May be without internet later so here's a new chapter now. Enjoy!

Chapter 39

They'd just arrived home when Ellie and the kids rolled in, Dad and Mac joining them soon after. Ty was excited about his day at preschool but Tim asked him to wait because Grandma Barbara and Grandpa Jerry were guests and should get first chance to talk about their day. Tyler, good sport that he was, sat back and tried hard not to fidget or sulk.

When it was his turn, his parents told him how proud they were of him. Then he told them about Monday preschool. They had a new teacher today, Mrs. Linderman and Ty really liked her; he told his family she reminded him of Marshal Maggie. He also thought it was cool that some of his friends from daycare still remembered him. He finally got all his news out and sat back with a "Phew!"

Brynie had her say about her day in daycare and then it was Mommy's turn. She grinned, "We had a case today, someone was missing but we found him pretty quickly and turned him over to the MPs."

Poppy laughed, "Let me guess, 48 in the brig?"

"Something like that; it'll probably take him at least that long to feel better."

"And then he's gonna feel worse again!"

Ty scrunched his face, "Why Poppy?"

"Because he was bad and he'll be punished for it."

"Oh. Really bad like the mean eyed lady?"

"No, son, not that bad. More like 'didn't make his bed when he was told to and talked back to his father' bad."

That incident had happened in Albuquerque and since Ty had been the culprit, Poppy was sure he'd understand. It wasn't quite taking your clothes off and running down the sidewalk naked bad as Brynie had but it was disobeying your father and that was never good.

"Oh ok."

After dinner Tim, Poppy, and Grandpa Jerry played with the kids in the backyard before it was time for their baths. Tim gave Tyler a piggyback ride up the stairs while Grandpa Jerry followed with Bryn on his shoulders. Poppy had been told not to carry the kids upstairs until the doctors cleared him after his surgery. He followed the others, feeling useless until Ty and Brynie insisted he read them their story that night. Ellie came up to tuck them in.

Tim silently wondered how families with two full sets of grandparents managed without tripping over each other. Still, Jerry and Barbara were only here for the week, going forward it wouldn't be a problem. He knew his dad was feeling left out because he had to be careful of his knee. They were all adults; it was ludicrous to think any of them might be jealous of time spent with the children. Besides, Tim wanted his kids to be comfortable with everyone in the family, how else was that going to happen without them spending time together?

Tuesday morning he kissed Ellie and the children goodbye as he and the Bishops drove off to the camp. They'd decided to get an early start so the couple could resume their sightseeing in the afternoon. Tim would drop them at the National Mall and they'd take the Metro back, calling for a ride from the station.

Nate was waiting for them and grinned in thanks at the hot breakfasts he was handed, one for him, one for Juanita. "Thanks Timmo! Let me get this to her or she'll be on my case." He nodded at the Bishops as he turned toward Juanita's tent. He was back in a minute, enjoying his coffee. "That's better than the shelter's. You make this?"

"I did."

"You're a good boy. Where's Ms. Ellie?"

"At work. These are her parents, Barbara and Jerry Bishop."

Nate shook hands with them, "Your daughter's a pistol; I always enjoy her visits with Sari and the boys. Timmo, they told me you were away with your dad and the littles."

"We were but we're back to stay now, Nate."

"Good, we missed you!"

"Thanks, I missed you too. And we have a carload of things for you."

"Bless you, kiddo, you're too good to us as usual."

"And I'll tell you as I always do, that you and Juanita kept us alive, Nate. None of us are ever going to forget that!"

Nate reached down and ruffled his hair. "Saw your daddy do that to you when you were here last."

"Aw, come on we have a lot of stuff to unload."

"Let me get," Nate paused and then bellowed, "John! Get over here!"

Another big guy came lumbering over, grinning at Tim and nodding to the Bishops. Nate told him, "Timmo's brought shoes and stuff, we need to unload."

It took them all of 5 minutes to unload the SUV. Nate bellowed "Shoes!" and several people emerged from the tents. Tim handed Big John his new shoes right at the car and then put a hand on his arm. "Got socks for you too, man, wait until we get those out before trying the shoes on."

"All right Timmo."

Nate grinned when Tim handed him the new boots. "I forgot to tell you!"

"Geo mentioned you needed new boots. I saw your size and bought them just in case."

They distributed the shoes by size and then Tim passed out the socks. Not wanting to sit in the dirt, everyone returned to the tents to try them on. They all fit or at least no one wanted to say they didn't. Nate and Juanita would handle the distribution of the rest of the clothes after their visitors were gone. The family that needed new sleeping bags and the woman whose tent was beyond repair smiled when they received the new items. "Thank you!"

Tim nodded, "This one is bigger than the one you have. I thought you could use both, it'll give you a little extra protection this winter."

Turning to the group, he repeated what he always said.

"Don't thank me; my sister, brothers and I lived here for 9 years. We remember, we'll always remember. You need anything or you have problems, you let Nate, Juanita or Big John know. We can help you help yourselves. You want to stop drinking or change whatever landed you here, let us know. We can't do it for you but we can help. If someone's harassing you, let us know. I'm a cop, my dad's a cop, my wife's a cop, my brother's a Marine, believe me we can help!"

One of the women called out, "Aren't you Doc McGee's brother?"

"Yes ma'am and proud of it!"

"He was here couple weeks ago, helped my little girl; she had a bad cut. He carried her over to the clinic, cleaned it and stitched it up."

"That's my Bro! Know where he got the idea to become a doctor?"

The others shook their heads. "He got a play doctor kit from Toys for Tots one year for Christmas when we lived here. Over at the shelter, he opened it up, so excited. Now he's a doctor for real, he studied hard, worked hard, earned scholarships to pay for it and now he's a doctor. Please don't give up hope, ever! I remember how easy it is to do that, but it's a trap. When you give up hope, life gets worse. Keep your kids in school, make sure they do their homework; help them avoid all the crap that goes on around here and they'll make it out." He grinned, "Sorry, I didn't mean to preach!"

One of the women raised her hand. "I lost my house and everything, landed here. I have skills and experience but I can't get a job because I don't have a permanent address. Ms. Lu over at the shelter said to try using their address but too many employers know that now."

Tim wrote something on the back of a business card. "Here you go. That should be all you need. It's a UPS store where I get some of my mail. I'll add your name to my box so it'll be legal to use. I trust you not to hand that out to anyone else. I'm picky about sharing."

"I promise I won't, but I can't pay you."

Tim smiled, "Yes you can. When you have a job and your own home, don't forget this place. Help when and how you can. Bake cookies, donate your old clothes; just don't forget."

She nodded, "I can do that."

Tim handed her another card, "Please print the name you'll be using for your job applications; that's the one I'll add to mine for the mail. When you get anything, I'll let Nate know and get it to you." He paused, "If you need clothes, a haircut or transportation for interviews, let Nate or Juanita know or call me. We can help with that too." He looked at her, "You ever stay at the shelter?"

She nodded. "Last winter but it was too crowded and noisy. When it got warmer, I moved over here to the camp; I like my independence."

"When you're ready to start your job hunt, consider going back. Hot showers, clean hair and a full stomach are a priority for a potential employee. You'll want to look and feel your best and you don't want your stomach growling during an interview!"

"Thanks, I'll do that." She smiled for the first time and the Bishops saw the woman had relaxed her worried stance.

Most of the crowd stuck around and now eyes lit up when they passed out the treats they'd brought. When Barbara took out the oranges, apples and avocados, eyes were on the hands passing the fresh fruits to Nate. Bags of potatoes with rolls of foil came next and there was a murmur, they were going to have a feast today!

Tim passed an old round grill on a stand and a bag of charcoal over to Nate. "This is from my dad. And so," he handed over a large package of chicken, "is this. Guess you can cook it for lunch with the potatoes, huh?"

"Timmo, this is great and there's plenty for all of us. How do we do the potatoes?"

"Wash them first and then tear off a piece of foil big enough to go around each one. Let's do one so you can see."

The job-hunting woman took a potato to the ladies' room to wash it. When she returned, Tim found the olive oil they'd brought, measured the foil, tore it off, smeared olive oil on the inside of most of the foil and then using one of the plastic knives pierced the potato three times. Then he wrapped the oily foil around the potato. "Fold it up so nothing will leak out. Make sure the two long ends of the foil are on the top when you put them on the coals, otherwise the olive oil will leak out and cause all kinds of flames. Nate, better have one of the bottles of water nearby just in case."

One of the men stepped forward, "I know how to do that, I'm an unemployed cook. I can grill the meat for us too. Is the grill clean and is there a turner or tongs I can use?"

Tim nodded and handed the man a metal spatula and tongs. "Here you go. Yes, the grill is clean and I think I've included some scrub pads to wash it off again. Don't burn yourself - be careful. Oops, I almost forgot!" He dug around and brought out disposable plates. "These are the kind we use for barbecues, they're plenty sturdy. There are vegetables in that bag," he pointed to a large bag. "You can wash them and roast them in foil too. And lastly…" he pulled out a large package of paper towels, "napkins!" He looked around, "There are salt, pepper and a few other spices in with the food we brought. Enjoy your meal, don't eat too much at once - stay healthy and safe, please!"

With a wave to everyone, the trio returned to the car and left. As they drove off Barbara remarked, "This sounds terrible, but they're a lot cleaner and smell better than the homeless folks at home."

Tim chuckled, "That's because of the restrooms, the liquid soap, dry shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant. The camp is officially a city park, thus the restrooms. They have cold water only and the non-profit pays most of the water bill but the city has never shut it down and they pay the electric bill. When we were here, we'd sit in there at night to do our homework, even slept in there a couple of times when Nate was worried about someone at the camp. All of us kids slept in the ladies' room with the door locked from the inside. Two of our friends, Freddie and Jose are plumbers now and they keep it going. We provide soap, towels and in the winter, Nate has a big pot he puts on the oil drum to heat water for everyone. A few years ago, we came up with the idea of providing each tent with a metal bucket and they get some of the hot water. Nate collects the metal buckets when the weather warms up and we store them in our storage unit. The first year we handed out the buckets, they'd all disappeared by the next winter. Now they're just on loan until spring and there's a penalty for not returning a bucket. I don't know what that is, I'm afraid to ask!"

"Wow. If I were homeless, I'd want to be in that camp."

Tim shrugged, "We can't get everyone out. Not everyone wants to leave; we can't even get everyone to accept what we bring. However, none of us, Sarah, Rob, Geo, Barry, Freddie, Jose, Bill, or the other kids who grew up with us there, none of us was there because we wanted to be there. Sarah and I were dumped in a strange city; Rob's mother abandoned him on a busy street. Geordie's father was an alcoholic who died while they were staying at the shelter, leaving his 10-year-old son alone. Barry's uncle deserted him at the shelter; Bill, Freddie, and Jose ran away from abusive guardians or foster parents and ended up there. Nate and Juanita do their best to help. They provide shelter, some adult knowledge and some measure of safety if not food. I won't say either of them is parental but we knew they cared about us and that's more than anyone else had."

"How long have they been there?"

"About 35 years. We showed up almost thirty years ago and they'd been here for a few years. They're siblings. Juanita is schizophrenic and their family didn't or couldn't get any help or treatment for her. She was an outcast, dropped out of school and couldn't keep a job. Nate did as much as he could to help but he had a drinking problem. They came here, set up their tents and they've been here ever since. Nate had a narrow escape with a fire one night when he was drunk and it scared him sober. He worked after that, made enough money to keep them fed and clothed but not enough to afford a place to live. Juanita learned how to sew at some point and for several years made beautiful quilts and blankets, I think Sarah has the quilt she made for us. She has arthritis, bad now. Rob, Jimmy, and Ducky make sure she has pain medication but she sometimes won't take it. Nate sneaks it into her food but she figures it out when the pain stops.

"When they go, the city will shut the camp down for good. They've only left it alone because Nate and Big John are strict with the residents, there's no violence, bullying or stealing from each other allowed, and we've lobbied to keep it open during Nate and Juanita's lifetimes. The police department's annual response to crime statistics is lower for the camp than for some commercial businesses in the city."

"What happens if they can't take care of themselves anymore?"

Tim gave them a sad smile, "We have a trust set up for them. Right now, we have funds enough for 3 years of assisted living. When we publish our book, all the proceeds will go to the trust. Getting them to leave will be a major challenge."

"You're all wonderful people to have done all this!"

Tim shrugged a shoulder, "They took care of us when nobody else did; way we see it, it's our turn now. Just as we would parents. That is, some of us have parents now but we didn't when we set up the trust and certainly never expected to have any."

"What about Big John?"

"He has family in Texas who know where he is; they visit him a couple of times a year, they are members of the non-profit and contribute what they can. We have a Facebook page for our organization; they belong and watch for any changes. Whoever visits the camp usually posts an update about him. I'll do that tonight, post that we visited, John was in good health, and that the residents were treated to a grilled chicken dinner. When the time comes, John's family will take him home."

"What's wrong with him?"

"He was in an accident in his late teens and sustained some brain damage. He's a good soul and a huge help to Nate and Lu but he can't live on his own and needs assistance with everyday things."

"And the others, what will happen to them when the camp closes?"

"Most of them can go to the shelter. They'll lose the 'independence' that woman spoke of but they won't be allowed to stay in the park. We do have it in writing that the city will give two weeks' notice before closing the park. Closing the restrooms will chase folks out of there."

"It'll be a sad day when they have to leave."

Tim just nodded. Nate was still healthy but Rob and Jimmy said he was slowing down every year. Jimmy thought he'd need to move in the next five years while Rob believed it would be sooner than that. He'd told his brothers and sister he didn't think Juanita would live long enough to leave the camp. She had several conditions besides the schizophrenia and arthritis and they were all getting worse. As she refused to go to the hospital for treatment, the doctors kept her as comfortable as she'd allow.

He was quiet on the way home, thinking of all the people he loved. In spite of his rough start, he considered himself a lucky man. Three siblings, chosen family and then the team, again chosen. Now Ellie, the love of his life, his wonderful children, his father, grandfather, Ducky, and the Bishops. He had far more than almost anyone he knew.

When Barbara said, "A penny for your thoughts?" he smiled and told her. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "You're an exceptional human being, Timothy Jackson Gibbs, and I'm so proud and happy that you're part of my family, that you're marrying my only daughter."

He blushed saying, "I'm not perfect, believe me! What are you going to say when Ellie calls you saying what a schlub she married?"

Barbara smiled, "I'll ask her how far along she is."

Tim blinked in surprise but said nothing while Jerry doubled over in laughter.

When Jerry could finally speak, he said, "Smart man, there is no good response to that."

Dropping the Bishops off at a Metro station, he made sure they knew where to exit for their sightseeing and how to get home. Then he drove to the UPS store and added two names to his account, Ellie's and the job-seeking woman. From there he went home and buried himself in work all afternoon. He finished the first project and after making a copy, sent the original to the director. His father was home so he walked down to say hello to him. Mac was out with a friend who'd driven over from Delaware to see him. Tim smirked, "A friend? What's her name?"

"Her name is Kathleen, and she is very nice."

"Doesn't have red hair, does she?"

His father snorted, "What does Tony call them? Cougars. She's Mac's age and I really prefer someone closer to my age, at least the same decade. Her hair is pretty though, a light red."

He grinned when his son gave him a look, "Hey, I can admire a woman's hair, even if it isn't her natural color!"

They sat out on the deck with cold beverages. "Looks like the weather is going to hold for the wedding. I know you have a contingency plan."

"Yep, inside Ducky's house."

"How many people are coming?"

"Somehow it went from 60 something to 80 something."

"80 wow! I'm not sure I know that many people I like."

Tim laughed, "Several of the Ortizes will be here and you like them. We haven't met Ellie's aunt, uncle and cousins, but she likes them so we'll like them. Our gang will be there and you like all of them. Don't worry about it, stick with your kids, Tobias and Mac all day and leave the in-laws to me. After all, they're my in-laws, not yours."

"Kiddo, you know it doesn't work that way in our family. Your in-laws are part of your family and so part of our family."

They spent a convivial couple of hours together and when Tim got a call from Jerry for a pickup at the Metro station, Dad went along for the ride.