Chapter Two

Friday afternoon...

"Alright, kids," Tim said as he loaded the suitcases in the Tahoe, " we've got to be going. I left all the numbers on the counter top. Food's in the freezer, no late nights, and no, absolutely , no friends over."

"Gotcha, Dad," Tj said as he gave a sideways glance to Aj, his smile suddenly turning maniacal to him. For two days, the news of the party circulated through the school, and he was sure it was going to be the blow out of the year. By the end of school today, he had so many confirms ,he lost count. Danny was able to come through with some serious kegs and the food wouldn't be a problem. It was all coming together. " You can trust me."

"I'm counting on it. Just in case, your uncle will be coming over to check on you. Call 911 for emergencies," Tim instructed as Alexx came out with her bag and sunglasses.

" Baby, let them be. They are responsible enough," Alexx said as she came to her first born son and kissed him on the cheek. " You can handle this right?"

" Yep," TJ responded with a smile.

"See, nothing to worry about, Tim. They've got it under control,"Alexx said with a wider smile. " But , I do have to say. Stay out of our room, and no hot tub. You guys can go swimming in the pool, but the hot tub is off limits."

"Okay, mom. Hey, what time does your flight leave?" Tj asked looking at his watch. It was fifteen after six.

"Oh, we should be going now! Girls!" Alexx called , walking to her side of the black SUV. Instantly, Riley and Rory appeared at the door with a wary smile. It had taken all the bribes in the world to get Rory to agree not to talk. "We are leaving now. Listen to your brothers."

"Awww mom, do we have to?" Riley asked , glancing at Tj.

" Yes, you do. And if I hear any different, then there will be trouble," Tim said as he closed the hatch and walking to the front of the truck, facing his children. Something was nagging at him, but he chose to ignore it. There was nothing wrong. " Oh, and I forgot, clean up behind yourselves in the kitchen. And this really goes without saying, DO. NOT. TOUCH . THE . DUCATI."

"Got it," Tj said nodding his head, " DO. NOT. TOUCH. THE . DUCATI."

"Cute," Tim said stepping forward to hug him. " You're the man of the house now, Tj. Keep it in check."

" I will, Dad."

"Alright," Tim said as he extended his hand. Tj took it and shook it steadily. Tim took a look at his watch and exclaimed, " Okay, we really got to go. Remember son, I trust you."

"Alright, dad. I'll be sure to set the house on fire before you come back," Tj quipped. Tim stopped moving and looked at him sideways, causing Tj to put up his hands, "I'm joking Dad."

Tim scowled some as he turned to look to Alexx and she shook her head, "Get in, Tim. Kids, stay safe, and don't let strangers into the house. We will call once we get there."

"Okay!" they said in unison. Tim took another look at his son, certain that there was something going on behind his eyes. He shook it off and got in, starting the truck. Inside, he looked to Alexx and sighed heavily.

"I'm getting that feeling, Lexxi. You know that feeling is never wrong."

"Oh , Speedy, they are going to be fine. We have raised very responsible children. Have faith."

" I have faith that if they screw this up, they won't be very happy campers."

"Just try and concentrate on what we are headed for, a vacation , with no kids, no work. Just us."

Tim raised an eyebrow and started the truck, the connotation of time alone with his wife had finally won out over his doubts, but he couldn't help but feel that something bad was on the horizon. As he pulled out of the drive, he glanced back at his home, hoping that it was still standing when he got back.

"Dad, I can handle it," December said as they ushered Horatio and Kyrie out of the door. " You have a flight that you are going to miss if you don't hurry."

" Why do I get the feeling that we are getting rushed out?" Kyrie asked Horatio as she picked up her bag and handed it to him.

"That's because we are, dear. Something's going on," Horatio returned as he glanced to December. She was just a little to pushy and it gave him pause. "Are you sure that you are going to be alright looking after your sisters and brothers?"

"Fine , Daddy. Honestly, there's nothing to it. Feed, clean, put to bed."

"I love it when you simplify everything, December," Kyrie quipped. " No company. Keep the kids out of the study, and you keep your nose clean."

"Like there's no other way, mom. Go, we will be fine."

Kyrie glanced at Horatio and smiled heavily, " Horry, I think we can trust her."

" Yes, because I know deep down, she knows exactly who her father is, and what he does for a living."

"Yes, Daddy, I know you would kill anyone who came into your house. I know this well. Now,..."

"I'm going to have your Uncle Kit come and check on you. Can't be too careful."

" What, no trust?"

" Trust has to be earned, December. Do I trust you not to burn down the house? Yes. Do I trust you to adhere to our rules..."

"Alright, Horry. Let's get going. I don't want to miss our flight," Kyrie interrupted. She really didn't feel like playing referee to the two of them.

Horatio gave a small smile as he reached to hug December, " I trust you, Princess. Just be careful."

"I will , Daddy," December responded sweetly as Pierre and the twins came up. Junior was walking his mom to the passenger side of the Hummer.

"Bye Dad, bye Mom," Pierre waved as he glanced down the street to see the black Tahoe pull out. It came to a stop in front of their home, the window coming down.

"H, we have a plane to catch," Tim shouted from the truck.

"We're leaving. You want me up front?"

"Sure, we can use the light bar to get onto the causeway," Tim smirked.

"Speed..."

"What, we need to get there pronto."

"Alright," Horatio said , getting into the Hummer, " December, remember , no company."

"Yes, Daddy."

"We'll call when we get there. Pierre, have your sister's back."

" Yes, sir," Pierre returned dutifully.

"Girls, Junior, listen to your sister and brother."

"Yes, Daddy," they responded in unison.

Horatio smiled and started the Hummer up, and pulled out of the driveway. As he pulled away, he couldn't help but have apprehensions. Kyrie put a comforting hand on his thigh, smiling at him deeply.

"Don't worry , Horry. December's got this under control. Everything's going to be fine. Enjoy yourself." Horatio nodded as he maintained his eyes on the road. Something deep inside was telling him that nothing was going to be okay.

Back on their lawn, December watched the tail lights of the Tahoe disappear down the street and turn. When it was apparent that they weren't coming back, she turned to Pierre with raised eyebrows then to her younger siblings, "Alright, pip squeaks, shower, dinner , bed. In that order."

"December, we can stay up past eight. It's Friday," Aleera said with a pout. " You've got something going on don't you?"

"None of your business, Red. Now go on."

"Can I at least talk to Tiffany?" Azerra asked as she reluctantly moved.

"I don't care what you two do, just stay in your room."

"What are we going to eat?" Junior asked , following them.

"I'm ordering pizza. So get movin'," December demanded as he opened the door, letting them in. Pierre looked at her with a wary expression as he closed the door. He wasn't sure this was a good idea. December watched the three go upstairs and turned to Pierre. "What , Fitzy?"

" I don't think that this is such a wise course of action, De De. What if something happens?"

"Nothing's going to happen, Fitzy. We're only going to be there for a couple of hours. I'm sure the little rugrats can stay out of trouble."

"How are we going to get out? Junior practically becomes my shadow when mom's not around."

"Pierre Fitzgerald, you worry so. I've got just the thing," December said reaching into her bag on the floor. She pulled out a video game and handed it to him, "Junior will be at this for hours. You know how he likes to try and beat the game."

"Cool, where'd you get this?" Pierre asked in awe. All of a sudden, a party wasn't the most prevalent thing on his mind.

"Never mind that, Nimrod. Give it to him after his shower. And then let him be. We'll be back before he even gets to the third level."

Pierre thought about it then shrugged. He was going mostly to see Riley anyway. He was sure that he would be home in less than two hours. " Alright, well, De De, let's get moving.

December grinned and took to the steps, going to her room. She had just the right outfit in mind.

TBC