Title : Finding Family

By : ElvinaPotter aka Elvina P.

Chapter : Chapter 11

Warning : This chapter is un-betaed.

. . . . . . .

Jill stands in the middle of the apartment, looking around the room. The whole place is full of boxes; some are fully filled and sealed while others was half filled. The furniture was the only thing left untouched and from what Leon told her, he won't need most of the junks when he move out.

Jill sighed heavily. In less than a month, interesting things are happening to her best friend and partner, Leon Orcot. First, there was that dark side of him that left everyone cowering or the side of him that loves to leave secrets and let others hanging or guessing, then there was that stunt with daughters showed up and said daughters living permanently with him. Personally, she preferred the old Leon. At least, with the old Leon she can handle his temper tantrum and mood swing even though half of them are very irritating at times. And now, Leon and his small family (if you can consider it small) are moving out to a bigger and better place.

And that's the thing she didn't get. Just where Leon is moving?

"Leon," said Jill while she helped him putting away things to the box. "Exactly where are you moving?" Jill asked. She meant to ask earlier but Leon just drops the announcement when he told the Chief he can't work that weekend because he is moving. Then he left to go home just like that. Both she and the Chief are left blinking and wondering what else will happen.

Leon was wrapping some silverware and putting it in an open box near him. He glanced at Jill briefly before he just shrugged. "No place special, Jill," said Leon as a matter of factly. "I'm just moving in to a better and a lot bigger place. Now that I have three kids to look after, this apartment seems small."

"Yeah… but where will you be moving?"

Leon smirked lopsidedly. And Jill feels like smacking her head on the table. If Leon was smirking like that… Not again! "Well that would be telling too soon don't you think? You'll have to find out with the rest of them when I made a change in my address."

Jill growled. She really hated her partner and all his damned secrets! This is exactly why sometimes, she preferred the old Leon. The new and improved Leon, leave her at lost what to do. "You're the most annoying person on Earth… do you know that?"

"How else would I keep you on your toes?" said Leon cheekily.

"Bastard!" Jill growled playfully with a small smile.

. . . . . . .

Chris, Kanan and Junrei was standing inside their new home with eyes wide open and Chris's jaw dropping to the floor. When Leon told them they'll be moving, they didn't think they'll be moving into a huge penthouse. And a beautiful and lavish one at that. Where on earth Leon did gets the money?

"Hey guys, if you are finish ogling… can you please step aside? These boxes are heavy you know," said Leon from behind them.

They immediately jumped aside, and Leon stroll in carrying to boxes in his arms. "Hey Big Bro, are you sure this is where we'll be living from now on?" asked Chris dazedly. He looked around wildly with huge eyes and he gulped. The place was very, very luxurious.

Leon nearly chuckled at his baby brother's expression. But he couldn't fault the kid. Their mother was into the finer of things. She won't accept anything less than branded and very expensive furniture. A trait that something he, Leon, had inherited. Personally though, he preferred to think that this traits runs in the Von Spitzveg family. Well, he'll just have to see about that.

Leon putted the boxes down and faced the kids. "Yeah… we're gonna be living here from now on. No more moving in, hopefully, a very long time."

Chris nods his head and looked at the things in their new home skeptically. In all honesty, he is very uncomfortable with all the luxury. True, he has been living with his aunt and uncle all his life, but even they were not this wealthy. And staying with his Big Bro… he has gotten used living as they were. To suddenly living in a home that looks more like a palace… well, that freaks him out.

As if sensing Chris dilemma, Kanan tabs Chris's shoulder. "Hey Chris, you know the rules about the Pet shop and it's better to not ask questions… I think the same rules apply here." Kanan said smiling widely. "After all, all things will be reveal to you in due time."

Chris frowned thinking what Kanan had said. "You sound like you know what's going on."

Kanan and Junrei share a glance smiling widely. But they didn't say anything.

"Why don't you both look around and find a bedroom that you like while I go finish picking up all our stuff." said Leon.

They did as they were told, and Chris, Kanan and Junrei immediately ran upstairs. Each of them pokes their heads in every bedroom until they found one which they like very much. They both end up taking the rooms nearest to the master bedroom. Kanan and Junrei share a room together while Chris got a room to himself. Although he is thinking maybe he could bunk in with Kanan and Junrei or if his Big Bro allows it, bunk in with him since his room is way too big for him to sleep alone.

Each room was elegantly done with rich colours mix with soft colours and the furniture was all made of wood of light brown. The girls choose the room that has double canopies bed in it. Their themes are mostly red, pink and white. While his room has a single canopied bed, themed green, earth brown and blue. It gave the room a sophisticated yet comfortable feeling. Except the master bedroom. The master bedroom was very majestic. When Chris poked his head in and took a peak, his eyes nearly popped out of its socket. The master bedroom theme was black and dark red mostly. The walls were painted dark brown and nearly the top of the wall and the ceiling, were painted rich brown with gold lining in between. The floor was carpeted dark brown, the same as the lower portion of the painted wall. The bed was a huge king size high canopy bed. The bedding and the canopy are all in dark red. The wood of the furniture was, this is what puzzled him the most, black. The furniture, the beds, desk, cupboard, are all in black with golden lining and carving. It gives the soothing impression, yet very elegant. He wondered what type wood was used?

Leon can see that Kanan and Junrei approved of the furniture and the interior design in general. Leon felt so relief. He was afraid that since they have been staying with Count D, They might dislike the European culture, preferred instead for their Asian heritage. He can see this won't be the case.

"Hey guys, liking your room so far?" asked Leon as he lean against the doorframe of the girls room as he watch Chris helping Kanan and Junrei put away their things.

Chris looks up from collecting items from the box and set them where Kanan or Junrei instructed, but he didn't stop what he was doing. "It's a little too big, Big Bro. But it's okay. Mind if we re-arranged our rooms a bit?"

Leon tilt his head aside with a questioning gaze and ask, "Re-arrange? How?"

"Chris wanted to make the room feels more of a room," Junrei answered. "He said as it stands now, It's way too formal. He wants to add the feel to it… whatever he means."

Leon seems to be complementing it. But truth to be told, He didn't feel like re-arranging. But what they do to their rooms is up to them. "I dunno, Chris. Mother is the one who bought and decorate this place. Hardly any things in here were re-arranged. They have been in this position just the way she left it."

Chris eyes went wide at the revelation. "Mother owned this place?"

"Yeah. You think I can afford this place? Mother bought this penthouse as soon as you were born. This house, originally, to be used as a way to provide for our living in case anything happened to her. I have kept my promise my promise all these years. How did you think I have all the money to take you eating outside and shopping? I make living by renting this place."

So that's how Big Bro can afford it, Chris thought with shock. But then, if they are going to live here from now on, does that means their income going to lessen?

'Don't worry, Chris' Kanan send to him telepathically. 'Remember the Pet shop's rule.'

'Yes, yes.' Chris replied grumbling. 'Don't ask…' He can't help thinking that more is going on here. Why the avoided questions? However, Chris can understand a little of the reasoning. Questions will create more questions. And that tend to create curiosity. Big Bro said to him once that some things are just best left alone. Is this one of them?

'Trust father, Chris,' said Junrei patting softly on the back of Chris hands. Chris just smiled shortly.

Chris shoulder suddenly slump. "So I guess that means I can't do anything to my room huh? God knows this house is way too formal like a museum."

Leon pushes himself away from the doorframe and went over and ruffles Chris hair. "Well, we are living here from now on. I guess adjustment have to be made. Plus, we just move in… so of course the place seems cold and too formal. It'll be homey over time. I know suddenly living in a place like this seems to be a bit shocking. But give it time. Who knows, you grow to get so use to it later."

"I hardly doubt that."

"Wanna bet, Crescentius?"

"In your dreams, Big Bro." said Chris smiling. But his Big Bro was right. He might get used to the idea living in luxury… if; his bedroom didn't resemble so much of the Royal bedchambers… Chris bit his bottom lips. Then again… Maybe he should leave it alone. He kind of likes his room a little.

Okay… He likes his room a lot. They are very beautiful and comfortable!

Just don't tell his Big Bro. Or else he'll never live it down.

. . . . . . .

Leon stared ahead with a bored expression on his face and his hands folded on his chest. He didn't know why he is sitting here, in Richard's office no less at, Leon look at his watch, five thirty in the evening.

It was by a pure chance that he overheard that a court date is going to be set soon for his so called relatives. And by all standard procedure, it would take a lot longer to get the date. So here he is, at Richard's office after his shift ended, trying to urge Richard to get the fastest date available. He knew he is pushing everything… but he really wanted to get back at his relatives for what they did. The sooner this is over and done with… the sooner he can get on with his life.

One man-eating goat, two man-eating goats…

Oh great! Thought Leon boredly. Now I'm reminded of that damn goat T-chan. Nice!

Three man-eating goats, four man-eating goats…

How much longer…?

"Alright. Got it. Thank you very much." said Richard and he put the receiver down. Richard sighed as he sorted out the papers in front of him. Leon nearly rolled his eyes heavenward at Richard's attempt to avoid him. Really, does he thinks he can avoid him at all? He was supposed to be one of the men to watch over him like a hawk. But here he is… sulking.

"Well?" Leon asked.

"Well what?" Richard asked back curtly.

"Are you going to tell me when the court date is?"

Richard didn't say anything. Instead, he gets up, when to the faxed machine, took several papers there, make a copy, jolt something on it, and handed Leon his copy. "There. The court date is in the file. Now get out!"

Leon groaned. He pinched the bridge of his nose to ward off the huge headache he seems to be having lately. "You can't still be pissed at me for moving in to that penthouse, Richard."

"No. not at all. Why would I be pissed at you?" said Richard nonchalantly.

"Richard…" said Leon warningly. His eyes flash dangerously for a brief second. And Richard put aside one of his files in a snap and glared.

"Well, excuse me for being a little angry here," Richard hissed. "What were you thinking moving there? Didn't we all grilled into you why you can't? Yet, you are most persistent."

"I told you all before, I need bigger spaces," Leon retort back. "Really Richard, is not even a huge deal. So what if I move in to that penthouse? It's mine to use as I see fit."

"Yes, but now how are you going to support your family, huh? How are you to pay for the material things in this world? Let alone when the place is within LA?"

"I already got it covered. I'm not a bloody idiot! I know that if I move in to that place I need other means of income. So I did my homework and search for another alternative incomes. It was only after I secure those means did I move in the place."

"And what exactly did you do?"

"I bought a few properties scattered around the area here and there. Happy?"

"Oh really? And how did you pay for it?"

"Do I need to answer that?"

"Oh yes you do."

"No I don't. It's my money. And the accounts are one of the few things I'll kill you guys if you so much try to manage or take a peek at it."

Richard's brow bends together in suspicion. "You emptied both yours and your brother's inheritance, did you," That wasn't a question. It was an accusation statement. Somehow, it was plainly obvious that Leon would do just that.

Leon didn't say anything. In fact, he was reading some documents inside the file. Richard took this as a sign of 'Yes'. "Leontius Von Spitzveg, tell me you did not emptied your and your brother's inheritance!" Richard slammed his hands on the table and he stood abruptly causing his chair to fly backwards.

Leon looked up at Richard through his lashes and said calmly. "Yes, Richard, I did not empty mine or my brother's inheritance. They are both well from being dried up and me and my brother can live comfortable even without me needing to work. So, cease this nonsense already. You are starting to irritate me," Leon warned.

Richard sits back down in his chair with a defeated sigh. He puts his hands on his face and rubbed slowly, wondering what had he done in his previous life to deserve this fate. It was against his policy to drink during working hours, much less during the day. But he could use some very strong whiskey right about now."

"Relax, Richard. I just said that I bought a few properties in certain area… I didn't say anything about buying them at the crème de la crop area now, did I?"

"You really are a sarcastic bastard."

"That's new. I've been called many names but sarcastic? Now where did you dig it up from?"

"Quit it already, will you? It's bad enough you stupidly spent unnecessarily on your inheritance money…"

"Richard, I'm far from stupid." Leon interjected. "I know if I need to buy a few properties the price needs to be reasonable. So I scouted for low pay apartments but at a strategic area within the city. So the answer is no. I didn't spend that much on those various apartments."

"What about furniture for all those apartments? This is still for renting business right?"

"They are all fully equipped, but not as full furnish as the penthouse. Just with the necessities but yes, they are all for rents only."

"Out of curiosity, where exactly is all this apartments located?"

Leon looked at Richard long and hard before he sighed heavily. He dug under his pocket, took out his wallet, pull out a paper and hand them over to Richard to read. "Just don't tell Dorian and the rest of the gang," said Leon. When Richard read all the addresses, his eyes went wide. "Low pay apartments my ass!" Richard cried out in shock.

Leon just looked at the stack of files behind Richard with a very bored look on his face. Richard is always complaining and always lecturing. Really, he acted like he was the one giving birth to him. Even his own mother didn't nag like Richard does. Then again, she hardly nags. If Leon didn't know any better, he says Richard needs to get laid… with another male. His is not suicidal enough to say that out loud though.

"Low pay? What low pay? These are all in a hot spot areas. A unit can cost you millions and that not include furniture!" Richard eyes grew wider as he read on. "Isn't this… when did you…" he groaned. "Never mind… I don't think I want to know the answer right now." Richard hand back the paper to Leon which he pocketed.

"What got your pants in knots, Richard? I got several apartments scattered across LA… big deal! And don't start on the inheritance money crap. I had enough of those."

"Leontius…"

"Don't you 'Leontius' me." said Leon rising from his chair and gather his stuff. "I mean it, Richard. Enough is enough."

Richard feels his eyebrow twitched and he could have sworn he feels something's close to snapping. He kept thinking just what has he done in the past life to get involved with such a demanding, spoilt, and mood changing devil of a man in front of him. If not monitored, who knows what the man will do with the rest of his monies. But when monitored and asked… he goes off like a ticking time bomb! What were they to do? Better to leave him alone and not ask questions?

"Leontius, have you told Crescentius what's been going on? Or the changes in his name and all?" Richard asked softly when Leon was at his office door.

Leon stiffened. He didn't turn around and stared at the door in front of him with his hand grasped the door knob. "I'll tell him what he needs to know. As for the matter with my so called relatives, thanks to you guys getting Aaron agreement to pass all rights and guardianship of Chris back to me, I see no reason for him to know anything."

"But what if he gets involve? This case is more than it seems you know. He is bound to find out." Richard pressed on.

"No he's not. Whatever the crimes of the Orcots have nothing to do with Chris," Leon half turns and look at Richard with piercing hard look. Richard gulped. He didn't like Leon's cold and emotionless looks given his way. "However, if your worries proves true, then in that case," said Leon in a cool yet dangerous voice. "It is your job to make sure he didn't find out and if he did, you take care of the matter and not let the situation go from bad to worse."

. . . . . . .

The door opened and Sam and Josie entered the house.

"Mom! Dad! We're home!" Josie shouted out. She wheel hers and Sam luggage in and shut the door.

No one greeted them.

"Mom? Dad?" Josie called out again. But nobody answered.

Sam and Josie looked around the house, confused. They were supposed to be back from work by now. The house was unusually quiet. And the atmosphere in the house seems so wrong. Maybe because the house is a little dusty.

"I'll check upstairs," said Sam.

Josie nods and she went to check around the house. She checks the messages. Nothing. She checks for posted notes on the fridge. Also nothing. No one was home! Yet there was no hint as to where they went. But their car was parked outside. So they're can't be at work. It's late! Unless, they're out of town, working. But both them at once? It's very unlikely.

"Josie, I've check upstairs. No one's home. And mom and dad's room are a mess. It looks like this house is abandoned." said Sam anxiously.

Josie didn't like this feeling. Fear creep up to her chest. Something just feels terribly, terribly wrong. She hear car puling up the driveway. Josie peeks outside and saw that the neighbors just got back home.

"Sam, wait here a minute," said Josie rushing outside.

The couple was taking their stuff out of the car when Josie reached them. "Mr. and Mrs. Jones!"

The couple looks up. "Ah! Josie!"

Josie halted in front of Mrs. Jones and asked. "I'm sorry to be bothering you, Do you know where my parents went? The house is empty and I can't find any note or messages anywhere…"

Mr. and Mrs. Jones shared a glance. They both look uncomfortable.

"What?" Josie asked. Looking from Mr. Jones to Mrs. Jones nervously.

"Josie…" said Mrs. Jones carefully. "Maybe you should take your sister and stay with your distant relatives…"

Okay. Now she really doesn't like what's happening. "Ma'am, Where are my parents?"

"Josie," Mrs. Jones starts, but Mr. Jones put his hand on her shoulder and gave her a look. Mrs. Josie sighed and stayed quiet. She silently ask her husband to tell her. "Cops took them away." Mr. Jones stated.

Josie couldn't believe what she heard and her face paled. Cop's? Why? Where did they take them? "C… Come again?" Josie stammered.

"The Cop's showed up one day. Your parents were arrested for something. We didn't get the chance to know the charges." Mr. Jones explained. He didn't say there was a quite a commotion that day. Mr. Orcot was panicking and keeps saying he didn't do anything and Mrs. Orcot was so shocked that she too was taken into custody, that she didn't do anything. Not even denying. They did demand to know the names of the person lead to their arrest, but the cops handling them said the information was classified.

Josie felt week. She didn't know what to think. This has to be a mistake! There has to be an explanation for this. Why wasn't the family informed? Why wasn't she was told? Why didn't anyone bail them out? What's going on?

Josie quickly runs back to the house.

. . . . . . .

Review on your way out!

-Elvina P.