Steve and Jaime sat in their kitchen. Their three children…nine year old James, eight year old Jennifer and six year old Steven Carl were entertaining themselves somewhere in the house. Their adopted son Marc now 18 was on a mission in the Far East somewhere.

“I wonder how Marc is?” Jaime thought as she thumbed through the family album remembering several years back to when it had all started…

It had all started in 1976…or somewhere around in there. Oscar’s sister and brother-in-law had been killed in a plane crash. Their four sons and come to live with their uncle….there was 12 year old Dan… a boy genius. Seven year old twins Marc and Matt, and four year old Joseph.

It had been rough at first. Oscar had to fight with the Department of Children and Families to keep his nephews who he eventually adopted as his own sons.

Things were just starting to look up for Oscar and his family when Marc had a serious accident. The only way to save the child’s life was to have Rudy perform bionic surgery on the seven year old.

Marc had a very hard time adjusting, but with Steve and Jaime’s understanding Marc did just fine.

Steve and Jaime had gotten married but discovered they could not have children of their own. They were devastated till Dan stepped in. He figured out not only a way for Steve and Jaime to not only have their own children but exact duplicates of themselves. Along with the cloning Dan had also created a time machine that had finally been destroyed.

They had James first. The cloning was a success except for the fact it had worked to well, not only was James exactly like Steve in looks…he was also as strong as his father.

Dan perfected his procedure and Jaime and Steve cloned Jaime this time giving them a daughter.

A couple of years later everyone curious to see if Dan’s intelligence could be duplicated Jaime and Steve dared to test the waters once more…this time cloning Dan.

“It turned out that not only was the baby (Steven Carl) as smart as Dan, he was smarter.

“Dan had arranged for Steven to attend the school he had gone too. Steven had started attending when he was three, he was now in the first grade.

Oscar’s son Marc had moved in with them right before James was born and was just as much their child as the other three. He had even taken on the family name. He was now Marc Austin, but now at 18 was considering whether or not he should go back to Goldman.

“I don’t know.” Steve replied.

“Huh?” Jaime gave him a blank look.

“You were asking about Marc. You wondered what he was doing.” Steve reminded.

“Oh, yeah, I was just doing some reminiscing.” Jaime admitted.

“Well, I’m going to go see what the kids are up to.” Steve stood from the table.

“When you find them…tell them dinner will be ready in just a few minutes, make sure James washes his hands…you know him and dirt…”

“Yeah” Steve laughed. “Best friends.”

“Tell me about it.” Jaime smiled.

Steve found Jennifer in her room reading. “Hey Princess” Steve smiled at her. “Dinner is just about ready.”

“Ok daddy.” The eight year old replied.

“Do you know where your brothers are?” Steve hoped they were both in the house.

“I think James is out in the tree house, and Steven is in his room building something.”

“Oh, with his blocks” Steve seemed happy that the little genius was doing something besides reading.

Jennifer shrugged. “I don’t know.” She replied. But you better tell mommy to be careful when she does the clothes tomorrow…”

“Oh, why’s that?” Steve asked.

“I saw James out the window, he was stuffing worms in his pockets…”

“I’ll warn mommy” Steve laughed. “You go get cleaned up. I’ll round up the fellas ok.”

“Ok daddy.” Jennifer skipped across the room and hugged him. “I’ll see you at dinner.”

Steve tapped on Steven’s door. “Hey bud, time for dinner, mom’s waiting.”

“I’ll be right there” Steven said. At six he was far more articulate than James was at the age of nine.

“Ok, I have to get James; I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

Steve walked on downstairs. He knew he didn’t need to remind Jennifer or Steven to wash their hands. James would more than likely have to be stripped and showered before he would be allowed to set foot in the kitchen.

“James!” Steve called from the front porch. “James!”

“Yeah dad.” James called from the tree house.

“Time for dinner son” Steve called. “And please use the ladder when you come down.”

“I remember.” James climbed down the ladder and ran over to his dad. “I won’t forget that.” James referred to the time he had jumped off the roof and broke his ankle.

Everyone was at the table when Steve and James finally made it to the table. “He needed a full bath.” Steve said as he sat at one end of the table.

“When will Marc be back?” Jennifer asked as she noted the empty seat across from here.

“I’m not sure Princess.” Steve scooped up potatoes and passed the bowl to James. “Do you want potatoes?”

James nodded. “Yes please, I miss Marc.”

“I do to, but Uncle Oscar needed Marc to…” He looked at Jaime. “He need Marc to um uh…run an errand for him. He’ll be back soon.”

“I hope so” Jennifer added. “James needs help with his homework.”

“Now that’s enough Jaime took the potatoes from Steve and filled Steven and Jennifer’s plates while Steve started passing the roast beef.

Steve and Jaime had just finished putting the kids to bed when the doorbell rang. Steve and Jaime both answered it. They were shocked to see Oscar standing on their porch.

“What is it Oscar?” Steve asked as Oscar stepped into the house.

“I just thought you might want to know. I heard from Marc about forty five minutes ago…”

“Is he alright?” Jaime asked expecting the worse

Oscar nodded. “He finished the assignment; he’ll be back by noon tomorrow.”

“That’s great.” Jaime sighed. “I was afraid it would be bad news.”

“Marc has done great.” Oscar smiled. “And now that he’s officially old enough to go on missions…”

“No Oscar, it’s just that now that Marc is 18 he can make his own choice…” Steve interrupted.

“That’s what I meant.” Oscar countered.

Does he need us to pick him up at Andrew’s?” Steve asked.

Oscar nodded and handed them Marc’s flight information. “I’d pick him up myself, but I have a meeting at 12:30 with the Secretary.”

“I understand.” Steve took the information from him. “He’s flying himself…right?”

Again Oscar nodded.

The next day Steve, Jaime and the kids were at Andrews just in time to watch Marc taxi his plane across the tarmac. He jumped out to the cockpit and ran over to where everyone was waiting for him.

“Hi mom” he kissed Jaime on the cheek. “Hey dad, how is everything.” Marc shook his hand.

“Just fine son” Steve replied as he helped Marc grab his gear out of the back of the plane. “Oscar said the mission went well.”

Marc patted his breast pocket. “I’ve got the micro-chip right here.”

“We’ll stop by the OSI, you can give it to Oscar.” Steve spoke as everyone piled into the car.

“That would be great, then we can get home,” He turned to Jaime “What’s for lunch, I’m starving.”

“I thought we’d have hamburgers.” Jaime looked at him ‘Unless you’d like something else.”

“Hamburgers will be great.” Marc smiled at her.

They pulled into the parking lot of the OSI. “I’m going up with Marc.” Steve got out of the car. There is something I need to talk to Oscar about.”

As they walked into the building Steve caught up to Marc. “I have plans on the 14th with Jaime…she doesn’t know it yet. Dinner…dancing…all of that.” Steve said as they walked in the door.

“That sounds cool.” Marc held the door for him.

“You don’t have any plans do you?”

“Me…plans on Valentines…with who?” Marc chuckled.

“I was wondering, would you be able to watch the kids?”

“I would love doing that.” Marc pressed the button to call the elevator.

“Thanks.” Steve patted him on the back. “We can’t hire a regular babysitter what with James and Steven.”

“Wouldn’t she be shocked?” Marc smiled.

“I think that’s putting it mildly.” Steve laughed.

Marc gave Oscar the microchip then he and Steve headed back to the car.

“Well” Steve got back behind the wheel. “Let’s go home.”

“I can’t wait.” Marc smiled at his brothers and sister who were anxious to get home and see what their big brother had brought them from his trip.

At home Marc had lunch and handed out the gifts he had brought home. “Now, I’m hitting the sack” he grinned. “I’m beat.”

Marc was sleeping, Jaime had taken the children in to town to do some shopping so Steve decided to see what Steven was up to in his room. He opened the door and was shocked by what he saw.

He ran to the phone and dialed Rudy “Rudy, you and Dan have got to get over here you’re not going to believe it. Steven has built a time machine.” Steve cried into the phone.

“We’ll grab Oscar and be right there!” Dan and Rudy assured.

“It’s amazing.” Dan exclaimed as he stared at the time machine his clone had created “I mean it’s almost like the first one I built.”

Rudy, Oscar and Steve nodded.

“Jennifer said that Steve was ‘building something’ as she put it. When Jaime and the kids went out I had to check on it and…”

“I wonder if it works.” Dan said as he walked over to it.

“Well let’s hope it doesn’t.” Oscar too stared at the duplicate time machine his son had built when he was 12.

Dan punched in a few numbers on the computer then put a stuffed toy on the heating/launching pad and pressed the enter button on the keyboard. In an instant the stuffed dog was gone. “Well it looks like it works.” Dan observed.

“I wonder where the toy went.” Oscar speculated.

Dan read the numbers off the computer “Looks like Chicago…um uh…1929.” Dan read. “At least he perfected what it took me two more years to come up with.” Dan said more to himself than anyone else.”

“Well weather it works or not.” Oscar continued “It shouldn’t be here…in the house…in a six- year-olds bedroom.”

“I agree.” Steve finished. “I think we should take it to the OSI as soon as possible.”

“I’ll arrange for the mobile lab to pick it up first thing in the morning.” Oscar assured. “In the mean time…I don’t think anyone…and I mean anyone should be allowed in that room.” He turned to Dan. “Will you oversee it’s um uh…commute?”

Chuckling Dan agreed. “Sure dad, no problem.”

They were just coming down the steps when Jaime and the kids arrived back home. “What’s going on?” Jaime asked as she saw the entire group coming down the steps. “Is Marc alright?”

“Marc’s fine Jaime” Steve walked over to her. “It’s um uh our son Steven.”

“Well he’s with me. I know he’s alright.” Jaime sighed in relief. “I guess it’s something he’s done?”

Steve nodded. “You could say that. Last night Jennifer told me Steven was ‘building something’ in his room. I checked it out when you left…”

“And?” Jaime pressed.

“Jaime…Steven built a time machine…much like the one Dan built when he was a kid.”

Jaime stared at him. “Does it work?”

“As far as we can tell…yes” Steve finished. “Rudy and Dan are going to transport it to the OSI tomorrow.”

“In the mean time” Oscar added “I don’t want anyone going in that room. Steven will have to bunk in with James…or something.”

“Of course” Jaime nodded. “I won’t let my baby stay somewhere that could be dangerous.”

“I wonder” Dan thought out loud.

“Wonder what?” Rudy asked.

“I wonder if Steven made a remote link…you know like I did.”

Steve slapped his head. “I’m sure he did. The TV remote has been missing for three days.”

Dan nodded “sounds logical” he muttered.

“Where is Steven anyway?” Steve asked.

“He’s out back playing with James and Jennifer.” Jaime told him.

“I better go get him and have a long chat.” Steve headed for the back door.

“Mind if I join you?” Dan asked. ‘I have some questions myself.”

“Not at all” Steve sounded great-full to have the ‘help’.

A few years before Steve and Jaime…in wanting and needing to protect their special children had moved to the country where James could run as fast as he wanted when he wanted. They had a huge back yard that had playground equipment everywhere. When Steve and Dan stepped out Steven was climbing up the ladder to the slide where James was waiting to jump up.

“Climbing took too long.” He had once said.

“Steven.” Steve called. “Could you come here for a minute? I need to talk to you.”

Steven slid down the slide and walked over to where Steve and Dan sat at the picnic table.

“We need to talk about what’s in your room.” Steve began.

“I’d like to see it.” Jaime started putting the groceries.

“I’d rather no one go into that room.” Oscar reminded. “We all know how dangerous that time machine can be…”

“Oh come on Oscar.” Jaime interrupted. “It was ‘invented’ if you will by a six year old.” Jaime scoffed.

“A six year old who is very smart.” Rudy reminded.

Jaime gave a slight chuckle. “I know how smart my son is.” Jaime sneered.

“Jaime, you forget.” Rudy walked over to her. “Biologically Steven is not your son…he’s Dan’s clone. We’ve known from the time Steven was born he was already at the very least as smart as Dan….the same way James is as strong as Steve.” Rudy reminded. “It’s only logical that the time machine works as good as…if not better than Dan’s original.”

Jaime nodded her agreement. “I suppose you’re right…I’d still like to see it though.”

Oscar and Rudy looked at each other. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to just look.” Oscar admitted…

“As long as you stay completely away from it” Rudy warned.

“I will.” Jaime assured. “I promise.”

The three went upstairs and Jaime opened the door to her youngest son’s room. It was unlike the room of a six year old where one would find child like drawings on the wall and toys all over the floor.

Instead this room was very neat as kept so by its young occupant. Rather than drawings on the wall there were neat stacks of sketches outlining the time machine. There were books lining the bookshelves…not about what one would expect to find…small easy to read stories, but there were books about time travel, history and advanced sciences

Jaime stared in astonishment at the time machine. “It looks just like the one Dan built.”

“It works just like it to…I think anyway.” Rudy admitted.

They stepped out of the room. “You know.” Oscar began as Jaime closed the door. “I think I’ll have a guard come over…just to keep the children out…I mean if you two got busy somewhere else…”

“I think we can watch over our own children.” Jaime turned to him. “We’ve been doing pretty good so far.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong.” Steven argued. “I want a lawyer.”

“He’s been watching too much television.” Steve observed.

“I’m a lawyer” Dan reminded.

“And you’re not in trouble.” Steve added. “We just want to talk to you about what you built in your room.”

“It’s a time machine.” Steven admitted almost too freely.

“What prompted you to want to do such?” Steve pressed.

“I want to go back in time.” Steven admitted.

“Now why would you want to do that?” Dan asked.

Steve looked from his father to Dan. “I just do…that’s all.”

“You have to have a reason.” Dan put a hand on Steven’s shoulder.

Again Steven looked at the two men standing in front of him. “Well its…its…its uh…” Steven stammered.

“Come on” Dan urged, “you can tell us anything.”

“I can?” Steven sounded almost shocked.

Steve and Dan both nodded. “Now why don’t you tell us why you want to go back in time…What time do you want to go back to?” Steve pressed.

“To right before I was born.” The articulate boy replied.

“Now why would you want to do that?” Steve was getting a little nervous. Just how much did Steven know…He had never asked before…none of the children and asked…but of course James was Steve’s clone…and Jennifer was Jaime’s clone. They both looked just like their parents.

Steven looked straight at Steve. “Are you my father or is he?” Steven pointed to Dan.

Steve and Dan exchanged looks. “I guess he might as well know the truth.” Dan started.

“I knew it.” Steven threw his arms around Dan. “You are my father…”

“Of course you’ve been doing a great job.” Oscar assured. “I’m not indicating that you haven’t. It’s just that I thought for the safety of James and Jennifer…”

“I see where you’re coming from.” Jaime gave him a hug. “I guess I just over reacted. I suppose it would be a good idea if you were to send a guard over.”

“I’ll get right on it.” Oscar called over to the OSI. “He’ll be here within the hour. I need to get home myself. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Jaime watched as Oscar got in his car and headed home.

“I think I’ll go see what Steve and Dan are doing. I need to give Dan a ride home.” Rudy turned away from Jaime.

“Not exactly” Dan sat Steven on the picnic table bench and proceeded to tell him the entire story. Steven’s grew larger and larger as Dan told him now only was he his clone…but James was Steve’s and Jennifer was Jaime’s.

“Wow” Steven exclaimed when Dan had finished. “I guess I don’t need to go back in time now.”

“So you won’t be upset if uncle Oscar comes and takes it to where he and Rudy work?’ Steve spoke for the first time.

Steven shook his head, “that’s ok daddy.”

“…So Steven know the whole story?” Jaime asked.

“We really didn’t have a choice…I mean he would have figured it out anyway…”

“I suppose you’re right.” Jaime agreed. “I was just hoping he’d be a little older.”

“Me too, by the way, when will that guard be here.

“He should be here in a few minutes…why?”

“I better run up to Steven’s room and get what he’ll need for the night…and tomorrow morning. If I know Oscar the guard won’t let even us in.”

“Well with your experiences with time machines…” Jaime reminded.

“Don’t remind me.” Steve smiled as he headed upstairs to get things out of Steve’s room that he might need in the next 12 to 24 hours.

“I’m coming with you.” Jaime was right behind him.

Steve walked through the room gathering up pajamas and clean clothes for the next day. He wasn’t anywhere near the time machine then Jaime said that Steven needed the papers that were on the desk for school.

Carefully Steve walked over to the desk he had just grabbed the last of Steven’s homework when his hand hit he enter button.

Not realizing it Steve stepped on the heating/launching pad and to Jaime’s horror he vanished…

Rudy and Dan heard Jaime’s scream as they were getting into Rudy’s car.

“What was that?” Dan wondered.

“Trouble” Rudy replied. They raced into the house and up the stairs. Rudy knew…for some reason…to go straight to Steven’s room.

“Jaime what is it…what happened?” Rudy asked.

“Steve was getting a few things for Steven….”

“He tripped the time machine.” Dan surmised.

Jaime nodded. “Oh Dan…where did he go?”

Dan stepped over to the computer monitor. “Chicago…Feb 14, 1929.” Dan read the display.

“Why does that date sound so familiar?” Jaime asked.

“The St Valentine’s Day Massacre” Rudy spoke the words slowly.

“I was afraid you were going to say that.” Jaime sighed. “Can we get him back?”

“Only if Steven was smart enough to make a ‘remote link’” Dan managed. “I’ll go talk to him.”

Just as Dan was about to go out of the room Jaime picked an object up off the bed. “So that’s where the TV remote went, now why on earth…”

“Let me see it Jaime.” Dan took it from her. “This is the remote link…I’m sure.”

Dan set it to the right date and time and then jumped onto the heating/launching pad. “Hit the enter button Rudy.” Dan requested.

“You’re father will shoot me.” Rudy objected.

“Rudy, I’m not a kid anymore. If Steve runs into Al Capone…there is no telling what could happen to Steve or to Mr. Capone for that.”

Rudy thought for a moment. “I guess I have no choice. I can’t go chasing after Al Capone.” Rudy admitted his age was catching up with him. In fact he just hung around the lab to make it look like he was still working and not officially retired. He knew the NSB would have a field day with that one.”

“Ok Dan, hang on.” Rudy was just ready to hit the enter key. “Hang on a second Dan.”

“What?” Dan stated at him.

“It might be cold…I mean it’s February in Chicago.”

“I’ll get Steve’s coat.” Jaime ran down stairs and was back in a few seconds with both Dan and Steve’s coats. “Here you go Dan.” She handed them to him.

“Thanks Jaime. I’m ready Rudy.”

Again Dan stood on the heating/launching pad…Rudy hit the enter button and Dan disappeared.

Dan looked around. “Wow, it really does work.” He thought to himself as he looked around the streets of Chicago. “I wonder where Steve could be…I shouldn’t be too far behind him.”

Dan walked the streets searching for Steve, but at the same time admiring the way things looked back in 1929. It was February the Stock Market Crash was still about eight months away. Every business Dan passed seemed to be thriving…Especially the Speakeasies, where bootlegged liquor flowed more than water.

Dan was just passing an alley when he was grabbed by an unseen person. “Do you have the remote link?”

Dan turned and stared right into Steve’s eyes. “Steve, are you alright?”

“Yeah, I didn’t want to wander to far from where I ‘came in’ I figured you or Jaime would be coming soon. Do you have the remote link?”

Dan nodded and pulled it out of his pocket. “I brought your coat to, it’s not that cold though…

“I’ll put it on anyway besides I think we better get back.” Steve pulled his coat on. It was rather chilly.

“As interested in everything going on, I must say I do agree.” Dan was just getting ready to push the button on the TV remote when they saw a line of men across the street. Seven men held their hands up while the other’s…two of them police men marched the seven into a garage across the street.

“What’s that all about?” Steve wondered.

“I think we better get out of here.” Dan couldn’t help but stare at the scene that was playing out. He had read many articles about this…but to see it firsthand…”

“You were saying we should go.” Steve looked at Dan.

“Yeah, we really should.” Dan again put his finger on the ‘enter’ button and was just grabbing Steve’s elbow so they could go back together when shots rang out from the garage across the street. They were more than just shots. It was machine gun fire.

“Those men might need help.” Steve broke away from Dan…luckily Dan didn’t press the button. He put the TV remote back in his coat pocket and followed Steve across the street.

“Steve, we need to get out of here.” Dan pleaded.

“Dan those were shots.” Steve looked at him. “Shots…someone might need help.”

“They all need help. Steve this is Feb. 14, 1929. Does that date ring any bells?”

“Well he’s gone.” Rudy looked around the room. “I just hope Dan can find him.”

“What if he can’t?” Jaime wondered.

“We’ve been over this several times.” Rudy reminded. “If Dan can’t find him then I doubt either of them come back…”

“What?” Jaime could hardly believe what he was saying.

“I don’t think Dan would come back and leave Steve in 1929.” Rudy explained.

“I suppose you’re right” Jaime sighed. They were just coming out of the room when Marc stepped out of his room. “Did I take a nap or what?”

“You’ve slept most of the day.” Jaime smiled at him.

“Is everything ok?” Marc could read the expression on Jaime’s face.

“You haven’t heard the excitement.” Jaime filled him in on everything that was going on.

“I’m going after them.” Marc headed for Steven’s room.

“No you’re not.” Rudy stopped him. “We’ll be lucky if Dan finds Steve, much less you catching up with the two of them.”

“I suppose you’re right, but I feel like I should do something.” Marc sighed

“About what?” Oscar’s voice came up the stairs.

Again Jaime explained what had happened.

“How long ago did Dan go after him?” Oscar asked

“About ten minutes ago.” Jaime sighed. “They are usually back by now…aren’t they?”

Rudy nodded. “Let’s give it a little more time.” Maybe Dan just can’t find Steve.”

“Or maybe they were both gunned down by Al Capone’s gang.” Marc muttered.

“What did you say?” Oscar asked.

“Dad, they went back to Chicago on Feb. 14, 1929.” Marc reminded.

“Feb. 14, 1929.” Oscar repeated. “The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre”

Steve nodded. But his instinct got the better of him. He ran across the street with Dan on his heels. “Steve there is nothing we can do.” Dan pleaded.

Steve raced to the garage with Dan right behind him.

They were nearly trampled by the men coming out.

“Looks like we have ourselves a couple of witnesses” One of the men snarled. “I say we gun them down now.” He pointed the gun at Steve.

“I say we take him to the boss. They could be part of Moran’s gang. What do you say Jack?”

The man nodded. “I think the boss would be interested in them…especially with their strange clothes.

“I’m sorry Dan. I should have let you take us back when you wanted to go.” Steve looked at the young man in front of him.

“You did what you felt was best.” Dan shrugged.

“I’m just sorry I got you involved in this.” Steve continued as the two men urged them on with their machine guns. “I wonder who the ‘boss’ is.”

“I’m sure it’s Mr. Capone himself.” Dan speculated.

“See Jack, they do know who we are. I’m sure their part of Moran’s gang.”

“They don’t look like it.” Jack scoffed. “I mean where did they get those odd clothes?”

“Maybe they’re from out of town.” The other man muttered.

“Steve you didn’t get us into anything…” Dan began.

“Why don’t the two of you just be quiet?” Jack shook his machine at them.

“I get the point.” Steve muttered. He and Dan finished the trip in silence.

“All right, get in.” Jack ordered when they came to a car parked around the corner from the garage.

“I just hope he’s not ‘taking us for a ride’” Steve thought as he and Dan were forced into the back seat. His fears were put to rest when the two men got into the front seat together.

‘This may be fairly interesting’ Dan thought ‘actually meeting Al Capone…face to face’.

“What’s this Jack?” A man asked as Jack and his friend escorted Dan and Steve into the hide out.

“We’re not sure Frank.” Jack responded. “We think they need to see the boss. Where is Al?”

“He’s in the back. Did you ‘take care’ of Moran?”

“He wasn’t’ there…we got most of his ‘tribe’ though.

“Al’s not going to like this.” Frank responded.

Jack handed Frank his gun. “You watch them, I’ll go get the boss…see what he wants us to do with our witnesses.”

“Witnesses?” Frank repeated.

“Yeah” Jack smirked. “They saw the whole thing go down. In a way they seem to know it wasn’t a police raid like everyone was supposed to believe. Anyway I’m going to get Al.”

Jack disappeared while Frank sat with his gun aimed at Steve and Dan…

Steve stared at Frank. ‘That has to be Frank Nitti’ Steve thought. ‘I’ve seen pictures of him I know that’s him.’

Dan glanced at him but soon regretted it…

“Don’t look at each other.” Frank shouted. “We ‘wants’ to see what that boss wants us to do ‘withs’ ya.”

Dan cringed at the misuse of the English Language.

Steve and Dan turned away from each other as to not cause any more trouble.

After what seemed like hours ‘the boss’ finally appeared.

It was strange seeing the man in ‘color’ the only places Dan and Steve had ever seen Al Capone was in the black and white photos in old news paper articles and books.

“I understand you saw some of my men taking care of some business for me?” Al started.

“We didn’t see anything.” Steve corrected. “We heard gun fire and went to help…”

“You didn’t see Jack gun down them in the garage?”

Steve shook his head.

“That’s not what I heard.” Al moved closer to Steve.

“Look Mr. Capone.” Steve began.

“You do know who I am then?” Al sneered.

Steve nodded “I thought everyone knew who Al Capone is.”

Al turned to Frank and Jack. “I guess I didn’t know how popular I’d become.

“Anyway Dan and I were across the street when the shots were fired. As I said…”

“Again…not what I heard” Al’s voice began to rise.

“I think you’re making a big mistake.” Steve noted. “Just let us go and we’ll…”

“Yeah…go straight to the cops.” Frank interrupted.

“Actually we just want to go home…get out of Chicago.”

“You’re from out of town?” Al drilled.

“Yes. And my wife is waiting for me. We need to go.” Steve pleaded.

“In time….in time” Al held up his hand. “How do we know you’re not in Moran’s gang?”

“We’re not. As I said, we’re from out of town.” Steve reminded.

At the moment Al motioned for Frank and Jack to join him. The three men whispered for several minutes then with a smile on his face Al turned to Steve. “So you’re not in Moran’s gang…I want you to prove it.”

“How do I do that?” Steve wondered.

“We’ve been talking things over. You see part of the problem is…is that Moran and his men know who most of us are.” Al spoke softly

“What are you getting at?” Steve pressed.

“We’ll let you know. We still have some things to discuss.” Al again turned to his men.”In the mean time you two make yourselves comfortable” Al looked from one to the other.

“We’re putting you on the honor system.” Frank smirked “but not completely.” He searched the two of them. To Steve and Dan’s relief he bypassed their wallets but when he found the ‘remote link’ he took it.

“Looks like it might be pretty valuable.” Frank said. “We’ll just hang on to it.”

“It’s nothing…really.” Dan spoke for the first time.

“We’ll be the judge of that.” Jack patted him on the back. “In the mean time…just sit back and relax.”

The three men left the room “now what?” Steve asked.

Dan shrugged. “I don’t know, without it we can’t get back.”

“What if they ‘take it apart’ or something” Steve wondered.

“I could probably put it back together. You know when we get back…they will hardly have missed us.”

“I hope you’re right.” Steve sighed. “It seems like we’ve been gone for hours. I can’t wait to get home and take an ax to that new time machine”

“I’m with you.” Dan agreed. “To us we may be gone for days…but once I get the remote link back I’ll be able to program it to just a few minutes after I left. The others may miss us…but just for a bit.”

“I just thought of something.” Steve’s face was white. “That remote link…what if it doesn’t work? I mean…it’s never been tested.”

Dan nodded, “you have a point, but mine worked. I built it on the same basis Seven used.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Steve gave a slight chuckle.

“What’s so funny?” Dan wondered.

“I just got to thinking. I feel like I’m on a mission your father has sent me on…”

“In what way?” Dan asked.

“Can’t you just here him…Here’s your next assignment Steve. I need you to bring this guy in…”

Dan gave laugh as well. “Well it was the feds who eventually bring him down.”

“You’re right there.” Steve sighed. “I just wish Steven had never invented that thing.”

“Yeah, well he did. I guess we’re just going to have to get used to the fact he’ll probably do everything I did.”

Steve nodded.

“Has he shown any signs of asthma yet?” Dan wondered.

“Jaime and I watch him very closely for that.” Steve told him.”But so far nothing.”

“That’s good.” Dan smiled.

“You haven’t had any trouble for some time now…have you?” Steve asked. It was really the first time they had actually had a discussion regarding Steven.

“Not for a couple of years now.” Dan shook his head. “I think I outgrew it…if Steven ever does show any signs…I guess that will be one bright spot.”

Steve nodded. “What do you suppose they’re going to do with us?”

Dan shook his head. “I really don’t know. Sometimes I can ‘read’ people…you know I kind of know what their plan might be.” He looked around the Capone hide out. “But this time…I just can’t figure it out.”

The minutes turned into hours, finally Capone, Nitti and Jack stepped back into the room. “I see you’re still here.” Al smiled. “I would say that is very honorable.

“Also, Moran’s gang hasn’t come looking for’em.” Nitti added.

“This is true.” Al agreed.

“I told you.” Steve pressed “we don’t work for Moran. Until just now…I’d never heard of Moran…”

“Except of what we see in the paper or on News reels.” Dan added.

“I see.” Capone smirked.

“How’s about that job boss” Jack interrupted.

“Aw yes the job…as I stated earlier” Al continued. “Since you are from out of town and no one who works for Moran know you…it just might work.”

“What might work?” Steve was growing suspicious.

“You see our objective today was to kill Bugs Moran.” All went on, but he wasn’t in the group that we ‘took care of’ so we was wondering…well we got to thinking that…You see they are going to be on the lookout for any of us…”

“What are you driving at?” Steve demanded.

Al did some more stumbling around. Steve and Dan were getting the impression that Al, nor his ‘friends’ were going to tell them what was going on.

“I think we better get going.” Steve again stated…hoping that either Al would let them leave or at least clue them in as to what he wanted.

“As I said” Al began again, “no one in the Moran gang knows who you are….”

“You said that before.” Steve pressed. “Get on with it…say what you’re going to say.”

“No one tell me what to do.” Al snarled.

“That may be true.” Steve spat, but if you want me to do something…just say so.”

“I admire your spunk.” Al looked from Dan to Steve. “Alright, I want you to kill Bugs Moran. I want you to get in his group and earn his trust…then I want you to kill him.”

“I don’t know if I can do that.” Steve sighed he was afraid that’s what Al wanted. “We need to get back home.”

“I think you can do this!” Al shouted “I think you will do this! It may take you a day or two…”

“In a day or two, I plan to be relaxing with my family at home.” Steve interrupted.

Al wouldn’t take no for an answer. “You will go I’ll tell you who to contact. They will get you into Moran’s gang.” Al pointed to Dan. “He can stay here till your job is complete…then you can go home…”

Although Dan was no longer the 12 year old he had always felt obligated to protect…the thought of leaving him alone with a notorious gangster was out of the question

“I’ll do it. But Dan has to come with me. I’m not leaving this building without him.”

Al thought for a moment. “Alright…but Frank will be right behind you. He’s not going to let you out of his sight.”

Steve nodded “I understand.” He turned to Dan “come on.”

“Sure Steve, just a second. Mr. Capone, you have something that belongs to me. If we are on the same side…as you put it, I want it back. It has no value to you.”

Al looked at the remote. “I think you’re right.” He handed it to Dan.

“Thanks.” Dan put it back in his pocket. “I’m ready Steve.”

Steve gave him wink that he hoped no one had picked up on.

“Frank will lead you to your contact.” Al stated as Steve and Dan prepared to leave. “Once you are in with Moran…Frank will continue to watch you to make sure you fulfill your duty. Then we will see…if you want to work for us…you can.”

“Thanks.” Steve made sure Dan was in front of him as they walked out of the hide out.

“Don’t let us down now.” Al smirked behind them.

Steve and Dan looked at each other. “I can’t wait to get out of here.” Steve whispered to Dan. “Is that thing ready to go?

Dan gave a slight nod.

“Can we just disappear in front of this guy?” Steve asked.

Dan gave a slight smile. “It would serve him right, he might think he’s going bonkers…then he has to explain everything to Al.” Dan continued to smile.

“You know, we could alter history…maybe we should…”

“Kill Moran?” Dan reminded.

“I guess you’re right.” Steve agreed. “No matter how we slice it…”

“Right, just grab my shoulder, and I’ll hit the button…I just hope it works.”

Steve grabbed onto Dan. Just as Dan prepared to press the button a group of kids ran past them knocking it out of Dan’s hand and smashing to the ground…

Dan reached down a picked up the pieces.

“Can you repair it?” Steve asked staring at the shattered remote.

“I don’t know.” Dan sighed…I just don’t know.”’

“You’re going to give it the ole college try though.” Steve pleaded

Dan nodded, “of course I am. Let’s go somewhere where I can try to put it back together again.”

“I just hope it’s not like Humpty Dumpty.” Steve muttered.

“You can say that again.” Dan stated “There’s a café, let’s go inside have something to eat, and I’ll take a look at it.”

They stepped inside and sat down in a booth. Within moments the waitress came to take their order.

“We’ll have to daily specials.” Dan ordered when he saw the menu. The special was a burger, fries, a drink and a slice of pie for sixty cents a piece.

“That will be a dollar twenty.” The waitress chirped.

“You mean we pay before we eat?” Steve couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Only with new customers, you’d be surprised how many people ‘lost’ their wallet by the time it’s time to pay.”

“I understand.” Steve reached in his wallet and pulled out two one dollar bills.

As Steve and hoped the waitress grabbed without looking them and took them over to the cashier glanced at them and tossed them into the cash register, then she handed the waitress Steve’s change

She walked over and placed forty cetns on the table then went and placed the order.

“How’s it coming?” Steve asked as Dan tried to fit the pieces back together.

“Not very good” Dan muttered.

Soon the café was so busy the waitress didn’t know if which direction she was going, she brought the daily specials over to where Steve and Dan sat. “Thank you and enjoy.”

Steve nodded as he picked up the ketchup and poured it on his fries.

Dan sighed in exasperation and started eating his lunch. “I don’t know Steve, I don’t know if I’ll be able to fix it or not.”

“If you can’t repair it” Steve munched his burger. “We’ll never get home.”

“I know that. Look at the bright side.” Dan gave a half smile

“What bright side.” Steve glared at him

“We know everything that’s going to happen for the next fifty seven years.” Dan shrugged.

“Very funny” Steve sneered. “I’d like to get back to my family.”

“Me too, I’m doing the best I can.” Dan took a couple of bites of his hamburger then again set about trying to get it to work.

Dan leaned over the remote. “I think this goes here like this.” Dan muttered as the pieces started falling into place.

As Dan worked more and more customers came and went.

Steve tried to eat slow so they wouldn’t throw the two of them out.

Just as Steve took the last bite of his hamburger Dan cried out. “I got it, I think I got it.”

“You fixed it?” Steve looked across the table.

“Well, it’s back together” Dan explained. Whether it works or not…we’re about to find out, reach over and touch my hand.”

Steve did and Dan pressed the button…nothing happened.

“Dan…we should be home by now.” Steve chided.

“I know!” Dan practically shouted back.

“What’s the matter…why won’t it work?”

Dan shook his head. “I don’t know…It should….”

“Well it didn’t.” Steve sighed.

Dan thought for a moment. “Maybe we need to be at the place we came in at.”

“That sounds logical.” Steve and Dan stood to leave. They left the sixty cents on the table. As they opened the door the waitress ran up to them.

“Sir.” She called to Steve “you forgot your change.

“That’s for you.” Steve reminded. Then it hit him maybe people didn’t leave tips in the 1920s.

“You were so nice to us. It’s just my way of saying thanks.”

“Well thank you.” The waitress wasn’t going to argue with him…or turn down sixty cents.

Steve wondered what he manager was going to say when he went to count the drawer out the night and found the two odd one dollar bills.

They practically ran to the place where they had both come in…a street corner a few blocks up.

They stood on the corner Steve grabbed onto Dan and told him to again press the button.

Dan pressed it and again nothing.

“I don’t understand.” Dan sighed. He turned the remote over and opened up the back. “Here’s the problem.” He showed it to Steve.

“No batteries.” Steve sighed.

Dan nodded “I have to have the batteries, otherwise the remote won’t work.”

“Can we find batteries in 1929?” Steve asked.

Dan shrugged. “I don’t know…I don’t think you probably can.”

“Splendid!” Steve shouted. “So you’re saying we’re stuck.”

Dan nodded “for the time being anyway.”

“What do you mean….for the time being?”

“I’m not sure…call it a hunch” Dan sighed. “I have a feeling we’re going to want to stick around this area” Dan suggested.

“I don’t think I understand.” Steve muttered.

“I’m not real sure myself.” Dan added. “I have a feeling they may try to get us back. I don’t know it they’re going to suspect anything is wrong or not.” Dan continued.

“You might be right.” Steve agreed. “I hope you’re right.” He finished.

Dan looked up and down the street, searching the store fronts. “What are you looking for?” Steve asked.

“A store that might sell batteries” Dan sighed.

“I didn’t think they had such a thing.” Steve reminded.

“Hang on a second.” Dan started across the street toward a garage. “I wonder if a car battery would work.”

“I don’t think it would fit in the remote Dan.” Steve caught up to him

“I’m thinking if I used jumper cables…”

“It might work.” Steve at this point was willing to try anything.

Dan looked at the jumper cables first then at the remote in his hand. “I don’t think it will work.” He sighed.

“Why not,” Steve wondered.

“They won’t fit.” They stepped out of the garage. Dan looked up in the sky. “It will be getting dark soon…I suppose we better find a place to bed down for the night.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Steve sighed. He turned to the gas station owner. His name tag read Gus. “Do you know of a hotel…or boarding house…”

“There is a hotel just up the street” Gus informed “very reasonable too.”

“That’s what we’re looking for” Steve smiled “thanks.”

“No problem.” Gus gave a wave as they headed out.

They walked up the street and Steve signed them in.

“That’s two dollars for the night.” The clerk informed.

Steve handed him two, one dollar bills. And again no one looked close enough to see they were not the bills of that day.

The clerk handed him a key “room 22.”

Steve took the key and he and Dan headed up to room 22.

“We need to stay right around here tomorrow.” Dan reminded.

“Do you really think they can get us back?” Steve asked.

“I hope so.” Dan replied before he drifted off to sleep.

The next morning Steve and Dan were up early. They ate a quick breakfast at the hotel.

“I’m surprised no one has questioned our currency.” Steve remarked as he and Dan left the restaurant at the hotel. “I mean, it has to be different…”

“I don’t think they pay to close attention, they might notice it when they count up the monies at the end of the day…but I don’t think they are going to link it to us.”

“I hope not, I saved the change this time…so if we have to buy lunch at least we’re using the right money.”

“Good idea, but I don’t think we’ll be here that long.”

Dan’s words were cut short when from down the street they heard Frank shout “There they are!”

Dan and Steve turned to see Al, Frank and Jack running toward them.

“I don’t know how you evaded Frank.” Al was saying, but it’s not going to happen again. “You missed your meeting that was to get you introduced to Moran.”

“I’m sorry.” Steve started we lost track of time, we were just going to come looking for you.”

Al shook his head. “I don’t think so. You know what I think?”

Dan and Steve shook their heads. “No” Dan spoke.

“I think you missed that meeting on purpose because you already work for Bugs.” Al sneered.

“That’s not true. I just can’t murder someone for no reason.” Steve argued. “maybe you can, but I’m a family man…not a gang member…yours or Moran’s”

Al shook his head. “You know, I don’t believe you.”

“Well I guess that’s your problem.” Steve continued.

“As a matter of fact…it’s your problem now.” Al nodded to Frank and Jack.

Frank and Jack took their machine guns out from under their top coats.

“Now are you going to tell us the truth?” Al challenged.

“We have told you the truth Mr. Capone.” Dan interrupted.

“That’s it” Al started to walk away. “No more talk, let them have it.”

Frank and Jack aimed the Tommy guns and Steve and Dan and fired…

“What the hell just happened” Frank turned to Jack.

“I…I…I don’t know.” Jack’s voice shook.

“Where did they go?” Frank asked

“I don’t know.” Jack stammered

“What are we going to tell the boss?” Frank wondered

“We won’t say anything.” Jack took charge of the situation.

“Good idea.” Frank agreed. “They’re gone…who’s to know?”

“I just hope the boss doesn’t want to see the bodies.’ Jack muttered

“Yeah.” Frank agreed

“I got it; we’ll say there is nothing left.” Jack suggested

“I’m all for that.” Frank agreed.

Dan and Steve stared at one another, then to the people surrounding them. They were no longer staring down the gun barrel of Frank Nitti and jack’s Tommy guns. Jaime, Rudy, Oscar and Marc stood before them.

“I can’t believe it worked.” Rudy breathed a sigh of relief. “Steven and I have been working for hours trying to get you two back.”

“If it hadn’t worked this time” Marc stated, “I was coming after you.”

“I’m glad you didn’t.” Steve looked at him. Then he turned to Rudy You go us back just in time too.” Steve moved next to Jaime. “We had a little trouble.”

“What sort of trouble?” Oscar wondered.

“We witnessed the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.” Steve told them. “We met Al Capone and his merry men.”

“Come down stairs.” Jaime offered. “We want to hear all about it.”

“First of all, no disrespect to our son…but I’m taking a sledge hammer to that monster.” Steve headed over to the computer.

“You won’t have to do that.” Rudy held him back. “We’ll just unplug the computer.”

“That will do it?” Steve asked

Rudy nodded. “It sure will. I want to hear your story as well, then we’ll take it over to the OSI.”

“Well ok…I guess so.” Steve reluctantly agreed.

They all went down stairs and Steve and Dan told there story to the wide mouthed group in front of them.

“That’s amazing” Jaime finally said. “He wanted you to prove your loyalty to him by killing Bugs Moran?”

Steve nodded. “I just couldn’t do that. Believe me…you got us back just in time. Let me tell you the rest of the story.

“You mean they were just going to shoot you down on the street…in broad day-light?” Marc gasped.

Steve nodded. “If you hadn’t ‘recalled’ us when you did, we’d be dead right now.”

“Sounds like we didn’t have a moment to lose” Oscar breathed a sigh of relief.

“I’ll say we didn’t.” Dan took a long drink of coffee. “I’m just glad it’s over that’s all I can say.”

“Me too” Steve agreed. “Now where is that genus son of mine? We need to have a little chat.”

“He’s out back, don’t be too hard on him.” Jaime begged for mercy for her baby.

“I’ll be gentle.” Steve assured. “He just needs to realize he just can’t go around inventing things without asking permission.”

“That never stopped me.” Dan reminded.

The other’s looked at him “he’s got us there pal.” Oscar chuckled.

“I suppose you’re right.” Steve too couldn’t help but give a slight laugh. “I’ll try to tell him how important it is.”

“Maybe I could talk to him” Dan offered. “You know one genus to another. He might listen to me.”

“He might have a point there.” Rudy agreed.

“I suppose it couldn’t hurt.” Jaime also agreed.

“I’ll take him for a hamburger; it was seem at threatening that way.” Dan offered.

Steve turned to Marc “I’m glad you didn’t come back, Capone’s men could have gotten you too.”

“I was ready.” Marc replied.

Steve took Marc off to the side; by the way, plans are still on for the 14th are you still willing to watch the kids?”

Marc nodded “just so long as that time machine is locked in the vault at the OSI.”

“It will be. I think Dan and Rudy are taking it over as soon as Dan gets back with Steven.”

The day before Valentines Steve, Jaime and the kids sat at breakfast. “I’m going to take the kids with me today.” Steve offered.

“Oh?” Jaime gave a slight smile. “Where are you taking them?”

“We have a little shopping to do.” Steve hedged. “I thought we’d go right after lunch.”

“That sounds fine” Jaime agreed. “I need to get some um uh some things done myself.”

“Ok then, why don’t you meet us at Burger World…say around one, we’ll have lunch and then come home.”

“That sounds great.” Jaime agreed as she helped Steve get the kids ready to go. “I’ll see you then.”

Steve piled James, Jennifer and Steven in the back seat, and he and Marc rode in the front. “So where are we going dad?” Marc asked as Steve pulled out of the driveway.

“I need to stop by the flower shop first, I need to make get everything ordered for tomorrow, and make sure they can deliver it.”

“I’m sure they can, they know they have to work double overtime on Valentine’s Day. What was it like to meet Al Capone?”

“It was not to bad…till he ordered us to…” Steve glanced in the mirror to make sure the younger kids weren’t listening. “Till he ordered us to k-i-l-l Bugs Moran” Steve still watched his kids.

“That must have been pretty scary. I remember when Matt and I got caught in Dan’s that time.”

“That’s right, I’d forgotten that.” Steve no remembered the time shortly after Dan had built his time machine that the twins had gone back to the 1800s

Steve pulled into the parking lot of the flower shop “This will only take a minute, can you stay here with the little ones?” Steve asked Marc as he got out of the car.

Marc nodded, “Sure, no problem”

“If I’m longer than five minutes…bring everybody in, they might be crowded.

Again Marc nodded. “I’ll do that.”

Steve’s first instinct was right he was out in less than five minutes.

“That was fast.” Marc commented.

“I’m surprised, they weren’t busy at all.” Steve sounded perplexed.

“That’s because not everyone procrastinates things the way you do.” Steven called from the back seat.

“Procrastinates” Steve repeated. “Where does he come up with those big words?”

Marc just looked at him and Steve nodded.

They pulled into the mall. “I have my eye on a couple of things.” Steve said as he got out of the car. He opened the back door so the kids could join him. “We need to go to the jewellery store.”

Steve held tight to Jennifer’s and Steven’s hands while James held tight to Marc’s hand. “Ok gang” Steve said “just follow me.”

Steve led them to the Diamonds are forever jewellery store.

“Can I help you?” The clerk whose name badge said Peirce Tuttle asked.

“I was in here a couple of days ago.” Steve reminded. “I had you set aside two watches and a necklace for me.”

“Aw, yes. Col Austin, I have that right here for you.” He pulled out a three boxes from the vault behind him.

“You said you could do the engraving in a couple of hours?” Steve reminded.

“Yes I did.” Peirce set the three boxes on the glass case.

“I just wanted my kids to pick out the watch they’re going to give to their mother.” Steve held the two watches down so the kids could see them.

“I like this one.” Jennifer pointed to the watch with the leather strap that had small diamonds surrounding the crystal.

“Me too” Marc agreed He turned to his brothers, “what do you think James?”

“I like the other one.” James indicated the watch that had a gold chain instead of a strap and a plain crystal.

“Ok, how about you Steven?” Steve showed his youngest the two watches. Steven examined the two watches first glancing at the price tag. The diamond crystal watch was $200 and the gold chain watch was $250.

Steven set the gold chain watch aside and looked carefully at the diamond crystal watch. “I like this one better…and it’s worth more than the other.”

Steve surmised the two watches. “You may be right” he agreed. “We’ll take this one. He handed both watches back to Peirce “and the necklace.”

“What did you want for the engraving?” Peirce asked.

Steve remembered the engraving was sixty cents a letter. “Have it say to mom from all and the date.” Steve told him.

“Peirce scribbled the information on a scrap of paper. “It will be ready in an hour.” He told them.”

“We’ll be back.” Steve again took Jennifer and Steven’s hands and Marc took James’ They headed out of the store and back into the mall.

Steve and the kids walked around the mall till it was time to pick up the watch. They passed by a small playground at one end of the mall.

“That’s for babies “ Jennifer pointed to the sign that read OPEN TO CHILDREN FOUR AND UNDER Aren’t they cute.” Jennifer stood and for a moment and watched the ‘babies’ play.

Marc and Steve glanced at each other and burst out laughing.

They arrived back at the jewelry store and Steve looked at the back of the watch. “It’s perfect.” He paid for the watch and necklace and they headed out to meet Jaime.

Jaime, Steve and Marc chocked down their burgers while James, Jennifer and Steven gobbled theirs up.

“I can’t believe I used to like this place.” Marc grimaced as he stuffed the last bite into his mouth.

“You used to love it.” Steve reminded.

“Your tastes must change once you hit fifteen or something.” Marc laughed.

“I think they do.” Jaime agreed. “So, what did you do this morning?” Jaime hedged hoping to get some information out of the kids. She had searched the house looking for he Valentine’s Dan gift and had come up empty.

“We watched the kids at fun land.” Jennifer piped up.

“Yeah, those babies were having fun.” James chimed in.

“Is that all you did?” Jaime pressed.

“Yes,” Steven added matter-of-factly

Jaime pretended to wipe fake tears from her eyes. “You’re not going to tell me are you?”

The kids laughed at her trying to pry them for information. “We’ll never tell.” James grinned.

The next day was Valentine’s Day, with Marc doing all of the work the kids pounded on their parent’s bedroom door early.

“Yes.” Jaime called. She had smelled coffee and bacon and eggs and knew she as Steve were about to have breakfast in bed.

The kids walked in carrying trays with the breakfast on them.

They also gave Jaime the watch. “It’s beautiful!” Jaime exclaimed. “I love it!”

“That’s not all” Marc smiled. “I have a Valentine’s present for the kids. We’re going to the science museum this morning, then to the planetarium this afternoon. You two have a good day.”

“We will. And thanks.” Steve smiled at his oldest son.

“Think nothing of it.” Marc smiled back. He gathered everyone up and they were off.

Steve and Jaime had had a wonderful day. They arrived home around mid-night from dinner and a movie the house was dark except for the kitchen light that was always kept on when someone was out.

They quickly peeked in on all of the kids…everyone was sleeping. Steven’s room looked empty without the computer but that was for the best.

“I wonder if we should look into some extra classes for Steven.” Jaime suggested. “It might keep him busy…and out of trouble.”

“I think you might be right, I’ll talk to them at the school on Monday.” Steve agreed.

They closed the door to Steven’s room and headed for bed themselves.