2- we wish you a cold christmas

"That can't be right", Marjory's voice interjecting loudly reminded them all that she was still present. "You can see for yourself that he signed the forms", Sister Agnes disagreed, pointing to the familiar signature. "But Mr Wheeler wouldn't do something like that", Marjory proclaimed her voice sure and determined. 'What wouldn't dad do", all of them jumped as Jim Frayne's voice interrupted their discussion. Looking over Bill saw all of the remaining Bob whites had entered the stable and obviously heard them talking.

Bill didn't immediately answer Jim's question as he was conscious that the teen was always very quick at rushing to his adoptive fathers defense with his short temper often leading to an angry, emotional outburst. Sister Agnes though didn't know anything about Jim Frayne and remarked, "he's going to give some orphans a cold Christmas". A red flush crept up Jim's neck , "my father would never do such a thing", he insisted loudly. "Jim," Honey put her hand and her brothers arm and stepped forward, "whoever you are, you are sadly mistaken", she said firmly her voice carrying unaccustomed steel. Bill could feel tension rising in the room, "this is Sister Agnes, she comes from the home where Patty and I lived", he explained. "The home that will no longer exist, thanks to your father", the sister remarked firmly. Bill felt redness creeping up his own neck now, though more from embarrassment than anger. Because he knew Sister Agnes he felt responsible for her words and conscious of the fact that Mathew Wheeler was his employer, "please Sister let me handle this", he begged.

Turning to Jim Frayne Bill remarked, "Jim for some reason your fathers signature is on this form, now before we all start getting upset why don't we go and ask him about it".

Jim nodded and stalked out of the stables his posture indicating his temper had not lessened. The others all followed behind. Though it was really none of their business Bill did not ask the Belden's or Di Lynch to leave, he knew they'd probably only ask Honey and Jim about it later anyway.

They found Matt Wheeler in his office hunched over some forms. He looked startled when his red faced son burst into the room and demanded, "dad why are you knocking down a children's home". Matt frowned at his son, "I'm not sure what you are going on about", he stated. Jim felt his anger lessen, looking back over his shoulder he stated proudly, "see dad has nothing to do with it'. Sister Agnes boldly pushed her way through the huddle of people to stand before Mathew Wheeler. She was barely 4ft 10 inches in height but somehow she seemed to fill the room as she stood straight backed with her eyes blazing. "You are the one who ordered the home to be pulled down", she slapped the form in front of Matt.

He read over it, "ahh this is the place Mr Dalton told me about, said it was a run down hovel that raises potential gang members", Matt told the nun carefully. Sister Agnes coloured, "it most certainly is not", she stated firmly. Matt reached for the phone ,"I'll call Mr Dalton, he told her.

His business associate was drinking a large glass of whisky when he got the call, "Harold you told me that that place on the land for our new development was a haven for future gang members but I have a sister Agnes here who tells me something different", Matt stated firmly.

Harold felt panic creeping in as he envisioned millions of dollars disappearing away from his latest venture. "It was just a small error, he carefully remarked making sure he kept his voice level and calm." I knew you wouldn't be keen on signing if you knew it was a home. But Matt that place is dangerous, almost in a condemned state. Those children need to be relocated to a safer warmer place. I promise you that will happen," he wheedled. Matt felt his anger marginally lessen, "alright I'll deal with it", he proclaimed.

Hanging up the phone he turned to his watchers, "Harold claims the place is dangerous and will provide a better place for the children to go to", he told Sister Agnes calmly. He felt satisfied thinking the matter was ended and everyone would now be happy. Bill Regan however saw sadness in the Sisters face, 'is the place unsafe", he asked gently. "We have recently had some financial problems", she told them." Previously all repairs were paid out of this bank account that was opened anonymously years ago to help support the home. The bank told us that funds were running low and needed to be topped up. We tried to find the benefactor but couldn't. That led to the bank taking over control and asking for new owners", she glared at Matt, "I prefer to remain with our former benefactor and wish we could somehow locate him or her. Even at this later stage that might prevent demolition happening".

Trixie Beldens eyes began to sparkle, "a mystery", she enthused. Matt actually couldn't restrain a groan. Sister Agnes frowned at him in disapproval, "yes the place needs some work but it is our home, she slowly scanned the faces of everyone present. "There is only one way you can understand how much this place means to the children and that is visiting yourselves", she said that quite firmly before directly eyeballing Matt and announcing, "you owe us at least a chance". Matt could feel the eyes of the Bob whites looking at him but typically it was his daughter who spoke, "dad we have to go and look at this place, if it can be saved then we need to try and stop the demolition".

Matt nodded, "alright, I'll come", he agreed

Sister Agnes looked over at Bill, "dear one you will come too", she asked. Coldness that had nothing to do with the temperature suddenly came over Bill, he'd had never imagined ever stepping foot back in that home. It was a place filled with painful memories but Sister Agnes had once meant an awful lot to him, so after a long silence he finally answered "yes". She only glanced at Simon for a minute but he seemed to get the unspoken question, "where Bill goes I will follow", he told the Sister.

I will need some time to get some things ready", Matt told the nun.

"We'll go ask mom and dad if we can come too", Trixie told Matt insistently, "perhaps we can uncover the identity of this mysterious owner."

Matt was going to protest but he saw a look of wonder and hope beginning to form in Sister Agnes eyes so said, "I guess you can talk to the children while I focus on other aspects".

Trixie went off with a sparkle in her eyes in anticipation of another mystery.

Bill though was more reserved as he knew memories would surface. "We better get ready as well, Simon gently prodded. Bill nodded knowing that that preparation would be emotional as well as practical.