Across town in her hotel room Laura was calling the numbers of the apartments she had circled the night before.

By the time she finished she had five appointments set up. She would have an apartment by the end of the day.

‘I have to have a place to hold him till his father is ready to pay for his safe return.’ She said to herself, ‘Once I get the apartment, I will stake out the house, and wait for my chance.’

She left the hotel for her appointed rounds.

“Well Dan, you ready to go?” Oscar said as he watched Danny set his bowl in the sink, Jaime had already stated her work with the boys.

“Yea dad I’m ready.” Danny said.

They walked out to the car and drove into the city. “Rudy says you’ll be alone in the lab for the next few days.” Oscar said as they drove.

“Yea he said he’ll have a lot of work for me.” Danny said.

“Do you ever think you are working to hard?” Oscar asked.

“No, in fact what did you decide about my taking the double load?” Danny looked at him hopefully.

Oscar withdrew the form from his pocket after pulling to a stop in front of Danny’s school. “I’ll allow it, but if you have any trouble any trouble at all. I will have it discontinued.

“Thanks dad.” Danny said taking the paper from him. “I’ll be fine. Really.”

The first apartment was perfect the right price, the right location. Laura rented it. It was still very early. She needed to get Jaime and the kids out of the house, but how.

She didn’t have to. Oscar did that for her. He called the house around 10:00 “Jaime I need you to do me a favor. I left a file on the desk in my study. I brought it home to read last night I need it for a meeting this afternoon, would you bring it to me?”

“Sure Oscar no problem. We’ll be there in a half hour.”

She got the boys ready to go and they headed to Oscar’s office. Laura was right behind them.

After they dropped Oscar’s file off the twins wanted to go to the candy store. Jaime walked in with them. She seemed to watch everybody. She really didn’t know what this Laura person looked like but she wasn’t about to let her guard down.

The boys picked out the candy they wanted. Jaime turned to the clerk to pay for it. Matt and Marc opened their candy bars and started eating them. Joey had picked out a sucker; he was having trouble opening it. Laura was standing next to him. She gently took the sucker and opened it for him. Then she took his hand and led him out of the store.

When Jaime turned around the twins were busy eating their candy bars, Joey was nowhere to be seen. “Marc, where’s Joey?” Jaime asked.

“I don’t know. Marc said his mouth full of candy. “He was right here.”

Jaime headed for the pay phone; She dreaded the call she had to make.

In the apartment not far from the candy store Laura began to prepare lunch for Joey. She started by spreading a large glob of peanut butter on to a slice of bread. She placed the sandwich on a plate and handed it to Joey, Not knowing what it was Joey readily began to eat it….

Oscar knew instantly who had taken his youngest son. He didn’t even need three guesses.

“I am so sorry Oscar. I should have kept all three of them closer to me. I had no idea she was in that store.”

“It’s not your fault Jaime. I’m not blaming you. I know who has him, I just don’t know where she has him.”

Steve took Jaime by the arm, “Come on. We’ll go see if she left any clues at the candy store. I also want o to talk to Marc and Matt. Maybe they saw something without realizing it.”

“That sounds like a good idea Steve. I’ll have Russ bring them up. They are down stairs with him.” Oscar reached for the phone just as it was ringing. He picked it up and the minute he heard her voice grabbed the other line “Trace this call!!” He barked into the mouthpiece.

Oscar began talking to Joey’s kidnapper, and security began to trace the phone call. “Yes.” He began.

Laura’s voice came back “If you ever want to see Joey again, you will deposit 1 million dollars into this bank account” she read him some numbers of a Swiss bank account.

“Why that amount?” Oscar tired to stall her for as long as he could while security tried to trace the call.

“Idiot! That is 1 fifth of what the kids got.” She shrieked.

“They only got about 3 million.” He breathed a sigh of relief. She was going to talk to him. Who was the idiot?

“I saw their bank accounts. They all have 2.5 million in them. I figured they must have gotten 10 million.”

“No they didn’t get 10 million.” He said. “They got about three. The rest came from a law suit that Danny was involved in.”

“Well then, I think that Danny’s baby sister deserves one fifth of that too. You obviously divided it equally among the rest of the kids. Kim is entitled to her share.”

“You’ll have to talk to Danny about that.” Oscar went on. He kept talking maybe he could keep her talking until they traced the call.

Security came in they handed Oscar the address. He looked at it and handed it to Steve and Jaime.

They took off for the address

“I’m sure he would want to.” She hissed into the phone.

‘Come on Steve, Jaime where are you.’ Oscar thought. ‘I hope to keep her distracted long enough for you to rescue Joey without causing a hostage situation.’

“For now I will deposit 400,000 dollars for now. If Dan says he wants to share the wealth, then I’ll put in the rest…’

Oscar could hear all the commotion First Steve broke the door down. Laura couldn’t move quickly enough, Joey, was on the other side of the room acting strangely. He had been that way since lunch.

Before she could get to Joey, Jaime had him safely in her arms.

Steve grabbed Laura. “You are under arrest.” He said.

He picked up the phone, “Oscar? Is that you?”

“Yea, is everything alright?” He asked

“Yea, it’s fine we have her. Joey is fine, well sort of….” Jaime grabbed the phone from him.

“Oscar, she gave him peanut butter. He is having some problems.” Jaime informed him

“I’ll call Rudy over at the NSB” Oscar told her, “just get Joey back here.”

“We’re on our way.” Jaime assured him.

Jaime carried Joey. And Steve escorted Laura out of the apartment complex.

Within minutes they were back at the OSI Steve led Laura into Oscar’s office, and Jaime headed for Rudy’s office with Joey.

“Well Ms Mills. You really did it for yourself.” Oscar started. He looked around, “where is your baby?” He sounded concerned. The baby may not have been Julie’s but she was the boy’s half sister.

“She is with a friend.” Laura snapped “And besides she is not your concern anyway. “ Laura continued.

“You know you are going to jail for kidnapping I told you yesterday that if you come me or my family I would prosecute you?” Oscar informed her

“If you would have given my daughter what she deserved, I would not have had to resort to such drastic measures.”

Oscar shook his head in disbelief. “You can’t admit you are wrong?”

“I know it was wrong to take him but…”

“Is Joey with Rudy?” Oscar asked when Jaime walked in the door.

“Yea. Rudy thinks he’ll come out of it. He wants to see you.” She informed him.

Security removed Laura taking her to a holding cell where she placed a call to her new attorney.

Oscar headed down to Rudy’s lab to check on his youngest son. “How is he?” Oscar asked when he entered Rudy’s office.

“Joey sat on the exam table in Rudy’s office. Oscar feared he had gone back in time. Joey sat rocking back and forth, flipping his fingers in front of him.

“I think he’ll be all right you will just have to let the peanut butter work it’s way through his system. It may take a couple of days, but I’m sure he’ll be back to normal in no time. I might suggest giving him lots of water to drink. It might speed up the process.”

“I’ll do that. Why would it speed up the process?” Oscar wanted to know.

“It could help flush out his system. You can take him home He’ll be fine in a few days, I’m sure. I have to get back to the NSB I won’t be home for dinner.”

“Ok then we won’t expect you. See you later. And thanks.” Oscar finished.

“Yea I’ll see you more than likely around 8:00 maybe 9:00 I should be finished in a few more days.”

“Well I’ll tell Jaime to have him drink plenty of water. Maybe by the end of the day…”

“Don’t expect it to happen that soon, more than likely over night. He may even have some lasting effects for a few days.

“Just so long as he’ll be alright.” Oscar stated.

Rudy left and headed back for the NSB after leaving more data for Danny to program into the computer. Oscar turned Joey and the twins back to Jaime. “I’m surprised you’ll trust me with them again” Jaime said.

“Jaime I don’t blame you, these things happen to fast sometimes even to fast for you and Steve to stop. I wouldn’t trust anybody else. By the way, Rudy says to give him lots of fluid it might help him get better faster.” Oscar informed her.

“I will Oscar.” She took the kids and headed for home

It wasn’t long, and Oscar left work. He wanted to get home he was concerned about several things. He was worried about the court hearing that was bound to come up. Would the rest of the kids find out? And would Joey ever come back to them?

On his way home he decided to stop and pick up Danny. For some reason he wanted the whole family together He explained everything to Dan when he got in the car. “Don’t worry, I’ll explain to Rudy why you didn’t show up today.” Oscar said as they drove home.

“This is my day to go home anyway. It’s Friday.” Danny explained.

“That’s right I left a list of things for you to do when you got home. Is that going all right I mean with the extra load you are taking at school?”

“It’s going ok.” Danny sighed.

“Is everything ok Dan?” Oscar looked over at him

“Yea, I’m just tired.” Dan replied.

“Remember what I said if I think it is to much for you, you have to drop your law classes.” Oscar reminded him.

“Yea, I remember.” Danny said. “Don’t worry everything is fine. You know dad we could probably add endangerment to the list of charges. She fed Joey peanut butter that put is life in danger.”

“I’m hoping she just pleads guilty and makes it easy on all of us.” Oscar said turning into the drive. “I just hate to see this whole thing go public, I really don’t want your brothers to hear about it.”

Jaime greeted them at the door. “Callahan called and said you were on your way.” She said. “Oscar the story is in the evening paper. I put it in your office so the twins wouldn’t see it.”

He turned to Dan “So it begins. You better get started on your chores then. Then do your homework. I’ll see you at dinner.” Then he turned to Jaime. “Thanks Jaime. I appreciate that. I’m afraid I’m going to have to tell them now.”

“Why?” Jaime wanted to know. “They don’t go to school. Who’s going to tell them? They don’t listen to the news and all we have to do is put the paper in your office. I say if they find out, then tell them Why invite trouble.”

“I know it’s bad enough Danny has to know.” Oscar stated. Then added “I almost hate to ask. How is Joey doing?”

“He seems better than earlier. I’ve been doing what Rudy instructed, giving him lots of water. He is even talking a little bit.” She told him.

”Well that’s a step in the right direction.” Oscar noted.

“Well, the twins are finished with their lessons for the day so I’m leaving.”

“They’re done so soon? Oscar asked.

“Yea, they are way ahead I though we would call it early a couple of nights this week, anyway, Joey is ‘watching’ TV and the twins are playing in their room.”

“Ok then, we’ll see you tomorrow.” Oscar headed into the living room to see how Joey was doing.

Oscar sat down He called Joey’s name. Joey turned around “Yea dad?” He asked. Then went back to his TV Show. He wouldn’t look directly at him but at least he acknowledged Oscar’s presence and spoke to him.

Oscar got up “I’ll see you later pal.” He said as he left the room

Joey continued watching his TV show without saying anymore.

Oscar went upstairs to change before making dinner. He looked in on the twins they were fine.

After dinner Joe Thompson stopped by to inform Oscar the hearing on the kidnapping was the next afternoon. Laura was not pleading guilty and wanted out on bail. “Oscar you have to be there to tell the judge she is a threat to you and your family.”

“I will be.” He Started just before Danny came in

“I told dad we might be able to add endangerment charges the indictment.”

“Why is that Dan?” Joe wanted to know

“She fed Joey peanut butter, he’s allergic.” Danny informed him

“Yes we can do that then.” Joe agreed. “I also ordered a blood test. I want it verified that Tom is the father of Kim. I don’t trust this woman at all.”

“I don’t either.” Oscar agreed. “I agree you should have a blood test done. I am beginning to wonder it myself. Where did she have the baby when she took Joey?”

“The baby was with a friend. She’ll have the test done in jail today so we have the results before the hearing tomorrow.” Joe continued.

“That is good. What if the tests show Tom was not the father?” Oscar asked

“Then she is really in trouble, especially if she knows Tom wasn’t. Joe finished. “Well I have to get going. Another lawyer from my firm will represent you in this case.”

“Thanks Joe, will you be there tomorrow?” Oscar wondered.

“If you want, I will be.”

“I would like that very much.” Oscar said.

“I’ll see you in tomorrow at 2:45. The hearing is at 3:00” Joe said as he left the house.

The next morning Oscar dropped Danny off at his school. “I don’t want you at the hearing today. You kids have been through enough. At least up until now we have been able to keep it for the twins.” Oscar told Danny as he got out of the car.

“I know. I’m pretty happy about that too. Let me know what the blood tests show, I’ll be most anxious to find out. You do know that if the test results show that Dad wasn’t the father we can also nab her for extortion?”

“I never thought of that. You’re right.” Oscar gave Danny a slap on the knee. “I’ll let you know what happens.

“Ok Dad. I work with Rudy today. I think he’s just about finished over at the NSB.”

“Yea he is. He told me last night he’d be back if not tomorrow, the next day.” Oscar stated.

“I’m glad, I don’t like him working for Gregory He’s not very nice..”

“Well you better get in the building.” Oscar pointed.

Danny got out of the car and went into the school.

Oscar had a hard time concentrating that morning. He was worried that some how Laura would get out on bail. He was worried about the safety of his family. “Maybe it would be a good idea if I just gave up the ship.” He said to Steve an hour before the hearing.

“Why do you say that Oscar?” Steve asked.

“I don’t know it just seems like they are in danger with me.”

“Oscar, if anyone can protect these kids it’s you. And I think we’ve had this conversation before.” Steve reminded

“I know.” Oscar continued. I play it over and over in my mind every time something happens to one of the kids. I feel like it is my fault.”

“Well it’s not. It’s not your fault that your sister and her husband dropped a bundle in the kids lap.” Steve explained to him.

“I guess your right, maybe I’ll just stop thinking about that.”

“That would be a good idea Oscar.” Steve noted. “Do you want me to come to the hearing?”

“I’d really like that.” Just as they were getting ready to leave the phone rang. Oscar let Callahan pick it up. They stepped into the outer office and Callahan told Oscar that Joe Thompson was on the phone.

He took it from her. “Yes Joe? Oscar spoke into the phone

“The blood test show that even though Tom and Laura may have had an affair and I would not believe that except for the fact that Danny told us. The baby is not Tom’s. We confronted Laura and she has changed her plea to guilty. There will be no hearing.”

“What are the terms?” Oscar held his thumb up.

We dropped the endangerment and she goes to prison for kidnapping and extortion.” Joe told him.

“So it’s over then?” Oscar asked.

“Yea she’s on her way to jail now.” Joe confirmed.

“For how long?” Oscar asked

“Fifteen to twenty years. I requested that she do the max, and she has to disclose the father of her baby.

“That is wonderful news” Oscar hung up the phone. “Tom was not the father of Laura’s baby. She will go to prison for a long time. She plead guilty we don’t have to go to court.” Oscar was relieved.

“That is good news. By the way when is Rudy coming back, or did the NSB decide to keep him?”

“I was just telling Danny this morning he’ll be back tomorrow, if not the day after.

“That’s great news!” Danny rejoiced when Oscar told him after school that night. “She’ll never bother us again.”

“I hope not.” Oscar said. Little did Oscar know, it would have been better for Laura to show up again the entire incident had finally taken its toll on Danny…

“Danny, Danny!” Oscar called for the fourth time that morning. “Come on son we’re going to be late.” He walked into the dining room where Jaime had started her daily lessons with Joey and the twins.

Steve was there too He had given Jaime a ride. His car was in the shop and he was going to ride to work with Oscar. He had wanted to use her car during the day, but had opted not too. Just in case an emergency came up with one of the kids and she needed to get to town in a hurry.

“I’m coming dad.” Danny called. He closed his book he was reading and headed downstairs. He grabbed his book bag. “I’m sorry dad. I have a political Science test this afternoon I guess I lost track of the time. I was just getting in some last minute studying. I’m ready.

“That’s strange. You never usually have to study in the morning. Are you sure these new classes aren’t to much for you?” Oscar sounded concerned.

“No dad it’s fine, really.” Dan reassured as he headed for the door.

‘Don’t you want breakfast?” Oscar asked. He was really concerned now.

“I don’t have time. I’ll just grab something in the cafeteria at school.” Danny explained.

“Well ok, but I really don’t like the idea of you going off to school with out eating something. Why don’t you grab something to eat on the way and then have breakfast at school?” Looks like you could use it.”

“I’ll eat dad, don’t worry.” Danny assured. “I promise. The only thing I need to grab is my homework. I left it in the dinning room last night” Danny stepped into the dinning room to grab homework. “Danny!” Jaime cried. “Oh my gosh honey. You look terrible.”

“What do you mean?” He asked

“You just look so pale, and thin. Do you feel alright?” She asked. “I mean it honey. You don’t look like you feel well at all.” Jaime reached out her hand and felt Dan’s forehead. “Well you don’t have a fever. I think you need to eat a little more.”

“Yea, well maybe you’re right. But I feel fine Jaime really.” He told her as he put his homework in his book bag.

“I don’t buy it Dan. I think you should see Rudy sometime today. Maybe he could give you something to boost your appetite just a bit. Honey you are way to thin.”

“Well I feel fine, maybe a little tired.” He then turned toward the kitchen.

“I’m ready dad.” Dan grabbed his coat and followed Oscar and Steve out to the car.

“She’s right you know? You do look terrible.” Steve agreed as he got into Oscar’s car. “So are we headed for the office?” I guess if I decide I don’t want to stay, I can take the bus home. Rudy wants to run some tests anyway.

“We have to drop Dan off at the school first.” Oscar stated as he started his car.

“That sounds great. Like I said. Now that Rudy’s back he has some tests he needs to run. I was really beginning to think the NSB was going to keep him.

“Yea I know I was afraid of that myself. He was done at the NSB yesterday.” Oscar stated as the pulled out of the driveway. “Your ok back there Dan?” He looked in the review mirror at his son. “You know Steve you and Jaime are right, he does look terrible.”

“Yea I’m ready and don’t worry dad I’m fine, really.” Danny argued.

“How are your classes going? Maybe the work is to much for you.” Oscar proclaimed.

“Dad it’s not really. I’m just a little tired. That’s all” Danny was trying to reassure his father but not having much luck. He even had trouble convincing himself.

“I agree with your dad and Jaime Dan. You look awful son. You’re so pale. Are you sure your alright?”

“I keep telling you I’m fine. I might be a little tired, but I feel fine.” Dan continued to argue.

They pulled up in front of Danny’s school. “Listen Dan, don’t make me regret allowing you to take a double work load. Rudy says you can handle it. I hope he’s right.”

Danny started to get out of the car. “I mean it son. If it’s to much for you just say so.” Oscar told him

“Its not to much dad. I’ll be fine really. I like taking the double load, as we call it.”

“I just don’t want you to over do.” Oscar stated.

“I won’t dad.” Danny assured. He grabbed his book bag and got out of the car He headed up the walk Oscar watched as he walked into the school.

Steve turned toward Oscar “I wonder if the whole thing with Laura has finally gotten to him?”

“I don’t know. Oscar stated “You know Steve Danny might need money for breakfast. I better go see will you watch the car for a minute?”

“Sure Oscar no problem” Steve turned toward him.

Oscar got out of the car, and headed into the building.

Steve watched as Oscar entered the building.

Oscar had only been in Dan’s school a couple of times but he thought he knew where the cafeteria was. He saw Danny go into a room that was not the cafeteria. He followed him.

Oscar found himself in the library. Danny had just taken off his coat and was setting his books up. Oscar walked over to him.

“Hi Dan, This doesn’t look much like the cafeteria.” He noted.

Dan spun around. “Hi dad, what are you doing here?”

“I came in to see if you needed money for breakfast, but apparently you never intended to eat breakfast.”

“Yes I was. Dad it’s hard to find a table in here. I always come in get set up and usually study, cause I eat before I come to school.”

“You wouldn’t be telling me stories would you?” Oscar eyed him suspiciously. “Dan it is important that you eat breakfast especially when you have the schedule you have.

“I know that honest dad. The cafeteria is right across the hall.” Danny headed for the door. Oscar followed.

“I’ll buy you breakfast what do you want?” Oscar asked.

“Just some cereal I guess, that’s what I would have had a home.” Dan replied.

“Well, let’s go then.” Oscar pushed him to the line. “I think you should have a little more than just cereal.”

“I don’t have time to eat more than that I’ll be lucky if I get it all eaten before the first bell.”

“Well you better eat it all. Dan I am very concerned about you. Look when you go to work with Rudy today I think I’ll tell him to examine you. I don’t like this at all”

“Dad that’s not necessary I’m fine, really.” Dan complained. Danny got his cereal and started to sit at a table. “Hey Dan, over here.” Called a boy

“I’m going to sit with Rich.” Danny told Oscar. “He’s in my law classes.

“Ok “ Oscar watched as he say next to his friend.

Danny sat down. “Ready for that test today?” Rich asked.

“I think so. I studied most of the night, then got up early and studied some more.”

“Yea same here. I hardly had time to eat breakfast. Ticked my mom off. Are you glad you took the double load?” Rich asked.

“Yea I am I would like to have degrees in many different fields.” Dan said as he began to spoon up a bite of cereal.

Oscar watched Dan take a couple of bites of cereal then headed for the office.

“You know Steve they we are all having a rough ride. Oscar said as he drove. “Ever since that Laura Mills had shown up. “

“Yea I know. I just hope Dan hasn’t felt the impact of it.” Steve agreed.

“You know we have all worked hard to shield the younger kids from finding out And despite Joey being kidnapped by Laura, and the media having a field day I think it has worked I mean the twins know nothing.”

“I think so. It was hard at first and they did ask questions, but everything seems fine.

“I’ll tell you something though. After this morning, my main concern is Danny. He hardly seems to eat much anymore. Is it now Dan’s turn to have problems? I keep thinking that over and over. I try to dismiss it from my thought process, but it keeps coming back.”

“I’m worried about him too. I think Rudy should examine him.”

“I plan to ask him to do just that."

“Who was that?” Rich asked.

“That was my dad.” Danny explained. He needed to give me money for breakfast. I was so busy studying I didn’t have time to eat.”

“Happens to me all the time.” Rich replied.

“Same here.” Danny sighed finishing the last of his cereal.

“We better get to class. Do you have your place staked out in the library for study time? Dan asked

“I’m all set.” Rich answered.

Oscar stopped by his office while Steve headed for Rudy’s. He quickly looked through his mail and read the morning reports. Then he walked down to Rudy’s office himself.

Steve and Rudy were talking when Oscar walked in. “Rudy glad to have you back with us.” Oscar greeted.

“I’m glad to be back remind me never to agree to that again. That Hanson is one hard guy. Did you need something Oscar?”

“Yea Rudy I need to talk to you if you’re not busy. Oscar said sitting down beside Steve.

“I have a few minutes, what did you need?” Rudy said slipping a file into his desk

“It’s about Danny. I’m worried about him.” Oscar started.

“Yea Steve and I were just discussing that. I hope you don’t mind. Are you afraid he’s taken on a bit more than you think he can handle?” Rudy surmised.

“That’s it.” Oscar continued. “I hardly ever see him anymore. He is either upstairs studying or he’s in the basement on the computer. Have you noticed he hardly eats anything? And I still don’t know what he’s done with those rabbits. He has something planned I’ll tell you that.”

“To be real honest Oscar, I have been so busy with that project I was working on, for the NSB I haven’t noticed much of anything. But I’m done now, I’ll be home more.”

“Even Steve and Jaime noticed it this morning. He looks like he’s lost a lot of weight. And to be real honest none of the kids need to lose any.”

“Yea I know. They’re none of them very big.” Rudy noted.

“Well I have a pot roast ready for tonight. That reminds I was so anxious getting Danny out the door, I forgot to mention to Jaime to put it in the oven for me.” He picked up the phone and dialed. “Jaime? Oh hi Matt. Would you put Jaime on please?

“Yea dad, Jaime its dad.” Matt handed her the phone.

“Yes what can I do for you?” Jaime asked.

“I have a pot roast in the frig ready to go, would you please put it in the oven at around 4:00?”

“No problem. I’d be more than happy to.” Jamie said.”

“Why don’t you plan on staying for dinner? He turned to Steve, you want to join us.” Steve nodded.

“That sounds great.” Jaime said. “I’m sure Steve will be more than happy it’s his night to cook.”

They hung up and Oscar turned back to Rudy. “I am worried about Danny though. I know everyone has a breaking point, I only hope Danny hasn’t reached his.”

“That’s a very strong possibility.” Rudy stated “Now that I’ll be home more, I’ll keep a closer watch on him. How is Joey doing by the way?”

“He’s made a lot of progress. I did what you suggested and gave him lots of water to drink. He is even starting to make eye contact.”

“Good, it sounds like he’s making progress.” Rudy surmised. “I’ll give Dan the once over when he shows up for work today.

“That sounds great. Anyway we’ll see you tonight at the house. I’m glad you’re done with the project.”

“Yea me too.” Rudy admitted. “Before you go. I just wondered what ever happened with Laura’s baby. What was her name?

“Kim. She’s with her father and his parents. What a ride that was.” Oscar pointed out

“Yea it was. But it’s over now.” Rudy told him.

“I wonder. Or has it just begun. Wait till you see Dan”

At 3:00 Danny showed up to work for Rudy. Rudy was waiting for him. “How are you doing Dan? I finally finished the project I was working on. You were really a big help. Thanks for loading all that data I gave you into the computer. I needed it for the project.”

”No problem, what do you have for me today?” Danny asked looking at his desk and seeing nothing lying out.

“Why don’t you just work on you school work. How did the test go today?”

“It went great. I’m sure I passed.” Danny began unloading his book bag.

‘Oscar’s right he does look terrible.’ Rudy thought to himself. “Dan are you sure you’re alright?” Rudy asked.

“Yea I’m just tired. It seems like everyday this week we have a test in one class or the other.

“Maybe you’ve taken on more than you thought when you went with the law classes as well. Do you still want to be a lawyer?”

“Not really, I would just like a degree in law.” Danny explained.

“Oh I see. I don’t really have anything for you today. I like your working with me Danny You are really a big help. But I think that till you get through these upcoming tests, may be it would be a good idea for you to just go home after school”

“Maybe you’re right. I get so tired.”

“I think I’ll just have Russ take you home now.” Rudy said.

“I’m not going to argue with you. Maybe I’ll take a nap and then study.” Danny said.

“That sounds like a winner to me. I’ll see you tonight.” ‘He needs a good physical I’ll set it up for tomorrow. If I had the time today I would do it now.’ Rudy thought to himself.

“Yea see you tonight.” Danny said as he left with Russ.

Just as Rudy was leaving his office that night, the phone rang. “Rudy it’s Oscar is Danny riding with you?”

“Danny went home already. Russ took him home shortly after he got here. I’m sorry I forgot to tell you. I thought I would take a little of the pressure off of him for a while.”

“That sounds like a good idea Rudy, I’m glad you thought of that.”

“Oscar, he looks terrible. For one thing, he is way to thin.”

“I was thinking the same thing.” Oscar agreed. “Listen I’ll see you at home.”

“Yea I’ll see you. I have to drop Steve off to get his car. They said it’s ready.”

“That’s good tell him I’ll see him at the house as well.”

“I’ll do that.”

Rudy had followed Oscar all the way home. They walked in the backdoor together. The pot roast was just ready to come out of the oven.

“Where is Steve?” Jaime asked.

“I dropped him off at his car.” Rudy informed her. He should be along any minute.

The twins and Joey ran to greet their dad. “Hi Daddy.” Joey said when Oscar lifted him up.

“Joey is doing better,” Rudy observed when he saw the way he greeted Oscar.

“Yea I know.” Then he turned to Jaime “Where is Danny? It’s time for dinner.”

“He’s in his room. I’ll call him down.” Jaime walked to the steps and called Danny to come down stairs.

“Hi dad.” Dan said as he entered the kitchen. “Could I just have a sandwich? I have a lot of studying to do. That way I can just take it up to my room.”

“I suppose. You know how I feel about that Dan. Dinnertime is family time. I really wish you would sit down and join us though.” Oscar gave Dan a concerned look. “Is every thing ok Dan?”

“Yea, everything is fine.” Danny reached in the refrigerator and pulled out a package of cold meat. He took a slice and placed it between to slices of bread, put it on a plate and headed upstairs.

Rudy watched the scene then dismissed himself. “If you’ll excuse me. I want to have a little chat with my young assistant.” Rudy got up from the table and followed Dan up stairs.

As Rudy went up to talk to Danny, Steve walked through the back door. “Where are Rudy and Danny?” He asked when he saw everyone else seated at the table.

“Well Danny said he only wanted a sandwich.” Oscar started, “And Rudy went up to talk to him I hope he changes his mind. Why don’t we wait a minute?”

Upstairs Danny’s door was open so Rudy just walked inside. “What are you studying Dan?”

“I have a physics exam tomorrow. I really need to study.” Dan explained.

“How do you feel Dan?” Rudy asked.

“I feel great, why?”

“Because you look terrible.” Rudy answered.

“I am a little tired.” Danny replied.

“Maybe you need some good food to eat. Why don’t you come sit at the table and have a roast beef dinner?”

“I really need to study.” Danny argued.

“No your health comes first. Come on I’m sure there’s plenty.” Rudy pointed to the door. Danny stood and followed Rudy down to the dinning room.

“Dan changed his mind. He decided he would rather eat with us.” Rudy announced as they sat down.

“That’s what I was hoping for. We haven’t stated yet.” Oscar replied.

That night Oscar was putting the kids to bed. He saved Dan’s room for last. “Is there anything you want to talk about son? I’m very concerned about you. Everyone says you are way to thin. You really need to eat more.”

“I know dad. I just have a lot to do.” Dan responded.

“Alright this is going to stop. And stop now!! I am not going to sit back and watch you endanger you health for a couple of grades.”

“Dad. That’s not the case. Right now things are just a little hectic. Like I explained to Rudy this afternoon. It seems like every class I have had a test this week. You know I think the teachers get together and decided to give them at the same time.”

Oscar chuckled for a moment. “But seriously Dan. If you don’t start joining us for dinner I am putting a stop to the second set of classes you are taking.”

Dan nodded. “Understood.”

The next day after dropping Dan off at school, Oscar received a phone call from the school nurse. “Mr. Goldman your son Danny collapsed at school. We need you to come at once…

Before leaving for the school Oscar stopped by Rudy’s office “Rudy, Dan’s school just called apparently Danny fainted or something at school. I have to go get him.”

“I was afraid that was going to happen, bring him straight here when you get back.” Rudy advised.

“I will what do you suppose is the problem?” Oscar wondered aloud.

“For one thing” Rudy removed his glasses and looked at Oscar. “I don’t think he’s eating enough. He barely touched his dinner last night.” Rudy reminded.

“Yea I know I better get on over to the school. I’ll be back in 10 minutes or less I hope.” Oscar headed out the door.

“I’ll be waiting.” Rudy assured.

Rudy turned to Steve. “I’m going to admit it right now. I’m very, very concerned about Danny.”

‘Yea? What do you think is wrong?” Steve said replacing the bar bell he had been holding.

“I hope it’s not what I think it is….”

“What do you think it is Rudy?” Steve walked over to him

“I’d rather not say until I have run some tests on him and talked to Oscar.” Rudy explained.

...Continued