The Last Phoenix

Sunday morning everyone enjoyed their breakfast.  Mr. Darrah stood and told everyone, "Check your rooms, be sure everything is packed, and get it to the lobby to be loaded on the bus by nine o'clock.  You can wear anything you want, as long as it is your concert apparel."

It took a few seconds for that to sink in, and the kids cheered.  He continued, when quiet returned, "We got in the finals.  They were very impressed with our 'Marching Orchestra.'  Neal Richards, would you like to join us today, too?"

The kids started to chant, "Neal.  Neal.  Neal."

John giggled, and elbowed his friend.  Neal blushed, but gave a thumbs up. That got another cheer from the group.  Neal looked over at his Dad.  "Is it okay?"

Tom smiled.  "Yes, as it turns out, we can't leave until Tuesday, anyway.  Let me go speak with Mr. Darrah for a moment."

Mr. Darrah looked surprised at whatever Tom told him.  He stood and got everyone's attention. "Please, remain here until, I return."  With that, he and Tom left the dining room.  They returned several minutes later, and silence fell, as the curious students wanted to know what was happening.  "A change of plans, everyone.  We are staying here two more nights, and leaving for home after breakfast Tuesday morning.  Mr. Watts will contact your parents and let them know about the change in plans.  Have one person from each room stop by the front desk and get laundry bags for your room.  Put your name and room number on it, put your dirty washables in it, leave them outside your door.  The hotel staff will pick it up and deliver it back to your room.  Okay, people, let's move! Be back here in twenty minutes, and be ready to play your hearts out."

Neal brainstormed with John and Greg on the ride up to their room and when they rejoined Tom for the ride down, they were grinning from ear to ear.  "You three have a plot in the works," Tom stated.

"Jeez, Dad, we're innocent." Neal did his best to look innocent, which of course was a miserable failure.

Tom couldn't help but laugh.  "Jeez, yourself, Neal.  You're only twelve... I feel sorry for Mr. Darrah.  Are you three going to let him in on your diabolical plan?"

John answered, "Jeez, no way.  He'd veto it."

Tom shook his head.  "I don't think,... rather, I know. I don't want to know.  Jeez."

All four were laughing when the elevator doors opened to the lobby.  The boys split up and went to organize the other orchestra members for whatever they had planned.  Before Tom could warn Mr. Darrah, the bus arrived and they were off to the symphony hall.

Up in the Presidential Suite, Fred was busy on the phone, talking to the prosecutor on Big Daddy's case.  B.D. had evidently hired a high powered lawyer from Boston to represent him.  Fred worked to provide all the evidence that would be needed to bury the evil piece of slime.  He had 'Philip' email copies of Leo's exams on John and Peter, including pictures and CAT Scans.

Next on the list was the CPS lawyer who was pressing charges on Aunt Marcy.  Fred informed her that Peter was also filing charges to recover considerable lost property, as well as damages for pain and suffering.  They spent more than an hour discussing strategy and 'Philip' was busy faxing the reports he had, to her office.  The lawyer was actually laughing by the end of their consultation.

Nick and Fred then tried to work out the strategy for Tom's case.  They had been trying to comprehend it and not getting very far, when 'Philip' interrupted and enlightened them on the exact source of the accusation and therefore the motivation.  Fred was grinning as he prepared for that face off with an old opponent.

*  *  *

Tom sat in the stands and listened to the first two orchestras preform. He had to admit they were good.  He was glad he didn't have to judge them.  Neal's group was next, and he prepared himself for the unexpected.  They came out, took the stage and began to tuneup.  Then it happened, Neal had found a whistle and blew it four times.  He then started playing, and so did others and soon they were doing Stars And Stripes Forever, and they marched right off the stage and up the left isle and out the back.  There was stunned silence and the cellos, bases and drums were left on stage making a big deal of looking surprised.

Then, four more whistle blasts from outside and the doors on the right side opened.  Whereupon  the orchestra, or is that Marching Orchestra, reentered the hall and down the aisle, playing 'When The Saints Come Marching In.'  Soon they were back up on stage, and everyone took their places and poised respectfully, waiting for Mr. Darrah to enter.

Finally, a dazed Mr. Darrah took his place and, after a glare at Neal, began their concert number. All went well, and Neal managed to just march in place.  Tom was still hard pressed to judge the performances.  The last group out were just over the top in their performance.  The number was one that Tom didn't recognize, but they played it with such emotion that most of the audience had tears in their eyes by the time things ended.

Then the judges came out on stage.   They were very complimentary to all four orchestras and third place went to the second orchestra.  Second place went to Neal's orchestra, and first place went to the last orchestra.  When the applause died down, the head judge said they had a special award that was rarely given.  It was for an outstanding performer.  He said he didn't have this student's name, since he was a visitor, but he was certainly the undisputed winner.

"Would the boy with the glockenspiel come out here please."  There was a great deal of applause as Neal took the stage.  The Judge had a medal on a ribbon that he put around Neal's neck.  Then the Judge said, "Now, be very careful that Mr. Darrah doesn't strangle you with that."  That brought laughter and applause and ended the competition.

Everyone was jubilant on the trip back to the hotel.  They were proud to have won second place. The last orchestra had definitely been way better than anyone else.  Mr. Darrah finally got their attention, just before they arrived.  "You all deserve this award.  Now, you have until six o'clock to enjoy yourselves.  We will meet in the dining room for dinner; then Mr. Richards is treating us to a movie. Tomorrow, the morning is yours, as long as a chaperone approves.  Lunch is promptly at twelve, and, at one, we will be attending a court session, as possible witnesses."

That caused a flurry of questions.  "I have been advised, not to tell you the nature of the case, so that your answers will he honest and unrehearsed.  Now, go and change, and enjoy the afternoon."

The kids nearly stampeded off the bus.  Mr. Darrah caught up to Neal, John and Greg.  "Boys! That was some show you did today."

They nodded.  Neal acted as spokesman.  "I'm sorry if that made you mad."

Mr. Darrah smiled. "I would have had to stop laughing to be mad.  It sure has been an adventure, having you around the last few days.  I'm afraid you might be a bad influence on John and Greg."

"He's better than the other Neal," Greg said, in defense of his new friend.

"That's for sure.  You boys go have some fun, and I'll see you at lunch."  Mr. Darrah patted each boy on the back and walked over to where Tom was standing.

"Sorry, I didn't get a chance to warn you," Tom apologized.

*  *  *

Tom sat with Fred, Nick and Jacob in the front row of seats behind the prosecutor's table.  The Judge came in and wasn't looking very happy.  He sat down and opened a file the bailiff gave him.  Big Daddy was led in.  His orange jumpsuit made him look even fatter, if that were possible.  The bailiff then read the list of charges. 

The DA stood. "Your honor, the police have presented me additional evidence, and I would like to add two counts of first degree murder to the list of charges."

The lawyer for Big Daddy, no slim-jim himself, stood and introduced himself. "Your Honor, I'm Lenny Egret, for the defense.  I object to new charges being added at this time."

"Why me?" the Judge muttered.  "Mr. Egret, that kind of thing might work in Boston's legal system, but it doesn't fly in my courtroom.  The prosecutor is just saving the police the trouble of arresting your client, and us having to have another prelim.  He is saving the taxpayers dollars.  He is also cutting the time you can bill for.  Your objection is overruled. Charges are so amended."

Mr. Egret was on his feet again.  It was kind of amazing that a man of his size could stand up so quickly.  "Your honor, we request that Mr. Elroy be released on his own personal recognizance; he has a business to run."

The DA stood, and the judge nodded to him.  "Your Honor, the people ask that Mr. Elroy, aka Big Daddy, be held without bail.  He is a flight risk, because of the serious nature of the charges, and his so-called 'business' is the child prostitution business."

"All valid points, Hank.  The accused is hereby ordered held without bail.  Trial date is set for," the judge looked at his calendar, "June seventeenth."

Lenny Egret stood as the judge hit his gavel and left the room.  "Beam me up, Scotty."  He turned to his client.  "You know you're in deep shit?"

"And I'm paying you the big bucks to get me out of it."

"I'm not Santa.  There isn't much to work with.  I'll be over to the jail later, and we'll talk." As the lawyer left, he mumbled something about it being just wrong for him to be defending Jaba...

Fred congratulated the DA. 

*  *  *

They moved now to another court, down the hall.  This was where Aunt Marcy would have her hearing.  They waited through two other cases, before hers was called.  The Judge was a substitute from the Night Court.  Judge Harold T. Rocque didn't look old enough to be a judge, but he sure knew his stuff.  When Marcy and her lawyer were escorted in, the Social Services lawyer moved to the front table. 

Judge Rocque was surprised to see the lawyer for the defense.  "Pops! Oh, excuse me, I mean Mr. G. Adams, Esquire, I thought you were retired."

"Well, Sonny, I did, but I'm feeling much better now.  I'm the Court appointed council for Miss Marcy... I can't say that name.  Must be Swedish."

"It's Norwegian, and it's pronounced Daarligtante!" Marcy said in a superior tone.

Adams grabbed her hand and kissed it, whispering, "You spoke Norwegian, that is so hot."

"Ah, Viking stock," Judge Harry remarked.

Fred mumbled, "Berserker, anyway."

The CPS lawyer read the charges being brought.

"Mr. Adams?" The judge said, to get Marcy's lawyer's attention.

"Oh, yes, if she did all that, hang her."

"Pops, how does your client plead?"

"For mercy?"

"I plead NOT guilty, of course!"

"You'd have done better pleading for mercy, Marcy."

After some discussion, bail was set at five hundred thousand.

*  *  *

The adults headed back to the hotel and joined the orchestra for lunch.  Neal, of course, wanted to know how the court cases went.

Fred explained, "Our side did very well.  Big Daddy is staying locked up, and it looks as if Peter's aunt will stay put, too, unless she has enough friends to come up with fifty thousand cash and liens for the rest of the half million of her bail.  Her lawyer advised her to plead for mercy, but she decided to plead not guilty." 

After lunch, everyone loaded into the bus and vans and headed to the court building.  The gallery was filled by students.  Tom and Fred were busy at the defense table, sorting the evidence. They did not pay attention when the plaintiff entered the courtroom.

"Neal!  What are you doing over there?  I told you to wait outside for the lawyer!" a man said, or rather, yelled at Neal.

"Huh?"  Sometimes Neal is absolutely brilliant, sometimes not.

The man did a double take. "Who are you?"

"I'm Neal Huxley Richards; who are you?"

"Benjamin Huxley."

"Figures, Dad said you were a pr..."  Neal was stopped by Tom's hand on his shoulder.

"You're Henry's boy?  What ever happened to him and that tramp?"

Neal would have launched himself across the room at the oaf if it hadn't been for the tightening grip of Tom's fingers on his shoulder. Tom, calmly, much more calmly than he felt, said, "Sir, I highly recommend that you take a seat and exercise your right to remain silent."

"And just who do you think you are?  I have enough money to bury you, so mind your place."

Tom smiled.  "You can try.  However, this kid here, has more than five times your net worth, so you might want to watch yourself."

"Yeah, like he owns Haven Enterprises."

Tom smiled.  "No, HE doesn't, but you are very close."

At this point, the bailiff called for order.  The judge entered and took his seat.  The bailiff called for their case; the back doors opened, and 'evil' Neal came in with his attorney.  Fred had stood and was addressing the judge.  "Your Honor..."

"I object!"  Fred would know that voice anywhere.

*  *  *  Meanwhile, back at the Phoenix House  *  *  *

John and Peter had been very excited by the news that Jacob had been saved.  Monday morning they went to Mr. Gregory, before they had to go to school.  He invited them into his office, when they knocked. 

Peter spoke first.  "Mr. Gregory, we want Jacob to come here, where he will be safe."

John nodded his agreement.

"Well, boys, Neal has offered him a job, so I think it's a very safe bet that he will be returning with them, hopefully by the end of the week."

*  *  *  Back to the courtroom  *  *  *

The judge did not look pleased with the approaching lawyer.

Fred turned away to hide his grin.

"Your honor, I am representing the plaintiff, and the defense has to wait for me to present my case."

"Be very careful.  Do not try to tell me how to run my courtroom, Ms...?"

"Merry Pason."

Tom clamped a hand over Neal's mouth to keep him from saying what was on all their minds.

"You may proceed, Ms. Pason."

"My client was molested by the defendant, on the school trip.  I'd like to call Master Neal Huxley to the stand."

Tom leaned and whispered to Fred.  "Should we stop him?"

Fred replied, "No, let's let him dig that hole for himself. I think he needs a lesson.  And I think I'm just the man for the job."

Neal was sworn in and took his seat.  Merry approached. "Neal, please tell us exactly what happened."

"It was on the bus.  I went to the restroom, and he," Neal pointed at Tom, "followed me into the restroom on the bus.  He made me get naked, and then he did things."

"Thank you, Neal."

Fred stood and smiled, when Merry turned and saw who he was.  "You!  I object!"

The judge cleared his throat, "Ms Pason, what do you object to?"

"Clemets! He isn't licensed in this state!  He can't be a member of the bar."

The judge turned and raised an eyebrow to Fred.

"Your honor, I am, indeed, a member of the bar here in Illinois, as well as Pennsylvania, New York and California."  Fred took out his wallet and produced cards from each of those states, stating his membership in the bar and his license number.

"Overruled."

Fred approached the witness box. "Young man, you say that this took place on the way to Chicago?"

"Yeah."

"That would be on Wednesday?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Was this before or after your lunch stop?"

"I object.  I don't see what that has to do with the facts."

"I'm merely trying to determine the facts, so that I may refute them."

"Overruled.  Answer the question, son."

"Ah, before, I guess."

The judge raised his eyebrow at the 'I guess.'

"And all this took place in the toilet, on the bus?"

"Yeah, that's what I said."

"You reported this to Mr. Darrah?"

Neal, seeing that Mr. Darrah was there, said, "Ah, no.  It was embarrassing."

"So, instead of reporting the incident, you filed a law suit."

"Yeah."

"Thank you.  Oh, yes, do you know what perjury is?"

"Lying, so?"

"That's all."

The judge looked at Merry.  "Call your next witness."

"We rest, your Honor."

"Mr. Clemets?"

"First, I'd like to call Neal Huxley Richards."

Our Neal was sworn in and took his seat.

"Neal, where were you Wednesday morning?"

"Mr. Rogers' house."

"And where is Mr. Rogers?"

"In Rockford, I think."

"Who was with you?"

"Dad, Mr. Rogers and Mrs. Rogers."

The judge interrupted, "Rockford, Illinois?  Two hours west of here?"

"Yes, sir."

"So, you and your Dad were west of Chicago, Wednesday morning?"

"That's right, Uncle Fred."

"I object!"

"What now, Ms Pason?"

"I don't see how this is at all relevant."

Fred had an evil grin.  "If I may, your Honor.  Neal, who is your dad?"

"He's Tom Richards." Neal pointed to his dad.

"Thank you, Neal."

Merry stood and approached Neal, as Fred went back and sat down.  "So, why should we believe you?"

"Well, I'm a Scout, and we don't lie..."

"I object, the Boy Scouts are a known hate group."

"Jeez!  Lady I'm just about twelve, I don't hate nobody, and neither does anybody in my troop. And we're Presbyterians, so we got to be nice.  Jeez."

The judge said, "Mzzzzzz Pason, your are very close to being cited for contempt.  If you wish to pursue that line with the Scouts, I will gladly contact their legal staff at National."

"Ah, objection withdrawn.  Neal, what evidence do you have, to prove that you were even in Rockford, Wednesday?"

"I have the receipt from the place we had lunch, 'Famous Dave's.  Oh man, they had the best ribs!"  Neal reached into his pocket and withdrew the receipt.

"Let me see that, please," the judge said.

The time, date and address were clearly indicated, as well as the waiter, Zach.

"Why do you have the receipt?"

Neal said, "Duh! They give the receipt to the one that pays for the meal."

"You paid?"

"I just said so, didn't I?"

Merry took the receipt and said, "Whose credit card is this, your daddy's?"

Neal took out his wallet and produced his credit card, the one that matched the receipt.

"How cute, what kind of limit do you have, two hundred dollars?"

"Actually, I think it is twenty thousand on this one."

"That's ridiculous.  No kid has a card with a limit like that.  I move his testimony be struck, because he's a little liar."

Neal saw red.

Tom started to stand, but Fred held him back.  "Watch this."

"Lady, we done this dance once before.  You really want to call ME a liar?  The last guy that did that is in jail.  Remember?  That card is MINE, and it is one of five I have, and the reason I have it with me is because it has the lowest credit limit of those five.  If you want to, verify it."

The judge took the card and put the phone on his bench on speaker, then dialed the number shown on the back of the card.

'Haven Savings and Loan, how may I help you?'

"This is Judge Clemons, I need to verify a credit card."

'I'll transfer you, sir.'

'New accounts, Jason speaking. How can I help you?'

"Hello, Jason. This is Judge Clemons, and I need to verify the ownership of a credit card.  The number is XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX."

'Hey, that's Neal's.  His dad will be mad, if he lost it.'

"Are there any other authorized signers for that account?"

'Oh, no, sir.  The Phoenix card can be signed by Brian, Mitch and Travis, but the other cards he has are just his.  His debit card would only be good for six million; since we just transferred most of that into his gold account.'

"Thank you, Jason." The judge ended the call.  "Motion denied."

Merry paced back and forth a couple of times.  "So, just why are you in Chicago?"

Neal took his time, too.  "I wanted to meet my friend that I hadn't seen for a couple of years."

"So you were west of Chicago to meet this friend?" 

"No."  Neal just looked at her and smiled.

"Your Honor, direct the witness to answer the question."

The judge sighed.  "He did answer, Ms. Pason.  He answered, 'No.'"

"No, what?"

"No, I was not west of Chicago to meet my friend."

There was a general giggle from the orchestra kids.

"Then where were you meeting this friend?"

"In Chicago."

"In Chicago," she muttered.  "So, why were you west of Chicago?"

"Dad and I were checking out some things for Peter."

"Peter?  Who is Peter?"

"He's one of my boys."

"Your boys?"

"Yes."

"Are you trying to tell me that you are a parent at your age?"

More giggles from the gallery.

"Jeez, I'm only twelve.  I'm not old enough to have a baby.  What's wrong with you?"

That got a lot of out-and-out laughter, including the judge.

Ms. Pason was grinding her teeth.  "Then just what did you mean by, 'One of my boys?'"

"He is one of the boys at Phoenix House.  Since I am one of the owners, he is one of my boys."

"So just how many of these boys are there?"

"Ah, let's see, six squads, seven boys in a squad and then John who just got there, so forty three, not counting the kids of the staff."  Neal smiled, proud that he had been able to figure out the answer so quickly.  Mr. Harris would be proud of him.

Fred then stood, "Your Honor, I fail to see any connection of this line of questioning and this case."

Before the judge could answer, Merry said, "I have no more questions for this witness."

Neal stood and went back to his seat.

Fred then stood. "I call Mr. Darrah to the stand."

The surprised teacher was sworn in and took the stand.

"Mr. Darrah, when was the first time you met Mr. Richards?"

"It was when we were checking into the hotel here in Chicago.  We were a room short, and Mr. Richards was nice enough to offer us the use of one of the rooms in his suite."

"Are you telling the court that Mr. Richards wasn't even on the bus with your orchestra?"

"I object.  Leading the witness."

"Technically correct.  Please rephrase the question."

"Mr. Darrah, was Tom Richards on any of the buses your group was using to get to Chicago?"

"No."

"So, he couldn't have molested the plaintiff?"

"No, of course not!"

Evil Neal's father said, "Young man, when I get you home..."

The judge cleared his throat.  "Sir, please refrain from such outbursts."

"I'm sorry, Your Honor.  I never thought my son lied."

That got laughter from the gallery. The judge said, "You would appear to be the only one surprised. Except for Ms. Pason, of course."

Fred grinned at Tom.  Then turning back to the judge, he said, "The defense rests."

"Very well, In that case I find..."

Merry jumped up.  "I object.  I haven't had a chance to cross examine."

The judge shook his head.  "Very well, Ms. Pason."

She walked up to the witness stand and realized she didn't have any questions.  "Ah, sorry, Your Honor, no questions."

"Thank you Ms. Pason.  I find the defendant Thomas Richards to be not guilty.  On the counter claim, I find the Huxleys guilty, and award the requested one percent of the corporation to Mr. Neal Huxley Richards."  The gavel closed the case.  The judge motioned Fred to follow him into chambers.

Mr. Huxley approached Tom.  "Mr. Richards, I'd like to apologize for my son's behavior and my own, from earlier."

Tom shook the offered hand.

"Why did you only ask for one percent of the company?" Mr. Huxley asked.

"That was my lawyer's idea.  Besides, I don't need any money." Tom smiled.

"I feel like I should know you.  You any relation to Philip Richards, owner of Haven Enterprises?"

"He was my great uncle.  I'm now the owner of Haven Enterprises."  Tom grinned.

Benjamin Huxley paled.

Tom continued smiling as he watched realization dawn on the man.  "I'm not a monster, but threaten my boys, and you will be the loser.  Now, a bit of friendly advice, your son needs a father in his life. You need to get to know that boy and straighten him out.  He has some tough lessons, to learn and I'll bet his easy life at school is no longer going to be there when he gets back."

"Yes, sir.  I think both he and I definitely need some counseling.  I hope and pray that it isn't too late. I have always, and still do love the boy, but I'm afraid I never took the time necessary to show him just what love is about. I thought by giving him whatever he wanted, that he would know I loved him, but it seems that instead, I taught him that money could solve everything."

"I hope it isn't too late.  If you love him, and take some time to be in his life, there is still a pretty good chance for you both."

Mr. Huxley walked over and escorted his son out of the court room.

*  *  *  In the judge's chamber  *  *  *

"Mr. Clemets, that was a very interesting penalty for the Huxleys to have to pay.  Mind telling me what that one percent means?"

"Sure, Uncle Fred 3.  See, young Neal Richards actually owns the other fifty percent, so now, he owns the controlling fifty-one percent.  Some day, Neal Huxley will be working for Neal Richards."

"I sure hope his father can get him straightened out before then, or there will certainly be some fireworks."

The two men laughed, then spent some time catching up on family news.  Since two of the three original partners of Clements, Clemets and Clemons were now judges, they didn't get family news as much.

*  *  *

Early the next morning, Tom and Neal headed back home.  When they stopped for lunch, Tom took out his satellite phone and dialed Haven.

"'Philip', how is everything, there?"

'Fine, of course.'

"Could you please connect me to a Mr. David Groussman, in Albany, New York?"

There was a momentary pause, then the phone ringing.  A deep male voice answered on the third ring. "Hello?"

"Mr. Groussman, this is Tom Richards.  How are you, today?"

"Not so good, Mr. Richards.  I got laid off, Friday."

"I understand you are a Human Resources manager."

"I was, until Friday."

"Well, I need a good HR person.  How would you feel about moving?"

"If it means working, I'll move."

"Good.  Call my CEO tomorrow, and he will give you the details.  Plan on moving right at the end of the school year, and plan for John to attend Scout camp in July.  I'll be looking forward to meeting you in a couple of months.  Your employment with Haven Enterprises will begin today, so, we will, of course, provide moving expenses."

"I don't know what to say, sir."

"Please, call me Tom.  Call Haven Enterprises, and ask for the CEO.  His name is Ed and he will be your boss."

"Yes, s... Tom, thank you."
Tom hung up, and Neal launched into his arms, and gave his dad a huge hug.

*  *  *

Eric and Fred spent the day helping Jacob tie up all the loose ends and packing his few remaining belongings.  They had those shipped to the Phoenix House, and began their return trip the next day.

*  *  *  Back at the Phoenix House  *  *  *

Peter and John had been inseparable ever since they found each other.  John was still unsure that all of his new life was real. Every morning, he woke up and was surprised that Peter was really there.  Peter was delighted that his friend was with him again, and was helping him adjust to life at Phoenix House. 

In school, Mrs. Freeman had taken John under her wing, so to speak. He was completely devoted to her, and he was learning very quickly from her personal attention.  Janelle Freeman found John to be absolutely delightful to work with.  He was extremely intelligent, and could grasp concepts that most kids his age could not.  She was working with him to improve his language skills, and yet trying not to spoil his creativity.  She was amazed that, as horrid as his earlier life had been, he was a real fighter, and she was sure he would triumph, despite all that he had been through.

*  *  *

Jason was excited the day he got the call from the judge.  He told everyone that Neal was involved in something, and they all had a wonderful time guessing just what kind of mischief he had been caught in.

Glenn was spending more time with Juan, and Aaron was pleased.  Aaron was often found on his computer, and would clear the screen whenever anyone was near.  He did seem to be recovering, and particularly enjoyed the Scouts.  He was already a Second Class, and just needed a few more activities and camp-outs to earn First Class.

Luke and Oliver were settling into Oliver's apartment.  Luke found it strange at first, not having a roommate, but Oliver said he could invite a friend to sleep over any time he wanted.  They did spend most evenings just talking to one another, and sharing their pasts.  Luke cried, as Oliver told about telling his parents he was gay.   They had disowned him on the spot, and he had gotten his commercial driver's license and had driven a delivery truck.  Unfortunately, one of his deliveries took him to the business where his father worked.  The next day, his boss called him in and explained he wasn't going to work out.  One of the clients had objected to one of his kind delivering to their business.  Oliver told his boss that would be his father.  He took his week's pay and left the town and had never returned. 

Tym had been missing David, and he said Walter was missing Max and Ginger, so Shorty would get Walter in the van and pick up Tym, David, Mitch, Travis and Andy, and go to the Harris' house.  The dogs were always glad to play and Shorty got to spend some quality time with his granddaughter.  He even had helped to set up a room on the third floor for Tym.  Shorty was in his late eighties, and he knew he wasn't going to be around forever.  Tym knew that Martha was his real foster mother, and if anything bad happened, he knew he had a place where he would be loved.  He had not seen his room, and it would indeed have some surprises.

Tym and David were the very best of friends, and spent as much time together as they possibly could.  They acted like twins.  They were even starting to finish each other's sentences.  When they were at the Harris' the twins, Mitch and Travis, would help them do some of the Cub Scout activities, and both boys were trying to earn more Arrow Points than anyone else in their Den.

John Gregory was well settled into his job as director of the Phoenix House.  He made at least two tours a day of the squads, and he always made sure each and every boy knew they could talk to him. The younger boys even got to sit on his lap and drive the wheel chair.  Needless to say that was a great hit.  John found it reassuring that there was another there who had to use a chair.  He spent a good deal of time with Bobby, discussing the finances.  The funding for the Phoenix Foundation was complex, but they always seemed to have what they needed.  Bobby's twin sons and John's twins had become good friends and they all thought it was cool to have twin friends. 

THE END

Author's notes:
Don't panic, there will be a book two.  We have lots of things yet to do.  Jacob is going to have quite an impact on the Phoenix House, and the new school, too.  Aaron's story still has more and even Shorty and Tym have a big change coming.
I hope you have enjoyed this story so far.  Phoenix Book Two will be continuing soon.
            Str8mayb

Editor's Notes:  
Editor, Hmm, I guess that's me.  Wow! Not one, not two, but three court cases in chapter 23.  I am beginning to see a pattern emerging.

Merry Pason sure doesn't do her job very well. I suspect she is going to be disbarred in Illinois.  How many more places can she go before she has been disbarred in every state?  
It looks to me as if Big Daddy and Aunt Marcy are both in pretty big trouble.
I wonder If Evil Neal will be able to turn himself around and become a decent person. His dad seems to be a decent person and, together, maybe they can become more of a family.
Now Neal will get to spend time with his friend, John.  
I can hardly wait for the next book to start.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Associate Editor's Notes:  
I hate the thought of having to say goodbye to all the gang at the Phoenix House.  They have become good friends, and I'll miss them.  I sure hope our author gets started really soon on the next book of Phoenix House adventures.
Aloysius Abercrombie

Fort Chief Editor's Notes:
Wow another end of a book and surprisingly OKAY not surprisingly a Court Scene; well actually three if I can count. I have a sneaking suspicion that we have not seen the end of the Evil Neal.
It is really very nice to see John and Peter back together and happy, with a wonderful life ahead of them. Of course that is if John ever really truly believes that the shoe isn't going to drop.
TSL