A/N: This story is being dedicated to William J. a sweet boy I once met. He's by now 21, and he's been on his own and homeless since he was 16. A/N All mistakes are my own, as I have decided not to have a beta for this fandom any longer. Also, this is my first MCD story, so be kind. Although the towns and cities I've mentioned in this fic are real, the people in them are not. As this IS an AU story, I mean no disrespect to the Amish, as I have weaved several key things in my story, that are directly related to the Old Order Amish practices, and to the religion they believe in. I also know that they are a peaceful and non-antagonist society, but, we all fall short of the glory sometimes, and in my fic, MY AU, they tumbled. PG ______________________________________________________________________________ CHAPTER 3 ~The Past~ Justin screamed and raised his hands to block his face from his adopted uncles rapid punches, that kept raining down on his face and body. His mind raced with the question, 'Why is he hitting me? Just because of what David was doing to me? How can something that feels so good be so bad?' Craig Taylor looked like a mad man! His normally neat appearance was now rumpled, his black felt hat was knocked off, and his mouth was foamy with hate. "HOW DARE YOU! YOU SON OF SATAN! Fornicator! Pervert!" He screamed, then bellowed, "You are not worthy of the good Taylor name, you FILTH!" "You Justin bring dishonour to the memory of your mother and father!" Craig was now standing over him, with something heavy. "NO UNCLE!" Screamed a terrified 13 year old Justin as he saw murder in the man's cold pale blue eyes. Raising it high over his head he shouted, "You are now SHUNNED! YOU are dead to me and mine! May God forgive me!" Justin rolled quickly out of the way, and grabbing up some loose hay and dirt from the stall floor, threw it at him as hard as he could in his face. As Craig screamed, clawing at his eyes, he slipped and fell hard to his knees, the heavy object tumbled from his hands. Justin picked it up over his head, struggling with his balance to hold it...His own eyes filled with many emotions, anger, hate, confusion, desperation, as he... ~End of Past, Now in Present~ A deep scream tore at his throat, as Justin woke up sweaty. His young heart thumping faster than usual. He'd had the dream again. That final beating Craig had given him, and he could feel it all once again. He could feel every bruise, see all of the blood. He remembered hitting his uncle once on the head, and then seeing and smelling more blood. And then running out of the barn and into his room and packing a small bag, stuffing it with everything dear to him. His beloved grey leather sketch book with his name in golden calligraphy Shoo had given him for his 11th birthday, the two journals of his parents life, and the beautiful pictures of a place he'd love to see one day, Hawaii. All of his carvings that would fit, and a couple of shirts, socks and some underwear and a pair of grey cargos with all of his 'mud' money in them. Monies he'd kept hidden. As he quickly zippered it up as best he could, his blood had froze in his veins as he heard Molly's shrill scream. "OH! OH GOD NOooooooooooooo! MAMA, COME QUICK! IT'S PAPA! HE LOOKS DEAD! OH MAMA! HELP!" Quickly, Justin slung the black bag over his shoulder, and crept out of the Taylor house. Hitting the back yard at a dead run, he took off for the woods, and the safety inside. Justin ran as fast as his battered body could go. He remembered finding Shoo-boy, and crying and telling him everything, and then Shoo cleaning up his wounds, and then telling him they had to leave that night. After putting his and Shoo-boy's monies together, they'd had enough for their trip. Moving his long wet bangs from in front of his eyes, the memories melt from his thoughts and Justin jumped when someone suddenly was pounding on the outside of his lean to. >>>>>>>>>>> As Brian pulled up and then got out of his Jeep with his burden of food he was thinking about how he was going to approach the boy, and then explain to him all about 'The Plan', and what all it would mean to everyone involved. Especially to Justin. He had thought he'd seen compassion alight in the young blond's eyes so he'd decided if all else failed, he'd have to play the sympathy card. Because if he did fail... And again Brian shuddered at the thought of himself dressed in some dorky neon outfit with a paper hat as he cheerfully chirped, "Would you care to Super Size that!" Brian sat down on the bench, carefully placing the large tan wicker picnic basket Suzie had packed for him and Justin next to him, and waited. Mulling silently over the threatening words his normally passive friend had said to him, just before he'd went into Torso to see Emmett still had him puzzled as to why. ~~~~~~~~~ As Justin topped the hill, his breath caught as he saw Brian Kinney sitting there waiting for him, just as he'd been told he would be. Shoving his trembling hands into his front pockets, he quickly made his way to where the older man was at. Stopping in front of Brian, Justin shyly said, "Hey." Smiling up at the young boy, Brian replied, "Hey yourself." Standing up Brian gathered up the large basket with one hand, and held out his other hand palm up to a surprised Justin, who blushed and then linked his fingers with the offered hand. Walking along until Brian found the exact spot he wanted, he let go of Justin's sweaty palm. Reaching into the top part of the basket, Brian pulled out a red and white checkered cloth and spread it over the rough wood of the picnic table, lifting the wicker basket and then sitting it back down. Lifting the heavy lid, he pulled out all of the things Suz had packed. Smiling as he realized she'd gotten everything correct, even the tiny finger sandwiches. Taking the lids of the tall covered glasses of tea, Brian soon had the small table covered with all sorts of delicacies. Justin had just stood there in awe. It had been years since he'd even seen some of the foods Brian was unpacking, let alone tasted any of them. Brian grinned as Justin's tummy made a loud appreciative growl, then he laughed out loud when his own stomach answered. Soon, both of them were eating and chatting away like old friends. Brian smiled as Justin accidentally burped. And then Justin snickered softly when Brian did the same. Trailing his finger in the condensation on the rim of his glass of tea, Justin casually asked, "So, Jeff, the Private Investigator you hired to find me found me, as you can see." Looking up coyly through his long sandy lashes at Brian Justin asked, "Why? Why was it so important for you to find me? And don't bother bullshitting me Brian, I'm a big boy of 16, and, I've been out on the streets on my own, homeless since I was 13, which I'm sure you now know all about. So, don't bother lying to me, because I can smell a lie a mile away." Brian felt his face redden as Justin fixed his blue glaze on him and said, "What do you want from me Brian? If it's sex then I'll have to thank you for the wonderful picnic and go, because contrary to your friend Lindsay's assumptions about me, I'm NO ONE'S rent-boy. I'm NOT for sale." As Justin made as if to get up, Brian found himself suddenly in front of Justin, crouching down almost on his knees, his hands are now resting on the picnic bench on both sides of Justin's thighs. Looking up into Justin's troubled eyes, Brian said, "Justin, you have every right to be suspicious of my motives. I know I am but a stranger to you however; contrary to your own assumptions, I like my chicken on a plate." Brian then made a beautiful diversion from the dangerous topic as he stood back up and said, "Speaking of chicken, how would you like to join me and my Lawyer Brent as my guest for some later tonight for dinner?" Justin was shocked, and his curiosity in over drive as his mind whirled with all of the un-asked for kindness the older man had shown him this afternoon, and he had felt comfortable in Brian's company, enjoying all of the friendly things Brian had said. Looking down at his ratty tennis shoes and his faded less than clean clothes, as he curled his fingers into his palms to hid his dirty nails, Justin blushed, and then shook his head saying sincerely, "I'd really like to Brian, I would. But, I don't think it's a good idea right n..." "You think it's because you're homeless and you don't have clean clothes and probably haven't had a bath since when ever will get you off the hook huh?" Brian quipped, interrupting Justin's train of thought, hoping to derail it before Justin's open mouthed protests could climb back on their tracks, even knowing the bald truth. Standing now, Brian glanced at his watch, and then began to re-pack the basket. As he was folding up the tablecloth, Justin jumped up to help. Brian took a deep breath and a big chance as he said, "Okay Justin, I'm not going to force you to hear me out, or to listen to my Lawyer, but, this isn't Paradise, and here in the Pitts, the winters are much more harsh. With what I have to share with you after dinner tonight, you can make a decision that will not only make your life a much better one, but those of your friends too." Going in for the kill at the small gasp that little tidbit of information had caused, Brian casually said, "But, if it were me though, I personally don't think I could live with myself, knowing that if anything happened to them, because of the harsh elements, and the snow here gets, very...high," Brian added slowly as if an afterthought. "I guess if it were me, and their suffering this winter that could of been prevented, and I didn't do anything about it, to try and make their lives better, well, just knowing that truth, it would be hard to live with, with myself, knowing that, I mean." When Justin didn't say anything, Brian's hopes fell. And in his mind he heard himself happily sing, "How about a hot apple pie with that order!" Although Brian had always been a suck-ass poker player, this game was one of the most important ones of his life. Justin narrowed his blue eyes as Brian cheerfully said, "Okay then, good bye Justin Taylor, have a nice life. When the Spring thaw comes, I hope to perhaps see you again." And picking up the lighter picnic basket started walking away. Justin was floored! His thoughts tumbling over and over as he mused, 'How could Brian say such cryptic things, and then just leave? And my oh my, wasn't Jeff a busy little bee? And, why had he left out the fact that he was a Private Investigator when Justin had first met him and his wife Susie? They had trusted him to sketch pictures of their daughter Journey even, and several times too. Because of their kindness, Justin had been able to provide a few more things for the kids of his 'Gypsy' friends as well as for himself and Shoe-boy. But, what made no sense to him was this. How in the hell did Jeff find out about Paradise, but more importantly, why?' Feeling all shades of frustration Justin wanted to stomp his foot, because deep down he knew the older man had been right. He realized as his thoughts kept on revolving like a secular clothing dryer. 'Shoe-boy who had changed his Amish nickname for his penchant for Shoo-fly pie from Shoo-to Shoe, had been coughing a bit more than normal, and little Spring Ann, Carol Ann and Sherrie's two year old girl had been tugging at her ear a lot and Justin had been wondering if the child had an ear infection, knowing full well it didn't matter cause even if she did, they couldn't afford the Dr. visit, let alone any antibiotics to cure the infection.' And he thought of 'Jake and John, Al and Terry's three year old twin terrors, growing up as they were in the woods, never knowing the luxury of a real house, sleeping in a real bed, and not the cold ground.' 'And there was four year old Mia and five year old Brandy, Jackie and Evan's girls to consider as well.' Mia wanted to be a famous singer, and she helped her parents make money by standing with them as her daddy played his guitar and her and her mommy did the singing for strangers.' 'Brandy dreamed of being a Ballerina one day, and Justin knew the harsh truth too well, as with things as they were, that was highly unlikely to ever happen.' All of these things clustered and played on Justin's guilty conscience, especially after the fact that he'd eaten all of that food, knowing full well that the others back at the clearing would be hungry by now and damn lucky to find anything to eat, until tomorrow. That is unless Shoe-boy got to the pizza place Jack-Spot on time where the owner Jack was just as kind as Sammy, and he let them have his pizza mistakes for free. As Justin felt the contrition fall heavier on his young shoulders he soon found himself, loudly shouting, "Brian, wait! Wait up!" As he quickly ran to catch up with the man. >>>>>>>>>>> Brian Kinney grinned and then turned around with a serious look on his face as he said, "Yes? What can I help you with Mr. Taylor?" Justin's jaw dropped. Not less than an hour ago, they had held hands and had shared a lively conversation and a wonderful lunch and now Brian was acting as if they were strangers, which, in reality they were. Justin felt dizzy. He was confused, and the man in front of him was not only the key to the confusion he was the catalyst as well. "What, what is it I have to do?" Justin panted slightly as he was out of breath after running to catch up to the tall man. Despite what Brian had told the kid earlier, he just couldn't help noticing those full pink lips as Justin was puffing a bit after his little jaunt. Placing the basket in front of his growing erection, It was Brian's turn to stutter, as he said, "Well, um, I, er, I have made arrangements for um, for you to come with me back to my place and shower and change into some new clothes before we leave for dinner, that is if you still are interested in hearing my offer?" Despite Justin's earlier claim, he had been secretly pleased when Brian had moved the basket quickly, yet not fast enough to hide his sizeable erection from Justin's view. The last time Justin had any form of sex, had been a couple of months ago when he'd met a drunk and horny dark-blond teenager wandering in the park one night named Chris Hobbs. Chris had sucked Justin's cock, and Justin had given Chris a hand job. For Justin, it had been unsatisfactory to say the least, but for Chris, the teen had hounded Justin for weeks for a repeat performance. A predatory gleam lit Justin's bright blue eyes as he replied, "I'm here aren't I?" Brian snickered at the baby top and grinned, "Why yes Mr. Taylor, I do believe you are. If you will follow me, your future awaits." Brian said mysteriously, sending a shiver of pleasure skating down Justin's already raw nerves. Once they arrived at the Jeep, Justin was a bit hesitant. It had been several years since he'd ridden in a car, and he'd never been in a Jeep before. Brian unlocked the passenger door and Justin took a deep breath and bravely climbed inside. Then Brian walked around the Jeep and after unlocking his own door, quickly climbed inside as well, and carefully sat the basket in the back, and then reaching over, he buckled his precious blond cargo in dirty cargo pants into the seat. Justin had to bite his lip as Brian's fresh scent and his silky auburn hair tickled Justin's nose. But, then he felt a bit embarrassed by the fact that he knew he himself wasn't so 'spring fresh.' After making sure Justin's shoulder seatbelt strap was snug, yet comfortable, Brian felt a bit dizzy at being so close to him. 'Get a grip Kinney' He warned himself, as he fought off the urge to burst into song, now that he finally had Justin with him. 'Now,' he thought giddily, 'If he just will go along with 'The Plan' I'm home free! Checking his watch, he smiled as he saw he was light years ahead of schedule. Just as soon as they were pulling into Brian's parking area, he asked Justin for some help with the many large bags and the picnic basket. Between the two of them, they managed to load it all into the lift. Justin tightly closed his eyes in terror, wishing he'd taken the stairs instead as he prayed he wouldn't embarrass himself by barfing all over Brian's abundant purchases or his fancy shoes. With a slight lunge and a squeak, the green metal monstrosity known as the lift, was at it's destination. It took two trips but soon, all of the things were unloaded. As Brian quickly unlocked then threw back the heavy metal door of his home, Justin was stone still. Never in his life had he seen such a beautiful home. And when Brian nudged him and playfully snarked, "Take a picture it lasts longer." Justin had frowned, and then grinned and stuck out his pink tongue. After he and Justin had dragged all of the bags into the living room area of his loft, Brain had plopped down and had grinned at the small boy surrounded by all of the bags as he made himself comfortable by placing his hands behind his head and toeing off his black Prada loafers saying, "Okay Sunshine, dig in!" Then he'd laughed out loud at Justin's confused look. Explaining when he'd asked, "Who's Sunshine?" "You are Justin. You just have the most amazing sunny smile, it's really quite beautiful." Justin ducked his head as he blushed and muttered a quick "Thank you" and then had pointed to the bags, saying with a puzzled _expression, "What do you mean 'dig in'?" "I bought those things today for you Justin. Why don't you take a long hot shower, and then pick out an outfit to wear, and by then, it will be time to go and pick up Brent my Lawyer for our dinner reservation." Brian smiled as Justin squealed as he opened the large bags one by one. His blue eyes widening as each clothing treasure was revealed. From colorful tee shirts with sayings, to sweaters of every hue, to dress pants to jeans to cargo's to socks and underwear to shoes for all occasions and a dark blue pea coat with a black and light blue striped scarf, black leather gloves and calf length black leather boots to match all for the bouncing 16 year old boy to enjoy. After hearing Justin's millionth "OH MY GOD! BRIAN, YOU DIDN'T!" Brian had to laugh as Justin pouted when he was pulled up from the floor away from his bounty and was drug away and then lightly pushed into the bathroom for his shower. An hour later, Brian had to catch his breath at the boy's beauty when Justin emerged, now clean and dressed so sharp in a baby blue cashmere pullover sweater and black wool dress pants, with matching socks and black Prada loafers. His long blond hair had been carefully styled and combed as well. While Justin had been showering Brian had tidied up his loft, putting away the picnic dishes and glasses. Taking another big chance because he hadn't even asked him to move in with him yet, Brian and had hung up all of Justin's new things in the empty space next to his, then had changed into his own clothes. Now sporting a hard-on underneath his dark brown wool dress pants, Brian inwardly groaned, but just the thought of his best friend Mikey dancing in a red belly dancers costume and giving him head, willed the erection away and fast! Straightening his dark red cashmere sweater, Brian's black Prada shoes made a click sound as he walked across the floor to Justin. Justin had noticed Brian's huge boner, but didn't say a word about it, as he was secretly thrilled, but curious about what had made it wilt so quickly. He'd hoped it wasn't him! Brian had then ushered them quickly out of the loft, pausing only long enough to grab his keys and set his alarm, when they had bumped into a short dark haired man who rudely looked Justin up and then down before opening his large mouth, whining, "Hey Brian, where the fuck are you going in such a hurry asshole! Shit, you almost knocked me down the stairs! Is that anyway to treat your Best friend? Hey, who in the hell's the twink? Isn't he a bit young, even for you Bri? Shit, what is he all of 10? EW! Are YOU fucking him Brian? Since when did your turkey diet turn in to a chicken one! Ha Ha! get it? Turkey to chicken? Fuck man, Brian, this kid could get you into a world of trouble, he's jailbait! for crap's sake! Get rid of the trick, and let's go to the diner to eat!" Mikey growled, giving Justin dismissive glare and a quick hard shove. Justin gasped and then bristled as he shot right back, "Listen you stupid fuck, I'm 16 NOT 10! And, what business is it of your anyway what or WHO Brian does anyway? Huh?" Justin snarled, shoving the short man right back, but a bit harder. Brian groaned and rubbed his nose bridge as he needed to make sure Mikey didn't run off his billion dollar baby, quickly said, "Now, now, boy's none of that, "Justin Taylor meet my friend," "His BEST friend," Mikey interjected hotly glaring and daring for Justin to say different. "My best friend, Michael Novotny. Mikey, meet Justin Taylor, my." "Your what Brian?" Justin said softly. "Yeah, your what Bri?" Mikey asked worriedly. Brian groaned again. 'DAMN THAT DUMB FUCK MIKEY' He thought as he watched Justin's and Michel's expectant faces for him to finish that sentence. Then, feeling like the Grinch, for his grin must of been just as wide, he purred, as he wrapped an arm protectively around Justin saying, "Why Mikey, meet Justin Taylor my newest discovery! Who also happens to be my date for the evening! And, wow! Would ya look at that time! Gotta jett bye Mikey!" Justin grinned over Brian's shoulder and stuck out the tip of his pink tongue before slyly saying, "Yeah, Buh byeeeeee Mikey, see ya!" Bending down, Brian pecked a confused and mumbling Mikey on his lips and then hustled an even more confused Justin quickly down the stairs and out of the door. Mikey stood there blinking and mumbling to himself as he processed what Brian had just said. "His date? But, I thought Brian Kinney didn't do dates? Okay, what the fuck just happened!" >>>>>>>>>> Despite Justin's offer, Brent had insisted on riding in the backseat. No way was he going to miss this show! Chuckling softly to himself as he saw the signs of a budding relationship forming between the young Mr. Taylor and Mr. Brian 'I don't fucking do relationships' Kinney, he had to smile. Then he grinned an evil shark grin as he imagined both of the dykes faces when they saw who was coming to dinner. When they arrived though, Brent had to give the girls some credit, as opening the door, Lindsay had only gasped a little bit after she recognised Justin. Glancing at Melanie quickly she mouthed, "That's him." And then Mel had narrowed her eyes but only a bit, as they had stood aside for the two men and a boy to enter their home. >>>>>>>>>> Lindsay had put on quite a delicious spread Brian had to grudgingly admit, and true to her word, she had been civil to Justin, as promised. It had done Brian's heart good to see Justin enjoying what Brian was sure was his first taste of garlic chicken. While he didn’t know much about the Old Order Amish, Brian was sure that the boy had never eaten such foods as Lindsay and Mel had whipped up. Both Mel and Linds were on a 'keep your heart healthy' kick, ever since their friend Dusty had discovered her cholesterol level was a bit high and her nutritionist had suggested garlic as a healthy and safe way to lower it. But, the girls still indulged, and for that Brian was thankful. As they were having their thick slices of red cake iced with cream cheese frosting and fresh ground coffee, in the living room, baby Gus made his presence well known with a lusty cry. Brian had been surprised at the minute tired glance that the two women had shared before Lindsay had sighed deeply, sitting her cake down on the coffee table and was just about to excuse herself, when Justin had jumped up and lightly laid his small hand on her arm saying, "Please Lindsay, if you'll just tell me where his crib is, I'll go and check on Gus for you." To which Melanie had snarked, "Just follow the ear splitting wails kid." Justin had smiled, carefully sat down his cup of coffee on the table, and then had sprinted up the stairs. >>>>>>>>>>> When Justin reached the baby boy's room, he had smiled at seeing the little tyke again, but frowned as the baby rolled on his side sobbing his little heart out. Walking over to the beautiful baby he reached down and gently lifted him up as he said, "Well hello there little Gus! I'm Justin, your Daddy's new friend and discovery, whatever that means." Rubbing his nose against the cherry red button nose of Gus's, Justin smiled as the little baby stopped wailing instantly, his bright golden and leaf-green eyes watching Justin carefully. When Justin felt along the bottom edge of Gus's diaper, Justin almost dropped the baby after he said, "Well Gussy-Gus, it looks like someone has a wet diaper huh?" The bright eyed baby had grunted a "Ya" at him! And then batting his long black lashes at Justin had giggled sweetly, and smacked his little rosebud lips. After quickly and easily changing the boy's diaper Justin had lightly rubbed Gus's tummy and was rewarded with another tiny giggle, and then a bright gummy grin, as Gus raised his little arms and kicked his little legs to be picked up and held. Snatching the now happy little boy up and moving him in the air, holding him up high, Justin nibbled at the tiny tummy, and Gus crowed with joy, his tiny hands finding purchase in Justin's long blond locks. "OUCH! No Gussy-Gus, let go of Justin's hair honey. Gus? Gus please?" Pleaded a trapped Justin. Brian could of sworn his little boy had an evil little gleam in his bright eyes as he was now clutching Justin's hair like a lifeline, and giggling like mad, the more Justin begged and protested. Brian could see though, that Justin was really in pain, so he decided to come to the boy's rescue by saying, "Now boys, play nice." Brian almost giggled at Justin's obvious relief as he breathed, "Brian!" Then, it was Brian's turn to be shocked by his tiny tot, as he could of sworn Gus just said, "Na!" When Brian had walked over to try and remove the baby's grip on Justin's silky hair. Then he glared at his da and said 'Mi!" Brian the laughed and said, "Now Sonny Boy, Justin needs his pretty hair, so be a good boy and let go, now." Brian said firmly, staring his baby in the eye. Finally Gus dropped his gaze and Justin's hair as he bounced high and into Brian's arms, almost giving poor Justin a heart attack, but Brian had been ready and had caught the giggling baby effortlessly. Picking his baby up by holding him under his arms, Brian then held him high and made funny faces until Gus squealed and kicked his tiny feet, then Brian blew a soft raspberry on his boy's little round belly. Justin, who was happy to have his hair back, joined Brian in his game of 'nibble on Gus', as he grabbed a little slender foot, and pretended to eat it, tickling the tiny pink toes. Gus screamed and giggled so hard, Brian had to blow in his face to get him to stop. Brian and Justin and Gus laughed some more, but at the next words they heard, they stopped. "GOD! Kinney! What in the hell are you two doing to MY son?" Melanie snarled as she marched into the nursery and snatched Gus out of Brian's arms. Tucking a glass bottle into his hungry little mouth, she smiled as she watched her son nurse. Then she ripped Brian a new one as she yelled, "He's a baby Brian, not a fucking toy! I was watching you, Lindsay told me what happened today at the park, when you almost dropped him on his fuckin' head! You asshole! You almost did it again! I saw you!" Then she whirled on Justin as she spat, "And you! I really don't even know you, or why the FUCK you are here, or what you and he are to each other, and I really don't care, but, under MY roof, you will be more careful with MY son!" Before Justin or Brian could protest, Gus said, "Mamm! Na!" And popped Melanie hard in the mouth with his bottle cracking it against her big teeth. Then, it was Melanie that almost dropped him, as she screamed, "Lindsay! he fuckin' did it again! DAMMIT! Come get this little shit, I got blood to clean up!" Glaring at a smirking Brian and a smug looking Justin she narrowed her cockroach brown eyes as she snarled with bloody teeth, "Why don't you and your boy-toy wait downstairs for us." Brian shook his head as he snatched Gus back, and Gus looked at his da and grinned approvingly, sticking his tiny tongue out at a shocked Melanie as he reared back almost hitting Brian in the chin, and chucked his baby bottle at her head. Both Brian and Justin and then Gus laughed as she seethed. "LINDSAY!" Tongue in cheek as he breezed by her sideways, Brian said, "It looks like MY son can't stand your dyke ass anymore than I can, which is obviously not at all. And, as you know counsellor, children are a good judge of character too. So unlike his poor snowed mother, Gus here, he's got your number. Come along boys, our Lawyer awaits. And believe me, he's gonna find out about this." Pausing he looked hard at Melanie as he said, "I wonder just why he did that? Don't you?" Melanie didn't answer him, but looked down at the carpet, so that Brian couldn't see her guilty eyes.