They spent the rest of the day decorating the tree. It was the first Saturday in December.

“Listen Oscar, the twins want me to take them Christmas shopping. They want to buy you a Christmas present. Do you mind if we go tomorrow?”

“No not at all.” Oscar stated.

“I thought we would visit Santa.”

“I guess that would be ok. I would like to be there though.”

“Why don’t I take them shopping say around 10:00? You and Joey can meet up with us for lunch, then we can go visit the man in the red suit.”

Oscar laughed, “I think you really believe in Santa.”

“Doesn’t everybody?”

The next morning Steve was at the house at 10:00 to pick up the twins and take them shopping.

Steve pulled into the parking lot of the mall and they all got out. Steve took each one of the twins’ hands and they walked for the mall entrance.

The first thing they saw was Santa. “Can we see Santa, Steve?” they pleaded.

“No, your dad is meeting us in a little while. He wants to take you to see Santa.”

“Ok, let’s get the present then.” Marc said.

“How much money do you guys have?” Steve asked.

“Three d dollars and f fifty c cents,” Matt answered.

“I think I can add a little to that. Where do you want to go?”

“I don’t know,” Marc answered.

“Well what do you want to buy him?” Steve wanted to know.

“A w watch” Matt said.

“I know just the place. I want you two to stay right with me. I don’t want either of you to wander. The mall is packed.” Steve held tight to each twin.

“We will.” Marc said. He and Matt were looking around at all the people. They were a little nervous. They hung tightly to Steve.

Steve led them to the watch department of the store. It took only a few minutes for them to pick out and agree on the same watch. Steve paid for it and they left the store.

“Hey, what are you guys doing here?’ Rudy asked. He had his arms full of packages.

“These two wanted to buy Oscar a present. So I brought them shopping. Oscar is meeting us later for lunch if you want to join us.” Steve answered.

“Yea, I think I will.”

“Do me a favor Rudy. Watch these two for just a minute. I want to run this to the car before we meet Oscar, ok?” Steve asked.

“Yea we can sit right over here.” Rudy pointed to a bench. “Where are you parked?”

“The south entrance why?”

“Same here. Would you take these out to my car?” He handed him the keys.

“No problem Rudy.” Rudy gave him directions as to where he was parked. Ironically they were parked right next to each other.

Rudy sat with the twins waiting for Steve to come back. “So how’s school going?” Rudy asked.

“Not very good.” Marc told him.

“What’s the problem?”

“The older kids have been teasing Matt because he stutters.”

“That’s terrible. What’s your dad doing about it?”

”We start at Danny’s school after the holiday.” Marc said. Then he continued. “I think Jaime is going to teach us till then.”

“Well she’ll be a good teacher.” Rudy agreed.

By the time Steve got back to them it was time to meet Oscar for lunch.

After they ate they headed for Santa Oscar carried Joey on his shoulders. He was tired of walking around.

The kids told Santa what they wanted for Christmas and everyone went home. Steve told the boys he would hang on to the present so he could wrap it and he would bring it out to the house later in the week.

The next morning Jaime showed up to tutor Marc, Matt and Joey.

“I don’t want any of my kids going to that school.” Oscar told her before he left.

“That’s ok.” She said.

At lunchtime she let the boys go outside to play while she made dinner.

While the boys played outside Oscar drove up. “Hey Marc, come here a minute. I need to talk to you.”

Marc walked over to the car. “Hop in son. I need to have you do something for me.”

Marc opened the door and sat in the seat next to him. “What is it dad?”

“I need you to do something for me tonight. Tonight I will meet you out here, I will drive you into the City to the gold depository I want you to go in and bring me as many gold bars as you can carry.”

“Dad, isn’t that called stealing?”

“No not really. Let’s just keep this between the two of us. As a matter of fact don’t even tell Jaime I was here.”

“OK”

That night after everyone had gone to sleep, Marc crept down stairs. He slipped out the back door, hoping none of the other kids had heard him leave. All except Matt of course, he could never keep anything from him.

Matt knew as soon as he saw his twin that something was bothering him. Not wanting to break his promise to his dad. Marc left his mind open so Matt would find out.

At dinner he and Matt spoke together in their own language so no one else understood:

“WHAT D DO YOU THINK D DAD IS UP T TO?” Matt asked as they all sat at dinner. His stutter still came through even when they talked like this.

“I DON’T KNOW. I WONDER IF HE HAS FLIPPED OUT.” Marc wondered.

“B BUT YOU KNOW W WHAT HE ALWAYS T TOLD YOU.” Matt reminded.

“YEA ALWAYS DO WHAT HE TELLS ME TO DO EXPECIALLY IF INVLOVES AN ASSIGNMENT.”

“Hey you two cut it out.” Oscar scolded. “And since when are you back talking like that?”

The twins looked at each other. Then back to their dad. “We’re sorry.”

“Well finish up and then go get ready for bed.”

Now Marc stood at the end of the road where his dad had asked him to wait.

“Hi son” Oscar said when he arrived. “Climb on in. I’m glad to see you kept our secret.” Oscar said as Marc fastened his seatbelt.

“I don’t understand dad. Why do you want me to rob the gold depository?”

“Marc, I’m not asking you to rob anything.” Oscar said. “I told you it is not stealing. You will understand when you get older.”

They drove and few minutes later they were in DC.

‘I’ll never understand grown-ups,’ Marc thought as they pulled up in front of the gold depository.

“Ok son, as much as that little bionic arm of yours can carry. Ok? Oh, and don‘t let anyone try to stop you. If they do just give them a punch, ok?”

“Yea ok.” Marc said as he opened the car door.

Marc walked over to the brick wall of the depository building and began to ram it down with his arm it only took a couple of knocks and he was in. He headed straight for the vault. He bent the bars of the cell and did as Oscar asked. He grabbed up as many bars as he could carry.

Oscar was waiting for him. He opened the trunk of the car. “Just put them in here son I’ll take you home now.”

They pulled up in front of the house and Oscar let Marc out of the car. “I have somewhere I have to go. I’ll see you in the morning. And remember not a word to anyone. By the way, I want you to meet me at the same time in the same place tomorrow. I’ll have another little job for you.”

Marc stepped through the back door. The house was still dark. Slowly, he made his way back up to bed. Matt was awake when he entered his room.

“How d did it g go?” Matt questioned.

“Ok I guess. I still think it’s wrong, but if dad asks me to.”

“I understand.” Matt rolled over and went to sleep.

‘I wish I did.’ Marc thought as he slid under the covers and joined his brother in slumber.

An hour later Oscar was awakened out of his sleep His presence was needed there had been a robbery at the gold depository and who ever had done it was very strong. They were hoping maybe he could shed some light on it.

“I’ll be there as soon as my son’s teacher arrives. In the meantime call Col Austin I want him in on this.”

Oscar left as soon as Jaime arrived and he dropped Danny off at his school.

“What is your impression Steve?” He asked once he arrived.

“Did they use dynamite? Steve wondered.

“No none at all.” Oscar explained.

“In that case if you want my honest opinion, it looks like a bionic man went through here.”

“Haven’t gone into business for yourself, have you pal?”

“Very funny Oscar.”

“Well how can you explain it?”

“I can’t.”

“Steve really if there is something you would like to talk about I’m listening. You have really helped me out in the past few weeks. Maybe it’s too much for you. I mean my concern has of course been for Marc and Matt, but if something is bothering you…”

“Nothing in bothering me and I don’t like what you are insinuating. Pal.”

“OK I’ll admit that was uncalled for.” Oscar apologized. “Oh damn! I have to call the house. Rudy wants to run some tests on Marc. I have to tell Jaime to bring him in by at 10:00”

“Do you want me to call?”

“No thanks, I’ll handle it.” Oscar said. ”Let’s go to my office and I’ll call.”

At the house Jaime was in the middle of her lesson when the phone rang. “Oh hi Oscar.”

“Hi how is it going?”

“Just fine. They are pretty smart kids, especially Joey. I think he’s ready for first grade.”

“Really? Listen Jaime the reason I’m calling is you need bring Marc into Rudy by 10:00. You can use my office for Matt and Joey to continue their lessons for the day.”

“Sure, but is anything wrong? I heard about the robbery at the depository.”

When Marc heard the words robbery and depository he listened very closely to the conversation.

“Yea I don’t know what to make of it. All I know is that the person who broke in was very strong. They tore through a brick wall…”

“Sounds like that someone was bionic.” Jaime interrupted.

“It appears that way.”

“Well anyway, tell Rudy I’ll have Marc there by 10:00”

“DID YOU HEAR THAT MATT?” Marc asked.

“YES I D DID. WHAT ARE YOU G GOING T TO D DO ABOUT IT?” Matt asked.

“I DON’T KNOW. DAD KNOWS IT WAS ME. I DON’T SEE WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT.”

“YOU G GONNA ASK H HIM?” Matt asked again.

“I DON’T KNOW, MAYBE TONIGHT.”

“HE W WANTS YOU T TO OUT AGAIN T TONIGHT?”

“YEA.”

“Ok boys knock it off. I thought you stopped doing that.”

“W we never w will.” Matt informed her.

“Well I want you to put your books away. Rudy wants to see you Marc. He wants to run some tests on you.”

‘That’s all I need’ Marc thought to Matt. ‘I’m so distracted by the robbery I don’t know if I can concentrate on any tests today.’

‘Yea.’ Matt thought back.

“Matt I want you to bring your work with you. We will use your dad’s office to study.”

Matt gathered up his books and the four of them got into Jaime’s car.

“Ok. Marc ready to get started?” Rudy said after Jaime dropped him off.

“I guess.”

“Is everything alright?” Rudy sounded concerned.

“I’m ok. Just have my mind on other things, I guess.”

“Like what?”

Marc smiled. “Hey I’m only seven, it changes every two minutes.”

“I guess you’re right.” Rudy laughed.

“Why don’t we start with the bar-bell ok?”

Marc walked over to the stand where the barbells rested Rudy stood beside him. “Let’s try this one.”

Marc picked it up and held it over his head.

“How does that feel?” Rudy asked.

“Fine I guess.” Marc answered.

“Ok you can put it down now.” The barbell fell to the floor with a thud. Rudy turned to Marc he had a distant look in his eyes.

“Please tell you brother not to distract you.” Rudy said.

Marc turned to him. ‘Good, he is blaming my being distracted on Matt trying to talk to me.’ “Ok Rudy I will.”

“Ok Marc let’s try the treadmill next. I want you to tell Matt not to bother you until you are done though ok? I know you two like to be together all the time and all that but Marc this is very important. Ok?”

“Ok Rudy I’ll try to concentrate harder.”

“That’s good Marc.”

Rudy carefully read the read out as Marc ran. He shook his head. “Ok Marc you can stop now.”

“Didn’t do so good huh?”

“Marc what is going on? You usually have no problems with these tests. Come here and sit down.”

Marc walked over to where Rudy was sitting at his desk and sat down across from him.

“I don’t understand Marc. I deliberately put off your tests since your change over. I knew you had the problem with Matt. I know you have had a lot on your mind more than most kids your age.

“I know Rudy. I guess I still have a lot on my mind.”

“You want to talk about it. Just between us, I promise.” Then Rudy thought a moment, ‘I never should have phrased it that way.’

For a minute Marc was tempted to tell him, then thought he better not. After all his dad had told him not to say a word to anyone and to be real honest, Marc still had a hard time trusting Rudy.

“It’s nothing, really” Marc tried to reassure him.

Rudy shook his head. “I don’t buy it Marc. Something is distracting you. And now it’s affecting your bionics. I’m concerned. I don’t know if there is a distraction or if there is something wrong with your bionics. Do you know what I’m trying to say?”

“I think so. Rudy it is only that I have my mind on something else right now. I wish I could Rudy. But I just can’t talk about it right now.”

“I wish you would let me help you. Would you talk to Steve?”

“I have to work this one out on my own, Rudy.”

“Marc please tell me what’s going on?” Rudy was sounding very concerned. He had had reservations about taking on the responsibility of such a young patient. He wasn’t a pediatrician. He really didn’t know how to relate to Marc, Matt and the others.

“I really can’t talk about it Rudy. I promised I wouldn’t say anything.”

“Who did you make this promise to Marc?” Rudy was very concerned now.

“I promised I wouldn’t tell that either.” Marc looked up at Rudy.

“Marc I need to know what’s going on.” Rudy urged Marc to tell him.

“Rudy I just can’t tell you right now.”

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to discuss this with your dad.”

“YOU LIED!” Marc cried. “You told me that it would be just between us.”

“You’re right, I did say that. Ok Marc I won’t say anything. Shall we try it again? Ok?”

“I guess so. I’m willing to try again.”

“Good, let’s try the treadmill again. You should be able to go much faster than you were. And in a shorter amount of time. Concentrate on what you are doing.”

“Ok I will.” He got back on the treadmill and almost blew Rudy away.

“That’s more like it. Now if you don’t mind would you please pick up the bar bell and put it back on the rack. I can’t lift it.”

Marc giggled and walked over to where he had dropped it. He picked it up and replaced in on the rack where it belonged.

“Ready for more?” Rudy asked.

“Sure, I guess so.”

Rudy was finally able to run a complete set of tests on Marc. He hadn’t been able to do that since Marc’s original bionic surgery. He had done a little here and there, but now since the change and all he needed to make sure they were all working the way they were supposed to.

At noon Oscar poked his head in. “How’s he doing Rudy?”

“He did great Oscar. He’s 100 percent. I won’t need to test again for some time.”

“That’s great. Jaime is waiting to take him home. She wants him to get back to his schoolwork “

“Well he’s all done. She can take him now.”

Marc left with Jaime.

“Oscar I need to talk to you. Now what I have to say is very hard for me. But as Marc’s father I feel you have a right to know.”

“You have my undivided attention, Rudy. Go on.”

“Well Marc was very distracted. In fact the first time on the treadmill it took him almost five minutes to get his speed up to 30 MPH. He should get to 60 in less than a minute.”

“What was the problem?”

“This is where my problem comes in. I wanted Marc to share what was bothering him with me. So I told him it would be just between us.”

“I get it, you’re afraid of betraying Marc.”

“Yea, Look if it were Steve of Jaime I would be bound by ethics not to say a word but I don’t know where the line is drawn when you’re dealing with a minor.”

“Well as his father I would appreciate it if you would tell me.” Oscar prodded.

“That’s the problem he wouldn’t tell me. All he said is that he promised he wouldn’t say anything.”

“Whom did he make this promise to?” Oscar demanded.

“I wish I could tell you, but he wouldn’t say. Now Oscar you can’t go home and demand that he tell you. I wasn’t supposed to say anything to you. All I need is for him to not trust me again. We are just starting to make progress in that area.”

“Yea at least he’s not afraid of you anymore. Since you promised you wouldn’t give him a shot unless it were absolutely necessary.”

“Right and I don’t want to blow it. Just watch him close in the next few days. Ok?”

“I will Rudy you can count on that. I need to get back to my office now that it’s no longer a classroom. Jaime kicked me out I mean she actually kicked me out.” As Oscar turned to leave a thought crossed his mind. “Would Marc talk to Steve?”

Rudy shook his head “I already asked him. He won’t. He claims he can’t tell anybody.”

“That’s what concerns me the most Rudy. Who is he protecting?”

“When I find out I’ll let you know.” Rudy assured him. “I would appreciate it you would return the favor.”

“I will Rudy. You’ll be the first to know.” With that he headed for his own office.

That night at dinner Oscar started the conversation. “How did your tests to today Marc?”

Marc had hardly touched his dinner. He had succeeded in moving it around on the plate, but had only taken a couple of bites.

“Ok I guess. I was a little slow at first. I’m sure Rudy told you.”

Marc was fishing. He wanted to see if Rudy had mentioned anything and Oscar knew it.

“I asked him how you did. I’m your father. I feel I have a right to ask. He just mentioned that you were a little distracted.”

He turned to Matt. “You weren’t bothering your brother by any chance, were you Matt?”

“No I w wouldn’t d do that.” Matt said.

Oscar turned back to Marc. “Rudy said once you got on track you did great.”

“Is that all he said?” He was fishing again.

“Yea. Anything you want to talk about?” Oscar asked.

“Not right now dad.”

“Marc you can talk to any of us about anything you want, you know that don’t you?”

“Yea, sure dad. Everything is fine, really. I’m finished can… I mean may I go upstairs?”

Oscar looked at Marc’s still full plate. “Yea, finish your milk first.”

Marc drank the last of his milk and went upstairs.

“Matt, has Marc said anything to you?”

Matt shook his head. “No d dad, he h hasn’t.” He wasn’t exactly lying.

“Well if he does, will you tell me?” Oscar asked.

“Yea d dad. May I g go to my room t too p please?”

“Yea. Put your plate in the sink.”

“Ok” and Matt left to join his brother. “N now he’s a asking m me questions.”

“You didn’t say anything did you?” Marc glared at Matt.

“Of c course n not.” Matt argued.

“He might be trying to find out if I said anything. He’s trying to trick me, I think.” Marc surmised.

A few minutes later Oscar knocked on their door. “Time to get ready for bed guys.”

“Ok dad.” They said.

Again that night Marc crept out of the house. Oscar was waiting for him the same spot as then night before.

“Dad, I really think this is wrong. You heard everyone talking at the OSI today.”

“You didn’t say anything did you?”

“Of course not, you asked me not to.”

“Good, good. I have something else for you to do tonight.”

“More gold bars?” Marc asked.

“No something better” Oscar said. “Tonight we are going to make a little withdraw from the bank.”

“Dad, the bank is closed.” Marc told him.

“I’m well aware of that fact, but locked doors didn’t stop you last night.”

They stopped in front of the bank and Marc got out of the car. Oscar handed him a large bag. “Just fill it up, nothing lower than fifty’s ok?”

“Yea I guess so.” Marc said as he took the bag and got out of the car.

Marc walked over to the barred window and bent them far enough apart so he could squeeze through. Once inside he broke the lock on the vault and stepped inside. He filled the bag with 50, 100 and 1,000-dollar bills then returned to the car.

As Marc got back in the car he handed it to Oscar. Oscar opened the bag and saw how much was in it. “Very good son. You did a good job. Now I want you to meet me again tomorrow same time, same place ok?”

“Dad why do I get the feeling I just robbed a bank?” Marc asked.

Oscar could tell he was getting very nervous. “Look son. It’s ok just trust me, ok?”

“Ok dad, but tonight is the last time.”

“We’ll see about that. I am your father you have to do what I say. Do I make myself clear? Listen I have the best thing going, a bionic son. The world is mine. And what’s so great is that no one would suspect you.”

Marc turned to look at him as they drove up the street. ‘Who are you?’ Marc asked himself. ‘I don’t know if I even know who you are.’

When they got back to the house Oscar turned to him. “I have somewhere I have to go right now. I’ll see you at breakfast.”

Marc got out of the car and went back in the house. Matt was waiting up for him again.

“W what d did you d do t tonight?” he asked.

“I think I robbed a bank.” Marc said as he slid under the blankets.

“Y you’re n not s serious M Marc?”

Too late Marc was already asleep.

The next morning the kids sat at breakfast Marc could barely keep his eyes open. Oscar came into the kitchen. He ruffled the twin’s hair. “Why so tired this morning Marc.”

“AS IF HE DIDN’T KNOW.”

“YEA.”

“I thought I told you two to cut that out. We don’t have any secrets in this family.” He looked at Marc “Well save for one. I have to get to work there was another break in last night. I have to go see what’s going on. Russ and Jaime are on their way. Will you watch the kids Dan? Russ will give you a ride to school as soon as Jaime gets here.”

“Dad I don’t have school today. Richmond is out for Founders Day or something like that.”

“That’s right. I do remember you saying something like that. I’m sorry, with all that’s been going on lately it slipped my mind. Just send Russ back when he gets here then.”

Oscar arrived at the bank by nine. Again Steve was already there. “Here we go again.” Steve said, “You can’t pin this one on me. According to the police report this happened at around 2:00 am. I was with Rudy from 10:00 till about 3:00. Security discovered it around 2:15 during their check.”

”What were you doing with Rudy so late?” Oscar grilled.

“You still think it was me, don’t you?”

Oscar didn’t look at him.

“Listen ‘pal’, just ask him. He had some tests he wanted to run on me. We did that till about midnight. Then we sat and talked.”

“Talked about what? Look Steve I don’t know what’s going on here. I don’t mean to accuse you, but what am I supposed to think?”

“Look Oscar if I were in your shoes, I would be the number one suspect too, I’m just glad I have an alibi and a witness.”

“Me too.” Oscar agreed. “Why don’t we go out to the house. Maybe Jaime can shed some light on this for us.”

“No way Oscar, you are not going to accuse her either.”

“Let’s just go out to the house, Ok?”

“Yea alright but if you think Jaime did this, I wonder about your sanity.”

They walked over to their cars “I’ll follow you Steve.” Oscar said.

‘He still suspects me.’ Steve thought as he reached for his car phone. He called Rudy. “Rudy I need your help. Oscar is accusing me of the bank robbery last night.”

“You were with me.” Rudy reminded him.

“I know, that’s what I told him, but I don’t think he believes me.”

“Where are you now?” Rudy wanted to know.

“On my way out to his place.” Steve informed him.

“I’ll meet you there.” Rudy practically hung up on him and got in his own car.

Jaime was sitting at the dining room table with the twins and Joey when Oscar and Steve came in, followed by Rudy.

“What’s going on?” She asked. “You’re interrupting my class time.”

“This is serious Jaime. Boys go up to your rooms.”

Marc and Matt each took one of Joey’s hands and they headed up to their rooms. They were actually kind of relieved and glad to get away from school work for a while.

“Have a seat Steve.” Oscar ordered. “Ok we have to get this settled. In the past two nights there have been two separate robberies one at the gold depository the other at the bank last night. Both indicate that the robber was more than likely bionic. Either one of you care to come clean? I would like to resolve this without involving the NSB.”

“Oscar Steve nor Jaime would do such a thing, you know that. And Steve was with me last night.” Rudy shouted.

“What about the night before? He could have done that one, and Jaime could have robbed the bank last night.”

“Yea, right” Jaime said. “If I’d just robbed a bank, do you think I’d be sitting here? I’d be at the mall.”

Unbeknownst to the adults Danny was still in the kitchen. He overheard everything. He took the back stairs to get to his room. Then went into the twins’ room.

“You’re not going to believe what’s going on down there. Dad thinks Jaime and Steve committed those robberies.”

Matt looked over at Marc.

“YOU B BETTER DO S SOMETHING F FAST. YOU C CAN’T LET D DAD BLAME THEM F FOR S SOMETHING YOU D DID.”

“I KNOW. I WILL BE RIGHT BACK.”

Marc went downstairs. “Marc, go back up to your room!!” Oscar shouted when he saw him.

“No dad. I’m not going to let you accuse Steve and Jaime for something you made me do.”

The four adults stared at Marc. “What are you talking about Marc?” Oscar broke the silence.

“Dad you know! You even wanted me to meet you again tonight!” Marc yelled.

“Marc, please don’t yell at me.” Oscar chided.

Upstairs Dan and Matt heard all the commotion. Matt had already told Danny everything after Marc had gone downstairs. Now they joined the group gathered in the dining room.

“You did tell me to do it. You did, you did!!” Marc cried and ran out onto the deck that was just off the dining room.

Oscar started after him. Dan stopped him. “Dad Matt just told me what has been going on. According to Marc you have been picking him up for the past two nights at 1:30 in the morning. Taking him into DC and telling him to rob those two places.”

“I have done no such thing.” Oscar defended himself.

“I know that, and I’m sure Steve, Jaime and Rudy believe it. But I think it’s important right now is that Marc believes that it was you.”

“Why is that Dan?” Oscar thought a minute. “No way! Absolutely not! Marc is not going anywhere tonight.”

“Oscar.” Steve broke in. “If we’re going to catch him, Marc has to.”

“Excuse me.” Rudy cut in, “but it’s way too cold for him to be out there without at coat.” Rudy grabbed Marc’s jacket and headed out to the deck. “Here son, put this on. You’ll freeze.”

Marc was still crying but put his coat. “Rudy he did tell me to do those things he really did.”

“I believe you Marc. Come on back inside, it’s too cold for you to be out here. Come in and we’ll talk about it. That’s why you were so distracted yesterday, am I right?”

Marc nodded. “I promised I wouldn’t say anything Rudy. Dad made me promise. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings.”

“Marc you should know though that if someone asks you to do something that you know is wrong and then tells you to keep it secret, you really need to tell someone you trust.”

”But Rudy, the person I trust most is the one who told me to do it. I wonder, do you think dad has flipped?”

“No, I don’t think that Marc and you should know better. Your father would never ask you to break the law.”

Marc turned to him. “I guess you’re right. What’s going to happen? I did break the law.”

“Don’t worry about that right now. You need to get back inside. It’s way too cold and you’re wearing short sleeves.”

The two of them walked back in through the sliding doors back into the dining room.

“Let’s go into the living room, it’s more comfortable in there.” Oscar suggested he had calmed down just a bit.

They all left the dining room and headed for the living room. On his way to the living room Marc passed the hall closet. He took off his coat and hung it up.

They had just gotten sat down when they heard a car door. “It’s Gregory.” Oscar said looking out the window.

Gregory and company walked up to the front door and rang the bell. Oscar answered the door. “Inspector? To what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?”

“Cut the attitude Goldman. We obtained the surveillance video from the bank. It clearly shows your son Marc. I believe I have dealt with him before.”

“Only because he told me to.” Marc pointed to his father.

“I have no choice this time Oscar. I’m afraid I will have to take Marc into custody.”

“No way. You can’t do that.” Oscar objected. “He’s just a kid.”

Gregory turned to Marc. “Grab your coat son. You need to come with me.”

“No I won’t. I won’t go with you, you are a stranger.” Marc ran for the deck doors again. He flung them open ran out onto the deck then jumped off and ran off at top speed.

“I hope you’re happy with yourself Gregory?” Oscar fumed.

Gregory went for the phone. He picked up the receiver and dialed the police. “I want to put out an All Points Bulletin on Marc Goldman. That’s M a r c. He is seven years old has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans red sneakers and a blue t-shirt I want you to find him and bring him to the NSB.” He hung up the phone and left.

“Oscar, we may have a bigger problem than Gregory.” Rudy exclaimed.

“What’s that Rudy?” Oscar wanted to know.

“Marc didn’t wear his coat. As I said before it’s too cold for him to be outside without one. Plus he’s wearing a short sleeved shirt.”

“We’ll start looking for him.” Oscar said grabbing his own coat and Marc’s out of the closet.

Marc hadn’t gone too far. He hid in the woods in back of their house. After watching Gregory leave he slipped back into the house through the deck doors.

Jaime and Steve heard him come in and met him. “Marc, are you alright?” Steve was very concerned.

“I’m a little cold.” Marc proclaimed.

After hearing Marc’s voice, the rest joined them in the dining room. “I don’t know what’s going on.” Marc said.

“Marc why don’t you tell us what you do know.” Steve insisted.

“On Monday Jaime let us go outside to play while she made lunch.” He pointed to Oscar. “You came home and asked me to get in the car. While we were sitting there you told me you wanted me to meet you that night at 1:30.”

He paused for a moment. He could tell everyone was listening to him. “So I met you, you made me promise not to say anything to anybody.” Marc continued. “We went into the city and you stopped in front of the place with all the gold.”

He stopped again. “Go on son.” Oscar urged.

“You were there, you tell some if it.” Marc pointed out.

“Pretend that I wasn’t” Oscar encouraged.

Marc went on. “You told me to bring out all the gold I could carry. I gave it to you and you put it in the trunk of the car.”

“My car? Oscar asked.

“No you had a different car.” Marc told him.

“Ok go on son.” Oscar urged.

“Anyway you told me when you dropped me off that you wanted me to meet you in the same place the next night.”

“What happened then?” Steve asked.

“That’s when we went to the bank. I tried to tell you it was wrong, but you said. ‘I am your father you have to do what I say. Do I make myself clear? Listen I have the best thing going, a bionic son. The world is mine. And what’s so great is that no one would suspect you.’ That was an exact quote. I remember it very well.”

Oscar could only stare at him in astonishment. “Son I would never say that.”

‘But you did. I told you this was the last time. But you told me that I had to meet you again tonight. What are you going to have me do?”

“Very interesting story if it’s true.” They all turned Gregory stood in the door. “Is that what happened?”

“That’s exactly what happened.” Marc nodded.

“Well then maybe I was taking the wrong person into custody.”

“Wait a minute, just wait a minute.” Jaime cried, “This has gone far enough. This person that Marc met must look enough like Oscar to fool Marc. Why don’t we wait for tonight and see what happens.”

‘I won’t go with him if he’s not my dad.’ Marc stated.

“Marc we are not asking you to go anywhere with him. We will be right there.” Steve assured. “I promise son.”

“Ok I’ll do it.” Marc whispered.

...Continued