The Last Phoenix

Tuesday night, all the older boys were anxious to get to Scouts.  Jason had already told them that he was pretty sure that the Troop Committee was going to approve all of them going to summer camp, since they had raised so much money.  He wouldn't tell them how much money they had raised though, because it wasn't official until the Committee actually did approve it.

Mr. Alexander came and got Jason, right after opening.  They went to the classroom that the Troop Committee was using for their meeting room.  Jason felt as if he had about a billion butterflies in his stomach.  Mr. Alexander introduced him to the committee, and he sat down, feeling as if he was really in the hot seat.

He took a deep breath and began. "Thanks, Mr. Alexander.  I am here tonight to report on what happened with the fund raiser, and what I think should be done with the money that we raised."  He handed out a neatly printed spreadsheet and a summary of his report.  "As you can see, we have an extremely large sum of money.  I propose that we pay for this year's summer camp from this fund.  I know that some parents have already made payments for their kids to go, and they should be given the option of either getting a refund or being able to apply that sum to dues, or even to next year's summer camp.  Now, as you can see, if we do that, we will still have quite a large sum left.  I have done some research, and we could purchase bonds to yield a good rate of interest, but they would tie up the principal for several years, depending on the bond.  Since we may decide we need some of the principal next year, I looked at some single-year options.  Of course, a savings account is still a pretty good option, and it would let us have access whenever we wanted.  However, I think a Certificate of Deposit might do better.  They have a higher rate of interest and we could purchase six-month or twelve-month certificates.  Each of these options has its good points and bad points, and I think what would serve the Troop best is a combination.  Right now, all the money is in a savings account.  I propose that we pay for camp, then put one third of the remainder in a twelve month CD, one third in a six month CD, and leave one third in the savings, so, if we need access, we have it, without having to pay a penalty."

Jason took a breath and looked around.  Most of the committee members were looking rather stunned and overwhelmed.  Mr. Carson, from the bank, was sitting there, grinning at Jason.  He was also looking around the table.  "Mr. Chairman, as Troop Treasurer, I would like to go on record; this plan is actually far superior to the one I had in mind for this windfall.  Jason has certainly done his homework well on this, and I move that we approve this plan, as submitted."

Mr. Richards spoke next. "I have one thing to add.  The board of the Phoenix Foundation has decided that they still want to support the Scouting program for the boys, and the board has designated me to deliver this check for the summer camp fund, in addition to the donation they made earlier."  Tom handed the check to Johnny.  "Add that amount to the surplus, and I will second the motion."

Mr. Alexander then said, "A motion has been made and seconded.  Is there any discussion?" 

After a silent pause, "Is there any discussion?"  Another pause, "Is there any discussion?"

Mr. Alexander said, "All in favor, say 'Aye.'"

Everyone said, "Aye."

"Any opposed?"  Silence.  "Let the record show the plan was approved by a unanimous vote."

Everyone stood and congratulated Jason, shaking his hand and patting him on the back.  The meeting broke up, and Jason went over to Tom.  "Mr. Richards, what you just said; does that mean that the Foundation is helping us with Scouting?"

"Yes, Jason, it does.  The dues for all of you boys are being paid, as are all fees for camping trips, and even your personal camping gear.  They feel that Scouting has been very important to them, and they want to make sure that it is there for all you guys, too." Tom answered, echoing what was said by Neal and Travis at their meeting.

"Awesome!  Thank them for all of us, would you please?"  Jason started to leave, but Mr. Carson was waiting for him.  "Jason that was an awesome presentation you made.  When do you turn sixteen?"

"A week and a half, Sir."

"Do you think your guardian would approve of you working at the bank?"

"A job?  Really?  Oh, wow!  Yeah, I think so."

"I was very impressed, and I meant what I said about your plan being better than mine.  As it happens, because of some thoroughly unprofessional attitudes shown by a now former member of my staff, I have an opening in new accounts, and I am looking for someone who can advise new customers as to the pros and cons of the different types of accounts.  You certainly know that information quite well, and in fact quite a lot better than the person who formerly held that position."

Jason was grinning from ear to ear and was actually speechless, which, for Jason, didn't happen very often.

Mr. Carson waved to Tom Richards and went to talk to him about Jason working at the bank.

At the close of the meeting, when Nick asked for announcements, Jason raised his hand.

When he was acknowledged, Jason said, "I had a very successful meeting with the Troop Committee, and they unanimously approved my plan.  We raised enough money for ALL of us to go to camp this summer.  There is also a great deal of money left over, and that money will all be invested to help us out in the future."

There was a great deal of cheering and a lot of back slapping, and Jason wasn't sure his back was going to survive.  He was pretty much the hero to all the Phoenix boys, and they let him get on the bus first for the trip home.

When they arrived back at the Phoenix House, Jason was surprised to see Mr. Carson talking with Mr. Gregory in the downstairs media room.  Mr. Gregory waved to Jason, indicating that he should come in.  "Jason, I think you know why Mr. Carson is here.  I think we have come up with a good plan.  In two weeks, you will start on a new schedule.  You will work Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday mornings at the bank, and go to school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  We will see if your teachers can cope with that.  If not, or if you find that you can't keep up, we will have you home schooled here, with Mrs. Gregory.  Do you think you can work like that?"

"Sure!  You mean I really get to work?  Oh, man, this is so kewl!"  Jason leaned down and gave John a big hug.  That made John feel as if he could get up and dance.

Mr. Carson shook John's hand and then turned to Jason.  "Jason, I look forward to seeing you in two weeks.  Dress is nice pants--no jeans--a dress shirt, button-down collar with a tie, and nice leather shoes.  I'm sure that if you don't have those, Mr. Gregory will get them for you."

"Yes, Sir.  Oh, man, I got a JOB!"  He shook Mr. Carson's hand and was off to tell his squad.

At Squad Six, all the boys were talking excitedly, and no one seemed to notice Tey, the youngest, just sitting there and trying not to cry.  When Jason entered, they were all excited and all trying to talk to him at once.  When things settled down some, he told them about his job.  Tey got up and ran to his room.  Jose, his roommate, said, "What got into Tey?"

Jason motioned for Jose to stay, in the squad room, and he went to the door and tapped.  "Tey?  It's me, Jason.  Can I come in, please?"

He heard a mumbled something, and opened the door a crack, "I'm sorry, Tey, I couldn't hear you."

Tey was on his bed with his head buried in his pillow, crying his heart out.  Jason entered, closed and locked the door.  He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed then gently rubbed Tey's back.  "I don't know what's wrong, Tey.  Can you talk to me?"

"I � (sob) � want � (sob) � to � (sob) � go � (sob) � too."

Jason thought for a minute, then realized that Tey was a second year Webelos and would be joining the troop in about a month.  "I'm sure you can go.  After all, you helped with the fund raiser.  I'll talk to Nick Stokely, our SPL, and then to the Committee, and we'll make sure you guys are all covered, too."

Tey looked at Jason and smiled.  "Thanks, Jason, we all really want to go.  The other guys have been camping and stuff with the troop and will have their Arrow of Light and be bridging up next month.  The four of us just joined, and we can't join Boy Scouts until the end of the school year.  That's only a few weeks before you guys go to camp."

"Okay, Tey, I see the problem.  Tell the others that I will make sure you are all included in the plans.  I'll talk to Nick and Mr. Little and be sure it is going to work, somehow. Don't worry."

Tey gave Jason a big hug.  "You're the bestest big brother, ever!"  Tey then unlocked the door and rejoined the others, with Jason following slowly behind.

The next day, Jason caught up with Nick and Matt and told them the problem.  Nick considered for a minute, then said, "This is a new situation.  We have always had the Webelos bridge up in February and that was plenty of time to get them into camp.  We also do a lot of pre-summer-camp planning as a troop, and they would miss a lot of that.  Even if they aren't official Boy Scouts, we are obviously going to need them to be at the meetings."

Matt had an idea.  "Look, the cubs have three den meetings and one Pack meeting a month.  How about if they have their Den Meeting on Tuesday Nights, and that way they can participate in the camp preparation things, and the other times they work on earning their pins and Arrow of light.  We could help them, so they might actually be able to earn it."

Jason was delighted, "That would work great.  Can I tell them?"

Matt answered, "Wait.  I'll talk it over with Dad tonight, and I'll call you and let you know."

At seven o'clock, the phone in the Squad 2 main room rang.  Aaron, who was sitting beside it answered.  He then handed the phone to Jason.  "It's Mr. Little."

Jason:  "Hi, Mr. Little."

Mr. Little:  "Hello Jason.  Thank you for bringing that problem to our attention.  I think the solution you boys came up with is super.  I've checked with the second year Webelos leader, and he is delighted with the solution, since his son is bridging up.  I will admit that, once again, the youth have come up with a better solution than I would have."

Jason:  "Thanks, Mr. Little.  Tey is here, jumping up and down.  Can I tell him?"

Mr. Little:  "How about giving him the phone."

Tey:   "Hello?"

Mr. Little:  "Hello, Tey.  You really have a very good friend there, in Jason.  I want to welcome you to Troop 316.  I am looking forward to meeting you and going to summer camp with you, this summer."

Tey:        "Whoooppppeeeeeee!"

Jason picked up the phone.  "Sorry about that, Sir."

Mr. Little:  (Chuckling) "No problem, Jason.  I'll trust Tey to deliver the message to the others."

Another shout was heard from down the hall.

Jason:  "No problem.  I think he already has."

Friday of that week, Aaron was finally able to make it through a full day of school.  Glenn was very excited, and they wanted to celebrate.  Squad 2 had a special dinner by themselves to help celebrate.  Becky and John acted as hosts, and there was a special cake delivered from the pastry chef at Haven.

After the dinner, they got to be the first Squad to pick from the new DVD's for that evening.  When Aaron and Glenn finally went to their room, it was almost ten o'clock.  "Wow, Aaron, this is as late as you have been up without a nap in a long time."

"Yeah, Glenn, I'm doing a lot better.  It just took me longer to adapt to the drugs.  I really can't thank you enough for sticking with me."

"Well, duh!  You would have done the same for me.  Juan was a big help too.  Once he lightened up some, anyway."

"That's for sure.  He's kind of cute, don't you think?"  Aaron watched Glenn closely.

Blushing, Glenn said, "Yeah, I guess."

Aaron sat back up in the bed and poked Glenn.  "Look, you. We are close like brothers, we love each other, LIKE BROTHERS!  We are not IN love with each other.  I've seen how you two interact.  I think he wants to be more than just a friend."

"You... You wouldn't mind?  I won't, if it upsets you."

"Glenn, I'm eleven, you're fifteen and Juan is fourteen.  You guys are a much better boyfriend match.  Besides, I may find a cute little sixth-grader for myself."

"Wow, I hadn't even thought about that.  Goodnight, Aaron."

Aaron stretched back out, snuggled up to his big brother and listened as his breathing slowed, and then followed him into dreamland.

Down the hall in Squad Six, Peter and Luke were lying in bed, but not yet asleep.

"Peter?"

"Uh huh."

"What if you had an uncle?"

"I have an aunt, and she's a bitch."

"What if he was nice?"

"You mean you think Mr. Jones is your uncle?"

"He might be.  I think it would be real nice if he was.  I kind of like him."

"I think he's pretty nice.  If he's your uncle, would you have to go live with him?"

"Yeah, most likely.  I don't want you to think I don't like you, though, 'cause I do..."

"Look, there was a guy back in Chicago that I wished was my uncle.  He was always nice, and would give my friend and me food and stuff.  He didn't make us do stuff for it, either.  I would have liked it, if he was my uncle.  I would have really liked living with him."

"So, if he turns out to really be my uncle?"

"I would want you to move in with him.  Luke, we all dream of having a real family.  This place is really great, and we are all close, like brothers, but we still ain't a real family."

"You sure are smart."

"Thanks.  Now, go to sleep, and dream about Mr. Jones being your real, honest to God, Uncle."

Two weeks later, Jason had Oliver drop him off at the bank.  He was wearing his brand new work clothes, and he thought he looked pretty sharp.  He had talked Eddie into giving him a ride into town to the barber shop, yesterday.  He glanced at his reflection, grinned and opened the door.

Mr. Carson saw him enter and met him in the lobby.  "Jason, it's good to see you this morning.  Come with me; I want you to meet your new boss."  They crossed the floor to the 'New Accounts' desk.  A nice looking woman, in her fifties was sitting there, and she rose as Mr. Carson approached.  "Gladys, I would like you to meet Jason Kempston, the young man I was telling you about."

"Hello, Jason, it's very nice to meet you.  Are you ready to work?" Mrs. Hoagg asked.

"Yes, ma'am, I'm ready to work, but I don't know what I'm supposed to do." Jason replied, honestly.

The two adults laughed.  "You're right, Johnny, he'll do just fine."

"Good, I'll leave you two, then."  Mr. Carson patted Jason on the back and returned to his office.

"First things first, Jason.  Today we will get you all signed in as a bank employee, and get all the paperwork finished.  Then I will start with the training.  We usually send any new employees to a training course for three days, but since you are in school, and it would mean you would be out of town and miss several days of class, we decided that I will just cover the material right here.  Shall we get started?"

Jason had never imagined that there could possibly be so many forms to fill out.  It seemed that they all asked for the same information.  By lunch, he had writer's cramps in his hand.  Gladys told him, as he finished what he hoped was the last form, "It's lunch time.  Let's go down the street to the diner."

Jason blushed. "I can't. I forgot about lunch, and I don't have any money."

"Nonsense, come along, I'll buy today, and after you get paid, you can buy me a lunch.  Deal?"

"Deal.  You're pretty kewl."

"Thanks, that means a lot, coming from a nice kid like you."

As they ate, Gladys asked Jason about the things he liked to do.  He told her about The Phoenix House and his squad.  Then he talked about the Scouts.

"Oh, yes, you might know my grandson, Kenny.  He's twelve now.  I think he made Second Class recently." Gladys bragged.

"Oh, yeah, Ken Hoagg.  He's in Eagle Patrol.  That's a good group.  They are all paid up in dues."

Gladys laughed.  "You have the heart of a banker.  I am sure you are going to do quite well."

Later that evening, Jason excitedly told anyone who would listen about his wonderful day.  Instead of homework, he read the bank procedure manuals.  Heart of a banker, indeed.

*  *  *

The following Monday, Eddie had to report to his reserve job.  He felt a bit strange, wearing an officer's uniform, but at least it was still a Marine Uniform.  The General welcomed Eddie and showed him his new office.  It was basic military; a metal desk, two filing cabinets, a desktop computer and a telephone.

"Dennis, I mean Eddie, what I would like for you to do is to develop and organize a Junior ROTC Program for the local high school," General Harrison said.

"Sir, there is a serious problem developing there.  The public schools are in a struggle with Mr. Richards and his home school.  I think there may be some difficult times coming.  I would hate to see the JROTC program get caught in the middle of all that. It is definitely not going to be pretty."

"What do you see happening?"

"Well, Sir, there is a lot of local politics involved, and they are trying to pull a power play on Tommy.  What they don't understand, and I certainly have no intention of telling them, is he has enough money to bury them.  He is funding a new school building right across the street from the high school.  It will have the best facilities in the state and he is planning on hiring the best teachers he can find."

"That's amazing.  Can the people in the county afford to send their kids there?"

Eddie grinned, "All it costs is for the parents to donate five hours a week to the service of the school."

"Oh, lord, that nephew of yours knows how to fight dirty.  Okay, work on a JROTC program for his school.  We are Marines and we are looking for the Good Men."

"And women, Sir."

"Of course, Major.  Shall we go get some coffee at the diner?"

"Yes, Sir."

Eddie had some work to do, developing a plan to interest the high school age kids.  He wondered if his boys would be interested in something like this.  They sure enjoyed the Scouts.

At the end of February, the fifth grade boys who were the Second Year Webelos changed their meeting nights to Tuesday, and began meeting with the older boys in Troop 316.  They enjoyed being there with the 'big boys' and being included in the planning for summer camp.  Their leader was even hopeful that they would be able to complete all the requirements for the Arrow Of Light.  The older boys in the troop were helping them too.

The next week, Peter was spending time with Neal and Mr. Regnad, trying to piece together the events that had led up to his arrival here.  There were still some holes in the story, but the picture was pretty clear.  Neal and his dad were planning a trip over spring break, in mid April.  Neal had gotten a letter from an old friend, and they were meeting in Chicago for a band trip the other boy was on.  Before meeting his friend, they were going to check out some of the information that had been gathered.

Aaron was doing well and was fully participating in Scouts.  He did have an appointment every week with Dr. Turnman, and Glenn had a monthly meeting.  Aaron wouldn't talk about his appointments, other than to tell Glenn he was doing fine.

Danny and Donny (the twin sons of John and Becky) were sometimes feeling that they didn't really fit in.  They talked to Eddie about it.

Danny began, "Uncle Eddie? (All the boys had started calling him that, after his retirement.) We feel left out, because we don't fit in."

"Yeah," Donny continued, "We don't have a Squad, and we aren't a part of a lot of things."

"Well, boys, that certainly isn't being done on purpose.  I wonder if Arty and Howie feel that way,  And Tym, too?  Why don't you try talking with them.  Maybe you guys should form your own Squad.  You are lucky enough to have families, and you all have that in common."

The boys looked at each other; they knew a good idea when they heard it.

Danny went looking for Arty and Howie, and Donny went looking for Tym.

Ten minutes later, all five boys were sitting in Danny's and Donny's room. 

Tym asked, "So, wha'cha want?"

"Donny and I were wondering if you guys felt kind of left out of stuff, 'cause you don't belong to a Squad?" Danny asked.

"Yeah, sometimes.  We have stuff with Dad, but sometimes the other guys are doing Squad stuff and we gotta leave," Arty lamented.

"Yeah," Tym agreed.

Donny then suggested, "Why don't we make our own Squad.  We could be Squad Seven."

"Kewl!  We are Squad Seven!" Howie said, then went and hugged everyone.  "Who is our Squad leader, Danny or Donny?"

Donny replied, "I don't think either on of us.  I think Arty is the oldest, and I think he is the best leader."

"Yeah.  I don't want to be the leader, either." Danny added.

Howie jumped up, "Yea!  Arty!  Yea!  Arty!"

Tym nodded.  "Arty, do you accept?"

"Ah, I don't know what to say, guys."

Danny said quietly, "Just say, yes."

With a blush Arty said, "Yes."

The boys all patted Arty on the back then they talked about what they wanted their squad to be like.

The next day, John Gregory had a knock on his door after the boys had returned from school.  He wheeled over and opened it to find Arty standing there.  "Hi, Arty.  Please come in.  What can I do for you?"

Arty entered and sat in the chair that Mr. Gregory offered.  "Ah, Sir, we decided to be a Squad, too."

John looked confused, "We?"

"Oh, yeah, the guys here that have family: Donny, Danny, Tym, Howie and me.  They elected me squad leader."

Squad Seven became a reality and shared in the house chores and had their own activities, just like the other Squads.  John had given them a room to use as their lounge and meeting room, and given them a budget to have it fixed up the way they wanted.

By February, things had returned to a routine of chaos and bedlam.  As spring approached, the older boys were looking forward to camping, and the Webelos bridged up and were excited about being 'real' Boy Scouts.  Summer Camp fees were all paid, and a very rare event was happening, 100% summer camp attendance.

In March, Peter started having nightmares.  Luke would wake him and comfort him but Peter wouldn't talk to his friend about them.  Luke had talked to Oliver, but he was at a loss, too.  Finally, one afternoon as he was wondering around the first floor, and he saw Shorty sitting alone in the library.

Luke approached the old white-bearded man, "Shorty?  Can I talk to you?"

"Ho, ho, ho.  Of course you can, Luke. You guys can always talk to me. "

Luke sat in the chair next to Shorty.  "Peter is having really bad nightmares.  He wakes up screaming and crying.  He won't talk to me about them, and he won't talk to anyone else, either."

"Any idea what they are about?"

"The only thing I have been able to understand is the name Jacob, and something about fire."

"There is a Jacob here, Squad One, Jacob Rossman, but he's only four, almost five.  Do you think it has anything to do with him?"

"Jakey?  No, Peter doesn't hardly know him and nobody calls him Jacob.  I think it has something to do with before he came here."

Shorty patted Luke on the knee.  "Well, you just relax.  Shorty will be lookin' into this, personally.  I have my ways, you know."

"Thanks, Shorty. I feel better already."

Luke gave the jolly old man a big hug and a little kiss on his cheek and was off.

Shorty stood up and went in search of Peter.  He found Peter alone in the Squad Six lounge.  "Ho, ho, ho.  Peter, just the man I'm looking for.  I have some of my Martha's chocolate chip cookies in my apartment, and I need someone to share them with.  There's way too many of them for Tym and me."

Everyone at Phoenix had told Peter just how wonderful Martha's cookies were, but Peter hadn't had one yet, so he sure wasn't passing up the opportunity.  Peter followed Shorty, looking very much like an elf following Santa.  After several cookies and a glass of ice cold milk, Peter knew that everything the others had said about the cookies was true.  Shorty enjoyed watching the boy inhale the cookies.  His granddaughter made cookies just like his wife had made them, and they tasted just as good.  His wife used to say you could taste the love in her cookies.

Shorty sighed, He sure missed his wife. They had been together for a very long time, and things just weren't the same without her.

When the plate was clean, and even the crumbs were gone, Shorty began, "Ho, ho, ho.  I like to see happy faces.  It is good to see a smile on your face."

Peter looked at the old man sitting at the table with him.  It was as if there were some kind of magic in the air here.  Somehow, Peter felt he could completely trust this man.  "I am happy, sometimes."

Shorty sat up.  "And sometimes you miss people and things?"

Peter shook his head.  "Not things, just people.  Two people.  One was my friend, and he and I worked together.  He taught me everything. I really miss him.  The other one is an adult; he would always give us some food and a place to hide for a few hours, if we needed it.  He didn't demand us do stuff for it either.  I never did, and I know my friend talked like he did, but I don't think he really did.  They were the only ones that liked ME, not what I did."

"They sound like wonderful friends; I understand why you would miss them.  I bet you dream about them, sometimes."

Peter looked up at Shorty.  "I have happy dreams about my best friend.  I hope those dreams can come true, but I know they can't. But with Jacob, the dreams I am having about him are bad, very bad."

Shorty stood up and motioned Peter to follow him into the living room.  He sat on the sofa and patted the space next to him for Peter.  Peter considered for a minute and then climbed up on the sofa.

Shorty put his arm around Peter's shoulders and hugged him close.  "Want to share the dreams?  Sometimes if helps to talk them out, or just to share the pain."

Peter sat in silence for a time then started talking in a very soft voice, "In the dream, Aunt Marcy is laughing that real mean laugh she used to do, while Jacob is being beat up.  Then these big ugly guys tie him up and totally destroy his store.  I can see it happening, but can't stop it.  Then they pour gas all over the floor and throw a match in it.  That's when I wake up.  Somehow it just repeats over and over, night after night.  The only difference is that sometimes it isn't Aunt Marcy laughing; sometimes it's that fat smelly doctor that brought me here, or others.  It's really scary.  I don't want Jacob to get hurt, or killed.  He never hurt nobody.  I heard some people say bad things about him, 'cause he had a star like Dr. Turnman has, but it weren't true, none of it. He was always good."

"Of course it wasn't true.  It is good that you know that.  Have you ever had dreams like this before?"

"I keep dreaming that I'm going to see my best friend again."

"Well, sometimes dreams do come true, you know.  Now I want you to do something for me. And this is important; the next time you have that bad dream, I want you to look for a boy with brown hair, hiding somewhere in the store.  He's there to save Jacob.  Okay, can you do that?"

Peter looked at Shorty and decided the sweet old man, who looked remarkably like Santa, was just old, and maybe a little bit crazy.  "Ah, sure, I'll do that." He said, as he politely left.

After Peter left, Shorty went into his room and stared at the snow-globe he had sitting on his dresser; He grinned, as he took it down and shook it.  "Fred," he chuckled, as the snow in the delicate globe slowly fell to the bottom of the beautiful northern scene, "I really could use some help on this one, old friend."

Two nights later, Peter had the dream about Jacob again, and to his complete surprise, there was a little boy who had brown hair, hiding there, under the counter, behind the wonderful pickles.  The boy looked right at Peter, smiled at him and winked. Peter woke up right then... That was the last time Peter had that dream.

The next Saturday was the first really nice spring day.  Everyone was out to just enjoy the beautiful day.  The Phoenix boys spent most of the morning getting the field behind the house all cleaned up, so they could play soccer (football to the non-Americans out there) or baseball.  When that was done, they all went inside for lunch.  While they were doing a great imitation of a plague of locusts, the harsh sound of a siren was heard approaching.

Being boys, of course, they had to go investigate, since the food was gone anyway.  They poured out the back door, just as the Sheriff's car came to a screeching halt, and the siren stopped it's ear-shattering wail.  Sheriff Eric Henry got out of the cruiser, then came around and opened the passenger door.  A boy who was looking pretty confused, and maybe just a bit scared, got out and looked at the huge crowd of boys.  Suddenly his eyes met those of one of the kids, and they both let out with screams that rivaled the noise of Eric's siren; then both of them passed out.

Author's Notes:
Dramatic pause, it's a dramatic pause.  I don't do Cliff Hangers.  That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.  No, I'm not telling who saw whom, or why they passed out.  Makes you wonder what in the world the kid did, to be brought here by the Sheriff.  I wonder why Linda didn't bring him.  
Who is this Jacob person, anyway, and furthermore, who is it that is hiding in the store?  If Shorty wanted to talk to Fred, why wouldn't he have called him in his Law Office?  Somehow, I think Neal is writing some of this and he is not letting me know what the heck is going on.  Maybe Darryl, A.A., or TSL know, or maybe not.
Let me know if you think you have it all figured out.
            Str8mayb

Editor's Notes: 
Well Darn, I don't know what I should say, here. You see, I have what I think is a pretty good idea of what is going on, but I don't dare say anything, because I could be totally out in left field on this.  I don't want to look silly, when we finally find out what happened.  Besides, I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise, whatever it is.  Is that vague enough? 

I am really tickled that Jason did so well with the money situation and the fund raising, for the Scouts.  I think he has found his niche and reached a turning point in his life.  Things are looking up for him, and people have tons of respect for him.  I love the fact that he was born to be a banker

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Associate Editor's Notes:
I have a feeling that our gifted author is also quite a fisherman!  He just loves baiting his little hooks with tiny bits of information and just leaving them there for us to bite on!  Why didn't Shorty call Fred at his law office?  If you've been following Str8mayb's stories, you know that there are more Freds around here than there are Rasmussens in Copenhagen!  How come Aaron is trying to spark a romance between Glenn and Juan?  What did Shorty mean, that sometimes dreams can come true?  And who the heck is Jacob?  I think the Evil Editor's Association should pay a call on Mr. Str8mayb and have a little talk with him.  We just can't leave any bruises that show, right, fellahs?

Aloysius Abercrombie

Fort Chief Editor's Notes:
Unfortunately I won't get to see Mr. Str8mayb until the next meeting of The Evil Authors Association which isn't until October. I respectfully beg to differ with the Evil Author Incarnate this is a  CLIFFHANGER of tremendous impact. A Dramatic Pause is a device used to keep the readers attention for a short period of time in a chapter while the author leads them slowly to the resolution. This is definitely not a Dramatic Pause as it leaves us dangling off the cliff for who knows how many eons!

Congrats to Jason and good for Peter that Shorty was able to help him a bit.
            Now who in the heck is in the Sheriff's Car?

            Also I would like to thank Akeentia for creating "The Haven Universe" Pages.

TSL