10-20-11

It has been . . . let's say an eventful 3 days, Monday night Ark finished the designs for the house and faxed them straight to the construction company so I/we couldn't see them and Ben and I started clearing away anything I wanted to keep in our yard to the front of the house then the company came in and cleared space to star work as soon as they got the plans from ark. Then Ben and I got everything set up for peter, for now I made a bed up on the roof porch for myself, lots pillows and blankets, almost like a pillow cave, but on a cot with a roof and door. I made it big enough to sleep 5 so that Dan and I had a place to sleep if we gave Peter Dan's room and Ben stayed in my bed.

Dan got in late dragging Rick home with him so I fed them both and Ben pulled out cards which after 4 hands in a row of losing I quit, moving to the couch I settled in too listened to the 'kids' racket, taking my time to rewrite the reports in to one, as one by one the 'kids' fell asleep, I worked late but got everything squared away so Dan would have one report to give John, and that they could make copies of for anyone ells depending on how big this got,

On Tuesday the construction started and they were setting rebar and bringing in the forms for the foundation to keep out of there way Ben and I drove Rick around while he trails his investigation around town he was looking for the insurance investigator saying there had to be a reason why there was no fallow up.

We were on a lunch break with Dan when she had the idea to ask Peter, so we ate in the car on the way, to see Peter we pulled up to the facility and Ben opened the door when I got a whiff of wolf, sitting back I dug through the center console grabbing the lavender wolfs bane something that would mask my sent from another wolf but the side affect was that my sense of smell took a hit as well rendering me nose deaf I slathered myself in the scent. Then used the crutches and kicking the truck tire really hard with my left leg as I passed so I would have a limp and the pain was real no one could know what I was if I was going to take Peter home with me.

We checked with the nurse and she directed us to the sitting area I let Dan and Rick lead the way slowing so I could see if I could spot the wolf before he spotted me but Ben nixed that idea when he grew worried asked if I was ok the last thing I need was to seem overly sick to the staff here otherwise I would never get Peter.

So lost in my thoughts I missed Rick and Dan introductions and jumped when Dan nudged me with her elbow "Sorry I was thinking about something, I missed it sorry," I played a fake smile on my lips

Peter was in a comfortable recliner dressed in normal PJ's for once with a thick fluffy red robe over the top and blanket covering his legs holding his hand was the other werewolf the one I saw around town the one Peter told us was his nephew Derek he wore black jeans black wife beater and black leather worn but loved jacket, he had day old stubble but it was well tried and cared for his black hair was short on the sides but long on top enough to give it that just got laid look, he had a strong jaw which was enhanced by the stubble but the most remarkable thing about him was the eyes a hazel green gray amber color, he had this look on his face like he grimaced too much as a kid and just like grandma said it stuck like that.

I fought to keep a grin off my face at that thought I could just see grandma pointing at him and saying "Ha see I told you it would stick."

Peter spoke slowly and carefully like he was having a hard time getting the words out "Hello Michael . . . it is . . . good to see . . . you, this is my nephew. . ."

Derek cut in standing to extend his hand "Derek Hale, what do you need from my uncle?"

I shook his hand first then Dan fallowed by Rick and Ben Dan Introduced us again "This is my brother Michael my name is Daniel I am a Deputy with the sheriff's office, this Is Rick he is an arson investigator and this is his brother Benjamin. We had a few questions about the fire your uncle was in but maybe you could answer them for us we don't want to put any undue stress on your Uncle,"

Derek's eyes flashed well more of a twinkle like they caught the light just right and he clenched his jaw "I don't see what you could want, it has been years sense then,"

Rick spoke up using calm authority "please sir there was something that was covered up and we are trying to get to the bottom of this I promise we only have a few questions and if you like we can keep you apprised of any major leads in the case."

Derek looked like he would balk but Peter spoke up "What . . . Have . . . You . . . Found?"

Dan took a seat beside Peter so he could see her clearly and keep up presences "Mr. Hale I was going through old case files and found some irregularities'" Derek sat watching Dan with undivided attention the rest of us pulled up chairs. "the file on the fire had some missing papers and when I Went about retrieving the investigation report from the fire house, they tried to hide most of the file from me but that is not what is important we also gathered the insurance investigation file but there was no names on that file Can you tell me who was the insurance investigator back then?"

Peter slowly shook his head but Derek spoke up "Reyes, Jacob Reyes he ran the investigation he was friends with my dad, why do you ask?"

"We need to ask him a few questions regarding the report and see if he can help us," Dan and Rick went on to gently interrogate the two Hales while Ben and I watched, we were just finishing up when Dan got a call on her Radio we had to go.

Dan stood shaking hands and thanking them same with Rick, Ben told them it was nice to meet them and that he would see Peter later when that got a raised eyebrow from Derek I chimed in "We have a meeting tomorrow in the afternoon to discuss Peters living arrangements, I am the one offering in home care for your uncle,"

That actually got a look of surprise out of him not just that sour pout, he eyed my crutches I laughed "These are temporary, got hurt but am well on my way to being healthy," Dan called me from the door giving them both a smile "sorry got to go, nice to meet you and thanks for the help." I ran/hopped after Dan, she had a serious look on her face "Look I have to go I want to keep this on the down low for a while longer so don't disrupt things just wait k?"

I smacked her on the back 'Sure thing Dan now "Get going."

She took off in her cruiser Ben and Rick gave me this incredulous look but I shrugged it off making my way to the truck and climbed in to the passenger seat they got their buts in gear and Ben drove us I detoured him when Dan hit me with a text where the Reyes family was I directed Ben there we pulled up to an average suburban house in a average cul-de-sac I got out and sat in the truck bed, Ben frowned coming over to me "Hey Oka-san what's up?"

"Nothing I don't want to be in the way this needs to look official and if I am there it won't be," I checked Rick before lowering my voice "If this guy is guilty we need him out of the way and confessing the more witnesses we have the better."

Ben nodded patting my leg and he and Rick went inside while I sat there waiting,

while I sat there the bus pulled up at the cul-de-sac and a few kids got off dispersing to different houses almost immediately leaving one girl alone to walk home she was blond and tall for her age but she hid under her clothes as she got closer I could smell the sick but under that was the loneliness and hurt swinging my legs over the side of the truck the movement caught her attention she jumped looking at me with wide eyes she looked like she had been crying,

"Hey kid what's up?"

She hedged "Nothing, who are you?"

I plastered on one of Dan's grins (a big one that said I had ten cups of coffee today can you tell) ''Oh I am waiting for my friends they are talking to some people and I am staying out of the way a little to glittery to sit still for too long ya-know."

Acting like a goof ball did the trick for me and she covered her mouth hiding a laugh I patted the truck "So kid what you in for?"

She tilted her head questions rolling off her "I mean, no wait,"

I held out a hand "hi my name Michael Shaw not a crazy person or a creeper just perky."

She smiled shaking my hand I could smell her relaxing a bit "Erica, just a normal kid getting home from school,"

her heart pinged on a lie she wasn't a normal kid I guessed it had something to do with the sick I could still smell on her I bowed over her hand like I was going to kiss the back of her hand she jerked back squealing I laughed holding my sides her heart raced then the smell rose overwhelming sick just like her heart beat I dropped to the side walk just as she started to collapse skidding on my knees I caught her before she hit the ground.

She started to convulse shaking and shuddering I didn't even think pulling my phone and calling it in to the hospital before I put her in the back seat of the truck and drove like a bat out of hell,

I didn't even come to a full stop before the ER staff were taking her an calling things out to each other I moved the car out of the way parking before I rushed inside fallowing Erica's sent to the ER and I stood outside a room where I could see the docs working on her when it got to cutting clothes I sat resting my back against the wall to wait I wasn't there long before Melissa found me eyes worried "Michael? Are you ok what are you doing here?"

I stood jerking a thumb over my shoulder "I brought her in so I am waiting,"

She looked over my shoulder "Erika"

I perked up Melissa knew her if the worry I could smell was anything to go by "hey Melissa do you know her parents I just met her and she had an attack so can you call them?"

Melissa covered her mouth before turning back going straight to the desk to make the call I sat back down to wait when my phone went off I pulled it to silence it only to see 15 missed calls from Ben and 2 texts from Dan I was in deep shit this time I just took away their ride and left without a word standing I left a message with Melissa about where I would be before stepping out and calling Dan "Hey sis I am fine just a bit of an emergency but I am good I will tell you all about it when I get home. K?"

Dan sighed "Ok but you owe me one hell of an explanation understand Mie?"

I grunted which satisfied her and she hung up so I called Ben and his voice was sharp and monotone "Are you dead?"

I moaned this was going to suck "Be-"

He cut me off "Are you dead?"

"NO."

"What is the rule?"

I dropped "Three calls,"

"Then where the hell were you Michael Where the hell. You took off, you took the truck, no note, not a word and then you wouldn't answer the damn phone what the hell after Mac . . . After Mac we all swore to always to answer. Damn it Michael we swore you have no idea what we were thinking, what I thought. . ."

I felt like the biggest asshole in the world I looked up at the sky I could see Mikaella's face smiling at me I closed my eyes "I am sorry Ben it was an emergency it's not your fault but I was on the line and I didn't hear the phone," just then Melissa came out "Look Ben I have to go I will tell you all about it when I get back K,?"

Ben Sighed "I need a drink."

I hunched a little "Sorry,"

"I will see you at home don't forget, and answer next time."

He hung up abruptly I clicked the phone off waving to Melissa I ran up to her "Is she ok?"

Melissa gave me a wired look "are you ok?"

I waved that off "fine how's the girl?"

she softened "Erica will be just fine she just needs to rest a bit we called her parents, but they won't come down they said there was an emergency, would you like to see her she will be up soon,"

I nodded letting her lead the way up to a room on the third floor where I found Miss. Reyes sitting up and looking out the window putting Dan's smile I burst in to the room like a herd of elephants quite a feat for one person "So when can I brake you out of this joint?"

Again with the gaping wide eyes and mouth I pulled a chair over and sat "hi how's it?"

She had a definite look if dumb struck like she couldn't believe me. so I plowed on spending a good hour playing Dan and talking her ear off from everything from the weather to who's who in the actors world and slowly she got used to me even smiling brightly at me when all was said and done,

We were still talking when there was a knock on the door and Jack came in Dan at his side my eyes went wide and it clicked Erica Reyes her last name had to Reyes that was why her family couldn't come something had to have happened with Ben and Rick and now John and Dan were here to question her. Crap this whole investigation was not supposed to bring kids in to the line of fire.

Dan smiled sadly at me when I stood I held out a hand to john "Hey John what brings you to these parts?"

He took my hand "Something came up, I'm here to speak with Miss. Reyes here about her father, Mrs. Reyes already okayed it and is down at the station writing up her statement"

Turning I saw Erica go pale reaching out I held her hand giving it a reassuring squeeze, "Would you like me to stay Erica?"
She looked at me then at Dan before turning her eyes to John "No . . . No I don't think so thank you for staying with me Michael but I can do this."

I gave her hand another squeeze "ok then, well you get better and I will check on you tomorrow after school if that is ok with you?"

She nodded a grin lighting her face "that would be awesome I will be at home then too."

Nodding I gave John a hand shake and Dan a cap on the shoulder in my way out the door it was only then I remembered my leg and the act, spotting Melisa down the hall watching me I started towards the parking lot when played my leg giving out and in the split second between falling and floor I gave both my side and leg two fierce whacks to start the bleeding up again, landing in a heap I curled in on my leg breathing hard I made little mulling sounds, not acknowledging any of the voices asking how I was what was wrong if I needed help and only moaned louder when I was picked up and put on a table and rushed to an exam room where a doc gave me some pain killers which even with my metabolism knocked me out for a bit.

When I woke up I was in a plain room and Daniel and Ben were seated on either side of me both looking thunderous, but luckily Melisa was in the room and she stopped any wrath from them and she answered my questions before I could ask "You are and Idiot! I know Adrenalin is an amazing drug but you are ridiculous, in your mad dash for Erica you opened your wounds again splitting over half of your stitches bleeding all over the place only to make things worse by continuing to walk on it. So I repeat you are an Idiot!"

Her countenance eased and she softened around the edges "now we patched you up re-stitching your leg and Daniel here already signed you release papers so as so as you are dressed you may leave."

And with that she left, leaving me to Dan's and Bens mercy or so she thought as soon as the door closed their faces softened and Ben spoke first "so how about that? You back in the Hospital, Dan gains a ward out of Erica to check on, and Mr. Reyes and will go away for fraud, what a busy day for all."

Dan handed me my clothes so I could dress as I asked "what do mean going away for fraud?"

"He confessed he has been taking bribes have been for years it started with the Hale case and just escalated from that the only innocent one in all of this is Erica, his wife is testifying against him for probation and being able to keep Erica and I put my foot in it volunteering us . . . Well me for looking in and checking up on Erica on a regular basis until she comes of age in two years" Dan relayed sounding bone weary.

I looked her over and noted the signs of hunger, sleep deprivation, and annoyance pulling on a clean shirt that read "Team work; is everyone doing as I say" I leaned over to bop her forehead "come on what's up sis?"

She shot me a glare "This is just one giant cluster fuck, I'm starving, your hurt, and I could sleep for a week and I have work tomorrow."

Laughing Ben ruffled her hair "Well come on then Sarge, lets hit the road you say goodnight to Erica and I will wheel Mie here to the car we will pick you up in front k?"

Dan groaned bending double and forcing herself up right "Alright I'm going, I'm going." She waved her hand to us exiting the room.

I shared a grin with Ben before he forced me in to the wheel chair and pushed me out the hospital me faking being drowsy the whole way, just a little extra insurance that paid off when I saw Melissa give Ben a genuine smile her eyes warm, now I wouldn't have her ridding hard to check up on me and I would have freedom for the full moon.

Dan was waiting for us at the front entrance we picked her up then Chinese on our way back to the house, Rick I learned had gotten a hotel room so the three of us stayed up late reminiscing over old pranks pulled and CO's we pissed off.

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For once I slept the night through and much to my surprise I didn't wake when Dan left but later when Waldo woke me an hour before my meeting with Derek so I had to scramble to get ready showering dressing and eating on the fly as I cleaned up Ben just laughed hustling me to "move my ass" and in to the car and he drove me to the facility.

Through the drive I did a careful masking of my sent damaging my leg just right so I smelled of hurt then I fixed my clothes black dress jeans and combat boots polished to a regulation shine, and a plumb button down that did its usual job to hide my vest concealed weapons and looked damn fine on me if Dan was to be believed,

Pulling up in front of the facility Ben let me out "I'm off to be Rick's chuffer for the day Give me a ring when you get the job."

I flipped him the bird and skipped/walked to the front desk where the nurse on duty led me back to Peters room where Peter was sitting up in bed dressed in a new set of PJ's blue and silky matching his eyes with the fluffy robe from before while Derek was dressed nearly identical to the last time I saw him leather jacket jeans and white shirt but he was very clean,

Derek was seated beside Peter and they were playing Othello Peter moving slow and Derek with a fierce look of concentration and the relief I could smell when I came in the room told me that even though Peter was playing sick he was kicking Derek's ass,

Derek came over and led me to a chair opposite to the one he had vacated before offering me a hand "It is nice to officially meet you, I am interested in your resume but first I had to ask why do you want to house my uncle Peter?"

Setting my crutches to the side I leaned forward "I grew up in a big family and every week we would volunteer sometimes at the shelter other times at the old folks home but we learned to help and right now I'm at lose end and need something to do 'Idle hands are the devils playground'"

Derek smiled and Peter actually chuckled, "so what would Peters sleeping arrangements be?"

"Right now it's a two bedroom home but we are in the middle of construction to expand but there is safe access in the front which will be undisturbed they work day light hours only, but as to Peter he will have the downstairs master sweet I would have to make a few adjustments to make it workable For Peter as he gets better, and I did bring pictures,"

I pulled out my phone and handed it over waiting as Derek moved so Peter could see to and they went through the Pics when suddenly they both cracked up head snapping up I eyed them Peter spoke to me "Tell me. . .did you take these. . .pictures?"

hesitantly I shook my head Derek handed the phone back to me and I got the sudden urge to murder Ben and Dan it was a picture of me passed out on the couch makeup to the nines with a tiara Dan was behind me holding out lipstick and a piece sign face bright with laughter.

Dropping the phone I pinched the bridge of my nose "I am sorry that would be my brother in arms and sister that took the pictures for me and this just shows me why I never should trust them."

I looked up Derek and Peter were both smiling "Do they live with you?" Derek asked,

I just nodded tucking my phone away Peter sighed "It would be nice to be in a lively home like that again,"

Derek's smile fell, eyes haunted by grief so Peter asked the next question "How would we get therapy?"

I patted my leg "With my leg right now I am not allowed to drive for another week but my brother is staying for that long so he will drive and I will take you after that."

That distraction let Derek get back on track and the interview went smoothly, by the end both Derek and Peter were smiling their sent matching their faces although there was something deeper to Peters but I couldn't identify it.

I stood shaking Derek's and Peter's hands giving them a genuine smile "I look forward to seeing you Saturday for dinner and a walk through,"

"It should be fun," Peter smirked and that sounded and more like a promise and that sent chills down my spine, an insane Werewolf, a surly Werewolf, me a new born Werewolf, with Ben, and Dan it sounded like an powder keg waiting to go off, Forcing a smile I walked me way out to the lobby where I pretended to call Ben and go outside too wait for him, only to wait till no one was looking and I started to walk/skip back home and I was half way to the forest when a blue jeep pulled up beside me looking over I saw Stiles and Scott in the car both grinning like loons eyeing them suspiciously I hedged "what are you doing?"

Stiles answered "School's out"

That just made me eye them harder Scott broke first "We are on our way home Stiles is giving me a lift when we saw you."

"So?"

Stiles grinned "So… I…We would like to give you a lift,"

"But I called my friend already he's going to meet me."

Scott was quicker this time "So call him and tell him you got a lift and that you will meet him back at your place."

For a smart ass kid he was quick and for every argument I could put up I saw them finding an answer so I gave in and Called Ben not letting him talk "Hey Ben I got a lift I will meet back at my place for dinner k? Bye."

Scott scrambled in to the back and I went around sliding in to the passenger seat resting the crutches in my foot space and on my shoulder when I heard Scott's and stiles stomach growl suddenly I knew where this sudden act of kindness was coming from.

And I bit back a laugh "Ok so as a thank you, how would you like a snack?"

"Yeah!" they both agreed happily

And they jabbered away on the drive back to the house telling me about school, practice and the last game they won for lacrosse I smiled nodding every once and a while to show that I was listening mean while I took in there scents meditating on them, Stiles was eager and hungry the most but also edgy like he was trying to keep a lid on himself but most of all he smelled strained like the weight of the world was on his shoulders and there was no one to help.

That would have to be something I worked on no kid should feel like that not when there were adults to handle things if only a little. Now Scott he was a horse of a whole other color He was miserable and in pain not only that but his wolf was so cooped up it was actually making my wolf want to howl and or snuggle him to little bits.

Reaching the house I was able to con Scott in to helping me in to the house while Stiles carried my crutches in to the house. Using this excuse I gave Scott a lasting hug rubbing as much of my sent a possible on to him easing the strain without him even knowing what I was doing, I was lucky he was such a new wolf that he had no clue what I was doing or what I was.

Keeping the boys busy with helping me we made snacks and dinner enough for my house, Stiles house, and Scott's, then I wrote down directions for them to cook the food at home before we all took a brake and sat in the living room to watch a movie Scott picked the first iron man I sat in the middle, a few minutes I played falling asleep and dozed Using Scott as my pillow easing his wolf with close contact.

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Somehow in the middle of playing being asleep and listening to the movie I actually fell asleep lulled by the feeling of pack that Scott and Stiles and caught a good nap through the afternoon only to wake up when Ben stuck a wet finger in my ear I screeched like a girl and started throwing anything in close proximity including the coffee table looking for something ells to throw I saw Stiles and Scott in tears rolling on the floor with laughter.

And I couldn't help but smile it was like being back on duty and someone pulling a prank just to brake tensions around the camp urging myself to my feet I through a last pillow at Ben pouting I passed him and Rick on my way to the bath room to was out my ear "You are disgusting you know that Waldo that's just gross."

That made the boys laugh harder shaking my head I closed the door behind me only to break out in a shit eating grin it was like our home pack,

I jumped when Scott pounded on the door "yeah?"

"Sorry Michael, Stiles says we have to get going, our parents will be home soon and now we have dinner to put on."

I laughed opening the door still drying my ear and clapped him on his shoulder "OK you guys be good and let me know how dinner goes over."

Scott laughed fit in a quick hug before bolting for the door maybe the kid was wising up to the need of his wolf or more likely he was just being an awkward teenager Stiles waved as he fallowed Scott to his jeep carrying the box of dinners I watched form the door until I could no longer see the jeep then replacing the towel I got started on dinner while Rick and Ben got clean,

As I worked Dan finally came home so we could eat, she helped me set the table and we all sat down to eat, I let Dan get three plates in before I quizzed her "Wellll….?"

Dan talked around her meal not slowing in the lest, "Well after Reyes broke and gave Rick and Ben his confession I went and picked him up getting statements from these two." She jerked a thumb at the brothers "then John and I questioned Reyes more and got some actual solid leads for the case and a description for the leader of the arson team a blond girl manipulated him, he cheated on his wife with her and she blackmailed him in to falsifying his reports. Then she couldn't have it getting out even after time went by so she sent him monthly cash installments buying his silence and future cooperation and he just got greedy,"

I sighed that seemed like how everything was going these days lying, cheating, backstabbing, and all around discord not to mention how this arson was turning out, a long drawn out massacre handed out by hunters to fund their murder, I collected all the plates before moving to the kitchen, and starting on the dishes,

Now I'm in my roof top nest, righting this out while I listen to Dan and Ben sleep in the house I woke to another forgotten dream and couldn't sleep, so I put down another chapter in this thing I can't tell if righting all of this out is helping but it does focus me so maybe I can fall asleep again.

AN;

I own nothing. Please read and review.