Chapter Fourteen: The Big News
Arriving back at the FBI building Sam and the rest of his teams lead Davenport and his men inside.
"Why don't you go and meet up with Gus," Greene suggested. "I'll take care of them and see you later." Knowing that Sam wanted to go over the files they now all have. He also handed him the bag that contained more files.
"Thanks," Sam replied and went off to the elevator. While inside the elevator. Sam took a folder and to his surprise, the folder contained the baby marketing files. Suddenly his pulse raced. He shifted through the folders inside the bag and found the one he was looking for and hastily flipped the pages. There was small black and white photograph of Janine at a Missouri adoption center. He stared at the picture for so long that he didn't notice that he had already reached 15th floor and elevator had stopped. Slowly walking out of the elevator, Sam began to feel the effort of placing one step over the other until Gus called him from the other room. Sam turned and saw the 'mole' still out cold.
"Sam, you okay?" Gus asked in a worried tone as he got up from hunching over the computer and guided Sam to an empty seat.
"Yeah." Sam answered weakly and sat on the unoccupied chair. He saw two young FBI agents passing by the office. He summoned them into the room to collect Cameron. "Put him with the rest." Sam instructed the two men and the young agents pick up Cameron and dragged him out of the room.
"Sam," Gus began while studying his friend's face. "The operation failed?" He guessed considering the shock expression on his countenance.
"No," Sam replied as he shook his head. "The operation went well. We captured Davenport and his men. Greene's interrogating them now."
Gus expelled a breath of relief and glad it was finally over. "I went through the files that I sent via email. If all these check out," gesturing towards the laptop he was using. " Davenport won't be seeing any day outside the world soon enough."
"Good." Sam remarked and gave the folder he had been holding to Gus.
The other man took it and read its contents. "Julie's file." He simply remarked as he looked back at him.
"Yes." Sam replied while deep in thought. "I think it's time for me to pay Davenport a visit." With that he strode out of the room. But before heading back to the elevator, he talked to Agent Montgomery and handed him the bag containing the files.
"These are all connected to Davenport case. I like to you look into them since these are files of babies that was unfortunately been under the baby marketing operation. Build a team and use whatever resource we have and track down the whereabouts of these babies and what homes they're now in and also find their respective parents. I'll be back for an hour or two for a status of the team." Sam instructed and left the agent who went busy.
Sam still held on Janine's folder and went down the holding cell where Davenport and his men where detained.
When he reached the floor. Greene was in the room with Davenport interrogating the man. Unfortunately, Davenport was becoming obstinate and no longer answered Greene's questions. The other tried another way but the other man would not offer a confession. After two more hours, Greene went out of the room and let Davenport stew in for a while.
Sam waited for his friend as he was seated on a nearby table. He was reading Janine's folder as if by doing so, he could catch up with the lost years they have with the girl.
Greene saw Sam but he detoured for a while to get a cup of water from a dispenser. He took a sip as he walked towards Sam.
" Have you called Jessica?" He asked after taking another sip of water from the cup.
"Not yet." He quietly said. "I don't know how." He felt suddenly unsure how he will broach the topic to his wife.
"I think it's best that you take a leave and take care of things at home. I'll still maintain contact with you and inform you of progress of the case. We got most of the art auction operation and with the baby marketing business, this is going to be one long haul for everyone involved." Greene told him.
Suddenly there was a spark in Sam Douglas eyes as he pushed his way to the interrogation room. Greene had the idea what his friend was going to ask Davenport and readied himself for what may come.
"Sam?" he tried to stop him.
"I have to ask him." Sam said turning away from his friend. Greene went with him in the room but stayed at one corner.
Sam took the baby picture of Janine and sent it sliding on the table towards Davenport. The other man passively looked at the photograph in front of him.
"Why her?" asked Sam from across the table.
Davenport nonchalantly stared at the baby picture of the girl he knew is Julie. His brow furrowed. " Now, what do you mean by that? The adoption agencies weren't doing their job and we had to fill the needs of those willing to pay so much for baby." He coldly stated.
"I have never thought," picking up the picture. " .My ex-wife will choose the baby I had first sent to a different family." He answered. Unknowing that he has struck a sensitive cord in Sam's heart. Greene took a few steps and watched both men glaring at each other. He was getting himself ready for any outburst from the men.
"You.You took my child, Davenport!" Sam thundered in the room as his eyes flashed with the anger that was buried so deeply inside.
Davenport raised only a brow and glanced at him, looking unaffected by the outburst of the agent and suddenly gave him a smirk.
It was hurtful to find Davenport to have the gall to smirk at him. Sam nearly throttled the man if it wasn't for Greene who stopped him on time.
Davenport suddenly realized why this man was angry. Not only has he endured the pain of thinking that his child possibly have died, but to know that she was being kept under his own roof by the man they were trying to arrest for so long was unbearable. All those 17 years, Davenport held a respected image in the Ridgemont until this point and here he was just in the backyard of the agent. Davenport had unwittingly held an upper hand over the man for those years.
"Sam, its over. Let the courts decide it." Greene tried to appease his friend. Soon Sam calmed down and reason came in once more.
" Thanks, buddy." He remarked.
"No problem," And lead his friend out of the room. "Now, do what I suggested and we'll take care of it."
"Okay," Sam agreed, nodding. "By the way, I had Montgomery form a team." he was cut short.
His friend smiled. "I will take care of it." He reiterated and pushed his friend out.
Sam finally left the floor and out of the building. He was in his car and was driving home when thoughts of Julie came back again. An hour later, he arrived home and parked the car by the driveway. He didn't go out of the car just yet and took a few moments to collect his thoughts. The door of their house opened revealing his wife standing by the doorway.
"Sam?" The puzzled tone of Mrs. Douglas could be heard.
Her husband took his cue and got out of the car and clutched Janine's files.
"You looked beat." Mrs. Douglas observed as her husband entered their home. "Would you like me to get you something?" She asked and led him to the kitchen. "I still have some chicken salad saved."
"Thanks, Hon." He said and kissed his wife as he took a seat in the kitchen table. When the meal was prepared he took several bites and looked at his wife who was smiling at him.
"I'm glad you're home." She told him and poured him a cup of tea.
He pressed her hand and let the silence stretched for a while but his wife could tell that there was something in her husband's mind. So she waited.
"Jess," he started. " I don't know how else I can say this," he paused while looking deep into his wife's eyes. He was searching her face on how to say the news in a most gentle way.
"Go on, I'm listening." She said.
" I found Janine, Jess." He told her.
His wife gasped and looked at him with disbelief. Her hand hasn't left his own. She was even clutching his hand more as if for confirmation
"Are you sure, Sam? His wife asked.
This time, Sam glanced at the folder set on the table. Jessica also turned to look at the folder.
"We didn't know that Davenport was also in the baby marketing operation. Gus happened to stumble into her files along while looking for files about art dealing business and he came upon other names, baby names" Her husband said.
"Other baby names?" Jessica repeated.
Sam nodded. "I have a team looking into the matter and hopefully they'll be successful in locating the parents."
Jessica's hand trailed near the folder, which his husband noticed. Her eyes had started to glisten as she took folder and carefully opened it. She was a little hesitant and soon broke into tears when she read the first data sheet. Quickly Sam moved to sit beside his wife and embraced her. She began to sob uncontrollably.
Sam softly rocked beside her and hoped the motion would calm his wife down. He didn't speak for a while letting the hurt and the pain out from his wife. He didn't know how long it had been when his wife finally calmed down.
"Let's go upstairs and rest for a while." Sam suggested while he looked at the folder.
Wagging her head, "No. I want to know what happened to our child." Jessica said in a tearful tone. It was an effort on her part to sit up and read the file again. Sam respected his wife wishes and stayed with her all through out the early morning.
The wall clock pinged and signaling that it was six o'clock in the morning.
"Hon," Sam began. " Both of us now has to get some rest. We will be needing all our strength in the days to come." He said and waited for her to respond.
Jessica looked up with red rimmed eyes. "17 years, Sam. She was with Davenport for 17 years." She intoned. "How will she ever accept us? The girl we met by the highway, was really Janine." She said and started to cry again.
"Jess, I know I can't give back those 17 years but think this, she's safe even if she was with Davenport. Somehow even that man cared for her at least and gave her a home, grandparents she seemed to care for, an education and most of all; he kept Julie away from his business dealings. But I'm not going to lie and say it doesn't hurt me too that she was with them all those year." He finally ended.
His wife heaved and wiped her face from the tears falling down her cheeks. She was quiet. "I have never told you this because I couldn't understand. I always felt it every summer." She began.
Sam's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Every summer, I would think of her and I get a feeling that's she's nearby and I won't be worried again." Jessica confessed. " It could be maternal instinct or intuition. I just knew she was here but I couldn't understand why I was feeling it. Now, I know why." His wife started to cry again.
"Oh, Jessica." Sam whispered and embraced his wife. "Why don't you take a nap."
This time his wife conceded and let him guide her out of the kitchen. She was still holding on the folder. "What are we going to do?" She asked as they head upstairs. "How you going to break the news to her? I don't want to loose her again, Sam." She was suddenly overwhelmed of the thought that their own daughter would not want to stay with them at all. She abruptly stopped by the stairs.
Sam looked down to his wife. He heard her concerns and he was also worried.
"Is she back at the mansion? Jessica asked as she came up beside him.
"No, she's with the Mori and boys" Sam replied and noted the puzzled look on her face.
"How did she know.?"
"I don't know, Jess." He shrugs. "That's one part of the story I would like to hear too. I believed this sting operation we have done several hours ago brought out one piece to this jigsaw puzzle."
Soon, Sam gently pulled her up the step and they crossed the boys' room then went to their own room.
Jessica paused by their doorway, "I can't sleep, Sam. We have to go to the cottage now."
Sam expected it but he was worried how worn out both of them must look. A few hours sleep was needed to help steady at least their nerves.
"We'll see them soon, Jess." Sam promised and led his wife to rest for while. He for one was in no condition to make the long drive to the cottage.
At the cottage, Mori finally woke up from bed and began moving quietly in his room since he didn't want to wake Julie sleeping in the living room. When he got dressed, he noted that it was close to lunchtime. He soon went out of his room and inspected his cottage. Soft snores could be heard from upstairs so the boys' were very much asleep. He went to check on Julie. What he would find was something he didn't expect.
The living area was quite chilly and noticed that one of the cottage windows was left opened. He leaned out to close it while bearing in mind to not nudge Julie awake. The girl was still asleep too. Then he gasped. The top end of the blanket was folded away revealing a star-shaped birthmark on Julie's shoulder. Mori's eyes grew wide. He hasn't seen that birthmark since the day she was born.
"Janine?" he automatically uttered a loud.
Julie turned as she opened her eyes. She squinted at the late morning sun that filtered into the room. Mori had awakened the girl. She looked around and was little dazed of where she was and noted the snores of the boys upstairs.
"Mr. Shintaro, good morning." She greeted and stifled a yawn as she sat up.
"Good morning, Ja. Julie." He quickly amended. "Did you sleep well?
"Yes," she cheerfully answered. "Your cottage feels so secure and I can understand why they liked spending their summers here." This time she let out a long yawn and sheepishly blinked at the boys' grandfather.
"Now, why don't you freshen up while I start lunch." He remarked.
"Lunch?" Julie said in surprised. "We all slept through breakfast, already?"
Mori laughed. "Yes, we all did. Now go. You'll find some clean clothes that I have prepared. I hope you don't mind wearing Rocky's T-shirt." He commented.
"It's all right with me. I hope Rocky won't be angry if I do." She replied and hurriedly folded the bedding and head for the bathroom inside Mori's bedroom.
"He won't. Because we are family." Mori muttered under his breath and headed for the kitchen and prepared lunch for all of them.
Some fifteen minutes later, Julie emerged wearing a red Metallica T-shirt that she had tucked in and pair of blue jeans. The T-shirt fitted her nicely although the choice of band was left something for debate. But she didn't mind at all and went to help the boys' grandfather.
Mori was glad the Julie was helping him. It gave him the excuse to ask her some questions.
"How did you find the cottage Julie?" Mori asked as he cooked. "Did someone mention it to you to follow the dirt path?
"No, I was just curious when I found that the path branched away from the main highway. I usually don't go seeking adventures but the moment I was on the dirt road, I felt suddenly familiar with the area. I haven't visited this place since two or three summers so I was shocked that I wasn't at all afraid. I rode on until to the big tree. I walked around and for some reason I just knew where to go and then I saw you and your grandsons having a little ceremony." She stopped before continuing as she recalled from memory. "It was a beautiful ceremony and seeing your grandsons in their own colors were very nice." She commented.
Just then the phone rang. Mori went to answer it. Julie went to attend the food that was being cooked.
"Sam," Mori began in surprise. "We're all here. The boys are still asleep and Julie's helping with lunch."
Mori listened as Sam told him that they would be coming over soon after lunch. With that Mori set the receiver back to its base.
"I'll wake the boys so they can eat already. My daughter and her husband will be arriving after lunch."
"Oh, I hope I haven't put them in too much trouble." Julie worriedly remarked as she remembered being reprimanded by the boys' father.
"Don't worry." Mori said and soon went upstairs. Julie only nodded and hopes for the best of not getting another reprimand from their mother too. She was very sorry about it. Julie reached for the phone and dialed the numbers to the mansion.
"Hi Katsumi. It's Julie. Can you pick up after lunch?" Julie asked and waited for the other woman's answered.
She smiled shortly. "Thanks, see you later." Julie replied and replaced the receiver.
Julie and the boys' grandfather had set all the plates and the food down when the cottage buzz with voices from the boys once again.
"Hey, Julie. You're wearing my T-shirt." Rocky said in astonishment.
"I know." Looking down at the band's logo. " I hope you don't mind."
"No, its okay." Answered Rocky and took a seat.
"Be sure to guard it with your life." Colt told her and snickered. " He doesn't want it to get lost in the laundry mat."
"Colt!" Rocky retorted but everyone exploded in peals of laughter. Soon the Douglas' family and Julie started eating.
When lunch was over, the kids leisurely sat by the couch and talked about their exciting summer when the alarm went off. Julie curiously looked that ninja mask on the wall and glanced through the window on who were coming.
"Hey, its Mom and Dad!" Tumtum said and he bounded outside to greet his parents. The other two boys followed suit. Their mother gave them a hug all around and proceeded to the cottage. Mori met his daughter who gave him a kiss on the cheek. They all went inside. Julie stood off to one side, feeling embarrassed. She was wondering what was keeping Katsumi. She had already thought that she would be not around when the parents of the boys arrived.
"Janine?" Mori muttered when he turns to face Julie.
The uncomfortable look on the girl's face changed to one of surprise. "Mr. Shintaro?" the girl asked. She was a little surprise when the grandfather called her by that name.
When all of them have found a seat in the living room, there was a short silence before the boys in their usual talkativeness overtook their father's agenda.
Mr. Sam Douglas raced his hand and the boys went silent. "I'm not going to reprimand, Julie anymore." After hearing their defenses for the girl. "Instead there's something we should tell you, boys and Julie." He said and looked at each one of them.
The boys were curious as to what it is and they all individually thought of grand adventures possibly with Julie. Rocky who's sensitive to their mother wondered why her eyes were red.
"Mom, please don't cry." He hastily began. He didn't like it when their mother cries. "Colt, Tumtum and Julie and I are fine." he stopped when his mother waves her hand.
"There is something that you should listen to your father now." She said and kept quiet but fondly looked at Julie.
Sam now took the cue. "Boys," looking at his sons. "Do you remember that day you should us the picture of Janine?"
"Yeah," they all answered in unison.
Sam took out the picture. Mori sat beside Julie.
"We found her," Their father told them as tears well in his eyes. He looked at the yellowed photograph for a moment and glanced at Julie.
"Where dad?" Colt loudly asked. He didn't get the clues his parents were showing but Rocky caught it.
"Yeah, where is she," Tumtum sat up excited at the prospect of seeing his long lost older sister.
"Is she with you?" Colt dashed towards the window and looked out to see who else was inside the car when his parents arrived. He was half expecting a girl sitting by little orchid garden up front of the cottage, waiting to be admitted in side.
"She's been with us, Colt." Came the tranquil voice of Rocky who was directly looking at Julie. Now he understood what he felt while they were at the warehouse fighting off the bad guys. Although he had been in training with his brothers and he knew in his hindsight they were there behind him all the time. It was the same with Miyo when she was fighting side by side with them. For Julie there was considerable difference, it was like being at someone else's consciousness something just clicked inside him and he kept it to himself until now.
"Huh?" Colt and Tumtum remarked dumbfound as they glanced back their brother.
Julie's brows furrowed. " Why are you looking at me like that, Rocky?" She didn't understand what was happening.
"Just think, Julie. Remember what you told me at the time by the river bed," Rocky said. " You told me that when you came here two summers ago, it felt like home, like you were a part of this, somehow." He added.
Sam and Jessica looked at its each in expressed surprise. Julie has found the boys already at the time.
"Yes, I do." Julie answered. "I still don't understand, how this is connected with me."
"Our dad," he stopped and stood up. "Your dad, recently told us of a baby abduction happened 17 years ago." He strode as he took the picture from his father who gave it to him. Rocky glanced at the photograph.
"He told us that Janine, my twin sister was kidnapped. The FBI searched until it began an unresolved case. No one knew where Janine and other babies have gone," He stood in front of Julie.
"This is the baby picture of my twin sister," Rocky handed to her the photograph.
Julie took it and studied the faded picture. She turned it over and saw the also faded scribbled name of Samuel and Janine Douglas.
"The only reminder we have of our sister is a star-shaped birth mark on her right shoulder." Rocky added and waited.
Julie sharply glanced at Rocky. She couldn't utter anything. Colt and Tumtum were in the same state too.
Sam Douglas was about to say something when his wife put at hand to stop. She was carefully watching Julie's face for reactions.
Julie's brows were still furrowed as she tried to digest the information Rocky gave her. She looked at the picture and then back at Rocky. She turned and watched the faces of their parents and faced the grandfather seated beside her.
"This morning, you called me, Janine?"
"Yes," Mori replied as he saw his daughter gasped.
"Because I saw your birthmark on your shoulder." Mori replied.
"I thought it was a dream." She remarked.
Julie glanced again at the picture on her hand.
"Janine?" Rocky began as he put his hand on the girl's hand.
She turned.
"Welcome home." He simply said.
Arriving back at the FBI building Sam and the rest of his teams lead Davenport and his men inside.
"Why don't you go and meet up with Gus," Greene suggested. "I'll take care of them and see you later." Knowing that Sam wanted to go over the files they now all have. He also handed him the bag that contained more files.
"Thanks," Sam replied and went off to the elevator. While inside the elevator. Sam took a folder and to his surprise, the folder contained the baby marketing files. Suddenly his pulse raced. He shifted through the folders inside the bag and found the one he was looking for and hastily flipped the pages. There was small black and white photograph of Janine at a Missouri adoption center. He stared at the picture for so long that he didn't notice that he had already reached 15th floor and elevator had stopped. Slowly walking out of the elevator, Sam began to feel the effort of placing one step over the other until Gus called him from the other room. Sam turned and saw the 'mole' still out cold.
"Sam, you okay?" Gus asked in a worried tone as he got up from hunching over the computer and guided Sam to an empty seat.
"Yeah." Sam answered weakly and sat on the unoccupied chair. He saw two young FBI agents passing by the office. He summoned them into the room to collect Cameron. "Put him with the rest." Sam instructed the two men and the young agents pick up Cameron and dragged him out of the room.
"Sam," Gus began while studying his friend's face. "The operation failed?" He guessed considering the shock expression on his countenance.
"No," Sam replied as he shook his head. "The operation went well. We captured Davenport and his men. Greene's interrogating them now."
Gus expelled a breath of relief and glad it was finally over. "I went through the files that I sent via email. If all these check out," gesturing towards the laptop he was using. " Davenport won't be seeing any day outside the world soon enough."
"Good." Sam remarked and gave the folder he had been holding to Gus.
The other man took it and read its contents. "Julie's file." He simply remarked as he looked back at him.
"Yes." Sam replied while deep in thought. "I think it's time for me to pay Davenport a visit." With that he strode out of the room. But before heading back to the elevator, he talked to Agent Montgomery and handed him the bag containing the files.
"These are all connected to Davenport case. I like to you look into them since these are files of babies that was unfortunately been under the baby marketing operation. Build a team and use whatever resource we have and track down the whereabouts of these babies and what homes they're now in and also find their respective parents. I'll be back for an hour or two for a status of the team." Sam instructed and left the agent who went busy.
Sam still held on Janine's folder and went down the holding cell where Davenport and his men where detained.
When he reached the floor. Greene was in the room with Davenport interrogating the man. Unfortunately, Davenport was becoming obstinate and no longer answered Greene's questions. The other tried another way but the other man would not offer a confession. After two more hours, Greene went out of the room and let Davenport stew in for a while.
Sam waited for his friend as he was seated on a nearby table. He was reading Janine's folder as if by doing so, he could catch up with the lost years they have with the girl.
Greene saw Sam but he detoured for a while to get a cup of water from a dispenser. He took a sip as he walked towards Sam.
" Have you called Jessica?" He asked after taking another sip of water from the cup.
"Not yet." He quietly said. "I don't know how." He felt suddenly unsure how he will broach the topic to his wife.
"I think it's best that you take a leave and take care of things at home. I'll still maintain contact with you and inform you of progress of the case. We got most of the art auction operation and with the baby marketing business, this is going to be one long haul for everyone involved." Greene told him.
Suddenly there was a spark in Sam Douglas eyes as he pushed his way to the interrogation room. Greene had the idea what his friend was going to ask Davenport and readied himself for what may come.
"Sam?" he tried to stop him.
"I have to ask him." Sam said turning away from his friend. Greene went with him in the room but stayed at one corner.
Sam took the baby picture of Janine and sent it sliding on the table towards Davenport. The other man passively looked at the photograph in front of him.
"Why her?" asked Sam from across the table.
Davenport nonchalantly stared at the baby picture of the girl he knew is Julie. His brow furrowed. " Now, what do you mean by that? The adoption agencies weren't doing their job and we had to fill the needs of those willing to pay so much for baby." He coldly stated.
"I have never thought," picking up the picture. " .My ex-wife will choose the baby I had first sent to a different family." He answered. Unknowing that he has struck a sensitive cord in Sam's heart. Greene took a few steps and watched both men glaring at each other. He was getting himself ready for any outburst from the men.
"You.You took my child, Davenport!" Sam thundered in the room as his eyes flashed with the anger that was buried so deeply inside.
Davenport raised only a brow and glanced at him, looking unaffected by the outburst of the agent and suddenly gave him a smirk.
It was hurtful to find Davenport to have the gall to smirk at him. Sam nearly throttled the man if it wasn't for Greene who stopped him on time.
Davenport suddenly realized why this man was angry. Not only has he endured the pain of thinking that his child possibly have died, but to know that she was being kept under his own roof by the man they were trying to arrest for so long was unbearable. All those 17 years, Davenport held a respected image in the Ridgemont until this point and here he was just in the backyard of the agent. Davenport had unwittingly held an upper hand over the man for those years.
"Sam, its over. Let the courts decide it." Greene tried to appease his friend. Soon Sam calmed down and reason came in once more.
" Thanks, buddy." He remarked.
"No problem," And lead his friend out of the room. "Now, do what I suggested and we'll take care of it."
"Okay," Sam agreed, nodding. "By the way, I had Montgomery form a team." he was cut short.
His friend smiled. "I will take care of it." He reiterated and pushed his friend out.
Sam finally left the floor and out of the building. He was in his car and was driving home when thoughts of Julie came back again. An hour later, he arrived home and parked the car by the driveway. He didn't go out of the car just yet and took a few moments to collect his thoughts. The door of their house opened revealing his wife standing by the doorway.
"Sam?" The puzzled tone of Mrs. Douglas could be heard.
Her husband took his cue and got out of the car and clutched Janine's files.
"You looked beat." Mrs. Douglas observed as her husband entered their home. "Would you like me to get you something?" She asked and led him to the kitchen. "I still have some chicken salad saved."
"Thanks, Hon." He said and kissed his wife as he took a seat in the kitchen table. When the meal was prepared he took several bites and looked at his wife who was smiling at him.
"I'm glad you're home." She told him and poured him a cup of tea.
He pressed her hand and let the silence stretched for a while but his wife could tell that there was something in her husband's mind. So she waited.
"Jess," he started. " I don't know how else I can say this," he paused while looking deep into his wife's eyes. He was searching her face on how to say the news in a most gentle way.
"Go on, I'm listening." She said.
" I found Janine, Jess." He told her.
His wife gasped and looked at him with disbelief. Her hand hasn't left his own. She was even clutching his hand more as if for confirmation
"Are you sure, Sam? His wife asked.
This time, Sam glanced at the folder set on the table. Jessica also turned to look at the folder.
"We didn't know that Davenport was also in the baby marketing operation. Gus happened to stumble into her files along while looking for files about art dealing business and he came upon other names, baby names" Her husband said.
"Other baby names?" Jessica repeated.
Sam nodded. "I have a team looking into the matter and hopefully they'll be successful in locating the parents."
Jessica's hand trailed near the folder, which his husband noticed. Her eyes had started to glisten as she took folder and carefully opened it. She was a little hesitant and soon broke into tears when she read the first data sheet. Quickly Sam moved to sit beside his wife and embraced her. She began to sob uncontrollably.
Sam softly rocked beside her and hoped the motion would calm his wife down. He didn't speak for a while letting the hurt and the pain out from his wife. He didn't know how long it had been when his wife finally calmed down.
"Let's go upstairs and rest for a while." Sam suggested while he looked at the folder.
Wagging her head, "No. I want to know what happened to our child." Jessica said in a tearful tone. It was an effort on her part to sit up and read the file again. Sam respected his wife wishes and stayed with her all through out the early morning.
The wall clock pinged and signaling that it was six o'clock in the morning.
"Hon," Sam began. " Both of us now has to get some rest. We will be needing all our strength in the days to come." He said and waited for her to respond.
Jessica looked up with red rimmed eyes. "17 years, Sam. She was with Davenport for 17 years." She intoned. "How will she ever accept us? The girl we met by the highway, was really Janine." She said and started to cry again.
"Jess, I know I can't give back those 17 years but think this, she's safe even if she was with Davenport. Somehow even that man cared for her at least and gave her a home, grandparents she seemed to care for, an education and most of all; he kept Julie away from his business dealings. But I'm not going to lie and say it doesn't hurt me too that she was with them all those year." He finally ended.
His wife heaved and wiped her face from the tears falling down her cheeks. She was quiet. "I have never told you this because I couldn't understand. I always felt it every summer." She began.
Sam's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Every summer, I would think of her and I get a feeling that's she's nearby and I won't be worried again." Jessica confessed. " It could be maternal instinct or intuition. I just knew she was here but I couldn't understand why I was feeling it. Now, I know why." His wife started to cry again.
"Oh, Jessica." Sam whispered and embraced his wife. "Why don't you take a nap."
This time his wife conceded and let him guide her out of the kitchen. She was still holding on the folder. "What are we going to do?" She asked as they head upstairs. "How you going to break the news to her? I don't want to loose her again, Sam." She was suddenly overwhelmed of the thought that their own daughter would not want to stay with them at all. She abruptly stopped by the stairs.
Sam looked down to his wife. He heard her concerns and he was also worried.
"Is she back at the mansion? Jessica asked as she came up beside him.
"No, she's with the Mori and boys" Sam replied and noted the puzzled look on her face.
"How did she know.?"
"I don't know, Jess." He shrugs. "That's one part of the story I would like to hear too. I believed this sting operation we have done several hours ago brought out one piece to this jigsaw puzzle."
Soon, Sam gently pulled her up the step and they crossed the boys' room then went to their own room.
Jessica paused by their doorway, "I can't sleep, Sam. We have to go to the cottage now."
Sam expected it but he was worried how worn out both of them must look. A few hours sleep was needed to help steady at least their nerves.
"We'll see them soon, Jess." Sam promised and led his wife to rest for while. He for one was in no condition to make the long drive to the cottage.
At the cottage, Mori finally woke up from bed and began moving quietly in his room since he didn't want to wake Julie sleeping in the living room. When he got dressed, he noted that it was close to lunchtime. He soon went out of his room and inspected his cottage. Soft snores could be heard from upstairs so the boys' were very much asleep. He went to check on Julie. What he would find was something he didn't expect.
The living area was quite chilly and noticed that one of the cottage windows was left opened. He leaned out to close it while bearing in mind to not nudge Julie awake. The girl was still asleep too. Then he gasped. The top end of the blanket was folded away revealing a star-shaped birthmark on Julie's shoulder. Mori's eyes grew wide. He hasn't seen that birthmark since the day she was born.
"Janine?" he automatically uttered a loud.
Julie turned as she opened her eyes. She squinted at the late morning sun that filtered into the room. Mori had awakened the girl. She looked around and was little dazed of where she was and noted the snores of the boys upstairs.
"Mr. Shintaro, good morning." She greeted and stifled a yawn as she sat up.
"Good morning, Ja. Julie." He quickly amended. "Did you sleep well?
"Yes," she cheerfully answered. "Your cottage feels so secure and I can understand why they liked spending their summers here." This time she let out a long yawn and sheepishly blinked at the boys' grandfather.
"Now, why don't you freshen up while I start lunch." He remarked.
"Lunch?" Julie said in surprised. "We all slept through breakfast, already?"
Mori laughed. "Yes, we all did. Now go. You'll find some clean clothes that I have prepared. I hope you don't mind wearing Rocky's T-shirt." He commented.
"It's all right with me. I hope Rocky won't be angry if I do." She replied and hurriedly folded the bedding and head for the bathroom inside Mori's bedroom.
"He won't. Because we are family." Mori muttered under his breath and headed for the kitchen and prepared lunch for all of them.
Some fifteen minutes later, Julie emerged wearing a red Metallica T-shirt that she had tucked in and pair of blue jeans. The T-shirt fitted her nicely although the choice of band was left something for debate. But she didn't mind at all and went to help the boys' grandfather.
Mori was glad the Julie was helping him. It gave him the excuse to ask her some questions.
"How did you find the cottage Julie?" Mori asked as he cooked. "Did someone mention it to you to follow the dirt path?
"No, I was just curious when I found that the path branched away from the main highway. I usually don't go seeking adventures but the moment I was on the dirt road, I felt suddenly familiar with the area. I haven't visited this place since two or three summers so I was shocked that I wasn't at all afraid. I rode on until to the big tree. I walked around and for some reason I just knew where to go and then I saw you and your grandsons having a little ceremony." She stopped before continuing as she recalled from memory. "It was a beautiful ceremony and seeing your grandsons in their own colors were very nice." She commented.
Just then the phone rang. Mori went to answer it. Julie went to attend the food that was being cooked.
"Sam," Mori began in surprise. "We're all here. The boys are still asleep and Julie's helping with lunch."
Mori listened as Sam told him that they would be coming over soon after lunch. With that Mori set the receiver back to its base.
"I'll wake the boys so they can eat already. My daughter and her husband will be arriving after lunch."
"Oh, I hope I haven't put them in too much trouble." Julie worriedly remarked as she remembered being reprimanded by the boys' father.
"Don't worry." Mori said and soon went upstairs. Julie only nodded and hopes for the best of not getting another reprimand from their mother too. She was very sorry about it. Julie reached for the phone and dialed the numbers to the mansion.
"Hi Katsumi. It's Julie. Can you pick up after lunch?" Julie asked and waited for the other woman's answered.
She smiled shortly. "Thanks, see you later." Julie replied and replaced the receiver.
Julie and the boys' grandfather had set all the plates and the food down when the cottage buzz with voices from the boys once again.
"Hey, Julie. You're wearing my T-shirt." Rocky said in astonishment.
"I know." Looking down at the band's logo. " I hope you don't mind."
"No, its okay." Answered Rocky and took a seat.
"Be sure to guard it with your life." Colt told her and snickered. " He doesn't want it to get lost in the laundry mat."
"Colt!" Rocky retorted but everyone exploded in peals of laughter. Soon the Douglas' family and Julie started eating.
When lunch was over, the kids leisurely sat by the couch and talked about their exciting summer when the alarm went off. Julie curiously looked that ninja mask on the wall and glanced through the window on who were coming.
"Hey, its Mom and Dad!" Tumtum said and he bounded outside to greet his parents. The other two boys followed suit. Their mother gave them a hug all around and proceeded to the cottage. Mori met his daughter who gave him a kiss on the cheek. They all went inside. Julie stood off to one side, feeling embarrassed. She was wondering what was keeping Katsumi. She had already thought that she would be not around when the parents of the boys arrived.
"Janine?" Mori muttered when he turns to face Julie.
The uncomfortable look on the girl's face changed to one of surprise. "Mr. Shintaro?" the girl asked. She was a little surprise when the grandfather called her by that name.
When all of them have found a seat in the living room, there was a short silence before the boys in their usual talkativeness overtook their father's agenda.
Mr. Sam Douglas raced his hand and the boys went silent. "I'm not going to reprimand, Julie anymore." After hearing their defenses for the girl. "Instead there's something we should tell you, boys and Julie." He said and looked at each one of them.
The boys were curious as to what it is and they all individually thought of grand adventures possibly with Julie. Rocky who's sensitive to their mother wondered why her eyes were red.
"Mom, please don't cry." He hastily began. He didn't like it when their mother cries. "Colt, Tumtum and Julie and I are fine." he stopped when his mother waves her hand.
"There is something that you should listen to your father now." She said and kept quiet but fondly looked at Julie.
Sam now took the cue. "Boys," looking at his sons. "Do you remember that day you should us the picture of Janine?"
"Yeah," they all answered in unison.
Sam took out the picture. Mori sat beside Julie.
"We found her," Their father told them as tears well in his eyes. He looked at the yellowed photograph for a moment and glanced at Julie.
"Where dad?" Colt loudly asked. He didn't get the clues his parents were showing but Rocky caught it.
"Yeah, where is she," Tumtum sat up excited at the prospect of seeing his long lost older sister.
"Is she with you?" Colt dashed towards the window and looked out to see who else was inside the car when his parents arrived. He was half expecting a girl sitting by little orchid garden up front of the cottage, waiting to be admitted in side.
"She's been with us, Colt." Came the tranquil voice of Rocky who was directly looking at Julie. Now he understood what he felt while they were at the warehouse fighting off the bad guys. Although he had been in training with his brothers and he knew in his hindsight they were there behind him all the time. It was the same with Miyo when she was fighting side by side with them. For Julie there was considerable difference, it was like being at someone else's consciousness something just clicked inside him and he kept it to himself until now.
"Huh?" Colt and Tumtum remarked dumbfound as they glanced back their brother.
Julie's brows furrowed. " Why are you looking at me like that, Rocky?" She didn't understand what was happening.
"Just think, Julie. Remember what you told me at the time by the river bed," Rocky said. " You told me that when you came here two summers ago, it felt like home, like you were a part of this, somehow." He added.
Sam and Jessica looked at its each in expressed surprise. Julie has found the boys already at the time.
"Yes, I do." Julie answered. "I still don't understand, how this is connected with me."
"Our dad," he stopped and stood up. "Your dad, recently told us of a baby abduction happened 17 years ago." He strode as he took the picture from his father who gave it to him. Rocky glanced at the photograph.
"He told us that Janine, my twin sister was kidnapped. The FBI searched until it began an unresolved case. No one knew where Janine and other babies have gone," He stood in front of Julie.
"This is the baby picture of my twin sister," Rocky handed to her the photograph.
Julie took it and studied the faded picture. She turned it over and saw the also faded scribbled name of Samuel and Janine Douglas.
"The only reminder we have of our sister is a star-shaped birth mark on her right shoulder." Rocky added and waited.
Julie sharply glanced at Rocky. She couldn't utter anything. Colt and Tumtum were in the same state too.
Sam Douglas was about to say something when his wife put at hand to stop. She was carefully watching Julie's face for reactions.
Julie's brows were still furrowed as she tried to digest the information Rocky gave her. She looked at the picture and then back at Rocky. She turned and watched the faces of their parents and faced the grandfather seated beside her.
"This morning, you called me, Janine?"
"Yes," Mori replied as he saw his daughter gasped.
"Because I saw your birthmark on your shoulder." Mori replied.
"I thought it was a dream." She remarked.
Julie glanced again at the picture on her hand.
"Janine?" Rocky began as he put his hand on the girl's hand.
She turned.
"Welcome home." He simply said.