The next morning Oscar called Gregory at his home. “I’ll allow you to interview Marc on a couple of conditions.

“And they would be?” a half sleepy Gregory asked.

Number one it’s just you; you leave your band of merry men at home. Two the interview happens at my house, in Marc’s room if that is where he wants. And three you don’t under any circumstances upset him in anyway. If I or Dr. Wells feels he is becoming upset, the interview is over.”

“Ok Oscar, I agree. I don’t think I have any questions that will upset the boy.”

“Let’s not forget the last time you interviewed him?”

“I remember Oscar believe me I remember. I will try to be very careful. I’ll see you at 11:00 then.”

“Yea Gregory, see you then.”

“Jaime arrived at 9:00 sharp as she had every morning since agreeing to tutor the children.

At 11:00 Jaime dismissed for their mid day break.

Gregory arrived promptly at 11:00 Oscar and Rudy were in Oscar’s home office talking about all that had happened over the course of the past few weeks.

Matt went to answer the door “G good morning m mister G Gregory.

“Hi Marc.” He said with a smile.

Matt giggled. “I I’m n not M Marc. I I’m M Matt.”

Oscar made his way to the door. “Matt, go tell Marc to come here for a minute then you and Joey go up to his room and play a game.”

“O ok d dad.” Matt said as he went off to get his brother.

I thought he was Marc” Gregory observed. “By the way, that’s some stutter he has.

“Marc and Matt are twins, identical twins. And yes he does have a stutter he tried to kill himself a while back. It left him with a little brain damage. That’s how unstable these kids are right now. They lost their parents only a couple of months ago and they are still having some problems.” Oscar informed him. “That’s why I am so protective of them. You better go easy on him.”

“Don’t worry Oscar, I will go very easy on Marc.” Gregory assured.

“See that you do!” Rudy grumbled.

Marc entered the front hall. “You wanted to see me dad?” He asked.

“Yea Marc, you remember Mr. Gregory, He would like to ask you a few questions. Ok?

‘I guess so.” Marc slipped behind his dad’s back.

“Where would you like to talk son?” Oscar inquired. “We can go up to your room if you would like. Or we can use my office.”

“Your office. Is ok” Marc agreed.

The four of them walked into Oscar’s office.

“I have just a few questions Marc nothing major just answer the best you can.”

Marc looked at his dad and Rudy. “Yes sir.” He responded.

“What time did you say he picked you up?”

“1:30 in the morning.” Marc answered

“Did you stay up till that time, or did you go to sleep?” Gregory asked.

“I stayed up. I thought if I went to sleep, I would never wake up.”

“Can I ask one Gregory?” Oscar asked.

“Of course, go ahead Oscar.”

“Marc, didn’t you wonder why I wanted to meet you that late? When I have told you time and time again, bed time is at 8:00?”

“I guess I never thought of it.” Marc answered.

“And you said that I had somewhere to go after I dropped you off, you didn’t wonder why I would leave you and your brothers alone. Not to mention my leaving them when we went into town?”

“I never thought of it that way.” Marc said.

“I was going to ask those questions Oscar.” Gregory spoke

“Well I beat you at something “ Oscar laughed.

“Do you have anymore questions sir?” Marc asked. “It’s time for Scooby Doo. We always watch it on our break.”

“Yea, you can go. Marc, don’t worry anymore. You go watch your show. I have to talk to your dad.”

Marc left the room His brothers were already in the living room Scooby Doo was just starting. Marc sat next to Matt on the couch. “E everything alright?” Matt wanted to know.

“Yea, it’s fine. Let’s just watch the cartoon before Jaime has lunch ready.”

“So what about the man who impersonated me.” Oscar wanted to know.

“His name is Jake Hopkins. He had plastic surgery about a month ago. From what we can surmise, his main intention was to set up Steve and Jaime. But when he found out about your son he couldn’t pass up a ‘golden opportunity’ as he put it.”

“I don’t understand. “Oscar stated.

“Do you think Steve and Jaime would break the law even on your orders? I think they would have seriously considered having your head examined.”

“I guess your right easier to convince a little boy.” Oscar agreed. “My question is this. How did he find out about Marc?

“He has been to your office. He has also been through your files.”

“Did he admit to this?”

“Yes. We told him if he came clean and spilled his guts so to speak, we just might be convinced to go easy on him.”

“WHAT!” Oscar thundered.

“Now wait Oscar. Because I made this deal, we also got the man he was working for.”

“How much time will he serve?” Oscar demanded!

“Let’s just say he’ll get life.”

“What’s that supposed to mean Gregory?”

“Oscar in a case like this the guy could be given the death penalty. I took that off the table to get him to cooperate with us. Don’t worry he’s going to prison for a very long time.”

“What about parole in 8-10 years?” Oscar wanted to know.

“That’s not going to happen.” Gregory reassured. Him. “Don’t worry Oscar, your family is safe.”

“Thanks Gregory. Who was his accomplice?”

“A man by the name of John Hopper. Ring any bells?”

Oscar thought for a moment. “Yes we have had dealings with him before. He tried to kill a prosecutor and ended up killing his assistant, Steve witnessed the crime and put Hopper away. Then a few months later He tried to frame Steve for murder. I guess he has had it in for Steve for sometime. Are sure he’s in custody?”

“Quite sure, and he’s not going anywhere for sometime either.” Gregory told him.”

“Well that’s good, I need to call Steve and tell him what’s going on.” Oscar said.

“I have to get back to the office. I’ll keep you informed Oscar.”

“Thanks Gregory.” He lifted the phone to place that call to Steve.

An hour later Steve sat in Oscar’s office at the OSI “I can’t believe it, John Hopper. Are they sure he is in custody?”

“I checked that out myself. I have a family to protect.” Oscar assured him. “I saw him at NSB headquarters.”

“Are they keeping him there? I’m sorry Oscar that doesn’t sound very secure to me.” Steve protested.

“Don’t worry pal. They are transferring him tonight. I told them to use every available man they had to guard him.” Oscar told him.

“Well I still won’t relax till he is in Federal Prison.” Steve mused. “So off the topic how is Jaime doing as the kids tutor?”

“The kids love her. I am anxious for them to start back to classes though. Don’t get me wrong I was seriously considering having Jaime teach the twins on a permanent basis.”

“Really, what changed your mind?” Steve wondered.

“The events of the past few days. I just feel they will be better off in school rather than banging around the house all day.” Oscar stated.

“But you think Jaime is a good teacher?” Steve asked.

“Of course I do. And the kids love her.” Oscar continued.

“Yea, well she really enjoys them to. I wouldn’t mind raising them myself “ Steve added

“Well remember you and Jaime agreed that if anything were to happen to me, you two would take up where I left off.” Oscar reminded.

“That’s right, we did agree to that.” Steve barely spoke. “I want to stop and talk to Rudy for just a minute.”

“You’ll have to knock, he is still working on that ‘top secret project’ I sure wish I knew what it was.

Steve walked down the hall to Rudy’s office; sure enough the door was locked. Steve knocked “Yea who’s there?” Rudy said.

“Rudy It’s me, can I come in?” Steve asked through the locked door.

“I’ll be right there.” It took Rudy a few minutes then he opened the door.

“What are you working on?” Steve asked

“I told you it’s a Christmas present for Danny, I’m almost finished I just hope it will work.”

“Want to let me in on what it is. I can keep a secret you know.”

“Look, it’s not that I don’t trust you. I just want it to be a surprise.”

“Well ok, I’ll see you later.”

“Yea Steve see you late.” Rudy responded.

After Jaime dismissed the kids for the afternoon, they wanted to go out and play. It was much warmer than it had been the day before some of the snow that fallen the day before was starting to melt.

“Alright you can go out for a little bit.” She said. “I’ll get your dinner started then your dad won’t have to when he gets home.’

As Oscar passed Rudy’s office on his way to the elevator Rudy was just coming out. “Well I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. “ Oscar said.

“Yea see you in the morning Oscar.” Rudy stated.

When Oscar got home he thanked Jaime for fixing dinner

“No problem anytime, I have to go. I’m sure Steve will be waiting.” She walked out the door.

“So how was school today Dan?” Oscar asked getting the dinner conversation rolling.

“It went pretty good. The new building opened on campus today. The one where Marc, Matt and Joey will go.”

“That’s good.” He turned to the twins. “Are you two looking forward to starting your new school?”

They looked at each other, “We would rather have Jaime teach us.” Marc said.

“I know, I would like to have her to. But I just feel you will be better off in school. Maybe I’m wrong and I hope I’m not, but I just feel you’ll be safer in school. If I am wrong, we can always go back to Jaime teaching you.”

“W what I if the k kids t tease m me.” Matt asked.

“I told you I’ll punch them in the nose.” Marc said.

“You’ll do no such thing.” Oscar scolded. “Matt, if they pick on you just tell your teacher. I’ve already talked to her about your special problem. You will take speech at school I know you work with your own therapist but this will be extra. You have come along way Matt. If you slow down, you hardly stutter at all.”

“I know.” Matt said.

“Well men, if you’re finished, why not get ready for bed. Then we’ll watch a little TV Let’s see this is Thursday you guys have one more day before the weekend.”

They had just settled down in the living room when the phone rang.. Oscar was needed to go into work for a while. He tried calling Steve and Jaime to baby sit, but they were not home. When he hung up, he dialed Rudy’s number.

“Rudy I have to go into work for a bit, could you come out and watch the boys?”

“Sure Oscar, no problem. I’ll be right there.” Rudy said.

Oscar was ready to go as soon as Rudy arrived. “Joey is already in bed, Matt and Marc go to bed at 8:00 and Dan goes to bed at 9:00. If he wants he can go earlier.”

“Ok Oscar, see you later.”

“Ok great the kids are in the living room watching TV. Actually Dan is in my office doing his homework.”

“Ok Oscar take your time. I’ll see you when you get back. If it’s to late, I just might stay here if that’s ok. I came prepared I brought a change of clothes and whatever else I thought I might need”

“That's great Rudy I think you should just plan on staying, I’m sure I'll be there most of the night.”

When Oscar left, Rudy headed for the living to see what the kids were up to.”

“Hi, guys what’s going on?” Rudy asked as he sat down in a chair and picked up the evening paper.

“We’re just watching TV.” Marc said.

“What are you watching?” Rudy asked.

“Hollywood Squares” Marc informed him.

“Well ok bed time in about ten minutes.”

“W when th this I is o over” Matt said. “I its o over at e eight.”

“I know that.” Rudy told them still thumbing through the paper.

At 8:00 Rudy knocked on the door to Oscar’s office. “Dan, I’m taking the twins up to bed I’ll be down in a minute.”

Dan opened the door. “I’m heading that way myself. I got my homework done.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to talk to you.”

“Ok I’ll stay up a little longer then. What do you want to talk about?

“I just wonder what your doing in school. I’ll be right back. As soon as I chase these two up stairs.”

“Ok guys climb on into bed.” Rudy told them

“Will you read us a story?” Marc asked.

“Your brother is waiting for me.” Rudy said.

“Please!!”

“Ok a real quick one ok?”

After the story Rudy had to carry Matt to his own bed as both boys had fallen asleep before the story was over.

“Well that’s done.” Rudy called coming back into the living room.

“Let me guess you had to read them story. And Matt fell asleep in Marc’s bed.”

“How did you know?” Rudy asked.

Dan shrugged his shoulders “Happens every night.”

“Anyway I was just wondering what you’re working on for homework.”

“Here I’ll show you. “ Danny took his notebook out “Why don’t you go ahead an look at it. I’m really tired. And we have a test tomorrow.”

“Ok go on to bed. I’ll more than likely be here in the morning.”

“Ok see you then.” Danny yawned and headed up stairs.

The next morning Jaime and Steve sat at breakfast. “You know as soon as the Holiday is over the twins start school?” Steve told Jaime.

“I know. I’ll tell you Steve that really burns my fanny. I love teaching those kids. I think Oscar is making a very big mistake.”

“So do I, what do you want to do about it?” Steve asked. Sipping his coffee.

“What can we do?” Jaime came back as she poured her own coffee. “Do you want some juice?”

“Yea, I’ll have a small glass. I’ll tell you one thing we could do.” He took the glass from her. “You know if anything happens to him we get the kids.”

“You’re not planning to…”

“No I thought about it though, but we would probably get caught and it’s way to messy. The best alternative would be to fight him for custody.”

“I’m all for that. Where do we start? Do we need a lawyer?” Jaime had more questions. But couldn’t ask them.

“I have one already. “ Steve informed her. “With any luck we’ll have them by Christmas.”

Oscar had been in his office most of night. He got home around five and was up by 7:00 He had gotten a couple hours shut eye and was in the kitchen when the kids came down for breakfast, first Dan followed by the twins and then Rudy came down carrying Joey.

While they waited for breakfast the children went into the living room to watch TV

“How did it go last night Rudy?” Oscar asked. As he started breaking eggs into a pie tin so he could make French toast.

“Great they are great kids. I read the twins a story and Matt fell asleep in Marc’s bed. I had to put him over to his own bed.”

“Yea that happens about every night.” Oscar agreed. “What time did Dan get to bed?

“He went rather early. Shortly after the twins.” Rudy informed him. “He said he had a test today and needed his rest.”

“Great! I’m glad you had fun last night.”

“No problem. Anytime.” Rudy said.

Oscar called the kids to breakfast. “Did you guys behave yourselves last night?”

The twins nodded. “It didn’t go to bad.” Danny said.

At 9:00 Jaime arrived her arms full of books ready to start her lessons for the day.

“Dan let’s get a move on, you don’t want to be late.” Oscar called after they had finished breakfast.

Rudy had already left for work and Danny and Oscar got into the car and headed into town.

Steve sat in his attorney’s office. “So what do you think? Do you think we have a chance?”

“Well there are no real clear cut cases in child custody.” The lawyer informed him. “Often times judges will go for children being raised by two parents. Rather than one.”

“So then it could work in our favor?” Steve asked.

“Yes it could. Are the two of you married?” The lawyer wanted to know

“No we just share a house.” Steve told him

“Listen I’ll see what I can do. I’ll get the necessary papers drawn up and we’ll go from there.”

“Thanks Bob I appreciate your seeing me on such short notice.” Steve apologized

“Anytime Steve Your friend should here by this afternoon that you plan to file for custody.”

“That will be great. I’ll maybe stay away from him at that time then.”

“I would advise that, and don’t say anything about the case to him. Another thing if you could have physical custody of the kids before we go to court, that would cinch it for you.”

“Thanks for all the advice. I’ll do just that.”

“It would be best if you could do it before he is served with the papers. His attorneys will advice him to not let you take the kids. And then he will never allow you to take them anywhere.”

“Ok, maybe hold off till tomorrow on serving the papers then.”

“I’ll do just that.” The lawyer got up and opened the door for Steve. “Let me know when you have the kids. Then I’ll send the papers to him I may not have to wait till tomorrow. If you get the kids today, I’ll serve them then.”

“I will have them, hopefully by the end of the day.”

After his conversation with the lawyer, Steve went straight out to Oscar’s house. “He thinks we have a pretty good chance. Let’s take the kids to our house I’ll pick up Danny after school and bring him there.”

“I thought Russ always picked him up”. Jaime told him.

“That’s right. I’ll call Russ and tell him Oscar asked me to pick up Danny tonight, that he wants Danny to come home. Instead of working with Rudy.”

“But why do we need to take them to our house. Don’t get me wrong Steve; I want this as much as you do, but…”

“The lawyer said we had a better chance if we had the kids before the hearing. Once we have them I’ll call our lawyer and he’ll send the paper work to Oscar saying we want custody of the boys.”

“Ok I’ll start packing the kids clothes “ Jaime went upstairs and started throwing things into suitcases.. By 2:45 they were ready. Jaime took the younger kids home while Steve placed the call to Russ.

“Russ its Steve. Listen Oscar wants Danny to come home tonight. I’ll pick him up and save you a trip.”

“Thanks Steve, I appreciate that.” Russ said.

Steve hung up the phone and headed for the Richmond School to pick up Danny.

“Where’s Russ?” Danny asked when he saw Steve.

“We have a security problem at OSI, no one allowed in or out till further notice. Oscar sent me to pick you up.”

“Ok “ Danny stated as he hopped into the car and Steve drove off. “Why are we going to your house?” Danny wanted to know.

“Well, we don’t know how long this is going to take. We thought you guys might like to stay with us tonight.”

“I guess, but wouldn’t it be easier for you and Jaime to stay with us, that way we could sleep in our own beds”

“Well you maybe right, but I already started dinner so maybe we will go there after we eat, ok?”

“Well if this is what dad wants.” Dan sounded hesitant.

“Listen Dan, it’s ok. Trust me.” Steve assured him.

At 4:00 a man stepped into Oscar’s office and handed him the court papers. Slowly he read them and then read them again.

He raced down to Rudy’s office. “Rudy is Danny here?” He asked. He sounded almost hysterical

“No in fact I was just coming to ask you where he was. I really needed his help today. He looked out into the hall “There’s Russ, I’m sure he knows.”

Oscar called Russ in “Where is Danny?” Oscar nearly screamed

“Steve called and told me you asked him to pick Danny up. He said Rudy didn’t need his help today and you wanted him to go home.”

Oscar ran for the elevator. He got in his car and sped home.

When he got there he opened the back door and called the kids. “Danny! Marc! Matt! Joey!” No answer. He ran up to their rooms their closet doors and dresser drawers hung open but were empty.

Oscar got back in his car, and raced to Jaime and Steve’s house. He pounded on the door. Steve answered.

“I want my kids!!” he demanded.

“They are staying here.” Steve informed him.

The kids had been upstairs and as soon as they heard their father’s voice ran for the stairs.

“Dad, dad!!” The called.

Jaime stood at the top of the steps not letting them come down.

Oscar ran for the stairs. “Come on guys lets go home. Jaime, move so they can come down.”

“No Oscar they are staying here.” Steve said dryly

“They are my kids, you have no right!!” Oscar screamed.

“You no doubt have received papers saying we want custody. Our attorney has advised us to keep the kids with us.”

“Steve! You know what those kids mean to me. Please don’t do this to me.”

“They mean a lot to us too Oscar. Who better to raise a bionic kid than a bionic couple you have no idea how Marc feels. We do.” Steve shouted. Back.

“Steve look I’ll let you spend more time with all of them. As much as you want just please don’t do this to me!”

“Not good enough we want them to live with us. Now I think you better go before I call the police. You’re trespassing.” Steve motioned toward the door. “Please leave.”

“I can’t believe this is happening.” Oscar muttered as he left the house, he could hear the boys crying. “They want to be with me.” Oscar turned to Steve standing in the door. “Give me back my kids!!”

”They’re to young to know what they want.” Steve informed him. “Now I will give you exactly one minute to get in your car and vacate my property “

“Oscar got in his car and drove off with no children. He thought maybe Rudy could talk some since into the two of them.

It was around 6:00 by the time Oscar arrived at Rudy’s apartment. Rudy had been home from work only a few minutes when Oscar buzzed his apartment.

“Yes” Rudy’s voice came through the intercom

“Rudy, it’s Oscar, I need to talk to you.”

“Come on up.” Rudy buzzed him in.

“What’s the problem Oscar?”

“Rudy, Steve and Jaime kidnapped the kids.” Oscar explained.

“Don’t you think kidnap is a little harsh? They only want what’s best for the kids.”

“Have you spoken to them.” Oscar asked. Then added “I’m what’s best for my kids.”

“Yea, they called right after you left their place, if I were you I wouldn’t go back there anytime soon. Steve is very upset. He said if you came to his house again he would have to call the police ”

“I want my kids back Rudy.” Oscar was on the verge of tears.

“Oscar for once think of someone besides yourself. I think Jaime and Steve will make excellent parents.” Rudy spoke softly. “Steve said it best ‘who best to raise a child that’s bionic that a bionic couple.’ If Marc has any problems they will be able to help him through it.”

“I am thinking of the kids!” Oscar bellowed. “They are my kids, they can’t just waltz into my house and take them. And Marc can talk to Steve anytime he wants he knows that. And so does Steve!”

“Calm down Oscar. It’s not like they broke in or something. You invited them into your home.”

“Yea to tutor my kids in my home not to take them to their home. And keep them”

“Look Oscar why don’t you go home and sleep on it. I’m sure you will see things more clearly in the morning.”

Oscar left Rudy’s feeling dejected. He could barley see to drive home he was crying so hard.

After Oscar left Steve and Jaime’s house all hell broke lose. The kids were furious.

“You lied to me!” Danny screamed. “You told me dad wanted us to come here!!” He ran for the door. “I want to go home!” he cried.

“I hate you!” Marc cried. “I thought you were my friend!!” He shouted at Steve. “You’re not my friend at all. You were only pretending to be nice to me so I would want to live with you instead of my dad.”

“That’s not true Marc. I am your friend. That’s why I want you to stay here with me.”

“You’re lying!! I hate you I hate you!! I’ll never speak to you ever again.”

“Now guys, just calm down.” Jaime ordered. “Things will look better in the morning believe me. You’re going to like living with us.”

“No we won’t! Marc Matt and Danny shouted. Joey didn’t say anything he really had know idea what was going on.

“Look” Steve suggested, “Let’s all go to bed. “I’m sure you kids will feel better after a good nights sleep. “Marc if you don’t want to talk to me, that’s your choice. But I am your friend. I’ll always be here for you to talk to. You’re just upset tonight cause this is new to you and your brothers but it’s going to be all right you’ll see. Just trust me. I know how you feel.”

“If you understand how I felt, you would let me go home.” Marc sniffled. “I want to be with dad. He was my real mommy’s brother. Please let us go home?”

“We can’t do that Marc. You kids are going to have to trust us on this one. You will be much better off having a mom and a dad.” Jaime explained to them.

Quietly all four children went upstairs to bed.

At Oscar’s house Oscar roamed through the empty rooms. He ended up in the twin’s room a checkerboard sat on the kid-sized table he had bought for their room He could tell they had been in the middle of a game. They always sat in the same chairs so Oscar could tell by the way the board was set up Marc was going to win this game.

He pushed the twin’s beds together then went into Danny’s room and took the pillow off of his bed and the comforter off of Joey’s bed, then went back to the twin’s room laid down across the beds and cried himself to sleep.

...Continued