Generation 2, Chapter 34 - Coming Home

Waking early Adam silently got dressed and went out to prepare breakfast for the gang.  What had started out to be a brief trip home for his grandfather's funeral turned into an extended trip to Barnacle Bay because of the tragedy that happened to Beverly's father and his friend William.  The longer he lingered in the present increased the odds that Chase would locate them.  It wasn't like Dragon Valley where they were in a blind spot to all time travelers and they couldn't bring the dragons out here either.  Dragons were a well kept secret anywhere but in Dragon Valley.  Most people thought dragons were things of myths and legends.

Mixing the pancake batter Adam gnawed on his bottom lip.  Today was his and Beverly's turn to watch the kids while the rest took turns at the hospital.  William was still in critical condition but at least he was alive.  It was still touch and go but he was no longer on life support.  The doctors were still puzzled as to his remarkable recovery.  Adam smiled knowing they had the alien to thank for that.  He hoped they did the right thing allowing the alien to transfuse his blood into William.  Adam couldn't shake the feeling that they'll be paying the consequences for that decision once the side effects took effect.

Adam kept his concerns to himself for the most part.  Other than Evelyn no one else seemed concerned but he knew Evelyn was thinking along the same thoughts as he was.  How was this going to change William?  Will he be more or less human when he recovered?  Will he too claim to be bonded to the alien?  Will the transfused blood strengthen the bond?  Adam couldn't help but wonder if William felt that bond and he clung to Jessica because it was normal and what he was feeling wasn't?  Shaking his Adam hoped to rid his mind of the never ending questions and nagging worries.

There were so many questions and not enough information.  The alien stayed, too weak to leave and William might need another transfusion.  He was at the house resting.  Everyone else was crammed into Casey's small house as no one else felt comfortable to stay at the house where it had all happened.  Adam knew it was only a matter of time before they put the house up for sale.  He wondered who would want it?  Some morbid individual drawn by the senseless tragedy no doubt.

As the kids stirred to life Adam had pancakes ready and waiting for them.  He frowned when Dana came out holding onto Heath's hand.  Heath turned imploring eyes towards him clearly not liking it any more than Adam did.  That was another situation that had him worried and it seemed only leaving would put an end to it.  Dana's odd behavior was troubling to say the least but Adam found it worrisome that it was directed towards his son.  They had yet to finish the discussion they began on how best to help her.  Adam was afraid that her problems may be shelved due to what happened to William.

For the time being Adam had enlisted the help of Michael to keep them apart.  Michael had been willing to help and seemed willing to take the older boys on day trips to local fishing spots around Barnacle Bay.  Seeing  Michael coming out yawning Adam asked "So what's on the agenda for today?"  Adam noticed the scowl Dana directed at him.

"Not another fishing trip," Dana turned to Heath "You can't go. I forbid it  Your staying here with me."

"Am not" Heath mumbled as he stuffed pancakes into his mouth.

"That's gross.  Stop stuffing your mouth," she demanded.

With a mischievous gleam in his eyes Heath opened his mouth wide displaying all the contents for her to view "is that better?"  Screaming incoherently she grabbed Heath's plate.  He swallowed quickly yelling "hey I'm still eating that."

"Not anymore you're not," she said as she dumped the remaining pancakes over Don's head.

As syrup and pancakes dripped from his head Don demanded "what was that for?  I didn't do anything to you?"

Standing with hands on her hips Dana proclaimed "you exist that's good enough for me."

"That's enough young lady," Adam said coming up to the table standing over them. "I won't tolerate that kind of behavior."

"You're not my father.  I don't have to listen to you." She defiantly announced.  

"No I guess you don't," Adam conceded his tone deceptively soft.  Heath knew when he spoke like that he meant business.  So he was prepared when Adam turned to him "but he does.  Heath you're not to play with Dana.  I don't think she's a good influence for you."

Heath almost giggled as he watched Dana's mouth fall open stunned.  "You can't do that," Dana told him stomping her foot.

"What do you say Heath?  Am I being unfair?" Adam asked winking at him.

"No dad I don't like how she acts either," Heath replied honestly.

"Boys as soon as your done eating you can take off.  Michael I prepared a lunch for you guys so don't forget to take it.  Have fun and be home by supper time."  Adam watched the boys gulp their last few bites and make tracks for the door.  "Where do you think you're going young lady?"

"With them," Dana said pointing.

"I don't think so.  Not after what you did to your brother," Adam told her.  "You're staying and cleaning up the mess you made."

Staring at him then at the congealing pancake mess "you can't seriously expect me to clean that up, do you?"

"I do and you will if  you expect to be able to go outside any time soon," Adam told her as he walked away to help Beverly with all the babies.

Screaming she stomped her foot "you'll regret this," she mumbled under her breath.  Ignoring the mess she went to the window and watched the boys ride by on their bikes.  Maybe if she was quick she could see in what direction the boys went in before they were out of sight.

She moved fast and soon she was running outside looking in all directions but it was too late.  The boys were gone.  Screaming again she threw herself on the ground crying.

***

Looking out the window Beverly observed "that girl isn't quite right is she?"

"That's why I'm concerned about her behavior towards Heath.  It's unnatural.  She shouldn't be that obsessed about a boy she hardly knows."  He put an arm across Beverly's shoulders "we need to talk."

"You want to go back to Oasis Landing don't you?" she asked looking away.  She didn't want him to go without her.  Turning to Adam she grabbed his hand, pulling him close.  "Adam I ... I don't want you to go."

Looking deep into her emerald green eyes he smiled gently.  "If I could stay I would.  I want to be here for you and your family.  There are other things I have to consider like the safety of my kids. The longer we stay the better chance we have that Chase will find us."

"Is that the only reason?" she looked up at him "it's not because you don't trust me with your kids.  I know I messed up and you blame me for what happened with Irissa ...."

Grabbing her arms "What are you talking about?  No it never even crossed my mind."  Pulling her close he kissed her forehead.

"Then why? Why don't you want me to go back with you?" She licked her lips as she eyed Adam's lips.  Before she knew what she was doing she brought her mouth to his.  She had imagined this moment many times in her dreams.  His lips were soft and hesitant but grew more assertive as he deepened the kiss.

Pushing back from her breathing hard "I .... oh god Bev it's not that I don't want you to come back with me ..." Pulling her close holding her face gently in his hands he kissed and nibbled his way to her mouth.  Hovering just above  her mouth "it's the only way I know to keep you safe," he claimed her mouth.  Ignoring the alarms going off in his head telling him he was crossing a line of no return. He didn't care.  All that mattered was this moment.  This girl.  This kiss.

Lost in the heat of the moment Beverly almost missed what he said.  Safe?  Keep her safe?  Pulling away from his insistent mouth she murmured "keep me safe?"

Sighing he leaned his forehead on hers "Emit told me Chase tried to kidnap you and Heath.  Why didn't you tell me?"

Shrugging Beverly turned away from him when Adam reached out and turned her towards him.  "I thought Heath would tell you.  I wasn't trying to hide it from you."

"I've been so worried that something would happen to you and wouldn't be able to protect you.  I'd never forgive myself.  

She brought her hands up and gently stroked his face "is that why you want me to stay here?  Do you really think I'll be safer without you?"  Adam nodded and tried to look away.  She held his face firm and looked deep into his eyes.  "How could I be any safer than in your arms?  We're stronger together than apart.  Don't you think Chase knows how distracted you'd be if we weren't together?"

Chuckling Adam cocked his head "do you think you occupy that much of my mind?  You're not conceited or anything are you?"  Moving away he sighed "I have to admit you're right.  You've been on my mind since the first time I heard Heath call you mom.  I don't know ... hearing that melted the ice around my heart.  I liked the sound of it.  Heath has never warmed up to anyone before not the way he has to you."

Walking up to him she gazed into his eyes "I know what Heath thinks of me but what about you? How do you feel Mr. Ice Man?"

"Like I've come back to life," Adam reached his hand out touching her lips.

Kissing them softly Beverly smiled at him "so we're agreed.  When you go back to Oasis Landing we go together."

"I wouldn't want it any other way," Adam leaned in to kiss her finding he had an insatiable desire to feel her lips against his.

"Good," she mumbled against his lips before losing  herself in his touch.  The persistent ringing of Adam's phone made both of them groan.  "Ignore it," Beverly moaned as he pulled away.

"It could be important," he gave her a quick kiss before answering "hello."  "Hey dad" .... "slow down. What's wrong?" ..... "Is ..... is he alright?" ..... "No I'll get the first flight I can to Isla Paradiso" ..... "Love you too."  Feeling light headed Adam went to his knees putting his head down.  "Adam?" Beverly shouted in alarm.  Rushing to him she wrapped her arms around him "Baby what's wrong?"

"My ... my little brother is in the hospital."  Struggling to his feet he swayed for a moment until Beverly put an arm around him.  Turning to look at her Adam mumbled "thank you"  His actions stiff and jerky like he was fighting to remain in control of his body.  He looked at Beverly with strain evident in his eyes and voice as he said "I can have another conversion episode."

"Adam look at me and breathe." Beverly told him holding his face forcing him to focus on her.  "Tell me what happened."

"Elliot went to Isla Paradiso for spring break.  While scuba diving he was mauled by a shark.  I've got to go,  Mom's beside herself and dad needs help.  I've got to get tickets I ...." he started to shake as he was overcome with wracking sobs.

Beverly held him "let it out baby. Don't keep it inside, let it out."  She kept talking soothing him until he was less distraught.

Lifting his head up he smiled grimly "thank you."

 

Beverly kissed him firmly on the mouth "I'm coming with you."

"What about your family, your dad I ....." Adam protested.

"They're doing much better.  You came with me when I needed you  Let me lean on you when I needed strength.  It's my turn now.  Let me be there for you."  She stroked his face "you've been facing too much alone.  Now you don't have too.  Let me help you.  I'll be your support.  Your shelter in the storm."  Hugging him tight she pulled back enough to look into his eyes "okay baby?"

A  moment of silence while Adam soaked in her words.  He drew her close murmuring "okay," before bringing his mouth down on her with a feeling of coming home.

***

This song seemed perfect for what was going through Adam's mind at this moment in time and been there in his dreams.

Generation 2, Chapter 33 - Jumping to Conclusions

Sitting on a park bench listening to the sounds of children at play, Adam closed his eyes letting his mind drift while he soaked up the warm sunshine.  "So how did your meeting go with the solicitor?" a male voice asked from beside him.

Opening his eyes Adam smiled as he recognized the voice belonged to Shon.  Internally he debated whether to trust him with what he found out about his grandfather's research.  Shifting a little he watched Heath playing with Don a little ways off.  Shrugging he decided he needed to put forth an effort to make friends as much as Heath did.  "I'm a little concerned with what I learned to be honest."

Frowning Shon was a little worried with Adam's response.  What was Henry working on?  Was his wife in danger because of her close relationship with him?  Adam watched the conflicting emotions flit across Shon's face asking himself if he had misjudged the situation.  Maybe he should have kept his mouth shut.  After a few moments of silence Shon asked "do I need to be concerned for the safety of wife and children?"

Puzzled Adam didn't understand how his grandfather's research could effect the safety of Shon's family.  His mouth dropped when it dawned on him.  Of course he should have realized.  Evelyn was Grandfather's assistant, she would know intimate details of the research his grandfather was doing.  "I don't know," Adam told him honestly.  "I doubt she would be in any danger.  Her last name isn't Van Winkle."

Shon blinked, deep in thought "maybe I'm missing something but what does your last name have do with her safety?"

"Maybe nothing or everything,"  Adam sighed "I don't mean to talk in riddles but I simply don't know enough.  The man who broke into Grandfather's lab goes by the name of Chase Mars.  He hates anyone with the name of Van Winkle."  

"That doesn't make sense," Shon said interrupting him.

"It's a long complicated story full of lies and deceit and most of it happened so far in the future that we're just a page in history.  To make a long story short Chase's mother was murdered when he was a young child without ever telling him who is real father was.  After his mother was murdered a man came along telling him he knew who had killed his mother, a man by the name of Zedekiah Van Winkle.  Ever since then Chase has hated the Van Winkle lineage and is on a crusade to change the future by making changes to the timeline that produced Zedekiah."

"It takes a twisted individual to do something like that to a child," Shon muttered.

"It does," Adam agreed.  "The problem is that Chase believes these lies and he doesn't realize is if he's successful he'll be wiping himself out of existence."

"Don't tell me you're going to try to help him," Shon looked aghast at him.

"I'm going to try.  Chase doesn't know Zedekiah is his father so that makes him family." Adam watched a flock of birds fly past overhead enjoying their bird calls.

"But what does this have to do with the break in?  What was he looking for?  Did he find it?" Shon asked breaking into Adam's thoughts.

Pulling his attention back from the birds "grandfather was working on duplicating the alien procedure for male pregnancy.  It's a procedure that's done all the time in the future allowing gay couples the ability to have their own biological children."

"Too bad that doesn't exist now.  I work with someone whose gay and he would love to have children."  Shon fell silent for a moment "did Chase find Henry's research?"

Nodding Adam sighed "he did and it's wrecking havoc in the future.  Whole generations and countless innocent lives are being wiped out of existence."  Turning to Shon he continued "the solicitor gave my dad all of grandfather's backed up research files that he had.  He hopes dad will be able to duplicate the procedure before the timeline resets itself.  Once the timeline resets we won't be able to change it back.  Do you know if Evelyn knows if grandfather had any of his research hidden any place else?"

Rubbing his chin Shon thought for a moment "I don't know.  It's possible."  With that Shon called Evelyn and found out that Henry had several caches where he hid important documents and research. She agreed to go and look, agreeing to send anything she found to Peter in Dragon Valley.  

Hanging up Shon turned to Adam stating "the kids will be getting hungry soon.  We better get lunch started."  Walking over to the grills that were set up by the picnic table they began to grill hot dogs and hamburgers.  Shon glanced over at Adam and asked trying to sound casual about it "So what are your intentions towards Beverly?"

"My what?" Adam asked in astonishment dropping the hamburger he was flipping on the ground.  

Laughing Shon explained "Evelyn had me promise to ask and I couldn't resist.  After all it is my brotherly duty to protect my little sister's honor.  Seriously though do you like her?"  Shon watched as Adam's complexion deepened "so you do like her."  Keeping his eyes fixed on the hamburgers Adam refused to rise to the bait. "You do like  her.  I know you do.  I've sen you looking at her when you think no one else sees.  So what's the problem?"

Shrugging "you're right I do like her but it'll never work.  It can't.  I won't put her in danger."  Under his breath he added "not again."

"What do you mean again?" Shon asked looking at him in concern.

"Chase almost kidnapped Heath and Beverly while I was in the hospital a few months back.  That's when I realized that I couldn't risk her life by getting close to her.  Chase only took her because she was with Heath.  Could you imagine what he'd do if she was my girlfriend or wife?"  Shaking his head "no I don't have the right to put her in that kind of danger.  She needs to be with her family."  Looking at Shon "I'm hoping you'll help me convince her to stay here when I go back to Oasis Landing."

"Don't you think Beverly should have a say in this?  She's a big girl and whether you want to believe it or not, she's fully capable of taking care of herself.  I know that's not what you want to hear but honestly Adam you can't put your life on hold because of fear."  Pausing for a moment to formulate his thoughts "I worry all the time about putting Evelyn and the kids in danger. Despite the threats it hasn't stopped me from going after what I want, of course I do things differently then I would if were single.  You're trying to save the future but you can't forget to live in the present."  Shon removed the hot dogs from the grill "I think we're ready to feed the hungry mouths."

Following Shon to the table with the hamburgers, his mind deep in thought.  His thoughts were shattered by the shrill screams of a little girl.  Shon and him looked up and spotted Dana running towards them holding her arm, screaming hysterically.  Dropping the hot dogs on the picnic table Shon took off running.  Kneeling in front of his daughter "honey what happened?" he asked as he inspected the cuts and abrasions on her arm.  

"He pushed me ..." she gulped.

"Who?  Who pushed you?" Shon asked his voice holding back fear and anger as he gripped her arms needing to know who had hurt his child.  Dana pointed towards a figure emerging from another path.

"He did.  He pushed me." Dana said with a convincing quiver in her voice as she accused her brother of hurting her.

"Why?" Shon asked stunned at first then anger took hold "Why did you hurt your sister?

Don looked from Shon to his sister, eyes wide and hurt.  He noticed the flicker of triumph flash across Dana's face before she resumed her charade of being hurt.  "I .... I .... didn't.  Honest I didn't" Don stammered knowing it wouldn't do any good to deny it.  It never did in the past, why would now be any different?

"Don't lie to me," Shon all but yelled at the boy "look at her and tell me why you did this to your sister."

Tears streamed down his face "I didn't.  I didn't.  She's lying.  I wouldn't hurt her."  He turned pleading eyes to his sister hoping she would relent and confess.

"Daddy he wouldn't let me play with him and Heath.  He was being mean to me."  She turned her big innocent eyes towards Shon "I only wanted to play."

Adam was disturbed at what he was seeing.  There was something deeply disturbing about that child. A tug on his sleeve had him looking down "what is it son?"

"Dad, Don didn't do it,"  Heath whispered.

"How do you know?" Adam asked keeping an eye on the situation a few feet away.

"Don and I have been together all day.  He couldn't have done it."

"You're positive?" Heath nodded "why do you think she's lieing?"

"She's mad because Don wouldn't let me push her on the swings.  I would have but I promised Don I'd play pirates with him first."  Heath looked up "I'm sorry maybe if I had been nicer to her she wouldn't be doing this now."

Hugging him close Adam said "It's not your fault.  You need to speak up before your friend gets in trouble."

Heath hated conflict of any kind but the worst were when voices were raised and angry.  he wanted to cringe and cover his ears but he had to help his friend.  However before he could intervene Don bolted, running "I didn't do it.  Why won't you believe me?"

"Don come back here and apologize," Shon shouted at him.

"No never," Don cried running faster.

Torn between comforting his distraught daughter and running after his delinquent son Shon stood frozen.  Heath to the opportunity to tug on his arm.  In a firm but quiet voice Heath announced "he didn't do it."  He looked up at Shon and watched the anger drain from his face.

"You're sure?" Shon asked not sure how he should feel.  Relieved that his son didn't hurt his sister.  Angry that his daughter could so easily lie to him.  Regret that he didn't believe Don when he said he didn't do it.  He just assumed based upon what Dana told him.  Turning to towards his daughter "Dana why did you lie and say Don did this to you?"

Her tears dried up immediately as she sneered "because Heath wouldn't push me on the swings.  He likes Don more than me."  She made it sound like an accusation or a crime that anyone would like her brother more than her.

Looking in the direction Don had fled in Shon regretted his anger.  But why would Dana lie?  He had no reason to think she would.  However in future situations he would always doubt what she told him.  But that really didn't matter now.  He had to find his son.  A hand squeezed his shoulder.

Turning he found Adam by his side "go find your son.  I'll gather the rest and bring them home."

Nodding Shon turned to follow Don when Dana called out "what about me daddy?" She blinked her pretty blue eyes up at him.  "Don't you care about me?  I need you."  

"Your brother needs me more.  I have to find him."  Shon hastened after Don hoping to catch him before he disappeared in the wooded area of the park.  He knew this park, children went missing from it all the time.  

Stopping in her tracks watching Shon leave her behind she called after him "You like Don more than me."

"You know that's not true," Heath said behind her "Shon just has other more important concerns than you right now."

She moved close to Heath grabbing his arm "You like me, right?"

Feeling uncomfortable with Dana so close holding his hand he didn't know what to say or do.  She was beginning to scare him the way she was staring at him.

"Heath can you come here and help me clean this mess up?" Adam called from the picnic area.

"Coming dad," Heath called in relief breaking free from Dana's grasp.

"Dad when can we go home?" Heath asked as he helped clean up their uneaten lunch.

"Soon son," Adam told him "there's something I have to discuss with Beverly first, then we'll go home."

"Good," Heath said with relief.  Adam smiled knowing how his son felt.  Dana was a little unnerving standing motionless starting at them. There was something not quite right about her.  The sooner he got Heath away from her the better.

Generation 2, Chapter 32 - Bad News

"Van Winkle residence," Faith giggled into the phone.

"Mr Peter Van Winkle please," A deep masculine voice requested.

"Daddy's not home right now," Faith told the voice despite the frantic hand signals from her sister.

Grace grabbed the phone from Faith's hand scolding her "you know you're not supposed to tell strangers that daddy's not home, idiot."

"I'm not an idiot," Faith protested, struggling to regain control of the phone.

Ignoring her attempts Grace spoke into the receiver "who is this?"

"I'm Mr. Eckhart a solicitor based out of Bridgeport," the man explained. "Are there any adults I can speak with?"

"I'm sure there are, There's millions of them running around," Grace flippantly replied.  Seeing her mother coming up the stairs "mommy there's some man asking for daddy."

Taking the phone from Grace, Jean spoke into the phone "can I help you?"  A worried frown creased her forehead.

"I'm Mr. Eckhart a solicitor representing Henry Van Winkles estate," the man explained.  "I'm sorry to  have to inform you that Henry passed away early this morning in his sleep in his home in Bridgeport."

Blinking back tears Jean listened to the solicitor explain that Peter was the sole beneficiary of a sizable inheritance.  "I'm sorry what?  Peter was told that his father lost his assets in a failed investment several years ago."

"Err yes that is something Henry would have said.  All will be explained once Peter comes to Bridgeport to settle his father's affairs."

"Peter has two older brothers, perhaps one of them can assist you in settling Henry's affairs."

"Unfortunately neither one of them was mentioned in Henry's will.  His instructions are very explicit that only Peter was to handle his affairs upon his death.," the solicitor explained.

"It maybe several days before Peter can arrange things to come to Bridgeport," Jean hedged.

"I understand he's a busy man but surely he'll want to come to arrange his father's funeral," the solicitor suggested.  "Please have Peter call me at his earliest convenience."

"I'll discuss it with Peter and we'll be in touch,"  Jean agreed jotting down the number where the solicitor could be reached at.

That evening as Peter was putting Henry down for the night. Jean followed him "Honey we need to talk," she said from behind him.

Glancing over at her he nodded.  He had a feeling all evening there was something on her mind.

Kissing Henry goodnight as laid him in his crib.  Following Jean to their room "so what's up?"

She went over to Peter and gave him silent hug "you know I love you right?" she asked looking deep into his blue eyes.

"Without question," he kissed her lips "I love you.  I have a feeling though that's not what you wanted to talk to me about."  he frowned at her "it's not like you to hedge around like this. Just tell me what's wrong?"  

Caressing his face "I received a phone call from your father's solicitor today." She stopped as she felt Peter stiffen  "Honey I'm sorry your father passed away early this morning in his sleep."  She felt rather than heard him cry.  She pulled him close, rocking him in her arms.

"I never got to tell him ..." Peter choked on a sob "I was going to tell him ... but I never did."

Rubbing his back "it's alright he knew you loved him."

"But I never told him ... not after ...." his voice ended on a sob recalling how he felt about how his father had been so callous towards Vallari and how it had destroyed her life.  

Holding her husband Jean did what she could to console his grief.  Her mind drifted to the phone conversation with the solicitor.  "Peter I know your hurting but the solicitor mentioned he needed you to come to Bridgeport to settle your father's affairs."

"Can't my brothers take care of it?"  Peter pulled away wiping his eyes.

"Apparently he left everything to you and you have to settle it ...."

"I don't understand ...." Peter took a large gulp of air "he didn't have anything. He told me he lost everything .... what is there that needs to be settled?"  Sniffing Peter grunted "Another lie.  I should have known.  My father was a great one for keeping secrets."  Reaching for Jean's hand he squeezed it tight "I don't want to look through his things ... I'm afraid of what I might find."

"Oh Peter I know your hurting," she caressed his face "grieve for the man you knew and remember we all have faults, secrets and mistakes we wish we could keep hidden.  Grieve for the man you adored when you were a little boy."

Smiling Peter kissed her "thank you.  I adored my father when I was little.  I kind of thought of him as some sort of superhero who would change the world.  I wanted to be just like him." Kissing her again "I'm glad I'm not though or I shudder to think what my kids might think of me."  Sitting up sighing "I should call that solicitor .  I just don't want to deal with it right now."

"Then don't," Jean kissed him pulling him down beside her "there's time enough for that tomorrow."

***

The next several days were long and difficult as Peter struggled to arrange his father's funeral.  He avoided contacting the solicitor, refusing to take his calls or acknowledge his messages.  He wanted to get through the funeral before dealing with anything else.  Looking up in time to see a man enter the funeral home and approach him.  "Mr. Van Winkle I'm Mr. Eckhart.  I've tried multiple times to contact you regarding your father's affairs"

"Now isn't a good time," Peter frowned turning his back to the man.

"I realize that you may not want to discuss it here but you can't ignore it forever," the man took steps to stand in front of Peter forcing him to stop.

"Once the funeral is over I'll call you," Peter told him through tight lips keeping a firm grip on his anger.

"No I think we'll discuss it now," he grabbed Peter's arm squeezing tightly.

Shaking him off Peter glared at him "don't touch me." Peter's voice was low and deep, anger apparent in it's tone.  

The man dropped his hand "It's imperative I talk to you Mr. Van Winkle.  I have classified information that will impact the future."  His grave tone caught Peter's attention.

Nodding Peter looked around at the gathered family and friends and realized there was no way they would be able to find a private place to talk.  "If this information is classified we'll need a more private place to talk.  This place just isn't the place to do it.  I could be interrupted at any time."

"Come to my office tomorrow morning," the man agreed despite the urgency of what he needed to discuss with Peter.  He handed Peter his card "come to my office, it's secure."  He turned and walked away.

Adam came up beside his father "dad do you know who that man is?"

"No," Peter shrugged "should I?  He just introduced himself as my father's solicitor."

Adam watched the man walk towards the door "that isn't a solicitor.  That's the alien man whose been helping us bring an end to the abductions."

Shocked Peter turned towards his son "are you sure?  I mean ... damn ... that explains why he said he had classified information to give to me.  I didn't think ... he looked so normal, except for the eyes."

"He was genetically altered to look like us," Adam turned to Peter "I have a few things to tell you about the future that can't be discussed here."

Nodding Peter suggested "why don't you accompany me when I meet with our alien friend tomorrow.  I can't imagine we'll have a more secure place to talk then there."

"I'll do that," Adam hesitated before adding "dad I'm sorry about grandfather."

"So am I but he had a long life," Peter hugged his son "thanks for coming."

"I wanted to be here to support you," Adam told his father.  "You know another person we should talk to is grandfather's assistant."

"I was planning on it.  She's here with her family.  She's also William's daughter ...."

"I'd like to meet her," Adam enthused.  Beverly walked over to them "Bev I want you to meet my dad.  Dad this is Beverly Bennett, another daughter of William's."

"It's nice to meet you," Peter smiled warmly at her.

"I wish it were under better circumstances," Beverly said shaking his hand.  "Dad spoke very highly of you.  He's not real happy with me being in the future ..."  Shrugging she continued "but we all have to do things we don't want to do sometimes."  Beverly was interrupted when Heath came running up to her.

"Mom come quick.  Irissa is all tangled up and I can't get her out."  Heath grabbed her hand and pulled her away.

"Mom?" Peter raised his eyebrows at his son.  "That's an interesting development.  Something you want to tell me."

"Heath is very attached to Beverly,"  Adam explained nonchalantly.  "Don't look at me like that.  She's too young for me."

"You protest too much," Peter smiled at him enjoying his discomfiture. "Age has nothing to do with it." Adam rolled his eyes remaining silent. "Son if you like her go for it."

"It's not that simple,"  Adam mumbled "there's other things to consider."

"Take my advice and don't over think it," Peter told him "she's good for those kids."  He watched as Beverly patiently helped Irissa become untangled  from the chairs she had crawled under and snagged her dress on.  Chuckling a little "I think you know it too."

"I know," Adam acknowledged on a anguished sigh, "but being with me puts her in danger."  He shot her a wistful glance "I'm hoping Evelyn will convince her to stay here when I go back to the future."

Shaking his head Peter told him "it's your life but I think you're making a mistake."

"Maybe," Adam conceded "it looks like it's about to start.  Uncle Paul is standing up at the podium.  I better round up the kids."

Afterwards everyone gathered around, reciting their favorite memories of Henry and saying condolences to the family.  Evelyn and Shon approached Adam "Beverly is staying with us and your more than welcome to join her.  We know it must be overcrowded at your grandfathers place."

"That's kind of you," Adam was about to decline when he noticed how well Heath was getting along with their kids.  It was so seldom Heath had the opportunity to make friends that Adam found himself accepting their invitation.  "I'd like that thank you."

"Good we look forward to getting to know you," Evelyn smiled warmly at him

***

In Loving Memory of 

Henry Adam Van Winkle 

Henry died peacefully in his sleep and has been 

reunited with his beloved wife Corina Doloris (Elliot) Van Winkle.

Favorite Quote:  "All life is an experiment.  The more Experiments you make the better."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

He is survived by his three sons, eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Paul (Lori) Van Winkle

John (Kevin) Van Winkle

Peter (Jean) Van Winkle

Children:  Faith, Grace and Henry

Adam Van Winkle

Children:  Heath and Irissa

Brian (Shannon) Van Winkle

Children:  Terri, Derrick, Bruce, April and May

Corina (Ethan) Parrott

Children:  Jason, Barbara and Lisa

Doloris (Elias) Parrott

Children:  Joseph, Rebecca and Patricia

Elliot Van Winkle