Chapter 2. Part 2.

Dear readers,

I am sorry for the delay. I am on a 2 week vacation. Also my beta reader has been very busy. I am publishing without the chapters being reviewed by my beta reader for now. I will come back and post the edited versions later. I appreciate your reviews and suggestions they keep me going. I will be publishing pretty regularly as on my vacation I did have a lot of time to write. I have several chapters ready to go.

Thanks for your patience

vonny25

Tom Foss

Kyle, Declan, Jessi and Nate were eating pizza with Tom at the warehouse. Tom had invited Nate for training, as he felt responsible for his safety after completing his investigations. Adam and Sarah might not know, but he knew and he was not about to leave one of their children unprotected. He figured the best way in Nate case was by training him, at least for now. He did not know if there was a way to get him completely away from Latnok without risking his life. To his surprise it was not hard to get Nate involved. He stated he had been training himself, and it would be much more fun to do it with his friends.

Kyle was asking Nate how is it that you are so good at climbing? Jessi added, I know you use a different technique from me and Kyle, but you are just as good almost better, and your gestation was shorter.

Nate looked at Declan and told him, Hey, Declan promise you won't tell Amanda, she might think I am weird, or not human.

Declan answered, man you know what we talk about here stays here. But yes I promise.

Nate started, as you know I was gestated in a Gorilla, and you know the human and the Gorilla genetic code are very similar. Epigenetics played a role for me to be able to climb as I do; it seems the agility portion of the genome that is turned off in humans got turned on in me. Also my feet while essentially human in its anatomy, have the flexibility of a Gorilla at the joint level that allows me to be able to use them almost as efficiently as my hands to grab on to surfaces. The same thing happened in the muscle formation, where some regions got turned on. I am as strong as an adult male Gorilla, plus I also have the increase strength of my prolonged gestation. If you add that to increase intelligence which translates in to increased muscle control well climbing is really not that hard. Plus I am not scared of heights. I guess that portion of the genome got turned off.

Declan said, you are part Gorilla, that is cool!

Nate gave Declan an upset look, Declan said, I did not mean it to offend, I just mean that you are cool! Nate.

Jessi intervened and said, Nate is completely human, looking at Declan. It is just that some genetic regions were turned on or off because him being gestated in a Gorilla. Nate do you think it has to do with the proteins you were exposed to in your gestation as well as the hormones?

Nate said, I think so Jessi, but I have not been able to confirm it. Latnok does not know about my agility or my strength, I have kept it hidden. I am afraid that if they found out about it, they would cut me in to pieces to study each inch of my body. When I am free I think I would like to study my genes however, and see if I can figure out how it happened. I think it could have some interesting applications in medicine and in sports.

Kyle said, that is very interesting, I think epigenetics also played a role in Jessi and me. Maybe the three of us could work on that in the future. Not now of course. I think you are right Nate, they would literally cut you in to pieces. Kyle could not help but to shiver at the thought.

Tom had been listening to the kids talk, he learned so much just by letting them be themselves. He needed to know if Nate really thought he would be free from Latnok at some point and how. He said, Nate did I hear you right when you said, at some point you will be free from Latnok?

Nate had come to trust Tom and he felt at home at the warehouse. Tom was always willing to drink a beer with him and give him advice in women's issues or just talk to him. No one had ever cared that much about Nate, other than Kyle and Jessi. Nate looked at Tom and said, yes Latnok thinks I am defective. They offered me the opportunity to buy my freedom. It is going to take me a while however to put the money together.

Tom asked how much are they asking for Nate?

Nate said, 20 million dollars. They claim the base price plus the cost of raising me was 15 million dollars. Then they are adding compound interests, from the time they made the offer. To avoid adding to my expenses, I work a 40 to 60 hour week for them without pay. Even if I cover all of my expenses with my scholarship and my instructor position. I really don't cost them a thing now, and I certainly know they did not spend much on raising me. But I cannot complain or try to negotiate, or they might change their minds. I have managed to put some money together mostly through the stock market but I am a long way from even putting my first million together. A job is never going to do it. I will have to figure out a way of marketing some ideas without them knowing they are mine, or they might increase the price.

Kyle told him, Nate you know me and Jessi will help as soon as we are able. Jessi told him, of course we will, I hope we can start working on it soon. I hate for Latnok to own you and treat you like property. Then Jessi gave Nate a hug, she could not believe how much she loved Nate despite just meeting him not long ago.

Tom simply said, they sure want a lot of money from you Nate.

After finishing the Pizza the kids went back to training with Nate climbing the rock wall with ease and then jumping from ledge to ledge without problem, plus he really enjoyed it.

Tom was driving to Emily's house he was spending most of his nights at her home. He had also relocated most of his equipment and his monitor station to an apartment near to Emily. He knew Nate would not betray them, but he could be followed. Tom was lost in thought while driving; 20 million would be nothing for Sarah or Adam to pay. I think I should tell them about Nate, even if Nate hates them. They have a right to know even if it is painful. Plus Nate is in great danger playing double agent. He is fearless like Sarah and has the heart of Adam. Given the chance I think Adam and Sarah would be able to develop some type of relationship with Nate, even if it takes a long time.

Tom pulled in to the drive way as soon as he got to the door he was greeted by a bouncing Paige, who hugged him and said, Hi Tom, mommy called and said she was running late, and grandma fell a sleep watching TV. Do you think you can take me to the park? I finished all my homework. Tom raised Paige in his arms, and said, I think that can be arranged, as long as you help me to fix dinner when we get back. Paige put her little arms around Tom's neck almost melting his heart and then gave him a sticky kiss on the check. Tom kissed Paige head and held her to his heart for a minute before saying, let's get going princess, we will have a lot of fun.

Tom pushed Paige in the swings took her to the monkey bars and helped her to get to the other side. He also played ball with her; he was starting to teach her how to play softball. He could not remember feeling so alive in years. The he lifted her on to his shoulders and started walking back home. Tom started making dinner and Paige help him set the table. Then Tom said, Paige I am going to get the shower ready for you, okay. Paige said, yes, I am a big girl, I can take my shower and put on my jammies by myself.

Tom decided to wake Emily's mom up, she thanked Tom and said she was going home. She had decided to get her own apartment, since Tom spent so much time there. He was hoping Tom and Emily eventually would get married. After Paige had dinner, Tom took her upstairs to put her to bed, Emily walked in to Paige bedroom as Tom was reading Paige a bed time story. She walked to Tom and kissed him behind the ear then she said, how is it that the best man in the world lives at my house? because I live rent free? He joked.

Tom called Adam and told him he needed his advice they agreed to meet for lunch. Tom said, thanks Adam. I need some advice you know I have been living with Emily for a while now. I never thought I would be happy again.

Adam said, It is great to have the old Tom back. I am so happy for you. I have to say that I am really happy with Shuang too. But what is it that you need advice on.

Tom continued, well, I love Emily, and I think I would like to marry her, do you think I am too old? What if she does not want anything more serious?

Adam said, I know what you mean. But Emily is only a few years younger than you. I think you lose nothing by asking as long as you have an exit plan In case she wants to continue the status quo.

Tom said, I think you are right. I am going to go for it. Will you help me to shop for the ring?

Of course I will Adam said.

Over at Jessi's room, both Kyle and Jessi were lying in bed, Jessi had her head on Kyles chest and Kyle had an arm around her waist. Kyle was saying, I think we need to let Nate know that Adam and Sarah are alive. He has a right to know. I feel bad holding that secret from him, and maybe then we could tell Shuang and Adam too. Jessi said, then maybe Shuang or Adam will pay Latnok so Nate can be free. No, I guess Nate would not go for that, but he has a right to know. Kyle said, now that I know Nate better, I am sure he will do nothing to hurt Adam or Shuang even as angry as he is. He has a good heart. Jessi kissed Kyle's cheek and said, just like your heart Kyle, I think both of you get it from Adam. Plus Amanda has been a good influence, and whatever it is that they do at church, it seems it has made Nate more understanding.

It was Saturday evening Tom and Declan were driving back to Seattle, they had gone out to the forest for Declan to do gun training by practicing several drills. He was becoming quite proficient with a gun. Ron was also working with him to teach him the basic sniping techniques.

Tom said, Declan what are you planning to study in collage?

Declan said, I don't know about going to collage Tom. I don't think I am smart enough. Plus I don't want to be a lawyer like my father. I was hoping to just get a job with you protecting Kyle, Jessi and Nate.

Tom looked at Declan and told him, If you want a job you have a job kid, in fact I want to put you on the payroll starting this month, you know enough that you are actually useful and deserve to be paid. You play a vital role because you are right there in the middle of their lives, something that no one else can do. I was hoping you would continue to do that while all of you attend college, but I guess we could get you a janitorial job or something at UW. Also I was hoping you would go to college, to be prepared to take over my job, when I cannot do it. But we can find a different way for you to learn what you need like enrolling in the marines.

Declan looked at Tom and said, Tom do you really think I am smart enough to go to college?

Of course I do Declan, I have got to know you well. You are smart and intuitive. When you put your mind to something you give it you're all, you adapt easily and improvise in new situations. I actually think you'll do great in college if you choose to attend. Tom said.

Declan thought about it and said, Look Tom I am really going to try this senior year, and if I get accepted to college I will go.

Good Declan, we can talk about the course work that you will need later. I know you are going to get accepted because you are going to put your mind to it.

Thanks Tom, for believing in me, Declan concluded. Declan could not ever remember his father believing in him like Tom did. Well his father was barely aware of his existence. But after finding out about Nate's situation he felt like he really had no reason to complain. At least his father paid for all his expenses, and gave him all he needed materially and more, even if he had no time for him. His mother well, she was not worth thinking about. At least he had Tom and Mrs. Trager.

Kyle and Jessi told Nate that they had to talk to him about some serious business. They had to talk at a private place. The three of them were not aware that Tom was aware that Nate was not just an experiment, but Adam's and Sarah's son. Tom was not aware that Kyle and Jessi knew that Nate was their brother, he was not even sure if Nate knew, as he always referred to Adam and Sarah as the original prototypes.

They woke up early on Sunday morning and headed out to the park. They took some coffee and bagels with them. Kyle also packed some sour patch kids. The park was deserted at that time, and they sat in their traditional spot by the trees.

Kyle started, Nate what we are going to tell you is probably going to upset you. Jessi added, we have waited, because we needed to know you better before telling you, as we know no matter when we do it, it will be hard for you. We always had plans to tell you as is your right to know.

Then Jessi gave him a hug and said, I hope you don't get to upset with us for not telling you early. I really love you Nate. Kyle added, I love you to Nate.

Nate finally said, just spill guys, you are making me nervous. Nate was picking some expressions from Amanda, Declan, Josh and Lori, that well he just could not learn at Latnok, or from the other smart and older kids that he had spent his life around.

Kyle said, there is really no easy way of doing it so I am just going to say it. Nate, Sarah and Adam are alive, and we are in touch with them.

Nate became visibly pale and dropped his coffee mug. Jessi picked the coffee mug up. Then Nate manage to mumble, what do you mean?

Jessi took the lead, we just found out a few months ago. Sarah looks different now, and goes under a different name. At first I did not know who she was. I just thought she was a mentor. Actually I met you a few weeks after I realized who Sarah was. Latnok thinks they killed her and she is trying to stay dead.

Kyle said, I thought that Adam had died in my arms. I lived with him for a short period of time. I even thought I had spread his ashes. It turns out that he was in a self-induced coma trying to heal himself, and it worked, even if he is still not a 100%. Latnok has tried to kill him several times. He is also trying to stay dead.

Nate was just sitting there with a blank expression on his face. Jessi decided it would be just better to tell him the rest now. When Sarah left she was pregnant, you have a full brother and sister, and they are 19 they attend UW. Sarah also has a son from her husband, he is 16. Latnok killed her husband.

Kyle continued, Sarah now goes by the name Shuang, and Adam and her are living together.

Kyle and Jessi started getting worried after a few minutes of Nate sitting and steering in to space. Finally Kyle said, Nate are you okay?

Nate said, I need to think about what you just told me. But I need to know more.

Jessi said just ask Nate we will answer the best we can.

We will Nate, just ask. Kyle confirmed.

Nate could see they cared about him, and could not be that upset.

Kyle and Jessi spend the next hour telling Nate all they knew about Sarah and Adam.

Nate said, it is a lot to take in. But if I understand this correctly, Sarah actually considers you a daughter Jessi?

That is what she tells me Jessi said, and she sure is acting like a mother.

Kyle your relationship with Adam is more complex, he started out as your mentor, and now you are working to building a closer relationship, right? Nate said.

Kyle said, yes, more or less, he says he always thought of me as a son. I just felt more like he wanted to know my potential when I first met him. I don't know people and relationships change over time.

Jessi was a bundle of nerves and finally could not resist and said, Nate how upset are you?

A little Jessi, I wish you would have told me sooner, but I understand you needed to know me better. I get it that Shuang and Adam are important to you. Don't worry I will not tell Latnok they are alive. As much as I dislike them, I don't want to cause them any trouble. Other than my fantasy of yelling at them and telling them how much I hate them, but with my luck I would probably be arrested or taken to a psychiatric ward for evaluation. What you said Kyle is true, people change, I have learned that at Amanda's church. Maybe Adam and Sarah are now different people, I am glad they are good to you. But why is it that you don't live with them? Nate said.

Kyle said, the Trager's have always been there for us, they are our family. We are just developing a relationship with Adam and Shuang. Plus we have not met Shuang's children; they are completely unaware of even Sarah being an experiment. Jessi and I thought it was best not to involve them in the danger.

Nate said, I get it, there are the experiments and then there are the important children, the ones that really count.

Jessi said, I would not quite put it like that, it was Kyle's and my idea. But yes apparently Shuang has sheltered her children; we saw no reason to change that. It would do us no good; it would not change the fact that we have never been sheltered.

Nate said, you are right, is just going to take a while to get used to the idea, Even if I don't know them, I want no harm coming to Shuang's children, none of this is their fault.

Before we go back I want to let you know, that Latnok has got me an internship for the summer at Cheng and Wallace, Inc. They think somehow that company is controlling you. All of their other contacts have been fired. They figure out it would also be a good opportunity for us to get closer. I start tomorrow.

That is great Nate, Kyle said, we will make sure you share the lab with me and Jessi if you want, it will give you an opportunity to meet Shuang and Adam, without them knowing who you are.

Nate said, I wasn't exactly planning on meeting them, but I do want to work close to you, working close to you will also decrease the risk of Latnok finding out what I am doing, so sure. Is Shuang Dr. Cheng?

Yes she is Jessi said.

Nate said, Guys I have a proposal for you, you help me not to completely loose it with Shuang and Adam, and I don't stay upset with you, do we have a deal?

Kyle and Jessi smiled and said at the same time, deal. Then Kyle added, are we still on for a movie with you and Amanda when you come back from church?

Nate said, we are, now let's get going I need to get ready to go with Amanda and her mom to church.

Tom and Emily were on their way to Paris in one of Shuang's corporate jets. Emily was saying, Tom are you finally going to tell me where we are going to and why?

Tom gave her a kiss and said, just trust me. I think you will have fun, don't worry you will be back for work on Monday.

Emily said, you are acting so mysterious, if I did not know you so well, I would think you were working for a competing company and kidnapping me.

Tom said, you can think of it as a kidnapping if you want, it will add to the mystery, but you know I would never actually do that.

I know Tom, but how did you get a private jet for us? I am the CEO of Madacorp, and I still only get to fly first class, no private jets. Emily said

Tom said, that is because you don't work for the right people. Now try to relax and listen to the music, maybe we can get some sleep.

Emily said, okay, I see I am going to have to wait to find out what your surprise is. Foss kissed Emily again and then closed his eyes. Emily did the same.

Tom and Emily were at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Emily was saying, what a surprise Tom, I never knew you were so romantic, us coming to the top of the Eiffel Tower to drink Champagne… Tom fell on one of his knees and said, Emily I love you so much I don't want to ever loose what we have, would you consider marrying me? Emily said, yes Tom, yes. Then tom slipped the engagement ring on her finger, it was an impressive diamante set in a platinum band. Then Tom got up and kissed Emily spinning her around by the waist, Emily was holding tight on to Foss and had some tears of happiness running down her cheeks. Foss kissed the tears off her cheeks and said, now let's go for dinner, my love.

Tom and Emily were sitting at a table with a nice view at the Lejulesvern restaurant situated on the second level of the Eiffel Tower, they had decided to get the 6 course tasters menu and some wine. Emily said to Tom, I never imagined I would be this happy or that I would find such a great man to marry. Tom said, I never thought a CEO would agree to marry me, but I had to try I love you so much. I also love Paige a lot. Emily smiled at Tom and held his hand wondering what Tom's real job description was, he obviously had a better position that he let know. It was not that easy to get a corporate jet to use for personal proposes from an employer. She knew better than to ask, it had something to do with Kyle and Jessi, and that was enough to realize he could not tell her even if he wanted.

Emily said, Tom you have told me a lot about yourself. There is something about me that I have not told you and I want you to know. After I came home from serving my country, I was messed up. I could not sleep and when I slept I had nightmares. I started drinking and using drugs. Eventually I became an exotic dancer to support myself and my habits. Tom got closer to her and pulled her near to him in an embrace, he did not interrupt her as he realized she needed to do this to feel completely accepted. He kissed her hands and let her continue. I went out with a different man each night parting. I don't even know who the father of Paige is. A few tears ran down her cheeks, and Tom gently cleaned them with his hands and kissed her temple, giving her all his attention. When I realized I was expecting, I went to the VA and got in to rehab, after getting out I started college with my GI bill. I reconnected with my family and got a job. Paige was my saving grace.

Emily was looking at Tom with an expression of sadness and uncertainty. Tom looked at her with love and cup up her cheeks with his hands and then proceeded to kiss her passionately, after they broke the kiss he said, I love you Emily, nothing can change that. Thanks for sharing with me. I only wish I could take all that pain from you. I admire you even more now Emily, you are a brave woman and a remarkable mother. If you let me I would like to be Paige father, of that way you and her will know who her father is. I love Paige very much, she has me tide around her little finger, and nothing would make me happier than to adopt her and be her father formally, we could do it at the same time as the weeding, of that way Paige will not feel left out. Emily kissed Tom and said, I am sure Paige will love having you as her father. I cannot imagine a better father for Paige than you. I love you Tom, you are full of beautiful surprises. So are you said Tom sincerely. They both stayed in an embrace for a while longer until the waitress came with the first course.

Thanks for the reviews from Mc aj and reema500. Reviews and suggestions are realty appreciated.