This is story 4 in the Twins at the Door. Still a minimum of the Mag 7, but hang on for the ride, I'll get you there.
I would like to thank my muses, KT the opinionated and Pookwana. Thanks go to a wonderful lady by the name of TAE for doing the beta work on this monster.
Author's Note//If it's between backslashes, it is telepathy or a close cousin.// If it is in italics it's thoughts.
Monday
"Come on guys, you'll have fun," Blair coaxed as he made sure the boys were ready for the day. "Ohhh, baby glares!" Blair chortled at the belligerent little faces.
"Don' wanta go ta no daycare!" Beau announced stubbornly.
"Blair and I have to go to work. So you two are going to daycare," Jim responded firmly.
"THIT!" Beau growled as he stomped to the door.
"Beau, no more cussing," Jim thundered.
"Look guys, Jim and I'll come and get you for lunch. Just try to have a good time," Blair calmed. The twins crawled into their seats in the back of Blair's car. Jim sighed and slid into the passenger seat and they were off.
8:15 am
Jim smiled to himself as he replayed Beau's polite but insistent argument on why he and Dev didn't require daycare. Beau had presented his facts calmly and rationally in the car, all the way to the Cascade Law Enforcement Building, where the Central Precinct was located, in the basement parking garage, in the elevator, up to the first floor where the daycare was located, then into the daycare itself.
He gave Sandberg a run for his money. Kid had some telling points too. Never thought I'd see the day that Blair would fall back on the 'because I'm the boss defense.'
Jim sighed as he started work on yet another registration form. How long does it take to put two little kids into daycare? Looking up from the table in the greeting area of the day care, He became anxious as Blair and the boys were led off to the secure area.
"Detective Ellison, the boys will be fine," Lillian Murphy, the daycare director smiled. "Why don't I show you around," she offered. "When the boys are picked up you'll have to sign them out. You've indicated that we can release them to Blair Sandburg or Simon Banks, correct?" the grandmotherly woman asked.
"Yes, ma'am," Jim studied the facilities for security and safety, well pleased with what he saw.
"The children will be fine," she patted his arm comfortingly. "Now, I've flagged their files for allergies. Is there anything else besides the peanuts and milk products?" she asked.
"Not that I know of," Jim responded.
"You do know not to give them peas don't you?" Murphy asked.
"Peas?" Jim looked down at the grey-haired lady.
"They're related to peanuts. Some children will react to them as well," Lillian explained.
"There's nothing about it in their medical stuff," Jim frowned. I need to ask them about peas.
"Maybe they don't react to them," Murphy smiled. "I'm putting them with Stacie. She has a deaf brother, so Devin won't have any problems being understood. Considering the upheavals the boys are dealing with right now, I don't think they should be separated," the daycare director said thoughtfully.
"How long will you need daycare for them?" Murphy asked.
"I have no idea. Their father is an old friend. He's with the ATF and he's been sequestered during a trial. I'm keeping the twins until he's through testifying," Jim explained.
"We try to keep a couple of slots open for emergency situations. You officers have enough to deal with, without trying to find last minute child care. You do know that this is a twenty-four hour facility in case a situation develops?"
"No, I didn't, but that's a load off my mind. I have a case that could break open any time," Jim relaxed slightly.
"You said their mother died last year?" Murphy asked in concern. Seeing Jim frown at the nosey question, she hurried to explain. "Children handle stress differently. The fear of abandonment is very real. I want the boys to be happy, here," she smiled gently.
"Shannon was killed in an accident last year," Jim answered "Dev hasn't talked since."
"Traumatic response?" Murphy asked cautiously.
"Yes. They're seeing a psychologist, regularly. This mess was sprung on Vin Friday afternoon. It's the first time the boys have been away from their people since Vin brought them home. I'm a little concerned with their emotional balance," Jim admitted.
"They seem very comfortable with you. We'll get you all through this," Lillian smiled gently.
Bet she's great with the kids, real peaceful.
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The daycare was situated on the first floor of the Cascade Law Enforcement Building. Bright colors filled the room and excited children ran around the play area.
Blair took the boys coats and showed them their crates. Silently the boys looked around the facility. Dev stood protectively in front of Beau. Beau was whispering softly to Dev as he rubbed his brother's tense shoulder.
"You all right Dev?" Blair's voice dropped to a soft whisper. Dev touched his ears and signed loud.
"Dial it back," Beau directed. Dev sighed and nodded.
"Do you have your cell phones?" Blair asked worriedly.
"Yeath," Beau answered.
Jim and Mrs. Murphy reappeared. Blair relaxed as Jim nodded. Jim twitched, as the boys nailed him with one last betrayed glare.
"Beau, watch your language," Blair reminded.
"You'll 'member ta come and get uth won'ttha?" Beau asked with tear filled eyes and a quivering chin.
"Of course we will," Blair sank to his knees and hugged the boys.
"That'th what Unca Buck thaid, but he forgotted," Beau's voice broke.
"I won't forget you," Jim promised, disturbed at the desperation in the usually independent child's words.
"My, you two are good," Murphy teased the twins. "I've seen great cons, but you two are superb," she clapped her hands.
Jim and Blair started to jump all over the uncaring woman, when the boys' delighted giggles erupted.
"We swallowed it hook, line, and sinker," Jim told Blair. Blair agreed sheepishly.
"Detectives, Dev, Beau, this is Rosemary Allen, she's the provider for the twins' group, along with Stacy Martin." Lilly Murphy waved towards a young woman. Blair smiled at the attractive blond who waved from the corner were she was playing with some children.
"Don't worry, we'll be fine," Rosemary crooned in a syrupy voice. "We'll play games, learn our colors and numbers, all kinds of things," she piped at the boys, ignoring the disgusted look they exchanged.
"Lady we kin count, add, thubtract, figure oddth and perthentageth. Don' look like ya got any Louis Lamour er Zane Grey on yer thelveth over yonder. Ath for tintth and thadeth of pigment. Might I thuggetht my dear woman, that you thould never wear that thade of ecru, ever. It giveth your complexion a greenith catht," Beau rattled on.
Rosemary flushed a brilliant plum that clashed with her dyed red hair.
Jim, Blair, and Murphy escaped into the hall where the laughter could be safely released.
"Oh, it's been years since I've had one like that," Lillian giggled. "Please don't be embarrassed, that kind keeps you young. Heaven help us, Rosemary could use a little kick in the pants," Murphy's eyes twinkled. "Odds and percentages?" she asked in mirth.
"One of their 'Uncles' is a gambler," Jim sighed.
"Oh, this is going to be interesting," Murphy peeked back into the room. "What are they doing?" she asked in sudden concern. Jim and Blair watched Dev prowl the room while Beau followed along.
"Dev's checking it out. He'll settle down in a minute," Blair explained.
"The serious one?" Murphy asked. Jim nodded.
7777777
Jim and Blair walked into the bullpen.
"A little late aren't you?" Simon growled.
"We didn't know how long it would take, to get the boys into daycare," Jim sighed as he sat down at his desk.
"Did they give you the 'you're abandoning us' guilties?" Joel asked with a laugh.
"What?" Jim looked up.
"Jim, I raised three. Kids will play you like a violin ask, Simon," Joel chuckled.
9:03 am
Jim was once more going over his notes on the Abbott case. A niggling feeling that he was missing something important had him frustrated. BRRRING "Major Crimes, Ellison" Jim answered.
"Detective Ellison, this is Lillian Murphy in daycare," the woman was striving to suppress the giggles.
"Yes, Ma'am?" Jim rubbed the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache start.
"Could you come and talk with Beau and Devin please?" she giggled.
"I'll be right there," Jim sighed. Ellison hung up the phone and headed for the door.
"Jim?" Blair called.
"Twins," Jim answered as he headed for the elevator.
"43 minutes," H noted. Wicked grins were exchanged and the betting pool was on.
7777777
Jim arrived to find Lillian waiting at the door. "We've never had this problem before," she sniggered and pointed.
A distraught Rosemary was trying to reason with Beau. Jim suppressed his chuckle as he noted the game in progress.
"Det. Ellison, when I suggested Devin and Beau play cards, I meant GO FISH or OLD MAID," Rosemary Allen huffed.
"What'th wrong wit' poker?" Beau demanded. "Hell, we wath playing at Cap'n Jim'th wit' all the detectiveth Friday night," Beau continued as he dealt cards to the other kids.
"Beau don't cuss," Jim said softly as Rosemary glared coldly at him.
"What would their father say?" Rosemary demanded.
"Didja win?" Beau answered calmly as he bid a grape.
"I didn't teach them, they came that way," Jim sputtered in his defense.
The game ended when Jim confiscated the cards and ordered no more gambling. "Be good, all right?" Jim sighed.
"Don' like her," Beau declared.
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Major Crimes exploded with laughter when Jim returned and explained the situation.
"Oh, Rosemary's such a stick in the mud," Rhonda, Simon Bank's secretary snorted as she carried some files through.
The detectives got back to work with an occasional chuckle.
10:10 am
Brrrring! "Major Crimes, Brown," H answered. "Just a moment," H answered. "Jim it's daycare," H called over. Jim had been back 38 minutes at this point. H made a note on his blotter.
"Ellison," Jim sighed, "On my way. Come on Chief, I'm going to need back-up on this one. The natives are restless."
Jim grabbed Blair and took off for the stairs. Bets were paid off and new ones made among the remaining detectives.
7777777
Jim sighed and shook his head as he pulled out his pocket knife. Blair pulled out his Swiss army knife and headed for Stacie. Blair shared laughter at the predicament as he cut the blond loose. He soon had a study-date for Friday night with the part-time college student. Ellison made short work of freeing Mrs. Murphy and moved on to cut Rosemary Allen loose. Rosemary whimpered and rushed out to the staff room.
"How'd you manage to call?" Blair asked in awe.
"I put Major Crimes on speed dial after the poker game," Lillian Murphy's eyes glowed.
"How'd this happen boys?" Jim demanded, rubbing the pounding spot between his eyes.
"Mth. Rothemary wath teachin' uth ta tie thoeth," Beau smiled sweetly as Dev nodded his support. "Tho we thowed her how ta hog tie. Mth Thacie wanted ta know how we done it. Then Mth Lilly athked uth how we done it. Then ya'll came." Beau beamed.
"Beau, why didn't you turn everyone loose instead of making Ms. Lilly call upstairs?" Blair scowled at the unrepentant children.
"Cauth Mth. Lilly thaid not too. Thhe wanted yah ta thee for yourthelveth. I did puthh the number on the phone for her," Beau grinned.
"No more rope, no more knots." Jim ordered.
"Yeth, Thir." Beau and Dev nodded.
7777777
Jim and Blair returned silently and tried to slip in without attracting attention.
"Well?" Simon asked.
Jim looked up, realizing he was the center of attention. Major Crimes had been joined by some of homicide and burglary.
"The staff were teaching the kids 'shoe tying 101.'" Jim studied his desk intently as he spoke.
"Unfortunately, the twins are working on their Master's in knots and their uses." Blair broke down struggling for breath, as the laughter took over.
"They hog tied the daycare staff," Jim growled.
"How'd they manage to do that? Rosemary Allen must go 250 pounds," Rafe blurted.
"I just want to know where they got the rope?" Jim admitted.
"Joel, is this normal?" Blair asked.
"Well, there are two of them," Joel hesitated.
11:01 am
BRRRRRRRING!! All eyes turned to Ellison. "Major Crimes, Ellison," Jim flinched as strident tones demanded his presence.
"Yes, Ma'am," Jim whispered. Jim looked up at the suddenly industrious detectives.
"Come on Blair, it's story time," Jim grinned evilly. "The boys are staging a protest. They want Teddy Blair to tell the story," Jim snickered, as Blair blushed under the amused gazes.
"Thanks a lot, guys," Blair growled under his breath as the snickers erupted.
"23 minutes mates," Megan held out her hand for the pay off. New bets were placed.
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Blair returned scuffed and rumpled. Followed by a laughing Jim.
"Rosemary is comparing them to the bubonic plague. They've infected the other children." Jim grinned proudly.
"She wants to see the twins' daddy, when he gets out of court," Blair choked. "It seems Barney is a little slow for our boys. They wanted Edgar Allen Poe," Blair explained.
"Oh, my," Megan chuckled.
"Poe?" H asked.
Jim shrugged.
11:58 am
The detectives of Major Crimes were once again absorbed in their work. The clicking of the keyboard could be heard as Blair worked to track down information on the Internet. Jim was reaching for the phone to call a snitch when - BRRRRRRRRRRRRING!!
"Major Cr . . ." Jim answered the phone glaring at his laughing friends. His expression changed immediately. "How bad?" "I'm on my way," Jim dropped the phone on to the receiver. "Blair do you have those hospital forms?" Jim demanded as he ran for the door.
"Oh Shit! They're right here," Blair grabbed his backpack as he raced out after the sentinel.
Worried looks were exchanged as the detectives waited impatiently for news.
12:31 pm
Brrrrring! "Major Crimes, O'Connor." Megan snatched up the phone. "Jim, who's hurt and how bad?" Meagan demanded. "Beau, 5 stitches just above the eyebrow." Megan spoke aloud for the waiting detectives. Relaxed smiles and sighs of relief greeted the news. "You're taking the boys to lunch. Sure Mate." Megan hung up.
H appeared after a trip to the break room. "It seems the terrible twosome were chair stacking," H shook his head.
"Chair stacking?" Rafe asked.
"Yeah, seems like they saw this program on TV. It had these Chinese Acrobats that balanced chairs and climbed up on them," H explained.
"Took my kids to see that once," Joel nodded.
"Well, Beau was five chairs up when Rosemary discovered him. She yelled and he lost his balance," H finished.
1:31 pm
Jim and Blair had arrived back from lunch looking rather frazzled.
Blair was now busy on what appeared to be a breakthrough on the Abbott case. Jim, however, was preparing to leave for the prosecutor's office, to go over his testimony for an upcoming case. It was with slight trepidation that he pulled the door closed as he exited the room.
2:52 pm
Brrrrrring, Brinnnnnng! The detectives glared at the phones as if they were poisonous.
"Simon" Blair pointed.
"Why me?" he demanded.
"Well, you are the Captain," H pointed out.
"Major Cri . . . WHAT! WHEN!" Simon demanded. Simon slammed down the phone. "The boys are missing!" Simon announced into the silent room. "
Crikey, Ellison!" Megan moaned.
"We'll find them before he gets back. We are detectives, people; go detect" Simon yelled.