Author's note: Another chapter! Sorry writing has not been my strong suite this past week or so, but getting ready for Christmas kind of took over. But here is chapter six of this one…will work on A Helping Hand when I have time and ambition over the next couple of days. I'm also working on editing an original work novel to get ready for publication so that's taking some time and energy as well. Anywho. Happy reading…dark rolling sea.

CHAPTER SIX

Tom Chandler

Tom sobered just enough to walk down to the corner store and get more booze. He stumbled home and crashed back onto his couch after setting the bottles on his coffee table. He opened his eyes and saw Burk and his dad standing on the other side of the room, staring, judging, and he closed his eyes as tears slid out. Something was seriously wrong with his brain. He opened his eyes and opened a fresh bottle of whiskey.

He drank as much as he could until the burn made it hard to swallow. He set the bottle down and pressed the palms of his hands into his eyes hard.

"Go the fuck away," he mumbled as he sniffed his running nose. His vision shifted, blurred, then smoked. Smoke? His confused alcohol fuddled brain was having trouble. Then he was coughing. There was smoke, and lots of noise. The ship. He was on the ship, his ship? No. When? How? Didn't matter. He stumbled, his leg slamming into something solid, sharp. He cried out at the pain.

"Captain!" He turned and looked. Cossetti stood there staring at him, weapon raised. "We have to move, Captain, we have to go now."

Tom's vision was obscured. Something was wrong…his peripheral? Yes, that was the problem. He could only see straight in front of him and all he could see was Cossetti…but Cossetti was…dead. He turned his eyes from side to side. A ship? Where was he. Explosions rocked the air and Tom ducked from instinct. He covered his ears and clamped his eyes shut tight.

"Captain! Move!" Cossetti yelled and then there was gun fire. Tom froze. His heart hammered away in his chest; a tremor of fear was rippling through his body. He stood and ran, immediately slamming into something that moved. The pain rocked through his shin as he fell and cried out. There was the sound of clinking glass and Tom blinked a few times as he laid on…his living room floor?

What the hell. He rubbed at his sore leg, banged up in two places on his shin. He looked to his left and saw the bottles of alcohol rolling around on the coffee table. His living room. The noise, the smoke, the…dead people…were all gone. He groaned as he clumsily pushed himself up off the floor. Something was definitely wrong with his brain.

He flopped back down on his couch and sighed. He grabbed the whiskey bottle and drank some more. Maybe it was the alcohol's fault he absently thought…but then maybe it wasn't. He closed his eyes and thoughtlessly rubbed at his sore leg. There was going to be a bruise…or two…on his shin.

He thought about his service weapon again, then remembered Mike had taken it. Fuck you Mike Slattery, Tom thought, but he didn't really mean it. Deep down…in that part of his brain that wasn't quite broken all the way…he was happy Mike had taken his weapon…and his kids. Fuck. His kids. He was failing miserably as a parent. Darien and his dad would be so disappointed in him. He drank more whiskey.

Ashley Chandler

Ashely watched in horror as her little brother got into a fight. Then Kat was there, taking down the big kid and wrestling her little brother to the ground. She breathed a brief sigh of relief that her little brother wasn't injured but then the worry and anger surged through her as the teachers and office staff came in and broke up the fight permanently.

Ashley stood by the table and watched helplessly as Kat walked off with Mr. Garver, and Sam struggled against Ms. Watson and Mr. Beamer. They headed off towards the office as the other boy struggled to his feet with the help of Coach Grinder and Mr. Olive. They steadied him as they lead him from the lunchroom.

"Whoa, Kat is badass," Ginger breathed out, bringing Ashley's attention back to the table. She glanced at her friend and forced a sad smile. Ginger eyes were wide, her features fashioned in a look of awe.

"Yeah, her dad taught her to defend herself," Ashley mumbled. "He was a friend of my dad's."

"You think they're in big trouble?"

"Unfortunately, yes," Ashley mumbled as she sighed. Life was falling apart. She wanted her mom. She wanted her grampa. Both were gone. She wanted her dad…but he…might as well be gone. Uncle Mike was around, but they weren't that close…and Andrea seemed nice, but she wasn't sure if she could open up to her, being a stranger. Ashley wanted to cry. But not here, not in front of the whole damn school. "Uh…I need to use the bathroom. I'll see you back in class," Ashley said in a rush and then hurriedly walked away from Ginger.

She reached the safety of the bathroom and locked herself into a stall. Sitting on the toilet she dropped her head into her hands and let the tears fall down her face. She wasn't strong enough anymore, but she knew she needed to get there for Sammy's sake. He was angry, and hurting, and lashing out. And the fact that he lashed out at a much bigger kid meant that he no longer cared what happened to him. But Ashley did…because Sammy was all she had left right now.

Ashley stayed in the bathroom a long time, longer than she should have. The tears were finally slowing, and she wiped at her face with her sleeve before gathering up some toilet paper and blowing her nose. She unlocked the stall door and walked to the line of sinks. She splashed some water on her face and then dried it off with a paper towel before she looked at herself in the mirror.

She cringed. It was obvious that she had been crying. Her hands gripped the sink tightly as she clenched her eyes closed hard. They were all such a mess right now. Sam, angry and violent. Her weepy and sad. Dad…well…he was beyond fucked up mentally. She sighed. She didn't want to go back to class today…hell she didn't want to go to school at all anymore. Partly because of the shit her and Sammy had to deal with being Chandler's kids. Partly because…she was tired of all of it.

She sucked in a deep breath as she steeled her nerves to return to class. If she didn't emerge soon, they'd send someone looking for her. She pushed from the sink and walked towards the bathroom door. When she pulled it open, Ginger was standing there, a slightly shocked look on her face.

"Oh, there you are. Mr. Colborne sent me to look for you," she said her voice soft.

"Yeah, I was just heading back to class," Ashley said her voice a little raw. She cleared her throat and shrugged her shoulders. Ginger plastered a smile on her features and nodded.

"Come on," Ginger said as she wrapped her arm around Ashley's center. They started off towards class and Ginger dropped her arm. Ashley wasn't looking forward to being around everyone, but she knew she couldn't hide in the bathroom all day.

Mike Slattery

Mike sat in Andrea's living room. Andrea had left about an hour ago without much word and Mike wasn't sure what to do with himself. He knew he had to get the kids in a few hours but other than that his day was empty. He kept his phone on the coffee table in front of him, anxiously waiting for Sasha to call him back. He had tired calling Kara Green as well but had gotten her voice mail as well. He hoped that didn't mean there was another crisis brewing. He was tired…and wanted some down time. His phone rang. He glanced at the screen and saw it was Sasha.

"Hey," he said as he answered the phone. He noticed his voice sounded forced. He cringed.

"Hey, Slattery," Sasha responded cautiously. "How can I help you? Going stir crazy sitting on dry land?"

"Uh no…I've been pretty busy," Mike said with a sigh.

"Good to hear. You said there were a few issues you wanted to discuss with me?"

"Yes. I'll start with the easier one first."

"Okay," Sash drawled out. Mike took a deep breath.

"I ran into Kat Nolan this morning."

"Oh, how is Kat?"

"She's doing okay, here in Norfolk. But apparently the Navy placed her in a homeless shelter for kids…I guess kind of an orphanage."

"Oh, that's too bad."

"She thinks so too," Mike mumbled.

"Get to the point Slattery," Sasha said lightly. Mike nodded on his end and sucked in a deep breath.

"Right. She needs a sponsor to get her out of the home. I was thinking maybe either you…or the Greens?"

"Not someone there in Norfolk? What about you? Or Garnett?"

"Um, that's the other issue I need to talk to you about. But just know for right now…we can't take on any more kids."

"Wait…take on any more kids. Did you find your daughters Mike?" Sasha asked in a rush. Her question blindsided him and a felt a rush of grief blast through him. His throat constricted.

"Uh…no," he managed to squeak out and he swallowed hard. "No, not yet," he continued after clearing his throat. "We…uh…have Tom's kids for right now."

"Mike?" Sasha asked in a warning tone. "What's wrong with Chandler?" Mike paused. He knew this was going to be the more difficult thing to talk about. "Slattery," Sasha said in a low tone. Mike swallowed again.

"He's not good, Cooper," Mike whispered with a sigh. He listened to the long pause on her end. He could hear her breathing. Finally, she answered him.

"Tell me about it," Sasha said, sounding a little defeated. Mike blew out a breath and closed his eyes.

"He's been heavily drinking. I took his service weapon away from him when I took his kids away from him."

"Holy fuck, Slattery, and you're just now calling me? Is he suicidal?"

"I don't know, Cooper, I really don't. But he wasn't capable of taking care of Ash and Sam. Ashley called me and when I got there it was bad. He…I don't know how to help him. I'm not equipped to deal with that kind of thing."

"What are we talking?"

"I really don't know. But he's drunk…every time I go check on him…he's drunk…and still drinking."

"How are the kids?"

"Angry…sad…hurting…confused. We're staying with Andrea right now."

"Garnett?"

"Uh, yeah. I…couldn't stay in my house…it…the noise…the ghosts…I just…anyway, I was staying in a hotel, but it was only one bed. So, when Ash called, and I went and got the kids Andrea offered her place. She's so much stronger than me," Mike added absently. "So, what do you say about Kat Nolan?"

"Uh, yeah, I can…" Sasha started then stopped. Mike could hear her on the other end, so he knew he hadn't lost the connection. Mike let her think for a long moment. Then she came back on the line, her voice confident. "Yeah, I'll be in Norfolk later today. I'll call when I get there, and we can figure this mess out."

"Thanks, Sasha," Mike said softly. "I'm just don't know how to help him, other than watch out for his kids."

"I'll be there, Slattery. And I'll get Kat Nolan out too. Have you heard anything about your family?"

"No. But we're still looking," Mike said as the sadness blanketed him, seeping into his voice.

"Hang in there, Mike. I'll see you in a few hours."

"Thanks again," Mike said before the line went dead. He blew out a harsh breath and ran a hand over the top of his head. His phone vibrated again, and he frowned. He looked at the screen but didn't recognize the number. He answered it.

"Commander Slattery," he said in his official voice.

"Um, yes, sir. We've been trying to reach Captain Chandler and are unable to get ahold of him. You're listed as an emergency contact for the Chandler children." Mike frowned.

"Who is this?"

"Oh, my apologies, Sir," the woman said a little flustered. "My name is Ms. Aberdeen. I work at the school here in Norfolk."

"Are the kids, okay?" Mike asked as a rush of adrenaline surged through his body.

"Yes," she replied quickly. "Neither is hurt. But there was an incident with Samuel."

"What happened?" Mike said as the adrenaline ebbed, and he sighed.

"He was involved in an altercation with two older students, and well…we need someone to come pick him up." Mike bit at his lip to stifle the groan he felt brewing.

"What happened?"

"If you could come into the school, Mr. Olive, our principal, will explain everything too you."

"And Sammy isn't hurt?"

"No, other than maybe a few bruises. Another student stepped in to defend Samuel Chandler."

"Who?"

"An older female student from the homeless shelter. We're dealing with her as well as the older boy who was involved."

"Right. Who was the older female student?"

"I'm not supposed to release the names of the other students. If you could just come in and talk to Mr. Olive."

"Right," Mike sighed in frustration. "I'll be there shortly."

"Could you inform Mr. Chandler of the situation? We've been unable to reach him."

"Captain Chandler is unavailable at this time," Mike said flatly. "I'm in charge of the children until he is available again."

"Life in the Navy," the woman chirped, and Mike frowned then hung up. He groaned aloud and shook his head. He scribbled a quick note for Andrea then grabbed his keys and headed towards the school. When he arrived, he found the office and walked in. He saw Sam sitting on a hard plastic chair, his feet drawn up, perched on the edge, his knees to his chest, head buried on his thighs.

Nex to him was Kat Nolan. Mike couldn't stop the small smile that flitted across his features before he locked his face in Captain mode again. Kat gave him a little finger wave and a sheepish grin as she shrugged her shoulders. Mike turned towards the woman sitting at the desk off to the side of the room.

"May I help you?" the woman asked.

"I'm Commander Slattery," he said with a nod. The woman recognized his name and smiled at him.

"Yes, of course. Mr. Olive is in his office," the woman replied quickly, her finger pointing to a closed door. Mike glanced at the kids again before he went to the closed office door. He knocked gently.

"Come in," a man's voice drifted out. Mike opened the door and stepped inside the office. The man behind the desk stood and reached a hand over the desk. "I'm Mr. Olive," he said quickly as Mike reached out and gripped the man's hand. They shook quickly then both dropped their hands. Mr. Olive tipped his head towards the chair. "Please sit."

"I'm Commander Slattery," Mike said as he dropped his frame into the chair indicated. "I'm looking after Sam and Ashley Chandler for Captain Chandler until he is available again."

"Ah, okay, that's why Sherri couldn't reach him."

"Uh, yeah, he's…unavailable. Ms. Aberdeen said Sam was in an altercation."

"Yes. He and another male student, who is in the high school class, got into an altercation in the cafeteria today."

"What started it?"

"I'm not entirely sure. Neither boy is being very cooperative and neither boy is really talking."

"And the girl?"

"Ms. Nolan is…just saying she was protecting Sam Chandler."

"They know each other from…Kat's dad was a friend of ours."

"Seems she is from the homeless shelter."

"Yeah. For now. What is the punishment for Sam?"

"He's being suspended. We can't allow fighting on the grounds."

"I understand. And I'll talk to him about this."

"Since you're listed as an emergency contact for the kids, I'll release him into your custody."

"Might as well just put me as the contact for now. I don't know how long it's going to be, but the kids are living with me for now."

"Just give all your information to Ms. Aberdeen on the way out. You can also add another contact since you're the only one we have aside from Chandler."

"I can do that," Mike said.

"Alright, well you can take Mr. Chandler home now."

"Can I take Ashley out with him? That way I don't have to come back later today."

"I'll have her called down to the office."

"Thank you," Mike said as he stood and walked towards the door. He went back into the outer room and stopped in front of Sam. He stared at the boy for a long moment.

"What?" Sam said in a raspy voice that dripped with anger and…hurt?

"You've been suspended," Mike said as he squatted down in front of the young man.

"Yippee," Sam breathed out and glared at Mike. "Dad couldn't be bothered, huh?" Mike felt his heart break a little. Mike shook his head slightly and gave Sam a sad smile.

"Not yet, but he'll get better, Sam, I promise." Sam barked a humorless laugh, then fought back the tears. Mike wanted to pull him into a deep hug but knew Sam would resist. Mike glanced at Kat Nolan.

"Hey, Captain," Kat said softly. Mike smiled at her. "Guess I'm getting kicked out too. Back to the shelter, but I don't know what they'll do with me."

"I don't think you'll be there much longer, Kat," Mike said softly. Her eyes brightened and she sat up straighter.

"You mean it?" Kat asked.

"Yes. Sasha Cooper is on her way to Norfolk right now. She's going to inquire about getting you out and a place to live."

"Thanks, Captain Slattery," she breathed out with a smile. Mike smiled back at her and nodded. Mike looked back at Sammy; a sadness overtook him. Mike realized at that moment, that Sammy was going to need some serious help through this ordeal that life served up.

Kat Nolan

Kat sat in the office after Slattery left with the Chandler kids. They wouldn't let her leave with him. She sighed and bounced her leg as she waited for whoever was coming to pick her up. The other boy was eventually picked up by an angry father. That exchange had been heated and Kat almost felt sorry for the kid.

Finally, a man she recognized from the shelter showed up in the office. After he talked to Mr. Olive he came out and stared down at Kat angrily. He shook his head at her and crossed his arms over his chest. She frowned then glared at him. She checked the clock and wondered when Sasha Cooper would show up.

"Alright, Young Lady, let's go back to the shelter. You are in some trouble."

"Great," Kat breathed out and gathered her stuff. She slung her backpack over her shoulder and followed the man out the door.

"Leave your attitude behind. Fighting in a serious offense and getting suspended from school," the man scolded her.

"Save it," Kat spat at him in anger. She didn't care anymore. Hopefully by tonight she'd be out of this place.

"You won't take that tone with me," the man said angrily as he stopped. Kat almost ran right into the back of him before he spun around.

"You even want to know my side?"

"Don't need to know your side," the man said, and Kat rolled her eyes.

"So that fact that I was keeping Captain Tom Chandler's kid from getting the snot beat out of him has no bearing on how you feel?" Kat ground out. Her teeth gritted closed. The man froze for a moment, as her words sunk it. He opened his mouth to retort but then closed it quickly. She shook her head. "Whatever."

"You'll have extra chores when the other children are at school."

"I won't be there much longer," Kat replied with a shoulder shrug then walked around him heading towards the van he had driven. She climbed into the back and slumped down into the seat. Life was miserable. Hopefully that all turned around tonight. She sucked in a deep breath, slowly releasing it as the quiet ride back to the shelter commenced. The man didn't say another word to her and that was just fine with Kat.

TO BE CONTINUED…