Jamie boarded the Amtrak train at Penn Station to Union Station in DC. He headed to the quiet car. He had a cup of coffee and a bagel with cream cheese. He'd be home in about 3 and half hours. Well, not really home. His father's house never felt like home. He always felt like he was intruding when he went there. Jamie considered quite a few times not visiting his father when he went to DC to see if he would even notice. But he didn't want to do that to his little brother Joey. He wanted a relationship with him. He felt bad for the poor kid. He was a really sweet kid. Jamie couldn't even imagine what it was like actually living there. At least Phillip and he had always had his mother and grandma. He knew it wasn't easy for them but they never made him or Phillip feel like they were burdens. He couldn't even imagine what it would be like to have to live at his father's house all the time.
He took out his discman and the sign language book he just bought at the bookstore at Penn Station. He had gotten a badge for sign language in Junior Trailblazers. But his friend Jimmy had moved away when they went to high school. He hadn't practiced sign language in a few years. It would be fun to relearn it. Jamie was excited to see his brother again. He wondered if Alex even remembered him. Probably not. That was alright. Jamie remembered Alex. God, it would be so good to see him again. He knew he was probably going to have some issues. His mother had warned him about that. That if they ever found him. He could be dangerous. One of the boys they recovered had murdered their entire family. But his mother had not been involved with that boy's case. That was before she started getting involved and helping the kids. None of the warehouse kids his mother worked with ever murdered anyone after they were recovered.
He wondered what Alex was going to be like now. Jamie decided he didn't care. He was his brother and he would love him no matter what. Jamie was going to have to come home more often. Maybe he could talk to his boss about covering more political events for the Times in DC. Except the New York Times liked Jamie because he had made for himself in the art world too. He had only gotten noticed because of an old girlfriend of Lee's Elisa Danton pulling some strings for him. His father was right about that.
They liked having him do the Entertainment beat or sending him on the high profile news stories. It was fun traveling all over the world but it was really lonely too. He missed his family and the last thing in the world that Jamie wanted was for them to think he didn't care about them. Jamie's biggest fear is that he would have kids one day and be just like his father. He promised himself though that if he were to get a girl pregnant. He would stop traveling and focus on his family. Maybe just open an art gallery and help young artists.
The train got into Dulles around 10PM. Jamie got himself a cup of coffee when he got off the train. He had been awake since his mother woke him up at 6:30AM this morning. He was tired. The coffee would help. He then went over to the taxi area and gave them an address that wasn't his father's house. It was probably a risk to go where he was going. She probably wasn't even home. He should call first but people might be listening.
He paid the cabbie and got out. He went up to the apartment building. One of her neighbors was coming out. That's good. She wouldn't have to buzz him in. He went in and got on the elevator to her floor.
He rang her doorbell and knocked on the door.
Jamie heard her voice, "It's after 10PM, Howard. We talked about this. How many times do I have to tell you that no means no?"
What the hell was that about? "Francine, it's not Howard. It's Jamie King. Can we talk?"
The door opened. Francine was wearing sweatpants and a pink t-shirt. It was strange not seeing her all dolled up. She still looked beautiful though. Jamie had always had a little bit of a crush on her. He knew she was way too old for him though.
Francine looked at him, "Jamie, what on earth are you doing here? Are you crazy? Come in."
She pulled him into his apartment. "You took a big risk coming here. You should have stayed in New York. The Agency is going to use you to get to your mother and Phillip. I should bring you into the Agency right now. You're lucky I'm off duty and I already called out for tomorrow."
Jamie smiled at her, "I know you. You would never do me dirty like that. I know I can trust you."
Francine smiled at him, "You can. I wish your brother would have realized that. If you see him before I do tell him that I would choose my family over the Agency every time too. Do you think the boy is your brother?"
Jamie nodded yes, "Yes, I talked to my mother. She wants you to research a man named Michael Winthrope. My brother has been in London using the name Matthew Winthrope. That's not all. Was my father able to reach you?"
Francine nodded no, "He left me some messages. I was going to call him back in the morning. I've been too busy today trying to save your mother from the Agency having her committed and trying to convince them not to scooch Phillip. They could be in even more trouble than just that if it turns out he's not your little brother."
Jamie looked at her, "Someone from Barnstorm called my father. They gave him a strange message in this goofy Star Wars code that Lee, Phillip and I made up."
She looked at him, "Lee made up a Star Wars code? Seriously?"
Jamie smiled, "Not by himself. Phillip, Lee and I made it up together. Lee just added the number sequences. It was kind a silly thing we just did and would use to pass each other dumb messages. But the thing is only, Philip, Lee, and I were the only ones that knew that code. Possibly my mother because you know how close Lee and my mom were. But it was more of just a game. If there hadn't been a body when Lee died. I would almost think he was still alive that the message was directly from him. I have no idea who he would trust enough to teach that code too. Oh and I talked to my mother, Alex has been with a man named Michael Winthrope in London. He has been using the name Matthew Winthrope. They are part of Barnstorm."
Francine looked at him, "Wow. I feel stupid now. We all just assumed the worst for little Alex after Lee died. I didn't even think to check with Lee's Barnstorm network. But TP runs his hotline. Surely, he would have known about Barnstorm hiding the boy. There is no way TP would have kept him away from your mother. Not after what happened to his own family. The message they gave to your father do you think it's possible that it's an old message? That the message that Lee intended the person he passed Alex off to give to you was from five years ago before he was killed."
Jamie hadn't thought of that, "That makes so much more sense. That still doesn't explain why this Michael guy didn't give Alex back to us right away. I know you called out from the Agency tomorrow, but do you think you can use your connections to investigate Michael and Matthew Winthrope?"
Francine winked at him, "I was going to take a spa day, but I guess I can go to the Library of Congress and visit TP instead."
Jamie looked at her, "Thanks Francine. Can I use your phone to call a cab to go to my father's house? I'd ask you for a ride. But I'm guessing the agency is probably watching my father's house too."
Francine nodded, "You don't need to call a cab."
She picked up the phone, "Hello Howard?...No I haven't changed my mind, but I do need a favor. Can you give a friend of mine a ride? If you do, his mother may go to your nephew's bar mitzvah with you instead. It's not until next month, right?...How about you ask her son...She has four kids...yes she still has her figure...Howard why don't you ask her son all these questions about his mother when you give him a ride... Ok thanks Howard... See you in a couple of minutes."
Jamie gave her a look, "I can afford a cab. You know?"
Francine grinned, "I'm sorry, Jamie. Howard really is a step up from some of the guys your mother has been dating lately. One more thing since all of this is going on. I guess you aren't going to Cannes next week."
Jamie looked at her, "No, the paper is going to send someone else. You'll have to get someone else to pass that message to the Prime Minister of Latvia. Oh, this little side hustle we have going on. You won't tell my father anything about that, right? Phillip and my mother already know I do favors for you and the Agency once in a while. My father he does not need to know that. He wouldn't understand."
Francine laughed, "That's cute you don't want to get in trouble with your father. Don't worry. That information is need to know and Joe doesn't need to know. I'll get someone else to pass the message."
Just then a balding middle-aged man with a beer gut came into the apartment. Jamie followed him to his little orange VW Bug. The car had no leg room. He should have taken a cab instead of riding with this creeper. Francine always had the weirdest guys after her.
"So, is your mother a looker? She's not fat or anything is she?"
Jamie was so thankful that it was so late and that without traffic. The ride would only be about fifteen minutes. What was crazy was that he was guessing this would not even be the most awkward and uncomfortable part of his evening.
"I wouldn't say fat. I mean big boned, yes. She never could quite lose the baby weight after my little sister was born. My sister is only four. She will be so happy to have a daddy again. My little brother too. He's 10. I mean I know I'm 24 but it would be great to have a new dad too. I actually need a new car. Do you think maybe you could co-sign a loan for me if your going to be my new Dad?"
"Look son, I'm not looking for anything serious. No offense but I'm not looking to date a fat woman with kids. Francine is kind of the perfect woman for me."
Jamie figured he would do Francine a favor too even though she put him in the awkward situation, "Oh really. That's good. She hasn't been dating much since her diagnosis. I can put in a good word with her if you want. It's very brave of you to look past her diagnosis."
Howard looked at him. "What diagnosis? What does she have? What's wrong with her? Is that why she keeps saying no to me?"
Jamie looked at him, "You'll have to ask her. HIPPA laws and all that. I really shouldn't have said anything. Thanks for the ride. I appreciate it. Do you want my mom's number?"
Howard stared at him, "Um I'll just get it from Francine if I can't find another date. It was nice meeting you, Jason."
Fine if he was going to call him the wrong name Two could play that game, "You too, Harvey."
Jamie grabbed his bag out of the car and walked up to his father's house in Alexandria. He went up to the door and knocked. He had a key but he knew Carrie didn't like it if he just waltzed right in.
Carrie opened the door. "Hello Jamie. It's almost midnight. We thought your train was getting in around 10:30PM."
Jamie looked at her and lied, "I'm sorry. The train got delayed in Philadelphia. Where's Dad?"
She sighed, "He's in his study. He's been there on the phone since he got home a couple of hours ago. Do you mind the couch? Joe only told me you were coming when he got home about a couple of hours ago. It actually is good you were delayed. I just wish you would have called. I don't have you and Phillip's room ready. We've been using it for storage. Do you mind the living room couch or you can sleep on a roll-a-way bed in Joey's room. Joey's already sleeping though. It's late. I don't really want to wake him up."
Jamie looked at her. "The couch is fine for tonight. I'm sorry about all of this Carrie. I can stay with some friends tomorrow night."
Carrie smiled at him, "No, It's alright. Joey will be very happy that you're staying with us. I know none of this is your fault. You probably should have stayed in New York away from all of this silly Agency nonsense. You are a good example to my little Joey. At least one of his brothers had the good sense to not involve himself in the spy business."
Jamie only wasn't in the family business because he loved art and photography. The only thing he didn't enjoy was the public speaking and fame that came with it. He kind of wished sometimes that he had just gone into the family business with Phillip. It would have been fun except Jamie hated guns and the idea that he could be responsible for hurting someone or worse.
Jamie walked to his father's study. His father stood up and came over and hugged him. "Good to see you, son. You look good. I like the little beard. Makes you look older."
Jamie smiled at him, "Thanks Dad. I spoke to Mom before I left."
His father cut him off, "I just spoke to your mother and Phillip as well. Both of them are one hundred percent convinced that the boy in the basement is Alex. She said he wants to be called Matty now though. The Agency is gearing up to do a full-on raid on your house tomorrow morning. I went to your house. The agents there took me to the Agency for a little bit. I spoke with Billy Melrose. He put an expedite on the boy's DNA test. I have a meeting with the agency lawyers in the morning to come to some sort of arrangement on Amanda and Phillip's behalf. I know your mother though. She is not going to back down and give them the boy."
Jamie knew how stubborn his mother was, "No way especially because it's really him. They aren't going to scare Mom. I predict it is going to be the other way around. I'm coming with you in the morning."
Joe spoke, "Jamie, I'm not so sure that's a good idea. They may use you against your mother and brother."
Jamie wasn't going to stand by and do nothing, "Let them. I won't give them anything. I used to work there. I know how to play the game. I want to see my little brother. I want to be with Mom and Phillip. I am not just going to stay at your house and just feel helpless. If I stay with you. You'll probably get to go into the basement as Mom's attorney. I'll clerk for you tomorrow. Be your deputy like the old days."
His father smiled at him, "Yeah that should be alright. It will be nice to you have be my deputy again like when you were little. Now go get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a crazy day."
Jamie nodded, "Yeah, I'm sure. Goodnight, Dad."
Jamie went back out to the living room. Carrie had the couch set up with sheets, a pillow and blanket for him. She looked at him. "Do you need anything else? I'm going to bed."
Jamie smiled at her, "No I'm good. Thanks Carrie and I really am sorry. I would have stayed at home if I could. I can stay with friends tomorrow."
Carrie smiled a very insincere smile, "It's fine, Jamie. This is your home too like your father says. You are always welcome here."
Jamie had never really felt welcome in his father's house. He had always felt like he was a responsibility and a burden. He hadn't slept in this house in years. It felt strange. He wanted to go home to Maplewood Drive so bad. But he knew the Agency would just grab him and question him all night to try and get the codes and he was tired. He took out his squishy pillow from his bag, closed his eyes and fell asleep. When he opened his eyes again. It was morning. He smelled coffee.
His father was there, "Morning. Can you shower and get dressed quickly? We need to get over to the 'sa little after 7AM. It sounds like the raid is happening now."
Jamie washed up and got dressed. He wanted to say hi to Joey but he was still sleeping. He would make sure to make time to see Joey later. He went to the Agency with his father. It was really boring sitting in on the meeting with the Agency lawyers. Jamie wanted to go see Leatherneck or at least go to the photo lab. But he promised his father he would stick with him like glue. Listening to all this boring legal jargon would be worth it if afterward he could see his little brother.
Jamie was just staring at a spot on the wall daydreaming when the door to the conference room opened and Billy Melrose walked in. He looked stressed. He dismissed the agency lawyers.
"I'm glad your still here, Joe. We just got back from Amanda's house. It didn't go well."
His father looked at Billy, "So Doctor Smyth wasn't successful in getting them out."
Billy laughed a little but Jamie could tell he was stressed, "Amanda told Doctor Smyth to suck it. She was pretty amazing actually. I don't know what he expected. Anyone who knows Amanda knows scare tactics don't work on her. if it were me, I would have just sent Pfaff over there. She didn't sound crazy when we went there. She seemed more like her old self than I've seen in a long time. I'm starting to think that the boy really is Alex. She's going to need your help getting out of there. What Henderson did to the boy. You should use that to get Amanda out of this. I'll make sure you get all the details. Once we can prove he's her actual son. Amanda will have all the cards. I can give you enough for a very hefty lawsuit."
His father looked at Billy, "I'll do whatever I can to help her. What about Phillip? He did not really do anything other than stand up with his mother. Is he in any kind of trouble?"
Billy sighed, "He's the best young Agent that we have. I would venture to say he's the best agent we've had since your mother except he can actually shoot. His results and numbers speak for themselves. I would also venture to say Phillip has a hostile workplace harassment case if you want to play that card. I have some evidence to support that as well. When Doctor Smyth comes to his senses, he'll realize how much it will hurt the Agency to lose Phillip and Amanda But as their lawyer I think you should talk to your clients. The men stationed at your house. They will let you in the basement to talk to her. I already talked to them about letting you in. Phillip can come out. We won't detain him. You have my word."
Jamie looked at Billy, "I want to go with my father."
Billy nodded, "Yes of course, Jamie. You should go too. Just stay with your father until things settle down. It's really good to see you again. My wife loves the print you sent us from our 30th wedding anniversary party. It really is a beautiful photo of us. She hung it up above our fireplace. When this blows over you should come over for dinner. My wife loves to name drop that we know you."
Jamie felt his face go red, "Thank you sir. I'd like that. Mrs. Melrose is a great lady."
Billy looked at his father, "You, Carrie and little Joey are more than welcome anytime as well, Joe."
His father thanked him and shook Billy's hand. Then his father and Jamie headed to the house. Oh shoot they had rushed so much, Jamie realized he forgot to bring the bag of books for Alex.
They pulled into the driveway. His father pulled out his EAO Id card. He showed it to the agents stationed at the front door. They let them into the kitchen.
His father spoke as they entered the kitchen. "Amanda, can you hear me?"
The speaker crackled and his mother's voice came out "Yes Joe. Phillip and I both can."
Jamie heard his brother's voice come from the speaker "Hi Dad and Doofus."
Jamie smiled it was so good to hear Phillip's voice, "Hi Mom and Worm Brain."
His mother's voice crackled from the speakers "Joe what are you doing here? Why would you bring Jamie? It's not safe."
His father spoke, "Look Amanda. It was a compromise so he would not go off trying on his own trying to sneak in here. Anyway, we need to talk. I am your lawyer. The agency has agreed to let me come here and meet with you as your attorney. I would like to come downstairs if you don't mind? Will you let Jamie and I in there with you?"
His mother's voice crackled from the speakers "Yes. But if one agent goes down those stairs with you. I'm not buzzing you in. You also may get trapped down here with us."
Jamie kind of hoped he would get stuck down there. It would be way better than spending another night at his father's house. Then he would get to spend some time with his little brother. Plus the food situation would be way better in the basement even if they had to break into Lee's weird military bomb shelter food supplies. He and Phillip used to have fun trying the weird food down there. It would still probably taste better than Carrie's cooking.
They went down the stairs. It was weird seeing the game room all closed up. The doors were usually always open. Jamie wanted to just punch the code in but he would wait for the buzz in case they were watching. He wasn't supposed to know the codes. The door buzzed and his father went in first.
Jamie went over and hugged his mother, "Are Phillip and Alex in the office?" She nodded yes.
The door to the hallway was also closed. Jamie went and punched in the code and went to the office. He saw Phillip first. Jamie fist bumped his brother and gave him a quick hug. Then he turned and saw his little brother sitting on the couch.
There was no doubt in Jamie's head when he saw his baby brother. He looked different but not really. Just a little older and sadder. His hair was also different. It was longish but not too long. But those were his brother's eyes. He could just feel him. He went over and just grabbed his little brother and hugged him.
Jamie felt tears forming in his eyes. "I'm so sorry about what happened to you. It was all my fault. If I had not of picked that fight with Phillip. You two never would have gone out to play basketball in the driveway. You would have been safe down here."
Then he heard Phillip from behind him, "No man, it was my fault. I was annoying you on purpose."
Jamie wiped his tears. "Yeah, but I'm used to it. I just... I was being lame that day. What you said to me. I can be like Dad sometimes. I don't want to be though. I almost lost you too that day."
Phillip looked down at his shoes, "You are not like Dad. I was just being a jerk that day. Never think that about yourself. You're more like Mom than Dad. You got her crazy not Dad's. What happened was my fault not yours. Alright?"
Jamie looked at him, "We can agree to disagree on that."
Jamie turned to Alex and started signing to him. Jamie was telling him how happy he was that he was home. From the look on his little brother's face he could tell that he didn't understand a word that he was signing but he was trying to be polite about it. He was still really cute and polite.
How could anyone have doubted his mother that this was really him?
"You are not understanding a word I'm signing, are you? Well, it's been like 10 years since I've done it. And Jimmy the deaf kid moved away when I was like 13. I guess you will just have to teach me. Alex."
Phillip interrupted "Call him Matty."
Jamie raised his eyebrow "Matty?"
Phillip nodded. "That's what he goes by now. Still answers to little dude though."
Jamie smiled. "Good because I'm not going to stop calling him that." Jamie then asked, "You still like to read little dude?"
Matty smiled and nodded yes. Jamie grinned. "Good, I got you some books while I was waiting for the train at Penn station. They are back at my dad's place."
Jamie looked at him." I taught you how to read you know?"
"Stop bragging dingus. He taught himself how to read."
"You're just jealous because I'm his favorite older brother." Phillip punched him in the arm. Jamie punched Phillip back. He really felt like he was home now.
Just then his mom and Phillip's dad walked in. His mom spoke "Fellas you are 26 & 24 years old. Are you two ever going to stop?"
His father chuckled "Well look at your mother and Lillian. These two are tame compared to them. Have you told your mother yet?"
His mother nodded, "I called her after the Agency left. Her and Leann are coming home tomorrow night. I told them to go to your place. I hope that's alright."
Then his father nodded "That's fine. The more the merrier. Carrie will get over it. It is nice to see you again, Alex. I'm your Uncle Joe."
Then he heard Phillip say, "He likes to be called Matty, Dad"
His dad smiled. "Well, Matty it is then. Wow, he really looks like you. Amanda."
Then Uncle Joe turned back to Matty. "Everyone is really happy you are home. Your father was always really good to my kids. I'll do my best to repay the favor with you. When you get out of here. You'll need to meet your cousin Joey. He's going to love you. You were always really good with him."
Then his father turned to his mother. "Billy put a rush on his DNA results. Hopefully you can get out of the basement really soon. Phillip, you are free to leave the basement if you want. The Agency won't detain you. You didn't do anything illegal. You may be in a little trouble at your job but Billy doesn't want to lose you. You can come with Jamie & I. "
Phillip turned to his father. "No, I'm going to stay with Mom & Matty."
Jamie wanted to stay with them too., "If Phillip gets to stay, then I'm staying here too."
Their mom sighed. "Fellas I would love to have you both stay here. But I think it's a good idea if you both go with your Dad. Phillip, I need you to talk to Francine. Let her know everything we found out about Matty. And Jamie can you get groceries for the house when you get a chance? It is going to be a full house as soon as we get the all clear."
He hugged him mom "Ok Mom."
Jamie then went to Matty. "I'm really glad you are back little dude. I really missed having a brother that is not a worm brain"
Jamie gave Matty a big hug. Then he made the mistake of going back near Phillip who punched him in the arm. Jamie punched him back. They were both smiling when they did it. Their mother just rolled her eyes at them. Jamie wished he could just stay home.
Then Phillip went over to Matty. "I'm going to leave with them. You take good care of Mom. alright? Love you little dude."
Matty tapped something on Phillip's forehead. Jamie guessed it was "I love you".
That was really sweet. Lee used to do that to Matty when he was little. Jamie was glad that Matty at least remembered Lee a little bit if he did that. Lee would have been so happy that he was finally home and safe. Jamie was going to make sure to tell Matty as many stories about Lee as he could. He wanted to make sure Matty knew how much his father had loved him.
Jamie then said goodbye to his mother, "I wish I could stay, Mom."
She hugged him and she played with his goatee a little bit, "I know, sweetheart. It will only be another day or two at most. Gosh, it's so good to see you. I love you, sweetheart. Stop at Marvelous Marvin's and get something to eat before you go back to your father's. Also try to make sure your brother and Carrie don't kill each other. We have enough drama going on right now."
Jamie smiled, "No promises I'm not a miracle worker, Mom. I love you. I'm thinking maybe I'll grab a bottle of Lee's Scotch for Carrie before we go. That might help."
Phillip spoke, "Maybe we should just bring an entire case over there. She can't give me a hard time if she's passed out."
Their Dad gave them both a dirty look that they knew meant to knock it off. They forgot for a second that he was there. They could make fun of Carrie together later.
As they left, Jamie wished he could just stay home but at least he had Phillip with him now.
Notes:
Next Chapter: Lee sneaks out of the hospital and gets on a plane to Dulles. Should he be traveling? No. Does he care? Also no;)