Chapter 13

"Do I really look okay?" Max asks to Kelbo and Robyn as he comes into the living room wearing his trendy clothes.

"You really want to know what I think?" asked Kelbo.

"Yeah," said Max, turning around clockwise for them to see.

"You look like you're Wayne Newton's opening act," Kelbo said with a chuckle.

"Shut up!" said Max, giving him a brief look.

"Well, I think that you look handsome," said Robyn, with a smile.

It was the following evening and Max, Kelbo, and Robyn were invited to dinner at Ruben's house and Max wanted to make a good impression so he doesn't look bad in front of Ruben's parents.

"What's the big deal anyway?" asked Kelbo. "It's not like you're going to date the guy."

"Ha-ha, very funny," Max said with sarcasm.

"You're just going to dinner and breaking back into the auditorium for clues on how to clear your name," Kelbo said, trying to joke around. "I mean, how hard can it be?"

"I know that's not hard," said Max. "That's why you agreed to come with me to take some of our dirty work."

"Well, let's just say that I'm sort of an expert on a helping hand," said Kelbo with a smile.

Max has been relieved that there was a possibility that he didn't do the crime, but since yesterday when he talked to Ruben, he started to have different scenarios on what happened. Had someone actually set him up on the crime? Is someone really out there to get him? He knows that he's not going to know until he gets to the bottom of it once in for all. Even knowing what's yet to come gives Max the shivers down his spine like he was stuck at the North Pole.

"Alright, peoples," said Kelbo, in slang language. "Let's huddle."

The three of them came together and touched heads.

"Lord Heavenly Father," Kelbo said clearly. "If you're up there looking down on us, we ask that whatever happens tonight and beyond would lead us to the right place and the right time, and to help my nephew Max advance to the next level, and get the justice that he deserves, and Jesus name Amen.

Everyone said Amen.

"Oh and p.s." said Kelbo. "We're only sneaking into the auditorium to look for clues, not to cause trouble."

"Since when did you have a flair for Christianity," asked Max, curiously.

"It's actually not that bad," admitted Kelbo. "Ever since I got involved things have been on the bright side. Plus I prayed for a good woman, and here she is."

He gave Robyn a really big hug and a wet kiss while Max smiles and looks away.

"So, on that note..." Max said as he heads towards the doorway. "I'm going to go finish getting ready, while the both of you continue to swap spit."

"Now, Max," said Kelbo. "If you be on your best behavior we just let our saliva overflow. It will be like a major tsunami in our living room."

"So done with y'all," said Max, as he leaves the living room.

* * * * *

Meanwhile at Ruben's house, Ruben was straightening up his room while his two little sisters were playing on his PlayStation.

"Alright girls, enough with the PlayStation," said Ruben sternly. "Time to go wash up for dinner."

"Aww," said Tanya. "I was going to beat the high score of Mortal Kombat."

"You can finish playing after dinner," said Ruben. "Now off you go."

His two little sisters' bounce off the bed and heads out to the bathroom. Ruben then shuts the door behind them and walks back over to the dresser to put his clean folded clothes in the draw. Then all of a sudden, his cell phone rang.

"Hello?" asked Ruben, after he picked up the phone.

"Yes, can I speak to Ruben Cunningham please?"

It was Sherry Struthers on the other line, and as usual she was talking in her made up sweet voice.

"Yes, this is he," Ruben said confidently.

"Hello Ruben, this is Sherry Struthers Max's probation officer," she stated clearly. "I'm calling to make sure that Max on the right track and behaving himself."

"Right," said Ruben, slowly. "I'm not trying to be blunt or anything, but if you're looking for him, why are you calling my phone?"

"Well, it seems that you know Mr. Russo very well," said Sherry. "Based on your unexpected protective skills he's received from you the other day from the news team."

"Well, I just can't let these people eat him alive from everything he's going through," said Ruben, as he quietly closes his bedroom door. "Sometimes a kid needs a break."

"I know what you are doing for Max is really generous," Sherry said, with an edge. "But it is always wise for a person like him to face his own problems. Especially if he's held accountable."

"Really?" Ruben asked with sarcasm. "Because the last time I checked him out, he didn't seem all that guilty. Maybe it's the sign that lots of probation officers work too damn hard just so that prove to people that you all make better money than all of us."

"Now you listen up good," fired Sherry. "This is not the time to be a smart ass. I know that you and Max have been hanging out lately and I want some answers."

"What answers?" asked Ruben, forcefully.

"What the hell are you guys up two?" asked Sherry, clearly. "Yes that's right; I know that you are hooked into his little schemes."

"I'm sorry but there's nothing out of the ordinary that is going on between us," said Ruben, boldly. "And I'm afraid that you're just wasting time, so you're best bet is to look someplace else."

"Okay," Sherry said with a sly smirk. "I'll put it this way. We could do this the easy way or the hard way. I can just have you indicted for failure to cooperate, your call."

"Is that supposed to scare me?" said Ruben with sarcasm. "I'll put it this way, why don't you open your eyes after you take your foot out of your mouth. That could be really unprofessional.

Sherry was fuming on the other line, as Ruben grinned happily on the other.

"Oh, I got to run," said Ruben, cheerfully. "I got to get ready for dinner. My parents are expecting company."

He abruptly hanged up, leaving an outraged Sherry in the cold.

* * * * * *

Max, Kelbo, and Robyn decided to ride the magic carpet halfway and walk the rest of the way. They stopped by a local pie shop just around the corner from Ruben's house to get something sweet.

"So let me get this straight," Max said to Kelbo. "We're going to be at dinner less than a half an hour and you already stuffing your face with a Boston Crème Pie?"

"Of course," said Kelbo. "It's an everyday ritual."

Max gave a look to Robyn, who just sighs to herself.

"Some things are meant to be left alone," she said. "So, are we getting closer?"

"His house is just up this street," said Max. "I'm telling you guys, I would definitely move to the area if I had the funds. It's so welcoming isn't it."?

"Apparently it's the only welcoming neighborhood in the city," said Kelbo. "I can actually hear myself think. It sure beats the hell of noisy Manhattan."

"This can't be real," said Robyn, in disbelief. "It's too peaceful."

"That's the funny thing," said Max. "Two minutes ago I pinched myself and realized I wasn't dreaming."

Two minutes later, they arrived at the Cunningham's front door. As they ranged the doorbell, they were trying to quickly make themselves presentable. Shawna opens the door and they stared at her trying to not be embarrassed.

"Hello," said Shawna in a cheerful voice. "Welcome to our home, don't worry, we don't bite."

Max, Robyn, and Kelbo chuckled as they entered the house. This time, the house was more welcoming than when Max first visited. It was nice and warm with the smells of scented candles and the dinner cooking in the neat polished kitchen.

"Thank you for inviting us to your lovely home," said Max with a smile. "Again. I mean for me of course."

"You know you're always welcome here," said Shawna. "Anytime."

"This is my uncle Kelbo, and his girlfriend Robyn," said Max, introducing the two.

"How do you do?" said Kelbo, shaking her head. "I would kiss you on the cheek, but my girlfriend here might consider choking me to death."

Everyone laughed as Robyn playfully nudges Kelbo in the shoulders. She then goes to shake her hand as well.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too," said Robyn. "I really admire this neighborhood, it's so friendly.

"That's what they all say," said Shawna. "Who knows, pretty soon I might drive by to see that the three of you had moved down the street."

"Maybe you'll get that wish one day," said Max with a smile.

The four of them looked all around for a brief awkward moment as they take each other in. Then Shawna smiles at Max.

"Well, as you can see, the whole gang is in the living room watching a basketball game," said Shawna, cheerfully. "You all can join them if you like. I would dive into all of that excitement, but I have to finish cooking dinner. We're having my family's entire favorite. I'm making Fried Chicken, macaroni and cheese, corn and for dessert sweet potato pie."

"Sound really good," said Max. "It's been a few days since I had a really nice meal with my parents and siblings."

"Really," said Shawna, trying not to look concerned.

"It's a long story," said Max, trying to change the whole subject. "But it's all good. So, basketball huh?"

Then Ruben came out from the living room to see what was going on. He smiled instantly when he saw Max with his relatives.

"Hey," said Ruben cheerfully. "How's it hanging?"

"You remember Max, don't you," said Shawna directing him to meet Kelbo and Robyn.

"Of course," said Ruben, with a warm smile. "Who could forget the magnificent courageous Max Russo that saved my mama from that awful robbery? Hey, nice to meet you both."

"Pleasure to meet you sport," said Kelbo, as Ruben shakes his and Robyn's hand. "So, you're the person that's been keeping him grounded?"

"Well, if you put it that way," said Ruben, with a chuckle. "Hey Max, can I holler at you for a second?"

"Sure, no problem," said Max.

The both of them walked around the corner to an empty spot of the hallway so no one can hear them. Ruben took a deep breath, which send chills once again down Max's spine.

"Look man," whispered Ruben. "If we want to solve this case, then we have work fast!"

"Why, what happened?" asked Max concerned.

"That probation officer called my phone," said Ruben. "I don't know how she did it but it is certain that she got my file or something."

"Why is she always trying to take down?" asked Max, in frustration. "I've done nothing to this woman!"

"I know," said Ruben. "But when you are dealing with a crime like this, you have no choice but to let her stick on you like white on rice."

"I just want all of this to be over," said Max, with a sigh.

"It's going to be," said Ruben confidently. "We just got to work smarter, not harder. Now I think we should get a head start right after dinner, that way we can get as many breaks as we can."

"I hope we do," said Max, with concern.

"No, we will get some leads out of this case," said Ruben, clearly. You just got to have faith in yourself, man. This is one of your biggest challenges yet, and it's up to you to get through it. And you know I got your back no matter what right?"

"Yeah," Max said with a smile. "You're right."

"Just hang in there bro," Ruben reminded him. "You're going to make it man, and the next thing you know, you'll be clear of charges."

They did their ritual handshake and Ruben wraps one arm around Max's shoulders and directs them both to the living room discussing what program was on T.V.

A little while later everyone was sitting at the dinner table enjoying their meal, but everyone was eating in an awkward silence. Max, who was hardly eating was pushing around his food thinking about his agenda for the rest of the night as he takes turns staring at the clock. Ruben smiles as he meets eyes with Kelbo and Robyn as his two sisters were staring at them stuffing their mouth with macaroni and cheese. Shawna and her husband Royal just sat and ate like regular people. Then out of nowhere Kelbo made a really big belch which almost made everyone jump. Then the two little girls started giggling.

"Man, that was a good one," said Kelbo. "Where did that come from?"

"You see, I told him not to eat that cow for breakfast," joked Max. "But he didn't listen."

Everyone laughed out loud.

"Then I guess that cow was slammin," said Ruben. "Hopefully it doesn't give birth to calves otherwise you'll be in trouble."

"There's no need to wait for all of that trouble," said Kelbo. "All I have to do is find a very high cliff to jump off of."

"And then what happens after that?" asked Tanya, curiously.

Max chuckles as he looks over at the two girls who were looking around for an answer.

"We don't know sweetie," lied Max.

"See," said Royal to Shawna. "I told you that the boy's lucky to have a friend like Max. He's well mannered, insightful, and knows how to keep certain stuff from our daughters."

"It comes naturally," Max admitted. "I'm actually the youngest in the family."

"Wow, so we're dealing with the baby of the family," Royal said curiously. "You must be really lucky."

"Well, I wish that was the case," said Max. "Unfortunately being lucky myself hasn't been a great walk in the park."

"I see," said Royal. "There's actually nothing to worry about, I've been there myself from time to time. You're not alone"

"Really?" asked Max. "You're the youngest too?"

"Many years so far," said Royal chuckles. "But the good part is that you don't age as much as the older siblings."

Everyone agreed with him. Max nodded and looked back down on his plate.

"But it seems like you're having a hard time copping with it," said Royal, staring at him like he was in open book."

"I am," said Max, hesitantly. "You know, a long time ago I thought having parents and two older siblings were cool. But I feel like every time I try to impress them I feel like a total failure."

"Aww, c'mon now," said Royal. "You can't possibly believe that. Yes, there are a whole lot of bumps in the road that you're dealing with right now, but it will be over soon. And maybe one day they would have no choice but to look up to you on something."

"Wow, said Max. You guys make it all sound very convincing."

"Trust me," said Royal. "I know what this is all about. The world is a hard place to live in. And it comes with a lot of injustices that you can even imagine. "I don't have to tell you that, or to Ruben. I'm sure you're overwhelmed with all messes and the situations that you are in. "I've been in your situation plenty of times, and I watched my son go through it as well."

"I know," said Max. "I've read his paper on his experience of injustice. I really admire his bravery. I wish I did have that courage."

"You wish?" asked Ruben. "Man, let me put it this way. If you didn't have that much courage, why would you take the time to call me when you thought everything was going out of control."

"Because I didn't have anyone to turn to," said Max. "Well, I have Kelbo and Robyn...But, you. I felt that for some reason I can trust and count on you when it came to my situation, even though we met days ago. Long story short I felt like I could just come to you for help."

"And I think that's courageous to me," said Ruben. "You should see how many people are out there who doesn't know how to get help."

"I felt that way too a while ago," Max admitted. "But I just couldn't sit around and do nothing. If I would to done that, who know what I would do to harm myself."

"What does harm mean?" asked Sasha, who was very curious of what was being said.

Max laughs briefly as he looks across the table at the adorable four year old who was curiously reading Max like an open book.

"You really have two of the sweetest adorable sisters that I have ever met," said Max to Ruben. "Don't worry Sasha; you don't have to know until you are a little older."

"Can we have some dessert now?" asked Tanya. "Oh wait!"

Tanya eats her vegetables as she nudges her sister to eat as well. Less than a minute later, every morsel of string beans and corn were gone from their plates. Everyone exchange looks in amazement.

"Well, I am," said Royal in amazement. "Am I dreaming?"

"Usually they have a hard time eating their vegetables," said Ruben, that's why my mom blends it up in their fruit juice so they don't even notice."

"Now, can we have a dessert?" asked Tanya, almost in a whine.

"In a minute, Hun," said Shawna. "We have to wait until everyone's finished.

Kelbo stretched out and leaned back in his chair while he does an exaggerated sound. Robyn chuckles as she looks over to Shawna.

"I think the third person already beaten us there," said Robyn.

The whole room erupted with loud laughter.

* * * * * *

A while later, after dessert Ruben was standing outside of the bathroom waiting for Max to come out. As the time drew nearer and nearer to get down to business Max really felt uneasy. He stomach felt that it being tied in knots almost making him throw up some of the dinner he processed.

"Ready, to go do this thing, bro," asked Ruben.

"I really don't know," admitted Max. "But if this is going to bring me closure to this whole big mess, then I'm down."

"That's wassup," said Ruben. "Oh and I got something else too."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys which belonged to a new Ford. Max was relieved that he didn't have to take the public transportation.

"My pop's letting me drive it only for tonight," said Ruben. "But I still think that it is well worth it."

"Wow," said Max, amazed. "I certainly feel special."

"Yeah, well I thought that you were important too," said Ruben, so I thought that I could give you guys the privilege of taking part of the adventure."

"Thanks, man," said Max, with a smile.

"Kelbo and Royal walks towards them carrying a conversation when they saw the two standing.

"Oh, Robyn said that she's staying here until we get back," said Kelbo. "She said that what we're doing is totally men's work."

"That's cool," said Max. "But Ruben is letting us ride in Royal's brand new Ford. It's going to be awesome."

"A new Ford huh?" asked Kelbo. "Then I got the front seat."

"You always call the front seat of every car," said Max. "It never fails."

"Look," said Royal. "I know I can't protect you young kids from everything that is out there. But please be careful. The less police the better."

"Oh you don't have to worry about that," said Kelbo. "We got that covered, don't we Max?"

Max knew that with the wink of Kelbo's eyes that they were going to do magic while they were away for the night. Max reluctantly agrees to Kelbo's statement.

"Don't worry," said Kelbo. "We'll have your son back in one peace."

"That's all I ask," said Royal, as he walks off.

"Wait, what do you both mean by having things covered?" asked Ruben, curiously.

"It's a long story," said Max, as he exchange looks with Kelbo.