“Danny.” Joey asked pointing to Millie. “Who is she?”

“Don’t worry about it Joey.” Danny said “I’ll explain it later.”

Millie looked at Joey in astonishment. “When did he start talking?”

Dan explained that Joey had never been autistic it had been a peanut allergy all along.

“Oh, my precious baby.” Millie exclaimed She scooped Joey up in her arms.

Joey wriggled away from her. And ran back to Danny “I don’t know her she’s a stranger." Joey cried.

“Ok, Steve where do we start?” Oscar asked.

“I don’t know. I’m going to look outside again. Maybe I can find something.” Steve ran down stairs and out the front door. He looked around outside. Then he saw something he hadn’t noticed before. A small oil leak that led up the road and it was fresh.

“Oscar, besides Dan’s friend Brandon was anyone else by here today?”

“It’s not very likely, we’re pretty isolated out here. Why?”

“Then I think I may be on to something. I just hope that oil trail doesn’t lead to Brandon’s house.” Steve pointed.

“Brandon lives that way. Town is the other way Steve.” Oscar told him.

“Then I’m going to follow that trail.”

“I’m coming with you. Rudy and I will follow in the car.” Oscar shouted.

Steve took off and Rudy and Oscar were right behind him.

Steve followed the oil trail till it stopped at the driveway of an old abandoned cabin. The car parked in the drive was still leaking oil.

Steve held up his hand Oscar pulled his car to a stop. Steve ran over to them. “I think this is the place. You two stay here. I’ll check it out.” Steve ordered.

Steve slipped up the drive he worked his way around the side of the house where he could see through the window.

Dan continued to sit on the couch. He was hoping his asthma didn't kick in.

"Millie I mean Grandma." Danny began. "If you think getting us to NY is all you have to do. You are wrong."

"Dan I want you and your brothers with me." She turned to the men. "When are you going to bring me my other children?

"We will leave in the morning I said."

He looked inside. Dan was still sitting on the couch.

He looked around the cabin some more “So, that‘s It.” he whispered to himself when he saw Millie sitting at a table with Joey.”

Again Millie reached for Joey, Joey pushed her away and ran out the door. Steve quickly scooped him up. “Come on Joey, Daddy is right over here.” Steve ran to where Oscar stood with Rudy.

“What about Danny?” Oscar said taking Joey from Steve.

“He’s in there with three other guys including Millie Jenkins.” Steve informed them.

“So, that’s it” Oscar muttered still holding Joey. “Steve you have to get him out of there.”

“We are going to need more back up.” Steve informed him.

“Rudy will you call Russ?” Oscar was holding tight to Joey.

“Sure Oscar.” Rudy reached for the car phone and called Russ. “He’s on his way.” Rudy informed Oscar when he hung up.

Steve raced back up to the cabin Bear, Millie, Hank and Bart had all stepped out the back door to see where Joey had gotten?

Steve took advantage of the moment. “Danny “ He called through the open window.

Danny looked toward the window. He walked over to the window.

Steve lifted him out and took him back to the car. By now Russ and the security team arrived.

“They are all around back looking for Joey I’ll go round them up.”

Steve slipped around to the back of the cabin. The three men and Millie had split up to search for the small boy. When Bart and Hank walked around to the front Russ caught up to them.

Around back Steve took Bear and Millie off guard and headed them to the front where Russ was waiting.

“How are the kids?” Steve asked when the excitement died down.

“They're going to be just fine.” Rudy informed him.

Steve got in the front seat Oscar sat in the back with his sons. “Dan, we don’t want Marc to know about this at all. I’m afraid he might blame himself.” Steve told him

“I understand Steve I won’t say anything.” Danny assured.

They drove back to Oscar’s house Jaime was waiting anxiously for them. “Is everyone alright?” She asked. And was relieved to see Danny and Joey.

“For the most part” Rudy answered. "I don't know you will have an allergic reaction to the chloroform or not. I suppose if you were, it would have happened by now, but I would prefer that you rest

“I am rather tired.” He stated I'm going to bed.

“That’s not surprising.” Rudy told him.

“Well.” Steve said after dinner. “We better get going.’

“Steve thanks for everything the past two days have been quite hectic.” Oscar stated.

“Don’t mention it pal. Anytime just holler.”

“Oscar let Dan sleep in the next day. He called the school and told them Dan would be absent. “We had a little incident here yesterday. His Dr. wants him to rest. He will be back in class tomorrow.’

“That’s fine Mr. Goldman. We understand. Tell Danny to call a friend later to get his homework. We will see you this afternoon at the parents meeting.” They reminded him.

“Of course I’ll see you then and I’ll remind Dan to call a friend.” He hung up the phone. “Morning Rudy. I just called Dan’s school I thought it would be a good idea for him to just stay in today.”

“I agree. I might stay home today as well. I can use Dan’s computer to do my work. If you need anything, just give a call.”

“You don’t have to stay home. Danny will be fine.” Oscar assured.

“I know that. I want to take a day off. I have some things I need to do. Dan doesn’t come in today, so I don’t need to be there for him and since he’s staying home anyway….”

“That’s true.” Oscar stepped out into the kitchen to start breakfast. Rudy followed

“Morning Marc morning Matt.” Oscar addressed the twins as they sat at the table. “Is Joey coming downstairs?”

“I think so.” Marc giggled.

“What’s so funny?” Oscar said as he set out cereal bowls

Matt and Marc turned to one another and burst out laughing. “He’s in his room talking to nobody.” Marc explained.

“Talking to nobody? What’s that supposed to mean? Rudy asked.

Marc shrugged his shoulders. “Just what I said. He’s in his room talking to nobody.” Marc took a bite of cereal and dismissed the entire incident.

“Was Danny still sleeping?” Oscar asked.

“Yea. What time will Jaime be here?” Marc asked.

“Very soon. Rudy is staying home today too.”

Joey entered the kitchen he was talking to nobody. Oscar watched him sit down at the table. “Here Joey.” He set a bowl of ‘fruit loops’ in front of him.

Joey moved the bowl over to the empty chair next to him.

“What are you doing Joey?” Rudy asked as he watched the scene

“Giving my cereal to Brandy. He likes fruit loops.”

“Who’s Brandy?” Oscar questioned.

“My friend.” Joey pointed to the empty seat…”

Oscar and Rudy turned to one another. "What's he talking about?" Oscar asked.

"S see" Matt said "I t told y you he w was t talking to n no b body.'

Oscar walked over to Joey. "Joey, son there is no one sitting there." He pointed out.

”Yea huh" Joey argued. "Brandy is right there." Again he pointed to the empty chair.

"Oscar come here a minute." Rudy called to him. Oscar walked over to him. "It's not unusual for a child Joey's age to have an imaginary playmate." Rudy explained.

"I thought that was mainly for kids who had no siblings." Oscar pointed out.

"Or sometimes the youngest who's brothers and sisters are too busy to play with him. Remember the other day. The twins didn't want to play. Well, now Joey has a friend who will be there all the time."

"So then it's nothing to be worried about?" Oscar wanted to know.

"Only when he's twenty and still talking to 'Brandy'." Rudy laughed.

"Well ok then. I won't worry about it. Look, I'll be late tonight I have a meeting at Danny's school."

"Do you want me to go ahead and feed the kids then?" Rudy asked.

"If you don't mind. I shouldn't be to late though."

"Anything in particular you want them to have?"

"No just what ever you can throw together. Let me know how Danny is doing."

"I'll keep you informed. But I’m sure if he was going to have a reaction to the chloroform he would have had it by now.”

“Well just to be on the safe side just keep him in.”

“I will” Rudy agreed.

"Hi guys." Jaime said as she came in the backdoor.

“Hi Jaime." Oscar greeted. "I'm keeping Danny home today. Rudy is staying here as well."

"I won't get in your way, I promise. Besides I have a science experiment the kids might enjoy."

"That would be great. I'll let you know when we're ready."

"I'll be in Oscar's office if you need anything." Rudy headed for the living room and Oscar’s office. Oscar left the house.

Steve was waiting in Oscar's office when he arrived. "Where's Rudy?" Steve asked.

"He stayed home. If you need anything you can go out to the house." Oscar explained.

"No I just noticed he wasn't in. By the way, how's Danny?"

"He's better. I think that's the main reason Rudy stayed home. Neither one of us trust Dan's asthma and allergies at all."

"I don't blame you there. How's Marc, he didn't find out anything did he?"

"No not at all. He's fine." Oscar assured him.

"Well I'll let you get caught up on your work. Call if you need me for anything" Steve waved as he went out the door."

'It will be a while before I send him anywhere' Oscar thought to himself. 'Things seem to run smoother with him around here. And Marc does need him'

Later that afternoon Oscar met with Dan's instructor at his school "Dan is doing quite well" Dan's teacher Vic Busby announced. "You know we retested him. We do that with all of our students every year at this time."

"I know. We retested him ourselves." Oscar reached in his pocket and pulled out the test Rudy had given him over the weekend. "Let’s see how they compare."

Mr. Busby took the paper from Oscar. "They compare quite well. We tested them on Friday.”

"So where do we go from here?" Oscar wanted to know.

"That's one of the reasons we called you in for this meeting. School just isn't challenging enough for Dan We thought we solved the problem when we placed him in both classes. But now he is bored in that as well."

"I understand. What do we do about it?" Oscar questioned again.

"We place Danny in our accelerated class." The instructor suggested

"And what would that involve?" Oscar wondered

"Well Danny Would complete his medical / legal training in 3 years rather than six. He would be in a different class with different instructors.

"If that's what it takes." Oscar agreed. "Do I need to sign anything?"

The instructor handed Oscar the necessary forms and he signed them. "So what happens in three years he starts practicing medicine?"

"No he's way to young,” the instructor pointed out. Dan would find another subject to study. He could leave here with several degrees."

"That would be great. That’s kind of what Dan wants." Oscar agreed thinking of the cloned rabbits in his basement.

"Then Dan will start tomorrow. Is he feeling better? The office said he had a little incident over the weekend. Was it his asthma?’

"No it wasn’t and yes he's better. Thanks for asking."

"I'll introduce you to his instructors if you want. Rick Patterson will be his law instructor and Dr. Ed Johns will teach his medical classes. They have both been informed that Dan will be joining their classes.”

"That won't be necessary. I'll tell Dan, I'm sure he knows who Mr. Patterson and Dr. Johns are."

"Yes he does. By the way, Rick is out sick this week so Danny will have a substitute."

"That's fine. Thanks for keeping me informed." Oscar noted.

"We will send progress reports to you each week now. Danny has to maintain a certain grade point to remain in the accelerated program."

"Send them to my office." Oscar requested.

"We will Thanks again for coming in."

Oscar had a lot of time to think on the drive home. ‘I have to do more to protect those kids of mine. I’m tired of blaming myself every time something happens. I’m not going to do it again. Those kids are my life now. I wouldn’t change it for anything.’

Oscar drove through his security gate and up the driveway. ‘I’ve hired additional security for the house, maybe I need more.’

Rudy and the kids were sitting at the kitchen table when he walked in. “Hi gang” He called out.

“Hi dad.” Danny replied. “How did the meeting at my school go?”

“I’ll talk to you about that after I put the younger kids to bed. “It’s all good news though.”

Oscar glanced over at his youngest son he was sitting beside an empty chair that had a plate of food in front of it. “Brandy isn’t very hungry tonight?”

“Joey shook his head,” I don’t know I guess he doesn’t like hamburgers.”

“I’ll be, right back guys.” Oscar said as he started to leave the kitchen. “How are you two?” He directed to the twins.

“We’re fine dad.’ They said. Oscar noticed that every time Marc and Matt spoke at the same time Matt hardly stuttered.

Oscar turned and left the kitchen and Rudy followed.

“Jaime left about an hour ago. I had to fix ‘Brandy’ a plate too Joey insisted.”

“I was kind of hoping ‘Brandy’ would be gone by now.” Oscar noted.

“He’s been talking to him all day.” Rudy informed him. “I really don’t think it’s anything to get to alarmed about.”

‘Well it is a little disconcerting.” Oscar explained.

“I know what you’re saying but really kids go through it all the time. I had an imaginary friend when I was Joey’s age.”

“Really?”

“Yea his name was PIP. PIP said he was going on vacation on my sixth birthday and never came back. Of course I’m the one that made him go away. I’m sure Joey will to when the twins start paying attention to him again.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“What did Dan’s teacher say?” Rudy asked.

“They are putting him in the accelerated program.” Oscar informed him

“What does that mean?” Rudy wondered.

Oscar explained it to Rudy, the way the teacher had explained it to him.

“That would be great if Dan could graduate with several degrees.” Rudy recognized.

“I just hope it’s not to much for him.” Oscar worried.

“If it is. They will take him out of the program.” Rudy informed him.

That night Rudy and Oscar told Danny what Oscar had found out at the school. “Do you think you’re ready?” Oscar asked.

“Yea Dad. I’m more than ready. I was going to ask if I could do that anyway. But I think it is something they have to ask you, not the other way around.”

“Well you will start tomorrow. Your law teacher is Rick Paterson. And Dr. Ed Johns will teach you medical classes.’

“I know both I like them.” Danny stated.

“Rick Paterson is out sick this week so you will have another instructor.” Oscar continued.

“That sounds fine. I can’t wait to get started.

“I just don’t want you to overdue.” Oscar warned.

“I won’t dad. I’m looking forward to it.” Dan was excited.

“By the way Dan” Rudy interrupted changing the subject. “Steve and Jaime spoke to me today. They are hoping to be ready in the next few days.. We just hope Marc accepts everything.”

“I’ll be ready for them” Dan replied.