Rudy and Steve walked in. “Hi Oscar what’s up?” Steve asked.

“Listen you guys and Jaime are invited for dinner on Friday It’s the twins birthday they are turning eight.” Oscar informed them.

We’ll be more than happy to come.” Rudy said.

“I don’t have any idea what to get them. It seems like we just had Christmas.” Oscar noted.

“Well I’ll come up with something.” Steve pointed out. “In fact I think I have an idea. I’ll see you guys later.” Steve started to leave. When Rudy stopped him.

“You have your tests remember?” Rudy reminded him.

“I was kind of hoping you would forget that.” Steve sighed.

Rudy stood up and the two of them started to leave. “Don’t forget Friday. Sometime after work, I figured we’d have dinner and then cake. Which reminds me I have to ask the twins what kind of cake they want.”

“Are they going to have their own?” Rudy asked.

“I never thought of it that way. I just assumed they would share one.” Oscar explained.

“Why, do you make them share their clothes?” Rudy asked

“Of course not, they are two boys… I get what your saying. Maybe two cakes wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all.” Oscar agreed. “I’ll ask them tonight so I can get it ordered tomorrow.

“Sounds good Steve, come on.” Rudy concluded.

“Oh Rudy before I forget, I need to talk to you sometime today. It’s about the situation you told Marc about when he stayed with you. I think I have the solution to your problem.”

I’d sure like to hear what that is.” Rudy was standing in the doorway.

“Well you know Mary doesn’t work for us anymore except for once a week when she comes to clean. Her room is empty. It has a sitting room and private bath.”

“Really? Rudy sounded interested.

“Yea it’s just going to waste. It’s yours if you want it.” Oscar informed him.

“How much rent?” Rudy asked.

“Rent? I didn’t say anything about rent. I have an empty room. You need a place to live. And of course there is always the rest of the house you can spread out in.” Oscar offered.

“I think I’ll take it.” Rudy accepted.

“That’s great.” Oscar stated. “You can move in anytime..”

“How bout tonight, I have to be out of the apartment by the end of the month. I just can’t understand how they can turn that dump into condos. They just aren’t worth it to me.”

“I understand. Tonight would be just fine.” Oscar told him

He turned to Steve “Do you want to help me? I can put your tests off until tomorrow. Would that be ok?”

“Let’s get started then.” Rudy turned to Oscar. “Do I need a key?”

“No, Jaime is there with the kids, I’ll call and tell her you’re on the way.” Oscar said. “I wonder if you’ll be finished by the time Danny gets out of school?” Oscar wondered.

“He knows what I want done. All he has to do is input data in the computer.” Rudy explained. I don’t have that much to move. What ever won’t fit in my room, I’ll give to charity.” Rudy said.

Jaime was waiting for them when they pulled up in the u-haul. “Need any help?” she called form the porch.

“I think we will.” Steve said opening up the rear end of the truck.

“Before we get started let me see exactly how big the room is. Then I’ll know what I want to take off the truck…”

The twins stepped out onto the porch too. “Dad says you’re moving in Rudy.” Marc said. “Is that true?”

‘Yes it is.” Rudy answered. “Like I was saying, I’ll see how big the room is then I’ll know what I want to move inside. The rest I’ll give to charity.”

“Who’s she.” Marc asked.

“Who’s who Marc?” Jaime asked.

“Rudy said he was giving his furniture to Charity. I wondered who Charity was.”

Rudy, Steve and Jaime burst out laughing. “Marc charity is not a person, it’s an organization. It means Rudy is giving what he doesn’t want to the needy.” Jaime explained still laughing.

Marc turned to Matt and shrugged. Then both boys left and went to their room.

“Isn’t it funny the way kids think?” Jaime said still laughing.

“I know.” Rudy agreed. “They are on a different wave length then us.”

They walked into the small apartment “Yea.” Rudy stated I think I know exactly what I want off the truck. In fact I was pretty sure when Steve was loading it. That’s why I had him put it closer to the door.”

“Well that ought to make it easier.” Steve estimated. “Well let’s get started.”

With Rudy’s direction, Steve and Jaime unloaded the truck and had everything in the room in no time.

“Well I better get back to work.” Rudy said. “I should get there just in time to greet Danny.”

“I’ll drop you off and then take the truck back. Then I’ll meet you there.” Steve said.

“Do you need a ride Steve?” Jaime asked.

“No, I left my car there, so I’ll just jump in it and head over to Rudy’s office.” Steve told her.

“Ok then, guys we should get back to work.” Jaime said after Rudy and Steve left.

“That’s not fair, school is out.” Marc complained.

“Well you guys had a nice break while I was helping Rudy move in.” She turned to Marc. “Are you glad Rudy is moving in?” She asked.

“I don’t have much of a say in the matter do I.” Marc sighed.

“I take it that you’re less the thrilled then.” Jaime assumed. “You know Marc this is a good chance for you to get to know Rudy better. He’s really a nice guy.”

“I know that I guess. I still think he’s mad a me, from well you know?”

“Marc, no one is mad at you.” Jaime tried to reassure him, but she could tell she really wasn’t getting through.

“Well I guess it will be ok.” Marc said.

“It will be, Rudy is really a nice guy you’ll see.” She ran her hands through his dark curly hair. Trust me Marc. “You trust Steve, don’t you?”

Marc nodded.

“Well Steve trusts Rudy more than anybody.” Jaime explained.

“I guess you’re right.” Marc agreed but he still sounded skeptical

Rudy and Danny worked most of the afternoon. Rudy decided he wanted to leave early so he could get settled in. “Dan I’m ready. You want to ride with me, or wait for you dad?”

“I’ll go with you. Thanks.”

“No problem I’ll let your dad know.”

They arrived back home before Oscar. Jaime took Rudy off the side and told him of her conversation with Marc.

“I’m going to have to talk to him again.” He said.

“I think there is more involved than that.” Jaime told him. “I don’t think talk is what he needs. You can tell him your not angry with him till you’re blue in the face, and I still don’t think he’ll believe you. You need to show him.” Jaime explained

“Maybe you’re right. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Well I’m going to take off I have to fix my own dinner. I’ll see you guys tomorrow. Ok?”

“Bye Jaime.” They said.

“Who wants to help me with dinner?” Rudy asked.

“I’d love to Rudy, but I have homework.” Danny said.

Rudy turned to the twins. “How bout you guys?” He asked

“It’s time for the Flintstones.” Marc said, “Come on Matt.” Marc took Matt’s hand and they went into the living room and turned the TV

“WHY DON’T YOU WANT TO HELP HIM?” Matt asked.

“HE’S MAD AT ME. HE REALLY DOESN’T WANT ME TO HELP ANYWAY. Marc replied. “HE HATES ME.” Marc concluded.

Rudy stepped into the living room. “I thought your father told you guys not to do that anymore? Rudy pointed out.

‘See what I mean. I told you. He hates me’ Marc thought at Matt.

‘I guess your right.’ Matt agreed.

Rudy went back to the kitchen and started dinner. ‘He’s still not comfortable with me” Rudy thought to himself.

He had almost finished when Oscar walked in. “Rudy I didn’t ask you to move in with us to be our cook. You don’t have to do that.”

“I know Oscar I wanted to. Besides we have a bigger problem. It’s Marc. He still has a problem where I’m concerned.”

“What do you mean?” Oscar looked at him.

“Marc still thinks I’m mad at him after what happened after our last mission. I try and try to convince him I’m not. I don’t think mere words are going to help. I need to show him.”

“I don’t understand” Oscar wondered.

“That’s what Jaime said anyway. I don’t know how I’m going to prove to him that I’m not mad at him. If he feels that way he may not trust me either.’ Rudy explained. “Oscar, he has to trust me.’

“I know that.” Oscar agreed. “What did you make for dinner?”

“Pot roast, I hope everyone likes it?” Rudy said.

“We do. It’s the kids favorite.”

“Well then I made the right choice. If you want to go in the living room and get the little kids, I’ll run down stairs and get Danny, He said he was going to do his homework.” Rudy said.

Oscar walked into the living room “Hey gang, time to eat. I’m going to go change and I’ll be right back down. You go on to the table.

Rudy went down the basement he knocked on Danny’s office door. The office had really come a long way Oscar had installed shelves and Rudy had bought Dan an entire library of medical books to put on them.

“Yea” Danny answered.

“Time to eat Dan.” Rudy told him.

Danny opened the door. “Thanks. Sometime I get so busy I lose track of time. What’s bothering you Rudy?”

“How did you know something was bothering me?” Rudy asked.

“Aw, one of the classes I’m taking is psychology and our topic of the day was facial expressions’

“Well you’re right. Marc still thinks I’m mad at him. I don’t know how to convince him other wise.”

Danny thought for a moment. “You know Rudy, I don’t believe it. I think he’s using that as an excuse.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll tell you after dinner and the kids are in bed.”

“I’m willing to try anything.” Rudy said.

After dinner Rudy sat in the living room with Oscar and the kids. The little ones were watching TV. And Oscar was reading the paper.

“Hey Dan. How bout a game of chess?” Rudy asked.

“Sounds good. Dad can play, but not that well.” Danny replied.

After the game and the kids TV show was over Rudy thought he would take the first step in winning Marc’s trust back if he had ever had it in the first place. Marc had always seemed a little nervous around him.

“Hey Oscar would you let me read to the twins tonight?”

Oscar caught the hint. “Of course Rudy I think that’s a great idea.”

Rudy turned to the boys. “Well come on let’s go. Tell me what story do you like the best?”

“The Three B Billy G Goats G Gruff “ Matt said.

“I like that story myself.” Rudy said.

“Wait just a second, I almost forgot. Marc what kind of cake do you want for your birthday on Friday?”

“What?” Cried Matt, I’m n not h having a b birthday?”

“Of course you are. You each get your own cake. So decide what kind you want so I can order it tomorrow.” Oscar explained

“Our own cakes” Marc asked.

“Of course, I think two boys should have two cakes.” Oscar smiled.

“I want chocolate.” Marc said. “With white frosting.

“I w want w white c cake, w with choc chocolate f frosting.” Matt answered.

“Wow our own cake.” Marc said as they went upstairs.

Thinking he was helping Oscar called after them “That was Rudy’s idea boys.”

After reading the story through twice Rudy closed the book. “Ok guys that’s enough bridge tripping for one night.” He turned to the twins. They were fast asleep.

“Thanks for mentioning that about the cakes Oscar.” Rudy said as he sat back down.

“Well it’s the truth, how did the story go?”

“They fell asleep before I could finish. Marc hardly spoke to me. Matt thanked me for suggesting to you about the two cakes.”

“Well maybe if you can win Matt’s trust, Marc’s will follow.” Oscar assumed.

“You may be right.” Rudy agreed. “Dan, you said you had an idea of what the problem might be.” Rudy reminded.

Danny set his book on the coffee table. “It didn’t hit me until I was in my psychology class today. Rudy I don’t think it’s you With Marc. I think it’s doctors in general ‘

Oscar looked up from his paper. “Go on Dan.”

“Well you see about two months before we moved here. Marc fell off a swing at the park, he got a real bad cut on his knee and it needed stitches. Mom took him to the emergency room and the Dr. that treated was not real nice to Marc. Marc was scared as any kid would be…” Again he paused for a moment.

Oscar and Rudy exchanged glances out of Dan’s line of sight. “Keep going Dan. You have my interest.” Rudy told him.

“Well it didn’t occur to me until just today, maybe that’s why Marc doesn’t trust you. He’s afraid you’ll be like the guy in the emergency room.”

“You could have a very valid point, there Dan. I’ll talk to him tomorrow.”

“Now don’t get me wrong. I think Marc was upset when you first got back, but I don’t believe he still thinks you’re mad at him.”

“I don’t either now. Thanks for telling us Dan.” Oscar spoke.

“Well I’m really tired, I’m going to hit the sack myself.” Dan stated. Leaving the living room.

“What do you make of that Rudy?” Oscar wondered.

“I think it is within the realm of possibility.” Rudy said getting up himself. “Thanks for letting me move in here.”

“No problem.” Oscar gave him a wave as Rudy headed for his room.

The next day Oscar went to the bakery around the corner from the OSI and ordered the cakes. Then he headed into the office to see how Steve was doing on his tests.

“So How was your first night in you new home Rudy?” Steve asked when he showed up for his tests.

“It was great. Steve. Dan and I played chess; he’s really very good. Then I read the twins a bedtime story. I’m trying to win Marc’s trust; it’s not easy he’s pretty closed where I’m concerned. But Dan told us something last night. It might be the answer to everything.” Rudy told him of the conversation he and Oscar had had with Dan.

“There just might be something to that he was uncomfortable with Michael also, remember?”

“Yea, I do remember.” Rudy agreed.

By the way what are you getting them for their birthdays? I’m getting them dump trucks to play in the sand with this summer.” Steve informed him

“I don’t know. Can you think of something?” Rudy wondered.

Steve was running on the treadmill now. And thinking at the same time. He slowed down “I got it. How about this new thing I saw. It’s an outdoor play set. It has swings and slides. It’s a regular gym set.”

“That sounds great. I think I will get them that, where do I get it?”

“I think Klondikes has them. They’re on sale this week too. When we get finished here I’ll drive over there with you.

“I’ll ask Oscar first if it’s ok.”

“If what’s ok?” Oscar said walking into Rudy’s office.

Rudy explained to Oscar what he wanted to get the twins.

“No way Rudy, not that I don’t want them to have it. I have looked into those myself. They are way to expensive.”

“Oscar, that’s what I want to get them.” Rudy surmised.

“Well ok, why don’t you ask Jaime to go in on it with you? That way it won’t cost you so much.” Oscar suggested.

“Oscar I want to get this for them.” Rudy argued.

“Ok, I suppose it’s alright, I just don’t want them to get spoiled. I myself am taking it easy on what I get them.

Oscar turned to Steve, what’s Jaime getting them?” He wondered.

“Well you know Jaime, she’s most interested in their future. She is giving you money to add to their bank accounts. She wants to make sure they have enough money for college.” Steve told him.

“Well I don’t think she has to much to worry about. They are very wealthy children, I mean what with the money Danny got from that lawsuit shortly after he came to live with us, and the money they got when the houses in NY and NJ sold. Joe Thompson also told me that their has also made quite a few investments that are now in the kid names. But don’t get me wrong I like that it’s very practical.” Oscar figured.

“That’s what Jaime though.” Steve lifted up a small barbell with his left hand. Rudy had attached electrodes to it that led to and EKG machine.

“That’s great Steve, You can put it down now.” He turned to Oscar whose expression told Rudy the question that he was thinking.

“It’s an excellent way of testing the heart.” Rudy explained.

“Oh I see.” Oscar said as he left the room.

“He seems a little preoccupied.” Steve noticed.

“I think he’s concerned about Marc.” Rudy explained.

“Yea I understand.” Steve agreed. I think all of us are concerned about Marc, but remember don’t forget about Matt. I don’t want him to get up set again.”

“Same here. I’m reminded of that every time the kid talks.” Rudy stated. “I just wish there were more I could do for him.”

In Joe Thompson’s office in NY Millie Jenkins sat with her attorney. Lenny Graves Joe hadn’t arrived yet. “Millie” Lenny was telling her. “Let me do all the talking. Ok?”

“All I want is to send my grandsons a present for their birthday. Is that asking too much? I don’t see why I have get permission anyway. That man may have them, but they are still my grandsons.”

“I understand… Hi Joe” Lenny greeted.

“Lenny, what can I do for you?” Joe asked looking more at Millie. “I thought the custody thing was decided?”

“It is. We are not here about that right now anyway. The twins Birthday is on Friday, Millie wants to send them a present. I told her we had to get Mr. Goldman’s permission first.”

“Well I will give him a call and see what he says.” Joe stood and showed them the door. “I’ll let you know. I’m sure I know already what the answer will be, but I’ll let you know.

In Oscar’s office Rudy and Danny were informing Oscar that everything was ready for Marc when his bionics needed to be changed again. “It’s been a while again. I’ve noticed that Matt is maybe a fraction taller than Marc.” Rudy informed him. “At least we know the symptoms this time and we can look for them…”

Oscar reached to pick up the phone. After speaking for a few moments he said. “I’ll have to get back to you on that one Joe.” And hung up the phone.

“Was that Joe Thompson?” Danny asked.

“Yea it was. Your grandmother wants to send the twins a present for their birthday. I’m not really sure how to respond. I don’t know what her game is.”

“Well I don’t think you should allow it dad. It might send her the wrong signals. She might get the idea she’s welcome. I know her pretty well She may consider it an open invitation. “

“What do you mean Danny?” Oscar wanted to know.

“Well she just might think that you’ve had a change of heart and you’re going to let us go live with her. I know that’s not true, but she may interpret it that way.”

“I have to agree with Danny on this one.” Rudy added.

“Well she’s one I would hate to show up on my doorstep again. She ranks right up there with Gretchen Winters. I got a report on her the other day. The appeals court will not hear her case.”

“I didn’t even know she was appealing “ Danny was surprised.

“I know. I didn’t want to tell you kids, until I heard one way or the other.” Oscar said then turned to Rudy “Are you sure this procedure will work with Marc?”

“No Oscar not 100 percent, more like 96.5 percent. But I think it’s worth a try. Danny was right about the time machine.”

“How is that project coming?” Oscar wanted to know.

“It is wonderful. We are getting to the point where you can actually pin point exactly where you want to go in history.” Rudy explained

“That would be wonderful.” Oscar pointed to Danny. “He’s not testing it though. Use test animals or something.”

“Don’t worry Oscar, I have no intention in letting Danny test it.” Rudy assured him.

“Well that’s good. I better call Joe Thompson back. I’ll tell him the answer is no. I hate to do that to her.”

“Dad, trust me. Let say she had gotten custody of us, she would have done the same thing to you.”

“You mean that Dan.” Oscar looked at him quizzically

“Of course I mean it.” Danny said. “There’s more to it. The little kids don’t know about it and I would rather they not.

What’s that Dan?” Oscar questioned him

“Well.” Danny began “You better be sitting down for this one.”

Oscar looked up at Rudy then back to Danny “I’m sitting Dan. You want to tell me what’s going on?”

Danny nodded. He sat down. “Well dad there’s something you don’t know. Mom and dad were going to get divorced. “ Danny told them. “It was going to be ugly too. Dad wanted custody and so did mom. Grandma and grandpa were ready for a big fight. There was no way they would allow mom to take us.”

Oscar sat in shock…

After regaining his composer Oscar stood and walked over to Danny. “They never actually went through with it did they?”

“That’s what they were on their way to do when their plane crashed. Dad said they were going to talk to Joe when they got back about changing their will as to who got custody of us in the event anything happened to them. They never got the job done. That’s why grandma and grandpa are so upset.”

“Dan, I wish you would have told me this at the beginning.” Oscar half scolded. But I guess I can see why you didn’t.”

“I know I should have, I just didn’t want the little ones to here me. And besides since they were gone I guess I thought that it really didn’t matter anymore.” Danny looked up at Oscar, then down at his feet.

“There’s more isn’t there Danny?” Oscar asked.

Danny nodded. But didn’t look up.

“You want to tell me?” Oscar prodded.

Danny slowly looked up. He was crying. “Danny, tell me please.”

“I don’t know if I can.” Danny cried.

“Well the only thing I can think of that would be this bad, is he was seeing someone else. Is that it Dan?”

Danny nodded. “For a little over a year.” Danny whispered.

Oscar’s face was purple with rage. Rudy tried to calm him down.

“Take it easy Oscar. What are you going to do, kill him? You need to just calm down Look it’s over” Rudy spoke calmly. “Did you ever consider that maybe it was the best thing that they were killed.

Oscar shot him a glance. “What?”

“I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. But Oscar you have the kids, no one can take them from you.” Rudy explained.

“I know Rudy. You’re right. It just burns me that he would cheat on her.” He turned back to Danny, “The twins don’t know any of this do they? I mean I hope they didn’t know.” Oscar stated.

Danny shook his head. “It’s a little hard to get things past me. But no they don’t know.” He assured Oscar.

“Did your grandparents know?” Oscar asked knowing full well the answer. But he wanted Danny to tell him anyway.

“They were all for it. They said mom would never get us kids.” Danny revealed. His chest began to heave as he started to cry.

Oscar was still furious when Steve, who after finishing his tests had taken a shower, walked into Oscar’s office.

“Why so upset Oscar?” Steve asked in a cheerful voice.

“I just found out, Danny just told me. That SOB Julie was married to was seeing another woman. They were in the process of getting a divorce when their plane went down.” Oscar turned back to Danny. “Did Joe Thompson know about this?” Oscar wanted to know. If Joe knew Oscar would be very upset.

“No they had hired separate attorney’s.” Danny replied. Again Danny looked down at the ground. “That’s not all of it. The woman, Her name was Laura, she was pregnant.” Danny admitted.

“Well now maybe your grandparents will have to go through her to see their grandchild.” Oscar thought aloud. “Now I know for sure, they will never see you kids. Ever again!!!” Oscar thundered.

“My question is this. Why didn’t she tell me?” Oscar wanted to know. “She knows she could have come to me. I would never have let him just take you kids.”

“I think she was worried that you would kill him or something.” Danny said. “She told me that when she found out I knew. She made me promise not to tell you.”

“Well she’s probably right. I would have.” Oscar agreed. “I just wish she would have come to me for help!”

“Dad, I don’t want the twins to know any of this.” Danny was nervous. “I don’t want them to be angry with Dad, the way I am.”

“Dan, I would never tell them, not in a million years.” Oscar assured. “I know Steve and Rudy won’t say anything either.” He went on.

“I know you won’t say anything. I wasn’t even supposed to know.” Danny continued.

“Like I said, the only reason I knew is that it is pretty hard to get much of anything past me. I pick up on thins very quickly.”

“I’m sorry you found out Dan, it must have been very hard on you.” Oscar knelt down to look Danny in the eye. “It must have been terrible.”

“It was.” Danny cried.

“Is there more son?” Oscar wanted to know. He put his hands on Danny’s shoulders. “You can tell me son.” Oscar probed.

Danny shook his head. “No that’s it.” He had stopped crying now, but Oscar knew he was still upset. In fact Dan became so upset he began wheezing.

“Dan, Take it easy.” Rudy cautioned. “ You’re going to make yourself sick. Oscar do you have his medicine here?” Rudy was ready to run down to his office to retrieve it.”

Oscar reached in the desk drawer and pulled out one of Dan’s inhaler’s and handed it to him. Dan quickly took it and breathed it in.

“Feeling better?” Oscar asked.

Dan nodded. “Yea much better.”

“Look Dan.” Oscar spoke softly. “Why don’t you go clean your face I’ll have Russ give you a ride home. Ok?”

Danny nodded and got up to leave the room. He hadn’t wanted to say anything. They were dead, and Danny would have rather forgotten the whole ugly incident. He left Oscar’s office and went to the bathroom.

“I’ll tell you if that creep weren’t dead, I’d kill him.” Oscar said after Danny left. “Imagine cheating on my sister. The nerve of Frank and Millie, wanting the kids when they knew!”

“Oscar.” Rudy said “It’s over now, just calm down. Ok?”

“I will “ Oscar reached for the phone; he called Russ to come and give Danny a ride home.

Danny went home. Jaime wasn’t surprised to see him. After all the family had been through in the past month or so, Oscar always called to alert them that someone was on their way home. He had told Jaime everything Danny had told him.

“Hi Dan.” She greeted. “Oscar explained everything to me. Can I get you anything?”

“No, I just want to go down to my office and do my homework.” Danny started down he steps.

“Listen guys, you have the rest of the day off. Why don’t you go upstairs and play. Ok?” She knew she would get no argument from the twins.

“Yea” The twins and Joey shouted as they ran up to their rooms. They were more than anxious to leave the table and ran upstairs to play.

Jaime followed Danny down the basement. “How are you doing?” She asked him. As she followed him into his ‘office’ “Do you want to talk about it? I sent your brothers upstairs to their rooms.

”I’m ok, really I understood things a long time ago.” Danny explained.

“Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?” Jaime persisted. She really wanted Danny to talk about it, she thought it might help him.

“No, really I’m fine.” Danny assured her. “Thanks, I know what you’re trying to do. But really Jaime, I came to terms with it along time ago. Did dad tell you Rudy and I are already for when Marc has to be changed again?”

“No he didn’t Rudy’s going to use your theory and try the bionics that grow?”

...Continued