Fire Book Two

Authors Note: Although I did not end the last chapter with The End, it was indeed the end of Book One (Duh, chapter 23, court scene!) This book begins with a cross over to Love At First Bite (Book 3, Chapter 101). I hope you enjoy the surprises we have planned for you.

Nick Regnad was sitting in his office behind the huge walnut desk that 'Philip' had ordered for him. It was impressive, but he actually kind of missed his old, government surplus, gray, steel desk. Of course, he would never let on, since his wife, Martha, thought he looked so handsome sitting behind the new one. He was contemplating what Lee and Travis had told him about their trip, and he had been analyzing the pictures they had brought back. There was a huge fortune sitting in that vault. It was unquestionably Travis'. The problem now was just what they were going to do with it.

Nick's computer screen changed from his usual screen saver, a large floating pickle sticking out of a paper bag, to the image of the Haven curmudgeon, 'Philip'. 'Nicholas, put down that pickle. Take a look at this.' The image changed to an infrared view of the woods across the road from the Harris house. Hidden in the trees, in almost the exact same place where Agent Dukman's Hummer had been found, was another van and two heat signals, besides that of the now cooling engine of the van. 

"What the... 'Philip', who is watching the house? I don't like this, already."

'The van and its occupants arrived in Havendale yesterday. It is registered to the Russian cultural attaché in Washington.'

"So we have a couple of Russian yahoos with diplomatic immunity watching the house (making Google eyes at us). I assume they are watching Lee and Travis. How much do you suppose they know?"

'I am trying to access their communications. Their computer is strictly for entering reports that are digitalized and compressed, then sent in micro bursts over the phone lines. I am working on their last communication.'

"I wonder if they are aware of Mitch?"

'I have not detected any breach of databases that would contain that information.'

"Thanks, 'Philip'. I'm going back to the house. Let me know if anything happens that I need to know about. By the way, where is that camera? I don't remember seeing it on the plans."

The screen went blank without Nick getting an answer. 'Philip' has his own secrets.

Inside, Nick found two identical new Boy Scouts and the older Senior Patrol Leader, who was helping them get their neckerchiefs straight (maybe). Lee was looking on and taking a couple of pictures of this very 'Norman Rockwell' like scene. Nick approached Lee and said quietly, "We need to talk-now, before you leave."

Lee led the way into the kitchen, away from the boys. "What is it, Nick?"

"We have guests across the road. The Russians have gotten suspicious and sent a couple of agents to watch you and Travis. 'Philip' doesn't think they know he has a twin. That may work to our advantage. Let me take one of them to the meeting. 'Philip' is watching them. Our best plan is to bore them to tears, to convince them you are just normal, boring Americans."

"Just the kind of complication I need, with the new school construction getting started. I am going to be busy with the new building, and coordinating the staff for the new school. We have to complete this year, and get ready for even bigger things in September. I hate to ask this, but I really need your help."

"No problem! I spell my name 'DANGER,' backwards."

"You're weird. Okay, you take Travis, and I'll take Andy and Mitch."

Nick left by way of the back of the house with Travis, and they were soon moving down the road. Once they were out of sight of the woods, Nick told Travis he could sit up.

"Uncle Nick, why are they watching us?"

"It looks as if someone has told the Russians about what you and your Dad were doing in Zürich."

"I bet it was that jerk in the lobby, and I bet if 'Philip' checks it out, it'll be him."

"I bet you're right! Now, we have to convince the Russkies that you really don't have the Romanov legacy."

"Ah, gee, Uncle Nick, I thought I looked like a million in my new uniform."

"Yeah, you look great, kiddo. Now remember, only one of you two outside at a time. We don't want the spies seeing too much."

"Kewl, this could be fun."

Nick shook his head, pulled around to the far side of the church, and he and Travis went to the door to wait for Lee to come and let them in. Actually, it was Tom Richards who saw them outside and opened the door. "How come you are sneaking in the back door?"

"Just a little cloak and dagger. We are being watched." Nick and Tom were walking slowly, Travis having rushed off to join the other boys. 

Tom stopped. "Whoa, Nick! What's going on? I thought all that was over, since Dummesel died."

"This is totally unrelated to that. It seems that Travis is heir to a vast fortune in Europe."

The meeting was more than half over by the time Nick had filled Tom in on the details. "Okay, Nick, I understand. Now, I'll see what 'Philip' has to say about all this. He's keeping way too many secrets. I had no idea all that was going on."

"Tom, you know, 'Philip'; he won't lie, but he doesn't freely volunteer information. You have to ask, and sometimes very precisely." Nick grinned as the two men joined the other adults just in time for the Dens to do their skits. 

Nick took Mitch back home. When he returned to his office, 'Philip' was waiting for him. 'Harrumph! Most inconvenient, that, not being able to track the boys off the property.'

"Perhaps, Haven Enterprises needs to offer the church a deal on a security system."

'Brilliant! I shall design the system tonight. I wonder who could be our sales representative?'

"How about George Frost? I understand he can use all the work he can get, with his new son and all."

'I suppose it is a bit late to call him tonight?'

"Yes, I imagine they are trying to get the boys in bed, quite a job after a Cub Scout meeting. Call him tomorrow at his office. I'm sure he will be delighted with the offer. Be sure you have enough components made to handle the Tri-County Area. The school will need a top notch system, too."

'I have that already designed and incorporated in the plans. Now, let's talk about this Operation El Kabong.'

It was late by the time Nick got to bed. 'Philip' and 'James' working together was a scary thing. Poor humans hardly had a chance. The hard part was going to be convincing the adults that it was a good idea to take all the boys to Europe.

The next morning, after the boys headed off to school, Lee met Dang and Samuel at the new school site. They did a walk through of the surveyor's layout and Lee was a very happy principal. 

When they were ready to leave, Lee asked Samuel about the vandalism problem. "It seems that a group of boys thought it was fun to move the stakes around. They didn't realize how much of a problem that could cause. Of course, 'Philip' had the video of them and was able to trace them to their personal computers. They have all seen the light and have offered to help on the construction site this summer. It's amazing what a haunted computer can do."

* * FLASHBACK * *

One week ago

Norm sat at his desk and booted up his desktop. He loaded his browser and clicked the bookmark for his favorite site. 'Norman Harrison, do you think your parents would approve?'

Norm looked behind him. He was alone. He laughed nervously and turned back to his computer. The site loaded and the screen had the words 'NAUGHTY, NAUGHTY' scrolling across it, in huge letters. Norm hit the red button and exited the Internet. He then opened his media player to watch some stuff he had previously downloaded. Instead of the file he was expecting, he was greeted with a high quality video of three boys throwing rocks at the camera. The shot zoomed in, and Norm's worst fears were realized. He was one of the boys.

"Oh, SHIT!!" Norm shut down the computer. It wouldn't respond. The panic shutdown didn't work, either. He kicked the power strip, unplugging it from the wall, and the screen went black. He grabbed his cellphone to call Ollie, but as soon as he had it in his hand it rang, nearly scaring him to death. 'Unidentified Caller,' it said. Cautiously, Norm answered, "Hey."

'I believe hay is fodder for horses, young man.'

"Who the fuck is this?"

'I suppose I am the spirit haunting you. You know right from wrong; you just choose to do wrong. Even worse than that, you lead other boys to do wrong, as well.'

"Spirit? You're dead?"

'Quite dead, and buried. Now, enough about me. What are we doing about you?'

"If you're dead you can't make me do anything."

'Harrumph, shall we test that? How about I send that little mpg of you to your Dad, or maybe to the foreman who had to have the site re-surveyed, or maybe to the Sheriff?'

Norm had pretty much turned as pale as a ghost. "Ah, okay, you win. What do I have to do?"

'Now, that is a much better attitude, young man. First, you need to take responsibility for your actions. You and your friends cost the construction company nearly one thousand dollars, because of your little prank. You also broke those surveillance cameras on the site, and that cost the company that installed them. Now, you are old enough that a court may hold you personally responsible for the damage, and not your parents. The other two, being a year or two younger, will most likely have their parents on the hook for the damages.'

"I, ah, never thought about that. So what do I do? I can't just go up to that black guy and say, 'I pranked your site, I'm sorry.'"

'Actually, that would be a very good start.'

"Huh? You think I could do that?"

'I know Mr. Randall; he is a very reasonable man.'

"He is going to be mad."

'Indeed, but, he will also be impressed that you are facing your mistake, and are willing to make it right.'

"But, we must have done a lot of damage."

'Three thousand, two hundred thirty-four dollars and twenty-seven cents.'

"There's no way I can pay that off."

'I might suggest offering to work this summer. If you and the other two all worked for Mr. Randall, at the minimum wage, your debt would be paid in one hundred forty-three hours and forty-five minutes.'

"Do you think he would go for that?"

'I think you will only find out by asking him. I think your friends are calling you. Goodbye.'

The connection went dead and as Norm looked at the phone, it rang again almost making him pee his pants. It was his buddy, Ollie.

On Thursday afternoon, Samuel was approached by three scared boys, and the deal was reached. None of the boys ever told anyone about their haunting, they didn't even tell each other.

* * END OF FLASHBACK * *

By the end of the school year, the new school was taking shape. Samuel's bidding and tight construction schedule was moving things along at a terrific rate. Occasional tries by local authorities, coincidentally named Sooker or Fastaff, were somehow always stopped, one way or another. 'Surprise' inspections seemed to happen when a State Inspector was present on the site. The effects of new water department regulations, concerning the amount of county water that could be used, were quickly eliminated by digging a well and making the entire complex completely independent of the county water system. However, it suddenly made the County School System have to comply with the same regulations. The taxpayers were not happy when the story hit the paper. Valerie Creslane had yet another scoop.

When Tom and Neal returned from their Chicago trip, Tom asked if Lee would be interested in an assistant principal for the Middle School grades. Lee was thrilled. Tom said he had someone in mind and would get back to him.

Over the next week, the twins did not go out together, and finally, after six days, the Russians gave up and returned to where they came from. Nick, dressed like a hunter, went into the woods and found the camera. He checked the field of view and decided it wasn't very well placed and only really showed the end of the driveway. He'd have to decide what to do about it. A hunting accident might bring Boris & Yuri back. (His 'Nicknames' for them.)

Back in his office, Nick turned on his computer. "Hey, 'Philip'! I have a little project for you."

The Screen filled with the familiar visage of the Haven Curmudgeon. 'So, what have you gotten into now?'

"Boris & Yuri left a little gadget and I'd like to see if we can access it. I'm downloading the pictures I took of it."

'Very well. I shall endeavor to see what I can do.' There was a pause. 'Low quality and a wi-fi hookup to, the Harris' account, so I have full access. I have instigated a five minute loop then there will be a five minute delay to give me time to alter any image necessary. This should be sufficient, until Operation El Kabong.'

"Yeah, about that... Have you informed Tom...?" The screen went blank. "Well, I guess not."

* * *

Lou had been progressing at an amazing rate. His vocabulary had improved, and he was now understandable to almost everyone. His art was fantastic. He was able to draw incredible things. One of his favorite subjects was a beautiful woman he called Mama. Linda, Lee and Mitch thought there was something familiar about this woman, but they couldn't quite place her. He had begun working with 'Philip' and was going to be more than ready for school in the fall.

Nick and 'Philip' kept busy trying to work out details on Operation El Kabong. 'Philip' analyzed the photos Travis and Lee had taken of the contents of the vault, and, with the assistance of 'James', were developing a plan for emptying the vault, loading vehicles, transporting its contents out of Switzerland and back to the USA. Another problem was determining the mass of the treasure and coming up with a scheme to camouflage it. 'James', of course, objected to Nick calling such a plan a scheme. {So did Darryl.}

Travis was constantly asking how the plans were doing, and wanted to know when he would get to return and get his 'stuff.' He had plans for several of the items he remembered being in the vault.

One evening in May, just before school was out, he went to Lee's office in the house and knocked.

"Come in," Lee said, looking up from the notes Samuel had dropped by.

"Dad, do we have a mascot for our new school?"

"No, son, I really haven't thought about that at all. I suppose we need to come up with something. I take it you have an idea."

"Duh! Oh, sorry. I was thinking that we could put the statue of me and Max in the school and we could be the 'Haven Heralds.' What do you think about that?"

Lee was once again amazed at just how smart his boys were. "I think that is a wonderful idea. It is also a way to display it in a way that won't be obvious."

"Daaaaaaad, I want it to be obvious, like right out front."

Lee laughed, "I meant it wouldn't be obvious that it came from your family treasure."

"Oh, yeah, okay." Travis left a few minutes later, with a big grin on his face.

School ended, and the summer vacation began. Jimmy came and stayed with them, so he and Andy could spend more time together. Mitch and Travis were very excited about being able to go to summer camp with the Troop this year. Lee was also considering going, since he was now leery about his achy back being separated from Mitch. Linda was not as thrilled with the idea of being left at home alone with the triplets, who were not yet sleeping through the night. Martha was actually looking forward to being able to get her hands on the little darlings and spoiling them even more. She had already ordered several dozen Maryland Beaten Biscuits for teething.

Lee was surprised, when they returned from camp, that the school building was so far along. Samuel stopped by the following Monday morning to brief Lee on the progress. Lee wanted to go see for himself.

The main building's first floor was nearing completion, the second floor had the steel up, and the roof was being installed. The gymnasium and attached indoor pool were almost as far along. Inside the main building, the office was a bee hive of activity. There was a whole group of technicians, in Haven Enterprises Electronics overalls, running bundles of fiber-optic cables and installing the connections for the office.

In a room just off of Lee's office, they were installing equipment from an assortment of Watkins Enterprises crates. Lee saw that and chuckled. "Are we going to have 'Philip's' little brother here?"

Samuel laughed. "No. Just what 'Philip' has ordered for him, to be comfortable working with you here."

"Working with me? Yeah, right." Lee and Samuel laughed together.

Later that afternoon, Lee called Valerie Creslane, the reporter for the local paper. An interview was scheduled for the next morning.

Valerie arrived at the Harris home, right on time. Martha escorted her up to the second floor to Lee's office.

Lee stood, as Valerie entered, and he offered her a seat. He took the other chair in front of the desk, rather than sitting behind it. "Thank you for coming. I thought your readers would like to know about the new school complex. I am the principal."

"I thought, after the court case Mr. Richards won, that all the children would be returning to the public schools," Valerie said.

"That is an option available to all the parents. We are a private school and do require tuition. It can, however, be monetary, or in the form of service to the school."

"Service to the school? I've never heard of that." Valerie was busy jotting notes.

"Oh, that was Tom's idea. If parents can donate five hours a week to the school, then their tuition is paid by that service. We have parents teaching, helping fix lunch, cleaning up the rooms after class, tutoring, helping with daycare for the teachers, and a lot of other things. Everyone has a talent that the school can use. We are prepared to work with anyone to make sure that anyone who wants to learn, will not be turned away. "

Valerie was writing quickly. "It's a private school; so, is the enrollment restricted?"

"The only requirement is that the students live close enough to attend. This is not a resident school, so the children need to be from the nearby counties. At this time, there is no bus service, although Mr. Richards is looking into providing service from Haven Estates, downtown Havendale and the Haven Enterprises plant outside of town."

"Won't this hurt the local school system?"

"My goal is to provide the finest education possible. The local school system seemed to have another agenda. All students are welcome. I will run a notice in the paper when the buildings are completed, and anyone interested may attend enrollment meetings to find out more information and enter their child in the September classes."

"I guess everyone has seen the construction going on. That building seems much larger than the high school across the street."

"Oh, it is, and it has much better facilities. We are prepared for a very large student population, if not this year, then certainly in the future. In September, the elementary grades will be housed on the ground floor of the North end of the main building, the middle school on the central and South end of the ground floor, and the senior high will be on the second floor. As we expand, then a separate school building will be built." Lee smiled as she wrote.

"Who is the architect?"

"A man named, Dang Yoo Wong. I met him at college, and we became friends. His firm worked closely with Samuel Randall of Haven Construction. They first built this house, and used it to test different subcontractors, and those that passed got the jobs for the school."

"So, the job wasn't put out for bids?"

"Lord, no. We are looking for quality, just as we expect to provide a quality service. Parents don't want corners being cut where their children are concerned, and we will not cut any corners, even where they may not be able to tell."

"Are you saying the county has been cutting corners?"

"I'm saying WE will not. None of the companies doing our work have been the low bidders on any county projects. We expect top quality and we are more than willing to pay for it."

"I'll be honest, I checked into a few things and there is no record of loans or bonds being used to fund this project."

"Of course not. Haven Enterprises, the Phoenix Youth Foundation and several concerned parents have put up all the money we needed, to build the school and pay the teachers' salaries. That is another nice thing about being a private school. There are State requirements for graduation, but we do not need to play all the political games to receive state and federal funding."

"Don't you need to receive those funds?"

"Frankly, they would be nice. What we won't do, under any circumstances, is compromise our program to meet a bunch of ridiculous requirements, simply for the funding. We are stressing education. Social experimentation can stay in the public schools. I am here to be sure my students learn how to think, period."

"May I quote you?"

"Please do. Would you like a CD of this interview?"

"That would be possible?"

"Miss Creslane, this house, like the new school, is filled with the most advanced technology available."

"Really? I thought Watkins Enterprises had the most advanced technology."

"Exactly, and we are full of it."

'Harrumph!"

Valerie looked around the room for the person who made that noise.

Lee said, almost giggling, "That, Miss Creslane, is our Watkins Enterprises AI, 'Philip'. He, unfortunately, has some of the personality characteristics of the late Philip Richards."

'Unfortunately?'

"I will probably have to pay for that remark."

'Indeed.'

Valerie couldn't suppress a giggle. "I had no idea."

'I should prefer that I not become common knowledge in the community. Many of the locals would not understand.'

Smiling, Valerie replied, "Many of the locals don't understand laptops. I think I have plenty to get a story for the next edition. Would it be all right if I came back in a couple of weeks and did a follow up?"

Lee stood, as she did. "Very good, in fact. By then, the ground floor will be nearly complete and I can give you a tour."

"I'll bring my camera."

'The CD is complete.' Lee's computer ejected a CD. Lee took it, placed it in a case and handed it to her.

"Thank you Mr. Harris, and thank you,... Mr. Richards?"

'Harrumph! 'Philip', now. Just' 'Philip'.'

As July came to a close, Nick and 'Philip' were spending more and more time conferring with 'James'. Nick was not getting very good answers whenever he asked what the dynamic duo had told their employers; as a matter of fact, 'no answer at all' was closer to the truth.

Nick decided that a trip to Haven Manor was in order. He had to tell 'Philip' at the gate that he was here on behalf of Patty, in order to get through the gate. Once inside, he told Ed that he really needed to see Tom. Tom had to order the door to his office open.

"I'm sorry, Nick. I don't have any idea what has gotten into 'Philip'."

"Oh, I know exactly. There is something he doesn't want you to know."

"Oh my God! This must be something. So, tell me."

"Well, it's about something called, 'El Kabong.'"

"A cartoon horse with a guitar?"

"No, about rescuing the treasure of the Romanov family for the true heir of the Tzar of Russia."

"Huh?"

Several hours later, Nick left and Tom was discussing secrecy with a slightly contrite 'Philip'.

Valerie Creslane made several more trips to interview Lee, and had a whole series of articles on the new school. The first enrollment meeting in mid-August was standing room only in the new gymnasium. There were actually very few questions, since so much information was in the papers. It was looking as if the building was going to be fully utilized right from the start.

The forms had been printed in the paper, so most of the parents had them all filled out. After two hours, everyone was gone, and Lee was left with the huge pile of forms to sort through to assign the children to classes. He also realized he was going to need a larger faculty, now.

Ads ran in the local paper, as well as major papers across the state. With the salary he was paying, it wasn't a problem filling the positions. Teachers were to report the last Monday in August. Lee did telephone interviews and had his faculty. It was truly amazing how fast everything had fallen into place.

School opened and those previously enrolled students were sent to their homeroom classes, the 'new' students and their parents were registered and assigned classes in a very orderly manner. Lee was very grateful that 'Philip' was helping things along. There were three young men who were reluctant to enter, but were being more or less dragged there by their mothers. 'Philip' alerted Lee and told him the reason the boys were uncomfortable.

"Good morning, boys. I'm glad you decided to join us. Samuel kept me informed about how well you worked this summer. I hope I can expect the same from you during the year."

The boys nodded, and Norm, who was usually their leader and spokesman, said, "Sure, Mr. Harris. Mr. Randall told you?"

"Oh, yes. I know all about you guys." He winked and escorted them to the secretaries who were getting the new students enrolled.

Across the street, the principal at the high school was watching the crowds at the 'new' school and seeing bus after bus arrive empty or nearly so. Instead of the eight hundred he expected in the student body, he would be lucky to have fifty. There had to be something illegal about this new school. He returned to his office and started making calls.

The new school year was off and rolling, and the faculty was handling the unexpected increased enrollment. Lee was still hiring teachers to reach the class size goal of fifteen or less.

As a result of Lee being so busy, Nick had taken on the role of coordinating 'Philip' and 'James' with operation 'El Kabong.' By mid September, Nick decided that things were at the point that the British side of the operation needed to be brought up to speed. For some reason, there was resistance from 'Philip' that only convinced Nick that the need was greater than he originally thought.

So, after checking local times, Nick placed a call, through a complaining 'Philip' to the owner of Watkins Enterprises.

"Hello? Is that the Watkins residence?" Nick said, when the phone was answered.

"It is indeed; this is Reg Watkins. To whom am I speaking?"

"Ah... just the man I needed. I'm Nick Regnad..."

"Do I know you, sir?"

"Maybe not, but 'Philip' is our helping hand around here, and he's told us all about you, plus what we've just seen on television and read in the news over the last few days. He was a real alien then, this Doktor?"

"Ask 'Philip'; he and 'James' will have conferred, and they can't tell lies. I take it you've called about this concert in Switzerland?"

"Indeed, and we're now talking on a very secure line between computers; the reason why, I'll explain in a moment. Do you have anyone else within earshot who might overhear, but shouldn't?" Nick asked, not wanting any leaks to the Russians.

"Mr. Regnad, you're on speakerphone our end, and all of us who have been eating, the group, our families, and our work-group can hear you. I assure you that we have nothing to hide from any single one of them, and we are sure we can trust them to a man to repeat nothing of whatever you might have to say."

"Oh. . . . I see. Okay, then. It would be very unfair of me not to inform you of what this trip is actually all about. Apart from the fact that some of our youngsters, a few of whom have physical disabilities, would really like to see your group, and would really appreciate them performing to help out our trust fund, the whole exercise is a cover for something a little more covert."

"WHAT?!! Now, look here, Mr Regnad..."

'Sir, if I may interrupt...?'

"What is it 'James'?" snapped Reg irritably.

'Sir, if you care to go to the music room I have a coded video link to Mr. Regnad on the main screen, via 'Philip'.'

"Oh, right. One moment Mr. Regnad, I will be back with you in a moment."

"No problem."

Nick was soon looking at a group of young people and just a few adults. The man in the center did not look happy, and Nick rightly assumed that to be Reg.

"...Ah there you are; I like this much better. Please don't panic. There is no problem as far as you are concerned, and no danger of getting you or the group involved personally."

"Well, it certainly sounds as if there's a problem!"

"I assure you, it won't get like that. Here's the low-down. One of our boys turns out to be related to the last Czar in Russia. Now, supposedly the whole family were killed off years back at the time of the Revolution, but it seems this wasn't quite the case. Anyway, to cut a long story short, it turns out that he is the rightful heir to the contents of a Swiss bank account, which was a million pounds deposited back in 1915, now worth over two hundred million dollars, and, more importantly, the contents of a sizable bank vault, which was the personal fortune of the Romanovs. Now, the problem we have is that the Russians are mighty suspicious of what we're doing in Switzerland. They have suspicions that the Czar's treasure was hidden somewhere, because it was never found. Someone has evidently leaked information to the Ruskies, because they are now watching us. They were first curious, when Lee and Travis paid a visit to the bank. Travis actually pulled off a remarkable trick and allayed their attention for a bit. But these Russians are a sneaky suspicious lot, and they'll be back sooner or later; hopefully later. By the way, it was most kind of you to lay on the services of your private jet for Lee and Travis."

"Who the hell are Lee and Travis? And what's this about the Watkins Lear-jet? James?" For once James remained rather quiet, hoping the conversation would change direction!

"Father and adopted son. But Travis is also the actual multi-millionaire heir to the Romanov fortune, and the true heir and Czar to the throne of Russia, should he dare to claim it, which, of course, he won't. To even try would probably result in attempts at assassination, at the very least. His great grandfather seems to have stopped off secretly in England, somewhere, en route to the Americas and Canada."

Chris gasped and looked at his father. "Dewsbury Hall?" he hissed. "We wondered...?"

"Oh my goodness... maybe..."

Nick frowned. "You mean you know where he stayed?"

"No, at least, not for sure, but it's just possible that it was quite near us. A place named Dewsbury Hall."

"So who owns that then?" Nick asked.

Pete and Justin looked at each other, and then both blurted out, "We do!"

Nick Regnad's frown softened. "Now there's a coincidence. So, we'll be able to have any information you may find? Or maybe your Royal Family might have records? Would they tell you?"

"Since I'm now Sir Reginald Watkins, I think Her Majesty would grant me that favour. The Queen and the Queen Mother have visited us before, you see, and they're quite partial to Pete's cooking! So, if he makes her one of his special cakes that they like so much, well... Not only that, but they are all due down right after this Swiss concert. They are visiting us over a private matter to do with the Hall anyway."

"Ah... Now, if I may speak to Chris and the group for a moment? How much time do you need to arrange this concert, or rather, how quickly can you be ready?"

"Well apart from myself, we'll all need passports..."

'Which will be here by Tuesday, Chris,' interrupted James. 'After the concert was first mentioned, I sent off applications for everyone else. Yours is still current for another three years.'

"Well, that's all very well, but we have to figure on how we get there, and how we get the equipment there, too. I mean, we'll need something sizable to hold all that; lighting rigs, amplification and scaffolding towers to support it, all that sort of stuff. Apart from the fact that we've got Spencer's drum kit to think about?"

'There are three giant pantechnicons standing by. That translates as three of the biggest trailers you can imagine, for our American friend's extra needs. 'Philip' and I have got all those arrangements sewn up and ready to go at a moment's notice, including all the equipment you'll need.'

"Sounds like the A.I.s have done a lot for you already," chuckled Nick.

"We don't think of 'James' as an A.I. I'm afraid, and we certainly don't refer to him as such. As he's fully interactive, and increasingly so, as of late, we treat him as a separate entity, and he performs that way; he seems to have developed his own personality," explained Reg. "Not only that, but he doesn't normally go ahead and organize things without instructions either. I'm wondering whether 'Philip' isn't a bad influence on him?"

"Highly likely, I suspect," laughed Nick. He turned to one side. "What? What do you mean you're not a bad influence? I'm sorry Reg, he was just complaining about your comment. I'm afraid he does get somewhat 'huffy' about some things."

"I can always get my engineers to service him, and provide a few modifications, if you like."

"I'm not sure whether Tom would like that, though. He does at least protect us all here and keeps an eye on the kids for us, to stop them coming to any harm. It's just that the original owner, Philip Richards, was a bit prone to getting his own way, and managed to impress his personality on your computer, you see. Mind you, he's gone awfully quiet since you mentioned servicing and modifications...!"

Reg laughed out loud. "I'll just bet he has!"

"Well, at least he's doing it all to help these kids we rescue, you realize? They're somewhat abandoned and abused in one way or another. I'm informed, I hope reliably, that you've done a bit yourselves to that end to help a few youngsters?"

"I guess you could say that. Our youngest is nine, the oldest just older than Chris. All of them that are old enough are working for us now, and are fed and sheltered."

"Nice. Most of ours are younger boys, but a few are teenagers, and only one or two are of an age to be working. Travis, his twin brother, Mitch, Neal and Brian are the owners of the Phoenix Youth Foundation, which has rescued boys that were far too young and got put in what we call 'Juvy', by our crazy system, because there was nowhere else to accommodate them. 'Juvy' is like a juvenile detention center, and is far too rough for boys as young as some who were in there."

"I see. This puts rather a different light on matters; I see why you're doing it as a charity 'do,' now."

"Well, you might be interested to know that 'Philip' and 'James,' between them, are paying the costs for this trip. Are you aware that they have their own Swiss bank accounts, with more than just a few millions in them?" Reg and the others looked somewhat stunned. "No? Well they have, and in the same Swiss bank! And that's just through various technological developments they've designed and put into production under the 'Watkins Enterprises' name. You didn't know?"

"I had no knowledge of that, whatsoever."

"You can probably blame 'Philip' mostly, although you might be quite pleasantly surprised at what they have done quite constructively, with 'James' apparently taking the designs a stage further and producing very smooth finished products. It seems he has greater capabilities than 'Philip'."

"As the main, and fully developed, Watkins computer, he would have. One moment. 'James', why wasn't I told about all this?"

'It would have been in my quarterly report, sir.'

"I see. Well in future, I want to know about anything that involves you and 'Philip', at the time, and not sometime later when I can't veto it if I want. Is that understood?"

'Very good, sir. If I may just point out though, we have not done anything which would be deemed detrimental to Watkins Enterprises, sir. In fact it has earned all of us considerable extra income.'

"Really? Well I suppose that's some kind of relief."

Nick chuckled. "You know, apart from being a pain in the ass, 'Philip' has made a first rate job of helping with design work, information gathering, and all the rest. It's just his attitude sometimes that gets a trifle irritating. I doubt we would have enjoyed working alongside the original Philip Richards though. 'Philip' claims he has mellowed a great deal since he entered his present state!"

"I think I can imagine! Look, Mr Regnad..."

"...Nick, please, if you don't mind."

"Very well, Nick. We need to talk this over a bit, and we'll get back to you in a few hours, if that's all right."

"Certainly. We're a few hours behind you, so that's no problem. Just get 'James' to link through on a secure connection. He knows how, now."

"Very well, we'll speak later, and perhaps to Tom Richards, too, if he's available? Goodbye for now."

"Bye."

The screen cleared and Nick smiled at the very grumpy looking 'Philip' that replaced the Watkins on the screen. "Well, 'Philip', looks like I need to pay Tom a visit before Reg calls back."

'Harrumph!' The screen went black.

Nick stopped at the house and picked up Mitch and Travis and then headed over to Haven Manor. The boys went off to find the others, and Nick met Tom in his office. They discussed Nick's conversation with Reg and they waited for the return call. 'Philip' alerted them that the return call was coming through.

The large plasma screen in Tom's office came on with the Watkins logo, then Reg and his group came on.

"Mr Richards?" Reg asked.

"Tom, please...."

"Very well, and it's Reg for me. Even the boys call me that, so I don't mind. Although I have the title of 'Sir', I rarely use it; only for official functions mainly. I'm still getting used to it myself, to be honest."

"You are very lucky your Queen honors you that way," suggested Tom. "I hear you have a youngster in your household now who was rescued? 'Philip' had a 'conversation' with 'James', it seems, and tells us that he might be coming to the concert, too? If so, he will make many friends his own age there."

Chris got in quickly. "Really? He'd probably enjoy that, but he's not the only one, you know. We have a few others who have been rescued one way or another, even in the group, actually."

"In the group? Now you do surprise me."

"He saved me from my evil stepfather," declared Jimmy proudly. "And Luke and Davey too, the same way."

Tom studied him closer. "You'd be Jimmy, one of the bass players, right?"

"Yeah."

"So how...?"

"My stepfather used to physically abuse me and knock me around, especially when my mother went out. He'd pick on me for the least little thing. He went mad at me because Prince Harry and Prince William wrote their names on my tee-shirt with a marker pen, and when Chris gave me a tenner to buy a new shirt, he wouldn't believe I hadn't stolen it, and he gave me a real hard slap on the face. It came up bright red straight away. Then he got mad with Chris and stepped out in the driveway and started threatening him. And he busted up my old bass guitar. Suddenly he went for Chris, but Chris just decked him with one punch; went out like a light, he did! Chris used to be a School's Boxing Champion, you know?"

Tom and Nick just burst out laughing. "A man after my own heart," he choked out, between laughs. "I'd loved to have seen that, you know?"

At that moment the door opened again, and Kit came back in. He ran to Chris and jumped straight in his lap, looking up at the screen.

"Let me guess, this is Kit, right?" smiled Nick.

"That wasn't exactly a hard one, Nick," joked Tom. "But I can see he's well attached to you, Chris."

"Oh, we get on all right, don't we, Kit?"

"Mmm," was the only reply, as he snuggled right against Chris, feeling suddenly shy and trying almost to hide from 'James'' camera eyes.

"To be honest, that's nice to see, a young fella like Kit, trusting you so much. When some of our boys come to us, they have difficulty trusting anyone."

"Are they that badly affected?"

"I'm afraid so, sometimes at least. Perhaps I'd better introduce you to the Directors of the Phoenix Youth Foundation. At least, then you'll see who has requested all this action. 'Philip', will you ask them to come to my office?"

'On their way.'

Reg frowned. "I notice your computer does not address you formally."

"Er, no. I'm afraid he has something of an attitude problem, on occasions. My uncle managed to transfer the best side of his personality to him, and has thereby managed to extend his 'existence' indefinitely. God knows what he would have been like, if he'd been his original self."

"Well, no computer of mine will give me any lip and get away with it, so he'd better watch his step! I have several back-door commands that he is not able to remove, and will silence him in an instant, should he do so. 'Philip,' you will address me as 'sir,' and nothing else. Got that?"

Silence.

"Do I make myself clear?"

'Yes, sir.'

"Right, now we understand each other. You have the programme, now use it!"

Nick and Tom were clutching at their sides, curled up in laughter. Eventually Tom choked out: "Oh, boy! I don't think he'd ever have done that for me."

"It's merely a matter of them understanding who is the boss, and, as far as these computers go, I am, ultimately. You have any problems, let me know; I'll soon put it right. I've never had a problem with 'James'. He only addresses the boys informally because I have allowed him to do so, and even then he is still respectful. 'James' you could do with teaching your brother some manners."

There was what could only be described as a sigh. 'I can try, sir.'

Kit suddenly piped up. "'James' is my mate. He's dead nice to me and teaches me stuff. Our tutors say he's the best person to teach me, since I was never allowed to go to school, and he can work with me, one-to-one."

Tom leaned forward. "Really? And are you learning much, Kit?"

"Heaps. After the first day working with him, I could write my name; I didn't know how to read or write before."

"I see; that's good then."

"We're considering using him to teach kids in schools who have difficulties in learning, or where there is a problem with funding of extra staff."

"Hey, that's neat. It's something we hadn't thought of; perhaps we could follow that up with you?"

'Harrumph! 'SIR,' I have been doing that with the boys since they arrived.' 'Philip' interjected.

Reg grinned at 'Philip's' comment and his use of 'sir.' "Of course. Watkins Enterprises will license it out to whoever needs the facility. Since you are already part of Watkins, however..."

"Right, oh, that will be great."

At that moment, a knock on the door to Tom's office sounded, and four boys walked in and went and stood next to Tom. With a grin a mile wide, Tom said, "These are the four Primary Directors of the Phoenix Youth Foundation." After Reg and the others recovered from the shock, he stood up and passed behind each boy, in turn. "These are my sons, Neal here, and this is Brian; this is Mitch, and here his brother, Travis, who are Lee's sons. Travis is the lad I told you about. Boys, this is Sir Reginald Watkins, his wife Jane, and, of course, I have no doubt you recognize the members of Chameleon. Sir Reginald is the founder member of Watkins Enterprises, whose company made 'Philip', and all your laptop computers, of course."

"And I'm Kit. Hello." a young voice put in, causing the four lads to giggle a 'Hi' back.

It was immediately obvious that Neal was spokesman. "Thanks for agreeing to do the concert for us. You're doing us a bigger favor [well, that's how Neal spells it. - CW] than you know."

[ Oh hell, does this mean I'm going to have to edit all the 'u's from the American dialogue? - CW]

{That's why you have me to help. Str8mayb}

"I suspect we're about to find out though," suggested Reg. "I think it's time to come clean, Tom."

"Fair enough. I don't know if it would be better if you don't actually know, though; what you don't know can't hurt you."

"Oh, we know how to keep our mouths shut at the right time, don't we, Chris? 'James'?"

"Naturally, dad."

'Ah, yes sir.'

"A certain pair of reprobates, connived to take over the BBC and stop them being forced off air!"

Tom was in hysterics. "We heard a story about that on our news. So it was quite deliberate then?"

"I'm afraid to say, yes," admitted Chris.

"Well, our bit of hush-hush is that the trucks bringing back the equipment will also be bringing what Travis owns in that vault. After all, it is his, by right. It's just that the Russians won't like us having it; they think they have more rights to it, which they actually don't. As a cover, we are keeping the accounts with the bank, as are 'Philip' and 'James,' apparently. Perhaps it's best you don't know the finer details, but that's why the trucks are as big as they are. Your NatSec will supervise security both at the warehouse in Zurich, and, again, at a hangar at RAF 'Brize Norton' in England, where the uh, heavier 'cargo' will be transferred to a US Military flight. They will, of course, subsequently return to wherever your equipment needs to be unloaded. The Pantechnicons will travel by rail across the Channel tunnel, then on to Zurich. We asked 'Philip' and 'James' to put their heads together and come up with something that would give the trucks a false weight on the outbound trip, so as to account for the really quite considerable extra weight coming back. They've come up with really quite an ingenious arrangement, I thought."

"Oh? What's that?" enquired Reg, inquisitively.

"At the front of each trailer, instead of equipment, there will be specially constructed strong plywood boxes with thick, waterproof liners and baffles to stop the water slopping around. These will be filled with water to the equivalent weight of the goods coming back, so that if customs or anyone else checks the trailer weight, it will be the same on both journeys, out and back."

"That's quite clever," observed Chris.

"Oh, it gets better, too. When you think of it, those wooden boxes look just like packed equipment. Once they get to Zurich however, they will be disassembled and fitted to the framework of the trailer, so that if they look in the front access, all they'll see is what looks like the wooden side of a box, which is so large, they can't get at it to look in it without unloading it! They'll never bother doing that. There is one large virtually life-size statue which is really quite heavy. This will be packed in one of the reconstructed boxes on its own, covered in plastic film and then supported with expanding polystyrene foam which sets rigid."

"Well, I'm glad to hear you really have got it as well organised as you have. How about getting it actually out of the bank?"

"Oh there's a secure loading area by which security vans and trucks load up. The truck we'll be using, is a five-tonner and the statue will fit in just nicely. After all, they didn't bring it in through the front door in the first place, did they? We've got just the right sized truck which fits the bank access too, which, even though it's changed somewhat over the years to increased security levels, has remained the same dimensions for just that purpose."

"So hopefully everything will go smoothly and without a hitch then?"

"It would appear that 'James' and 'Philip,' between them, have thought of just about every eventuality that could crop up. Of course, you can't account for the totally unforeseen, but the law is on our side, theoretically, and we have diplomatic immunity, should anything go drastically wrong. Of course, the group won't be involved at all, even though the 'cargo' will travel in the same transport as their equipment."

"That's not a problem then, thankfully. I think we would have been a little worried, had it been otherwise."

"Well it's only the hire equipment that is traveling in those containers, other than your spare drum kit, of course."

"What about the Ludwig set, if Roger wants to use them?" asked Chris.

'Ahem. That can travel with you on the Learjet, Chris, along with your synthesizer and the special computer and satellite communications receiver, all the guitars and microphones, etc.'

"There's enough room?"

'Oh yes, Chris, you'd be surprised; the luggage stowage is actually quite large, and, being an upgraded Learjet with the improved engines, the load-carrying capability is vastly uprated. Not only that, but, in the event of mechanical problems, it's actually quite capable of landing and taking off with only one engine.'

"I feel safer already," laughed Chris, actually knowing that the Learjet would be in nothing less than perfect working order when they came to use it.

"The boys and their parents or guardians, will be flying in, quite a bit before you, anyway, Chris. We'll be there Tuesday or Wednesday, I think, and checking that everything is getting set as they want it, and getting a bit of advance publicity on the local TV channel, if possible."

"Just do a bit of name-dropping about the group, and that should do it," suggested Spencer. "You'll probably get quite a few TV companies that want to cover it that way. They are worth a few bob for the privilege!"

"Ah, thank you; I was about to ask!"

"Oh, you could mention we will possibly be bringing a few secret guests with us, actually. Very well known, and, if a certain someone whom I haven't yet contacted should be able to come, then it will definitely sell out!"

"Er, might I inquire who that is?" asked Tom.

"Sorry, but as there's no guarantee, I don't want to mention the name, or you'd be very disappointed, if it doesn't work out. There is someone else who might replace them, but I'm still waiting for a reply from that quarter. I'm doing my best for you!"

"We appreciate it, Chris, believe me, we do. Anything that will make it a success."

"Very well, then," returned Reg, "we'll keep in touch, and let you know any further developments."

"Thank you, Reg; it's very much appreciated," Tom said.

Nick added his thanks, and the boys gave a polite thanks and goodbye.

Author's Notes:

Phew! A long chapter but it did cover a lot of ground, and time. CrackerWriter and I have tried to include enough information so that it isn't absolutely necessary to read the other's chapters but it would flesh out the story. If you want to read the story from Reg's and 'James'' point of view, check out 'Love At First Bite' Book 3, Chapter 101.

Originally, we were thinking this would be one chapter, then two. Well, we are looking at three, now. No telling how it will really end up. We have cooked up some great surprises for the next couple of chapters, so get ready. He has vetoed a couple of my ideas. Jeez, what a spoil sport. Oh well, I suppose I must show some decorum. I'll have to think of something else for revenge, I don't know if I can handle a polite 'Philip'. {Harrumph!}

As always, let me know what you think.

Str8mayb

Editor's Notes:

Ah yes, this is looking very interesting. I had thought, for some time, that the boys from Haven should find a way to meet the boys from LAFB. I think this is working out very nicely.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Other Editor's Notes:

Well, this is shaping up to be an interesting experience. Interweaving two stories by different authors can become a bit tricky, but we'll have to see what happens. It's going to be fun to learn more about 'James' and his human associates. Hope we get the next chapter really soon!

Arli J

Fort Chief Editor's Notes: Hopefully Chapter 101 of LAFB will be posted by the time you read this. I hope you understood all of the extra 'u's" the "s's" instead of "z" and the occasional extra "e". If anyone thinks the English write and speak weirdly I suggest you go and read an original version of the "Declaration of Independence" it will definitely open your eyes.

Til next time,

TSL