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Harts to Find--Part Six


 

Much later after dinner Jennifer with Jonathan's help took Janelle upstairs to show her where she'll sleep for the night then shows Janelle where she and Jonathan will sleep for the night. And letting her know that if she wakes up scared all she has to do is push a button and it will sound an alarm to wake them. Janelle nodded her head that she understood but also tried to ask Jennifer to stay until she was asleep.

"Of course I'll stay till you're asleep. Just let me go change then I'll come back ok."

Nodding Janelle also changes into her pajamas then sits on the bed to wait.

When Jennifer returns she walks over and unstraps the brace then tucks Janelle into bed laying beside her and holding her until she's asleep. Jonathan who had been waiting sometime decides to check up on how much longer it will be. Opening the door Jonathan finds Jennifer dosing beside Janelle so he walks over and kisses Jennifer awake smiling Jennifer puts her arms around Jonathan who picks her up and carries her to bed with him.

In the morning with Jennifer's help Janelle manages to get a bath before dressing to leave for the yacht and start the rest of the trip that Jennifer had told her about.

At breakfast Jonathan says, "I have some errands to run this morning before we leave and maybe stop at the office for a minute too."

"Ok darling, if you need to go to the office then why don't I take Janelle shopping for some swimsuits that will fit her, she might need them somewhere along the way."

"That sounds good then we can all go to the bank last and then get something to eat before we leave."

"Great are we ready then?"

"Let's go."

Max drove them all to the office to drop off Jonathan then he took Jennifer and Janelle to the store. At the store Jennifer and Janelle found 3 swimsuits that looked and fit Janelle good. Then Jennifer took Janelle to another store where she picked up some educational supplies to continue teaching Janelle.

Meanwhile as Jonathan walked into his office he stopped at Deanne's desk to ask, "Deanne please call Stanley Friesen and tell him I would like to see him."

"Of course Mr. Hart." Picking up the phone and dialing the extension number to Stanley's office.

A few moments later Stanley arrives. "Mr. Hart you wanted to see me?"

"Yes Stanley I did, I wanted to ask you if you could do some research for me?"

"Of course Mr. Hart whatever you want."

"Ok then I want you to try and find out who this girl is." Handing him one of the pictures they had received.

"Sure thing Mr. Hart."

"Oh and Stanley don't let anyone know that your doing this."

"Ok Mr. Hart I'll get on it immediately."

As Jennifer and Janelle came out of the store they climbed into the car with Max who drove them back to the office to pick up Jonathan.

"Perfect timing darling I just finished what I had to do."

"Great then shall we go to the bank, I think Janelle is anxious to leave for the rest of the trip I promised her."

"Ok we're almost done."

At the bank Jonathan carried the box in to open an account for Janelle but had to place Jennifer's name on the account until they could prove Janelle's identity. Then Jennifer signed for a safety deposit box for the jewels. Once that was done they grabbed a bite to eat on the way to the yacht.

Once on board the yacht and everything was stored away until later Jonathan cast off to set sail for Hawaii.

"Darling in all the excitement I forgot about one thing. What are we to do for a cook you know I can't cook."

"Well I guess we'll have to make do with soups, salads and sandwiches until we get to Hawaii."

"That I can accomplish. I hope Max checked and supplied us with food that we can just heat up or cut up once he knew that we would be taking the yacht."

"Yes darling I asked Max to make sure there was food that you could throw together."

"Oh you." Slapping Jonathan on the arm.


Over the next few days Jennifer tried to teach Janelle to write, but within moments Janelle would put the pencil down again. It became clear to Jennifer that the problem had something to do with Janelle's hand being so badly scarred.

The next day Jennifer decided to try something hoping it would work. When it came time for Janelle's school session Jennifer placed the work paper in front of where she was sitting, then told Janelle, "Come, sit here in my lap ok."

So Janelle sat in Jennifer's lap and felt Jennifer's arms come around her. Then Jennifer takes Janelle's hand and places a kiss to the palm of her hand and reassuring her that she was safe and no one was going to hurt her.

Jennifer then helped Janelle to make the letters of the alphabet, the letters started off being very shaky then slowly smoothed out with Jennifer's guiding hand over Janelle's. After about an hour Jennifer put the paper and pencil away then using tiles with the alphabet proceeded to teach Janelle how to make words.

Pretty soon it was time to put everything away until the next days session and get dinner started. While Jennifer was fixing dinner Janelle trying to help put everything into a neat stack then Jennifer picked it all up and put it in the cabinet. Once dinner was ready Jennifer stepped up on deck to tell Jonathan, "dinners ready when you are."

"Ok I'll be right there just let me set the auto pilot."

When Jonathan came down he washed his hands then sat at the table with Jennifer and Janelle to eat.


Over the next several days Jennifer continued working with Janelle and finding that Janelle was recognizing enough words that she could, with her finger point to certain words from the book Jennifer was reading to her. So Jennifer then got out some beginning reading books and had Janelle point to the words as she read the book then asked Janelle.

"Do you think you can read this book now?"

Janelle nodded her head.

"Ok, but how do I know if you are actually reading it and not making up a story?"

Janelle thought about that then looked around for the word cards that Jennifer had used then picked up the book and placed it in Jennifer's hands so she couldn't see the words then with signals tried to let Jennifer know to read it. As soon as Jennifer started reading Janelle would go through the cards and place the word card that matched with the word that Jennifer had just read.

Janelle then stopped her and showed Jennifer the words that she had laid out.

Smiling Jennifer said "Ok Janelle I can see that you do know the words and can read this book, but I want you to come to me if you come across a word you don't know ok."

Janelle nodded her head then threw her arms around Jennifer who also hugged her back then placing a kiss to Janelle's cheek Jennifer shooed her out to start dinner going and to clean and set the table.


A couple of days later Jonathan said, "Here we are, now I just hope the car I rented is here."

"And if it isn't then what?"

"Well I guess we won't be going to our private getaway, we'll have to get a hotel room instead."

"Here's hoping for the car then."

After docking Jonathan carried the bags while Jennifer watched over Janelle and carried the school supplies. Stepping up to the parking area a young man walked up and asked, "Are you Mr. Hart?"

"Yes I am, did you bring the car?"

"Yes it's right here." Pointing to a light brown sport utility vehicle, then handed him the keys.

"Thanks for bringing it and don't forget to meet me here in 7 days ok."

"Ok Mr. Hart, hope you enjoy your visit."

"Thanks we'll certainly do our best."

Jonathan then put the suitcases in the back while Jennifer helped Janelle get in and placed the crutches so they wouldn't hit anyone. Jonathan following the directions drove to the private rental home that was hidden away by foliage. With a pool and access to a private cove for swimming also, and close enough to several restaurants.

After settling in Jennifer decided to forego Janelle's studies for the day and take her swimming. Janelle didn't waste anytime changing into her swimsuit and heading down to the pool. Wanting to jump into the water Janelle tried unfastening the brace herself and finally managed to undo one of the fasteners before Jennifer arrived.

" Here Janelle let me show you."

Janelle watched very closely as Jennifer finished unfastening the brace. Then they both got in the water to play and swim. A few minutes later Jonathan comes out in his swim trunks to join in the fun.

"Can I play too?"

Janelle looks up and sees Jonathan waiting for an answer quickly looking to Jennifer to make sure she was still there before hesitantly nodding her head.

"Thank you." Getting into the pool, "so what are we playing?"

"Right now we are playing follow the leader and Janelle's the leader."

"Ok I'm ready."

Nodding her head Janelle dives under with Jennifer following and Jonathan bringing up the rear. Then coming up again for air she dove under and swam over to Jonathan grabbing him by the ankles pulled him under, and swimming away before he could grab her. Then coming up Janelle watched as Jonathan came up again for air.

"Hey what's the big idea?"

"It looks like Janelle just tagged you and your it."

"So we're playing tag now?"

"Yep how do you like the way Janelle tags?"

"Well if I can tag the same way then I like it."

"Ha, good luck trying to catch her."

"If I can't catch her then I'll get you."

Swimming for Jennifer who also starts swimming away not wanting to get dunked. Jonathan dove under and swerved at the last minute to go for Janelle but Janelle being to swift got away. After awhile Jonathan finally managed to catch Jennifer and kissed her before climbing out calling it quits for a while.


All that week they played different games swimming in the water, but when not in the pool or swimming in the cove Janelle still kept her distance from Jonathan. Both Jennifer and Jonathan knew that it was a small step to getting Janelle to trust him.

At the end of the week they packed up to leave and stopped at a restaurant to pick up some takeout that would last a couple of days after setting sail again. Arriving at the docks Jonathan met the same young man and returned the keys to the rental sport utility then gathering up everything walked down to the yacht.

Casting off Jonathan set sail for Alaska and hoping they didn't run into any cold weather before leaving since neither of them had brought any warm clothes.

Now that there was nothing much to do Jennifer again started Janelle's sessions for reading, writing, and also started teaching Janelle some math. Taking everything slow and not pushing Janelle to hard.

Several days out Jonathan felt the weather getting cooler and knew that they would need to stop and get some warm clothes upon reaching Alaska. Jennifer kept Janelle inside once it started getting to cold outside for shorts and checking on Jonathan making sure he stayed as warm as possible too.

Finally arriving in Anchorage leaving all their summer clothes on the yacht took the suitcases with them and caught a cab to the hotel. Jennifer reassured Janelle that she was safe while Jonathan sign and asked the clerk, "Can you tell us where we can get some warm clothes we sailed here from Hawaii not knowing it would be so cold so soon here."

"Sure Mr. Hart," looking at the register. "The closest store is just a small mom and pop store but they have real nice warm clothes, just go out the back door and go two blocks to the right then a half block left you can't miss it."

"Ok thanks."

Picking up the card key to the room they took the luggage up before heading out for some clothes. Following the directions the Harts found a cute old fashioned building and inside found just what they needed. Jennifer took Janelle to where the women's clothes were kept while Jonathan headed for the men's area.

Searching through the clothes Jennifer and Janelle found some jeans lined in flannel so they picked out 3 pair each then picked out long sleeve shirts, socks, jackets/coats, then Jennifer let Janelle pick out 2 pajamas before heading over to pick out shoes. At the shoe section Janelle looked at all the different styles then picked out two different pair of soft fuzzy boots that fit over her brace. Jennifer also picked out two pair of boots for warmth before joining Jonathan at the register.

After paying for everything Jonathan, Jennifer, and Janelle picked out something to change into before going outside again. Once they were dressed warmly Jonathan and Jennifer gathered the packages to leave with Janelle walking between them.

Going back to the hotel for the night and taking all the price tags off of the clothes and putting them away Jonathan, Jennifer, and Janelle sat at the table and worked on a puzzle until bed time.


Over the next few days Jonathan with Jennifer's help at comforting and reassuring Janelle looked at the different sights around town. Noticing how cold Janelle seamed to be Jonathan decided they would start for home. So they packed their bags and took a cab back to the yacht to sail back to warmer weather and home.

Arriving at the docks in Los Angeles Jonathan guided the yacht into its slip making sure everything was secure and tying up then gathering up their luggage headed for the parking lot and meeting Max to drive home.

"Thanks Max for coming to pick us up today even though we're early."

"No problem Mr. H how was the trip?"

"It was great Max until we got to Alaska then it became to cold."

"Sorry about that, how about the other matter did it work out?"

"Not completely Max but we did make some progress."

"That's good."


Once at home and after putting everything away Janelle went outside to play with Freeway while Jennifer watched. Pretty soon though a cool wind came up and Jennifer called Janelle to come in.

Janelle let's go in now ok."

Janelle nodded and picked up her crutches to go into the house. At the door Jennifer stopped Janelle to talk to her.

"I want to talk with you about Jonathan, I know you're not as scared as before but yet you won't let him hold you. You do know he won't hurt you right?"

Janelle looked through the glass door into the house then back to Jennifer before nodding her head.

"Then can you please let him close and maybe hold you sometime?"

Looking at Jennifer for several moments Janelle shrugged her shoulders, then goes into the house for a paper and pen to write, I'm scared. not so much of him but of something inside of me. I look at him sometimes and think it would be so nice to be held in his arms but then I feel.. I don't know and it scares me.

After reading the note Jennifer pulls Janelle into her arms then says, "Maybe you've just been scared for to long and the only way to over come this problem is to just let Jonathan hold you."

Pulling back and stepping away from Jennifer, Janelle walks into the living room to find Jonathan sitting at the bar with a drink and Max behind the bar talking. Stopping to look at him Janelle hesitates before finally taking a few slow steps closer stopping again just out of arms reach.

Jonathan who had been watching Janelle since coming into the room wondering what she was about, then he saw Janelle shake her head and step back so he stood up and put out his arms, "its ok Janelle I won't hurt you." Not knowing what was going through her head.

When Janelle saw Jonathan stand up and put out his arms, something inside snapped dropping her crutches and taking the last few steps toward him but a few moments after he wrapped his arms around her she started struggling to get away, but Jonathan just held tighter, then the tears came and the struggles slowly ceased and she clung to him crying. Picking her up Jonathan walks over to the couch to sit down to hold her closer and comfort her.

Jennifer watched it all and shortly after Jonathan had moved to the couch she picked up a blanket and came over to place over Janelle as well as her arms holding them both. Several moments later after the tears stopped Jonathan looked down to find Janelle had cried herself to sleep.

Together Jonathan and Jennifer took Janelle upstairs to put her to bed. Just as Jonathan was bending over to put Janelle in bed she woke panicking until realizing where she was and seeing Jennifer and Jonathan knew she was still safe and relaxing cuddled under the covers and went back to sleep.


The next morning Jonathan went to the office to find out what, if anything Stanley had found out.

"Stanley do you have any information for me?"

"Yes I do Mr. Hart, the girl in the picture you gave me is one of a set of identical twin girls that were born October 21 fifteen years ago next week. And the names they were given at birth are Aurora and Autumn Goodman their parents Sarah and Jacob Goodman and their older brother Derek died the same night the girls disappeared. Jacob had two brothers one of which has been trying to find his nieces since being notified they had not died in the fire that claimed the rest of the family."

"Are you sure this girl is one of the twins?"

"Yes Mr. Hart the picture is an exact copy of the picture of Autumn the uncle has been using with Missing Children Inc. Also the girls were so identical the only way the family could tell them apart was by what hand they used Aurora was right handed and Autumn was left handed."

"The uncle who is trying to find the girls, what are his plans for them do you know?"

"Yes I do Mr. Hart he and his wife wishes to adopt them as their own. Ah Mr. Hart may I ask why you want to know about these girls and how you came by this picture?"

Of course Stanley, a couple of months ago there was a press release about a Jane Doe. Did you see it?"

"Yes I did what was done to that girl was horrible."

"Yes it was. And do you remember that they said the girl was placed in a safe house?"

"Yes I do."

"Well Jennifer and I are that safe house, we have the girl at our house now and it's the same girl in that picture."

"How did you get picked for being the safe house if I might ask?"

"Well it's a long story but I'll tell you that while Jennifer and I were at the cabin and while out on horse back we found her, and if it hadn't been for Jennifer and getting her medical help that child would be dead now."

"Wow that must have been awful."

"It was for us and that child, but to get back to the original discussion. I would like you to send Eric to this uncle and let him know that Autumn has been found, but also see if he would let the people who are helping her be her legal guardians until she is well."

"Yes sir Mr. Hart will do."


After Stanley had gone Jonathan called home to speak with Jennifer.

"Hello."

"Jennifer, it looks like we have one week to prepare for a birthday."

"You found out when Janelle's birthday is?"

"That's right, I just found out who she is, and when her birthday is, its October 21. I've been thinking that if you agree I would like to get her a pet of her own."

"Oh Jonathan that would be perfect the way she loves Freeway."

"Ok then I'll start looking for the right one so I might be late getting home tonight."

"Ok see you later, bye."

After hanging up the phone Jennifer walked into the kitchen to let Max know.

"Max, that was Jonathan on the phone he found out who Janelle is and when her birthday is."

"So when's her birthday?"

"It's this Saturday the 21st we have 6 days to get things together to give her a birthday to remember." Looking out the window at Janelle reading one of the books she had given her.

"I don't think that would be to hard for you, there's a very good chance that she hasn't had a birthday since she was 8yrs old."

"That's possibly true, but I need to go shopping for presents but yet I can't leave her alone."

"You'll find a way I know it."

"I hope your right." Opening the door to go out to Janelle.


A couple of days later Zofia back from her working trip calls the house to see how things were going with Janelle.

"Jennifer, I just got back and wanted to know how things are going with Janelle."

"Oh hi Zofia, she's doing better, but why don't you come to visit I'm sure Janelle would like to see you again."

"I would love to see her again, how about I come by around 2:00 this afternoon."

"Great I'll let Janelle know see you soon."

"Ok see you, bye."

When Zofia arrived at the gate she rang in to the house to be let in, then drove up to the front door and was greeted by Max. Opening the door Max let Zofia in and told her she could find Jennifer and Janelle out back. Following Max through the house and out the doors through the kitchen.

Jennifer who was sitting at the table stood up to greet Zofia. "Hi Zofia welcome back to the states."

"Thanks I'm happy to be back, now where's Janelle?"

"You'll see her soon she just went inside to change to go swimming. While we wait a few minutes I have a favor to ask of you"

"Ok what's the favor."

"We found out Janelle's birthday is this Saturday and I need to go shopping for presents, can you stay with Janelle while I'm gone?"

"Of course you can." Might I invite myself to the party on Saturday?"

"Consider yourself invited. Ah here comes Janelle I'll let her know I have to run an errand and that you'll be here for her before I leave."

While Jennifer was taking care of getting the birthday presents and ordering a birthday cake then also ordering a vegetarian pizza for Saturday. When Jennifer returned with Max's help brought the gifts into the house and hid them until she could get them wrapped. Then going outside to see how Janelle was doing.

"Hi Zofia how did things go with Janelle?"

"Oh hi as you can see Janelle went for a swim and hasn't come out yet, but now that your back that might change."

"Maybe, I forgot to tell you how much she loves the water and will stay there until she's called out."

"So it's not just me then?"

"No Zofia it's not you, would you like to stay for dinner?"

"That would be nice but I think I ought to get Janelle a birthday present as well since I practically invited myself."

"Oh nonsense you know you don't have to bring her anything to come celebrate with us."

"But I would feel better, besides I want to get her something."

"Well ok then, so we'll see you Saturday early."

"How early are you talking here?"

"Oh say 8:30 maybe 9:00 we have planned an all day birthday."

"Ok that's not to early I'll see you then, bye."


Meanwhile at the office Stanley walked up to Deanne's desk and asked to speak with Mr. Hart. Picking up the phone Deanne let him know that Stanley was there to see him. Replacing the receiver Deanne told Stanley to go right in. Upon walking in Jonathan asked, "Yes Stanley is something wrong?"

"Ah no sir not exactly Mr. Hart but the girls uncle and aunt has requested to see their niece before even discussing where or with who she stays with."

"Ok when would they like to come and see why it is necessary for their niece to stay with us at this time."

"They have requested to see her this Saturday stating that with it being her birthday she should spend it with family."

"Ok have Eric is it bring them here and put them over and put them into the Hilton for a couple of nights. And I would like you to pick them up Saturday about 2:30 pm to bring them to the house and I'll take it from there."

"Yes sir Mr. Hart."

Leaving to take care of things for his boss. Hoping things worked out for everyone.


When Saturday arrived Jonathan and Jennifer waking early showered and dressed, then they went downstairs to get the decorations and the presents set up. Once everything was done Jennifer went upstairs to check on Janelle and see if she was awake and dressed. Just as Jennifer took the last step up she saw Janelle coming out of her room.

"Janelle wait, Jonathan and I have a surprise for you will you come this way?"

Wondering what the surprise is Janelle followed Jennifer down the back circular stairs and into the kitchen/breakfast room to find balloons and streamers over the table, and on the table was little pieces of sparkly paper. Still not knowing what was going on Janelle took the seat Jonathan held out for her, once seated she picked up the card sitting on the plate to see what it said, but she didn't know the word birthday so turning to Jennifer for help.

"It reads Happy Birthday Janelle, we love you."

Again Janelle points to the word birthday then looks to Jennifer.

"It means to celebrate the day you were born."

Opening her mouth into an "O" Janelle puts the card down as Max brought breakfast over. While eating Max answered the buzzer that rang to let them know someone was at the gate. Finding it was Zofia he rang her in and let the Harts know she was on her way up. Coming into the kitchen/breakfast area Zofia walked over to Janelle and kissed her on the cheek saying, "Happy Birthday sweetie, here I brought you this." Handing Janelle a card.

Opening the card Janelle read it then hugged and kissed Zofia on the cheek. Then finished eating her breakfast, wondering what else was going to happen.

After everyone was done eating and the dishes and table were cleaned Jonathan asked Janelle, "is there anything you really and truly want to do or get today for your birthday."

Thinking about it Janelle nods her head and points outside. Then gets up to go outside with the Harts and Zofia following. Finally stopping by a tree Janelle looks up then at Jonathan to ask for help in reaching the first branch.

"I don't think you should yet until your leg is much better."

Janelle though looks at the tree again then back at Jonathan with a sad face until Jonathan gives in, being very careful he lifts Janelle up until she is able to get a grip on the branch. Janelle then swings her legs up to help her climb the tree, climbing all the way to the top before coming back down into Jonathans waiting arms with a huge smile on her face. Hugging him very tightly before releasing him to head back to the house.

Walking into the house Jennifer gently guides Janelle toward the living room, where she finds more balloons and streamers and a big sign on the wall reading in big letters Happy Birthday, and underneath are presents and a cake with candles. In awe Janelle walks closer to investigate everything then turns to look at the Harts for several moments before stepping over to them for hugs and kisses. Finally moving back Jennifer says, "Do you like it?"

Janelle nods her head letting them know she likes it very much, but only runs her hand over the presents not knowing that she has to open them to see what's inside.

"Go ahead open the presents."

Janelle looks at Jennifer and Jonathan then back to the presents not knowing how to open such pretty boxes.

"Do you want some help with the first one?"

Turning to Jennifer she nods her head, so Jennifer comes over picks up one present and shows Janelle how to open it. When Janelle sees the fringed jacket inside she very gently picks it up to look it over and with tears in her eyes pulls it into her arms to cuddle it close then puts it on.

"I guess that means you like it."

Nodding her head Janelle reaches for the next one to open. Once all the presents had been opened Janelle, in awe at the beautiful clothes, boots, toys, and a necklace of a hollowed out heart with an opal floating in the middle, gave each and everyone a great big hug as a thank you.

Jennifer picked up the necklace looking at it and asked, "Jonathan why a hollowed out heart with an opal?"

"The Hollowed out heart is for us darling, we surround Janelle with protection and love, and the opal is Janelle's birthstone."

"Oh, that's such a great reminder for Janelle when she gets scared."

"I thought so." Leaning over to kiss Jennifer.

Several moments later Jonathan says, "there's one more present for you Janelle but we have to go get it when your ready that is."

Janelle not hesitating lets Jonathan know that she's ready now so they all pile into the Rolls Royce and Jonathan drives them so Janelle can pick out the present. Arriving at the kennels they go inside and are shown to a quiet room. A few moments' later 3 dogs are brought in for Janelle to choose from.

"Janelle I want you to pick one of these dogs to keep as your very own pet."

Janelle looks to the dogs then back to Jonathan several times before writing on a paper "really and truly mine?"

"Really and truly yours."

Janelle then kneels down on the floor to see each dog closer. After a while it became clear to all which dog Janelle was going to choose. Standing up again Janelle let Jonathan know she wanted the Husky with the blue eyes.

Jonathan then made the final arrangements but had Janelle fill out the papers and told her to write her name in as Janelle Hart, and the address of 3100 Willow Pond Rd. And finding out from the papers that the dogs name is Angel's Shadow. He then paid for the dog. Jennifer suggested they stop at a pet store to let Janelle pick out a collar and leash of her choosing as well as food dishes, hair brush, etc. that the dog would need.

"I guess we could call her Angel or Shadow, which do you like Janelle?"

Thinking about it Janelle finally decides on Shadow.


Arriving back at the house and getting everything put away, Janelle was sitting on the floor playing with Shadow when Max brought out a box and some plates. Opening it she saw a circle with cheese, and vegetables cut into slices, looking up to Jennifer for guidance, smiling Jennifer took a plate and put a piece of pizza on it saying, "This is called a pizza and you eat it with your fingers like so." Picking up another piece and showing Janelle how it was done.

Following Jennifer's lead Janelle tried it and found it was very good and ended up eating 2 pieces before stopping, being so full she couldn't eat anymore, seeing that Jennifer decided to wait before dishing up the cake.

Later just as Jennifer was about to cut the cake the buzzer sounded at the gate. Max then came in to let Jonathan know it was Stanley coming up with some guests.

"Ok Max I got the door thanks."

Opening the door just as they were getting out of the car Jonathan greeted Stanley.

"Hi Stanley thanks for bringing them." Turning toward the guests he said, "Hi Mr. and Mrs. Goodman won't you come in?"

"Thanks Mr. Hart for letting us come, where's our niece Autumn?"

"Jonathan please, and your niece "Janelle" is in here." Showing them into the living room.

"Jonathan then, and this is my wife Hannah and I'm Malachi."

"Ok Hannah, Malachi this is my wife Jennifer and a good friend and helper Zofia."

"Hello, nice to meet you."

"And this is Janelle."

Turning to Janelle, Malachi starts to walk over to her but stops when he sees Janelle backing away then Shadow started growling to keep him away.

"Autumn it's me, uncle Malachi and aunt Hannah."

Janelle who was backing away looked over to Jennifer for help who didn't hesitate to come over to her and hold her close to comfort and reassure her.

"Malachi why don't you and Jonathan sit down and have a talk while I take Janelle outside for some air."

"That's a great idea Jennifer, Hannah would you like to go to?"

"No I think I'll stay here."

As soon as Jennifer, Janelle, Zofia were outside Jonathan sat Malachi down to discuss what he just saw.

"Malachi, Hannah your niece is not who she was when you knew her, she has been badly treated and has some problems that we are working very hard to help her overcome. One of which is her fear of men in general it has taken me months with my wife's help to get close to Janelle and for her to trust me to not hurt her."

"Mr. Hart, Jonathan please what happened to my niece and why do you call her Janelle?"

"It's a very long story but when my wife and I found Janelle she was lucky to be alive, she had been so badly brutalized, starved and left for dead. We didn't know who she was at the time so the nurse's at the hospital and my wife agreed on the name Janelle so they could try to talk her back to life. But in all the time and work Jennifer put in to help a very strong bond developed between them and Janelle can't be without Jennifer very long or the fear and terror that Janelle suffers from comes out.

Closing his eye's for a moment Malachi asks another question, "Jonathan, exactly what was done to her, you've said she was brutalized but what, exactly was done?"

"When we asked the Dr. that, he told us the question should be what wasn't done to her. And I'll tell you the same as he told us she was raped, beaten, and tortured and because of those injuries she has suffered some brain damage and has to relearn even the basics of how to read, write, which so far has been the hardest to teach her, my wife has had to teach her just to day what the word birthday means and how to open presents."

"So what your saying is, I'm nothing but a stranger to her and a man that might, in her mind hurt her?"

"I'm afraid so."

"Maybe your right that she's scared of men, but I don't believe that your wife is the only one that can help Autumn. And I believe that she'll do just fine with us, I mean we are family."

"Malachi your making a big mistake if you insist on taking Janelle away from us this soon. Jennifer is the only person Janelle truly trusts."

"I'm sorry you think that Jonathan but I am insisting that you let us take Autumn home with us."

"I can't do that, I can't destroy her trust that we have been working so hard to gain."

"Then I guess we let the courts decide."

"I guess we will." Standing and walking them to the door, "goodbye and we'll see you in court."

"Bye."

Walking outside to the car, followed by Stanley to drive them back to the hotel.

Jonathan walks back inside and closes the door then heads out back to let Jennifer know they were gone and that they would talk after Janelle went to bed. Standing behind Jennifer with his arms wrapped around her they watched Janelle as she played with Shadow and Freeway.

Continue on to Part Seven

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