The Last Phoenix

As the screams of the two boys faded, Eric checked John, picked him up and carried him towards the house. Eddie checked out the other boy and carried him to the house. The two men carried their precious cargo inside, and John led them to the elevator and up to Peter's and Luke's room. They laid the boys on the bed and made sure they were comfortable. They were not injured, so it was just a matter of time until they woke up.

John became aware that he was lying down on a comfortable bed. He sensed a body next to him. It almost seemed it was his lost friend. The memory of the rest of the day came back, and he slowly opened one eye just to take a peek. 'Shit!' he thought.

Peter woke up, and his eyes popped open. He lay facing a black face. How could that be? He then saw one eye open and look at him.

Suddenly the two boys hugged each other, and tears were flowing freely. They lay there, hugging, with arms and legs wrapped around each other. Sheriff Henry stated the obvious. "I believe they know each other. Would that, by any chance, be John's Peter?"

* * *

Oliver Jones said softly to John, "Mr. Gregory, I need to speak to you. It may solve one little problem."

John looked up at Oliver and nodded toward the door. Once out in the hall, John asked, "So, what do you need to talk about?"

"I have the results of those tests back, and it turns out that Luke really is my nephew. I would like to formally adopt him and raise him myself. I have the apartment here already, and it even has a spare bedroom, I have fixed it up for him already. If he will agree to come live with me, then Peter and his friend can have that room together."

John smiled and nodded in agreement. "Can I ask why you haven't acted sooner?"

"Luke was concerned about Peter, and I didn't want to cause Peter any distress by having Luke leave him."

"You are a good man, Oliver."

"I've made my share of mistakes. Some of them still haunt me."

"I'm a good listener, if you ever want to talk."

"Thanks, but I'm not ready for that, yet."

"Well, why don't you go find your nephew and get that situation worked out. I want to hear what these two guys have to say."

Oliver went back towards the stairs. Jordy Geiger, the Squad Leader of Squad 3, had blocked the stairs, and the boys were all wanting to know what was going on. Oliver was bombarded with questions.

"Okay, boys, I'm not really sure how it happened, but those two guys know each other."

Luke called out, "Way kewl! That must be Peter's friend from Chicago."

Now, all the boys were talking at once again. Oliver squeezed through the crowd, and managed to grab Luke's hand and drag him along. He took Luke outside, where they could talk without being interrupted. "Luke, I'm not sure how you are going to take this, but..." His voice faded, as he was at a loss for the right words.

Luke looked at Oliver. "I already know you're my Uncle."

"You do? How?"

"Duh, silly! Your story fit with what I knew from the family, and that picture of you, as a kid, that you have in your apartment, looks just like me."

"Oh, well, how do you feel about us being related?"

"Uncle Oliver, are you kidding? Any of us here would be thrilled to have a real family. I really like you a lot, and I can't think of a better man to have as family."

"How about as a Dad?"

Luke stared at Oliver, and a tear ran down his cheek. "Really?"

"Yes, really, but only if you want."

Suddenly Oliver's arms were full of hugging boy. "Yes, oh, yes! I want!"

* * Back up in Squad 6 * *

The two boys had calmed down a bit and were now just looking at each other. Peter finally asked, "How did you get here?"

John pointed at the Sheriff. 

"Uncle Eric?"

John's eyes opened bigger. "Uncle? Figures, dis whole day been plain crazy. I'm probly jus' dreamin', anyhow."

The Sheriff grinned, "Well, John, think you'll be okay staying here?"

"Really? You ain't shi... ah, kiddin' me?"

His answer was to be hugged by Peter again. "He's stay'n. I ain't lettin' him go anywhere. He's my bestest friend."

John smiled, "Well, there's your answer, Eric."

"Good, 'cause I'm a sucker for a happy ending." The Sheriff grinned.

The adults filed out of the room. John was the last, and before he wheeled out, he said, "Peter, if it's okay, he will be your new roommate. Luke and Oliver are having a talk right now. Will you introduce your friend to all of us at dinner?"

Peter was beside himself with happiness. "Yes, Mr. Gregory. Thank you!"

Eric left The Phoenix House and crossed the county line back to the Harris residence. He went by the house, out to the barn. He entered the office of Nick Regnad, Private Detective, LLC. "Hey, Nick, I've got some work for you."

"I thought YOU were the 'real' detective."

"Well, in my county, I am, but this involves some things in Chicago."

"Oh, you found out more from Peter?"

"I found out more, but not from Peter. Did Martha tell you about that little guy I brought by, this morning?"

"Little black kid? Sure, and the boys did, too. Andy said the kid didn't believe what was happening."

"Well, it turns out that kid is Peter's friend. You know the one he was always talking about?"

"Jeez©, it's really weird how that kind of thing happens around here. It's like we're a hub of magic, or something."

"Yeah, now, I want you to find out all you can about that thug, Big Daddy. If we can get some strong evidence, I want to be in on busting his ass, big time."

"I'm in. I'll get my contacts working on it."

"The County will pay."

"No it won't. I'm already working this case for The Phoenix Foundation."

"Neal, jeez©."

The two men spent the next two hours organizing and comparing the information they had each discovered, and Eric got to stay for one of Martha's wonderful casseroles.

* * *

Luke came up to the room and knocked. Peter and John were sitting cross legged on the bed. "Ah, hi. Peter, I need to talk with you."

"Mr. Gregory told us. I think it's great. Remember, we talked about it yesterday. This is my bestest friend, John," Peter said.

"Hi, John. So, welcome the Phoenix House. I guess you are going to be in Squad 6." Luke said.

Peter grinned and hugged his friend. "So, are you going to move in with Mr. Oliver?"

"Yeah, if you don't mind. He has a room all fixed up for me, I just need my stuff," Luke said.

"No problem," Peter said. "That is really good, 'cause you get your Uncle, and I gets my bestest friend! I was going to show John around the place. We could help you carry your stuff downstairs to Mr. Jones' apartment."

"You mean he be leavin' so I can be here wid you?" John asked.

Peter stopped and looked at John. "Isn't that what you want?"

"Duh! Course I do, but I don' understands why. Dis whole day has done been crazy. I start the day runnin' fo' my life, away from Big Daddy, and end up in dis place. I gots ta be dreamin'."

The other two boys laughed, remembering how they had felt when they were first rescued.

Peter gave John another big hug. "Come on, let's help Luke, and I'll introduce you to the guys." As they left the room, with their arms full of clothes, the rest of Squad 6 was in the common room. Peter introduced John, then Luke explained why he was moving. All the guys were very happy for him, and soon all of them were helping carry Luke's things down to Oliver's apartment.

John was having a hard time with how big the Phoenix House was, and how much stuff there was for the kids. When it was finally dinner time, Peter showed John where their table was. As they waited for the rest of the boys to get there, Tey Jackson and Gabe Washington came over and introduced themselves. John was very happy to see two other black faces. "Man, it sho is good seeing another nigga here. I was worried I was the onliest one."

Gabe straightened up. "You might be. I'm not a nigger and neither is Tey. We don't use that hateful word here, and if you want to start a new life, then now is the time to start it, and leave that word and all the hate that goes with it back there where you came from."

"Man, I wasn't diss'n ya. Chill. You soun' like that a-rab kid I met today." Peter kind of cringed at the names John was using.

Gabe bent down, "Look, John, I'll cut you some slack, 'cause you just arrived, but, if you want help cleanin' up your act, I'm here for you. I'm in Squad 5, right next to you."

"Okay, kewl," John said, not really sure what he had done wrong.

Peter said, "Thanks, guys. John's a good guy, really. He just doesn't understand everything, yet."

When the others left, John quietly said to Peter, "What's to understand? Yous is all crazy."

Peter giggled and replied, "I ain't the one who thinks he's dreamin'."

After everyone was served, and grace was said by Jon Alberts from Squad 4, Peter stood and introduced his 'bestest' friend. There was a chorus of welcomes. Then Luke stood and announced that he was the real nephew of Mr. Jones and was moving into his apartment.

Artie called out to him, "Welcome to Squad 7!"

* * *

The next day, John found himself dressed in some of Peter's clothes, which were his size, luckily, and headed for church. "Peter, I don't never been ta church."

"Don't worry. Everybody is nice; they're Presbyterian."

"I don'ts know whats ta do."

"Just do what I do. I'll make sure you don't do nothin' bad, wrong."

"I sure hope not."

Peter led John to the third grade class for Sunday School. More than half the class were boys from The Phoenix. Peter introduced him to the class, and the teacher, Mrs. Freeman, was a big relief to John, since she was black. "Welcome to the class, John."

"Thanks yous, ma'am."

She smiled at him, and John would do anything to get the pretty lady to smile at him again. She did a lesson on the good Samaritan. John thought about his day yesterday and knew how the poor guy who got beat up had felt. When Mrs. Freeman asked if anybody knew a good Samaritan, John was the first one to answer. "Tha Sheriff, fo' sho'."

That got a couple of giggles from the girls in the class and a scowl from John.

"That's an interesting answer, John. Would you mind explaining why?"

"Well, where I's come from, we don' like cops, and don' trust 'em neither. Well, yesterday he done got me cornered and had my back-pack with all my monies in it. I thought it was gone, and I would be working the street again, real soon. Well, when I thought he was going ta locks me up, he takes me to the bank and puts the money there." He took his bank book and check book out and showed them to the class. "Then he carries me to this place that's like huge, an' this Doctor fella checks me over and the big crazy kid helped him. Then the Sheriff takes me to this CPS lady. Now, I figured it was all over fo' me. They give me the bestest cookies I ever did eat, and then he carried me to where Peter was. I thought Big Daddy had kilt him a long time ago, and he was my only friend, and we was back together. The Sheriff done all that fo' me."

Mrs. Freeman was literally saved by the bell, announcing Sunday School was over. John went up to her before leaving, and gave her a hug. "Tanks fo' the story, 'n bein' nice ta me, too." Janelle was at a complete loss for words. This little boy had really understood the story, maybe even better than she did, and he was thanking her. She was going to watch out for this little one. She was glad she had accepted the job at the new Haven School, where she could follow him closely.

Peter explained to John that there was some time before the Church service. Andy was the first to spot John, and he came over. "Hi, John. How are things today?"

John smiled. "I never been so good. Peter is my lost friend, and he was at the place the Sheriff taked me. Ain't that somethin'?"

Andy grinned. "I knew things were going to work out for you. Remember, if you have any problems, I'll help."

"Thanks, Andy."

"John!" Neal said, as he approached.

Peter started giggling. "The 'Crazy big kid'?"

"Me? Crazy? I resemble that remark!" Neal replied.

John and Peter laughed.

Neal got serious, and asked, "Guys, Dad and I are leaving for the Chicago trip tomorrow and we want to talk to you guys before we go. Uncle Nick said he has a few questions, too."

Peter answered, "Sure, Neal. When?"

"Dad said he would like to come over after lunch, so he can visit with Uncle Eddie."

"No mo' shots. Mah arms hurt, today." John said.

Neal grinned. "You got 'em all yesterday. Did you do okay last night?"

"Oh, yeah, dat place be great. 'N me 'n Peter be together."

Neal smiled, "Another Phoenix success."

* * *

Early the next morning, Tom and Neal were off in their van. Tom was thinking of a similar trip that began less than a year ago. Just the two of them started out, and look where they were now. He wondered just where this little trip might lead.

Neal sat thinking of the big event for him on this trip. He had received a reply letter from his old friend from before his parents were killed. Neal had written to him, after finding the letter in his belongings that Juvy had never given to him. He took the reply out of his pocket and read it again.

Dear Neal,

Boy, that sounds goofy. I was like totally surprised to get your letter today. I was so upset when you stopped writing after we moved, and now I know why. I am sorry about your 'rents; I liked them, too, you know.

I have really been thinking about you a lot lately. There's this new kid, and his name is... are you ready?... Neal Huxley. I about died when I heard his name, and looked up and thought you were there. You two could be brothers, and he had the same name! I wanted to get to know him, and, boy was I surprised! He is like, a total prick! If you look up 'snob' it will have his picture. Jeez! He is one stuck up pile of shit! He thinks he is better than everybody, and that he should always get his way. Unfortunately, his dad is, like, super rich, and he makes sure everybody knows it. He flashes cash around, and everybody jumps. This Neal thinks people like him, but they just like his money. It's kind of sad, ya know? I sure wish someone could put the asshole in his place.

Are you in Scouts? I just got Second Class, and, hopefully, will have first class before Summer Camp. Our troop was pretty cool 'til the Neal creep joined. Now we can only do stuff he wants 'cause the leaders work for his dad. Well, anyway, it will get better when he quits, and I know he will. Our SPL is mad, and we are all behind him.

Anyway, I asked Mom and Dad, and they said I could invite you to go on a trip with the school band. We are going to Chicago and can take a friend. I thought we could have a great time and be able to catch up on things. The trip is during spring break.

Have your new Dad call Mom and Dad and they will give him the details. I really hope you can come.

John Groussman

And so it was that father and son went on a road trip. First and foremost, Tom was looking into the things that had happened to Peter, and checking up on the leads Nick and 'Philip' had found. As usual, Tom liked staying off the interstates, driving slowly on the back roads and seeing the sights. 

The first stop was a little orphanage in Iowa. When Fred Rogers, the estate lawyer for the grandparents, had inquired, the aunt said she had sent the boy there. When Nick contacted Fred Rogers, he said he hadn't been able to locate the orphanage, yet.

After two long days of travel, they found the orphanage. It wasn't very large as these places go, but there were about a dozen kids running around outside. Tom and Neal went to the front door just as three screaming pre-teens came rocketing out the door, followed by a woman in her late thirties, who let loose with a water balloon as soon as the kids were clear of the porch. Scored a direct hit on the redhead!

She came to an immediate halt. "I'm sorry about that. I wasn't expecting anyone." She knelt down in front of Neal. "So, what's your name?"

"I'm Neal."

When it was obvious that Neal wasn't going to explain further, Tom added, "My son."

The woman stood and looked Tom in the eye, "You have a lot of nerve! Stop thinking of yourself! This boy needs a real father not some, self centered jerk!"

Neal busted out laughing. Tom rolled his eyes. "Ma'am, I'm not trying to dump this brat on you. God only knows why, but I love the little creep. By the way, good shot with the balloon!"

The woman looked at the still giggling boy and back to the man. "Sorry, and it was a bad shot. I wanted to get the blond."

"Better luck next time."

"Oh, I'll get her, don't worry. Now, what can I do for you?"

Tom took a picture of Peter out of the folder he was carrying. "Have you seen this young man? His name is Peter Heldig."

"Heldig? My, that is the Norwegian word for lucky, I believe. My grandparents were from Norway. No, I haven't seen the little cutie, and I surely would remember that name. Is he safe?"

Neal piped up, "Oh yes, he is in a very good place, now, surrounded by lots of people that love him. I made sure of that."

The lady smiled at Neal. "Well, thank you for that. All children should have plenty of love." A boy went racing by, followed by the wet red headed girl in hot pursuit. "I do wish those two would figure out that they love each other, and stop trying to kill each other."

"Then you will have to have 'the Talk' with them."

"I probably should get my husband do that, tonight. Janet is going to catch him soon..."

After a good laugh Tom and Neal returned to the car and headed back towards Byran, Illinois to see a lawyer named Fred. Neal was deep in thought for about five miles. "Dad, that was an orphanage? It wasn't like Juvy."

"No son. It wasn't at all like Juvy. That was a happy home. It was what all kids need. They don't have all the 'things' we do, but there sure was plenty of love and caring. Everyone there was happy, Kids and grown ups both."

"What do you think they would do with a donation from The Phoenix Foundation?"

Tom thought for a few seconds and then answered, "Well, first, I think they would buy all the kids new clothes, some toys, and most likely fix up their rooms."

"Wouldn't they do anything for themselves?"

"My impression was that they would only do for themselves, if, and only if, all the kids' needs have been met."

"Oh, you mean, like you and Daddy Doc."

Tom blushed and nodded.

Early the next morning, Tom and Neal drove up to the address they were given for attorney Fred Rogers. It was a very nice house in a nice neighborhood and not an office, as they had expected. They went up to the door and rang the doorbell. A very sweet looking old lady opened the door. "May I help you?"

Tom thought he might load Vista on 'Philip's' mainframe. "I'm sorry Ma'am, we were looking for Fred Rogers, the lawyer."

She smiled and said, "You found him. I'm his wife, Irene. Do come in. Have you boys eaten? Of course not. Come on in, and I'll fetch the old man. They followed her into the house and then, in a voice that would have been heard two counties over, she yelled, "Fred, put some clothes on, you got company!"

Just a few moments later, a rather spry old man entered the room. "Hello, I'm Fred Rogers, welcome to my neighborhood." He had a wonderful laugh. "I guess I need a green sweater to make that work, always hated sweaters, but don't tell Irene; she knits me one every year. So what can I do for you gentlemen?"

Neal took the folder Tom was holding and handed Mr. Rogers the picture of Peter. 

"Peter! Do you know where he is? His aunt has been stonewalling me for months. Is he all right?"

Neal grinned. "Yes, he is just fine. He's had a bad time but he's safe and loved now. I'm gonna to make sure he stays that way. He even found his 'bestest friend'. " There was steel in Neal's voice.

* * Later that Afternoon * *

Tom drove into the covered entrance to the large Chicago hotel. A bellman unloaded their luggage, and a valet took the key and gave Tom the ticket to pick up the van. At the main desk inside, Tom told the clerk he had reservations, and the unenthusiastic desk clerk suddenly was a lot more attentive, when she saw that the reservation was for the Presidential Suite on the top floor. It was actually THE top floor. 

"I have two associates who will be joining me tomorrow, Sheriff Eric Henry and Mr. Nick Regnad. If you would be so kind as to make a note that it is acceptable to send them up as soon as they arrive."

"Yes, sir, that won't be a problem." She handed Tom the packet that had the key cards.

As Tom accepted the cards, a very harried looking man approached. "We're a room short! I've got three boys and no place to put them!"

The clerk quickly checked the reservation computer. "Oh my, the person making your reservation forgot that we have no room thirteens." Furious typing... "Let me contact the Manager; I do not see any empty rooms." She went into a back office.

Tom extended his hand, "Mr. Darrah, I presume?"

The man reflexively shook Tom's hand. "Yes?"

"I'm Tom Richards. If you would like to assign John Groussman and his room mates to my suite, I would be quite willing to have them stay with us. There should be plenty of room."

"Oh, that would be a lifesaver. By the way, nice to meet you. We have our first competition in just an hour and a half, I'm one chaperon short, due to the flu, and now the hotel messed up."

"Not a problem. I'm free this afternoon, and I could come along, if that would help," Tom offered.

"Oh, you have been sent from Heaven," Mr. Darrah said.

"Actually, we're from Haven." Tom and Neal laughed, and Mr Darrah looked lost. "My home is called Haven Manor," Tom explained, just as the clerk reappeared.

"I'm sorry sir, with the band competition in town, all our rooms are booked. We can possibly squeeze another portable bed in one of the larger rooms, and, of course, refund the cost of the missing room." The clerk relayed the Manager's message.

Tom stepped in. "Actually, the room situation has already been handled. Since it involves using the Presidential Suite, I feel the least due Mr. Darrah is a double refund and a ten percent decrease in my own room charge."

"I don't have the authority for that, but I'll pass it along to the Manager."

"Very good. I'm sure my CEO will approve." Tom turned to the stunned teacher. "Shall we go collect my three young guests?"

On the elevator, Mr. Darrah said, "Please, call me Dev. Did you say your CEO would approve?"

Neal giggled. Tom answered, "Yes, my company, Haven Enterprises, owns this hotel. I just don't like throwing my weight around, so to speak, unless it's called for, and in this case, it certainly was."

On the eighth floor, Mr. Darrah led Tom and Neal down the hall. He stopped and opened the door to his room, and there sat three very unhappy boys, staring at each other. As soon as Neal could get past the two adults, he ran to the boy sitting on the bed by himself. "JOHN!" Neal hugged the friend he had thought lost.

One of the other boys made a scoffing sound, "Faggots."

Tom was frozen in shock; the kid who had just spoken could be Neal's twin.

Neal straightened and turned to face his mean-spirited antagonist. The fact that it was like looking in a mirror didn't phase him. "Jealous?"

"I am certainly not a faggot."

"Could have fooled me."

"What?"

"Well, look at how you're dressed. Button down collar shirt, dress pants, polished leather shoes with socks matching your shirt. And you're the one sitting with another boy."

Both Tom and Dev said in unison, "NEAL!"

Mr. Darrah then said, "We are short on time. You three boys are to go with Mr. Richards and his son. They are nice enough to share their suite. Huxley, you had better behave yourself, or your daddy will have to come get you, and he is not going to like that one little bit."

The kid was about to say something but his friend nudged him. "Come on, boys, pick up your bags, let's go," Tom said, and led the way.

John was grinning, as they followed back to the elevators. He whispered to Neal, "No one has ever talked back to him like that. Watch out, he picks fights and he has 'friends' do his dirty work for him."

Neal answered, "Don't worry, I spent a year in Juvy; I fight dirty, and I win."

They were smiling, as they entered the elevator. Once in the elevator, Neal looked at the other Neal and said in a friendly voice, "Hello, I'm Neal Huxley Richards."

"Oh, I'm supposed to be impressed because your parents named you after me?"

"Actually, I was named for my great-grandfather. I'm sure if my parents had wanted to name me after you, they would have called me Asshole... Sorry Dad."

Tom was trying to keep a straight face and not laugh. 'Who ever had called this kid a wit was only half right.'

The elevator door opened, and they stepped out into the atrium of the Presidential Suite. The bellman was just returning. "Sir, I have put your things in the master suite, and the lads' in the smaller suite. I wasn't aware we had more guests this evening."

Tom smiled and tipped the man handsomely. "Thank you, very much. They are young, and I am quite sure they can sort things out for themselves." The Bellman left. Tom turned to the boys, "My name is Tom Richards, welcome to my suite. You two boys can use the room on the right and John you can come with us. Mr. Darrah said the competition is starting soon, so you need to get ready."

Tom, Neal and John went into the main area, leaving the other two boys to fend for themselves. 

Once alone, John gave Neal a huge hug. "God, that was amazing. You put him down with every word. Jeez, it was a beautiful thing."

Tom smiled. "Yes it was, but I think you two have an enemy. He strikes me as the kind to hold a grudge and use underhanded methods to extract revenge."

"That's him alright," John confirmed. "I'm used to dealing with him."

"I better get changed into my concert clothes. Come on Neal, we can talk while I change." The two boys went into the smaller suite to change. Neal put on nicer clothes too.

In the other boys' room.

"I'm going to get even with that smart ass. Nobody talks to me that way and gets away with it."

"Neal, be careful, they are letting us have a nice room by ourselves." Greg said.

"Don't worry they aren't smart enough to catch on. You go get dressed I'm making a call." Neal picked up the phone and dialed. He was just hanging up when Greg came back dressed in his white shirt, black tie and black pants. Neal went in and changed.

* * *

Sitting in the audience, Neal said excitedly to Tom, "Look Dad, John is playing the Concert Bells. That's kind of like my Glockenspiel, but for the orchestra instead of the Marching Band."

Neal was so excited watching everything going on, that he missed seeing Neal H., who was right behind John with his drum kit, poke John in the back with a drumstick. He laughed when John turned and said something to him. John got poked twice more during the first piece, but didn't miss a note. Neal H. managed four pokes during the second number. Tom was becoming furious. By this time Neal had noticed too. When the second piece was complete, and Mr. Darrah turned to face the judges, John turned, and with the skill of a true artist, swung his very flexible bamboo mallet with the brass ball striker, and caught Neal upside the head. Needless to say, Neal went over and sprawled out on the floor, knocking over drums and cymbals. Mr. Darrah spun around, and John was standing innocently, waiting to begin the final piece. One of the judges stood and applauded, and soon the concert hall was in a full standing ovation. Mr. Darrah didn't find out until later what had happened.

Author's Notes:

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. There were a couple of things that happened that I didn't expect. Thanks to David Miller for the use of yet another lawyer named Fred. Also, thanks to Arli for the wonderful band story that I stole and embellished to end this chapter. Neither one of us could figure out how to spell the sound of that mallet striking it's mark. Now, poor Tom is going to have to deal with John and the two Neals. I wonder just who Neal H. called? I expect trouble in the next chapter.

Str8mayb

Editor's Notes:

Hmm, he expects trouble in the next chapter. I can't imagine a sweet boy named Neal causing trouble, oh wait that is a different universe, never mind. Somehow, I have the distinct feeling that Neal H has finally met his match and much more, in our Neal, and I have no doubt that Tom will give him any help he might need. It was really nice that Neal got to see John after all that time. I hope we get to see more of John, too. My only concern is that there are just too many people named John in this universe. Of course there are more people named Fred, but that is a different story and we will get into that later. Gosh, I haven't said that in a long time. 

I am so happy to see both Peter and his bestest friend, John reunited, and with people who will love and take good care of them. I hope we don't have to wait very long for the next chapter of this wonderful story.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Associate Editor's Notes:

I'm so happy to see John and Peter reunited. The poor kids had nothing in their old life, except each other, and Big Daddy took that away from them. (I hope that Eric, Nick and Tom can get the goods on him to make him pay big time for what he has done to them and to a lot of other lost kids!) The boys are safe now, and they can start to have the life they deserve.

And Luke and Oliver are going to be together as a family! AND Oliver wants to adopt Luke as his son! Wow! I think I'm just as surprised as Luke was.

Now Neal has found his old friend John again, and they're even going to the band competition together. But who is this Neal Huxley, how is it that he looks like a twin to our Neal, and why is he such a nasty person? I don't know what he's planning to get even with Neal for putting him down, but somehow I have the feeling that Neal will handle the situation very nicely, and if he needs help, his Dad is still upset by seeing the "Evil Neal" poking John with his drumstick. (But didn't John take care of that nicely? Why am I remembering an episode in junior high, when I played the concert bells in the school orchestra?) I can't wait to see what's going to happen next.

Aloysius Abercrombie, Associate Editor and mallet mauler

Fort Chief Editor's Notes:

(we are going to let him see this one.) Thanks Mr. Evil Author and the Evil Duo of Editor's for sharing such a heartwarming chapter with me. John and Peter are finally together, and now we have the answers to quite a few unanswered questions. Now has anyone figured out the answer to the $64,000 question? 

Now we seem to have a prime candidate for the "Witless Protection Program" © TRR 2009. Well now we just have to wait and see how the rest of Neal's trip goes. Hurry up with the next chapter; 

"Oh wait it is in my inbox already."

TSL