Sorry for the delay in updating guys. Really busy with summer stuff, family, and classes. This one is nice and long and you will see a lot of questions answered but new ones coming as well. Introduced a few more characters but we have pretty much everyone main now introduced except for a couple.
I need to stress trigger warnings ahead. If mentions of abuse, rape, drugs, hurt trigger you please do not read. Also I this story is LGBTQ+ friendly and there will be mentions of relationships. Be warned also - This is not a Ward friendly story. Thanks for reading. I love to read reviews. I hope to have another chapter up by mid August or before. I have 4 other stories to update first though.
Lincoln and Skye and May and Skye heavy next chapter. Along with others.
Skye sat in the swing at the park next to Thomas. Ryan and Leo and Jemma were all there as well. They had all walked there after school. At lunch Skye had told everyone what had happened that morning. Everyone was upset realizing they were being targeted even more now, especially Skye.
"We have to do something."
"What are we supposed to do Leo? They run the school. Those who aren't with them are just too afraid to say or do anything. Hell, some of the teachers encourage them. The rest usually look the other way."
"Lincoln's mom doesn't, Ryan. Neither does Mr. C. Mr. Parrish and Mrs. Jenkins didn't."
"It's cause no one who cares can ever catch them. And the few times they are caught, their parents smooth it over. I bet nothing happens to Lydon and Dormer. Dormer's dad will threaten to sue and Lydon's mom will promise Ms. Price that little Miles just had a misunderstanding. They will get talked to and maybe told to stay away from Skye. That's it. That's what always happens."
Skye shuffled her feet, bringing her swing to a stop. "I told them. What they said. What they did. Miss Hill and Ms. Price and Parrish were there. The assistant principal was too."
Leo moved to the swing next to Skye and sat down. "Edison Poe is a jerk. He's always sticking up for them. I swear he worships the ground Garrett and the football team walks on. He and Ms. Price are always at odds."
"He kept looking at me. Like an evil, smirking glare. I swear I almost told him to stop. It was ...ugh...just...flipping creepy too. He said since I hit Dormer I should be punished too. Zero tolerance. Parrish said what I did fit into the area of self defense. Said I stopped when I got free of his grasp."
Jemma spoke up then. "Good thing Parrish is a decent man. He's one of the best teachers too."
Everyone nodded except Skye who didn't really know him. Thomas stood up.
"Guys. I wanted to ...just...well...Hey I'm sorry."
"For what Thomas? You didn't do anything. Hey you got help."
"Yeah this time. The other times I let my fear stop me."
Ryan stepped forward and touched his shoulder. "Hey come on Thomas. We all know what you go through with Grant being your brother."
Thomas stepped away and moved to lean on the swing poles with a frown.
Leo looked at Ryan. "No worse than JJ being yours Ryan."
Ryan looked to the ground. "Not true. JJ doesn't beat me up every other day." His eyes grew wide after he said it realizing he said it out loud. He looked at Thomas who was glaring at him.
Skye breathed in sharply looking at Ryan and then turned to look at Thomas. "Did he hurt you because of me Thomas?"
Thomas shrugged his shoulders. "He hurts me no matter what. He enjoys it."
Skye looked horrified. "What about your parents?" She stood up and moved in front of him. "Thomas?"
He shook his head. He looked at Skye. He whispered. "They hate me more than Grant does."
"Hey!"
All five turned to look. There was a group of kids headed toward them. Kids from school. All five stood up together with Leo and Skye moving in front.
The group coming toward them stopped about five feet away. One of the boys took a step forward.
"Hey. Um I mean...um...hi. I...I...mean we...um...we just wanted to thank you Skye."
"Huh?"
A girl broke from the group and approached them. "What Will is trying to say is ...thanks. For standing up to those jerks. It was great seeing that asshole go down. Dormer and Lydon think they own the world. It was good to see them reminded that they don't. Oh I'm Darcy. Darcy Lewis." She held out her hand to Skye.
Skye took it. "Um thanks I guess."
The boy smiled. "It was outstanding. You did what most of us dream about doing. I'm Will. Will Daniels. That's Ace Peterson and Kate Bishop."
Ace smiled and Kate waved.
"Darcy? What do you guys want?" Jemma looked at them suspiciously.
"Look I know I messed up Jemma. I should have backed Leo."
Ace spoke up. "Yeah we both should have. Leo I'm sorry. They threatened us. But still no excuse. We both saw them. What they did to you. I'm sorry."
"Wait. Is this about Leo getting beat up and a broken arm by JJ and his friends." Skye's face was getting angry.
Ace looked at the ground. "Yeah."
Skye stepped up to him. "You let them get away with it? You're no better then them."
Ace refused to look up. He simply nodded. Leo moved to Skye and touched her arm.
"Hey. Come on."
Skye looked at the new group of kids none of whom would look at her. Darcy finally spoke up.
"Maybe we got too used to being stepped on. It's easier to look away, easier to stay silent. Maybe we should have done this or that. Maybe we are jerks for being scared. But we are here now."
"Yeah. We just wanted you guys to know, especially you Skye. We have your backs. From now on."
Leo stepped up to Will. "Thanks Will. He held out his hand. Will took it with a grateful expression.
Skye's expression grew softer as she watched Jemma hug Ace, and Darcy stepped to Thomas engulfing him in a big hug as well.
"So how do we take over the school." Kate stood looking at Skye.
"Take over?"
"Well you know. For the greater good. Make it a safe place for everyone. A place where the worst thing is worrying about whether that is really chicken they are serving in the cafeteria."
Skye laughed. "Really?That's all it took. Me taking down one little punk?"
"No Skye. It was realizing that you were going to keep fighting back no matter what. Something we all should have never stopped doing." Thomas joined her and Kate.
Ryan watched everything unfold. He was both proud of Skye and Thomas and terrified for them at the same time. "You guys know that JJ and Grant are not going to stop right?"
"Neither are we." Jemma's voice was firm even if her expression was a bit unsure.
Thomas nodded. "Ry we can't keep living like this. We can't let them control our actions anymore. Let them browbeat us, live in fear, be people we aren't because others tell us how we should be, what we should be. You quit band Ryan. Cause your brother and parents said it was a waste of time. Cause your brother beat you up and made you try out for football. You hate football. "
Ryan's face twisted into anger. "Well I'm not on the team, am I? Didn't make it. My parents want me to be like JJ. Athletic. Strong. Popular. I had no choice Thomas. So I do track and cross country. It keeps them of my back. I had no choice."
"You hate it. We all have choices. You chose the ones you made."
"I had to!"
"No you chose to. I get it."
"No you don't. You don't."
"Okay I don't. You walked away. But I didn't walk away Ryan. I was willing to fight, hell I still am. I might lose all the time but I'm still fighting. You, you are living a lie."
"It's ...you...no Thomas. I'm doing what's expected of me. I have 3-1/2 more years and then I can leave this dump."
"And what in the mean time Ry? You gonna stand around and watch your brother hurt your friends? Maybe break Jemma's arm next time instead of Leo's. Maybe rape her like he did Lanie?"
"Whoa! Hold on there Thomas! JJ raped Lanie?" Kate's eyes were huge and angry as she glared at Ryan and Thomas.
Ryan hung his head. Thomas looked at Kate and the others facing them. "Yeah. Him and two of his football posse. Why do you think Joey's in jail."
"Juvie."
"It's fucking jail Ryan. A lock down facility for juvenile offenders. For almost killing Kyle. Even though he deserved it. Hell so did JJ. Set up the whole thing. Grant fucking told me. He told me cause he knew I couldn't do anything about it. Said JJ had him watch cause it was JJ's turn and the new guys turn. Said it was their initiation."
"I know." Ryan's voice was quiet and defeated.
Kate got in Thomas's face. "You should have told someone!"
He nodded. "I did." He rolled up the shirt on his left arm showing a nasty scar. "And this is what I got for it."
Skye gasped as she saw the 4 inch scar across his shoulder. "Who did...how ...shit ...I'm sorry."
"He used a switchblade. Did it on orders from JJ. Said no one would believe me but called me a snitch and cut in deep, then pushed me away, and they both walked away laughing. Fifteen stitches and this scar."
Leo walked up to Thomas. "Initiation? They called rape an initiation?"
Darcy nodded. "Yeah what the hell do you mean?"
Ryan spoke up. "He means that the football team has an initiation. Someone they get drunk, slip something too and then a couple guys have their way. They invite the girls. Some participate willingly. Some know and others don't. They never take no for an answer. If the girl tells anyone they always have others vouch for them being somewhere else."
"I think I'm gonna throw up." Skye spoke the words first.
Jemma added, "Lanie thought Grant liked her. She'd known him for awhile since he and Joey grew up together playing football. She claimed he had another side no one saw. A soft side. Kind and gentle. He treated her well and I don't know ...I thought maybe she was right. That he just acted like that cause of JJ and football and stuff. Here all along he was playing Lanie. I guess they do it a lot to other girls. She was a good friend. I...I...haven't seen her since...she won't talk to anyone from here."
"Yeah I don't know what is really going on. Raina was a good friend till last year. She used to scoff at them and talk crap about them with us. Some of those guys are bigoted. I guess JJ doesn't have that issue?" Ace almost spit the last words out.
"Not about race with JJ. Some of the others are though. With JJ it's all about who you are and if you fit in with them. Take orders and back each other up no matter what. JJ and Grant are bigots in other ways though for sure. They hated Joey when they found out he was gay. Something about that really bothered JJ."
"How do you know that Leo?"
"Cause I told him. Others have received that type of message from JJ. Garrett backs him. Says there is no place on the football team for those people. No place at the school even. I know other guys and girls who were verbally harassed or worse for their sexuality." Thomas looked refused to look at anyone while talking.
"This is just sick. JJ and Grant and all the others belong in jail."
"Yeah good luck with that Kate. There is never any proof. Never any witnesses. Always alibis."
"Don't forget the payoffs. Money talks," Ace replied disgustedly.
Thomas nodded. "Right. Parents who look the other way. Some who even buy off victims. Some who threaten the school. Anyone who crosses them is either hurt or ostracized. Wanna play football? You keep your mouth shut and you follow their rules. Wanna be safe in your own school? Keep your mouth shut and look the other way."
"Jeez when did this shit start."
"About seven years ago when Christian Ward was the high school football captain." Tripp had walked up while the group was engrossed in their conversation.
"Tripp. Where did you come from? You know all about this?"
" I saw you guys over here when I got to my car after running through the park. I just heard the last part of the conversation Jemma. If you mean do I know about all the rumors of rape, intoxication, ruffies, cover ups and such, yeah I do. Lincoln heard his mom at a meeting talking and told me. Seven years ago Christian apparently slipped a girl something in her drink, raped her and beat her. He was arrested. He got off on a technicality, and evidence went mysteriously missing. The girl and her parents were basically run out of town because everyone sided with the Wards. Malick and Garrett both claimed Christian was with them at a football meeting with two other guys. The guys claimed he was their too. The DNA evidence went mysteriously missing. After that..."
"After that my oldest brother thought he could get away with anything. That's when he started beating the crap out of Grant and me. That's when he decided he could rule the school. Christian handed down the leadership mantle over the years and now it's JJ's and Grant's."
"He beat up Grant? Didn't know that." Tripp raised his eyebrows.
"Yeah for maybe a year. Until he told Grant to beat me up. Once Christian knew Grant would do whatever he said, he became one of their team. Then Christian went off to college, Grant got even worse than Christian ever was and here we are. That standard of getting away with everything and privilege was handed down."
"Like a good old boys club." Trip shook his head.
"You all still have our backs?" Skye crossed her arms and glared at the four newbies.
They looked at each other and nodded to Darcy. She stepped forward to Skye and stick out her hand. "Unconditionally."
She took the offered hand and smirked back. "You are probably all crazy."
Ace looked over at her. "Crazy is better than what they are."
A while later only Skye, Ryan, Thomas, Jemma and Trip remained.
The mood was pretty somber so Trip changed the subject. "So Ryan ready for the cross country meet on Wednesday? Last one of the season, right?"
"Yeah. For me. Some will move on to compete in the all county tournament and districts later."
"Callie is doing well this season. For a freshman she is number three in the league isn't she?"
"Yeah I think."
"You don't know? I thought you guys were tight?"
That got Skye's attention. "You have a girlfriend Ryan? Geez way to tell me."
Trip and Jemma laughed.
"Nah not anymore. We broke up a couple weeks back. Still friends."
"That's all you ever were."
Skye and Tripp turned to look at Thomas who was wearing an unreadable expression.
"Shut up Thomas." The warning was quiet but the look was dangerous from Ryan.
"Yah shut up Thomas. Just pretend Ryan. Right? Lie to everyone. It's only 3-1/2 more years." His look was one of disgust now.
"Hey guys. Come on. I thought you two were best friends. What's going on?'
Skye looked at Trip who shrugged his shoulders.
"Thomas?"
"Skye let it go. In fact we should probably get going, Aunt Vic is going to send out a rescue squad." Jemma got up and gathered her things.
"Oh hey I can drop you all off at your homes."
"Actually Trip I'd like that very much." Jemma smiled as Trip picked up her backpack to carry for her.
"I'm fine but thanks Trip. Only a mile away and I like to walk and think."
"Suit yourself Thomas. The offer stands but I'm leaving now."
"We're right down the road Trip. Thanks anyway." Skye smiled at both him and Jemma. They turned and walked toward the parking lot.
Skye studied Thomas who appeared to be angry and then looked at Ryan who refused to look at either of them. She could feel the tension.
"Hey Ryan what's going on?"
"Nothing. Let's go. I have a History test tomorrow and I need to study."
Skye nodded. "Yeah me too." She got up from the ground and grabbed her backpack. "Man it's getting cold."
"Where's your jacket? It's almost six at night in upstate New York in October. Of course it's cold."
"Gee Thomas you sound like Miss May."
He grinned at her." She sounds like a smart woman. Now you on the other hand."
"Shut up."
"Hey let's go Skye," Ryan called. He was already halfway to the parking lot.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming." She turned to Thomas. "I don't suppose you are going to tell me what's up with you and Ryan?"
He shook his head. "Nah. Ask Ryan. Maybe he'll be more honest with you then he is with himself. See you tomorrow Skye."
He headed off the other way across the grass to the road. Skye stared after him wondering what exactly that meant, then turned and ran to catch up with Ryan who was already at the parking area waiting for her. The walk to the Brody's house was quiet. Ryan was walking fast and it was all Skye could do to keep up his pace. He was almost six feet and his strides much longer then hers. She finally stopped, watching as he put distance between them and yelled to him. He turned around.
"Just go Ryan. It's obvious you don't want to be with anyone. It's only a couple more blocks."
He walked back to her. "No it's okay Skye. I'm sorry. I'm just thinking."
"About your girlfriend maybe. Or ex girlfriend. Seriously how come I never met her? Have I ever even seen her before?"
"She's in your gym class. About your height, a bit lighter hair."
"So how long were you two together? First love?" She grinned as she teased him. He just turned and started walking. Slower then before at least.
Skye fell into step next to him. "Hey I was just ..."
"No it's okay. And no not my first love. And we really weren't together. We just hung out sometimes. People thought we were together. I wanted people to think we were together."
"Oh well lots of guys and girls are just friends Ryan. Look at us. Look at Jemma, she's friends with all of you guys and so am I."
"Yeah." Ryan stopped and stood still.
"Hey Ry you okay."
"I'm fifteen Skye."
"Yeah. So?"
"I met my first love last year when I was 14. Well not met exactly. We knew each other for awhile. It was toward the end of the school year. March. We really liked each other, realized how close we were getting. I don't know, maybe even loved each other."
"Oh okay. You know I was just teasing and..."
"It was Thomas."
Skye's mouth moved but no words came out. She tried again. " Ah okay I did not see that coming."
He rolled his eyes at her. "I've know I was gay for awhile. Before Thomas and I were umm...you know...dating."
She nodded. Okay. "Yeah?"
"My parents, they don't...they aren't...they'd never say it publicly but you know...they...they think...it's...there's something wrong with me. In their minds. They think it's a phase. Something I'll grow out of. JJ just wants to beat it out of me or something. The band and acting and stuff...yeah...JJ says it makes me look like a fag so he told me to quit. Said I needed to stop looking like a fag."
"I'm so sorry Ryan. She reached her arms out and engulfed him in a hug. "It's okay Ry. You're okay."
He wrapped his arms around her and tightened his grip. After a couple moments he pulled away.
"I hate living in that house Skye. I hate my parents. I hate JJ. I hate those guys at school. I hate track. I hate it all. I mostly hate JJ. Thomas hates me. He thinks I'm a coward for hiding who I am."
"Gonna be honest here Ryan. I didn't have a clue you were gay. Kinda figured Thomas was but it's his business so..."
"Thomas doesn't announce it. But he doesn't really hide it either. Jemma knows about us. Both of us. Leo only knows Thomas is gay. I stayed a couple nights at Jemma's over the summer when I couldn't be here. We talked. She's a good friend. No judging you know. Her aunt Vic talked to me, worries about me. I know I should be honest with everyone no matter what. I know I shouldn't hide who I am. It's just...JJ thinks it's Thomas's fault. That he made me gay. Can you imagine? He is just sick. Grant is just a bully. He's not a leader. Not like his older brother was. That's why it's JJ who is the football captain. JJ uses that to his advantage. Uses Grant to keep Thomas in line. Or tries to anyway. I promised JJ I'd stay away from Thomas. I'd break up with him. It's so fucking messed up."
"What are you so afraid of Ryan?"
Ryan sighed. Skye felt so bad. He looked so broken.
"JJ threatened to kill Thomas. He said he could do it and get away with it. He said he's gotten away with everything so why not. He also said dad know some people that could hurt Thomas, so I better just do the right thing. He said that I needed to shape up and be a man. Said if I didn't he would make Grant beat on Thomas every day. He hates gays. Him and Grant. I have no idea why. He hated when Joey told the football team he was gay. He came home and ranted and raved about it being sick and disgusting. That was right around the time I was figuring out I was gay."
Skye put her hand on his shoulder. "Hey Ryan. You're okay. He's wrong."
"I know. I just...he gets dad all riled up about me. Says no one can know cause of the people Jason Brody wants to vote for him. Malick's been grooming my dad for the Congress position for a couple years. He already has Ward as the Senator. Gideon Malick is this bigwig in politics. Like behind the scenes. Personally I think he's dirty as hell. Got his hands in everything. Maybe even the mob. But no one can ever prove anything. Just like at school."
"Malick? Is he related to the computer teacher?"
"Yeah. Brothers. And Garrett is best drinking buds with him."
"So you are protecting Thomas by not being with him?"
Ryan looked down at the sidewalk. He nodded. "At first. JJ was happy I saw things his way. Told Grant to lay off Thomas and got the coach to let me try out for the football team. Of course I sucked. But Garrett said I had decent speed and told the track coach to put me on the cross country team. JJ wasn't thrilled but he was okay with that. Then he told me not to do band and that running would take up my time anyway."
"I'm so sorry Ryan. Living like that. It's just so wrong. You need to tell someone."
"Tell them what Skye? Go where? I'm telling you no matter who I tell, my dad or Malick or even JJ will get to them. No, what I need to do is stay low, keep out of trouble and make it through the next few years. I might even be able to get into college a year early."
"That's why you double up on Math and Science."
"Yeah. Thomas too. Plus Grant and JJ will be gone in less than two years. JJ's grooming Lydon to take over but at least at home Thomas will be safe once they graduate."
"Ryan. All you told me. All we talked about today with everyone. You need to tell someone. Even if they can't do anything now about the past stuff, they need to know everything that is going on."
He shook his head. "I don't think it will help Skye. No one can stop it. No one can stop them."
"Lincoln's mom. Mr. C. Ryan they will believe you."
"I don't know Skye."
"Even Coulson's wife, Miss May could maybe help. She used to be a cop I think. She has friends that are still cops. Or what about Jemma's Aunt Vic? Her girlfriend is a cop."
"They'll find out. They always do Skye. And now with what you did, JJ is going to send more people after you. Grant will probably beat the crap out of Thomas. JJ might corner me and let me have it."
"You're scared."
"You're not? After what everyone said today about them? Look Skye you should not be alone okay. Like ever. Not in our house. Not here in front of our house. Not near JJ. Or Grant. Or any of them. Not at school. Locker rooms and bathrooms especially. Thomas and I and even Jemma and Leo have figured out to make sure we aren't alone where they can get us anymore. You see JJ with his friends in a car or something you need to run the other way. I don't know, maybe you should tell your social worker you hate it here. Maybe she can move you."
Skye's eyes shot up wide. "What? No! Ryan I have friends here. A stable home. I like it here."
"Stable home? Maybe for the moment. Skye JJ is not going to let it slide. He's just biding his time. And dad will back him. Mom's useless. The only way he backs off is if you stop fighting him. You back down, and let his goons do what they want and you play the game."
"Not gonna happen Ry."
"I know. And that's why you're gonna get hurt. You and all the others."
"Come on Ryan you need to stop hiding. You need to join us a fight back."
"I don't know how to fight anymore Skye." She barely heard the whisper. Ryan hung his head.
"Hey. Hey come on." Skye pulled his head up to look him in the eye. "You're not alone. I'm scared too. But I am tired of being scared Ryan. Aren't you?"
He nodded. Skye smiled at him. "Good. How much money do you have?"
"His eyes blinked rapidly back at her. "Huh?"
"Money? She lifted her hand up to his face and flipped her thumb over her fingers. "You know pesos, greenbacks, cash?
He gave her a small laugh. "I know what money is Skye. What for?"
"Lessons. Self-defense. You, Thomas, Jemma and Leo and anyone else who wants. Miss May is starting up some classes with the new instructor. Maybe I can mention a beginner self defense class? You guys should all come with me tomorrow and talk to her."
"Skye." He started shaking his head. "We aren't all like you Skye."
"Like me? Hey I was able to get free from a jerk today. How long have I been taking lessons?"
He shrugged.
"Exactly. Even just knowing basics could be a big difference. Wouldn't hurt to see. Check it out. Hey I'm calling Jemma and Thomas now to spread the word."
Skye turned to run up the driveway to the house.
"Hey what if Mr. C's wife doesn't want us all there."
Skye stopped and waved her hand dismissively. "Ah she's good. She likes me. She'll want to help. Don't worry so much." She turned and walked into the house just as JJ pulled into the driveway. Ryan watched him get out of his car. JJ watched Skye enter the house then turned to Ryan. He pointed his finger like a gun at the place Skye had been and then pulled it back and blew over his finger and gave Ryan a sick smile. JJ walked into the house. Ryan stayed motionless for a few seconds and then grabbed his phone from his pocket.
He started typing a text. "Hey Thomas. Whatever Skye is going to ramble on about when she calls u just say yes. I'm sorry. 4 everything. I'm fighting back."
Melinda walked in holding two pizzas and a bag. Phil had to go to school to teach so she had brought Donnie with her to work. It was lunch time. Natasha was finishing up her class and Melinda didn't have her next one till two. Phil was leaving early from the school to pick up Donnie and get him signed up at the middle school. He would start tomorrow. She nearly lost the bag of chips and sodas as she tripped over one of Natasha's students backpack in the middle of the floor. Donnie braced the bag with his left arm as his right helped to steady her. She smiled gratefully at him. His lips twitched upward a bit.
She allowed him to take the bag as she headed to the office to drop the pizzas on her desk. He followed setting the bag likewise on her desk.
"So how many slices Donnie?"
"Two's fine."
She got out paper plates and slid two on and handed it to him, grabbing a slice for herself. "Sodas and chips in the bag, help yourself."
Donnie reached for a can and then walked out sitting on the floor by her office. Ever since seeing Skye and listening to her tell him how great the Coulsons were he'd been making an effort to be civil. He was actually quite impressed as he had watched Ms Coulson teach this morning. She was mostly quiet which he respected and she didn't push him to talk. He watched the class pack up and start leaving as he ate. The other woman walked to the office and she nodded at Donnie her face grinning as she saw the food.
"Is it good?
He nodded and smiled back. She went into to the office and he heard them talk but couldn't make out what they were saying. He heard laughter and then saw they both were eating. He munched on his second slice. Mr. Coulson was coming to pick him up soon. He wasn't sure about going to a new school but would kind of be glad to be doing something. He thought way too much when he had nothing to do. He stood up and made his way to the office stepping into the doorway.
"Can I have another slice."
Melinda got up and brought the second pizza to him. "Take two more. There's plenty."
He nodded and did just that. "Thanks."
Natasha offered him the bag of Doritos. He dumped some on his plate and grabbed another can of soda, turning to go.
"You can stay Donnie. There's a beat up couch over there to sit on."
He looked at her and nodded and made his way to the couch. He sat down and took a bit of pizza. He sat comfortably eating and just listening to the two women talk. Ms. Coulson still was not pushing him to join in and maybe just maybe Skye was right about these people.
He'd eaten a fifth slice and was still sitting in the office looking at some old magazines when Phil Coulson poked his head in.
"Hey you ready to go?"
He nodded, and stood up grabbing his plate and can and throwing it in the trash. Phil opened the pizza box and grabbed one of the remaining slices. Since Melinda was teaching a class, Phil just waited to catch her eye and wave. She waved back and smiled. Phil munched down the pizza as they made their way to his car.
Phil glanced at Donnie wanting to engage him in conversation but was trying to listen to Melinda's warning. She had specifically told him not to push the boy. Several times. He grinned, as he thought of her scolding him all day yesterday for talking too much. Although she had a point, as the boy seemed to gravitate to Melinda's quiet more so than his talking. Oh the boy was nice and polite. Nodding or shaking his head, short one or two word answers but that was about it. Maybe it was men that Donnie didn't like or was afraid of. After all his mom's boyfriend had injured him. Maybe he could get Skye to tell him more about the boy. Nah that probably wouldn't be right he thought. Plus she wasn't exactly the most forthcoming kid he knew. He looked at Donnie again and decided on a safe tactic.
"You can play the radio if you want. Anything's good. I like anything."
Donnie sat still for a moment and then reached his hand up to turn on the knob. He gave a short nod to Phil and then played with the channels till he found one he liked. It was an oldies station. Phil smiled.
"Oldies? Are you sure that isn't for me?" Phil saw the boy actually smile.
"Nah it's this or rap and I'm pretty sure you aren't into rap. So this is cool."
The Rolling Stones cranked out of the speakers as Phil focused on driving and his thoughts. He was really worried about what had happened to Skye that morning. He heard about it at lunch from Rosalind. Knowing she was an apparent target was unsettling for him. He had gotten fond of the girl especially knowing how she had wormed her way into Melinda's heart. Melinda would never admit it but he saw how very quickly Skye had latched onto Melinda as a role model. He saw the caring glances Melinda sent Skye's way when she thought no one was looking. He just hoped that fostering Donnie and mentoring Skye would help heal some of those festering wounds. He pulled into the middle school parking lot and parked his car in a visitor spot. Both he and Donnie got out and headed to the front doors.
After getting Donnie registered and his classes set up, they left and Phil drove home. Donnie turned the radio back on and halfway home Phil heard the familiar intro to one of Melinda's favorite songs. He peeked at Donnie who was drumming along and mouthing the words to 'Rocket Man'. A dopey smile formed on his face as he drove the rest of the way home. Melinda was already home when they arrived, her two o'clock class was her last since she had turned Monday night classes over to Natasha. They entered the house and Phil smelled the bacon right away. She was making breakfast for dinner. Phil made his way to the kitchen with Donnie following. He saw Melinda at the stove and came up behind her. He bent down to kiss her cheek.
"Hey you. I could have made something."
"It's fine Phil. It's breakfast."
"Can I do something?"
Melinda spotted Donnie in the doorway. "Donnie can you set the table please. Everything's setting on the counter, I just didn't get a chance to put it out."
He nodded and moved to the counter to grab the plates.
"Thanks. Hey you like bacon right, and sausage, and home fries."
He nodded again.
"How do you like your eggs?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "Any way is fine."
She gave him a I'm not messing with you look.
"I like over easy but my mom always broke the yokes. Scrambled is good too."
"Phil make the eggs. Everything's out already."
"Yes ma'am. What do you want?"
"Same. And don't break the yokes."
Phil grinned as he saluted his wife.
Soon enough they were all sitting at the table. Donnie smiled at Phil as he set three perfect over easy eggs on his plate. They passed the other food around and Phil took note that Donnie took large portions of everything. Phil and Melinda talked about their day, mostly their work and Donnie just ate as he listened to their banter. His attention turned to Phil as he heard his name.
"Oh yeah Melinda, I think you and Donnie have the same taste in music. He played an oldies station and on the way home Elton John came on and he was tapping his fingers and singing along. Right Donnie?"
Donnie looked up and realized that Mr. Coulson was teasing him. Melinda smiled at him. He gave Mr. Coulson a half nod and grabbed another piece of bacon.
"Who doesn't like Elton John Phil?" She glared at her husband.
"Um ...me?"
"Shut up. You like him. You took me to a concert to see him. You do so like him."
"Melinda you know I put up with it. For you."
"Phil everyone likes Elton John."
"No actually Mel, they don't."
She glared at him again. "Well Bobbi does. But she always was the smart one in your family. And Hunter. And Mike and Clint, and Izzy and Vic. Look even Skye likes Elton John."
Donnie laughed at the mention of Skye. "Yep. She does. The family we lived with, they played oldies. Well Mrs. Hamilton did anyway. Mr. Hamilton didn't like anything. She played that same station all the time at the house and in the car. Skye can sing really good too. Plays some piano but natural you know. No lessons or anything. She picks it up after hearing it. They had this old upright in the basement. I bet half the keys needing tuning. But Skye managed to play so you knew what the song was. She was in the chorus at the school we were at before everything went nuts. Before Mr. Hamilton...um...before..." Donnie stopped and realized what he was saying.
"Before what Donnie?" It was Phil who spoke.
Donnie stared at his plate. It was almost empty except for a half piece of toast and the bacon he had just put there. He bite his bottom lip and refused to look up.
"Hey." Phil went to touch his arm but Melinda stopped him. She shook her head.
"So Skye can play piano huh? You ever hear her play Elton John?"
Phil gave her a strange look as she just raised her eyebrows at him.
Donnie finally looked up and swallowed hard. "It wasn't a good place after awhile. That's all I'm saying. Skye made me swear to not say anything. Said it was just better that way. Better to forget."
"But you don't agree do you?"
"One thing I've learned being in foster care when you have a friend you do what they ask. Skye's my friend."
"Of course. If you promised that's that. So can she play Elton John?"
"Yeah. A mean version of 'Crocodile rock.'"
"Good to know. So how about you and Phil do the dishes Donnie. I have some work I need to get done."
He nodded. "Sure."
Phil got up and threw and threw a towel at him. I'll wash, you dry."
Donnie had the towel grasped in his hand." Okay."
Melinda took some dishes to the sink and walked up to her bedroom. She sat on her bed and took out her phone.
"Hey Izzy." She paused. "Yeah I need a favor. You know Skye, right? She waited till Izzy responded. "I need someone to check out a family for me. Name of Hamilton. Her former foster parents." She listened and then spoke again. Yeah it's all I have. Maybe Vic can call in a favor from social services." Melinda rubbed her eyes. "Full name is Mary Sue Poots. She's 14. Currently staying with Jason and Anne Brody. When she was with the Hamilton's a boy two years younger named Donnie Gill was there too." Melinda waited and ran her hand thru her hair. "Yeah let me know if you find anything. Thanks Iz. Goodnight."
Melinda stood up and took her phone to the nightstand and plugged in the charger. She frowned as she thought about what exactly Skye and Donnie were hiding. She turned on her computer at the desk in the bedroom but then decided she needed to move instead. She slipped out of her jeans and threw on sweats and then moved to the middle of the room to do Tai Chi.
Phil was washing and telling Donnie where everything went as Donnie dried. He decided to take a chance.
"So what do you think about the new school?"
The boy shrugged. Apparently he had done his talking for the night and most of that surprisingly directed at Melinda. Phil tried again.
"So you like sports? I play a little basketball. Some of the teachers have a team. We get together and play a few games for charity and stuff."
"Baseball. I like baseball."
"Oh good. Baseball. That's good." Phil was more surprised he got an answer than anything else.
"Yeah I like playing outfield. Centerfield. I hit 420 over the summer playing for a team in my neighborhood. One of the coaches gave me one of his son's old gloves. It's back at ho...um...my mom's apartment."
"We can see about getting more of your stuff. I can call Miss Carter tomorrow if you want."
"Yeah I'd like to have my glove. And my comics."
"Comics?" Phil's voice almost squeaked.
Donnie shot him a grin. "Yeah it's a small collection but I got some good ones you know."
"So you do like comics?"
Donnie shot him a sheepish grin. "Yeah. I was... I was being...well I don't know... I was ...Skye said you guys were okay."
"Yeah I heard."
"So she doesn't say that about anybody. Ever. So you guys must be okay."
"So after we finish up here, you want to check out my comic collection?"
"Yeah. That might be cool."
A few hours later, Phil watched Donnie as he opened his bedroom door. Donnie paused and turned to face Phil.
"Thanks."
"No problem. Goodnight Donnie."
"Goodnight."
Phil opened the door in front of him and slipped in the room quietly. He saw Melinda sitting up in bed with her laptop on her lap. She was frowning. He walked over and sat down next to her on the bed.
"You look to be in deep thought."
She glanced at him and then turned her computer so he could see it.
"I asked Izzy to find out about these Hamilton's."
"Yeah? And?"
"She must have heard my concern so she asked Vic to nosey around. Look at this."
"What am I looking at Melinda?"
"There are no families named Hamilton in the system. None. Nothing close to it. She tried it spelled different ways. She cross referenced the name Hamilton with Mary Sue Poots and Donnie Gill. Nothing."
"Um Mel? Is this legal?"
"Shuush you. It's not hold up in a court of law legal but Izzy said she will work her end tomorrow too. Vic's still searching. It's just all very strange."
At that moment her phone buzzed and a new email came over. Melinda checked the caller and saw it was Izzy. "Yeah?" She listened and as she listened she also was reading the report connected in the email.
Phil was reading it too. "What the hell is that?" Why is that a redacted file?"
Melinda shook her head at him still talking to Izzy. "Okay thanks. Yeah tomorrow. I'll be there."
"Mel what is going on. That is a hospital report of one Mary Sue Poots with most of the information redacted."
Melinda nodded. "I know Phil . And Vic can't get in it. And she has FBI and CIA clearances. I'm going to meet with Izzy tomorrow at lunch. She's going to try another angle at the department."
"You could call in some favors at the FBI Mel."
"I'll see what Izzy can find first. I might just give Mike a call if this leads nowhere." She shook her head. "I don't like this Phil. This is not normal."
"We'll figure it out."
"Skye was in the hospital. But why? And why would a hospital record of a foster kid be redacted? They both know the names of their foster parents and there's no record they were ever in the system. Something very fishy is going on Phil."
"I see those wheels turning. You always could work every angle of your cases. I'm sure you can figure this one out."
"I don't do that anymore Phil. I'll let Izzy and maybe Mike take care of it."
"Melinda."
"No Phil. I'm not that person anymore. I'm going to wash up for bed."
He watched as she closed the bath room door, whispering quietly after her. "Yes Melinda you are."