After Soldiers Bridge

It is a first season story about Duncan & Richie and of course Tessa.

Warning / Spanking of a teenager in some chapters

Richie woke up just before eight o'clock. No one needed to rouse him. Today and tomorrow will be hard. He was not really thrilled to talk to Mrs. Keller. A talk with Powell would be annoying as hell.

Oh, and he had to apologize and to thank him. Was Mac crazy? Well, but Powell had the right to arrest him and Richie had a long criminal record. That could have been the final straw. Okay, I will do what Mac expects. But Powell doesn't need to know a thing about me.

Okay, I take a shower and then breakfast.

As Richie entered the kitchen only Mac was there.

"Good morning my lad, you are early today."

"Morning Mac, yesterday you sent me to bed at nine. Don't be surprised."

"You want some pancakes?"

"Oh, yes I like them."

"Then sit down. They are ready in some minutes."

"Uhm, can I use your computer after breakfast?"

"Yes, why not, but remember the essay you have to write till noon."

"I know I will write it after using your computer, I promise."

"Okay, here are your pancakes. I have an appointment in half an hour. See you later Richie."

Richie used the computer in the office to gather some information about the compulsory school attendance. Now it was easy to write the essay.

Richie went to his room and an hour later he had completed his task.

Just when Tessa's customers had left the store, Richie strolled into the shop and handed her his essay.

"Here I hope you're happy with it."

"You're done? Well, I will read it as soon as possible. Please go back to your room you are still under house arrest."

Richie sighed, but obeyed and went back to his room.

Tessa was surprised the essay was well written but with some minor errors.

Duncan came back a little later.

"Hello my sweetheart!"

"Hello Duncan!

"Is everything all right Tessa?"

"Yes, Duncan, Richie handed me his essay."

"Are you satisfied? Yes, but I wonder from where he had his information."

"I allowed him to use the computer this morning."

"Ah, the little rascal is really clever."

"Please, show it to me."

Duncan read the essay.

"It is well written and it has only a few small errors. Tessa I think we should be satisfied with it."

He looked up and saw that Tessa frowned.

"Tessa, don't tell me you want to punish him for using the computer."

"Duncan, he cheated!"

"Oh, no, Tessa, he only sought information."

"Okay, I give in. You are once again on his side. But I will inform him" Tessa said.

I take care of our store no problem.

Tessa knocked and then entered Richie's room.

"Well Richie, I read your essay and I am satisfied. But next time solve the problem without using the computer. Understood?"

"Yes, of course, Tessa."

"Until lunch you stay in your room" and then she left without another word.

Huh, Tessa can be a witch. Note to myself, do not infuriate Tessa. You can only lose.

Tessa entered the store again.

"That was a quick talk" Duncan remarked.

"I just informed him that I'm satisfied and told him to stay in his room till lunch."

"Tessa, I think that is not a good idea to let him stew in his room. He is under house arrest Duncan. It is justified. He needs to know that we are consequent with him."

"Yes, Tessa but he is nervous and anxious because he has to talk to Mrs. Keller this afternoon. I am not sure it is good to let him alone."

"Oh, you again! Do what you want with him Duncan but you are too soft with this boy. It will backfire."

"He can roll the coins in my office. So he is distracted and not alone."

"Okay, I let you handle him today, but do not complain if he starts to make only what suits him."

"I will not complain, for I'm sure this will not happen."

A customer entered the shop and Tessa greeted him and asked if she could help.

Richie felt left alone after Tessa's abrupt departure. He brooded immediately about the next two afternoons. He sat down on the floor, leaned against the wall and drew up his knees, arms and head on top of them.

He did not hear Duncan knocking at the door. He was surprised when he suddenly saw Mac's legs appear in his vision field. He felt a slight touch on his head and he looked up.

Duncan sat down cross-legged in front of Richie.

"Oh, you were deep in thought my lad."

"Huh, yes it seems so."

"How do you feel?"

"Uhm, I am not especially happy. I thought about the meetings today and tomorrow afternoon."

"That I can understand my lad but it is important to talk with them."

"But you know Mac, it is difficult for me."

"Yes, I know but I will be with you. Don't worry."

"Mac, why are you here at all?" Tessa has condemned me to stay in my room, Richie complained.

"The coins must be rolled; I need to bring the rolled coins to my bank." Duncan stood up.

"Come on Richie."

"Duncan stretched out his hand and Richie took it. Duncan pulled Richie out of his thinking and pouting position and tousled his hair."

Some minute's later Duncan worked on his accounts and Richie was busy to roll the coins.

"Mac, I'm done. What do I do now?"

Duncan looked at his watch and noted that it was already half past twelve.

"Will you help me prepare lunch?"

"Yes, what is it?"

"How about pasta, steamed vegetables and some salad?"

"Sounds good!"

"Okay, let's go."

With Richie's help, lunch was soon ready and Tessa joined them.

After Lunch she opened the store again and Richie had to clean up the kitchen and then vacuuming the living room.

Shortly before three o'clock Mrs. Keller came and Duncan led her into his office.

"I will fetch Richie", Duncan said.

"Just a moment please Mr. Macleod, I would like to talk to you first and perhaps we need to talk again after the interview. Meanwhile I have interviewed all the other children involved.

It is certain that Richie has been sexually abused by his penultimate foster father and we suspect he was not the only one who abused Richie sexually.

One boy has witnessed it when it happened to Richie and not only once. The two boys stayed for some time in the same family.

We have learned frightening facts about various foster homes Richie was in."

"Mrs. Harrington has already indicated it but she was not sure about it", Duncan stated.

"Mr. Macleod I think that Richie completely ignores these experiences and imagines that everything is fine and nothing happened to him.

This also explains why he freaked out last time when I asked him. I will try to deal more carefully with him this time but I must ask him about all of his previous foster homes and Mrs. Tyler. It is impossible to predict how he reacts."

"Now we will indeed witness it soon. Mrs. Keller if I think it is too much for him, I'll interrupt this meeting."

"I agree, Mr. Macleod."

"Well then I go fetch him."

Duncan found him in the living room reading the newspaper.

"Hi, my lad, Mrs. Keller is here and you know she wants to talk to you"

"Oh, Mac I do not feel well."

"I know but you have no choice in this matter."

Richie got up and followed Duncan to his office and greeted Mrs. Keller politely.

"Good afternoon, Richie."

"Mrs. Keller I would like to apologize for my behaviour last time we met. It was just a very intense and exciting day for me."

"Richie I understand that it was a hard day for you. We forget it easily.

Well then let us begin with your second foster home.

What do you mean Mrs. Keller my second Foster home? Emily Ryan was my mother!"

"I'm sorry Richie; she was your first foster mother. We do know nothing about your real parents so you got her last name.

What do you remember about your second foster family the Farrell's?"

"Huh, not much I was still so small but I was always hungry and thirsty, so I ran when I had the opportunity."

Mrs. Keller questioned Richie more and more about the various foster families. Duncan noted that Richie became increasingly restless and he took Richie's hand in his to calm and support him.

With every foster family discussed he got more and more agitated and restless.

"Mrs. Keller, I want to interrupt for a while and go with him in our living room", Duncan said.

"Well, I agree and I will wait here", Mrs. Keller said.

Richie immediately ran off to the living room and sat down.

"Richie calm down. I am with you in a minute."

Duncan disappeared into the kitchen and came back with a glass of water and handed it to Richie.

"Huh, thank you Mac."

"You're welcome."

Mac sat down next to Richie and rubbed soothing circles in his back while the boy gulped his water down.

"How do you feel my lad?"

"Miserable, Mac, please send her away."

"Richie, I think that it will be even more difficult for you when Mrs. Keller must come again."

"Mac I have no desire to remember the last five foster families. These were the worst!"

"Well, then just say the most important and don't go into any details. Ms. Keller knows already enough. Some of the other children have told everything.

Until now you have done very well. I'm proud of you. Lie down a few minutes and try to relax."

After twenty minutes, Richie had calmed down. Ms. Keller was able to proceed with the survey. Richie held on to Mac's instruction and said as it was but no details.

He was glad that Mac was with him and held his hand.

"Richie, I think we're done. Thank you for your help and I'm sorry you had such bad experiences.

I hope that you at least feel comfortable with Mr. Macleod and Mrs Noel."

"Mac, may I go to my room."

"Yes, you may and dress for sport. I'm with you as soon as possible."

"Okay, bye Mrs. Keller. "

"Bye Richie."

"Now, Mrs. Keller, I think Richie told you enough. It was difficult for him to talk about it."

"Yes you are right Mr Macleod. Richie represses a lot of bad memories and experiences.

He does not trust us, so he says very little about himself and his feelings.

Maybe he will tell you a thing or two when he knows you better and you established some trust between you. It would certainly help him in the processing."

"Well, so far he does not tell us about himself or trust us. Tessa and I have to be patient and show him that we are there for him. This is currently the most important task for us."

"I agree with you Mr. Macleod. Maybe you should encourage Richie to visit a therapist."

"I will think about it Mrs. Keller. "

"Well, Mr. Macleod it is a start. Mrs. Harrington will visit you soon. Now I must go I have another appointment."

"I'll bring you to the door and then the two said goodbye."

Duncan went to his room and dressed in sportswear. Then he knocked at Richie's door and entered. Apparently, the boy was in the bathroom so he sat down on the bed. A few minutes later, Richie came out of his bathroom.

"Are you ready for a yoga lesson my lad," Duncan asked?

"Do I have a choice?"

"Nope, but I think it is even better than being banished to your room, right?"

"Maybe, whatever!"

"Well then come on."

"Mac, can we take a walk along the coast instead of yoga."

"Yes, it's also possible I just inform Tessa about it. Stay here."

Tessa had just closed the store.

"Tessa, Richie and I would like to walk along the coast instead of his yoga lesson.

"Oh, that's a good idea, Duncan."

"Would you like to join us my sweetheart?"

"Yes, surely I am coming but the boy received house arrest. Do you even remember?"

"Yes, I know but he has asked me if we could walk along the coast instead of his yoga lesson", Duncan told her.

"And of course you consented," Tessa stated.

"Why not the boy needs some fresh air and he had a hard day. I will tell you about it later when we are alone."

"Okay, I'm ready in twenty minutes."

"Well then I still have time to teach him one or two yoga exercises." Duncan went back to Richie's room.

Tessa knocked at Richie's door and said; "I am ready".

Richie and Duncan emerged immediately.

"I thought we can eat dinner at the beach restaurant", Tessa said.

"Oh, Tessa that's a wonderful idea", Duncan said. "Let's go."

The three walked cosy to the restaurant and found a nice place with good views of the sea.

The waiter brought the menu. Duncan and Tessa knew immediately what they wanted but Richie just saw the prices.

"Hey, Richie, what do you want to eat?" Duncan asked.

"Huh, I don't know."

"What about the roast veal with steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes?"

"Well, yes but it is expensive."

Duncan tousled Richie's hair and said; "It does not matter just take what you like!"

"Okay then the roast veal and a Coke."

Duncan told a couple of brief episodes from his life and Richie was thrilled. It was after ten when the three were at home again and of course it was bed time for Richie.

Duncan awoke the third time in this night because Richie had nightmares.

"Richie wake up, you have another nightmare."

"Hi Mac, I'm sorry I've woken you up again. No issue just try to relax. Tell me about your dream it usually helps."

"No, I do not remember what it was."

Of course that was a lie and Duncan knew it but nevertheless he sat down again and took Richie's hand in his.

"Okay trying to fall asleep again and he started the relaxation exercise for the fourth time. This time he sat with Richie over two hours until it was time for his morning run.

Duncan was ready shortly before eight for his breakfast; the teenager was already in the kitchen.

"Good morning Richie, how are you feeling?"

"Morning Mac, I'm okay."

"The questioning yesterday was probably a bit much. Powell only asks you about Mrs. Tyler. I think it will be a bit easier today.

You were really brave yesterday and I'm proud of you." Richie looked a little embarrassed and Duncan tousled his hair.

"Today I will explain to you how to serve customers and where to find the needed information about the antiques and the minimum prices. I will also show you how you deal with the cash register and credit card machine."

Duncan focused all the time on Richie. He did not want the lad to brood about yesterday to much.

Suddenly it was just before four, and Powell stood before the door. Duncan let him in and led him into his office.

"Please sit down, Sergeant Powell. Would you like to drink something?"

"Yes, a coffee with milk and sugar. Well, just a moment, I must inform Richie anyway, that you are here."

Duncan disappeared into the kitchen where Richie made his well-deserved break.

"Sergeant Richie Powell is here. Please come in my office in about ten minutes. I want to talk first with Powell alone."

"Okay, ten minutes, your office", Richie retorted.

Duncan entered his office with two cups of coffee and handed one to Sergeant Powell and then he sat down.

"Thank you Mr Macleod."

"Sergeant Powell, I would like to thank you. I was really glad that you brought Richie home instead to arrest him and bringing him for the judge."

"In recent weeks I have learned a lot about Mrs. Tyler and Richie's previous foster parents.

I realized that he had some foster parents who incite him to do criminal and illegal activities. They even taught him.

Unfortunately, he never has enlightened us about it before. We would have acted earlier. So I think that Richie has earned another change.

No child needs such foster parents.

"This is also my opinion, Sergeant Powell. For Richie it is very difficult to trust adults.

So please do not be disappointed if he doesn't tell a lot. Be aware that Richie represses a lot of bad memories and experiences."

In that moment there was a knock and Richie entered.

"Good afternoon, Sergeant Powell."

"Good afternoon Richie."

"Richie come here and sit down", Duncan gently requested. Richie followed Duncan's request.

"Sergeant Powell, I would like to thank you. I'm glad you brought me home the other day instead of arresting me. You have saved me big trouble."

"I'm glad you realize it apparently. So stay away from criminal and illegal activities."

"I'll try Sergeant Powell, really. "

"Well, that's a start."

"Please tell me now about Mrs. Tyler."

"Huh, actually I do not know much. I only know that some foster parents said that they received not enough money for me and I should therefore contribute. I did not understand it at this point. I had no idea how much they received for me.

I've never dared to speak to someone about all of it let alone with Ms. Tyler, or with my teachers.

If it was too bad, then I ran away. Normally Ms. Tyler placed me just in a different family but it was never better on the contrary.

The last five families were the worst. But I do not want to talk about it. You can ask Ms. Keller, I told her some of it."

"Well, actually this is enough for me Richie. We take your statement for the record. You do not have to testify in court. Some of the adult foster children will help us and testify against her.

I will send the report by post to Mr. Macleod. Both of you sign it and send it back to me. Then the affair is done for Richie.

Now I must go. Thanks Richie that you told me what you knew about Mrs. Tyler.

Richie, try to be a good boy and stay clean. Understood?"

"Yes, yes I try Sergeant Powell, I promise", Richie confirmed.

"Mac, may I go to my room?"

"Yes you may go, Duncan confirmed.

"Bye Sergeant Powell."

"Bye Richie."

"Well, that sounds quite different. It seems that you get a grip on this boy, Mr. Macleod."

"Yes, I hope so and I try", Duncan retorted.

"His attitude has improved visibly. I never expected that he would be thankful that I didn't arrest him."

"Basically, he's a good boy and has his heart in the right place. Sometimes a hint is enough."

"I'll accompany you to the door Sergeant Powell." And then the two parted in a friendly manner.

Duncan knocked and entered Richie's room. The boy was once again in his thinking and pouting position.

"Richie you've done well and I'm proud of you", Duncan said and sat down on the bed. He tousled Richie's hair.

"Really?"

"Yes, Powell was satisfied and surprised about your behaviour.

But one thing you must be clear. Your relationship with Powell is over. I don't want to pick you up at the police station. Understood!"

"Huh, yes, Mac, I promise I'm a good boy."

"Well, I think it is time for your yoga lesson. See you in ten minutes in the training room."

Richie had no interest in yoga and tootled around.

Twenty minutes later, Duncan was back in Richie's room. "Hey what's wrong with you?"

"Mac, I have no interest in yoga. Well then I'll show you a Kata."

"What is that?"

"It is a series of defence movements against an invisible enemy", Duncan explained.

"Okay, I can always use that, Richie retorted.

Duncan smirked, basically, it was not much different as Yoga or Tai Chi but it sounded better for Richie.

The rest of the evening went without complications and disagreements. Richie was tired and went to bed shortly after nine o'clock.

This night Richie was without nightmares to Duncan's relief.

Thank you for reading, please review. Next chapter coming soon!