A New Day Dawns

The next morning as they began to wake up, DJ and Tanner both looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings; for a quick moment they were confused as to where they were.

"Tanner," DJ said quietly. "Where are we?"

Tanner looked around for second before the previous day's events came back to him and replied, "Russ and Sara's house."

"Oh yeah," DJ said sheepishly. "For a moment there I thought this was all a dream."

"Nope, not a dream babe," Tanner said as he wrapped his arms around DJ in a warm embrace.

As they lay like that for a few minutes, it dawned on the two boys that they both had bladder issues in need of immediate attention. "I gotta pee," Tanner stated.

"Right behind you," was the quick response.

The two young boys jumped out of bed and started a quick trot to the bathroom to take care of their problem. As the made the turn into the hallway both boys ran straight into Russ, sending him onto his butt. However, they never missed a step as they just jumped over him and continued on their way with a quick "sorry" thrown behind them. The boys made it to the commode just in time. As the sound of their release echoed throughout the bathroom, DJ said, "This has got to be one of the best feelings in the world. I feel so much better after a morning pee."

"Well I can think of other things that feel better," Tanner remarked, causing DJ to turn scarlet red. "But I have to agree, a good morning pee is so refreshing."

After they had finished the urgent business at hand, the boys decided it would be a good time to take another shower and clean the fog out of their heads before they sat down with Russ and Sara to discus their fate. DJ made a quick exit to go to the bedroom and get their clothes for the day. As he came out of the bedroom, Russ and Sara were making their way to the kitchen.

"Good morning there, Crash." Sara said.

"Crash?" DJ said bewilderedly.

"Yeah, I called you crash," Sara quipped. "My poor little Russ here is going to have a big bruise on his cute little rear end from you two bash brothers knocking him over."

With that Russ took the opportunity to ham it up by groaning and grabbing his butt in mock agony.

"Well I don't know about cute, nor do I want to, and it sure ain't little," DJ teased. "But I am sorry for knocking you over, but it was an emergency … We HAD to pee."

"Far be it from me to stand in the way of a man with a full bladder," Russ giggled.

"Are you squirts hungry?" Sara asked.

DJ was about to say no but his growling stomach told the truth for him. "A little bit I guess," DJ meekly replied.

"A little bit!" Sara scoffed. "If that growl was just a little bit, we'd need ear plugs if you were really hungry! Why don't you guys go and get cleaned up while Russ and I make a mess of bacon, eggs, and hash browns, how does that sound?"

"You said the magic word. Bacon," DJ said. "We'll be out in a few minutes."

With that DJ scrambled as fast as he could back to the bathroom so they could get cleaned up. He didn't want to miss a breakfast like that one.

As the boys really were quite hungry, they didn't waste much time playing around in the shower, but just got down to the business of getting clean.

As Tanner was lathering his hair, he looked at DJ and said, "Did you have any dreams last night?"

"Yeah," DJ replied. "I'm not quite sure what to think, but I think that Timmy and I can talk to each other in our dreams. He told me that his eagle, William, would be here waiting for us and is telling him where we are so they can help us. He also told me not to worry, that we were going to be safe and happy. I feel weird about this, but good too. It's almost like we are part of the same whole. Like maybe he is my conscience. Or he is like a guide to me. All I know is that he is worried about you and me and he is trying to help us to get to safety. And as far as that goes, I thought we were safe. But Timmy told me in my dream that my dad is out of the hospital and he is looking for us. That scares me, but Timmy says not to worry. There are people that are looking for him and don't want him to get a hold of us. You see … I think I am going crazy in the head."

"No you're not." Tanner said vehemently. "I believe in things like this, Deej. If you say that Timmy is trying to help us, then I believe it. You can't lie about things like that. We are going to be safe. You and I are never going to go back to that kind of situation again. I won't let them make us. Timmy won't let them make us. Russ and Sara won't let them make us. We have people that are on our side, and we have to let them help us. I want for us to be ok just as much as you do, but I have also figured out that we are going to need help to get where we need to be. You Are Not Crazy! Maybe you and Timmy have some kind of ESP or something. There is an easy explanation for this, but we don't need to worry about that right now. What we do need to worry about is getting the shampoo out of our hair, getting dried off, putting on clothes, and getting to that bacon."

DJ just wrapped his arms around Tanner and cried. "I love you so much, and I don't know what I'd do with out you," he choked out. "Please forgive me for being such a spazmo."

"There is nothing to forgive," Tanner softly said. "We all have to be a spazmo some of the time. But no matter what, we will always be together, and I wouldn't have you any other way. I love you for who you are, and that means every last bit of you."

After the boys had dried off and gotten dressed, they cleaned up the bathroom and made their way to the kitchen which was easy to find. All they had to do was follow their noses to the smell of the bacon and they were there.

As the group gathered around the table to begin eating DJ folded his hands and began to pray. As his heartfelt words echoed throughout the kitchen everyone bowed their heads and reverently listened as he said; "Our Dear Heavenly Father. We bow our heads in humble gratitude for all thy gifts and blessings that we have received. Father, we are so grateful to feel the love that thou hast for us. We ask that You might bless this food, that it will strengthen and nourish our bodies, that we might have the strength to do thy will. Father I also ask a blessing upon Russ and Sara for taking us in and helping us when we were most in need. I know Father that You sent them to us. Father I also ask you to bless Tanner. Please keep him in Your spirit. Father, I also pray for safety to all that we care for. Please help us to get to Des Moines and keep us safe from harm. This we pray in Jesus name, Amen."

As everyone said the final amen, there was not a dry eye at the table. After another moment of silence, Russ spoke up and said, "DJ that was beautiful. We are honored to be a part of your prayers. You both have touched our hearts and there is nothing that we wouldn't do to help you. We will try to ensure that you get to Des Moines, and we will always be there for you should you need us. Now … Dig in!"

After everyone had been served, Sara began the conversation by saying; "OK boys, I have done a little bit of research for you guys. First thing I did was find out bus and train routes to get you to Des Moines. The next thing I did was find out more about Teri Short and look into something called the Safe Haven Act which I think will benefit you. Finally I made inquiries about getting you guys a cell phone. The reason for that is simple. I want you to have a phone, so if there is an emergency you will have a quick way to get a hold of us. We will also program the number for Teri Short, which I have found for you through directory assistance. Russ and I will pay for the phone and the service and there will be no argument to that. What I have found for transportation is this. Greyhound seems to be the best option. There is a bus that leaves daily at 8:30 a.m. and again at 8:40 p.m. I think the later one is the best option as there are not as many lay-overs. I don't want you two sitting alone in a bus depot for long periods of time as it might attract attention from the wrong kinds of people. If you would like, I can get you tickets for the one that leaves this evening. It will get you into Iowa in the early evening the next day. If you would like to stay longer here, you are more than welcome. The bus is a daily route. Next, as for Ms. Short; I have done as much research as I can find about her and find that you both were absolutely correct in your assumptions. She has helped many boys in similar situations to you and is the leading expert on the Safe Haven act in the country. The act allows her to remove a child from a bad situation in an instant and can place them in the custody of the Federation which will prevent Earth authorities from claiming jurisdiction. That means plainly if she places you under Safe Haven protection, your parents will not be able to touch you. With that said, I leave the floor open for discussion."

"Well," Tanner started. "With no offense intended, I think that we should try to get on the bus leaving tonight. The sooner we get to Iowa, the sooner we will know whether or not we need to look elsewhere."

"You won't ever have to look elsewhere, guys," Russ interjected. "You always have here to come back to."

With tears in his eyes Tanner hugged Russ and thanked him and Sara both for all that they have done. He then continue by saying; "Sara, I can't believe how much research you did in such a short amount of time. You must have stayed up all night long trying to come up with all of that stuff. As for what you said about the Safe Haven act, I have heard a few bits and pieces about it before, and the way that you present it makes it sound like a good possibility for us. Now the cell phone I know you said is not up for discussion, so I will just say thank you and not try to argue about it."

DJ continued the conversation when he remarked that he was in total agreement with Tanner. "Don't get me wrong," He began. "I like it here and I know that I for one feel safe and loved here, so please don't think we are being ungrateful for leaving so soon. I just want to put some distance between me and Colin. I want to put that son-of-a-bitch behind bars for what he did to me and to Tanner. I'm not quite sure that I can forgive him for trying to molest me in front of Tanner, or for exploiting either one of us. He's a cop and he's worse than some of the criminals he arrests. What a hypocrite."

"No, trust me, we don't think you are being ungrateful for leaving so soon," Russ began. "Actually, I think that the two of you are making adult decisions and doing it in a very appropriate manner based on the facts that you have. You two are to be commended for your resiliency and your ability to look a problem face on and work to find a good solution. There are many adults in this world that could learn a lesson from your example. We just want to ensure that your decision is going to keep you safe. We are in this with you all the way now. Just remember … Help is only a phone call away, anytime you need us, day or night. You both are a part of our lives, and there is no way you can get around that, even if you wanted to. Now if you both are up to it, Sara and I would like to take you into town to pick up a cell phone, buy your bus tickets, and also get you some new clothes. All of which we are paying for, and there will be no arguments."

DJ opened his mouth to say something when Sara covered it for him and said, "No arguments, and I mean it!"

With that said, the crew helped each other clean up the dishes, and then they headed for the truck. As they drove around through town the boys were kind of silent so Russ asked, "What's up guys, cats got your tongue?"

"Just thinking about the future," Tanner said solemnly.

"Well the future hasn't happened yet kiddo," Russ retorted. "So don't worry about it. The words of your book haven't been written yet. The choices you make coupled with the actions you take and the love you have for each other will write your story for you. As long as you do things based on facts and act out of love, not anger or hate, your story, or your future, will be bright. If you spend too much time dwelling on what might happen, you'll miss out on what does happen."

After that exchange they pulled up to the Greyhound Bus Depot and went inside. When their turn in line came up Russ stepped forward and told the attendant, "I would like to purchase two one way tickets to Des Moines, Iowa for my little brothers here."

"Will they be traveling alone," she asked.

"Yes Ma'am," Russ replied. "Summer vacation is over and it's time for them to go home and start the new school year. Although I wouldn't mind keeping them around, it was more fun with them this time since they've grown up a bit. My how the years go by," he said which elicited a small giggle from the attendant.

"I have a couple of younger brothers myself," the attendant stated. "It would be fun to have them visit once in a while. It gets lonely with no family around. That will be one hundred seventy two dollars for the tickets."

Just then the man behind them farted rather loudly which brought the boys to another round of giggles. Nothing like a good fart to get a boy laughing. Even Russ had a hard time keeping his composure until Sara elbowed him in the ribs.

Russ the handed the money to the attendant and once they had the change and the tickets they left. After the bus depot they headed to the mall where they got a new cell phone pre-paid with twenty-five hundred minutes and two new outfits a piece. When they were done with the shopping DJ and Tanner treated Russ and Sara to lunch at a Mexican restaurant and they headed for home to get rested up and packed for their next journey.

When they got to the house, the boys decided they wanted to take a little nap so they went to the bedroom to sleep and do whatever it is that two boys do, and the adults went into the den to make a few necessary phone calls. Sara picked up the phone and dialed the number to Teri Short's home. After two rings the call was answered, "Short residence, Thomas speaking."

"Hello Thomas," Sara replied. "This is Sara Wagner; may I please speak with Teri?"

"Yes Ma'am," He answered. "Just one moment please."

After a brief wait Teri finally came to the phone and greeted Sara by saying, "Sorry that took so long, but my young grandson just got out of the pool and was doing his impersonation of a an old Ray Stevens song through my living room before I finally tackled him with a towel and sent him to see his Daddy."

"Now there's a mental image I won't soon forget," Sara laughed. "Seriously though, I wanted to give you an update to the situation while Tanner and DJ are taking a nap."

"I am all ears."

"Well," Sara began. "First thing is first, I am going to put you on the speaker phone so Russ, my fiancé, can join in on this one."

After the mutual pleasantries were exchanged Sara continued by saying, "We have worked it out with the boys so they will be leaving tonight on the 8:40 Greyhound. This particular route worked out better as it didn't have as long of stops and it only has one lay-over in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The stops in route to Des Moines are all on the I-80 corridor. The will have brief stops for passenger pick up and drop off in Salt Lake City, Evanston, Rock Springs, Rawlins, Laramie, then they reach Cheyenne. At Cheyenne they will have to transfer buses after a two-and-a-half hour lay-over before continuing on. Their next stops will be in Sydney, Kearny, Lincoln, and Omaha before they reach Des Moines. We also bought them a cellular phone pre-paid with twenty-five hundred minutes and programmed our phone number as well as yours. They think we got your phone number from directory assistance, so they are none the wiser about our conversations. I told them that if they ran into any trouble that they should call one of us."

Russ interjected with his thoughts when he said, "Teri, I have explained to the boys, and I think that they understand, that they don't have to go at this alone. I even told them that I'd bet if they called you right now, you'd find a way to get them, but they want to do this. I think it is their own way of finding some independence and building the strength in each other that they will no doubt need in their lives if they are to survive the stigma of being gay. I don't want to do anything that might harm their psyche. I am counting on you to help guide them down a path where they will find love and peace. I am so angry for what the adults in their lives have done to them. If I could right the wrongs I would, but since that is impossible, the best I can do is help them. Whether or not they are doing the right thing right now is irrelevant. They have made a choice that no person could change even if they wanted to. These two boys have strength beyond measure and are as hard headed as the day is long. My main concern is that they get there without harm, and secondly that the people responsible for their pain are brought to justice, and honestly, right now, my idea of justice is a bullet. Is this something that you are willing to take on, because if your not, I will find something else for them, I won't let them go down the same path as my little brother. Tanner and DJ need love and support, caring and understanding, and they also need closure on the recent chapters of their lives. I will now step off of my soapbox and I am sorry for ranting."

"No apologies are needed Russ," Teri stated. "It is plain to me that you care for these boys, and believe me, that care will make a big impact in their lives. I will now try to answer your questions. First of all, not only am I willing to take this on, but I have already taken the appropriate measures to ensure that they have the exact environment that they need. With my tribe here all you have to do is sneeze and you have the support of at least a dozen people before you can wipe your nose. As for the justice part, trust me, believe me, it WILL be handled. There is much more to this situation than you know right now, and by the time we are finished with those three pieces of trash, Tanner and DJ will NEVER have to worry about them ever again. I promise you that with all that are sacred to me. Now let me fill you in on some of the things that we are doing on this end. I know you were a little freaked out about your encounter with your brother yesterday. Sara has no doubt filled you in on that. I also know that she has explained to you about Timmy and his eagle, William. Just so you know, William is an Indian spirit guide, and he can communicate through my grandson. For instance, right now I can tell you that you live in a white home with green trim. Your truck is a Blue Chevy Avalanche and it is parked on the right side of your driveway if you are facing the house. It is partly cloudy at your house, the wind is from the southeast at 10.2 miles per hour, and the temperature is 86 degrees. The rose bush by your front door has six blooms on it and the big yellow one needs to be picked. There are two rocks on your front step and you didn't take in your newspaper this morning. Your next door neighbor to the east has his green Cadillac parked halfway in his garage, your neighbor to the west just left in her white Toyota Camry."

"How in God's name do you know all of this?" Russ inquired.

"If you go outside," Teri began, "you will see on the eve of your roof a large American Bald Eagle. This is William. When he sees you he will screech three times. Two short screeches and one long one. He will then fly down onto your lawn, and will let you stroke his head as long as you are gentle."

A young voice cut in over Teri from the background. "Tell'em William's wantin' to take a bath! Can they turn on the sprinkler for him?"

Russ and Sara had to stifle chuckles as Teri commented "That was the streak, otherwise known as Timmy. I hope you don't mind bathing eagles in your yard; it seems that William is feeling comfortable there!"

"You gotta be kidding me," Russ and Sara both said in unison. "This I have to see."

"I'll wait for you to get back."

Russ and Sara went outside and even though they were told what to expect, they both jumped at the sound of William's screeches. As they were told, he flew down onto the lawn and let them stroke his head. William then stretched his wings out and flapped them a couple of time to show his beautiful feathers. Both Russ and Sara were lost in the sheer majesty of their guest.

As they walked back towards the house, Russ turned on the sprinkler system, and much to their delight they watched as the large bird played in the water. After William was done with his refreshing shower, he perched himself on the top of the maple tree in the font yard and began to preen himself.

Sara and Russ went back inside still amazed at what they had seen. "If I hadn't of seen it with my own eyes I wouldn't have believed it," Russ said as soon as they were back to the speakerphone. "That bird is amazing."

"William wants you to know that you have a salsa stain under your shirt pocket," Teri chuckled. "How unfair is this, y'all go out for Mexican and I get to eat Mac and cheese."

Russ looked down at his shirt, and sure enough there was a stain from the salsa. "Well now I've seen it all," he quipped

"So do you believe me then?" Teri asked.

"Yes we do," they answered.

"Good, I am glad we are over that hurdle," Teri continued. "Would you guys please do me the favor of calling me back after you have gotten the boys on the bus. In the mean time if either side comes up with any new information we should try to contact each other."

After they had said their goodbyes, Russ and Sara went into the kitchen to pack some food for the boys' journey, and Teri sprang into action.

---

Short Residence, Des Moines:

As soon as Teri had hung up the phone she went to the intercom and called everyone who was involved in the case to the rec room. Once everyone was assembled Teri began to share the information that she had just received.

"OK guys," She began. "The boys will be mobile as of 9:40 local time tonight. They will be traveling by Greyhound bus and will be stopping in numerous cities with one lay-over in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Russ and Sara have given the boys a cell phone and programmed this number into it should they run into an emergency. Don't worry, they have told the boys they looked it up for them in the directory assistance. They know nothing of our conversations. Their lay-over which is two and a half hours long will take place at 1:15 pm local time tomorrow, so if we have anyplace to go we need to be sure that this phone is forwarded. We can't leave the line unattended. Now that I've had my say, what does anyone else have to add?"

Cory was the first to speak. "OK guys, Mom has done a great job as a liaison between here and Utah. Now we need to take control of this. Things could happen very quickly one way or the other. Timmy has already sent the warning that Colin is out of the hospital and looking for him. So first things first, we need to make a plan and execute it, logically. Priority one is for us to make sense of all the information that we have so far. Once we have it all together, we need to get the information to Rob Gunn. Does anyone have any objections with us having him beamed here? It will give him the chance to put everything together and then we can beam him back to where ever he needs to be for the boys. I know he has been driving non-stop since last night, and I wouldn't doubt that he is already in Utah, but I think he needs to be in Cheyenne where the boys' will have that long layover."

"I think you have a good idea," Aaron fired back. "Sometimes that brain of your amazes me. Do you think you can get the Enterprise to help with that one?"

"I don't think it will be a problem," Cory replied. "The Captain said the ship's resources are at our disposal. But nonetheless I will contact him momentarily to gain the required permissions. As a matter of fact, Aaron, while I go do that, would you please take over this meeting?"

"I would be happy too, Cory."

While Cory went to the console to contact the ship Aaron continued the meeting of the minds. "OK everyone, while Cory is on the con, we need to look at everything else we have gathered. Let's put everything into categories on the table here. I want all information about Colin here. Steve and Mary need to be here. Be sure the tracking of their financials is in each of their respective piles. I want all information that has been gathered about Russ and Sara right here. Intelligence regarding the missing trust fund money right here please. School records for the boys in this pile right here. I want a pile each for the files on the deaths of Tanners Parents, and also for the disappearance of DJ's mom. Find out what those people were all about. I need files regarding the pictures that were sent to Russia. If I have forgotten anything, make a pile for it too. If Cory gets everything set up we need to be ready to brief Rob Gunn in a short amount of time. Let's show him the kind of work Clan Short does. Let's Move!"

When Cory came back from his conversation with Captain Kirk he said, "The Captain is more than willing to beam Rob here, he can even beam Rob's car! Now all I have to do is get in contact with him and get it set up. Is everyone ready for him to come here?"

Everyone nodded in the affirmative so Cory called Rob's cell phone. After a few rings Rob answered the phone and Cory sprang into action. "Rob, this is Cory."

"Cory," Rob answered. "I am glad to hear from you. As a matter of fact I was just about to contact you. I have some information that you might not be aware of."

"Try me," Cory said.

"Colin, Steve and Mary are on their way to Utah, and as my tracking device shows they should make it to Wendover late tonight. I had a small device place on all of their cars so I could tack their movements. I am not sure how they found out where they boys are, but they are most definitely headed for here."

"Son of a …." Cory yelled. "Hold on Rob." Cory then turned to the clan who were all staring at him from his outburst and were equally shocked when he said to them, "Would anyone care to figure out how in the hell Colin, Steve, and Mary figured out where the boys are? They appear to be on their way to Utah. They have been tracked as headed east on I-80. I want a team to get on this RIGHT NOW! Now we also need to make sure that Russ and Sara are going to be safe. MOVE!"

Cory then returned his attention to Rob. "I'm not sure about this but now we have many more problems on our hands. Where are you right now?"

"I am in Wendover at the Comfort Inn," Rob replied.

"Rob I have an idea, and I have already gotten clearance for it, but first I need to tell you that the boys will be on a Greyhound bus leaving Wendover at 8:40 this evening."

"If they leave then, Colin, Steve, and Mary will miss them by a couple of hours."

"Good," Cory began. "Do you feel comfortable with leaving Wendover? The reason I ask is this. The boys will have many short stops along the way. The one place where I see a possible breech in security for them is when they have a two and a half hour layover in Cheyenne Wyoming. They have to transfer busses there. I don't think that the trio will be able to catch up to them until then, and that is IF the figure out which way to go. We are going to try and make them run into a dead end when they reach Wendover."

"I am not opposed to leaving Wendover, Cory," Rob began. "But Cheyenne is 540 miles from here. I have driven all night long and need to doze for a little while. So with that in mind, I need to figure out a way to get to Cheyenne early in the morning."

"That is where my idea kicks in," Cory said. "I have already gotten clearance from my Commanding Officer aboard the Enterprise to have you and your vehicle transported to our home in Des Moines. We can meet together here and go over all of the intelligence that we have, feed you some dinner, and give you a bed to sleep in. In the morning, we can go over any new developments eat breakfast, and then beam you to an undisclosed location in Cheyenne. If you are willing that is."

"Before I say yes," Rob began. "I need to know if you feel comfortable with my leaving Wendover. Do you feel that the boys are in safe hands with Russ and Sara? Finally, are you sure you have enough food to feed me, I'm starving? Cheeto's and Mountain Dew just don't cut the mustard."

"Yes, yes, and yes," Cory giggled. "If you are willing then, here is what you will need to do. First after you check out of your room you will need to drive your car to an area where you won't attract attention. Once there, use your communicator and contact the Enterprise . Tell them who you are and that you are prepared to beam up. It will only take a quick second after the beam starts that you will be parked in my garage, ok?"

"If you say so Cory," Rob stuttered. "I trust you on that one. I should arrive within the half hour; does that sound ok to you?"

"That is perfect Rob," Cory stated. "We will see you shortly."

Once they hung up Rob got all of his things together and went down to the desk to check out. After he had paid his bill he went out to his car and drove around the corner to a parking garage. He drove to a deserted level and pulled out his communicator.

"Detective Gunn to Enterprise ."

"Enterprise, Kirk here. I have been expecting your transmission Detective. Are you prepared to beam to Clan Short Headquarters?"

"Yes Captain, I am in a secure location and am prepared, well as prepared as I can be, to beam. On another note Captain, thank you for your assistance in this matter. I appreciate it."

"The pleasure is all mine detective. I hope you are prepared for the shock of your life when you see these boys in action. They all continue to surprise me daily. Prepare to beam, Kirk out."

A split second later Rob found himself in unfamiliar surroundings - the garage of Teri Short's home looking right at Cory Short. He got out of the car and shook hands with his young partner and made his way into the house.

After Rob was introduced to everyone in person they got right to work. As they rifles through the mounds of information that the clan had gathered, Helen brought out a plate of sandwiches and said, "This should hold y'all over until I can get dinner finished. Rob, do you like lasagna?"

"Miss Helen," Rob replied. "If it has pasta, cheese, or garlic in any form it is a gift from heaven. I am Italian and would never turn down lasagna, and I look forward to trying yours."

"Helen," Cory asked. "Do you think we have enough food to feed Rob here, he wasn't sure?"

Rob turned beet red as Helen replied, "Detective, if I can fed this clan, your scrawny rear end should be no problem to fill, but just in case, I'll make and extra pan."

Rob then looked at Cory and shot him an I'm gonna get you back for that one look.

As they continued to go through the information, each one of the clan came forward and presented their findings to Rob. He was quickly getting to information overload when a document caught his attention. "Wait; let me take a look at that," he said. I remember this case. It was a couple of years ago. Colin worked this case as a joint task with both Yolo and Solano County sheriffs departments. A woman was burned beyond recognition and thrown into the glory hole at Lake Berryessa."

"What's a glory hole," Sean asked?

"It's a whirlpool device that sucks the water down into the hydro-electric turbines at Monticello Power Plant for PG&E," Russ replied. "They were able to only piece bits of the body back together, but the one big discovery was the intact skull. No, it can't be. Caleb, can you access the California DCI database and pull up the microfiche files on this case, specifically the photos and dental records related to the skull, then if you can pull up the dental records for Katie McAllister, date of birth 17, March 1963?"

"Yes sir, I can," Caleb replied.

"Look here at this image," Rob almost shouted. "The District Attorney for Dixon signed off that there was no available match to the dental records and placed the case in the cold file as unsolvable due to insufficient evidence. Just the fact that he had anything to do with this at all raises a red flag to me."

Just then Caleb said, "I've got them both. Do you want me to split the screen so we can look at them side by side?"

"Yes please," Rob answered. "Oh my God! Look at that filing on the second bicuspid and the zigzag crack on the number 1 wisdom tooth. This is Katie. That son of a bitch!"

Suddenly Rob turned white as a ghost and said, "I think I am going to be sick."

Cory just looked at him and said, "That way," as he pointed towards the bathroom.

Rob got up and ran to the bathroom. In his absence Noah came to Cory and said, "Look at this, Cory." "Katie went missing just 3 days after the first large lump sum was distributed to Colin. I am guessing that she caught him and figured out what was going on so he had to get rid of her."

"I'll be damned," Cory said.

Just then Kelly came running over saying, "Katie had filed for a legal separation the day before she went missing and she had also filed a report with DCFS regarding abuse to DJ."

"Why didn't anyone catch on to that," Cory asked incredulously?

"Everything was signed off by the D.A.," Kelly replied.

When Rob finally re-joined them he was filled in on what else they had found. "We got him," Rob said triumphantly. "We got all we need to fry his behind."

Before dinner was served Rob and the clan had managed to prove that Colin had killed Katie. That he, Steve, and Mary had orchestrated the deaths of the Michael's. They had found all of Tanners trust fund money and put a freeze on it. They had also been able to trace where some of the pictures had gone to, but thus far were unable to counter that particular aspect of the investigation.

As they sat down to a dinner of lasagna, salad, homemade garlic bread and red wine Rob told them this; "Never in all my years of law enforcement have I seen an investigation turn so much up. You have all outdone yourselves. I am so proud to be associated with each one of you. I am absolutely astonished at the work that you have done. Even though you are young, you have proven yourselves to be the finest of investigators. You should each be proud of your accomplishments in this. With God's grace, tomorrow evening we will have the boys here and safe, and then I can move forward with the prosecution of one of the worst groups of criminal minds I have ever seen. Thank you all so much for what you have done."

"Thank you as well Rob," Teri began. "Your help in this is equally important to what we have to do. Rest assured that you have the backing of Starfleet and the Federation on your prosecution of these three pieces of trash. When all this is said and done, I would like to talk to you more about some different job opportunities."

"While I know that you want to get these guys Rob," Cory began. "I think it might be appropriate to look at other avenues in their prosecution. Specifically, I would like to investigate the possible outcomes should they be tried under a Vulcan Flag. I am not saying no to you going forward, I am just saying that we need to keep our options open. Vulcan Law and the Clan Charter have a jurisdiction in this case that surpasses that of Teran Law. We might be able to accomplish more from that avenue."

"Cory," Rob answered. "I don't care who gets them as long as they get got!"

After the dinner and desert were all done, Rob made a call to Jason to fill him in on what was going on. He was more than pleased to hear that they were going to be able to close those cases, and he was ecstatic to hear that the boys would most likely be in safe hands within a matter of hours.

Cory also prepared a report for Admiral Morrow, and sent it on to him. He was quite sure he would receive a reply as soon as it was read.

After all was said and done, Rob and the Clan retired for the evening. Proud of what they had accomplished, yet still worried about what was to come.

---

7:00 p.m., the previous evening, Colin McAlister's residence:

"You know what," Colin began. "Hold that thought just a minute. I have a better idea. Let's get some sleep first and leave in the morning. I can call a contact of mine who lives in the Wendover area and give him this information. He can trail them and see if they are making any movements. If we get some sleep tonight we can get a fresh start in the morning. There is no sense in us busting our balls to get there in the middle of the night."

"I agree," Steve replied. "I for one would like to know a little more about what we are getting into. If you can have your man do some recon for us we can make a better plan of how we are going to get them back here. We still need to let them think that they are in control.

After a restful nights sleep Colin woke with a sense of purpose and a plan. He called his friend, Jacob Thomas in Wendover and filled him in.

"Jacob, its Colin McAllister, How are you," He began.

"Colin, ya ole' salty dog," Jacob replied. "How in the heck have you been?"

"Not too bad my friend," he answered. "Listen the reason for my call is two fold. First I was wondering if you would do a little undercover work for me?"

"Sure thing Colin, I'd be glad to. Haven't been doing much here lately. What do you need?"

"I need you to stake out a house and fill me in on what is going on there. Follow them and keep your distance. I need to know what they are doing with the kids they have with them."

"I can do that," Jacob replied.

"Good," Colin said. "Here is the information."

When he had finished giving Jacob all of the particulars he said, "Oh and by the way. This is worth thirty thousand dollars if you do it right and keep out of sight."

"I've got you covered my friend," Jacob replied. "I will call you as soon as I have something.

After that Colin went to pick up Steve and Mary to hit the road towards Utah.

As they traveled the three talked about ideas to bring the boys back without drawing unnecessary attention. They also talked about the new contact in Russia that had offered them a 7 figure payoff for more pictures and videos of the boys.

They were nearing Lovelock, Nevada when Colin's cell phone rang.

"Colin, its Jacob."

"Have you got something for me," Colin asked?

"You bet, Jacob replied. "I followed the adults and kids to the Greyhound Bus Depot. They bought the boys 2 one way tickets to Des Moines, Iowa."

"Des Moines," Colin wondered out loud. "What in the heck is in Iowa other than corn? What time does the bus leave?"

"It leaves at 8:40 tonight," Jacob answered.

"Damn," Colin said. "I can't get there that quick. Can you give me the route and its stops and lay-overs?"

As Jacob gave Colin the information he was writing it down and devising a plan to go to Cheyenne, Wyoming.

"Thanks buddy," Colin said. Keep an eye out still and let me know if anything else comes up."

After they hung up Colin told Steve and Mary what he knew, and both were equally surprised at the Iowa twist. "We can catch up to them at Cheyenne, Wyoming. They have a long lay-over there. We should have the boys back by lunch time tomorrow. We need to make some miles go behind us. Let's all take shifts and only stop when we have to. When we stop we will grab snacks, gas up and go to the can. Other than that, no stops, agreed?"

With that they put the pedal to the metal and headed for Wonderful Wyoming.

---

Russ and Sara's Home, one hour before departure:

The boys finally had everything packed and were ready to go. As they loaded up the truck to go to the bus station both were holding back tears.

"You don't have to go you know," Russ said.

"Yes we do Russ," Tanner said. "You know that."

"Well then," Russ shot back. "You are welcome to come back anytime."

Both boys at those words just wrapped themselves in a four way hug with their rescuers. "Thank you both so much for everything," DJ said. "We both love you."

After they had all had a chance to share their feelings they got in the truck and headed for the depot. They got there just in time for the bus to start loading the luggage. After they had put their bags underneath Russ went to the driver and introduced the boys by saying, "Sir, my little brothers are going back home to Des Moines and have never traveled alone like this before. Could you please take good care of them for me?"

"What is this, Romper Room," The driver joked. "My name is Charlie and I will be your driver until Cheyenne, Wyoming. I will be happy to take care of you guys. You remind me of my grandsons. Why don't you take a seat in the back with the other little boys who are traveling by themselves? Maybe you guys could become friends. They are going to Des Moines as well and they seem scared and lonely."

So after a few more tears and hugs, Tanner and DJ boarded the bus for the unknown. At least Charlie the driver seemed nice.

As the bus pulled away the boys waved to Russ and Sara until they were out of sight.

After they could no longer see them, the boys walked to the back of the bus and there they say two boys who looked to be about eight to ten years old. The older one was about four feet 6 inches and had hair that looked almost white and you could see his blazing blue eyes. The younger one had almost black hair and the same eyes and looked to be about four foot three.

As soon as they got close to the boys DJ said, "Hi, I'm DJ and this is Tanner. Can we sit with you?"

The oldest boy said, "I'm Toby and this is my little brother Beau. We'd like it if you sat here. It's been lonely."

The boys sat down and began talking to each other and where they were going. Toby said, "Our mama sent us away to find our relatives in Iowa. We've never met them before but mama said she couldn't take care of us anymore and the best she could do is buy a bus ticket for us. She told us if we couldn't find our great aunt that we should just go to an orphanage."

"What about your dad," Tanner asked?

"He killed himself three months ago," Beau said as the tears welled up in his big eyes. "Mama has the cancer and she can't take care of us. I am so scared. Toby is all I have left. We don't have anymore money and we are getting hungry, and it's scary out here. Would you guys please be our friends?"

DJ just reached over to the small boy and pulled him into a hug. "From here until forever, we will be your friends."

Beau just smiled as his stomach growled.

After the grumble was over Tanner reached into the sack that Sara had prepared for them and shared the dinner she had made with their two younger friends. As they continue to talk Tanner asked, "So how old are you guys?"

"I'm twelve and Beau is ten," Toby replied.

"Wow," DJ said. "I thought you guys were like eight and nine years old."

"We didn't have much money so we didn't eat all that good, I think that's why we don't grow too well," Toby said. "Mama and Pop were really poor. I am not sure what we are going to do next. If this great aunt can't or won't help us, we are probably going to be split up."

"I promise you that we will help you. You two don't have to worry about being split up," DJ said.

"Nobody is gonna want a queer kid with a puny little brother to live with them," Toby squeaked. "I bet you won't even want to sit here now that you know I'm gay either. Thanks for the food. You can leave if you want to."

DJ just looked him right in the eye and said, "Why would I care if you are gay. Tanner and I are both gay. We're boyfriends. I said we'd help you and I mean it. You have nothing to worry about."

They boys continued their conversation well into the night. After they had told each other just about everything Beau said, "Do you think this Teri gal could help us too?"

"I don't even know yet if she'll help us, Tanner stated. "But I promise you this; I'll try to get her to help all four of us. If she can't then we'll find help together. We won't leave you guys. I promise."

"Pinky swear," Beau said as he extended his pinkies.

"Pinky swear," Tanner said as the rest of the boys all locked their pinkies together in a four way promise.

"Brothers," Toby asked?

"Brothers," all four replied.

---

TO BE CONTINUED . . .

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