Mr. Shapiro was checking out what he needed. He called the airlines to verify what Brian had told him. He had believed Brian, but it didn’t hurt to make sure, especially when it came to Sarai. Mr. Shapiro was like an uncle to her. He also collected the safety deposit key he had that was to open their box. He was listed on it. Sarai’s father and he were closer then brothers because they chose to be. There was total trust. He emptied out the box of its contents, put them in a satchel, closed the box and left. There was a lot in the box that pertained to Sarai. She had to know everything. The other stuff he would have to wade through later. There was a videotape of the two of them expressing their hopes and dreams for Sarai and explaining her inheritance and such. They were actually beyond wealthy. Sarai would not need for anything except her parents. That he could not change.

Mr. Shapiro went back to his office and sorted out the many items. Those he needed to tell Sarai right away and those that needed to wait for her to reach certain ages. He put aside all the other things for later so that he could take care of them as well. Once he knew what he needed to do Mr. Yonathan Shapiro was eager to get it over with and to see how Sarai was doing. He packaged everything he needed. Then he called Mr. Kinney. ‘It’s now or never,’ he thought.

Ring. Ring. The phone startled Brian. He had been lying in bed, cuddled in the arms of Justin who was comforting his man. He had had a good cry as he talked to his Sunshine. “Justin, I want to fight for Sarai. She needs to be with people she loves and that have always thought of her as family. I can’t let a stranger bring her up. It would be wrong. We understand her disabilities. We accept her for who she is and the potential she has within her. The wrong person could stifle her, make her feel worthless. What is one more child in the mix? So what if we have two in their teens soon and the twins, and those yet to be. This house is alive with laughter and love. She needs that now. I need to do this Justin.”

Justin smiled a smile that meant more to Brian than even his Sunshiny smile. It was a smile of consent, of love, of complete understanding, and it also told him that Justin was on board.

“Brian, we don’t know what the Semerads set up. You may approve. We don’t know yet. But, I would love to have Sarai legally as our daughter. She already is family so the only changes would be to maybe increase her space and get her stuff from her house. She fits here perfectly. She is such a good girl. Here she would have someone around all the time, a bigger family to belong, and she would not have to be shuffled off to someone when her parents went on trips. She would have us.”

“Yes, and she wouldn’t want for anything though I am certain she would be well off.”

Ring. Brian picks up the phone on the third ring. “Hello.”

“Mr. Kinney?”

“Yes, this is he. Who am I talking to?”

“Sorry, it’s Mr. Shapiro again. I have my answers. I need to see you and Justin and Sarai immediately.”

“Umm. Mr. Shapiro…”

“No need to explain. I know about you Mr. Kinney. I will come to you. I know you are recovering from an accident. I already have your address. Sarai’s mom left it for me. I could be there in thirty minutes. You need to see something so we will need to meet where we can view a videotape.”

“Okay, I will be ready. So will Justin and Sarai, but there is a small problem. Justin was about to leave to pick up our friend Emmett. He was here earlier but needed to do some things. I need him back here. Is it possible that you could pick him up? I know where your office is and if you detour slightly from there, it will only add another ten minutes getting here. I would be grateful. I will call Emmett and tell him you will be picking him up. He is close to here but I really don’t want Justin to be gone when you arrive.”

“Sure. Tell me where.” Brian proceeded to give directions and tell him what Emmett was wearing warning him to be prepared. Emmett was even more outrageous than normal. As that was settled, Brian moved onto the next thing. Getting Sarai ready for seeing the videotape and getting himself settled back in the big living room to see the tape.

As he was doing so, the phone rang again. Who is calling now, he wondered. “Hello.”

“Brian, are you okay?”

“Yes, Deb. She took it as well as can be expected. I am not doing well. It breaks my heart.”

“Well, I called because I have some more bad news.” Brian groaned. He had the phone on speaker as he was dressing.

“What now?”

“Brian, I couldn’t help it. After I hung up from you I was angry at what you said. You know me. I rant and rave to the walls. Well, Michael walked in as I was screaming to let it out, talking to Vic as if he were there, and you should have seen his face. He was jealous that I had received a call from you. I didn’t tell him much. Just that you weren’t doing well. A death does that. I didn’t tell him any of our conversation. He wanted your phone number. He was in a rage that you called me and not him. I told him you didn’t want to see him or speak to him. You didn’t want to see me either. I tried to keep it from him. He doesn’t have the number yet. I pulled out the caller ID. I didn’t know how else to delete the message number. He ran out of here determined to find you. He probably went to the loft. I’m sorry.”

“Deb, you can’t help your son walking in on you. You sure he didn’t get my number?”

“Yes. He is determined to find you.”

“Don’t worry. He can’t get into the loft. There are new keys and a new alarm. The super won’t let him in. I have a list of people that are forbidden with him. Michael is at the top of the list. We are no longer friends. Our relationship was unhealthy for me. Please Deb, I can’t get into it right now. Sarai needs me right now. Thanks for the warning. We will keep watch. By the way, the loft is vacant so if he found his way in there will be no clues. Have you made a decision Mom?”

“Actually, I did. I have thought about a lot of things. It will be difficult for me but if I have to choose, I choose you Brian. You have always been there for me. You rarely if ever ask for anything but do so much without even wanting thanks. I know you do a lot for me and I still don’t know how you do it. I know of no one else who would. This is going to be tough especially, after I saw his reaction to a phone call but you are my son too. I will work it out. I will keep your secrets. A mother always protects her son.”

“Thanks Mom, I was sure I would lose you. There is a lot you need to know. You have no clue who I am, what I have been dealing with, or how I am finally accepted for who I am. No strings attached. Deb, you have made me happy. Let me think about it. Maybe we can come to some terms. For now, I have to end this call. Sarai is calling for me. I will contact you. Later.”

“Later.” Whispered Deb though she knew Brian wouldn’t hear her. He had already hung up. As soon as he did, the phone rang again.

“Fuck! Can’t people leave me alone?”

“Brian, you better take this. It is the super at the loft.” Justin put it on speaker phone.

“What’s wrong Mr. Barnes?”

“Michael Novotny tried to finagle his way into the loft. Said he picked up the wrong keys.”

“Did you…”

“No, I did not and I told him that he wasn’t wanted here. Not to come back.”

“You did good. Keep up the vigil. You’ll be getting a bonus this month.”

“Thank you Mr. Kinney. Is there anything else I can do for you Mr. Kinney?”

“No. nothing else. Don’t let anyone in unless he is on the list. Add Emmett Honeycutt to that list. Emmett will be doing errands for me and will need to get in at various times. Bye Mr. Barnes.”

“Well, I expected that. Now let’s get Sarai and Gus and go and get settled so that Mr. Shapiro doesn’t have to see me in the chair. Brian pressed the intercom. “Gus and Sarai, please join me in the living room. We are about to have company.” Thank god, for cell phones, Justin had been able to get in touch with Emmett telling him of the change of plans and to expect someone else to pick him up. They should be here any minute.

Brian had just settled into the couch with his legs up when the doorbell chimed. Though Emmett could let himself in, he was giving them warning.”

Gus and Sarai had come in at that moment and Gus had opened the door. “Emmett, you didn’t have to ring.”

“I know, but I brought someone.”

“Uncle Yonni!” Sarai squealed as she ran into Mr. Shapiro’s open arms. Brian and Justin looked at each other. Mr. Shapiro had not exaggerated it seemed. They hugged and kissed like an uncle would on the forehead. “Yonni, do you know what happened?” Sarai’s eyes started to fill with tears. Yonni pulled out his red handkerchief and wiped them away.’

“I know Princess.” That was his pet name for Sarai as well as her parents. “That is why I am here. Mr. Kinney informed me. We will grieve together Sarai. You are not alone.” Brian didn’t like the sound of that. Was he here to take Sarai away from them?”

“Sarai, normally, I wait a few days for this, but under the circumstances I don’t want you to feel in limbo. I want you to feel safe. Your parents had made a tape for you in case something happened to them. It is a part of their Last Will and Testament. It concerns Mr. Kinney as well. Since you are partnered with Justin Taylor, it involves you also.” Brian and Justin made eye contact having a discussion without words.

“May I have the tape? I will put it in. Gus, Sarai, take a seat.” Justin recommended.

“This is a rather long video for this type so if you need anything first, please do it.” As if on cue, Marie walked in with refreshments for all. She had a large pot of coffee, waters, cups, and snacks. She even had two shakes for Gus and Sarai.

“Mr. Kinney, I can hold dinner as long as necessary. Everything is prepared. The grill is set so I won’t start cooking until you tell me. Kids save room for dinner.”

“Thank you Marie. I will. Thanks for the thoughtful snacks.”

“Shall we start then?”

“Yes, please.”

“I will have to explain more after you see the video. Sarai, this may be hard for you but your parents need you to listen well. Okay.”

“Okay, Yonni.” You could hear a deep sigh from Sarai.