To Have & to Hold Forever
This story is a sequel to "Sickness & Health, Good Times & Bad", along with other stories in the "Together Forever" Series. You don't have to read those stories first but this story will make more sense if you do.
Brian and Justin are established partners, sharing custody of Gus and raising Brian's nephews.
I don't own the original QAF characters just the situations I create. No copyright infringement intended.
Chapter 12
Brian and Justin went up to the nursery. Lily & Liam were still asleep but that didn't deter their fathers from standing over the crib, with smiles on their faces while admiring their son & daughter. Cassie was enjoying this assignment much more than caring for Joan Kinney.
She was enjoying getting to know Justin & Brian. Cassie thought they were pretty adorable as they carefully observed the twins. The babies were sound asleep but Brian and Justin were enthralled by each tiny facial movement. One or the other would poke their partner and point to whichever baby made the cutest face.
When Justin & Brian turned to leave, Cassie asked if she could talk to them for a minute. All three stepped out into the hall.
"My girls are out of school for the summer. I have an arrangement with a neighbor to watch them while I am here with Liam and Lilly. The girls are used to having more time with me in the summer.
I was wondering if you would mind if they came with me a couple days a week. I wouldn't let them touch the babies and I'd make sure they had activities to do so they won't get into anything. If you aren't comfortable with them coming here it is fine for them to stay with my neighbor."
Brian surprised both Cassie and Justin by responding.
"Bring your girls every day if you want. It would be best if they stayed with you. When they weather gets warmer you can take the twins outside and supervise the girls in the pool. John and Peter are both responsible young men but I prefer for them not to get pulled into entertaining the girls."
Justin had a huge smile as he put his arm around Brian's waist.
"You daughters can probably help with fetching things for you. Keep track of what they do to help, and we'll pay them. It will be a good lesson about working and give them a little mad money."
Cassie was overwhelmed.
"Oh my goodness! You don't have to pay my girls. They will be able to help me but there is no need to pay them for helping."
Brian shook his head.
"Once you have been around him for a while, you'll discover that once Justin makes up his mind there is no changing it."
Justin nodded and Cassie chuckled. Alice raved about how wonderful Justin and Brian were and now Cassie was a true believer. She couldn't wait to tell the girls about the new summer plan.
Brian went down to the study for a scheduled conference call with Cynthia, Ted & Greg. As much as he loved his new babies; Brian couldn't abandon his older baby, Kinnetik.
Justin went to his studio. He got a pad of paper and wrote down he questions he wanted to ask their attorney. Once he had his thoughts in order, Justin called the law office. He was happy to be told that Larry Buchanan was available. A few moments later Larry came on the line. He and Justin exchanged greetings.
"So Justin, it isn't often that you call me. What's up?"
Justin chuckled.
"That's true, this is an unfamiliar call. Now that the immediate danger of Gus being moved to Florida has passed; Brian and I are concerned about what Melanie's next move will be. We don't believe she has given up on moving Gus away from Pittsburgh and, of course, our influence.
We are wondering what you think our chances of getting primary custody would be, if we decided to pursue that option."
"Hmmm. I don't think it is correct to give an immediate answer to that question. My first thought has my mind reeling. That thought concerns Brian Kinney living with five children. Let me confer with Anabel, no charge, and see what she thinks. There are lots of positives, but Gus has lived with his mothers since he was born. Changing custody has the potential to cause him some anxiety."
Justin let out a small groan.
"Brian is already dealing with the five children thing. I did tell him it was just one more. The potential for anxiety is why we have never seriously considered going for primary custody. The thing is, if Gus is moved away from us and not allowed to contact us, that is sure to cause him anxiety. The secrecy of their plan to move to Florida is what has us concerned."
"That's a valid concern. That secrecy would be a positive factor for you and Brian getting primary custody. Having said that, there are a lot of factors we must consider.
Let me confer with Anabel and get back to you with our recommendation"
Larry and Justin said their goodbyes. Justin made a few notes on his pad before he put it aside. He decided to try and take his mind off the possible custody battle. He downloaded the photos, from his phone, of Lily & Liam onto his laptop.
Justin's plan was to delete any photos not worth saving. The reality was that he couldn't bear to part with a single photo. Every picture had an unforgettable feature that made it impossible for a proud Papa to click "delete".
Justin did select a few of the most adorable pictures of Lily & Liam to send to his Taylor grandmother. One photo was of Brian with a "rarely captured" huge smile on his face holding both babies in his arms. He also printed put half a dozen to send to Jennifer's mother in California. He knew she disliked communicating via computer.
Justin sent some baby pictures to Daphne and checked his emails before making his way down to the study. Brian was at work on his computer but looked up with a smile when Justin walked into the room.
Justin sat on the couch and Brian immediately came over and joined him.
"Larry have anything useful to say?"
"Not really. He is going to talk with Anabel and get back to us. The planned secret move is a plus for us getting custody. The fact that Gus has always lived with his moms is a negative for any change in the custody arrangement."
Brian sighed and put his arm around his partner.
"I wish I knew what would be the best thing for Sonny Boy? We don't want to lose our contact with him, but should we disrupt the life he has always known with his mothers."
Justin rested his head on Brian's shoulder.
"I want him to be with us, but I don't know if that is just selfish of me."
Both men sighed, lost in thought. A knock on the study door startled them. They both sat up straighter and Justin said. "Come in."
Peter came into the study, looking a little uneasy.
"Papa, Uncle Brian, John said I should tell you what Gus said to me the last time we talked on the phone."
Both men looked at Peter, curious about what he had to tell them. Justin smiled.
"What did Gus tell you Buddy?"
Peter pulled one of the chairs over from the table and sat in front of his Uncles.
"Last week, right before his math final exam, Gus called to ask me some questions. He said his Mommy let him use his phone to call me. I could hear Lindsay and Melanie arguing in the background. Mel was saying that Gus should have asked his teacher the questions."
Brian sat forward.
"Gus said Linds was "letting" use his phone."
Peter nodded. Brian pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and pushed the short cut for Gus's number. The phone rang a few times before Lindsay picked up. Brian frowned.
"Hi Linds. How come you are answering Gus's phone."
"Well, uhh, he is down in the playroom."
Brian heard Gus's voice.
"Mommy I'm right here. Is that Daddy? Can I talk to him?"
A second later Gus said hello to his Daddy.
"So Gus were you playing down the basement?"
"No Daddy. I don't know why Mommy said that. I was drawing at the dining room table; she knew that was where I was."
Brian frowned.
"I guess Mommy was just closest to your phone."
"Mommy keeps my phone for me. She said that was the best thing, so I wouldn't lose it. I told her I was a big boy, but she said the phone was spensive and it would cost you a lot of money if I lost it."
Brian's frown deepened.
"Well I just wanted to tell you that Papa and I think Lily and Liam miss you. We are all looking forward to your next visit. You can go back to drawing. Let me talk to Mommy."
Gus handed off the phone to his Mommy and said Daddy wanted to talk to her.
"Linds, why are you holding Gus's phone? The whole idea of the phone was that he could call us when he was upset."
"Brian, Mel and I decided he is too young to have a cell phone."
Justin could hear Lindsay's side of the conversation and put his hand on Brian's thigh. When Brian looked his way, Justin shook his head. Brian got the message and just said goodbye to Lindsay and disconnected the call.
Justin spoke up.
"I don't think you should have that conversation with Lindsay. That decision has Melanie written all over it. We should go talk to her at her office. Maybe we can get this custody thing settled with her. I have a feeling Linds may still be too fragile for a confrontation."
Peter said he would let them talk and quickly escaped. He felt sure Uncle Brian might explode any moment.
When Brian turned to Justin he was amazed by the determined look on his partner's face. More accustomed to a happy visage Brian found himself somewhat startled by Justin's expression. Justin's hand stayed reassuringly on Brian's thigh.
"I say we take a page from Melanie's playbook and just show up at her office tomorrow and confront her. We deserve answers about what was behind her planned move and why Gus's phone has been taken away from him. Mel and Lind's shouting matches are why we got Gus that phone."
Brian understood that Justin's outrage was partially triggered by his feelings that Brian was being treated unfairly and Gus was being victimized by his mothers. He agreed to Justin's planned visit to Melanie's law office provided they made sure that Lily and Liam would be adequately taken care of.
Justin pointed out that Cassie would be on duty and that John would also be on hand to help. He also said he would check with Alice & Charlie to be sure they were willing to help with the twins. He reminded Brian they wouldn't be gone more than a couple hours and they could time their absence to occur during a time that Liam and Lily were usually asleep.
The next afternoon Brian & Justin walked up to the reception desk at the law office where Melanie worked. Brian asked to see Melanie and admitted they did not have an appointment. The receptionist buzzed Melanie's secretary who arrived a few minutes later to conduct the men to Melanie's office.
A visibly annoyed Melanie was seated at her desk when Brian & Justin entered her office. Both men recognized it as a power play.
"Well this is a surprise to see the two of you. I'm amazed you aren't at home with the babies."
Justin had a small smile on his face.
"Don't be concerned. Lily and Liam are being well cared for while we are here."
Without being asked both men sat in the guest chairs in front of the desk. Brian let Mel know the reason for their visit.
"Sorry to interrupt your schedule. While we are relieved that you called off your move to Florida; we remain concerned about your future plans. We feel the best solution would be to amend our current custody agreement to require our permission before you move Gus away from this area."
Melanie's face assumed an even more hostile expression.
"I will never agree to that change to our agreement. To be honest I plan to ask the court to negate the agreement that Lindsay and I were forced to sign."
Justin chuckled. "Good luck with that appeal. If you think you will be successful with that reasoning you are just fooling yourself."
Melanie glared at Justin.
"I could also just ask the courts to give a ruling that will establish that the current agreement does NOT prevent us from moving out of this area. There is nothing in writing that prevents a move. You and your lawyer are merely interpreting the agreement incorrectly."
Brian reentered the conversation.
"Mel if you don't agree to voluntarily amend the agreement; we are prepared to go to court to press for more custody of Gus. We are even considering asking for primary custody. Particularly since we just recently learned you have taken Gus's cell phone away from him.
I purchased that phone because your screaming matches with Lindsay had both Gus and JR terrified. You need to give his phone back to him."
"Brian you have no right to dictate to me. Lindsay and I agree that Gus to too young to have his own phone. We are afraid that it may distract him from his studies or put him in contact with undesirable people."
Brian nodded, his no expression face firmly in place.
"Do you have any reason to believe that either of those things have happened?"
"We are being proactive to avoid any trouble. As his primary caregivers we don't need or want your advice on how we raise our son."
Brian nodded again.
"Justin and I are hoping we can all work together to do what is best for Gus. If we can't agree to work together, we will be forced to consider going to court to assume primary custody of Gus."
Melanie stood up and glared at the two men.
"Over my dead body."
Brian shrugged his shoulders. 'I don't believe the courts would require that to amend custody."
Melanie resumed her seat, but her expression was grim.
"You would be wasting your time to even attempt to get primary custody. I have known you for a long time and would not hesitate to use whatever means necessary to block any change in Gus's custody.
I would have no trouble finding research which shows that children who were physically abused often become abusers with their own children. Expert witnesses to support that research will be easy to find. It might be helpful to have Joan Kinney testify about her opinion of you and how you lead your life."
Justin could feel Brian deflate beside him. He knew that one of Brian's biggest fears was that he would become abusive like Jack Kinney. Justin also knew that Melanie was aware of Brian's fear and he was furious. No one looking at him would guess just how angry he was. Ingrained country club manners allowed him to keep a small smile on his face as he looked across the desk at Melanie.
"You're correct Mel. I bet information on abused children becoming abusive adults is easy to locate. I'm sure I can find a lot on information on the internet about women who are sexually abused by their fathers and the psychological damage that causes.
I bet there is research showing that those abused girls may show lesbian tendencies because of their fear of men. I willing to bet that those abused women have a greater tendency to abuse their sons."
Melanie was instantly on her feet again.
"How dare you! How dare you bring that up!"
Justin calmly looked at the irate woman.
"You hypocritical, self-righteous bitch! You feel it is okay to bring up Brian's past but I shouldn't mention Lindsay present state of mind. She is still on medication for her issues. You bring Joan to court and I can assure you we will bring the Petersons in to testify.
Great family history there. Brian never took money from any child, let his own son, to buy lottery tickets. You seem to have a very selective memory. A year ago, you gave Brian a glowing review to the Commonwealth when we took custody of John and Peter. We had excellent reviews from everyone at the welfare department while the boys were in out custody.
You asked my mother to stop fucking with your life. You ain't seen nothing yet! When my mother and I put our heads together you won't know what hit you.
Charlie and Alice are in our home every day. They will make excellent witnesses about our everyday life as well as how much Gus enjoys spending time with us. Is there anyone, anyone at all who will testify about your home life? I can't help wondering if your new neighbors have heard the shouting matches. I'm sure the neighbors at the loft remember them."
Brian turned to look at Justin, amazed by what he was hearing.
Melanie was furious but trying to keep control.
"I feel sure any judge would take the testimony of your paid employees with a huge grain of salt."
Justin's smile widened.
"Alice and Charlie have lived in Washington County for their entire lives. They know every important person in the county. I would like to see you try and question their honesty and integrity. We would need a bus to bring all the character witnesses to the courthouse.
There are also the O'Briens and the Gardners who have no qualms about trusting us with their children. Sidney Bloom will be happy to testify about how Lindsay talked about Kevin O'Brien and Gus spending time with him. Gus's teacher, from last year, can tell everyone about how you flew off the handle when Gus helped another student.
Who would plan you plan on testifying for you and Lindsay and your parenting skills?"
A still furious Melanie sat back in her chair. Her mind going a mile a minute; searching for something to counter what Justin had to say. She came up blank.
Justin nodded to Brian and they both stood up. Brian took Justin's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before he turned to Melanie.
"Let us know when you are prepared to talk rationally about Gus's custody and the changes we want made. Now we have to get home to our children. Since we both know how important parenting is, we have both taken time off from our careers to concentrate on Liam and Lily.
Of course, we can afford to do that and still have plenty of money to hire lawyers, investigators and expert witnesses. Have a nice day Mel."
There was no response from Melanie as they walked out of her office.
Once they were in their car Brian turned to Justin.
"Sunshine, you were just a little scary in there. Talk about genetics! You are truly your Mother's son. By the way, never complain about me being overly protective again.
As soon as Mel mentioned Jack and how he treated me, you were like a trained attack dog. You went for the jugular and never let go."
Justin gave his partner a sunshine smile.
"Just be careful you never get on my bad side."
Both men laughed as Brian started them on the way home.
When they got home, they were amused to see John feeding Liam and Charlie feeding Lily while Alice & Cassie admired the artwork of Cassie's daughters. The girls were coloring at the kitchen table. Cassie looked nervous when Brian & Justin walked into the house.
Charlie looked over at them, a big smile on his face.
"I haven't spent any one on one time with this little lady. I thought it was time to correct that oversight."
John also had a smile on his face.
"Liam was anxious to have some cousin bonding, so I obliged him."
Cassie started to apologize but Alice cut her off.
"Don't be silly. The twins are being well looked after; that is all that is important."
Brian laughed.
"I'm sure you know Cassie, that no one in this household ever wants to disagree with Alice. Don't worry I'm sure the bottle feeders will be happy to let you change diapers after Sunbeam and Princess are done with their meal."
Justin gave Cassie a reassuring smile before hurrying over to give his son & daughter kisses on their heads while they concentrated on emptying their bottles.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
Word spread fast in the law office. Shortly after Brian and Justin left, Bernice walked down to Melanie's office. Several other assistants had been down to get info from Melanie's assistant, but she loyally had nothing to tell them.
When Bernice, the managing partner, walked up to her the desk Mel's assistant knew there was no avoiding her questions.
"Did Mr Kinney and Mr Taylor have an appointment?"
"No. They just showed up."
Bernice nodded. "Tell her I am here to see her."
Melanie opened her office door as soon as her assistant let her know the managing partner wanted to meet with her.
Bernice walked into the office without a word and dropped into one of the guest chairs. Mel told her assistant that they did not want to be disturbed.
Mel sat behind her desk and waited for Bernice to start the conversation.
"So, Ms Marcus. Why were Mr Kinney and Mr Taylor in the office today?"
"Excuse me but this concerns my personal life. I don't see why you feel you need the details of our meeting."
Bernice smiled.
"The meeting occurred in this office suite. Everything that happens here is MY business. I thought your custody issues were settled without any undue publicity. If that is incorrect, I need to know what is happening."
Melanie sighed.
"Brian feels like this is a good time to demand changes to the custody agreement he forced us to sign."
"Forced you to sign as a condition for lending you money, correct?"
"The office gossip line is in great working order. Brian signed over his parental rights shortly after Gus was born. He was not supposed to play an active role in my son's life. He was a club boy at the time, promiscuous and hard partying at the time. Now suddenly he is a family man."
Bernice nodded.
"I should tell you that I am acquainted with Mr Kinney lawyer, Larry Buchanan. We travel in some of the same social circles. My understanding is that Mr Kinney has paid very generous support since Gus was born. Is that correct?"
Melanie nodded.
"Office gossip also says that Mr Kinney pays the school tuition not only for his son but for your daughter. Is that correct?"
Melanie nodded again.
"Certainly, you understand as a lawyer specializing in family law that accepting that long term, continuous support would cause most courts to rule that the father who pays that support maintains his parental rights.
I fear that you are allowing your personal feelings to overrule your legal knowledge. Have Mr Kinney and Mr Taylor expressed the desire to assume primary custody of Gus?"
Melanie didn't say anything.
"Melanie, did they ask for primary custody?"
"They threatened that. They want more input in how Gus is being raised. They threatened to take us to court and use Lindsay's breakdown to get primary custody. We have had some financial difficulties, bad ones and they loaned us money. Now they want to control my life."
Bernice was quiet for a few moments.
"You do understand that you brought this on yourself. Your ill-advised plan to move to Florida without notifying them has rightly caused trust issues for Mr Kinney and Mr Taylor. I know that last year when they got legal custody of Mr Kinney's nephews they used Anabel Harper. She is an excellent attorney. I strongly suggest you negotiate a compromise that you can live with.
I suspect you would have a difficult time making a compelling case against those gentlemen. They are rich, successful, a firmly attached couple and are already supporting Gus financially. I don't know what your wife's issues are but there is still a prejudice against mental illness in our legal system. Mr Kinney and Mr Taylor would have undergone a pretty thorough investigation when they assumed temporary custody of the nephews and again when they were awarded permanent custody. That means no serious skeletons were found in their closets."
"I refuse to give in to their demands. I will never agree to amend custody of my son."
Bernice stood.
"Melanie, I think that is an emotional response. You would be foolish not to behave more rationally. Once again I must warn you that if you attempt to involve this law firm in a legal case that results in bad publicity for the firm; I will have choice but to end your employment here."
Those were Bernice's final words. She left the office.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
Brian and Justin spent most of the afternoon enjoying their twins. Cassie daughters, Lucy & Violet, were fascinated by Lily and Liam. Justin had them sit on the couch holding the babies and more pictures were taken.
Cassie was getting ready to take the sleeping babies up to the nursery when the phone rang. Alice answered and let Justin and Brian know that Larry Buchanan wanted to talk to them. The men hurried down to the study to take the call.
Larry told them that he had spoken with Anabel and she felt this was an excellent time to amend Gus's custody agreement. Mel's secretive plan to move out of state would demonstrate to the courts her reluctance to comply with the current legally executed agreement. In Anabel's opinion Melanie had to be aware that her planned move without consulting Brian was a clear legal violation; regardless of what she was saying now.
Larry suggested that that get a judgement placed against Lindsay and Meanie for the money they owed. Brian wasn't sure about the judgement. Justin thought the judgment was a good idea since no attempt had been made to repay the money. Larry thought it would show how unreliable Melanie was and in the end Brian went along.
Although this was all good news Brian was still doubtful about how a custody change would affect Gus. After the call Justin reminded Brian that Gus was due to begin a two week "summer" stay with them. Hopefully they could subtlety sound out Gus about how he would feel about living with them more fulltime.
The two-week visit would also relieve the anxiety about Melanie hatching a new plan to move out of the area. Neither man believed Mel had completely abandoned her plan, despite was Lindsay told them.
The plan was for Jennifer to pick up Gus on Saturday morning. She planned to stay overnight to get in some Grandmother time with Liam and Lily. Brian got a call from Lindsay on Friday morning. She suggested that Gus not come to stay for his scheduled visit. She said that she and Melanie felt that Brian and Justin had enough on their plate dealing with their twins and it might be better for everyone if they delayed Gus's visit.
Brian was furious but kept calm as he explained to Lindsay that they had plenty of support and there was no way he would accept any delay of Gus's visit. Lindsay's reply was that she and Melanie would discuss the matter and get back to Brian. Brian's response was that he was not interested in hearing about their discussion because it was pointless; Jennifer would pick up Gus on Saturday morning.
As soon as he hung up with Lindsay, Brian called the investigator he regularly used. He asked the investigator to watch the munchers house on Saturday morning and to follow them if they took Gus out of the house.
Brian let Justin know about his phone calls and Justin called his mother to let her know about the possible complication to her picking up Gus. Jennifer was livid and let Justin know she could handle whatever those "bitches" tried to pull. She and Tucker would be awake and ready to go at the crack of dawn.
Justin thanked his mother and related her message to Brian who chuckled. Brian also mentioned that he could not understand why anyone would deliberately get on Mother Taylors' bad side.
Shortly before Jennifer was scheduled to pick up Gus, Brian's investigator called him to let him know Melanie had left the house with Gus. The investigator tracked them to a Giant Eagle grocery store quite a distance away from their house.
Justin called his mother who knew exactly where that store was located. She told him she & Tucker were leaving home and to let her know if Melanie left the store before they arrived. Less than 20 minutes later Tucker parked at the Giant Eagle. He and Jennifer got out of the car; she took his hand as they walked into the store. Tucker took a cart and together they started to "shop" while searching for Gus and his Momma.
It didn't take them long to locate them. Gus spotted them before Melanie saw them. He gleefully shouted "Grandmom Jen".
Jennifer had a smiled fixed on her face as she hurried over and gathered Gus in her arms.
"Sweetheart! Imagine running into you at this market. Tucker and I stopped here to grab up a few things before we picked you up."
Melanie's face showed her shock at the arrival of Jennifer & Tucker. Jennifer turned her attention to her.
"Mel, how odd that you shop here. There are closer food stores to your home."
"Well it is not really close to your house either."
Jennifer nodded; her smile never faded but her eyes narrowed as she focused on Melanie.
"One of my agents has a listing not far away. I told her I would put an open house panel on her sign since Tucker and I would be out and about this morning."
Melanie doubted if that was true. She realized that Brian must have hired someone to watch their house. She was torn between being impressed and being annoyed, annoyance was winning.
"Lindsay and I discussed Gus's visit and we are concerned that Brian and Justin have enough to handle with the twins. We feel they won't have enough time for Gus, and it would be better to wait until later in the summer for Gus to visit."
Jennifer chuckled but her eyes never stopped staring directly at Melanie.
"My dear, you are wasting your time worrying about Justin and Brian. They have everything well in hand. They hired a local nurse as a part time nanny. Alice and Charlie are enchanted by Lily and Liam and have been a huge help. John is incredibly helpful with his cousins. He is such a caregiver and an expert at bottle feeding and diaper changing.
Tucker and I are spending the weekend. Justin spends the afternoons in his studio while the nanny is on duty. He is looking forward to Gus spending time with him in the studio. There is absolutely no reason for Gus not to visit! If I were you, I'd spend more time concentrating on your own life."
When Jennifer talked about Gus spending time in Justin's studio, she looked at Gus who was obviously thrilled at the prospect of spending time with his Papa.
Jennifer and Tucker had come up with a quick shopping list in the car on their way to intercept Melanie.
Jennifer picked up Gus and deposited him in the cart that Tucker was holding.
"How about you guys get what we came here to buy. I'd like a chance to talk with Melanie. After we finish shopping we can stop at Mel and Lindsay's before we head down to Justin's house."
Mel started to say something but Jennifer put her hand on Mel's arm and squeezed. Tucker knew his role and quickly walked away with Gus. Once they were out of hearing Jennifer turned to Melanie.
"Melanie, you are a slow learner! How dare you try and interfere with Gus's visit with his fathers."
Mel was angry that her plan to keep Gus from visit failed.
"I guess Brian hired someone to watch our house. I really resent that; he had no right to have us watched."
"Are you serious? You want to act like the injured party here. Thank goodness that Brian understand what a sneaky, slimy bitch you are! You are so going to regret this action. You thought I caused you problems before; you have no idea what will happen now."
Jennifer turned and walked away. She found Tucker and Gus and they quickly bought a few things before heading back to their car. Gus was buckled into his booster seat and they drove back to Mel & Lindsay's house.
Mel had apparently abandoned her shopping and was already at the house when Tucker pulled up out front. Jennifer said she and Gus would wait in the car while Tucker got Gus's things.
A nervous Lindsay opened the door.
"Hi Tucker. I gathered the things I think Gus will need or want at Brian's house."
Tucker smiled.
"Gus has requested a few things. You can let me know if there is anything you need to add to what you packed."
There were a few additions and Tucker also asked for Gus's cellphone to be included. He noted that Lindsay had to get a key from Melanie, who was up in her office, to unlock the drawer where Gus's phone was stored. He was grateful that Jennifer stayed in the car. He was sure she would have run up the stairs and confronted Melanie.
Lindsay came out to give Gus a kiss goodbye before they were on their way to Washington Township.