Zack Mcarthy October 5th 2001

I was off disability now, which meant that my steady stream of income...ok yeah that's a laugh. I had sold off the last of my stuff and lived in a van now, I had my laptop and access to PHO and did whatever odd jobs came my way. I sent most of my money to my ex to pay for child support.

"You're a hard man to find."

I looked up and held up my hands.

"I'm trying to pay the money I owe and-"

The man sat next to me.

"We have a job open for you in the special district."

I blinked.

"I thought the government was finished with me."

He shrugged.

"You're not the only person who acted like an ass, and with Ironwood's wife being pregnant and all there's been a request for more personal."

I stared at the cheap watercup in my hand.

"I've been out of the game since New York, I haven't had a steady job in years, and-"

"Ironwood requested you personally."

I blinked.

"He said something about water under the bridge."

"But the child support?"

"Has been overturned, 50/50 custody has been the law of the land since 89. That only gets overturned if one party agrees to it, cases of drug abuse, and abusive behavior. What happened to you was illegal, you were denied your parental rights, and were discriminated against because of a disability gained during your service to your country."

He paused.

"The PRT lawyers think they can swing full custody, but you're going to need a steady job."

He handed me a letter.

"You can keep living in that van or you can move to Seattle, your choice."

I opened the letter.

Dear Mr. Mcarthy

I hope this letter finds you well, I know I didn't make a good first impression, I'm trying to be a better, well person but it's a struggle. My wife is pregnant and I'm going to become a father, and honestly I'm scared, I'm told your a father too. I'm scared that something will happen to them, that I will screw up and a lot of things. I know I'm asking for a lot but, I'm not asking for me, I'm asking for them.

Please protect my children.

Yours truly, Ironwood.

I put down the letter, and looked at the dingy fastfood joint I was in, and then outside at the rusted van.

"I'm in."