That afternoon, Benton drove the Rolls into the circular driveway and up to the front door of the cottage.
Murdoch said, "We won't be too long, Benton. Sean wants to check to make sure everything is in order."
"Uncle Murdoch, did Raymond give you the keys to the barn as well?"
"Yes, son, here is the set of keys he gave me. You know better than I do, which is the right key."
"Thanks, Uncle Murdoch." Sean opened the front door and they both entered the cottage. Sean took the lead and inspected the rooms on the first floor. Murdoch followed him up to the second floor for a look around.
"Everything looks ship-shape and tidy," Sean said. "The caretakers are doing a good job. Is it all right if we check out the barn before we leave?"
"That's fine with me, lead the way, Sean."
Sean locked the front door when the left, and headed out to the barn. He unlocked the large padlock to the barn door and pulled open the door to let his uncle in. Sean did a walk through and then opened the door to the feed room. Both Sean and Murdoch were surprised to see a young boy lying on a cot next to the large window reading a book. Sean said, "Hello, Duncan, what are you doing in here?"
Duncan was a handsome young lad of about eleven years old, with a frightened look on his face when he saw Murdoch and Sean standing in the open door. Duncan said in a small voice, "I didn't break in or do any damage, Sean. The caretaker lets me use this room to get away from home when my aunt is drinking. I am very careful to make sure no one sees me come or go."
Sean said, "Uncle Murdoch, I would like you to meet Duncan MacTavish. He was one of my school mates when I went to public school."
Murdoch said, "It's nice to meet you, Duncan."
Sean said, "I don't understand, is your aunt living with you and your mother now?"
Duncan eyes started to tear, "I'm living with my aunt now. My mother is in prison serving a three year sentence on a DUI conviction. My aunt was awarded temporary custody of me until my mother serves her time. My aunt is not too happy having me around, but she likes the money that the government pays her for taking care of me. It's bad enough at home when she is sober, but when she is drinking, I hide. I stay here until it is safe to go home. My aunt usually passes out around dinner time. That's when I sneak back into the house. I fix my dinner, lock everything up and go to my room for the night. I'm usually up and out of the house before she wakes up."
"You must remember how a lot of the kids picked on me in school. Well, that has gotten worse since my mother went to jail. My aunt lives in a rough neighborhood and there are some kids that like to give me a hard time. That's just another reason I get lost. Living with my mother was not that great. She liked the pubs and used to invite her gentlemen friends home after the pubs closed. She did not have the best reputation in the neighborhood."
Sean said, "I remember you used to get picked on a lot, but I didn't know it was that bad at home. I'm sorry about your mom and your aunt. Uncle Murdoch, do you think it would be all right if Duncan uses this room?"
Murdoch said, "That is up to you, Sean, this is your farm now. If you want to let Duncan use this room and he doesn't do any damage to the place, I don't see the problem. But as I say, that is your decision."
Sean said, "How do you get here, Duncan, this is a long way from town?"
"I ride my bicycle and hide it in the bushes, then I climb in through the window. The barn door is always padlocked, but the caretaker leaves this window unlocked for me."
Murdoch said, "Sean, why don't we invite Duncan up to the house for tea, then you can decide what you want to do about Duncan."
"Thanks, Uncle Murdoch, I think that is a good idea. Duncan, you come with us. We'll carry your bicycle in the boot and ride up to the house."
Duncan smiled, "That would be super, I would like to see the twins again, they were always friendly to me."
Murdoch led the two boys out and padlocked the barn and said, "Duncan, why don't you go and fetch your bike?"
Duncan took off to get his bike. Sean said, "Thank you, Uncle Murdoch, that was very thoughtful of you. You really didn't have to invite him home with us; I had decided to let him continue to use the barn. I feel sorry for Duncan, he was always a good kid. My friends and I tried to keep an eye on him so he didn't get knocked around. He is small for his age and never would fight back. Now that I heard the story about his mother, I can understand why his mother never came to school to stick up for him."
Murdoch, Sean and Duncan arrived back at McDonald Hall in time for Sean and Duncan to have a snack with the younger children as they were having their dinner.
Murdoch said, "Duncan, do you think you can stay and have dinner with the family tonight? I'll make sure that we drop you off near town after you have eaten."
"I would appreciate that, Mr. McDonald, but I look too scruffy. I'm not dressed to sit down to have dinner with your family."
Murdoch said, "Don't worry about that, Duncan. Sean, I'll bet Peter or Chris's clothes would fit Duncan. What do you think?"
"I think you're right, Uncle Murdoch, Duncan is small for his age. I'm sure the twin's clothes will fit him."
Murdoch said, "Good, that's settled. Duncan, no excuses, you're our guest for dinner."
"Thank you, Mr. McDonald, I appreciate your inviting me for dinner. I never have been invited to dinner with a family before, and especially in McDonald Hall; this is quite a treat for me."
Murdoch said, "You are welcome, I'll see you all at dinner." Murdoch took off to his suite.
As he walked in, Ryan was watching the national news. Murdoch sat down on the sofa next to him and put his arm around Ryan's shoulder, and kissed him. "Hi, sweetheart, did you miss me?"
Ryan smiled, "I always miss you, baby. How did your afternoon go at the farm?"
Murdoch chuckled and said, "Sean and I had a great visit and we even brought a stray kid home for dinner."
Ryan said, "You're kidding, you really did bring a kid home for dinner?"
Murdoch told Ryan the story about finding Duncan MacTavish in the barn, and his explanation as to why he was there.
Ryan said, "That poor boy. We don't realize how well off we are. I did have a wholesome life when I was growing up. From what you have told me, this boy has had a miserable life. We should try to do as much as we can for him while we are here."
"I agree, sweetheart."
The family was finishing up dinner. Duncan thanked Murdoch and Ryan for inviting him to dinner. He said, "Sean, I need to change back into my own clothes and get ready to leave for home."
Peter said, "You keep those clothes, we have a closet full of clothes."
"Thank you, Peter, you are very generous," Duncan said, "but I cannot wear these clothes home. My aunt would think I stole them and hound me until she found out where I got them. She would never believe I was invited here for dinner, and that you would give me these expensive clothes. Thank you, anyway."
Peter said, "I'm sure Sean will invite you back again, so we will save them for your next visit."
Murdoch said, "Duncan, before you leave, I want you to have my business card, and promise me that if you ever need help, you will call me anytime, day or night."
"Thank you, Mr. McDonald, I appreciate that and I promise I'll call if I need your help."
Sean said, "Duncan, while we are living here, I want you to come here instead of going to the barn. We are always here and you are welcome anytime."
"Thank you all so very much, this has been one of the best days I can remember."
Duncan did visit the family several times and really enjoyed his visits. Sandy and Dan arrived sooner than planned and made progress on the joint venture program, allowing Sandy and Dan the opportunity to return to Georgia a day earlier. The entire family took off to Paris for their three-day stay at Disneyland.
Ryan and Murdoch were relaxing having a glass a wine before dinner when Murdoch's cell phone rang.
"Master McDonald, this is Raymond. I'm sorry to disturb you on holiday, but Doctor Sands of St. Mary's Hospital called to speak to you and said it was urgent that he reach you."
Murdoch said, "Did he say what the call was about?"
"No, Sir, he didn't say; he asked that you return his call as soon as possible."
Murdoch copied down the number, "Thank you, Raymond, I'll call Doctor Sands straight away."
Murdoch placed the call and got Dr. Sands on the phone. "Dr. Sands, this is Murdoch McDonald. What is this all about?"
"Thank you for returning my call. The reason for my call is because we admitted a critically injured young boy last night, and the only identification he had on him was your card and his identification card listing his name and address. The police tried the address on the card, but were unable to find anyone at home at that address. The boy's name is Duncan MacTavish; do you know this boy, Mr. McDonald?"
Murdoch said, "Yes, he is a good friend of my nephews. Is the boy alright?"
The doctor said, "Are you related to Duncan, Mr. McDonald?"
Murdoch said, "No, he is a friend of the family."
Dr. Sands said, "Well, I'm really not supposed to give any information about a patient to anyone other than a family member, but since we don't have any information about the boy, I feel justified in telling you about his condition. The boy is in critical condition as a result of a brutal beating he received yesterday. I've never seen a beating this bad on a young boy. Not only was he almost beaten to death, but he was repeatedly raped. His rectum was a bloody mess. The surgeon has taken semen samples and will hand them over to the police. We found semen stains on his clothing as well. Duncan was lucky that a restaurant worker found his body laying behind a garbage bin in the alley when he threw out the trash. If it wasn't for him, the boy would have bled to death; the worker called the police emergency number. We would have called you earlier, but he was on the operating table for several hours while the specialists worked on him. Quite frankly, I didn't think his chances were good during the wee hours of this morning, but he is a fighter. He is still on the critical list, yet I'm confident that he is over the worst of it and he will recover."
Murdoch said, "Thank God for that, he is a fine young man and this should never have happened. I will take full responsibility for his hospital expenses and I authorize you to do whatever is necessary to make sure he has the best medical care possible. I'm in Paris at the present time, but I will be returning to Scotland tomorrow. I will have my associate Ian Taylor Jones contact you as soon as possible. Ian is my man on the scene. Here is my cell phone number if you need me for anything, and as I've said Ian will be in touch with you."
Dr. Sands said, "Thank you for your help. I'll make sure that the hospital is made aware that you will be responsible for Duncan's bills. Do you know where we can find his next of kin? It is imperative that we get in touch with them as soon as possible. I hate to bring this up now, Mr. McDonald, but young Duncan has run up quite a substantial bill already and the three specialists that worked on him are top men in their professional, not to mention the hospital charges themselves. Are you positive you want to take on this burden? Perhaps, the parents have coverage under their insurance?"
Murdoch said, "I doubt his aunt has insurance coverage for the boy. He most likely would be a charity case. Duncan's mother is serving a term in prison and his aunt has custody of the boy. It doesn't surprise me that the police could not find her. She is an alcoholic and could be off somewhere, or is passed out in her bedroom. Duncan told me that she is a heavy drinker. I will have Ian look into this and he will find her. If not, I may contact the mother in prison. In any event, as I said before, I will take care of all Duncan's expenses. Also, I would like him to be moved to a private room, and I want special nurses around the clock until he is better."
Dr. Sands said, "I'll make sure your requests are carried out, Mr. McDonald."
"One more thing, Dr. Sands," Murdoch said, "please make sure that my name is kept confidential. I don't want the news media to know I am Duncan's benefactor. It may be better if you use Ian Taylor Jones' name and not mine. I'll see that Ian takes care of that detail. The fewer people that know that I'm involved the better. I have no objections if you wish to contact me about Duncan."
Dr. Sands said, "Pardon me for asking, but are you the new master of McDonald Hall?"
"That I am," Murdoch said, "that is why I don't want the news media to get wind of this."
Dr. Sands chuckled, "I know what you mean, I know neither the staff nor the patient will have a minute's peace once the media smell a story."
Murdoch said, "I'm trying to keep a low profile and keep them off my back as long as possible."
Dr. Sands said, "It is nice to talk to the new laird of McDonald Hall. This is a small town and everyone has been waiting for news of the new laird. I'll be expecting Ian Jones' call and thank you for returning my call."
"Good night, Doctor."
Murdoch reached Ian and told him to handle Duncan's mess. Murdoch said, "Ian, please call my lawyer to have him get to the bottom of this mess and to tell Mike McCormick, my security chief, to find the people that were responsible for Duncan's attack. Would you ask the lawyer to request temporary custody of Duncan, since the Aunt is not a responsible guardian."
Ian said, "I'll get right on it, boss. Duncan is a nice kid. Why would anyone want to hurt him like that?"
Murdoch said, "I don't know why, but I intend to find out." Murdoch gave Ian Dr. Sands number and signed off.
Ryan was listening to Murdoch's conversation with the doctor and Ian. He said, "What in the name of God is going on with Duncan? Is he going to be alright, Murdoch?"
Murdoch briefed Ryan on everything the doctor had told him. Ryan said, "My heart goes out to that boy. He has had a hard life to begin with and now this. Murdoch, I like the boy, he is a little rough around the edges, but you can't blame that on the boy. He was left to fend for himself all his life and he turned out to be a good kid. I think we should adopt him, what do you think?"
"I agree, sweetheart; like minds think the same. I was going to ask you if you minded adding another boy to the mix."
Ryan said, "It's not like we can't afford to keep him. We will need to talk to the older children to make sure they will accept the idea. I don't think it will be a problem after they learn what happened to him and how he has been living most of his life. Only Sean knows the whole story, and I'm sure he will accept him into the family. I think you have your work cut out for you with the mother. I don't think the aunt will be a problem. She has neglected the boy and allowed this to happen. I think you'll need to sweeten the pot with the mother. You can set up a small pension for her when she gets out of prison. I don't think you'll get much mileage out of her motherly love. She is a looser, just like the aunt. They are both a couple of loose women and drunks. I'm sure Mike McCormick's men will dig up the dirt on both women. But, we need the mother to sign the adoption papers. We don't want this to go through child welfare services. They may not approve of us adopting Duncan and taking him out of the country."
"You're right, Tiger; I'll call Ian after dinner to get his input. Ian knows a lot of the right people. I'm sure he can make it happen."
Duncan was in a coma for two days. The third day he woke up and didn't know where he was. His special day nurse called Murdoch to let him know that Duncan was awake.
Ryan, Murdoch and Sean arrived at the hospital an hour later. They had a short meeting with Dr. Sands, who said, "Duncan is still confused and is still under medication. He does not remember too much of what happened, but that is normal in cases like this. He is in a lot of pain and that will dominate his brain for a few more days. Don't be shocked by his appearance, as he has all kinds of tubes in him, in addition to a respirator. He has two cracked ribs and a broken arm, kidney damage, one eye is still closed, but the swelling on his face has gone down considerably and he's able to see out of one eye. He looks a lot better today than he did two days ago. But don't be surprised if he falls asleep in the middle of a sentence. Try not to stay too long; sleep is the most important thing for him right now."
Murdoch said, "Thank you, doctor. I want you to know that I have been awarded temporary custody of Duncan, and my lawyer will be visiting his mother in prison to see if I can adopt the boy."
Dr. Sands said, "That is good news. You are doing the right thing for that boy. I suggest that you hire a psychologist for him because he is going to need one as he starts to remember what happened to him."
"Yes, I've already engaged the services of Dr. Goodman to treat Duncan."
Dr. Sands said, "You've hired the best man for the job, he is a fine doctor. Well, if you're ready, I'll take you in to see Duncan."
They followed Dr. Sands into Duncan's spacious room. The special nurse stood up from the chair where she was sitting and greeted them. Dr. Sands said, "Gentlemen, this is Sister Edith Evans, Duncan's special nurse." Ms. Evans greeted Sean, Murdoch and Ryan.
"Duncan was awake a few minutes ago." she said. "His breathing is much better and he is showing improvement every day."
Ryan said, "I don't even recognize Duncan. Whoever did this really were animals. Thank God for the doctors that patched him up. I think he is going to be in here for some time."
Sean started to cry, and Murdoch wrapped his arm around him, and let him cry. Murdoch said, "The doctor said he will be fine, Sean. As soon as we can, I'll have Duncan moved home. We'll set up a hospital bed in one of the spare bedrooms." Murdoch rubbed Sean's back until he settled down.
Sean said, "I'm sorry I broke down like that, Uncle Murdoch, but he looks bad. Uncle Ryan is right. Someone had it in for Duncan; this beating was deliberate. I want to see those people punished. Duncan is a good kid, he never hurt anyone in his life, and he didn't deserve this."
"Don't worry, Sean," Murdoch said, "we will find the people responsible and see that justice is served."
Ryan walked over to the bed, took Duncan's hand and held it. He said, "Everything is going to be fine from now on, Duncan; you sleep now."
Duncan opened his eye and saw Ryan and tried to smile. Ryan said, "Hi, Tiger, I understand you were in a fight and lost. Don't worry we'll find the bullies and take care of them. When you are better, we are going to teach you how to fight."
Duncan smiled again and nodded.
Ryan said, "Look who else is here to visit you." Sean and Murdoch walked over close to the bed and said hello. Again Duncan smiled at them. Ryan said, "Look, Tiger, the doctor allowed us to visit you for only a few minutes, but we will be back to see you tomorrow morning. You rest now, you're in good hands."
Duncan nodded, and slowly closed his eyes again.
Murdoch said, "Well, we better be going, he needs his sleep. At least he recognizes us, that's a good sign." They left and headed back home.
For the next several days Murdoch, Ryan and Sean paid brief visits to the hospital to see Duncan. The following week Murdoch went alone to see Duncan.
Murdoch said, "Good morning, Duncan, you're looking much better this morning, I see they have removed some more of the tubes you had sticking in you. How do you feel today?"
Duncan smiled and said, "I'm feeling better each day. Dr. Goodwin was in this morning for my session. He is helping me to cope with the beating. I'm remembering more each day about the three guys that beat me up that night. The nurse removed the catheter and the feeding tube this morning. Then physical therapy technician was in to get me out of bed, and I walked out to the hall and back. Thank God they didn't break my leg. But, it still hurts a little where they repeatedly kicked me. My ribs don't hurt as much anymore. But it is tough eating with this big old cast on my arm."
Murdoch said, "Well, I'm glad to see that you are feeling better and you are able to move around a little. Has your aunt been around to visit you?"
"She called me on the telephone yesterday afternoon and said that she doesn't want to have anything to do with me anymore. She said I was a trouble maker and caused her nothing but grief. It was because of me that the Social Services and the police are on her back asking a lot of dumb questions about me, and why I was out at nine o'clock the night I was beaten. I reminded her that she was the one that made me run to the store that night because she didn't shop that day. She told me that Social Services is removing me from her custody and has appointed another guardian. I don't know what is going to happen to me now, Mr. McDonald."
Murdoch said, "That is what I wanted to talk to you about, Duncan. You weren't well enough to discuss this before, now is a good time to tell you what is going to happen to you. Last week Social Services appointed me as your temporary guardian. Ryan and I want you to come and live with us and become a member of our family. I've talked to Sean and the other children and they all feel the same way. They like you and want you to live with us. Now you don't have to make up your mind today. I want you to think about this and give me your answer in a few days."
Duncan smiled and said, "You really want me? I can't believe you would want a nothing kid like me from the wrong side of town, to be part of your family." The tears were running down Duncan's cheeks. "This is the most wonder thing that ever happened to me. I was thrilled just to visit your family in that beautiful home. Never in my wildest dreams could I even imagine living there. Your children don't realize how lucky they are. You don't have to wait for me to think it over, Mr. McDonald, I will be happy to have you as my guardian."
"Murdoch said, "Well, that's great. We were all hoping you would accept my offer. Now, for a very important matter, this is something you are going to need time to consider. I want to adopt you as my son. This will mean that your mother will have to sign over all parental rights to you. My lawyer has already contacted her and she agrees to allow me to adopt you. She will always be your mother and will have visitation rights."
Duncan said, "Are you saying that she agreed to my adoption without even asking me if this is what I want?"
Murdoch said, "It is not that simple, Duncan. She is in prison and your aunt is not a fit foster-parent to take care of you. When she gets out of prison she will be on the dole until she finds a place to live and a job. What are you supposed to do for three years while she serves her sentence? She thought about that and didn't want you to be placed in some other foster-home. That's why she's agreed to the adoption."
Duncan said, "If you're absolutely sure that you want to adopt me, knowing my background, I will be honored to be your son."
Murdoch smiled and said, "You've made the right choice, son. I know you'll be happy living with us. You'll never have to worry about your future. I'll make sure that you'll grow up to be a fine young man."
Duncan smiled, "When is this going to happen?"
"Now that you have agreed to the adoption, the lawyers will proceed to make everything legal. Once your mother signs the papers, the rest is a piece of cake. There is one thing you need to know before we go any further. Ryan and I are a couple, if that is a problem for you, I think you should let me know now before we go any further with the adoption process."
Duncan said, "I figured that out already, and it does not bother me at all. Two of the guys I knew from my old neighborhood were gay, a gay couple. They were nice guys and kept to themselves, they weren't out to their family and friends. They confessed that to me because I caught them making out. They were babysitting me at the time. I never told anyone their secret. I know that Sean and the twins love you and Ryan, and think of you as a father. You know what? I will be your only son. Can you imagine that? Sean and his brothers and sister will be my cousins."
"You're right, Duncan. I never thought of it that way. Well, you'll be a first."
"Can I call you Dad," Duncan asked? "I never had a father. MacTavish is my mother's maiden name, she said she didn't remember who my father was."
Murdoch said, "I will be delighted if you would like to call me Dad, once the papers are signed you will be Duncan McDonald. Sean and the rest of my nephews and nieces are McDonald's also."
"Do you know when I'll be able to go home?" Duncan asked.
Murdoch said, "Your doctor said if you keep improving, he feels that you should be able to go home in two days. You realize you are still going to have to take it easy, but, I plan to hire an orderly to take care of you until you're able to take care of yourself. You need to keep the cast on your arm for another five weeks."
Duncan said, "That's great, this is a nice room but I would rather be with the kids at McDonald Hall."
Murdoch said, "Well, son, I need to get back to work. I understand that Sean and the two sets of twins will be around to see you after class today. I'll see you tonight."
Duncan smiled, "Thanks, Dad, you have given me a lot to be thankful for, and I'm excited about having a family."
Murdoch patted his hand and left.
Ian walked into Murdoch office the day after Duncan returned from the hospital. "Well, boss, you are legally the father of one Duncan McDonald. The judge made it legal this morning."
Murdoch said, "That's great news, Ian. Once again, you've worked your magic."
"I've also put the paperwork through for Duncan's passport," Ian said. "You can apply for citizenship papers for him once you return to the States. I understand from your embassy that that will not be a problem."
Murdoch said, "I'll have Ryan's lawyers handle that. He has some of the top firms on retainer. You didn't run into any problems with Duncan's mother?"
"No, sir; once she learned about the settlement you offered her, she couldn't sign the adoption papers fast enough. You and Ryan were right about her. Duncan was a meal ticket for her. She really didn't give a damn about the boy."
Murdoch said, "Duncan was disappointed that she would give him up just like that without even saying anything to him."
"I guess she was all the boy had in his world," Ian said. "She sure didn't deserve him. In spite of her lack of parental responsibility, and the bad elements he was exposed to, he turned out to be a good kid. He could have turned out like a lot of the street kids."
Murdoch said, "Maybe his father came from a good family. He sure didn't get it from his mother's side of the mix. I'm just glad we were able to rescue him away from that mess."
Murdoch and Ryan were finishing breakfast with the children when Raymond told Ryan he had a telephone call. "Thank you, Raymond, I'll take the call in the Library. Well, folks, if you will excuse me, I'll see you all at lunch."
Ryan picked up the telephone in the Library. "Ryan, this is Charles, can you call me back on your secure telephone line?"
"Yes, Charles." Ryan went into the conference room and called Charles on the secure phone. "What up, Charles?"
Charles said, "The best news yet, Ryan. The Federal Judge heard the formal charges from the Federal prosecutor and bound the four defendants over for trial. All four are each being charged with five counts of first degree murder. Two of the defendants struck a plea bargain deal with the Federal Prosecutor. They will tell what they know for life in prison, instead of the death penalty.
Ryan smiled and said, "Thank God, this is the best news I've heard in months. Charles, I'm curious, who are the two that are requesting a plea bargain? "
Charles said, "Seymour Helms and Rob Brandt. I also talked to Danny Sullivan today about your situation. He said he has enough evidence to charge Vera, Nat, Ed and Catherine Rollins for murder. He said you are still under the protection of the government and does not feel you and your families are in harm's way. Now with the tight restriction on the visiting privileges imposed on the Rollinses and your father, I don't think they will be able to get their hands on their money. I think you should wait until the Rollinses are charged and in custody before you return to Georgia. The trial on the kidnapping charges is scheduled to begin in two weeks. You will need to be here for that trial. Unless it is postponed, which I doubt, you can plan to return in two weeks."
"That's great," Ryan said. "It will be nice to be home again. I know Murdoch and the children will be happy. Thank you once again, Charles, for your dedication and outstanding work."
Ryan called Mike Lee to thank him and his men for all their help. He left the conference room, walked down the hall to Murdoch's office and hugged him, then gave him the good news.
Murdoch kissed Ryan and said, "This is wonderful news, Ryan, I need to get Ian to push Duncan's passport through and to finalize the Nippon contracts."
Ryan said, "And I need to contact Sandy to let him know that we'll be back in Georgia in two weeks. I think it will work out much better with the three principals in the same state."
Murdoch smiled, "I'm sure the children and their staff will be delighted to go back home, I know I will."
Ryan said, "You and me both, sweetheart."
Ryan and Murdoch were in the nursery feeding their year old toddlers. Murdoch had two baby boys, Colin and Robert. Ryan was blessed with a set a fraternal twins, Ryan, Jr. and Annabel. Ryan's cell phone rang, he answered and said, "Thank you, Stewart; we'll watch the circus on CNN a little later. I'm sure it will be broadcast every hour throughout the day; I'll call you later after I've finished with the broadcast."
Murdoch said, "What's up, babe?"
Ryan smiled and said, "The jury returned a verdict of guilty on the kidnapping charges against all the defendants. The defense lawyers are filing a motion for appeal. Stewart said that was a normal procedure; however, the judge denied bail because he ruled that they were a danger to society; they will remain in jail pending appeals."
"Thank God for that," Murdoch said, "we can breathe a little easier now, sweetheart."
Ryan smiled, "I understand that they are all set for the murder trial for the people killed in that plane crash. Of course, they will be credited for the time already served in jail, if that is any consolation. How much time can you take off for five-life sentences, if they are lucky to beat the death penalty?"
Murdoch said, "Well, they deserve everything the jury hands down. The Rollinses are ruthless, money hungry animals that were responsible for taking the lives of five innocent people, and almost succeeded in taking your life as well. They caused our family to leave home and friends to escape their treachery, and forced us to spend millions of dollars and man-hours to defend our lives. I hope they, and all their hired assassins, receive the death penalty."
Ryan said, "I agree, my love, but we know so far, that two of the men have already escaped the death penalty. I'm pleased that the Federal Prosecutor allowed them to plead guilty. I'm convinced that the information they gave was the evidence he needed to nail the Rollinses. Seymour was a key player and the only person who could finger the ones that gave the order, and he was the man responsible for doling out the cash payments to the others members of the gang."
Murdoch said, "I'm glad your father agreed to sell his Spencer shares to you. It made our life much easier."
"Yes. Well, it looks like our babies are asleep and ready for bed. God, they are so beautiful, and they smell so nice," Ryan said.
Murdoch laughed and said, "They didn't smell so sweet this afternoon after I feed them and then had to change their dirty diapers. It brought tears to my eyes."
Ryan smiled, "You should be used to it by now, lover; they'll still be soiling a lot of diapers until they are potty trained."
Murdoch laughed, "Hopefully the majority of their soiled diapers will not be on my watch. Well, let's lay them in their cribs and head for our suite.
Burton, the butler, walked into Ryan's study and placed the mail in his inbox and left. Ryan was busy speaking on the telephone. When he finished his call, he started going through his mail. He opened an envelope with the return address from Bureau of Prisons and read the long letter from his father.
Dear Ryan,I have had a lot of time to think about what happened to you, and I'm sorry for the pain and suffering you went through. I guess it was my false sense of pride, and my homophobic, conservative attitude that ruled my thinking after learning about your alleged homosexuality. I could not believe that a son of mine could be anything but a straight arrow. After all, you proved to be an outstanding athlete in high school and college. That is why I consulted Dr. Bain of Sunnyvale Sanatorium. He assured me that it was not a problem to treat you for your alleged homosexuality. I also spoke with my minister and he was of the same opinion as Dr. Bain.
I want you to know I had no intention of committing you to Sunnyvale. I felt that if you continued to believe you were a homosexual, I had planned to have another conference with you and Dr. Bain. I never authorized, nor was aware, that you were under surveillance by the AAA Detective Agency. It came as a complete shock when I was arrested and charged with kidnapping.
This was all decided by Vera and her brother, Nat Rollins. I asked her why she took it upon herself to force you into Sunnyvale. She said that it was for your own good, and that she thought that is what I wanted. I still believed that this whole kidnapping thing would blow away and the charges would be dropped. But, as you know it did not, and I received a five year sentence as an accomplice. The Federal prosecutor implicated me in the plot because I was the one who made the initial contact with Dr. Bain. As you know, the jury bought that argument. I asked Vera to tell them the truth, that I had nothing to do with your kidnapping. But she wouldn't, and refused to testify because of self-incrimination.
I have since learned what a fool I was about homosexuality. I've taken the time to learn about it, and I've changed my thinking about homosexuals. I am no longer embarrassed or ashamed that you are gay. Neither one of us has any control over your being gay. You are my son and I love you. From what I have heard, you are to be commended in the way you've handled yourself throughout this ordeal.
I am not sorry to hear that Ed Rollins died of a heart attack last month. Maybe I should have listened to you when you warned me about Nat Rollins. I just couldn't believe that Vera and her family were capable of such treachery in causing the death of five innocent people. I thank God every night for saving your life. Vera admitted to me that they were after your estate. Her family found out that Templeton industries were worth billions. They thought once I got control of your trust we all would be worth billions.
I personally never knew that Templeton Industries was anything more that a small farming and real-estate company. That shows you how little I know about your wealth. The reality hit home when you purchased my company and folded it into Templeton Industries. I miss you, and your brothers and sisters. I'd appreciate it if you would send me a picture of the children, and of your family. My lawyer said you are taking good care of them and that they are happy living with you.
Please try to forgive me for what has happened to you and your family. I hope that one day you will forgive me, and that you will pay me a visit.
Sincerely,
Dad.
Ryan took the letter and walked down to Murdoch's office. "Do you have a few minutes to spare? I want you to read this letter I received from my father?"
Murdoch said, "Sure, baby, for you I'll make the time." Murdoch took the letter from Ryan and read it. "Wow, this puts a different light on things. Do you believe him?"
Ryan said, "Oddly enough, I do. Some of the things he wrote make sense. When I was kidnapped, he was out of the country. Secondly, my father is a face-to-face kind of guy. He may have done many wrong things, but he was never sneaky. I believe him when he said he wanted to have another meeting with me and Dr. Bain. I'm sure that Vera and company hired the detectives to watch me. I think when I did not start getting interested in any one woman, she assumed that I was gay, and was not going to get married before I reached my 25th birthday. In any event, my getting married was not part of her plan. She thought that if I had a wife, my estate would revert to my wife, and Vera didn't want that to happen. She wanted to get control of the Templeton Estate."
"But, Ryan, that would never have happened, not according to your lawyers."
"You're right, Murdoch, but Vera didn't know that. All she knew was that I would inherit my mother's estate when I became twenty-five years old. You know what I plan on doing? I'm sending Vera a note letting her know that even if she had succeeded in killing me, my father, or her children, she would never have seen a penny from the Templeton Trust; that my estate was to be divided between you, the employees, and the Templeton Charitable Trust Fund. I think that would drive her up a wall. Can you imagine how she would take this news? All her plans to get my money, only to learn all her efforts, and the lives of four men and her brother, were in vain."
Murdoch said, "I think you're right in sending her that note. It will give her one more unpleasant thought to take to her grave."
Ryan said, "You know, I think I'll make the effort to visit my father in prison; I felt sorry for him. I'll take the pictures of the children. I'm sure he will want them back when he gets out of prison."
Murdoch said, "You do what you think best, Tiger, after all, he is your father"
Murdoch and Ryan were seated arm in arm in the drawing room enjoying their after dinner drink. Ryan said, "I will be picking Dad up from prison tomorrow to drive him to his home in Atlanta. We had quite a discussion about his returning to normal life, and his desire to have his children back home. We agreed that he needed some time to adjust to a normal life again before the children returned. The five years in prison took it's toll on him. He is not the same arrogant man he was before he was sent to prison. He is a changed man. I've had a long chat with my brothers and sister and they reluctantly agree to live with their father. They really don't want to move from here. They have lived with us for almost seven years and they have made a lot of friends in that time. Carol is in her senior year in high school and the twins are sophomores in high school. Carol is very upset about moving and asked if she could continue living with us until she graduates. I've mentioned this to Dad and he thought that would be okay.
Murdoch said, "Why don't you suggest to your dad that he find a house around here. No one will know him here after all this time. I think Atlanta would be a different matter for him. So many people knew him there that I'm sure there would be talk. He still has plenty of money, more than he will ever spend."
Ryan said, "You might be right, sweetheart; it is something to think about. I'm so pleased that Sean was accepted at Georgia Tech. I'm sure he will do well. He is a bright young man. And Duncan will be graduating from high school with Carol the end of May. Has he picked out a college yet?"
Murdoch smiled, "He wants to go to Emery University in Atlanta. He visited the campus while Sean was checking out GT. I told the boys that I was buying them a condo in a gated community to live in while they are attending the university. Sean will be living by himself for his first year, and Duncan will join him next year."
Ryan said, "I think that's a great idea, baby."
"Sandy called this afternoon," Murdoch said. "He and Dan want us all to join him on his ship for a long weekend. He insists we bring the kids; they are taking along all their flock for fun and games. He has hired a bunch of entertainers along as well. Sandy and Dan know how to have a party. You remember how much fun we had at his last cruise."
"Yes," Ryan said, "that sounds like a great time. Why don't you call him and let him know we'll join them."
Murdoch said, "Well, my love, I think we should make for our suite and plan our own little love making party."
Ryan kissed Murdoch and said, "That's the best offer I've had all day."
Murdoch and Ryan will appear again in other stories of the Family & Friends series. I hope you have enjoyed reading this story as much as I have enjoyed telling it.