Title: The Guardian
Chapter 28 – Setting a Devious Trap


"Hey kid, waiting long?" Danny's voice breaks into Jamie's thoughts, making him look up and shake his head.

"How'd it go?"

"Ah only Demarcus had his stuff together and Jackie's on another team. The other two are deadbeats," Danny sighs as Jamie offers him a small smirk. "But at least we're also graded individually for our work so they'll see who the two real heavyweights are. The group mark is the least. How about you?"

"Regular day," Jamie shrugs nonchalantly, hoping Danny will forget about the mail topic. "So are you going out on your first real date this weekend?"

"Hoping to," Danny replies with a smile. "Will depend on work schedule and then…" Danny pauses as Jamie looks at him in wonder.

"Then what?" Jamie presses.

"Well I want to take Linda to Club 22 but she told me one time she doesn't like clubs and…it's just complicated. I'll talk to her and see what she feels like doing but you know I love my clubs."

"But you love Linda more right?" Jamie asks innocently as Danny looks at him with a smile and nods. "Did you get your work schedule for this week?"

"Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at the gun range. I picked up an extra shift on Wednesday. You?"

"Tuesday, Thursday and possibly…Saturday," Jamie answers slowly, not adding that the possible Saturday was in the home of a strange man, a predator and not at the bowling alley.

"Saturday huh. Well you like Saturday's."

"Yeah good tips," Jamie adds as they head for the bus stop; Danny not wanting to impose on the car during the day. But as soon as the false words slip past his tongue, Jamie hangs his head in shameful remorse; Danny quick to catch on.

"What's going on?" Danny presses as Jamie looks up with a frown.

"Nothing."

"We've always been open and honest with each other. Is it the Reagans?" Danny asks in a low tone.

"No…and yes," Jamie replies with a heavy sigh as he looks at Danny's facial expression and knows what Danny said a few seconds earlier was right; they were always open and honest with each other. To start lying now would be betraying a trust they had built since they were literally children. "Saturday's job…if I actually get it would um…well it's not at the bowling alley."

"Where is it?" Danny wonders as he looks at Jamie seriously.

"Remember that guy Kevin from the alley? My boss's friend?"

"Wait…what?"

"Danny it's okay," Jamie offers in haste. "It's good money for just a few hours work. I need the money and maybe it's time we start trusting a few more people. We didn't trust the Reagan's at first, remember? We thought Henry might open my file but we trust them now."

"Not everyone is like the Reagan's," Danny reminds him firmly. "What do you know about this guy?"

"He's my boss's friend," Jamie shrugs. "He's very friendly and helpful at work. I think he might be married."

"Thought you said he gave you a creepy vibe before."

"I think that was just me," Jamie tries to justify. "He's been okay after that. Henry actually scared me at first but I really like him now. I could use a bit of extra cash and it's not like we can ask the Reagan's for any money, they've already given us so much."

Danny hears Jamie's reasoning and can only agree with most of it. It's true…we can't ask the Reagan's for money. We don't take charity or are with them to see what we can get from them; that would be wrong.

"Danny? I can't ask them for money you know that. They'll think we are just using them for charity and we aren't. You know we've always done everything for ourselves."

"I know," Danny nods as he looks at Jamie in concern. "But we know what the Reagan's are about."

"I'm sure it's just some yard work that Kevin doesn't have time to do and maybe his wife can't?" Jamie continues to muse as they sit at the back of the bus on the ride to the Reagan home. "I'll see what happens tomorrow night at work and then if everything is normal I'll ask him on Thursday and see what he says. He might not even need me anymore but I think it's going to be okay."

"Look at me," Danny firmly instructs as Jamie looks at him in haste. "You have good instincts and it's only money. If something seems off…don't try to justify it for a few bucks."

"It's a few hundred dollars Danny. I could use that money without having to dip into savings or getting an advance."

"Money isn't worth your life!" Danny gently hisses as Jamie's lips purse. "I know you're not naïve."

"I promise if something seems off, I'll not even ask," Jamie replies firmly; not realizing the skilled predator he was inadvertently matching, underestimating his crafty deviousness. Something, he'd regret later. "Please Danny, I need this money."

"It seems like a lot for a few hours of light chores," Danny wonders openly as Jamie looks at him in haste.

"He made the offer, obviously he can afford it. Maybe he feels sorry for me," Jamie shoots back. "I wasn't going to ask him about his financial standings Danny."

"Course not. But what do you need it for? You seem very anxious."

"Stuff….just…" Jamie shrugs as he looks out the window. "We've never had to think about that stuff before but now living with the Reagan's things are…just different."

"Yeah, that's true. Well we might not have to pay rent this month so here's what I'll do. I'll hold onto it until the 30th okay? And then if we're still at the Reagan's, each of us will put half into our school savings fund or if you want you can spend a little on something for yourself. Then you won't have to worry about this guy Kevin."

The 30thJamie's mind muses. The bill is due on the 21st. If I go over by 5 days I have to pay more. But if you take an advance, put half from your savings and the other half from the day at Kevin's you can then put the money from the rent back into your savings and nothing's lost; his mind argues back. Okay that sounds like a good plan…yes I'll do that!

"Jamie?" Danny's voice pulls Jamie's soft blue-grey gaze in his direction. "Does that work?"

"I still want to ask Kevin…just to see okay? A bit extra won't hurt. Just once?"

"Wait and see how it goes around him tomorrow night okay?"

"Sure," Jamie answers with a small but somewhat nervous smile.

"It's gonna be okay."

"Just anxious about rent and stuff," Jamie shrugs as he sags a bit further into the bus bench and stares wistfully out the window. "I still feel like we haven't given enough back."

"Aren't you making supper tonight?" Danny tosses back as Jamie's expression suddenly turns horrified. "Relax kid, it won't be that bad."

"What if I poison them? Danny I can't cook well."

"Then if they're dead you won't have to worry anymore."

"That isn't funny," Jamie deadpans as Danny grins.

"Just keep it simple and don't make anything…raw," he snickers as Jamie rolls his eyes.

"Comforting," Jamie grumbles as they near their transfer station and Danny offers a friendly chuckle. Talking to Danny actually helped and he settles in his mind that he'd just be himself around Kevin tomorrow at work and see what happens and then if there was nothing wrong, he'd wait until after shift on Thursday and approach him about Saturday. The money would help pay for the bill and then he'd use the rent money for padding his school savings fund and be back on track again. This is going to work…Jamie's mind continues to try to convince himself as they get off their final bus and head up the block toward the Reagan home.

They enter the Reagan home, Erin at the table doing some homework; the boys heading to their rooms to dump their stuff and then rejoin Erin with some homework of their own. Jamie excuses himself about an hour later and heads into the kitchen to see what he could make for dinner; Danny and Erin talking about their respective dates for the weekend.

Jamie opens the fridge and literally stares, mouth agape. Normally they'd just be helping to prepare the food that was already out and waiting, but today he was almost on his own. Looking at the well stocked fridge and then the two closest cupboards was forcing his agitation to soar and soon his panic was building. What if what I make is lousy? I can't do this…

"Jamie?" Jamie turns to see Erin watching in concern. "What's wrong?"

"I'm uh…there's too much choice," Jamie resigns as Erin's face breaks into a small smile. "I'm used to having only one or two options for the entire week. This almost doesn't seem fair. Plus…I really can't cook, I just wanted to help out."

"You realize that none of us cooked very well when we first started. Plus…I want to say this without meaning offense, I did have a mom to teach me at least the basics."

"I agree. I only had Danny."

"I heard that!" Danny calls out from the living room, making Erin and Jamie trade amused expressions.

"I just don't want to make something lame."

"Make whatever you feel you can. And if you'd like, I'll help out."

"Really? Okay…" Jamie agrees with a warm smile as he nods. "I can um…make mac and cheese."

"Sounds great and we even have…" Erin pauses as she reaches into a drawer in the fridge and pulls out some sausage. "I'll cook this up and you can add it."

"Okay," Jamie replies with an eager smile as his agitation finally settles.

Erin shows him where all the cooking pots and utensils are, giving him another helpful hint of putting some extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top to make a crunchy topping. Danny listens from the living room as Erin and Jamie work in the kitchen, unable to contain his smile as Jamie asks her questions about Harvard Law, what courses she had to take to get in and what she thought about a community law degree. He had to give it to her, as most in the past would brush off the young adult teen's questions as a nuisance; not actually taking the time to answer in a mature and informative manner.

After he was done his final project piece for his last law enforcement case reenactment, Danny heads into the kitchen to see what he could do. He wasn't going to scold Jamie for making something so basic, as he knows, much like himself, his brother was nervous at making his first meal for a family that had given them more than they had ever expected or could hope for. He takes the dishes and sets the less formal kitchen table, the dining table reserved for Sunday dinners or very special occasions.

Jamie watches Danny helping to set the table and then looks at Erin as her and Danny talk about something while he then turns to the garlic bread and she to giving him a bowl for the salad; the three of them talking like actual siblings in the kitchen until the two elder Reagan's arrived. They finally do and Jamie can only sit and watch silently as everyone takes some of the simple offering and puts it onto their plates – ready to dig in.

Henry looks over at Jamie's expectant expression and smiles as he pats his hand. "You need to eat too."

"Too nervous," Jamie whispers as all eyes look up and his face warms.

"This meal is delicious Jamie, thank you," Frank tells the young man in a warm tone, forcing his posture to finally relax and his face soften. "But you also must have some."

"See, I'm having seconds already," Henry boasts as Jamie's grin widens and he finally starts to eat at a normal pace; Danny giving him an approving nod, knowing his turn was coming Friday. The five of them talk about their day, Frank asking a few more questions about Danny's project and if he was ready for the next police academy intake in the fall; something to which of course Danny replied eagerly and affirmatively.

After dinner, it was back to business, Henry retreating into his office to take care of a few pressing matters, while Frank helps Erin and Danny with a few law related items; Jamie working on his final English project. Then it was time to turn in – all in all a regular family day was enjoyed and the routine most welcomed by the boys.

"It still feels strange," Jamie remarks in a low tone as him and Danny linger in the bathroom just before bed, Jamie finishing brushing his teeth and then looking at Danny with a small frown. "All this…and us being here and just being…well normal. It's strange."

"I know, we keep waiting for something bad to happen because it usually has and then we'd be on the run again," Danny agrees in a quiet tone. "But just try to enjoy it okay?" He smiles as his hand rests on Jamie's shoulder. "Dinner was pretty great by the way."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Will be a tough act to follow."

"You really think so?"

"No," Danny teases with a mock serious expression as Jamie's eyes narrow. The two of them leave the bathroom, telling the other goodnight and then disappearing into their own separate bedrooms. Danny hears Jamie's door close and slumps down in his bed and exhales heavily. He had wanted something like this so much for Jamie, wanting to prove his father wrong on so many occasions.

'You're both worthless and you'll be that way all your miserable lives! I'm the only one that will ever tolerate the two of you.'

'Mother loves us. Do you love us also father?'

'What's to love?'

'But we do everything you tell us,' he had begged in a sad tone.

'Go play with your no good brother. Get out of my sight now.'

He had tried to argue back. The earnest plea often on deaf ears and never once in all his years of knowing his father did he ever hear him say, I love you son, to him or his brother. And while they didn't need or expect the Reagan's to ever feel that way, just being accepted and feeling a sense of belonging with such a great family was reward enough. With that happy thought pushing out his father's negative voice, Danny turns off his light and sinks into darkness.

XXXXXXXX

"Alright I'll pick you up after shift," Danny tells Jamie as he drops him off at the bowling alley, Danny using the Reagan car on the nights they had to work late. Despite the fact that they were now living at the Reagan house, the talk about them having to work during the week, on school nights wasn't an issue – yet. Erin had told Danny that she could work during the week as long as her grades didn't suffer. But she had option – her father could help out with any financial burdens she might incur. They didn't have that luxury; they had to work to support their lives and their very existence.

Danny watches Jamie disappear inside and wonders about this guy Kevin's offer. Sure it was a lot of money, but it was just money. But it was a lot of money for very little work. Some things just didn't add up, but if this guy Kevin was legit and he was just being kind to a kid that maybe he felt was needy and didn't much in the way of material possessions and wanted to help without just giving him the cash for nothing, making it seem like charity, that was okay. Does Jamie come across as needy? Doubt it, Danny's mind argues back. No one even guessed they were homeless for the longest time. I just hope he uses his head…it's only money…it's not worth anything…

Jamie enters the bowling alley and looks around, not seeing his boss or Kevin. He heads for the main counter and looks at the popcorn machine, the stale popcorn sitting and waiting. I can't keep bringing this stuff over to the Reagan's…the last batch didn't get eaten. So he comes up with the next best idea. He fills up the bag he brought and heads for the back exit door, propping it open so he wouldn't get locked out and goes in search of someone.

"Hey there…" Jamie approaches a homeless man a few meters from the entrance the back door of the bowling alley. "Do you want this? I hate to throw it out if someone will eat it. It tastes really good," Jamie offers the older man with a warm smile. "I'm sorry I have no money to spare."

"Thank you," the older man takes the bag and quickly shoves it into his ratty knapsack away from view, pulling out a handful and then holding his hand up to Jamie.

"George," he whispers.

"Jamie," Jamie replies as he takes a few pieces and smiles; knowing he'd love to stay and talk to the man but he was there to work and that was his first priority. Jamie politely excuses himself and turns around to go back in, slightly pausing as he sees Kevin leaning on the doorpost, just…watching him. How long had he been watching?

"I saw the door open and had to come check it out. Roger's not in yet."

"Oh sorry," Jamie hurries back with a sheepish expression. "Am in trouble?"

"Yes I'll punish you later," Kevin teases; his mind, however, not taking it as much of a joke as Jamie was. "No Jamie, don't be sorry, you weren't getting into trouble," Kevin smiles as Jamie approaches.

"I just didn't want to throw it all away and I figured he'd really appreciate it."

"You're a very kind and generous young man Jamie," Kevin lightly praises, giving his shoulder a tender squeeze but not letting it linger as long as he might have wanted; wanting to lull the young man into a false sense of security.

"But it was only a few minutes."

"It'll be our little secret," Kevin smiles. "How's school going?"

"Good…busy," Jamie answers with a casual shrug. "Finals will be coming soon so I gotta start studying for them," Jamie rambles somewhat nervously.

"But you're at the top of the honor roll right? That's what you said."

"Yeah still there," Jamie smiles proudly. "You remembered?"

"Course I did. I admire hard work and all your hard work is paying off. I hope you'll have a great summer to celebrate that."

"I hope so too," Jamie's answer this time is somewhat softer. "Just gotta get there," he quickly adds, not wanting to sound too pathetic.

"Okay, well I should let you get to work. Need anything else before I go and get the spare cash box?"

"Nothing so far," Jamie replies in truth as Kevin nods.

"Remember Jamie, you need anything at all, my door is always open to you."

"Thank you."

With that Kevin, turns and heads for the office; Jamie watching with a small frown until Kevin's large frame was out of view. Nothing out of the ordinary there, Jamie's mind tries to justify, really wanting an excuse to get the money so he could play for the bill. His own actions had caused himself to be stabbed. If I hadn't confronted Sonny, I wouldn't have been stabbed…if that didn't happen I wouldn't be in this mess. I made it – I have to fix it. I can't ask the Reagan's, Jamie tries to reason. I can't ask them for four hundred dollars, that's just wrong…they'd then think we were only there to use them for food, shelter and now money. No I won't even tell them…this will be fine. I can handle this on my own.

He watches Kevin come back outside and head into the small bar area and go about setting that area up for the night; Jamie content to work away getting his station ready. The first few customers finally start to trickle in and his mind is set – Kevin was an okay guy. Saturday would be fine. The trap, however, had already been set…the predator slowly reeling in his prey. Hope Danny's having as good a night as me.

"Alright…that's the last pallet. See you all Thursday!"

Danny nods to his boss and then waves bye to Ralph before heading to the door, wanting to stop by Linda's diner before he picks up Jamie. He stops the car outside the modestly busy diner and watches her interacting with a customer before he slowly heads into the diner and takes a stool seat at the far and waits. Linda finally notices Danny at the end of the bar and heads toward him with a tender smile.

"Hey stranger," she greets as Sal looks up from his task behind the counter and nods at Danny who smiles and nods back.

"Hey yourself," Danny replies as he looks at a customer get up and leave their table. "Busy night?"

"Fairly, but tips have been good so that makes it all worthwhile. What brings you here this late?"

"Just on my way to pick up Jamie, figured I'd stop by and see…if…you wanna go out on Saturday."

"Another school dance?" She gently teases as he smiles and nods. "Would love to."

"Yeah? How about um…Club 22?" Danny asks somewhat sheepishly. Linda's face tenses and his heart rate suddenly soars, his posture starting to fidget. "Or n…"

"You and me in a club…could be dangerous," Linda quips in return as Danny's tense smile remains.

"Linda…"

"How about I make you a deal."

"Ok-ay," Danny replies with some hesitation as she gently giggles. "Should I be afraid?"

"Very."

"Next time I get to pick the venue," Linda replies in a softer tone as she leans in for a kiss. "Pick me up at 7."

"It's a date," he grins as he kisses her back and then looks up at Sal who frowns. "Ah I better leave before our next date is in the ER. Goodnight Sal," Danny calls out as he gets up to leave.

"G'night," Sal offers as Linda just laughs and goes to the empty table to clean it up, Danny getting into his car and heading for the bowling alley to pick up Jamie. As he nears he notices Jamie waiting outside with another young co-worker and Kevin. Jamie offers them a friendly wave and then hurries to the car, the young man heading to the bus stop and Kevin waving and then heading back inside.

"Waiting long?" Danny wonders as Jamie closes the door and he pulls away.

"No just a few minutes," Jamie answers in truth. "Garth usually works on the days I don't but he forgot his stuff and came by after his job at the gas station. Kevin waited outside for a few minutes just talking about…stuff."

"So…everything went okay then?"

"Yeah," Jamie shrugs. "I think Kevin's an okay guy. We talked a bit tonight. I gave the left over popcorn to the homeless guy in the alley and Kevin saw and said that was cool and then he asked about school and…and that was it. I mean we interacted a few other times but it was all work related. I think I'll ask him about Saturday next shift."

"Does he ever say anything personal? You know about his home life?"

"Do we?" Jamie tosses back as Danny cocks his head sideways. "Well we don't right. I don't offer anything about where we live, then or now. And you always told me that if we ask we gotta tell. So I don't ask," Jamie reminds him.

"Damn kid I hate that you're getting smarter," Danny smirks.

"And you said…"

"Enough," Danny grumbles softly as his smirk disappears.

"Besides…I want some extra money and I'm not going to ask the Reagan's," Jamie gently grumbles as he slumps back in his seat as they near the darkened Reagan home. "Then they'll question why we want to stay with them."

"Okay, fine," Danny resigns; Jamie's reasoning starting to wear on him but at the same time making some sense.

"So…did you ask Linda out?"

"She said yes to the club…with one condition."

"She can do that?" Jamie retorts as Danny laughs and nods. "What was it?"

"She gets to pick the outing for our next date."

"You agreed?"

"I get a next date, hell yes I agreed," Danny chuckles.

"What do you think she'll pick?" Jamie wonders as Danny presses the button to open the garage door.

"I have given up trying to figure out how women think," Danny huffs as Jamie smiles. "But whatever it is I'm sure it'll be fine," Danny replies; not realizing that what she'd pick would lend him an unexpected surprise.

Danny stops the car and closes the garage door. They enter the quiet home, mindful not to awaken anyone. But little did they know that Frank was now in the habit of staying up and although this time in bed, he was attuned to the soft hum so that he didn't have to wait by the window as he had a few times. At hearing the sound of the large door closing, he could now fall asleep with a contented mind and heart. His boys were home safe.

His…boys…wait…what?

XXXXXXXX

"How was work last night?" Henry asks Jamie as he enters the kitchen early the next morning.

"Good. It was Neon Night."

"Neon Night?" Henry chuckles. "What's that?"

"Or glow in the dark night but they turn off the regular lights and turn on the black lights and if you were white or well neon you…glow," Jamie replies as Henry looks at him in wonder. "It looked fun."

"Do you ever get to bowl?"

"Sometimes," Jamie replies in truth. "My boss and his friend sometimes ask me to play a few rounds with them if I have time on break."

"They do?" Danny interjects as he enters the kitchen. "You never told me that."

"Because…it's no big deal," Jamie glares at Danny who merely glares right back. "But yeah the glow in the dark stuff looked fun. The kids like it best of course."

Danny heads for the coffee stand, not wanting to make a big fuss in front of Henry but not happy that Jamie was keeping things from him. So he bowled a few rounds, what's the big deal? His brain tries to argue back. I don't know…maybe something…maybe nothing.

"You should come next time," Jamie invites Henry with a warm smile as Henry nods and smiles back.

"Do they still offer the gutter guards?" Henry chuckles a retort.

The three of them talk a bit more about the bowling until Frank joins them; telling the trio that Erin had to leave early because she had a free class and wanted to catch a course session before she went into college.

"So she just goes and watches. Is that how she got her job as a file clerk?" Jamie asks Frank in wonder as Frank nods. Ever since they had fled their father, they had feared the inside of a courtroom, thinking perhaps they'd have to give their name or fingerprints and the system would alert them to someone on the outside. Of course as time passed they realized that wasn't true, and if it was an open trial, anyone could go watch. They never took the chance.

"I'm sure during the summer sometime if you want, you could go with her," Frank suggests as Jamie looks over at Danny who remains silent. "If you want."

"Yeah that um…sounds good," Jamie utters weakly as Frank's brow furrows. "So any tough cases you're working on?"

The rapid change of subject isn't lost on anyone; Henry looking at Frank as Danny looks at Jamie and frowns but says nothing. Frank talks about the case, but in Jamie's mind he was now wondering if they'd still be there come summer. The thought of leaving was forcing a feeling of morose melancholy to settle upon him but at the same time he didn't want to presume they'd be there come the first of next month, much less through summer holidays. I want to stay…I know Danny wants to stay…Henry wants us to stay…but this is Frank's home…does he want us to stay? Erin? For good?

"Danny, they talk about summer stuff so freely but I never know if we'll be here or just around and can hang out with her or…I panicked. Think they noticed?"

"Yeah but you did nothing wrong. We don't know where will be in the summer…which…is only a few months away."

"Suddenly I'm nervous again," Jamie huffs as they near the high school yard.

"It'll be okay," Danny slaps Jamie on the back as he stops the car. "I hafta work tonight so I'll see you in the morning."

"Okay," Jamie replies with a smile as he gets out of the car and heads toward Lucas and another boy named Aaron; Danny heading toward the college to meet up with Demarcus to go over their project. "What's this?"

"I totally forgot about it a few weeks ago because you moved lockers. It's your scholarship packet," Lucas hands him the manila folder. "We were just talking summer holidays. What are you're plans for the summer?" Lucas asks as Jamie's fingers open up the packet. But just before he can stop and pull out what would turn out to be a damning piece of evidence in the trial for his future – he stops, the picture remaining hidden from his view but already starting to circulate on the local school board net. The public school board net.

"Summer…" Jamie muses somewhat absently. Luckily for him the bell rings and the subject is dropped in favor of homework and final exams coming in the last few months of the grade 11 school year.

The day for both boys is rather routine, Danny having to work, so Jamie coming home after school and helping Erin make dinner for Henry and Frank, the four of them talking about school projects and the new instructors that Henry hired at the Academy to replace the ones ousted when Sonny was taken down. Jamie asks about Sonny and Frank says he's still spouting threats and revenge but since there were no more balls in his court they were just hot air that wasn't paid much heed. After that they all retire into the living room, Jamie forgetting his packet on the table in favor of starting to study for his final exams; something he wants to pass with near perfect marks.

XXXXXXXX

As they near the bowling alley that night, Jamie's agitation starts to soar; his mind wondering how he'd approach Kevin and how not to sound too eager about the money for the seemingly easy work involved.

"You're quiet tonight," Danny comments as he stops the car and looks at Jamie in wonder.

"Frank mentioned yesterday that Sonny's still mad and swearing revenge."

"He'll be in jail long after we're Henry's age," Danny tries to assure his nervous brother. "It's fresh right now but in a few months when we're enjoying our freedom and he's rotting in jail for murder and a few other things you won't even think about it."

"Hope so," Jaime huffs as he opens the door. "See you later."

Danny watches him head for the door and disappear inside, his mind not forgetting the fact that he'd be asking Kevin about the extra work on the weekend. This guy better be legit…or else! Danny's mind growls as he heads toward the end of the block and turns to go to the warehouse.

Jamie quietly works at setting up his station, empting the popcorn bin and then going in search of George, the man in the alleyway he gave the popcorn to last time. He had asked his name, mostly so he wouldn't have to keep saying hey you, the homeless veteran unable to resist the sweet boyish smile and genuine concern from the young man actually taking time to treat him like a human being.

"You know there's a heated vent on the other side of the building," Jamie tells George as he hands him the bag of popcorn. "And it's sheltered," Jamie suggests, hoping that one time during his longer break he'd come out and actually find George and ask him about how he ended up on the streets. Opening up to George didn't seem daunting at all.

"How's a good kid like you know about stuff like that?"

"I um…I just do," Jamie replies with a frown as he looks away and then back at George's wondering expression. "I just do. I should get back inside but um…you know if you ever need anything and you can just come inside and ask okay?"

"Regular folk don't want people like me inside their buildings.

"Well I guess I'm not regular," Jamie replies kindly as he stands up. "I mean it…anything at all okay? Bye George."

"Bye…Jamie," the older man smiles as he leans back against the brick building and offers a small smile. One day maybe he'd find the courage to take up the offer, enter a building…ask for some help…something he should have done a long time ago. "It's too late now," he whispers as he closes his eyes; his mind whisking him away to a tormented image – one that will forever keep him captive in emotional misery and physical despair.

Jamie hears some laughter and looks up to see Kevin enter with a woman at his side and smiles. He is married! I knew it! He falsely surmises as they near.

"Evening Jamie."

"Hey Kevin."

"Jamie's my best worker," Kevin boasts as the woman looks at him and smiles. "This is Leah."

"Hi nice to meet you. Heard a lot of good things," she greets Jamie with a smile and an offering of her delicate hand.

"Thanks. Nice to meet you too," Jamie replies as he gives her a brief handshake. "Are you here to play?"

"In these heels? Oh Kevin, he is adorable," Leah replies as Jamie's face slightly warms. "No sweetie I'm here to help Kevin with some financial stuff."

"I'm the brawn and she's the brains," Kevin looks at her with a broad smile as she nods and Jamie smiles.

"Speaking of brains, Kevin says your top of your class."

"He does?" Jamie looks over at Kevin who nods. "I uh…yeah so far."

"Well keep up the good work. I'm sure I'll see you again."

"Thanks," Jamie nods. But before he can say something else, he hears the front door chime and turns to see some customers enter. When he turns back Kevin and his wife are heading into his office and the door closes. Nothing to worry about. Jamie takes the money from his first few customers, hands them their shoes and then sends them on their way; his mind more than determined to ask Kevin for that extra work on the weekend. She looks like she doesn't do a lot of hard work, that's probably why he asked me. An hour later, he watches the office door open and Leah take her leave; passing his desk with a smile and brief wave before she heads back outside. Half hour after that Jamie's break comes and he heads for Kevin's office with a slightly elevated heart rate.

Jamie offers a small knock and then watches as Kevin looks up with a grin. "Am I…bothering you?"

"Never Jamie. You could never bother me. Come on in and take a seat. Roger's not able to come in so he asked me to look at the books. Numbers…they make my eyes cross. This is a welcome distraction," Kevin rambles on as Jamie smiles and nods.

"Leah seems very nice."

"Yeah she's great. She's a great help with the books and stuff but wanted to get home and watch her show so now I'm left to fend for myself."

"What show?"

"Ah some reality thing. Do you like reality TV?"

"No. It's mindless," Jamie blurts out and then stops. "Sorry. I didn't mean to imply that…" Jamie stops as Kevin chuckles.

"It is mindless. But let's talk about more important matters. Like why you're here. So I'm assuming you heard then."

"Uh…heard what?"

"Oh maybe not. Roger is looking to hand out a few raises. Not too much but I think you'd want to know that we've both recommended you for one."

"Wow really?" Jamie looks at Kevin in surprise.

"But…you weren't coming in here with bad news were you?"

"Bad news? No…"

"Good because I'd be crushed if you were thinking of leaving. You're our best and I have to add most honest employee," Kevin makes sure to toss in a few extra ego-stroking phrases.

"Thank you. No I like it here."

"Good to hear. So what's going on? How can I help you?"

"Well I'm only asking because you had offered a few weeks ago but if you still don't need me to come and work for you I'd understand," Jamie stammers nervous; his heart racing and pounding in his chest; Kevin's mind offering a hidden Cheshire cat-like smile. The trap was set…the bait…about to be taken…

"Oh yeah…I did," Kevin replies with a small frown, wanting to make it seem like there might not be anything now, wanting the young man before him to beg a bit more.

"Did? Oh I uh…okay. I just need…is there some extra shifts I can pick up here then? I don't mind coming in on Sunday's," Jamie continues, hoping not to sound too desperate. It's only money! You can take it from your savings if you have to! But Kevin doesn't wait for the other half of Jamie's reasoning to gain ground. He makes his next move.

"Well if the raises do come into effect they won't be for a bit and because it's you asking and not someone else, I'll extend the original offer."

"Really?"

"Just for you," Kevin smiles smugly. "Can you come Saturday?"

"I can. What time?"

"Three?"

"Three. Okay…sure…I uh…yes…yes that's fine."

"What is it Jamie? You know you can tell me. Is that not a good time? If not…"

"Oh no it is…it's just that…are you close to a bus stop? My brother is going out on Saturday night and I won't have a ride home," Jamie ultimately seals his own fate.

"Oh don't you worry Jamie," Kevin replies with a slow tone as he leans in over the desk toward him, "I'll take real good care of you."


A/N: oh you knew it was coming right? I had planned to already be at Kevin's but I wanted to build a bit more into Jamie's reasoning and Kevin's devious tactics in getting Jamie to come to him and ask. Plus I wanted to get a bit more of their lives in there also. so Danny's going back to Club 22 – will he and Linda run into anyone they might not want to see (think of an annoying canon female character lol) and who will Danny run into on their second date? Of course Kevin isn't what he seems so will that destroy Jamie's trust for good? Will there be fallout for him not telling the Reagan's? and how ill he escape Kevin's trap? And yes…the picture is now out there and Jamie's about to discover that but who sees it first? Would love your reviews as always (b/c they inspire us to write faster and make the story longer!) thanks everyone!