Struggling Forward - 16. Karma Bites

Struggling Forward

Karma Bites:

The month flew by, and the tension in the boy's house became almost palpable. Charlie and Liv agreed to come over and stay at the house to babysit Khan, when they showed up Khan decided he was ready for the boys to go away so he could get extra puppy treats. Khan played the adorable card giving the girls his paw and kissing them prior to giving them the ‘puppy dog eyes.’ Kyle shook his head at Khan’s antics as he dragged luggage toward the door, “Khan you could at least wait until we leave to be a trader,” Khan dropped his head and held his ears back as he was scolded.

Charlie waved her hand dismissively at Kyle, “He’s so cute, how can you be so mean Kyle?”

“Mean?” Kyle sighed, “I baby Khan all the time,” Khan growled like he was neglected by his master.

Blu carried one of his bags down the stairs pausing to look at Khan’s behavior, “Pfft, trust me, Charlie, if you come back as a dog, you want to be one that lives in this house,” he then continued to the SUV to load his luggage.

Kaleb and Davis came down the stairs shortly after Blu. Kaleb paused in the living room archway, “Charlie, I have seven separate dishes made up for Khan in the fridge for a snack,” Khan’s ears perked up as he heard the word ‘snack,’ “He can have one a day. I also made a pan of lasagna for the both of you, just throw it in the oven for an hour and a half.”

*****

The flight had a couple of layovers leaving the boys happy to finally be on the ground. They headed to retrieve their luggage all of the boys got their luggage with the exception of Kyle, “Can I catch a god damn break? I swear fucking Rudolph and Penelope can conspire from prison even,” Kyle shook his head slinging his carry on over his shoulder.

Kaleb smiled at his brother, “You can wear some of my clothes, it might even make you more desirable to Blu,” he said snickering.

Kyle shot Kaleb a nasty glance, “Babe, what’s wrong with my looks?”

“Ew, we’ll stop somewhere and grab a couple of things for now, at least until they find your luggage. Shit! We’ll have to get you a suit Blondie,” Blu said trying to think of what else Kyle might need besides underwear, but it was fine by Blu if he went commando.

The boys made their way to get the rental car they reserved, somehow it turned out the SUV they reserved ended up being unavailable. The boys were issued a 2018 Ford Fiesta, it reminded Kyle of the clown car that Kaleb used to ride to work in. “Does anybody else feel there is a dark cloud following me around?” Kyle mumbled as they literally had to shove their luggage in the hatch and force it closed. Kyle opened the door and crawled in feeling like he had to hug his knees to his chest as he sat in the driver's seat, “Kaleb how did so many of you fit in the clown mobile?”

Kaleb turned a pinkish shade, “Um…” he glanced at Davis, “some of us had to sit on the others laps.” Kaleb shimmied into the rear seat and clammed up not saying anything else, other than patting his lap to give Davis a place to sit.

“Jesus, it’s an airport, how can they not have anything else available, couldn’t we have canceled the booking and gone to another rental company,” Davis whined as he squished into the back of the tiny pretend car on to Kaleb’s lap, “seriously Kaleb, now. Tell him now is not the time, think of dead puppies or something.” Davis tried to get comfortable around Kaleb’s untimely arousal.

“I can’t help it, you get my motor running,” Kaleb shifted around, “He,” pointing to his crotch, “has a mind of his own, you know that.” Chris sat beside his brothers shaking his head laughing uncontrollably.

Blu struggled to get out the back of the Fiesta, “This is fucking ridiculous,” he said slamming the door, “Blondie, come with me, bring the paperwork and the keys. Guys wait here and unload the luggage, we’ll be back.” Blu dragged Kyle back into the airport to the rental company counter.

“Can I help you, sir,” the older lady behind the counter asked. They had been served by a young guy the first time who didn’t really give two shits about his job or customer satisfaction.

“Yes ma’am, we reserved an SUV or similar,” he slid the paperwork across the counter, “the gentleman who served us before wasn’t interested in helping us when we told him the Fiesta was too small. There are six of us, I’m the second smallest. We look like a circus act trying to get into that thing. There are only five seatbelts in that matchbox car,” Blu tilted his head to add to his sarcastic tone, “Do you have any idea how we could all fit in that, or do you have something a little more like what we reserved AND paid for?”

“There is no need for that tone sir, let me have a look,” the lady tried to admonish Blu into submission, but he honestly didn’t want anything else to go wrong, and seriously, a Fiesta. The woman banged on her keyboard and ummed and ahhed.

“If you could give me a moment gentlemen,” the woman walked off and spoke with the guy who originally served us. Their discussion became a little heated. Blu could feel Kyle tensing next to him.

Brushing the hair away from Kyle’s eyes, “Blondie, we’ll get this fixed. You’re not cursed, I promise. It’s just the work of dickheads. Huh! I wonder if they’re friends of Kaleb’s.”

Kyle gave a fake chuckle, “This ordeal can’t end soon enough, I’m ready to go home.”

“I know, it will be over soon, we’ll go home, and I’ll make you forget they exist. At least once we’re married you can always change your last name if you want to,” Blu said hoping Kyle would like to change his surname to Waters.

Kyle stared down at the counter and then glanced at Blu, “I’m not sure what to do, I don’t want Kaleb stuck with the name by himself. I’m sorry, I gotta think about that.”

Blu smiled at Kyle, then pecked him on the lips, “There’s no pressure Blondie, just one option.”

“Thanks for understanding Babe, it’s not that I don’t want to, I just can’t let him carry the burden of our name by himself,” Kyle gave Blu a quick kiss as the rental lady started walking back with a face like thunder.

“I’m sorry gentleman, it’s all we have available at the moment,” she said curtly, but it didn’t seem like the harshness was directed at the boys.

“Ma’am, my fiancee booked this, three weeks ago, and as you can see in the comments, there is an explanation of why we needed a seven seated vehicle. What I am taking from your heated exchange with your co-worker is that he changed our vehicle and gave it to someone else,” the woman's shoulder’s stiffened, that’s exactly what happened.

“I’m sorry sir, there is nothing I can do, we only have budget size cars available,” the woman cringed.

“SERIOUSLY? I… you… motherf…” Kyle was cutoff by Blu sticking his hand over his mouth, only unintelligible muttering was heard.

James came in seeing Blu’s hand clasped over Kyle’s mouth, “I see our outspoken one was about to strike?” James dragged Kyle out of the office with his hand over Kyle’s mouth.

“Sorry, he’s having a bad day, well, life really… at the moment. Since this was an error from your staff, you could at least find us a rental SUV from another company and then refund the amount we’ve paid you.”

The Rental Agent sighed, as she picked up the phone and called another agency in the airport and made arrangements with them. She hung up the phone, “I’ve made arrangements with Hartzell’s Rentals they have an Escalade available, you will pay your agreed upon amount, and we will pay the difference,” she handed a form over to Blu after she signed it and punched in something into the credit card machine. “I’ve refunded your money electronically to your credit card,” she smiled sympathetically, “I’m sorry for adding to your friend's stress.”

Blu waved for James to sign the rental paper, James pointed to a chair in the corner, and Kyle sat down. After signing the receipt, James thanked her and the group headed to Hartzell’s for their replacement vehicle.

An hour later the family was in a luxurious Escalade that had plenty of room to spare, they pulled up to a not so luxurious hotel, but it was what they all could afford. “Thank god we are finally here,” they all checked in and received their room assignments. After carting their luggage to the appropriate room Blu and Kyle headed off to find some clothes for Kyle to have until his luggage was located.

The boys returned with a nice suit with multiple dress shirts and ties, along with a few everyday type clothes. Kyle hung his dress clothes in the closet, “I’m so glad that is over,” Kyle flung himself onto the bed.

There was a knock at the door, Blu walked over opening the door. James had a concerned look on his face, “Blu, we need to have a meeting Davis, you, and I. Would you mind joining Davis and I in the lounge of the hotel?”

“Yeah, sure,” Blu looked over his shoulder at Kyle, who was now asleep SNORING on the bed, he grabbed the keycard, scribbled a note, then followed James.

“Thanks for not asking questions yet,” James said as they walked to the lounge. They spotted Davis sitting in a booth in the back corner of the lounge he had ordered three cokes for the group like James asked him.

Blu sat beside Davis and James sat across from them, “Boys, this wasn’t a conversation I planned to have today,” James rubbed his hands together. “I need a lot of help with this one, for Kyle and Kaleb’s sake. We are waiting for one other person to join us first.” James checked his text message, “Ruby is here now,” in walked a swanky looking woman with fire-engine red hair and attitude that displayed she was better than everybody else.

James slid over in the booth, “Hi Ruby, have a seat.”

Ruby looked at the worn booth, she cringed as she sat on the bench, “Couldn’t you pick a better place to ask for us to chat?”

“Ruby calm down. I’m sorry this is so beneath your standards,” James rolled his eyes, “Blu, Davis, this is Ruby,” She glared at the two young men who definitely didn’t meet her standards, before waving her hand dismissively not acknowledging them verbally.

James sighed, “I asked you three here because there’s something I need to tell you about.” He glanced at the three, “Blu, no screaming, got it?” James sighed knowing what he was about to reveal would hurt the boys and Jared. “Kyle and Jared, are identical twin brothers. Their parents refused to keep Jared, he was born shortly after Kyle. Cale and Margarette hired me to help raise Jared at their house prior to their death. I spent the time I was off work at their residence taking care of him. After their death, I became Jared’s legal guardian and sent him to a private school. I found Cale and Margarette’s bodies the day they were murdered when I went to care for Jared, he was upstairs in his room when they were murdered.” James took a deep breath, “Penny and Rudolph absolutely refused to raise two kids at one time, they discarded Jared like he was trash.” James looked at Davis who turned white as a ghost at the revelation. “Jared doesn’t even know he has any brothers. I… I didn’t even think they would subpoena Jared to be here. Jared’s a really good kid Blu, please try to be nice to him, none of this is his fault. Ruby, Jared’s brothers Kyle and Kaleb are wonderful boys, I wish none of this even had to happen in this manner. This wasn’t how I wanted to do this, things just keep spiraling out of control.” James’s made eye contact with the boys three significant others, “I’m trying my best to minimize how hurt the boys will be after this whole trial plays out.”

Blu’s hands balled into fists, under the table, “Are you fucking kidding James? You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me,” Blu didn’t even care that all heads had turned to them to watch the commotion, Blu turned to Davis, “I’m outta here,” then slid out of the booth and headed for the hotel exit. Davis glared at James, shaking his head following Blu.

Ruby glared at James, holding her finger up, “You’re telling me Jared would have more money if he didn’t have brothers?” James glared at her due to her worrying about money.

“Well he has two brothers that are great guys, so get over yourself, this isn’t about you, it’s about Jared,” James' voice became heated.

Ruby slid out of the booth in a huff, “Well I can find better than Jared Remington,” she started to walk off but turned toward James, “Jared is too much of a pushover, always caring for people, later,” Ruby threw her hands up as she stormed off. As she walked past Blu and Davis she spoke into her cell phone, “I’m so glad I didn’t waste much time on Jared Remington,” she chattered, “the fool has brothers that kept him from having more money.”

James walked to the bar and ordered four shots of bourbon and walked back to the table with them. He placed one at each of the boy's spots. James downed one as Davis and Blu returned to the table, noticing a hurt look on James' face.

Blu and Davis sat down at the table, sitting in silence, neither knowing what to do, what to say, how to handle the situation. One of the biggest questions would be how does James plan on handling Kyle and Kaleb meeting Jared. “What was the redhead’s problem?” Blu asked James.

James picked up his last shot throwing his head back taking it in one big gulp, “Ruby stormed out, she was more worried about money than Jared,” James shook his head, “She is so much like Penelope it’s scary.”

Davis asked concerned, “What happens now?”

James let out a long deep breath, “I need to meet with Kyle and Kaleb to break the news, I hope you guys are willing to be there to support them, I don’t want them to feel alone like Jared is going too. After that, I am going to call Jared and have him come over here. I will need to meet with him privately, and then I will introduce the boys. Does that sound reasonable?”

“I don’t really see any other way for you to do it, where do you want us?” Davis asked, Blu silently sat by his side, still fuming about the situation.

James smiled weakly, “If you don’t mind Blu can we meet in your room? I want the meeting to be private they don’t need any more of a spectacle.”

“Mhmm,” Blu nodded curtly.

“Thanks, boys, I’ll give you like fifteen minutes to assemble the boys,” James looked at the shots still sitting in front of the boys he slid them over downed them in rapid succession,” James tried to gain some confidence that this will turn out better than it has so far.

Blu went back to his room where Kyle was sleeping, he climbed on the bed and woke Kyle gently peppering his face with kisses. Kyle moaned as his eyes squinted looking at Blu with a smile spreading across his face.

“Hey Blondie,” Blu said softly, “I need to tell you something, it’s important,” Blu said seriously.

Kyle sat up in bed, “What’s wrong? Is everybody okay?”

“Yes, everyone’s fine,” Blu said taking Kyles, hand in both of his giving him the most reassuring smile he could muster.

“You’re worrying me, what’s going on?” Kyle said with a concerned look.

“James asked me down to the bar earlier,” Blu looked away for a moment, organizing his thoughts, “it seems like there is a whole part of your life you haven’t been told about. Typical of Penelope and Rudy, it seems they haven’t finished messing with your life yet,” Blu paused, lets out a deep breath, “how do I do this.”

Kyle looked into Blu’s eyes, “Do what Babe?”

“It seems you have a brother, a twin brother,” Kyle inhaled a deep breath holding it, “Your parents didn’t want to raise two kids at the same time and had your grandparents raise him. James was told that you weren’t to know about him… and keeping this from you has been killing him.”

Kyle had a puzzled look on his face, “I... have a twin? I always felt somebody was missing growing up.”

Blu rubbed little circles on the back of Kyle’s hand, “His names Jared, Blondie.”

Kyle sighed, “Grams and Gramps died a long time ago. Where has he been? Who took care of him? Does he know about Kaleb and me? Do we look the same?”

“Yes, they did die a long time ago. James is Jared’s guardian, he sent him away to school to protect him from your parents,” Blu took a deep breath, “according to James you are identical.”

Kyle had an angry-worried look on his face, “Rudolph and Penelope kept Jared out of our lives?” Kyle rubbed his temple, “Why wouldn’t they just ignore Jared like they did to Kaleb and me?”

James knocked on the door to Kyle’s room, a confused Kyle answered the door, “Why is everybody coming to my room?”

“Can I come in? We all need to talk Son,” Kyle stepped aside letting James into the room, “Guys take a seat please, this whole situation is a shock, I’m sure. We can discuss everything once Kaleb and Davis get here, okay?” Kyle nodded his head and sat down beside Blu latching onto his hand.

A knock at the door signaled the arrival of Kaleb and Davis, James answered the door, “Come in guys and have a seat.”

James leaned against the dresser, “I had to keep Jared, and you guys separated, Rudolph and Penelope pretty much threatened something bad would happen to Jared if he ever met you both. I really wanted the three of you to be together.”

Kyle looked at James worriedly, “Is he okay? Does he know about us?”

James held up his hand to stop Kyle for a moment, “Yes he is okay, he doesn’t know about you yet. He’s meeting me here in fifteen minutes. After I break the news to him, I’ll introduce you. His girlfriend walked out of here when I broke the news to Davis and Blu. It seems she was only after money from him.”

“She’s as bad as Rudolph and Penelope,” Kaleb muttered.

James nodded, “I can’t argue with you about that Kaleb, I thought the same thing.”

“Does he know she done that?” Kyle asked quickly so he couldn’t be cut off.

“No,” James frowned, “He’s only had me until he met Ruby.”

“He’s not alone anymore,” Kyle and Kaleb said simultaneously.

“I really am proud of you boys for understanding. I’m worried about him, he hasn’t had an easy life. Kyle, Jared has the same mannerisms you do, he’s always worried about other people instead of himself,” James rubbed his neck, “He really is going to need you guys in his life.” James looked at his watch, “I’ll be back shortly, Jared should be here any moment,” James headed out the door to find Jared.

Kyle looked at Kaleb, “Are you gonna be okay with us both looking out for Jared?”

“Hey,” Kaleb said in a hurt tone, “I had the best person in the world looking out for me growing up. Why wouldn’t I be ok with us both looking out for him?” Kaleb smiled at his brother, “Besides he has Blu and Davis to help too.”

James knocked on the door about fifteen minutes later, Kyle opened the door. He looked at a timid version of himself, “Jared, I’m Kyle,” Jared reached out offering his hand. Kyle pushed it aside wrapping his arms around Jared, “I wish I could’ve done this all along,” Kyle kept an arm wrapped around Jared’s shoulder as he walked into the room.

Kaleb stood up walking to Jared, “I’m Kaleb, your younger brother,” Kaleb hugged him quickly, “Just so you know, you’re our brother we’re gonna look out for you now.” Jared had unshed tears in his eyes as he nodded.

“I’m not sure how to do this family thing,” Jared said just above a whisper, “I’m probably gonna screw this up.”

Kyle tightened his arm around Jared, “Hey, it’s ok, we all screw up sometimes,” Kyle pointed at Kaleb, “Wait until you see what Kaleb pulls,” Kyle laughed, and Jared chuckled.

“Hey,” Kaleb said in a mock hurt tone, “I’m the baby you’re not supposed to pick on me.” That got the first genuine laugh out of Jared.

Kyle smiled, “Jared, this is my fiancee Blu,” Kyle motioned Blu over.

Blu walked over with a bewildered look on his face, he smiled, shaking Jared’s hand, “Nice to meet you, Jared.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too,” Jared smiled shyly, “Can I ask you something?”

“Absolutely, ask away,” Blu grinned.

“James says Kyle used to be shy like me, but he always worries about everybody else. Is that true?” Jared stared at a spot on the floor.

“He’s still a little shy in certain situations but he’s getting better, and yes, I wouldn’t say he worries about everybody. He fiercely protects the ones he loves,” Blu gazed affectionately at Kyle.

“You really love him huh?” Jared asked rhetorically.

Kyle smiled as he pointed to Davis, “Jared, this is Davis, Kaleb’s boyfriend.”

“Hi Davis it’s nice to meet you,” Jared offered his hand.

“You too,” Davis grinned shaking Jared’s hand, “Man if you two ever have the same haircut, we’re all screwed.”

Kyle laughed, then there was a knock at the door. Kyle let go of Jared’s shoulder and went to the door he opened it and let Chris inside as he walked over standing beside Jared. Chris stopped dead in his tracks staring at two Kyle’s… “Wha? Huh? How… Who are you?” He asked with a dumbfounded look on his face.

Kaleb laughed, “We cloned Kyle while you were in your room.”

“Seriously, who the fuck is he?” Chris said a little too forcefully causing Jared to back behind Kyle.

Kyle reached back as he stepped sideways putting his arm on Jared’s shoulder again, “It’s ok this oaf,” Kyle pointed to Chris, “Is one of our adopted brothers, we will explain it after we get through this trial, okay?” Jared nodded his head. “Chris, this is Jared. It seems Rudolph and Penelope continue finding ways to meddle in all of our lives, even from prison.”

“Welcome to the family,” Chris smiled, “Sorry for being so snappy with you, I didn’t mean it.”

Jared gave a weak smile, “Thanks.”

The boys all lounged around Kyle and Blu’s room getting to know one another until the early hours of the morning. James finally made Jared go back to lay down in his room, so everybody could get a little bit of rest before the trial.

*****

The following morning the group hustled and bustled early in the morning grabbing breakfast, prior to getting dressed for court. Kyle stood in front of the mirror tensely trying to get his hair to look like he wanted, “Babe, come help me, please… I can’t get my hair to lay like it should, my hands are too shaky.”

Blu moved to Kyle, turning him, he picked up a hair product smushing it through Kyle’s hair, then flicked his fingers here and there, then twisted some ends, “There you go,” Blu lifted his lips to his fiancee, “Love you, Blondie… don’t move away from me today. I want you next to me the whole time, okay?”

Kyle gave a weak smile, “Love you too Babe, I can’t wait to put this behind us. It feels like life has been a bad dream for the last month thanks to Rudolph and Penelope.” There was a knock at the door of their hotel room, Kyle went to answer it.

As the door opened, James stepped inside dressed as sharply as he had when he worked at Remington Manor, “Son, we should be getting on the road, I’m sure the Federal Courthouse has security we will have to clear before reaching the courtrooms.”

“Babe,” Kyle called out over his shoulder, “James thinks we should get on the road.”

“Travelling,” Blu called back, exiting the bathroom in his suit, fixing his sleeves, “Ready.”

*****

Before leaving the hotel Kyle and Jared went to the barber shop and got identical haircuts, they both snickered when they got back to Kyle’s hotel room leaving Blu stunned at how identical they truly looked. The only thing that gave away who they were was the clothing Kyle had on because Blu bought it for Kyle.

The family had to hurry to make it to the courthouse, getting through security was a royal pain, the group felt as if they were visiting the White House. The only thing security didn’t do was a full body cavity search, “I think that guy groped me,” Kyle looked over his shoulder with a confused look on his face, “He even has a smirk on his face.”

Blu narrowed his eyes at the smirking security guard, “Watch the paws dickhead.”

Jared came through the checkpoint after Blu, Kyle spotted Doug, Lily, and Nan standing by the water fountain near the end of the hall. Kyle got a wicked grin on his face, “Jared wanna mess with somebody?” Jared smiled hesitantly nodding. “See those people down there?” Kyle pointed out Doug, Lily, and Nan and quickly told him their names. “Go down and say hi to them with Blu, make sure you call them Mom, Dad, and Nan,” Jared went to walk away Kyle put his hand on his shoulder, “Goose the old lady, she will be amazed.”

As Blu walked over to his folks holding hands with Jared, he said in a low voice, “Just follow my lead,” “Hey Mom,” Blu hugged his Mom, then kissed her cheek, moved on to his Dad, then Nan.

Jared smiled, “Hi Dad,” hugging Doug moving over to Lily, Jared became flustered as he said, “Hi Mom,” and goosed her, Lily squeaked in surprise, fanning her face as it heated up. Nan practically rolled on the floor laughing, Jared scampered back to his brother embarrassed as hell.

“What the devil was that about Blu,” Doug said trying to be serious, but his laugh kept coming through, Lily smacked him on the arm.

Blu scratched the back of his neck, “Uh… Kaleb bet Kyle he didn’t have the guts to do it.”

Kyle, Kaleb, Chris were doubled over laughing as Jared tried to blend into a potted plant beside Kyle. Davis stood there shaking his head trying not to laugh at the hilarity of the situation failing miserably. James had his hand covering his face wishing he could disappear.

Blu waved the others over, his face still pink but amused. Jared continued trying to hide behind Kyle, worried they would hate him after what he had done. Kyle wrapped an arm around his twin, “Mom, Dad, Nan, don’t think bad of him I sorta put him up to it. He just got a little confused, this is my twin, Jared.”

The three adults gasped, “Holy shit,” Doug said amazed his eyes kept traveling from Kyle to Jared.

“So which ones Kyle,” Lily asked.

“I am,” they both called, “No you’re not I am,” they both bantered back and forth.

“No, ok he is,” They both said pointing at one another.

“No matter,” Lily leaned over grabbing them both hugging them, then gave them both a smack on the back of the head, “Don’t mess with your Mom,” she released them both then pointed, moved to the side and studied them. Then pointed to Jared, “You’re…” then pointed at Kyle, “you’re Kyle.” Then cuffed him on the back of the head again.

“Yep,” Jared snickered, “How’d you know?”

“I didn’t really, you just seemed more nervous than Kyle,” Lily smiled.

James laughed, “Sounds about right, guys, I hate to break up the laughs, but we need to go find some seats for our tribe.”

“Okay guys, funs over, let’s go, you heard the man,” Doug said.

The family found their seats, Blu sat on one side of Kyle and Jared sat next to him with Kaleb on his other side along with Davis and Chris. They murmured amongst themselves as did the adults until the Bailiff walked in calling the court to order.

The Bailiff read off the docket, the court is now in order the Honorable Steven Powell presiding over The United States of America vs. Rudolph Valentino Remington and Penelope Francesca Remington. The Judge was seated as Sheriff’s escorted Rudolph and Penelope in, they stopped staring at their three sons who were sitting staring directly at them.

Rudolph yanked his handcuffed hands away from the Sheriff lunging at them, “You perverse heathens, and you unwanted piece of shit…” the Sheriff tackled Rudolph to the floor as Judge Powell hammered his gavel on the bench.

“Mr. Remington, after that outburst you shall be shackled for the remainder of the trial. I recommend if you don’t want more charges levied you sit there and be quiet until directed otherwise,” Judge Powell bellowed with authority. The Sheriff immediately shackled Rudolph as he was shoved into his chair.

“I should’ve had all three of you killed while I had the chance,” Penelope spouted off, “Your poor father is a good man, you’re destroying his reputation.” A female Sheriff shoved Penelope into her chair. The Judge jotted something down on his pad, motioning both attorneys to the bench.

He quietly talked amongst them for a brief period, the US Attorney returned to his seat filling out an additional paper handing it to the Bailiff. “Your Honor the United States would like to add three additional charges of threatening witnesses against Penelope Remington, the forms are already signed,” the Judge looked at them and nodded his acknowledgment.

“Before we begin I want to make one this crystal clear, this is MY courtroom you two,” Judge Powell pointed at Rudolph and Penelope, “If you want to continue acting as you are, I have no problem adding additional charges against either of you. Evidently, neither does the United States, feel free to continue if you feel so inclined. Ok, let's get this show going.”

Assistant Attorney General Joshua Crabtree stood to present his opening arguments, “Your Honor, I will present damning information that will prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Rudolph and Penelope willfully and heinously hired an individual who is in custody to kill Penelope’s parents Caleb and Margarette Gates.” Rudolph and Penelope’s eyes bulged. “They then went on to drain cash from the trust funds of two of their three sons which can be substantiated by the audit conducted by the United States IRS. Furthermore, Carson Van der Berg gained proof of the embezzlement of funds from the Remington boys trust funds the defendants had him murdered to cover the dirty little trail. Carson recorded a conversation with the pair, there is a digital copy of the interaction.” Crabtree pointed his hand in a sweeping motion at Rudolph and Penelope, “They bought a home in the Bahamas that both individuals planned to use as an escape house if they felt the police was close to building a case against them,” Crabtree sat down in his chair waiting to hear the defense councils response.

“Your Honor, Casper Vandiem representing the accused,” a short, stocky, balding man with a crooked nose stood up from beside Rudolph and Penelope. “I intend to prove Penelope has suffered from mental illness and never realized what she was doing. Her loving husband stood by her side supporting and caring for her, he became desperate to provide her the best life possible. Neither of these two,” Vandiem pointed to his clients, “would wish to harm anybody, both are very active in various charities. Penelope herself is involved in several children's charities. Rudolph leads the California Businessmen's Association and is one of the founding members of Remington Property Management.”

Kyle leaned over whispering into Blu’s ear, “What a crock of shit, Penelope has a mental illness?” Kyle shook his head as he made a fist, “And Rudolph being the loving husband,” Kyle laughed quietly, “was providing her the best life possible? How can anybody even say shit like that and keep a straight face?”

“Right, fucking joke,” Blu sneered at the Remingtons as he spoke.

The day dragged along with mostly a bunch legal motions and jargon being thrown around by Rudolph and Penelope’s lawyer. By the time 4 pm rolled around Judge Powell had heard enough for the day and placed the court in recess until the following day.

*****

The second day of the trial started off with a bang when Attorney Crabtree called his first witness, “Michael Knox,” the man stepped through a side door. He was wearing a short sleeve black button-down shirt, his head was shaved, all exposed skin was covered in tattoos, he resembled a biker gang member. Michael stood in the witness box raising his hand as the Bailiff swore him in preparing for his testimony. Rudolph and Penelope both gasped, quickly leaning into each other whispering.

Attorney Crabtree glanced at Rudolph and Penelope while asking, “Mr. Knox how long have you known the Remingtons?”

Michael stared at the Remingtons, “About twenty years.”

Attorney Crabtree smiled, “Mr. Knox how to you know the defendants?”

Michael leaned forward in his chair, “I handled business matters.”

“Business matters? Can you elaborate please?” Crabtree glanced at his notepad.

“I um… eliminated people that the Remington’s needed disposed of.” Michael had a bead of sweat forming on his brow.

“Who were some of those individuals that you eliminated for the Remington’s?” Crabtree took a sip of his water placing his cup on the table.

“Penelope’s parents, the Gates. Also that drunk, uh, Carson Van der something,” the Attorney General smiled at Michael’s response.

“Do you mean Carson Van der Berg?” Crabtree needed the confirmation.

“Yeah, that’s it,” Michael said with conviction.

“Did you have any other form of relationship with the defendants?” Attorney Crabtree asked casually.

Michael fidgeted in the chair barely whispering, “We were all lovers.”

“That’s a fucking lie,” Rudolph shouted. Penelope slouched in her chair covering her face with her hands.

Judge Powell banged his gavel, “You just gave yourself some additional charges Mr. Remington, welcome to criminal contempt charges. Do you wish to try for some more?”

“Go to hell,” Rudolph said to the Judge.

“Again Mr. Remington,” Judge Powell had to fight a chuckle.

“WOW!” Kaleb said louder than he intended, “Dear old Dad takes a cock too, pervert!”

The Judge slammed his gavel looking in Kaleb’s direction, “That’s enough, or I’ll clear the court.”

Jared put his hand over Kaleb’s mouth, whispering, “Would you please shut up?” Jared hid his face behind his other hand as he turned a shade of pink.

Rudolph turned to Penelope, “You stupid bitch, I knew we shouldn’t have used him to work for us…” Rudolph looked up as eyes were focused on him, “Oh fuck.”

Judge Powell banged his gavel yet again, “Well you might be setting a record in my court, Mr. Remington. Are you done yet?”

The defense attorney leaned forward speaking quietly with Rudolph and Penelope. After a brief chat, the Attorney spoke up, “Your Honor in light of the evidence presented to the court my clients have decided to plead guilty and beg for the mercy of the court.”

Judge Powell rolled his eyes, “Let me clarify this situation, Mr. and Mrs. Remington you are pleading guilty to all charges?” Rudolph and Penelope both nodded their heads. “I need a verbal yes or no,” Judge Powell stated authoritatively.

Rudolph sneered at the judge, “Yes, whatever. Get me the hell away from this bitch.”

“Bitch? You were the one that rode Michael’s cock begging for more,” Penelope spouted off with venom in her voice, “You know Rudolph since I won’t be dealing with you anymore, you suck in bed.” Penelope looked at the Judge, “I plead guilty.”

“Uh… Alrighty then, we will take a brief recess while I prepare for sentencing,” Judge Powell banged his gavel and walked into his chambers.

Kyle turned to his brothers, “And we are the perverted heathens?”

“Seriously,” Kaleb shook his head, “That demented bastard.”

Kyle leaned back in his chair his nose scrunched up, “Eww…” Kyle thought about his parent's revelation.

A short time later the Judge came out of his chambers and sat at the bench, “Will the defendants please rise for sentencing.”

“By your own admission of Murder, this court can NOT willfully give lenience, in this case, you both tried to elude prosecution for over 15 years, I hereby find you guilty. You both were involved in premeditated murder, along with embezzlement from your own sons. At this time I am sentencing you both to death at a time to be determined after you have followed through on your appeals, in the meantime, you’re to be remanded to the supermax prison ADX Florence, in Florence, Colorado. May God have mercy on your souls,” Judge Powell banged his gavel and sighed at the sickening crimes the two had committed. Sheriff’s dragged Rudolph and Penelope away expeditiously.

The courtroom started to clear the family sat around talking about the attorney’s opening comments. Judge Powell went to stand up, his eyes locked on Nan, his mouth opened and closed without any words being said. Finally, the Judge walked over to the banister leaning on it, “Phyllis? Phyllis Waters?” All of the chatterings stopped, and their eyes turned to Nan.

“Rocky is that you?” Nan gasped, eyes as big as saucers, as she trembled.

“Mom, are you okay?” Doug put his arm around his Mom’s shoulders.

Nan was stood stock still, speechless.

“Uh…” Steven cleared his throat, “It’s so good to see you, you haven’t changed a stitch, you’re absolutely as gorgeous as ever.”

Kyle nudged Blu’s shoulder leaning into Blu, “What’s going on here?” he whispered.

“Shhh! This is getting good,” Blu said eyes glued to Nan.

“Mm…Ste…,” Nan tilted her head looking at the judge, “Son of a bitch, you… you… son of a bitch,”

“Would you like to come into my chambers and have a quick catch up session?” The Judge extended his hand to Nan.

“SON OF A BITCH,” Nan stomped over toward the bench the gate between the gallery and the court banged as it was thrust with Nan’s knee as she moved with fire in her eyes.

“Holy Shit!” Blu whispered stunned by Nan’s reaction to the judge, he had never seen Nan be so…

Kaleb stood up whistling, “Nan, get ya some!”

Jared made himself as small as he could in his chair beside his younger brother tugging at Kaleb’s sleeve, “Sit down, you’re embarrassing,” Jared said just above a whisper.

Steven took Nan’s hand and disappeared into his chambers.

Kyle was at a loss for words from both the trial, sentencing and Nan’s whatever the hell she was up to. “Babe,” Kyle rubbed his hand through his hair, “We’re finally free of them.”

“Yep,” Blu scratched his head, “Did Nan, uh… did she just go with the judge?”

Jared removed his hand from Kaleb’s mouth revealing a shit-eating grin, “She sure did! She’s getting us a Pappy,” Kaleb snickered.

“Congratulations, guys,” Blu said after regaining his faculties, then hugged Kyle, Kaleb, and Jared.

Kyle kissed Blu, “Thanks for sticking with me while I was an ass, they were driving me insane even when I wasn’t living with them.”

“Boys,” Doug said, “Let’s go get some grub, and we can talk about this while we eat.”

Steven and Nan came out of his chambers a disheveled mess. Nan was adjusting her boobs as she whispered sweet somethings in the Judge's ear, “You frisky little thing,” Steven said as he slung his suit coat over his shoulder, “I’m officially retired, would you mind helping me find a place back home to live Pumpkin?”

Nan glared at the judge, “I’ll give you pumpkin.”

“Ugh…Yick!” Blu gagged.

“Aww… their first fight,” Kaleb joked, “Isn’t it sweet?”

“YUCK!,” Kyle, Jared, Davis, and Chris all shouted as Kyle grabbed Blu’s hand before they all walked out of the courtroom.

The family along with the Judge went to a trendy restaurant to celebrate the boy's freedom from Rudolph and Penelope’s reign of terror. The restaurant actually server family-sized servings of pasta which everybody enjoyed.

Jared sat his fork down with a worried look on his face, “What happens to me now?”

James wiped his mouth placing his napkin on the side, “What do you mean? You’ll go back to college.”

“But I just got my brothers back, so now I have to give them up?” Jared had an upset look on his face.

“No, why would you do that, get a transfer to BU. You can come live with us, we’ll kick Kaleb out to make room,” Blu said not really paying attention focusing on his plate.

“Kicking Kaleb out, huh?” Jared chuckled.

“Hey, who’s gonna cook? You’ll all starve, and Khan will hate you guys,” Kaleb smirked.

“Out of your room dickhead, I don’t think you’ve even been in there since you and Davis started the ol’ slap and tickle. Even that you don’t do in your rooms, you might as well live in the laundry room.” Blu shot back.

“That’s not fair,” Kaleb held his fingers up counting, “Uh… nevermind there's only one room we haven’t done the bump and grind in…”

“Babe, we’re moving, so gross,” Kyle screwed his face up at his brother and Davis.

“He’s not serious, right?” Jared asked with a cringe.

“YES!” the entire table excluding Kaleb and Davis shouted.

“Is it too late to stay in California?” Jared joked as a smile spread across his face over his family – WOW! Did it feel good for him to be able to say he had a family, as dysfunctional as it maybe it was his?