After seeing Dan safely to Rudy’s office. Steve joined Oscar in his office. “Has he said anything yet?” Steve wonderd.

“Nothing we can use.” Oscar grumbled.

“I think I have an idea. Some one bigger is calling the shots, and it’s not Yuriy Shurik. He’s back in the Soviet Union.”

“Yea, I know. Who do you?”…

“I have a feeling it’s Ambassador Rustam himself.” Steve deduced. “He’s been after information for months now. Even going as far as to involve Marc a while back.

”Yea I remember that. But how do we get to him?”

“Come with me. I have a plan, it may or may not work but just go along with whatever I say.”

“Ok Steve as long as you think you know what you’re doing.”

“Just follow my lead.”

The two walked down to the integration room where Vasilii Gubina was being held.

“Well.” Steve began. “It looks like your boss is letting you take the heat all by yourself.” Steve continued.

“I don’t belive you.” Vasilii Gubina shouted.

“It’s true.” Oscar jumped in. “I just heard from him. He said the idea was entirely yours. He had nothing to do with it.”

“You don’t even know know who my boss is.” Vasilii snapped.

“Does the name Boris Rustam ring any bells?” Oscar threw a folder on the table.

Vasilii Gubina could only stare at it.

“Here’s the deal Gubina. You tell us he’s the one who hired you, and we just might let you quietly leave the coutry for some unknown place.” Steve continued.

“All right, all right.” Vasilii Gubina cried. “Just don’t let Rustam get hold of me.” He told them everything.

“Now.” Oscar said as they left the room. “Now we go after Rustam. With Vasilii Gubina’s taped confession we can get Rustam out ot the country.”

“I’m glad that’s over with.” Steve exclaimed as they watched the FBI take Rustam away. “Will he be going back to Russia?”

“No he’ll stand trial here.” Oscar told him.

“Good. I want to go to that trial.”

“I’m just glad your out of harms way. How would you and Jaime like to stop by tonight and decorate our tree?”

“I’d love to. I’ll head that way now. I’m sure Jaime won’t mind helping.”

“Rudy has his own tree this year. He thought we could make a party out of it. I told the kids you would more than likely help.”

“Looking forward to it. I have a few stops to make, then I’ll come on out to your place.”

“See you then Steve.”

Steve headed down the hall. “Steve!” Rudy called. “I hear you’re a ‘free’ man.”

“Yea it feels good. Oscar told me about tonight. I’m on my way now.”

“Great. I have my own tree to decorate. I thought if all of us pitched in…”

“I know. Glad to help.”

“You’re a big fat liar Teddy!” Matt screamed.

“I am not. It’s true. There is no Santa Claus.” Teddy taunted.

“Liar, liar, liar!” Matt screamed. He shoved Teddy to the ground.”

“Now. Now boys.” Jaime said coming out of the house. “What is all this about.”

“Teddy is a liar!” Matt pointed, tears running down his face. “He says there is no Santa Claus.”

“Matt why don’t you go inside. Teddy your mother just called it’s time for you to go home.”

She put her arm around Matt. “Come on honey. Marc is waiting for you inside. Don’t worry about what Teddy says.”

“He’s a liar.” Matt cried.

They walked into the garage and into the house. “You just go upstairs and play with your brothers.”

“What was that all about?” Marc asked. when Matt entered the room.

“That Teddy is so bad.” Matt was still crying.

“What did he say?” Marc wondered.

“He said there was no Santa Claus.”

“He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Come on I’ll talk to him.”

“Marc, Matt!” Jaime called time for lunch.”

“We’ll go over after lunch.” Marc thought at Matt.

“Yea we’ll teach him.”

“Now boys.” Jaime started as they sat at the table. “Don’t worry about what Teddy says.”

“We won’t.” They promised. “Can we go over to Teddy’s after lunch?”

“Promise you won’t fight?”

“Yea, we promise.”

After completing his errands Steve made his way to Oscar’s house.

“Steve!” Jaime called out. “I didn’t expect to see you.”

“Oscar asked if we’d help decorate the tree tonight. Where are the kids? I thought you would have them in class.”

“We only work till about 11:00 They are just so keyed up about the holidays that it is so hard for them to concentrate. By they way, did you ever call the hospital in Ojai. To get those records for Rudy.”

“I’ll do it right now.” Steve picked up the phone and called tha air base hospital where he had been born.

“…Thank you.” Steve said then hung up the phone.

“Any luck?” Jaime asked as she fixed him a bowl of soup.

“Yea they said they would send them right out. Rudy should have them in just a couple of days.” Steve eyed her closely. “Is something wrong?”

“No not really, it’s just that Teddy told the twins there was no Santa.”

“I guess I’ll have to set him straight. Just as soon as I finish this.”

Steve finished his soup and headed across the street. The boys were playing in the back yard.

“Hey Marc, Matt.” Steve called out.

“Hi Steve.” Marc called as he ran to greet him.

“Say what do you kids have here?”

“A dog. Mr. Austin.” Teddy explained.

“Teddy, can I see you for a minute?” Steve walked over to him.

“Yea sure I guess.” Teddy moved closer to Steve.

“Look it’s ok if you don’t want ot beliee in Santa. But don’t ruin it for those that do.”

“I guess you’re right. They were pretty upset.”Teddy admitted.

“Just keep it under you hat huh?”

“I can do that.”

In the yard Marc and Matt were playing with the dog, but the dog didn’t sem to be in a playful mood.

“Marc, Matt Come away from the dog ok. I don’t think he wants to play that way.” Steve warned.

The dog was growling and barking and creating all kinds of noise. Matt had moved over to the fence to get away from him but the dog continued to chase after him snarling and barking.

“Matt. Stay there.” Steve again called out. “Don’t move.” He started toward Matt to get him away from the dog.

“Teddy, you go in the house, and Marc you go home. Now!”

The boys obeyed Steve continued to make his way toward Matt. “Just take it easy Matt.” Steve lifted him up and put him on the other side of the fence. “Now you go on home.” Steve ordered.

Matt ran off and Joined Marc.

Steve was just getting ready to climb over the fence himself when the dog lunged at him biting him on the left shoulder blade.

“Dam!” Steve yelled He took his right arm and threw the dog across the yard. “That’s what I should have done in the first place.”

Wonded Steve headed back across the street. “Steve!” Jaime cried when she saw the blood on Steve’s shirt. “What happened.

“Oh that dog of Teddy’s bit me.” Steve complained.

“I better call Rudy that looks pretty bad.” She dialed Rudy’s number and within a few moments Rudy arrived at the house.

He treated Steve’s wound then went to talk to the twins. Steve, Oscar and Jaime followed. “I need to talk to Teddy’s dad. I need to make sure the dog is up to date on all his shots.”

“The dog isn’t Teddy’s.” Marc told him.

“We need to find out who it belongs to and fast!” Rudy sounded nervous.

“Is it that important Rudy?” Oscar asked.

“It’s very impoirtant The dog could have rabies…”

“Rabies!” Steve, Jaime and Oscar shouted together.

Rudy nodded. He turned back to the twins. “Do you have any idea who the dog belongs to?”

“No. We don’t.” Marc shook his head. “Maybe Teddy knows.”

“Jaime, you stay here with Steve and the kids. Oscar you come with me.”

Oscar and Rudy set out across the street. Larry Grimes had just pulled in the driveway.

“Oscar. How are you?” Larry asked.

“Not Very good Larry. The twins were playing over here today with a dog. Do you know who’s it was by any chance?”

Larry thought for a moment. “No can’t say that I do I didn’t see the dog. I’ll ask Teddy.”

“Could you make it fast?” Rudy asked. “You see the dog bit our friend…”

“Say no more.” Larry dashed into the house and appeared moments later with Teddy.

“Son.” Oscar started. “That dog you boys were playing with. Do you know who he belongs to?”

Teddy nodded. “Yea she’s old lady Larson’s dog.”

“Teddy!” Larry corrected. “I have told you that it not polite.” He turned back to Oscar and Rudy. “That Jenny Larson. She lives right next door to us.”

“Thanks.” The two sprinted off to Jenny Larson’s house. They stepped up on the porch and rang the bell.

An elderly woman came to the door along with the biggest dog they had ever seen.

“Mrs. Larson?” Oscar asked.

“Yes.” She replied.

“My sons were playing with your dog earlier, he…”

“She.” Jenny corrected

“She bit a friend of ours…”

“Fefe. Bad girl!” Jenny scolded.

“Our question is, is the dog up to date on her shots?” Rudy broke in.

“I believe she is. Just a moment.” She disappeared into the house and appeared several moments later with a slip of paper. “This is Fefe’s vet. He’ll know.”

Rudy took the number and dashed across the street with it leaving Oscar to bid Mrs. Larson farewell.

“Well thank you Mrs. Larson.” Oscar started off the porch.

Rudy was still on the phone when Oscar walked in. “Thank You DR. Larson Yea I’m relieved.”

Rudy hung up. “We’re in luck. Mrs. Larson may be a bit scatter brained, but her son who I just talked to takes care of all the dogs vet needs. Fefe is one hundred percent up to date on every thing.”

“Fefe!” Steve and the twins sounded shocked.

“Doesn’t look much like a Fefe does she?” Rudy laughed more out of relief than anything.

They all shook their head. “No!”

“Her son is a vet then Rudy?” Oscar asked after Steve and the twins calmed down about the dog’s name

“Yea he is. So we are in the clear.” He turned to Steve. “You’re not going to get out of decorating my tree that easily.”

“Very funny Rudy.” Steve sighed.

“Well now that all the excitement is over, why don’t we get started? We have to put ours together first.” Oscar pointed out.

“Same here.” Rudy proclaimed.

Jaime went to help Rudy, and Steve helped Oscar. Soon the trees were together and ready to decorate.

“So Oscar.” Steve began when they sat down to dinner. “Do you have your shopping done?”

“For the most part. I still have a few things to pick up.”

“I’m all done.” Steve smiled.

“Steve. Did you get your records from Ojai yet?” Rudy wondered.

“They are on the way you should have them by tomorrow.” Steve told him.

“Good. I’ll be anxious to read them. I just don’t want any surprises when the time comes.”

“I’m sure everything will be just fine.” Jaime stated.

Steve was right. The files arrived the next day. Rudy spent the entire day reading about Steve’s birth.

“Well” he said to himself as the closed the file. “Nothing out to the ordinary happened. I guess everything is going to be fine.” Rudy left his office he planned to stop at Steve’s on his way home.

“Jaime! Jaime?” Steve called as he walked into their house. “I have a surprise!”

“What is it Steve?” Jaime wondered as she came into the kitchen.

“Look what I got for the baby.” Steve held the Christmas stocking up for her to see.

“Steve. He’s not here yet, why would you by him a stocking?” Jaime laughed.

“I just thought we would have it. I thought it was cute, and besides you never know…”

“Yea well I know. Rudy says it will not be before Christmas.” Jaime reminded.

“He’s been wrong before.” Steve told her. “Don’t you think it’s cute?”

“Of course I do. You even had his name put on it.” Jaime noted.

“Yea. I thought we agreed on James Daniel?”

“We did. I think James is a wonderful name. It was my dad’s name and your step father’s name…”

“And Dan’s middle name.” Steve reminded. “That’s why we chose that name.”

Jaime took the stocking from Steve. “I suppose we have to hang it?”

“Of course.” Steve smiled.

Chuckling to her self Jaime hung the stocking on the fireplace mantel. ‘I don’t know.’ She thought. ‘It is going to seem strange to give birth to my husband… what am I saying? He’s going to be my son.’

“That looks pretty good.” Steve noted looking at the baby’s stocking hanging next to his own and Jaime’s.

“Well I think we’re jumping the gun just a little bit. By the way, what else is in that bag?”

Steve’s face turned red. “Well I uh, bought the baby some presents.” He smiled.

“You are anxious for him to be born aren’t you?” Jaime smiled back

“If you only knew.” Steve said. “I thought…I wonder who that could be?”

The two of them headed for the door.

“Rudy. What are you doing here?” They asked

“I just wanted to tell you. I read all of your records. I think this is going to go very well.”

“Well that’s good.” Steve said.

“There is one thing. You were born at three in the morning. I don’t know if that will be the case with you, but I thought you would like to know.”

“Do you think that will be the case with us?” Jaime wondered

“It’s possible. You see, nothing like this has ever been attempted before therefore, there are no records to base it on. But if everything goes according to plan. Your baby will probably come at the same time.”

“Well we appreciate the heads up.” Steve said. They headed for the door. “The weather is looks like it’s getting bad” Steve looked out the window. “Maybe you should just say here.”

“Thanks for offering, I think I’ll take you up on it. It had just started to snow when I left the office now the wind has picked up.”

“It’s turned into a regular blizzard.” Jaime added.

“Come on Rudy we’ll get you settled. I’ll call Oscar so he won’t worry about you.”

“That sounds good.” Rudy stepped into the living room. “What is that?” He pointed to the extra stocking hanging on the fireplace.

“Steve seems to think the baby is coming tomorrow sometime.” Jaime laughed.

“Steve. I don’t think you have to worry.” Rudy laughed.

“He’s just anxious to become a father.” Jaime explained.

“It has been awhile, “ Rudy stated. “But it won’t be too much longer and the two of you will be parents.

“I can hardly wait.” Steve had picked up the phone and was waiting for Oscar to answer.

“Oscar. It’s Steve. Rudy stopped by with some news on the baby, because of the weather he’s just going to stay here.”

“That’s fine Steve.” Oscar replied. “We’ll expect all of you here tomorrow night for Christmas Eve. How bout we do it the same as last year, you and Jaime just stay with us?”

“Sounds good to me.” Steve hung up and turned toward Rudy. “Ok you’re all set. Oscar knows where you are.”

“Thanks Steve. Anything I can do to help out just let me know.”

“No you just sit back and relax.” Jaime ordered.

“Don’t mind if I do.” Rudy sat on the couch and turned on the TV.

Marc stood by his bedroom window. “It’s really getting bad out there.” He turned to Matt. “I’m worried about Rudy, maybe he had car trouble. He should be home by now.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to go look for him. If I find him I’ll call out to you.”

“Ok I’ll wait to hear from you.” Matt sat on the bed and watched as his brother went out the window to find Rudy.

Several minutes later Oscar came to get the twins for dinner. “Boys dinner…where’s Marc?” He asked

Matt was in tears. “He was worried about Rudy he went to look for him.” Matt cried.

“Rudy stayed at Steve’s.” Oscar cried as he flew downstairs and called Steve.

At Steve’s house Steve picked up the phone. “Yes Oscar. I’ll find him don’t worry.” Steve hung up the phone. “Marc went out to look for you Rudy I have to find him.”

“Steve you be careful. Its only about 12 degrees out.” Rudy warned.

“Don’t worry Rudy I’ll be fine.” He stepped on the porch and disappeared.

He had only gone a couple of blocks when he decided he would have better luck in the car as he turned around to head back to the house he no more got turned around when he slipped on a patch of ice and fell to the ground cracking his head on the sidewalk below.

As Jaime and Rudy waited in the warm house, the winds picked up even more. Jaime and Rudy couldn’t see the rail to the porch and the temperature dropped another ten degrees…

“I hope he finds Marc.” Jaime continued looking out the window, but she hadn’t seen Steve for several minutes.

“I think it’s gotten colder.” She stated as she moved away from the window. “You know Rudy. I just thought of something. Marc thinks he’s looking for you, why don’t we get Matt to tell him you’re safe.”

“Why didn’t I think of that before?” Rudy exclaimed. “I really don’t like them doing that, but this is an emergency.” He got on the phone and called Oscar.

“I’ll do that right now!” Oscar called Matt to come down. “Matt come here son. I need you to tell Marc that Rudy is safe at Steve’s.”

Matt called out to his brother. ‘Marc!”

‘Yea.’ Marc came back.

‘Rudy is ok; he stayed at Jaime and Steve’s. Come back home!”

‘I’m almost there now!” Marc replied.

Matt turned to Oscar. “He’s almost to Steve and Jaime’s now.”

“I’ll let them know. Rudy. Marc says he’s almost there.”

“Ok. Steve went out to look for him.” Rudy spoke into the phone

“What? In this storm?” Alarm rose in Oscar’s voice.

“I’m afraid so. Maybe the two of them will run into one another.” Rudy speculated.

“Rudy! It ‘s way to cold for either one of them to be out.” Oscar reminded.

“Yea I know. I’ll wait for Marc.” Rudy sighed.

“Marc trudged up the side walk his legs barely moved. The storm had increased in intensity since he had left the house. Marc could barely move his feet, they simply shuffled on the ground. “I’m only a block or so away’ He thought to himself. “I’ll make it.” Suddenly he tripped over something in the middle of the sidewalk.

“What was that?” Marc asked He brushed the snow off. “It’s Steve!” He cried out. “I don’t think I can go anymore myself. But I have to help Steve.” Marc started crawling toward Steve and Jaime’s house. He made it up the steps and managed a feeble rap on the door.

“What was that?” Jaime asked.

“What was what?” Rudy asked.

“I thought I heard something.” She headed for the door.

“Rudy! It’s Marc!” She called out.

Rudy raced to the door. He picked up Marc and placed him on the couch.

“Jaime! Get all the blankets you have!” He ordered.

Jaime raced through the house grabbing every blanket they owned. Rudy wrapped Marc trying to warm him.

Slowly Marc opened his eyes and he turned to Jaime. His lips barely moved. But she knew he was saying something.

“I’m listening Marc go ahead honey.”

Rudy watched the two of them.

“Steve is out there. He must have fallen or something.” Marc barely whispered.

“Marc! Where is he?” Jaime cried.

“Up in the next block.” Marc continued to whisper weakly.

“Rudy Steve is out there. He’s up in the next block.” Jaime cried out.

“An ambulance will never get through this” Rudy speculated. “I have to get to him.”

“You can’t get him yourself.” Jaime observed. “I’ll come with you.”

“I don’t like the idea, but I guess I have no choice. I’m sure Marc will be fine for a few minutes anyway.”

After getting warm clothes on and making sure Marc was warm enough, Jaime bent over him. “We’ll be right back honey.”

Marc gave her a nod. He was even able to sit up just a bit.

Jaime and Rudy headed out. The storm had let up just a bit. Rudy carried a flashlight so the could see where they were going. “There he is Jaime!” He called out after he spotted Steve in the exact location Marc had given them.

They raced to where Steve lay on the ground. By now he had come around just a bit.

“Don’t try to talk Steve. We’ll get you back to the house.” Rudy started lifting him.

Between the two of them they managed to get Steve back to the house. By the time they got back to the house, Marc was all warmed up.

“Is he ok?” Marc greeted them at the door.

“Yea he’s going to be fine.” Rudy assured. “He just has to get warmed up the same as you. Then I need to check the bump on his head. Jaime why don’t you call Oscar and tell him everyone is fine.” Rudy suggested

“I’ll do that, Marc might as well stay too.” Jaime figured. Jaime walked into the living room and placed the call.

“You’re sure everyone is all right.” Oscar wondered.

“Yea their fine. Steve is warming up. And Marc is just fine.” Jaime assured.

“Well I’ll have a long chat with Marc in the morning. Why don’t you guys come out here as soon as you can.”

“We will. I’ll speak to you soon Oscar.”

“Yea bye Jaime.” They both hung up and Jaime went to Join Steve, Rudy and Marc in the living room. Steve was sipping coffee and Marc was drinking hot chocolate.

“How are they Rudy?” Jaime whispered to him.

“I think they will be ok, what did Oscar say?”

“He’s fine with Marc staying her, though I think Marc better enjoy his freedom. I think it will be the last he gets out for some time.”

“He’s in trouble huh?” Rudy muttered.

“Oh. I think that’s putting it mildly.” Jaime observed.

“I’m in big trouble, huh?” Marc joined the conversation.

“I afraid so honey.” Jaime put her arm around him.

“I was worried. About…”

“That doesn’t matter Marc.” Steve walked over to him. “You should never leave the house without telling an adult. I think we just talked about this.”

“Yea, I know.” Marc sighed.

Steve turned toward Jaime and Rudy. He gave them a small nod.

“Rudy would you help me in the kitchen?” Jaime asked.

Catching the hint Rudy agreed he would.

“Marc. Let’s sit down here.” Steve pointed to the couch.

“What is it Steve?”

“Look Marc. It’s not that I don’t appreciate your help. But son you’re just a little boy. I sometimes wish you were my little boy, but you’re not. Now on with what I was saying. You can’t sneak out of the house whenever you want. Now I know you were worried about Rudy and frankly, if I had been in your place I would probably have gone to look for him myself.”

“Then why can’t I?” Marc gave him a serious look.

“Mind if I take that one Steve?” Rudy stood in the doorway.

“I guess not.” Steve made room for Rudy on the couch. They sat on either side of Marc.

“Marc, I’m glad that you wanted to help me out.” Rudy started. “But you realize that you put not only yourself, but Steve in harms way?”

“I guess I didn’t think of that.” Marc whispered.

Steve put his hand on Marc’s shoulder. “Look Marc. I’m glad you were there the last couple of times especially. But you need to tell an adult if you are upset about something or think you need to help someone out.”

“I know. But the last time I tried to tell dad…”

“I know. He wouldn’t listen. Look Marc why don’t you call me? I’ll listen to you.” Steve promised. “You see at the same time you were going out the window, Jaime was telling your dad that Rudy was staying with us.”

“So if I would have…”

“Asked your dad, he would have told you Rudy was safe and sound.” Steve finished.

“Steve? Will you talk to my dad tomorrow?” Marc asked.

“I will but if your father punishes you…”

“I’ll take it like a man.” Marc sighed.

“Good man. Now why don’t we all get to bed? It’s late.

“I’m all for that.” Jaime and Rudy echoed.

By late the next morning the snowplows had cleared most of the streets. The temperature climbed back up to a balmy 18 degrees. Steve, Jaime, Rudy and Marc got in the car and headed for Oscar’s house.

“I can’t wait for tonight.” Marc exclaimed as they drove. “Santa comes.”

“I guess I’m pretty excited to.” Steve confessed.

“Steve?”

“Yea Marc?”

“Did you mean what you said last night?”

“I said quite a bit Marc.” Steve turned toward Marc in the back seat.

“The part where you said you wished I was your little boy?”

“Of course I meant it Marc. Why?”

“Well I was wondering if I could take you up on it?” Marc whispered shyly.

Steve turned to Jaime sitting beside him then back to Marc. “What about Matt?”

“I talked to him last night. He understands. Would you talk to my dad?”

“I’ll try Marc, but your father loves you very much.” Steve reminded.

“I know he loves me, but he doesn’t understand me.” Marc pointed out.

“Marc?” Jaime broke in. “Are you trying to say that you want to live with Steve and I?”

Marc nodded. “That is if you want me.” His voice was barely audible.

“Of course we want you Marc.” Jaime assured.

“We just want you to be one hundred percent sure that’s what you want.” Steve finished.

“It is. Will you talk to my dad?”

Steve nodded.

They arrived a few seconds later at Oscar’s. Steve took Oscar back to his office. “Oscar.” Steve began. “Marc wants to live with Jaime and I”

“No way Steve.” Oscar resounded with out even giving it any thought.

“Oscar. Will you at lest hear us out.” Steve pleaded.

“It’s out of the question Steve.” Oscar shook his head.

“It’s what Marc wants.” Steve explained. “We had nothing to do with it.”

“Marc is to young to know what he wants.” Oscar pointed out.

“I don’t agree with that.” Jaime put in. “Oscar he says that’s what he wants.”

“What about Matt?” Oscar reminded.

“Marc says he and Matt discussed it, Matt understands.” Steve stated.

...Continued