Date: Fri, 01 May 1998 15:35:26 -0500 (CDT) From: Silvia Casale Subject: House of Windows- Notes- read first Sender: owner-tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Sender: silvia.casale@pop-3.ukonline.co.uk To: tales Reply-to: tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (16) Disclaimer and Notes First of all, I'm just borrowing the characters that are from the series. They are the property of Universal Television, and the sci-fi channel, as is SeaQuest. This story and all subsequent parts are copyright to E.Casale, 1997. Well, this is my second attempt at writing and it's a bit different from the last one. What happened was that I wrote out a long and complex plan for a story and then I decided to add a two page prologue. The prologue grew to become this story. At the time, I called it my 'monster story' because I had no idea what was going to happen next and when I knew, I had to write it and couldn't delete it, which left me in some very awkward spots, plot-wise. The story is set about 4 or 5 years before the series starts. I wrote it after a discussion by the people in the dedications list, when I suddenly came up with this idea that, I think, gets everyone's views in, even if it is in an slightly round about way. It also seems like a recurring topic, so I thought that this would interest people. Also, I've always wanted to know the full story about this background, not just little bits. As it turned out, this is much more my type of writing- talking and emotions, not lots of action and it's about things that I know and believe strongly in, so I hope I did a good job of it. I didn't have the time or the patience to really research this properly so I'm sorry, if I'm completely inaccurate! I did do some research this time at least. All comments/suggestions/ criticisms/ advice/ etc. are welcome, but please send them to me personally at silvia.casale@ukonline.co.uk so that they don't have to go on the list and bore everyone. I'm not sure how often to send out the parts, or if anyone will want me to send them out after the first part! Suggestions on this are also very welcome. Please note that I'm dyslexic and I have particular problems with names. Next, I want to say a huge thank you to Ann and Emma for editing this for me and for their vast amounts of help and wonderful advice. Thanks for your patience with me! There's probably something that I've missed but I can't think of anything. I hope you all enjoy it. Sorry if it's a load of trash, but at least I had a go, right? This story is for: Al, Amy, Ann, Carin, Chris, Emma, Karel, Kate, Kathryn, Kathy, Lea and Ltjg. Rufio. I hope this covers everyone's opinion from the discussion and that I haven't missed anyone when I was collecting names ( if I did, sorry and consider yourself included- tell me and I'll add your name). I hope you all enjoy it or at least the effort ad excuse my ineloquence. ( Is that a word? - writer's privilege to neologism!) Lx " Children begin by loving their parents. After a time they judge them. Rarely, if ever, do they forgive them." Oscar Wilde, A Woman of No Importance Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 15:27:50 -0500 (CDT) From: Silvia Casale Subject: House of Windows- Part 3A Sender: owner-tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Sender: silvia.casale@pop-3.ukonline.co.uk To: tales Reply-to: tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (16) Copyright E.CAsale 1997, 1998 Part 3 The school was beautiful, with open grass lawns, trees, flowers, bushes in between the various buildings and a very well equipped computer room. Lucas was clearly delighted and gradually his father relaxed as he watching his son smiling as they looked around. After that he introduced Lucas to his friend and they started to discuss the options. Dr. Platt was clearly impressed and soon suggested that Lucas talk to some of the teachers so that they would be able to get a better idea of how to place him. After all that, it was agreed that Lucas would go into the last year of the school on a trial basis. Bill pulled Lawrence aside at the end. " He doesn't really need to do this year, but it'll probably be better for him. Give him some time to adjust. After that I'm pretty sure that any college would accept him." " You mean for next year?" Lawrence asked surprised. Bill nodded seriously. " I just hope we can keep him busy for one year here. It will be hard for him, being so much younger, but it would be just as hard with his peers. Besides it would be such a waste not letting him explore and expand his mind for the next several years and he seems very mature. I'm sure that together we can handle it." " I really appreciate this, Bill. It's all rather... unexpected. I think he's coping better with everything than I am. I'm just afraid that I won't be able to provide much emotional support. I just want to run a mile especially after all that's happened, and I know he needs me more because of it. I'm just not sure that it's something I know how to do." " Well, I think right now the most important thing is that he has somewhere to be and someone there." " I'm just afraid that I won't be." Jerry pulled the car over at the school gates. " Ready?" " I guess," Lucas answered nervously, fiddling with the strap of his bag. " I guess I'd better go," he said unwillingly. " Uhuh. Have a nice day." Jerry laughed at his attitude and Lucas glared at him before getting out. " I'll be back here at four, OK?" " Yeah," came the glum answer and the car moved away. Lucas sighed and walked up to the gate, checking his ID through and then he walked across the lawn to his first class. Luckily he had already met the teacher, who had thought to show him where to go. He took a deep breath and then looked in through the open door of the classroom. This was a bad move! The students already waiting looked around at him and then away, then back again when they realised that he hadn't gone. Maybe I'm better off with my age group even if it is deathly boring. At least I'm not too short for my age, just three of four inches shorter than most of these people who are all more than five years older. Sh**! What am I doing here? " You lost?" A tall, blond haired girl asked, smiling sympathetically. He shook his head. Say something. " Er... I'm here for a class." Several of the guys sniggered in the background. " Are you sure you have the right room?" she asked in a friendly voice, glaring admonishingly at her friends. " Yeah. Dr. Peter's showed me around a bit yesterday." That stopped them grinning. "Um...I'm Lucas Wolenczak, I'm starting today." Her face went blank then she smiled again, in a forced way, confused. " Hi. I'm Rachel and that's Susan, Greg and Andy," she introduced, pointing. " I don't mean to sound... are you sure this is the right grade?" Lucas nodded uneasily. "They thought that I should skip a few grades..." " Lucas, you found your way here." Dr. Peter's came in smiling at him. " I guess you've met everyone, then. Well, mostly. We're a small class. Dany and Richard will be along in a minute for their compulsory five minutes late." The other slid off the desks and into seats. Rachel patted a chair next to her and Lucas sat uneasily. " OK, we were working on designing an AI program for searching the internex. Did you bring your laptop?" Lucas nodded, getting it out and letting it boot up. Several of the others looked over at its features with surprise and envy. Dr. Peters turned on his computer in turn and the wall monitor behind him showed the current progress. He handed Lucas a connection cord. " I'll explain a bit about where we are, while you upload." Lucas nodded and typed in the necessary command and then handed back the lead when the upload was complete, listening with interest. The solution became clear within minutes and he quickly entered it into his program. He looked around the room, uncertain whether he should just keep quiet. But in the end interest won out. After all, he couldn't just keep quiet all year. Besides, he was feeling insulted and their laughter was provocation enough. By the end of the lesson it was clear that several people were not pleased that he had decided to contribute, though about half of the class seemed interested, intrigued and even impressed. Well, it could be a lot worse ad at least I'm not going to be bored to death for another year. It was hard trying to fit in. He got along with most people, but the age gap was a big problem socially and it took a term for the first 'acceptance' step to be complete. At least he had friends that he could talk to. They didn't really invite him to go out much, but he was always included in study meetings and discussions. He didn't care if they only accepted him because he could help them and teach them. It wasn't great, but it was a big improvement. Dating with such an age gap was impossible, but it was good just to have friends where they actually talked about things that mattered. There were still people who were terminally pissed off with his intelligence, but mostly they avoided him and he them, so the year at school passed pleasantly and enjoyably. As his father had warned Lucas, he was very busy. At the beginning, he got home a few hours after dinner and left, in the mornings, before Lucas did. Then his arrivals got later and he left, again, earlier. Soon he was staying at work three nights a week and the other times Lucas barely saw him, if at all. At first, he phoned when he was going to be late or left a message, then the messages got fewer and fewer. Lucas gave up waiting for them and tried calling, but fewer and fewer calls got through. Then he started going off on trips for two weeks, three weeks at a time and at frequent intervals. Sure there was always someone around: Jerry- or his replacement, when he got fed up- or the replacement's replacement. He couldn't blame them for not wanting to stay longer. It wasn't exactly what they had taken the job for. Although he got along with most of them and they were kind, helpful and sympathetic, they were still people being paid to look after him. They weren't people who chose to be there because of him. He had always believed that one thing you just did was love your parents- it was a fact, not even an obligation or a duty, it was so basic a truth. His father had never been around much, even previous to the divorce but he had been too young to question this as anything other than an unhappy necessity, simply a fact like love for him. It had never occurred to him at that age to feel anger or hurt for his absence. His mother had always worked so he was used to an endless stream of nannies, housekeepers, but she had always been around enough. As he had grown older the fact that he was sad his father wasn't around had deepened in to hurt and resentment, but he was still too young to be able to openly feel anger towards his parents. After the divorce he had seen even less of him, very little, but there had been a reason for that and he could easily just fool himself with thinking that was just because he didn't want to see Laura or because the visitation periods of course weren't always convenient. He didn't resent the divorce, rather welcomed it as and ending to the unpleasantness of endless fights, constant anger and the generally explosive mood of hurt and fury that had filled the house when they were living together. It had been easy to love in the absence without reserve as his father wasn't there enough for him to see his faults. And when he did come home he was always nice, taking him out for treats, giving him presents that a child sees as the absolute proof of love, whereas really the gift is only a sign of love when the love is proven already. The very fact that he wasn't there only made the idea of him more desirable. His father turning up at the courthouse had given him an option, somewhere to go when there was no nice alternative, and besides, he still believed that parents were just people you loved. The very fact that he had come, that he had dropped his business and come, asked to take him showed that he cared and a home where there was going to be love was beyond everything that he had expected at that point. He found himself fighting with the fact that, despite what he had always believed about loving your parents, he found himself not only hurt and sad at his father's absence, but also resentful and blaming him. This shocked him as it was so far from what he'd always been taught and he fought unhappily with his anger, feeling that he was being not only unfair, but also disloyal to his obligations. He wanted to talk to someone about it, but he didn't trust any of the replacements enough as he was too ashamed for himself for how he was feeling, trying to deal with alone. What he dreaded most were the holidays: his friends going off with their families, and he simply not having anywhere to go where he wouldn't notice that he was alone. He had everything material that he could want and there were never a lack of people there to make sure that he had it, but it didn't matter because they didn't matter, they didn't care and they would be gone in a month or so anyway. Somehow the fact that he had thought he'd finally found a place to be where he was wanted and then found that he was wrong was harder than not believing in the first place. And there still seemed to be the question of what made people not care, not want to be there. When he did work up the energy to talk to his father about it he could never get through, besides the fact that he was too scared of a confrontation. His father's work didn't diminish, but seemed to grow, so that Lucas began to wonder if he was simply staying away just to avoid him. He asked Jerry one day, but Jerry said that his father had been at the flat even less before he came. In the holidays he had taken to going over to the sea research centre. It was the place that his father had taken him to the week that he had arrived, the only place other than the school. The bright coloured fish were so relaxing and he loved sitting by the large aquariums for the mammals, watching the water's effect on the walls, the calm peaceful blues and the dim light. He was tired of knowing that the latest replacement didn't want to be there and felt sorry for him, so he'd been coming every day for the past week simply to sit underground by the glass-fronted aquarium and watch the water and the animals swimming happily, or work on a new programming problem. More and more, though, he found himself switching off from the problem at hand and reading through articles, reports- any information about the animals he was watching. Today was Sunday but, of course, there was no one at the flat. He didn't think of it as home really, rather as a place he stayed and slept. He had laid aside his computer and watched a dolphin swimming close to the glass, cheered by its constant grin. " Da** it!" someone shouted. He looked up. There was no one there, but a shower of loose papers was falling gracefully down the stair well in the corner, gliding out at angles. He got up and started to gather the fallen sheets. After a few minutes he was aware of someone working beside him and he turned. A flustered female researcher smiled distractedly at him as he handed her the papers that he had gathered so far. " Thanks. I didn't know that there was anyone down here." She looked at him closely for a minute and then started gathering papers again. Then she looked back. " Where have we met before?" she asked finally. " We haven't, but I've been hanging around here a lot lately," he explained, picking up the last of the papers and handing them to her. " I love watching them," he told her gazing into the tank. " It's so peaceful and it helps me clear my head so I can think better." They smiled at each other. " I'll make you a deal. You help me carry this stuff and I'll give you a guided tour." " What and where?" Lucas grinned happily. " Maybe you should be giving me the tour," Lori laughed leaning against a tank. " You seem to know more about some of this than I do." Lucas blushed. " I've been reading a lot and... well I love learning about it." " It's nice to have someone who thinks of them as more than a 'pretty fishy'." They both laughed this time. " No, I'm really impressed, intrigued actually. It's not often that I actually meet a student who's interested. It's just a thought but, if you would like to join, we're running a program for students to help here: looking after the animals, researching, learning. It would be a nice change to have someone listen when I ask them to do something." " I'd love to!" Lucas replied eagerly. " Well, I'll give you a number to call to set it up. You'll probably need to check it with your parents first." Lucas stared back into the water, his expression unchanged, but somehow artificial, for a moment, before he looked back at her, smiling. Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 16:37:45 -0400 From: Diena Taylor Subject: Re: House of Windows- Part 3A Sender: owner-tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Sender: jupiter2@pop.ma.ultranet.com To: tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu Reply-to: tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (32) >" Lucas, you found your way here." Dr. Peter's came in smiling at him. " I >guess you've met everyone, then. Well, mostly. We're a small class. Dany and >Richard will be along in a minute for their compulsory five minutes late." I have a few kids in my class who are like that. > and it was an aching happiness, >bittersweet with a longing for something he couldn't name. I know that feeling! This part is terrific! I liked the reactions of the other kids and Lucas' feelings about the holidays... I like how the dolphins worked in there too... I sense a vo-coder in the future. Sarah **************************** "Everyone's perfect. If you're normal, God help you." --Bob (a friend) "When I was a kid we didn't have children!!" --Louie Anderson "How *do* you get to Sesame Street, anyway?" --me ***************************** http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Labyrinth/3589/ **************** ICQ #: 10287535 Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 15:27:50 -0500 (CDT) From: Silvia Casale Subject: House of Windows- Part 3A Sender: owner-tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Sender: silvia.casale@pop-3.ukonline.co.uk To: tales Reply-to: tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (16) Copyright E.CAsale 1997, 1998 Part 3 Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 15:27:50 -0500 (CDT) From: Silvia Casale Subject: House of Windows- Part 3A Sender: owner-tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Sender: silvia.casale@pop-3.ukonline.co.uk To: tales Reply-to: tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (16) Copyright E.CAsale 1997, 1998 Part 3 The school was beautiful, with open grass lawns, trees, flowers, bushes in between the various buildings and a very well equipped computer room. Lucas was clearly delighted and gradually his father relaxed as he watching his son smiling as they looked around. After that he introduced Lucas to his friend and they started to discuss the options. Dr. Platt was clearly impressed and soon suggested that Lucas talk to some of the teachers so that they would be able to get a better idea of how to place him. After all that, it was agreed that Lucas would go into the last year of the school on a trial basis. Bill pulled Lawrence aside at the end. " He doesn't really need to do this year, but it'll probably be better for him. Give him some time to adjust. After that I'm pretty sure that any college would accept him." " You mean for next year?" Lawrence asked surprised. Bill nodded seriously. " I just hope we can keep him busy for one year here. It will be hard for him, being so much younger, but it would be just as hard with his peers. Besides it would be such a waste not letting him explore and expand his mind for the next several years and he seems very mature. I'm sure that together we can handle it." " I really appreciate this, Bill. It's all rather... unexpected. I think he's coping better with everything than I am. I'm just afraid that I won't be able to provide much emotional support. I just want to run a mile especially after all that's happened, and I know he needs me more because of it. I'm just not sure that it's something I know how to do." " Well, I think right now the most important thing is that he has somewhere to be and someone there." " I'm just afraid that I won't be." Jerry pulled the car over at the school gates. " Ready?" " I guess," Lucas answered nervously, fiddling with the strap of his bag. " I guess I'd better go," he said unwillingly. " Uhuh. Have a nice day." Jerry laughed at his attitude and Lucas glared at him before getting out. " I'll be back here at four, OK?" " Yeah," came the glum answer and the car moved away. Lucas sighed and walked up to the gate, checking his ID through and then he walked across the lawn to his first class. Luckily he had already met the teacher, who had thought to show him where to go. He took a deep breath and then looked in through the open door of the classroom. This was a bad move! The students already waiting looked around at him and then away, then back again when they realised that he hadn't gone. Maybe I'm better off with my age group even if it is deathly boring. At least I'm not too short for my age, just three of four inches shorter than most of these people who are all more than five years older. Sh**! What am I doing here? " You lost?" A tall, blond haired girl asked, smiling sympathetically. He shook his head. Say something. " Er... I'm here for a class." Several of the guys sniggered in the background. " Are you sure you have the right room?" she asked in a friendly voice, glaring admonishingly at her friends. " Yeah. Dr. Peter's showed me around a bit yesterday." That stopped them grinning. "Um...I'm Lucas Wolenczak, I'm starting today." Her face went blank then she smiled again, in a forced way, confused. " Hi. I'm Rachel and that's Susan, Greg and Andy," she introduced, pointing. " I don't mean to sound... are you sure this is the right grade?" Lucas nodded uneasily. "They thought that I should skip a few grades..." " Lucas, you found your way here." Dr. Peter's came in smiling at him. " I guess you've met everyone, then. Well, mostly. We're a small class. Dany and Richard will be along in a minute for their compulsory five minutes late." The other slid off the desks and into seats. Rachel patted a chair next to her and Lucas sat uneasily. " OK, we were working on designing an AI program for searching the internex. Did you bring your laptop?" Lucas nodded, getting it out and letting it boot up. Several of the others looked over at its features with surprise and envy. Dr. Peters turned on his computer in turn and the wall monitor behind him showed the current progress. He handed Lucas a connection cord. " I'll explain a bit about where we are, while you upload." Lucas nodded and typed in the necessary command and then handed back the lead when the upload was complete, listening with interest. The solution became clear within minutes and he quickly entered it into his program. He looked around the room, uncertain whether he should just keep quiet. But in the end interest won out. After all, he couldn't just keep quiet all year. Besides, he was feeling insulted and their laughter was provocation enough. By the end of the lesson it was clear that several people were not pleased that he had decided to contribute, though about half of the class seemed interested, intrigued and even impressed. Well, it could be a lot worse ad at least I'm not going to be bored to death for another year. It was hard trying to fit in. He got along with most people, but the age gap was a big problem socially and it took a term for the first 'acceptance' step to be complete. At least he had friends that he could talk to. They didn't really invite him to go out much, but he was always included in study meetings and discussions. He didn't care if they only accepted him because he could help them and teach them. It wasn't great, but it was a big improvement. Dating with such an age gap was impossible, but it was good just to have friends where they actually talked about things that mattered. There were still people who were terminally pissed off with his intelligence, but mostly they avoided him and he them, so the year at school passed pleasantly and enjoyably. As his father had warned Lucas, he was very busy. At the beginning, he got home a few hours after dinner and left, in the mornings, before Lucas did. Then his arrivals got later and he left, again, earlier. Soon he was staying at work three nights a week and the other times Lucas barely saw him, if at all. At first, he phoned when he was going to be late or left a message, then the messages got fewer and fewer. Lucas gave up waiting for them and tried calling, but fewer and fewer calls got through. Then he started going off on trips for two weeks, three weeks at a time and at frequent intervals. Sure there was always someone around: Jerry- or his replacement, when he got fed up- or the replacement's replacement. He couldn't blame them for not wanting to stay longer. It wasn't exactly what they had taken the job for. Although he got along with most of them and they were kind, helpful and sympathetic, they were still people being paid to look after him. They weren't people who chose to be there because of him. He had always believed that one thing you just did was love your parents- it was a fact, not even an obligation or a duty, it was so basic a truth. His father had never been around much, even previous to the divorce but he had been too young to question this as anything other than an unhappy necessity, simply a fact like love for him. It had never occurred to him at that age to feel anger or hurt for his absence. His mother had always worked so he was used to an endless stream of nannies, housekeepers, but she had always been around enough. As he had grown older the fact that he was sad his father wasn't around had deepened in to hurt and resentment, but he was still too young to be able to openly feel anger towards his parents. After the divorce he had seen even less of him, very little, but there had been a reason for that and he could easily just fool himself with thinking that was just because he didn't want to see Laura or because the visitation periods of course weren't always convenient. He didn't resent the divorce, rather welcomed it as and ending to the unpleasantness of endless fights, constant anger and the generally explosive mood of hurt and fury that had filled the house when they were living together. It had been easy to love in the absence without reserve as his father wasn't there enough for him to see his faults. And when he did come home he was always nice, taking him out for treats, giving him presents that a child sees as the absolute proof of love, whereas really the gift is only a sign of love when the love is proven already. The very fact that he wasn't there only made the idea of him more desirable. His father turning up at the courthouse had given him an option, somewhere to go when there was no nice alternative, and besides, he still believed that parents were just people you loved. The very fact that he had come, that he had dropped his business and come, asked to take him showed that he cared and a home where there was going to be love was beyond everything that he had expected at that point. He found himself fighting with the fact that, despite what he had always believed about loving your parents, he found himself not only hurt and sad at his father's absence, but also resentful and blaming him. This shocked him as it was so far from what he'd always been taught and he fought unhappily with his anger, feeling that he was being not only unfair, but also disloyal to his obligations. He wanted to talk to someone about it, but he didn't trust any of the replacements enough as he was too ashamed for himself for how he was feeling, trying to deal with alone. What he dreaded most were the holidays: his friends going off with their families, and he simply not having anywhere to go where he wouldn't notice that he was alone. He had everything material that he could want and there were never a lack of people there to make sure that he had it, but it didn't matter because they didn't matter, they didn't care and they would be gone in a month or so anyway. Somehow the fact that he had thought he'd finally found a place to be where he was wanted and then found that he was wrong was harder than not believing in the first place. And there still seemed to be the question of what made people not care, not want to be there. When he did work up the energy to talk to his father about it he could never get through, besides the fact that he was too scared of a confrontation. His father's work didn't diminish, but seemed to grow, so that Lucas began to wonder if he was simply staying away just to avoid him. He asked Jerry one day, but Jerry said that his father had been at the flat even less before he came. In the holidays he had taken to going over to the sea research centre. It was the place that his father had taken him to the week that he had arrived, the only place other than the school. The bright coloured fish were so relaxing and he loved sitting by the large aquariums for the mammals, watching the water's effect on the walls, the calm peaceful blues and the dim light. He was tired of knowing that the latest replacement didn't want to be there and felt sorry for him, so he'd been coming every day for the past week simply to sit underground by the glass-fronted aquarium and watch the water and the animals swimming happily, or work on a new programming problem. More and more, though, he found himself switching off from the problem at hand and reading through articles, reports- any information about the animals he was watching. Today was Sunday but, of course, there was no one at the flat. He didn't think of it as home really, rather as a place he stayed and slept. He had laid aside his computer and watched a dolphin swimming close to the glass, cheered by its constant grin. " Da** it!" someone shouted. He looked up. There was no one there, but a shower of loose papers was falling gracefully down the stair well in the corner, gliding out at angles. He got up and started to gather the fallen sheets. After a few minutes he was aware of someone working beside him and he turned. A flustered female researcher smiled distractedly at him as he handed her the papers that he had gathered so far. " Thanks. I didn't know that there was anyone down here." She looked at him closely for a minute and then started gathering papers again. Then she looked back. " Where have we met before?" she asked finally. " We haven't, but I've been hanging around here a lot lately," he explained, picking up the last of the papers and handing them to her. " I love watching them," he told her gazing into the tank. " It's so peaceful and it helps me clear my head so I can think better." They smiled at each other. " I'll make you a deal. You help me carry this stuff and I'll give you a guided tour." " What and where?" Lucas grinned happily. " Maybe you should be giving me the tour," Lori laughed leaning against a tank. " You seem to know more about some of this than I do." Lucas blushed. " I've been reading a lot and... well I love learning about it." " It's nice to have someone who thinks of them as more than a 'pretty fishy'." They both laughed this time. " No, I'm really impressed, intrigued actually. It's not often that I actually meet a student who's interested. It's just a thought but, if you would like to join, we're running a program for students to help here: looking after the animals, researching, learning. It would be a nice change to have someone listen when I ask them to do something." " I'd love to!" Lucas replied eagerly. " Well, I'll give you a number to call to set it up. You'll probably need to check it with your parents first." Lucas stared back into the water, his expression unchanged, but somehow artificial, for a moment, before he looked back at her, smiling. Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 15:31:14 -0500 (CDT) From: Silvia Casale Subject: House of windows: part 1A Sender: owner-tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Sender: silvia.casale@pop-3.ukonline.co.uk To: tales Reply-to: tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (16) sorry- I forgot I was meant to be sending this out!!!! 'Lex Copyright by E.Casale 1997, 1998 A House of Windows " The body is a house of windows: there we all sit, showing ourselves and crying on the passers-by to come in and love us." Robert Louis Stevenson Part 1 The room was very dark, the curtains pulled shut over the glaring sunlight outside. For a while she blinked in the doorway, trying to make out details in the light from the corridor, holding the door ajar while her eyes adjusted. Gradually the apartment grew slowly clearer, object outlines becoming visible, then defined, all blanketed in grey. The only colours were the water reflections from the tropical fish tank which had its own small light, serving to refract patterns off the surface of the water so that the walls rippled in the darkness with an eerie, glowing enchantment. The figure curled on one end of the sofa didn't move but sat silently regarding the moving walls, his eyes reflecting the light so that the two glints were her first clue that there was anyone there. Then artificial light flooded the room and she cleared her face to leave only a pleasant, warm smile pasted across her delicate features. She dropped her hand from the switch and walked briskly across the room, putting down her bag and collapsing back into a padded arm chair. " And how was your day?" she teased lightly. His eyes flickered across to rest on her, his face in profile from where she sat. Then he turned to face her, staring through her with those striking blue eyes that ran in their family. He regarded her calmly, letting her take in the bruise across his high cheek bone up to its edge. He turned away again after a moment. Neither face registered any emotion. Laura shut her eyes briefly and went into the kitchen, returning with a tea towel full of ice, which she pressed gently against his face as she sat next to him. He took it from her and held it in place, still looking away. " I'll telephone Sally and see if she can come to check on you tomorrow. You can take the day off, then there's the weekend and it should have gone by Monday," she said brightly. " You must be more careful, it's not a wonder you have all these accidents the way you rush around." It sounded forced even to her. After a few moments he turned to back towards her. " Why do you say things like that when there's no one to lie to? We both know, so who are you trying to... or does it convince you, saying it: that I had an accident, that I fell." He sighed: this wasn't going to help. " Just once ask what really happened or don't say anything." She looked at him, pleadingly, fear shining in her expressive eyes. " Be more careful." He wasn't sure whether she was warning or excusing. " It's not what I do, it's me: that I'm alive and that I live here." Today he just didn't seem to be able to forget about it or bury it and he was very angry. " Have you even talked to him about it? Or don't you care at all? You don't do anything; you don't say anything. You don't even ask how I feel..." " That's enough!" she snapped at him furiously and got up, going into her bedroom to change out of her work things. She stared at herself in the mirror as she brushed and styled her long, slightly wavy, golden-blond hair, pushing it out of her mind and away. She walked over to the cupboard and carefully selected a long, tapered velvet dress, to replace her smart business suit, and a double string of fresh water pearls. When she had finished making herself ready to go out again, she wandered back into the main room where her son was now leaning forward from the couch typing rapidly on his laptop computer. He looked up as she came out of the room, seeing the movement in his peripheral vision and smiled. " You look lovely," he told her dutifully and then, his face growing serious, " I'm sorry." " That's all right, darling. That's what being a teenager is like, I can't begrudge you a small sulk. Now, you order what you want for dinner, as take out, tonight. Just put it on our account." She stopped to look at herself once more in the mirror, smoothing the dress over her slim figure. " OK." He turned back to the screen. " Have a nice time," he added tonelessly. " I will. Don't stay up too late!" she ordered as she left. When was the last time I did that? Like there would be a point, as in someone noticing I'd rather just make sure that I'm out of the way. Tonight it struck him, even more than usual, how like a child she was sometimes. She was happy, and didn't want to see anything unpleasant in her life. He didn't begrudge her that, was glad for her in an aching, pained sort of way. It wasn't so much that it hurt physically, and he had never cared for his step father, so he didn't mind that it was him. What hurt was the fact that his mother didn't care enough to stop it happening. He had accepted that whatever he did he wasn't going to please McKenzie, wasn't even going to be tolerable to him, but although he knew that, he still couldn't help feeling that it was somehow his fault. He didn't seem to be able to get anyone to really care: his mother, her new husband, his real father- who wasn't interested and didn't have time. What exactly was it about him that made them either hate him or just not want to bother? His mother didn't want to acknowledge what was happening because for once she really did seem to be happy. Her career was going well and McKenzie did love her: he showed it, he said it and she felt it. However much it hurt he knew that she didn't want to know, simply because it would mean that she would have to do something, but she would rather give up her son than her new husband. Was it because she loved him less or because she needed David McKenzie more? The problem was that there was no one else: no joint custody with his real father, no siblings, no close relatives and no really good friends that he could talk to, about this at any rate. He would have left, but there was no where to go, no one to go to. More than wondering all the time what he was going to be accused of doing wrong next, feeling on edge, having to be alert to get out of the way, it was feeling like there was no one that really cared about him. And much as he hated the fact, wanted to think of himself as self-dependent and mature, sometimes he just wanted to be looked after, almost like a small child, to have that feeling of complete security, safety, love, warmth, comfort... but most of all love. He looked up from the screen of his laptop as he heard the front door open. He was about to call out a greeting when he heard it slam shut quickly and as loudly as its padded frame would allow. He stared at the screen and it blinked back at him on autosave. Breathe, relax, no fear... But he was afraid, not desperately but in an expectant, knowing, fed up sort of way and he didn't like it. And if his fear showed he would be in worse trouble than the slam boded. He knew that they ( McKenzie and his mother ) were scheduled to go out again in about an hour, so if he could just stay out of the way in his room and keep quiet it would be OK; McKenzie never actually came to looking him. The door opened and McKenzie stared at him briefly. His initial, disconcerted fear quickly converted to confusion. McKenzie's suit was badly crumpled and he had a general appearance of disarray unusual for him, and he looked worried. Then he grabbed a chair and swang it into place beside Lucas, sitting down heavily. " Turn this off!" he ordered, firmly. "Do it!" His voice was warning enough and Lucas complied, pressing the relevant keys,as McKenzie took out and tried to smooth a crumpled sheet of paper. He propped it against the bottom of the monitor. " I need you to access the Iota-459 file on this person's computer." He scowled darkly. " Now!" Lucas started typing, snatching sideways glances at McKenzie. The man next to him seemed to be a total stranger. If he didn't know better McKenzie's fixed stare and tight jaw almost made him look desperate, even afraid. Lucas wasn't sure if this was better or worse. McKenzie looked over at him impatiently as he typed, bringing up the relevant front page and then hacking quickly through the feeble security nets and into the main system to find the relevant file name. " It's secured and encoded." He explained, staying as neutrally as he could. " Then unsecure it, unencode it," McKenzie hissed. Lucas turned back to the screen. " It shouldn't take too long, it's not a very complex program... OK, there it is." He stared blankly at the screen which seemed to contain a long data file with a few notes at the side, equations and formulae- it looked like the raw data from an experiment. Beyond that it didn't seem to make any sense. McKenzie was devouring it, scrolling down quickly, reading avidly. Lucas was totally bewildered, not the least by the strange file and McKenzie's manner, but the fact that he needed his help and seemed, for once, to be able to tolerate his presence. The file must be pretty damned important to him. " Is this... what you wanted?" he asked nervously, not sure whether breaking the silence was a sensible move. McKenzie nodded, still reading. " I need you to copy this and everything else in this directory to this disk," he said handing one over. Lucas typed in the relevant commands. " Done," he reported. " Now delete everything." Lucas frowned confused. " On the disk?" " No- the original." " I can't," he said too quickly, then hastily added, " it's illegal. I mean it's illegal to break in a read someone's files without permission, but it's worse to delete them and it's on a different part of the system. With this access like this it's read only..." " So you can't delete it?" he asked darkly. " Well, I could but..." " But?" " They can trace it and then we'll be in deep shit." Oh, great. Piss him off and swear. " If you're such a genius with these things, can't you 'hide' the link or whatever it is you do?" I can... " I suppose so. But..." " Just do it." Lucas nodded, truly scared now. McKenzie was not the sort of person to do anything illegal, at least not unless something very, very serious had happened. It had to be very important for him to be taking such a risk. Then again, if we get caught he can just blame it on me, Lucas thought wryly. For a moment he even wondered if this was McKenzie's plan: that he was doing this to get rid of him. " Um... Why... What am I deleting?" " Data from experiments on a new substance that we think might be a breakthrough in anaestetics and anaesthetics." Lucas turned, aghast. " We've got a copy. I just want to make sure our company gets the patent, not NTR." Why are you telling me this? " Isn't that what you've been working on?" He paused, trying to delay to have time to think. " The line I took on the research fell through. I don't have time to start again. We think that it could have all the properties of aspirin that help in things like heart problems ( it's an anticoagulant ) without any of the side effects and that it wouldn't be affected by things like eating and drinking before hand. We need to get the patent first." " Why is it so important? So long as some one is producing it then...." " 'Some one' is the whole point. If that isn't my company my career is over. This is worth..." His voice indicated the amount. " Something like this we can charge for and people will pay," he explained condescendingly. " But this..." is something that all people should be able to have, not just if they can afford it! He suddenly started to feel like there was something cold and tight growing in him and he felt hot. He stared at the screen as he continued to hack though the systems so that he would have 'write' and 'delete' capabilities on the files. The system was simple and he continued on automatic pilot. Without even thinking it through he knew that he couldn't delete the files. Why not? One, because this is someone else's research and we're stealing it. Two, because if McKenzie's company gets it it will mean that people won't have access to it and everyone should. Three... " When you've done that I need you to go into the funding records for the project and transfer the money out. I don't care where, just make sure that no one can trace it and it looks like the researcher took it." Three, because embezzling funds is a serious crime and if I do it properly someone innocent else is going to go to prison for it. But what's he going to do if I say no? "No." McKenzie looked at him quite calmly. " But it is possible, right?" Lucas nodded, knowing that he wouldn't be able to lie convincingly, feeling every part of him growing tense. " I need you to do this. 'No' isn't an option. This is my career. I've worked too hard to lose it all and I will. This is just too important, even if it is just one mistake and one that I could do something about with a bit more time." Lucas stared at the screen. " And I need it done now." Lucas blinked back his tears, hoping desperately that McKenzie couldn't see how terrified and desperate he was feeling, how trapped. He didn't even feel the blow that threw him out of the chair, was only aware that he was suddenly on the floor. " Stay the hell away from me!" He shouted in panic; he hadn't had time to think. As soon as he had said it, he knew that it was the wrong thing, that it was really stuid in fact, and could only make things worse. Then McKenzie was pulling him to his feet, pinning him against the wall, with one hand across his chest trapping his arms and the other one on his shoulder. Lucas shut his eyes, not to have to see what was coming next. " This really isn't a request. I can't afford to lose this and I need you to delete the files." He shifted his stance, the second hand closing around Lucas' throat, the grip growing tighter. He opened his eyes and searched McKenzie's somewhat unwilling, but still determined face and tried to swallow, finding this increasingly hard. "Get your f***ing hands off me!" Oh, God, he's going to kill me. " I'm sorry, but I can't..." he whispered, his eyes pleading, bright with scared tears. McKenzie cut him off, increasing the pressure. " You will not speak to me like that!" he shouted and then sighed, trying to keep perfectly calm. He couldn't afford to act as he wished, not until he had the files deleted and he always did regret his temper, after the fact. "I'm sorry too, but I can't afford to let this happen. I don't want to hurt you..." He paused here realising that wasn't true and then continued. ignoring the unfinished statement. " I really have no choice here," McKenzie excused and tightened his grip again. Even if he had had anything to say he couldn't have said it now, the hand around his throat making it very hard to breathe at all and getting harder. He shut his eyes again, not caring that he was crying, trying to fight the fact that he was starting to consider complying. Neither of them heard the door open or close, too intent: McKenzie on Lucas, and Lucas on breathing. " David!" Laura was standing in the corridor, staring at them through the open door, her face pinched and white. She dropped her bag and coat and came towards them. Lucas looked at her helplessly, still not able to speak, terrified, pleading with his eyes. Get out, get help! Stay, do something! McKenzie seemed to have frozen, though his grip was as tight as ever. He simply watched her as she came slowly towards them, locking her eyes with his. " Let him go," she told him in a small, tight voice. " Get out!" he snapped, emotions now beginning to flow across his face: fear, anger, desperation... She shook her head and pulled at his arm. " You can't do this. I can't watch this!" she whispered and pulled harder then jumped back as McKenzie lifted his arm and slapped her across the face once, hard and sharp, quickly pinning Lucas back against the wall before he had realised he was free. Dam* you to hell. If I get out of this... She looked between the two of them, aghast and terrified in turn and then ran out of the room. McKenzie stared after her with equal shock and for a moment looked about to go after her. The door slammed a few seconds later. They both stared at the door. Lucas let himself relax now against the wall, crying silently. Just get it over with. He didn't care what was going to happen next, whether he would do what McKenzie asked. He had always thought that she could only do nothing by convincing herself that it wasn't happening and for a moment that had seemed true. How could she leave him there? He knew she wasn't going to get help, that she would probably just return an hour later as if nothing had happened, at least not to him. He wasn't sure what she would return to, though, by then. He hated himself for crying so openly, knowing that he wasn't going to hold out much longer, but he was too scared and too hurt to care. His chest was aching now, his lungs cold and tight, a vague feeling of nausea growing in his stomach. After about a minute or two McKenzie turned back to him and the grip started to tighten again. " Hello? Lucas?" A bright voice called from the other room. Thank God! McKenzie glanced towards the door fearfully. " Who's that?" he hissed, releasing his grasp slightly for Lucas to answer. " Sally... Mum wanted me to... take the day... off... she asked Sally to come and check on me," he explained painfully. " Lucas?! Stop fiddling with that computer and help me put away the shopping!" McKenzie turned back to him and then released him abruptly, realising that he would have to go and talk to her. He pulled the key out on the inside of the door and locked it as he left. Lucas heard him move into the other room and greet Sally. Lucas leant back against the wall gasping for a few moments. Think! Do something! He pushed himself up off the floor, gently fingering his neck and closed the laptop, roughly cramming it into a bag, which he slug across his shoulder. Then he went to the window, pulling himself up onto the sill. He wasn't afraid of the drop. He had done this before to get out of the house when he was trying to avoid McKenzie. He reached over and quickly pulled himself along the wall and dropped down onto the next balcony and ran down the fire escape, as fast as he could, but only a few levels and then inside again; McKenzie would come after him when he saw the open window. From there he went down the internal stairway and into the basement car park. Sally's car was over at the far corner and he crouched down between it and a pillar in the darkness, trying to keep his sobbing breaths quiet, still crying, not fully sure how he had got there. He seemed to have waited an age before he heard her walking across the concrete. He peered through the windows to make sure that it was her, watching the short, but well proportioned figure approaching, and then slid around to her side of the car. She started as she saw the figure getting up from behind her car, her eyes opening wide in panic. " It's me, Lucas!" He whispered as loudly as he dared. She laughed pressing a hand against her chest and continuing her walk. " What are you doing! You scared me to death... Lucas are you all right? Oh my God. What happened." She hurried the last few steps towards him as she saw his bruised, tear streaked face in the lights of a passing car, gently putting her hand on his arm. He looked around fearfully. " Will you take me somewhere?" he asked. Sally nodded and unlocked the doors, opening and closing it for him, then going around the other side to get in. She looked across at him worriedly as she started the car, but he was staring fixedly ahead. The car pulled away smoothly and then they were out in the open sunshine. They drove away from the new, expensive flats and then into the park drive, pulling over under a group of dark, shady trees. She turned to him, reaching a hand across to him and then holding him tightly as he cried silently against her. His throat hurt too much to allow him to sob ashe wanted, so he just held her tightly, too tightly, and cried. After what seemed like a long time he sat back in his seat, drying his face on a sleeve. " Sorry," he said shakily. " I..." She took his hand gently and waited. He looked out of the window at the field and the copses of copper beeches, dark and sultry against the summer-blue sky, shining in the cool sea breeze. He never even considered going back. He thought about who he could go to for help, to protect them, and there really wasn't anyone. He swallowed, wincing at the pain. " Can you take me to the Police Station?" he asked blankly. She looked at him carefully for a moment and then nodded. The car pulled away and he shut his eyes leaning back and trying to think about the warmth of the sun on his face not the implications, the right and wrongs of what he was doing. " OK, we're here," she told him gently. He looked over at her. " Thank you." She nodded. " Ready?" He took a slow breath and opened the door after a last wipe at his face. It shouldn't be too obvious that he'd been crying now, at least he hoped not. Sally walked beside him silently, knowing that this wasn't the time to ask questions, but not sure if she was doing what was best, as she had no idea what was going on. But she trusted him. He wouldn't be here if it wasn't something serious, and she had never known him to be so openly upset. He hugged the computer tightly to him, the other hand protectively at his throat. The building was new and clean. No one seemed curious as they passed up the steps and in through one set of double doors. In the hall Lucas stopped, completely confused. He didn't even know who he should see, what he would say. He took another careful breath and continued across to what seemed like an information/reception desk in the middle of the hall. He hovered uncertainly in front of it, looking at the people busy on the phones. " Yes? Can I help you?" Lucas looked up and nodded slowly at the uniformed man. He walked over to stand in front of him, when the man smiled encouragingly and beckoned. " How can I help?" he repeated. Lucas looked at him helplessly. " I... um..." What was it you were meant to say here? What did he want to say? Oh my god, What am I doing! He rubbed at his throat, meeting the other man's stare blankly, blinking as tears started to form again. Sally stood closer then, holding his arm gently. " Why are we here?" she prompted gently, smiling nervously at the waiting officer. He nodded at her to show that he didn't mind waiting. " Do you want to talk to a police man or is it something else? Do you have a crime to report?" Lucas looked up at him and nodded slowly. He felt so stupid, but he didn't know what to say and he was terrified that if he tried talking he would just start crying again. He sighed and then pushed the computer across the reception desk. " Stolen?" The man asked sympathetically. Lucas shook his head and the other man frowned, confused, then pressed an intercom button, turning away slightly and speaking very quietly so that neither Sally or Lucas could hear. After a moment he turned back to them. " OK. Detective Ramas is going to come and talk to you. I think he'll be able to help. OK?" Copyright by E.Casale 1997 Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 15:30:52 -0500 (CDT) From: Silvia Casale Subject: House of windows: part 1B Sender: owner-tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Sender: silvia.casale@pop-3.ukonline.co.uk To: tales Reply-to: tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (16) Copyright by E.Casale 1997, 1998 Lucas smiled wanly, very grateful. A short man in his early forties came up, looking astutely them and then leaning over to the man at the front desk, who whispered something to him. He nodded and stood up again. He held out his hand to Lucas. " Detective Ramas." Lucas shook his hand limply. " OK. Let's go up to my office and see how we can help." He looked at Lucas for a reply and he nodded, picking up the computer again and following the other man across the hall. They went up a small flight of stairs, down a corridor and finally into a small, though not cramped, office. Ramas gestured for them to sit down on a couch on one side of the room, then he pulled up a chair opposite them. " I'm Sally and this is Lucas," she told him taking the initiative. " How can I help?" he asked. Sally looked across at Lucas. He looked at her in turn and she nodded emphatically. " You have to tell us before we can help." He moved his gaze to Ramas, for a moment, to weigh him up. " As this is a police station I guess you're here to report a crime and we're assuming, until you tell us otherwise, that it's something to do with this computer." Lucas sighed and, taking it out, opened it and turned it towards Ramas. " He asked me to hack into this file and copy it. Then he wanted me to delete it and... um... take the rest of the grant out of the researcher's account, but so that it would look like he had taken it," he said at a rush. Blinking in surprise when he had said it. He pushed back the blond fall of hair from his eyes, to watch the other man carefully. Ramas looked at the file. " What is this file?" " Um... it's an experiment on a new pain killer." Don't think about what you're doing. Just answer the questions as clearly as you can. " And why were you asked to delete this?" " His research went wrong and this other person's company was going to get the patent. He said that it was very important, that he would lose his job if his company didn't get it, as it was his responsibility.. and it was worth a lot of money." " Why take the funds?" Ramas looked puzzled Lucas shook his head. " I don't know. Maybe so that people wouldn't believe him ( the other researcher) when he said it was deleted and stolen?" He was astonished at how clearly he was thinking, though he wasn't aware that any actual thoughts had passed through his mind. " He said that the patent was worth a lot of money. They could charge people what they wanted for it... but it's something that shouldn't be used like that. Too may people need it and not everyone would be able to afford it." He looked at Ramas, needing him to tell him that he was doing the right thing. Ramas raised a hand and titled Lucas face away. Lucas pulled away. " Sorry." Ramas paused looking at the file. "I gather you didn't want to do it, right?" Lucas nodded. " I hacked into the file and I copied it but... but then he explained what it was." Ramas glanced quickly over at Sally and the back to Lucas. " I guess the next question is: Who is 'he'?" His voice was soft and gentle. Lucas stared at the floor, then the computer screen. " Dr. David McKenzie," he said very quietly. Sally, gently put her hand on his arm and squeezed it comfortingly. She looked over to Ramas and then to the door. He nodded. " Thank you, Lucas. I have to go and talk to Sally and some other people, OK? We'll be back in a moment. Are you OK by yourself for a few minutes?" Lucas nodded at the screen. " You did good, kid." Lucas looked up at him, intensely. " Real good." Ramas smiled at him. " We'll be right back, OK?" Lucas nodded again, this time sitting back against the comfortable back of the couch. " Who's McKenzie?" Ramas asked, turning to Sally as soon as he closed the door behind them. " His step father." Ramas nodded sadly. " Yeah." He sighed and then looked confused. " I thought... you're not his mother?" " No, I'm the housekeeper. I thought you realised." " Damn!" Ramas hit the wall angrily. " Sorry," Sally offered nervously, running her hands through back her short dark curls, as she did whenever she was unsure of something. He turned back to her. " It's not your fault. I should have made sure. But it means that I just questioned a child without a parent present and I didn't offer counsel or.... anything. I just thought..." " That he wanted to talk? He did. He came to you. He needed to talk now, not in several hours." Ramas sighed and accepted the fact. " Did he tell you anything else?" he asked getting back to business. " He didn't tell me anything. Yesterday his mother called and said that he would be at home today and would I check in on him. I got there and McKenzie was home. He said that Laura had taken Lucas to the doctor. Then he helped me unpack the shopping. He just wanted me out, that much was clear. So I left and Lucas was waiting for me in the parking lot. He just asked if I could take him somewhere. Then he told me to drive here." She blinked back a few tears. " Is everything going to be OK? I mean..." " We'll make sure that Lucas is safe if that's what you mean. He hasn't done anything wrong- well, not in the circumstances, but McKenzie is going to be facing some charges if this is all true. We'll get someone to go through the data on Lucas' computer and the hack, then we'll see. I'll need to go and talk to my boss in a minute about that. Can we get in contact with his mother or the father?" " You could try her office or the flat. His father- well, I'll give you the numbers. Maybe you can get through," she said bitterly. Ramas handed her a note pad to write the numbers down on. " Thanks. I go and explain things to the lieutenant. We'll be back in a moment. If there's anything that you or Lucas want, just ask anyone." He smiled and started to turn. " Thank you," Sally stopped him, smiling back finally. " He deserves more than this. Much more." " Everyone does." The police woman opened the door for her and she looked around. " Thanks," she said. " No problem. Anything else you want, you just ask, OK?" Sally smiled at her as she closed the door. She sat down carefully next to Lucas and handed him a cup of coffee. " It's terrible, but it'll do you good," she coaxed. He sipped slowly, enjoying the warmth and, happily, oblivious to the taste. " Are they going to arrest me?" he asked without emotion. " Of course not. It's going to be fine," she lied weakly. Lucas looked at her. " I'm fed up of people lying when everyone knows that it's a lie." " OK. I'm sorry," she told him. He looked across at her for a while. " Thank you for everything." They had been sitting in silence, Lucas staring up at the ceiling glad that he was now too tired to be able to think and that all there was left was a sort of grey lack of thought. The door opened and Ramas came back in with another, older man, overweight, with greying hair, still thick, and knowing eyes. " Lucas, Sally, this is Lieutenant Rodley, he's in charge of the computer fraud division. We need to get a few more details and then talk about where we have to go from here," Ramas explained pleasantly as they sat opposite the two on the couch. " I see you tried the coffee- and survived. Congratulations." Sally smiled tiredly, without much enthusiasm. " We need to wait until your mother gets here before we ask any more questions," Rodley looked pointedly at Ramas, who blushed and avoided his eyes. " I don't want to wait," Lucas objected. " Well, that's the law- your rights." " Well, I waive them." Rodley smiled. " Sally's here; she'll look after my best interests much better than my mother. My mother will just lie about everything. Look I'll sign something if that's what you need, but I want to talk about this now and without my mother. Can't I talk to you if I want to especially when my mother can't be impartial?" Rodley smiled. " I guess so long as you have a lawyer, and someone who is willing to be responsible for you, it will be OK." " I don't have a lawyer, but you can get me one, right?" Lucas asked. " Yes. I think Marie's in the office. If you accept her as your counsel then we can proceed." " Fine. I don't care. I just wait to get this over with," he said bleakly. Rodley turned to Ramas. " Can you ask Marie to come in?" He turned back to Lucas. " I'll let you talk to her and she'll go over the legal stuff with the two of you. When you're ready you can call us in again. We'll get to work analysing your computer, the records of transactions, in the mean time." A middle aged woman in a smart suit came in a few moments later and they introduced themselves. Marie explained the legalities of the situation and Sally agreed to stand in loco parentis. " You just have to sign here," she pointed with a bitten finger nail to the correct line on the document and Sally signed. " Is that it?" Lucas asked tiredly. " That's it. Are you sure you don't want to wait to talk to the Lieutenant? They won't mind." Lucas shook his head firmly. " OK then. Any last questions? I'll go and call them in." She got up and went to the door. Lucas looked across at Sally. " Thank you," his voice was earnest and deeply grateful. She squeezed his hand. " Hang in there." The door opened again and Marie returned with Ramas and Rodley. " If we're all set... Why did your step father come to you to help him?" " I'm good at computers," Lucas answered simply, used to people not crediting someone of his age with his abilities. Rodley raised his eyebrows. " Very good." " Bank security is a bit harder than some small researcher's systems," he pointed out. " I know." " But you could break their codes?" " And hide from their detection systems." He was too tired to be patient with this attitude. " Want me to demonstrate?" he asked sarcastically. " I'll take your word for it." Luckily Rodley seemed more amused than irritated by his attitude. " It's just we don't get too many hackers that are quite so young." " So what happens now?" Sally questioned Rodley impatiently. " Well, we need to analyse your actions from your computer and the files and we'll need a full statement. Ramas will help you with that when we're finished. After that, if all this checks out, we will arrest McKenzie. Then we press charges. You'll probably be asked to give evidence." Rodley looked at Lucas, trying to gauge his reaction, but he remained impassive. " We've contacted your mother at work and she'll be here in a while." Lucas looked up at this, relieved that she was safe and hadn't gone home, but it did remind him of something else. " Before I get on with the questions do you have anything else that you want to ask?" Lucas looked at Marie who simply smiled at him warmly. He shook his head. " Let's get this statement done then." Lucas led them slowly through what had happened, talking in a slow monotone, thinking carefully, but making sure that he didn't let himself feel at the same time, keeping his eyes on the table that Ramas had drawn up so that the computer could take down the conversation and type up the statement for them. " It think that's everything then." Ramas nodded and turned the screen to Lucas and Marie. They each read and then nodded in turn. " You just have to sign it then." Ramas passed him the mouse/ pen and pushed the screen closer. Lucas leant over it, writing carefully, forgetting that to do so he had taken his hand away from his throat, revealing the deep purple bruises already coming up. Ramas, Marie and Sally looked shocked, but quickly regained their composure before Lucas realised and looked up. " Lucas, can I see?" Marie asked gently. He looked at her, about to refuse and then submitted to her examination. " Can we arrange for a doctor to check him out?" Marie asked Rodley, who nodded. " We'll need her to document this," he told Lucas as he started to protest. He nodded miserably, embarrassed. Then he took a deep breath. Nearly there. " I want a restraining order against McKenzie for me and my mother," Lucas looked up at Rodley, determined and angry. He glanced across at Marie and she nodded in strong agreement. " We can arrange that for you, but your mother has to ask for herself," the lieutenant explained. " She won't. She'll just lie and say that nothing happened. She always pretends that nothing's happened and half of the time she actually believes it," Lucas told him angrily. " Has your step father actually threatened or hurt her?" " He hit her when she told him to let me go." " Has that happened before?" Rodley persisted. " No. But..." He trailed off, tired and fighting hard to do this. " I'll talk to her and see what I can do," Rodley compromised " Talk to her! She won't listen, she'll go back and then... You have to do something! You can't just let her go back. What if something happens? What is he..." He stopped fighting his emotions. "If you want me to help you you have to promise me that she will be safe," he said as calmly as he could, trying to make it sound like a threat that he could carry through with. " I'll make sure that she does't go back to the appartment. There is nothing more I can do, or I would. I'm sorry, but that's the law." " OK." Lucas accepted this, knowing that he couldn't do anything more." Is there anything else?" he asked, exhausted. " No. That's it. I'll get the doctor to come in and see you now and then you'll probably want to get some rest. We can arrange for somewhere for you to stay or for you to go home." " I don't want to go home. Can I stay here?" Everything was strange enough without having to leave and go somewhere new, again; this room was just starting to feel safe. He especially didn't want to be among a lot of people at the moment, definitely not complete strangers. " I'm afraid you can't stay in this building, but we've got plenty of other places. They're really not too bad and you'll be perfectly safe there," Ramas told him gently. " Would you prefer to stay with me?" Sally offered consolingly and Lucas smiling eagerly. " I mean if that's OK?" she asked Marie and Rodley. They looked at each other for a moment, silently coming to an agreement. " That should be fine," Rodley replied slowly. " We've got your address, but we would want you to stay there or at least consult us before going anywhere." " Of course," she agreed. " Well, once the doctor has seen you, you can go. I think we should talk again tomorrow. We'll have the computer analysed by then and we should have spoken to Mrs. McKenzie. DO you want her to know where you are?" Lucas thought for a moment. " No. I'll talk to her tomorrow, here." " How's eleven for everyone?" Rodley asked and they all nodded Then Rodley, Ramas and Marie left, the last two smiling at Lucas first. " Are you sure that's OK with you?" Lucas asked Sally. " I mean you've helped so much already..." " Sometimes it's OK to ask for help and get it; and I'm glad to give it. It's a compliment to be asked, you know," she reminded him, grinning. Copyright by E.Casale 1997 Date: Tue, 12 May 1998 12:07:12 -0500 (CDT) From: Silvia Casale Subject: House of windows: part 2A Sender: owner-tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Sender: silvia.casale@pop-3.ukonline.co.uk To: tales Reply-to: tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (16) This is especially for Kristena with all my love. ____________________________________________________________________________ Copyright by E.Casale 1997, 1998 Part 2 Sally unlocked the door and flicked on the lights as she went in. " I'll just put some water on and then I'll show you around. It's not very elegant, but it's mostly tidy at the moment. Greg is away visiting his family, otherwise it wouldn't be. I'm afraid the other room isn't very big, but it's pretty comfortable." Lucas shut the door carefully and looked around the colourful, lived-in apartment. There were lots of plants, herbs and exotic flowers in pots hanging in corners and from the ceiling. He sat down nervously on the edge of a large padded footrest and listened to Sally's gentle voice, the words unclear because of the running water, as she filled a saucepan and put it on the cooker to heat. Then she came back into the room with a glass of water. " You have to take another one of these now," she told him handing him a small pill. " It'll help with the swelling. I don't want to have to take you to hospital in the middle of the night," she said, as he looked at it dubiously. He made a wry face and swallowed, painfully. " I thought I'd make pasta. It's easy to swallow." She stood and gestured for him to follow her. " OK, your room is this way. That's the bathroom... Here are some towels. Anything else you need just yell. I'm sure I can find some toothpaste and a tooth brush somewhere around here and my brother left some night clothes in the cupboard for when he stays. They'll be way too big, but it'll do for tonight. Tomorrow I'll see if I can go and pick up some things from your place to make you more comfortable." She looked around the room satisfied and then wagged her finger at him as he opened his mouth to speak. " Just one more thing. Stop saying thank you." He gave her a slight and followed her back into the other room to set the table. He didn't remember much of dinner: what they talked about over it, if they even did talk, or falling into bed, but strangely he slept soundly and peacefully for eleven hours. When he woke up sunlight had turned the curtains into glowing sheets of gold. He got up slowly and wandered into the kitchen. " Sleep well?" Sally asked cheerfully. " Yes." It came out as a quiet croak. " Can I have some tea or something?" he whispered. " Sure. How are you feeling?" she asked, concerned. " I think I just need a drink." She passed him a cup and another pill and after a while he found he could speak again. " What time is it?" " Ten. I was just about to wake you up." When they arrived back at the police station, they went back up to Ramas office and sat at the end of the hall, until they were shown into the correct room where they waited. Ramas and Marie smiled as they came into the room a few minutes later and sat down. " How're you doing?" Ramas asked Lucas. " OK," he said, not sounding too sure. Rodley came in and, looking around briskly, got down to business, throwing himself into a groaning chair. "Well, our analyst agrees with everything you've told us and we think that the information on your computer is enough evidence to go to trial with. How are you feeling about that? Still willing to give evidence, because we will need you to." Lucas nodded. " Good. McKenzie was arrested this morning and charges are being filed against him now. We expect him to make bail later today. We hurried the restraining order through and the judge agreed earlier this morning." Rodley paused. " I talked to your mother, but I'm afraid that she didn't want to take my advice to do the same." He looked at the floor uncomfortably. " She also denied that any of this took place yesterday, that she was even home until gone nine o'clock." He looked across at Lucas, who looked sad but not surprised. " But we checked with the concierge and the parking lot attendant and with the people at her office. They all said that she left work around three and returned less than an hour later with a hand mark on her cheek." " Is she all right?" " Apart from the fact that she lied in her statement, yes. Don't worry, we're not going to charge her with perjury or anything like that," he reassured him as Lucas leant forward worried at his tone. " There's nothing else we need from you right now, but we thought that you might like someone to pick up some things from your place. If you give Ramas a list he'll arrange it. We have people over there searching the apartment anyway, so we can get it today. Apart from that, unless there's anything you need to ask..." " When can I talk to my mother?" Lucas asked resignedly. Rodley and Ramas exchanged looks, briefly. " I'm afraid that she has already left and asked that she not be contacted." Lucas nodded. " But she's not at the flat, with him?" " No. We made sure that she was safe." " Thanks," Lucas said with difficulty. " I appreciate your... understanding about her." " I can't say that I understand, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't serve and protect," Rodley replied sympathetically. " I've talked to the judge and the trial will be as private as possible. Your name will not be part of public record. It should only take a day or so and we'll contact you when we know when we'll need you. The prosecutor will want to go over your testimony first and also Ms. Kellerman's. I'm afraid that there will also have to be a hearing about you and your safety. The judge isn't too sure about your mother keeping custody, but we're still having problems contacting your father." Lucas sighed, not surprised. " Can I stay will Sally for the moment though, I mean if that's all right with you?" He turned to her, embarrassed to take this for granted. Sally nodded. " We think that would probably be the best thing for the moment," Marie agreed. "I'll come and talk to you later today about the trial and everything else. I just want to get some more details first. I think I'd better read through the divorce case to see what our options are. Do you have any other close family, on either parent's side? Grandparents, aunts?" " No. At least none that I know about or that we've talked to in years." " That's OK. I'll be over after lunch, then." The trial proceeded two days later. Lucas requested that McKenzie not be in the room while he was giving evidence. The judge was firm but encouraging, the only problem coming when Lucas was asked to demonstrate his hacking abilities by the defense. The lawyer knew that they only way they could get out of the diffiulties over the assult allegations was to prove the boy a liar over the computer parts, without that the jury was sure to convict. " Do you seriously expect us to believe that an 11- year- old can hack into one of the country's largest banks, take out thousands of dollars, hide the fact that they were even in the system and then make it seem like the account holder took out the funds? I don't know of anyone who can do this, let alone some child. Dr. McKenzie is a world renowned scientist. Leaving aside the fact that he has conducted some of the most successful and important research in the last decade can we honestly believe that he would risk his whole career on something like this? Can we believe that he would go to his 11- year- old stepson and ask him to do something which no one could seriously believe him capable of? I put it to you that this is no more than an child's attempt at revenge on any sort of father figure near to him..." The judge held up a hand. " Can you 'hack' a system and do these things?" he asked Lucas seriously. " Yes," he replied bluntly. The 'child' comment and the lawyer's whole attitude stung and he wasn't about to let it pass rom some pompous and arrogant idiot who was wrong anyway... and he could prove it. " Do you understand the term perjury?" the defense asked. " Isn't that badgering the witness?" Lucas turned to the judge, smiling mischievously. The judge's eyes smiled but he answered gravely. " There's a simple solution to this problem. Would you demonstrate these abilities for us?" The few people in the courtroom whispered, quickly falling silent as the judge glared at them. " So long as you agree not to press charges," Lucas returned. The judge looked between the prosecutor and the defense. " Do you both agree to this trial?" " Yes, your honour," they answered in perfect unison and glared at each other. The judge turned back to Lucas. " I'll need my computer, or one with the same speed and power," Lucas told him, confident and self assured, secure in his belief in his abilities. The judge nodded. " Bailiff please bring in exhibit F and place it in front of the witness. Do you need a... power supply?" he asked carefully, searching for the term. Lucas shook his head. " It's solar powered and there's plenty of light in here." " So what proof do you need that Mr Wolenczak is capable of what he claims?" the judge queried the defense. " Well, I could hack into your bank account," Lucas offered. " Or maybe the defence would prefer that we use his as an example?" He felt strangely elated, was almost having fun. None of it seemed real, more like some bizarre game. He didn't feel that he was giving evidence in a trial to send McKenzie to prison, rather he was proving his prowess to an annoying adult that was constantly patronising him. All he felt was the thrill of a competition he knew he could win. The bailiff returned and placed the computer in front of him. " What do you want me to hack?" " I think your suggestion of the defense's bank account should convince him." Lucas nodded. " I need his full name, date of birth and the name of the bank... I can do it without," he added as the lawyer got up to object, "But it'll take me a few minutes longer while I search for it. And I did have the researcher's facts," he pointed out. " Counsellor?" " Ian Richard Evens, 11/4/70, National." The judge turned back to Lucas. " It might take a while. I can't tell how long. It depends on what the system is like." The judge nodded. " If it takes too long or we need a break we can recess. You can start when you're ready." Lucas opened the laptop waiting while it booted up. He looked at Evens and his grin of contempt and started typing. It only took five minutes to get into the first level of the bank's system. Another half an hour and he was at Evens' account and running passwords/ passcodes. Another fifteen minutes and he was half way through. " Your honour, are we going to sit here all day? I think that this has gone on long enough." " I need another 15 minutes max," Lucas replied without looking up and the judge nodded. Another ten and Lucas sighed. The Defence started to do his Cheshire cat gloat. " Where do you want me to put the money for the moment?" Lucas asked. " Feel like making a donation to charity? You might not get it back in that case, but..." " Counsellor?" The judge asked, raising his eye brows. " I don't believe this." The lawyer hurried over to the bench and Lucas pushed the monitor around for him to look at. " Your honour, this is some sort of hoax. We don't know what files he had already on the machine..." " Do you want me to tell you your password and pass code? Your current balance? How much your lunch cost on your Visa card?" The lawyer opened and shut his mouth. The judge pointed to his seat and he sat deflated. " It think that that resolves that issue. Let the court understand that the witness has successfully hacked into the defence lawyer's bank account with ability to transfer funds. Are there any other questions for this witness?" The defence shook his head and then bestirred himself to stand. " No, your honour," he said blankly. " Witness is excused. I think you'd better close down that file before you leave the stand and I would encourage the defence to change his codes when he gets out of court. No slight meant to the witness' integrity," he added smiling. " OK. I'm out," Lucas moved the monitor around to demonstrate. " Witness is dismissed. Thank you for your co-operation in helping us clear up our little disagreement." Lucas grinned. " It was fun. I don't often get a judge's permission to hack a bank." " You do understand that today's request for you to demonstrate your 'abilities' should in no way be regarded as encouragement to repeat this." " Yes, Sir." " Court will recess for one hour." " You didn't need to be quite so gleeful about it," Marie reprimanded as they sat waiting in a side room, the next day, for the verdict. She had been surpirsed by his attitude of defience, his attitude towards the defense and seeming lightheartness throughout the whole proceedings. She could understand how someone of his intellignce could be made very angry by such patronising and distainful treatment. But she also realised that his attitude towards the defense was his only way at getting back at McKenzie and that a large part was simply to protect his vulnerabliity and to isolate him from the reality of the situation and what he was doing by testifying. The jury had come back in after only two hours debate. The doors opened and the prosecutor came in. " Eight year sentence, possibility of parole after four," she told them happily. Marie turned to Lucas. " How do you feel about it. Are you OK?" she asked gently. " I don't know," he replied honestly. " It doesn't feel like anything just happened." He looked at her puzzled and questioning. " It's OK. You've just been having a hard time. You'll get it in a few days. Just remember that you did the right thing: for you, your mum and all the people who are going to benefit from this drug." She squeezed his hand reassuringly. " I'm very grateful for all your help. We needed your testimony and it was the right thing to do," the prosecutor put in. There was a knock at the door. " That'll be our next meeting," Marie told the other lawyer. " Well, thanks again. I'm off for an early weekend." She smiled as she left, holding the door for the other woman to enter. Laura looked pale and tired, as if she hadn't slept enough and had been living mainly on coffee for the last few days. He hadn't seen or talked to her since that day in the appartment as she hadn't been at the trial. She looked nervously between them, glances that quickly fell back to contemplation of the table. She sat on the edge of her chair, fidgeting. " Are you all right?" Lucas asked carefully. Laura ignored him and turned to Marie. " I'm here to discuss custody. I want to relinquish my rights." " Mrs. McKenzie, wouldn't you rather wait until your lawyer arrives before we discuss this?" " No. I told him not to come. I know what I want- what I think is best. I don't want custody anymore and I don't think that it would be the right thing for you either. Can I talk to my son alone, please?" Marie looked at Lucas. " Stay," he whispered and she nodded. " I'm sorry that won't be possible, but I want you to feel free to say anything that you wish. It will not leave this room." " I can't understand why you had to lie like that, why..." Lucas looked at her aghast. He couldn't believe that she was going to pretend it had never happened. Marie had told him that the defence refused to put her on the stand because he knew that she would lie blatantly. He arranged for her to be excused for medical reasons, and the prosecutor had been satisfied not to have a hysterical and unreliable witness to deal with. She looked up at him and her eyes flooded. She took a deep breath and seemed to clear something away from her thoughts. "I know why you did this and I can understand that you needed to protect yourself, but I can't continue to look after you. I haven't been able to do it in the past, otherwise we wouldn't be in this situation and I think I would do worse in the future and however much I can understand what you did I... I can't... I need to do this. I'm sorry." She got up and left then, not looking back. Marie let Lucas sit in silence, too shocked for the tears filling his eyes to fall. He swallowed hard. At least she had told him the truth, though it had clearly been an effort and she had ever actually said what had happened. It was just so unfair that he had done it- not all, but a lot of it- to protect her. At least she couldn't go back to McKenzie and get hurt now. He didn't doubt that she would have and if anything had happened she would have just ignored it and carried on, so he supposed that even though she couldn't forgive him it was better for her, if he really loved her. He just wished that she had lied this time, just stuck to the line that she had let him down and that she didn't want to risk doing it again, but he knew that her real reason for doing this was because she didn't want to be around him and she didn't care about what he wanted. Basically she just wasn't able to care enough about him. What is so wrong about me? I tried to do the right thing! Copyright by E.Casale 1997 Date: Wed, 13 May 1998 11:17:27 -0500 (CDT) From: Silvia Casale Subject: House of windows: part 2B Sender: owner-tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Sender: silvia.casale@pop-3.ukonline.co.uk To: tales Reply-to: tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (16) Copyright by E.Casale 1997, 1998 " I know it doesn't make things any easier, but you did do the right thing. And this is about her shortcomings not yours. You did nothing wrong and have nothing to be ashamed of," Marie told him forcefully. " Then why don't any of the people who are meant to care about me want me around?" he asked furiously. " What is so wrong with me?" " Nothing. Nothing at all. You're great. It's them. I know that it's hard to accept that, but it's them." " Everyone? It doesn't add up. I've done the math; it doesn't make sense. Three parents and one of me and none of them want me around. Now doesn't it seem like it's me rather than them?" " It's horrible, terrible luck and they're completely stupid not to want you around..." " Go away." Marie looked at him for a moment, trying to judge whether he really meant it. " Please?" She waited and less than a minute later he let her hold him as he cried. After a long time he stopped, exhausted, but the pain wasn't less and the aching loneliness hadn't eased. There was just nothing left. After that she lead him to a quiet room with a couch and let him sleep. She woke him a few hours later. " We have to go to the hearing now." He frowned at her for a moment, still waking up and then nodded miserably. He stretched and let her lead him to the hearing room. The same judge was already waiting, finishing his lunch. " Only place where I can get some peace and quiet," he smiled warmly at them as they sat. Lucas stared out of the window. What happens now? Where do I go now that Laura doesn't want me around? It felt easier to think of her by her name rather than as his mother. The courtroom door opened and a young man hurried in and started setting out papers on the next table. The judge looked at the clock. The hearing was due to start in three minutes. The door opened again and two middle aged men in smart, expensive suits walked in briskly. Lucas stared at the second man blankly, then with astonishment, before literally jumping up and throwing himself on him. " Dad!" he cried delightedly. Dr. Wolenczak held his son tightly for a moment and then held him apart, looking at the judge. He smiled briefly at Lucas. " I think the judge wants to start and we'd better not keep him waiting." Lucas nodded and sat down again beside Marie, this time with a new sort of happy, hopeful glow. Marie smiled, watching this. Then they all focused on the bench as the judge screwed up his sandwich bag and threw it at the bin, missing by at least ten metres. A security guard discreetly retrieved it and placed it in it's intended destination. The judge frowned and looked down at each of them in turn. He gaze rested on the young man at the furthest table. The young lawyer obediently got up. " Frederick Jones, your honour. I'm here to represent Mrs. McKenzie at these proceedings." " And where is Mrs.McKenzie?" " She was unable to attend due to personal difficulties, but I have a statement of her wishes..." The judge made an impatient movement for him to continue. " Mrs McKenzie would like to relinquish all custodial rights to her son, so that he might be placed in more suitable care." " Anything else? Visitation rights?" " Nothing, your honour. She simply asked that the court appoint whatever guardian it deemed appropriate to continue to care for him." The judge frowned darkly. " Court acknowledges Mrs. McKenzie's decision but would like to note that it would have been more appropriate for her to be present, even under the circumstances. If you have nothing more to add you are excused. If Mrs McKenzie has any further requests for information she should put them to her son's lawyer or that of his appointed guardian." " Yes, Sir." The young lawyer quickly reassembled his papers and left. Dr. Wolenczak had turned to his lawyer and they were speaking quickly in whispers. They seemed to come to an agreement and then turned back to the bench. " And you are Dr. Wolenczak?" The judge asked. The second lawyer rose and gave assent. " After discussing this matter with your son's lawyer and taking due consideration of all the facts it seems that you are the most suitable person to have custody of your son. Do you think that you can and are willing to accept this responsibility?" " Yes, your honour," the second lawyer replied. The judge looked down at Lucas who was smiling dazedly and then quickly at Marie, who nodded happily to him. " Then I grant you full custody of your son. Make sure you fill your responsibility properly," he added warningly. " Yes, your honour. Thank you," Dr. Wolenczak answered for himself. " Dismissed." Wolenczak shook hands with his lawyer as Lucas turned smiling to Marie. " Thank you so much, for everything." " You're very welcome. Good luck. You have my number if there's anything more you need. Make sure you use it." " I will." He looked at her shyly for a moment and then hugged her quickly. " Take care," she called as she left, feeling that there had been a happy ending. The second lawyer held the door for her and then Lucas was alone with his father in the courtroom. " I didn't think you'd come!" Lucas said still in shock and then went red. " I didn't mean..." " That's all right. I haven't exactly been around much." " It's just that I can never get through to you," Lucas tried to explain. " I know and I'm sorry." " I'm just so glad you're here," Lucas smiled at him earnestly. " So am I." " I've arranged for someone to go to the flat and pick up your things. I'm afraid that we have to get straight on a plane now." Lucas didn't want to leave quite yet. He hadn't said good bye to Sally or to... but there wasn't anyone else that he really cared about that much. He did have friends at school, but they were always so in awe of him or so terminally pissed off about his intelligence that relationships were always strained, to say the least. And he didn't want to have to go back to the flat. He sighed and looked out of the window of the expensive company car as it took them towards the airport. He didn't want to leave yet because everything seemed new and he wanted the security of things he knew: routines, places, anything that was normal. But at least his father would be there and that was something he had wanted more than anything for a long time. " I've got to go to a meeting when we land, but there will be someone to pick you up and take you home, show you around. If there's anything you need or want, just ask and Jerry'll sort it out. When I get back we'll need to talk about somethings like school and work. I'm sorry about this, but I'm in the middle of a really big project and I wasn't exactly expecting any of this." " That's OK. I think I'll just want to sleep when we arrive." The plane ride was very quick and comfortable. While his father worked on his laptop Lucas stared out of the window at the coast line as they flew past. It was a clear sunny day and the contours rose up in sharp definition and the water was clear and sapphire, from the air. He was always surprised at how beautiful nature was and how he never failed to be happy looking at it even when everything else was horrible. But, now at least, it wasn't. In fact he was looking forward to being happier than in a long time. He hadn't realised that he had drifted off into sleep, but the next thing he knew was his father gently shaking his shoulder and telling him that they had landed. He stretched happily, though somewhat groggily and watched the airport buildings pass as they taxied in to their gate. The security checks were very quick, as it was a local flight and they had only carry- on luggage, so they were out into the lobby within minutes. His father waved at two young men in suits waiting by the doors. " Lucas, this is Jerry. He'll be taking you home and helping you sort out anything you need. Are you OK?" " Yeah." " Good. I'll see you later then." And he was off with the second man. Lucas turned back to Jerry. He was in his early thirties with light brown hair, sunglasses to hide his eyes and clearly eager to be of help. " The car's over here," he indicated and they walked over slowly. " Like your father said, if there's anything you need, just ask." " Thanks. Right now I'm just tired." Jerry smiled and opened the door for him. The car was comfortable and spacious with black leather faux seats and tinted windows. Jerry got in and they pulled away as he chatted inanely about the city and the buildings that they passed. Shortly, they pulled up in front of a very smart, very new apartment building. " You're in the penthouse." Jerry grinned, leading him through the entrance and to the main desk. The receptionist looked up smiling brightly. " This is Lucas Wolenczak. He'll be joining his father in Apartment 5011." " That's right. Would you like a key?" " That would be great," Jerry answered for him. " If you would just stand in front of the security camera for a second we can put your picture on our systems." Lucas nodded and complied staring at the small box high on the wall. " Thank you. OK, that's it." She smiled again, fixedly. " Thanks." Jerry took the key and lead him to the elevators and then down the corridor and into the apartment. His first impression was of light and space. The first room was a corner one and two walls were windows looking out across the city. " It's an incredible view, isn't it?" Lucas nodded gazing across the buildings and the parks in between and finally over to the ocean, a shining ribbon before the sky. " Your father said that you should have this room," Jerry told him and he pulled himself away from the view to follow him. The room was somewhat bare from not being lived in, but was roomy and comfortable looking. " There's a bathroom off on the left and the kitchen is in the next room to the main one. Apart from that you'll probably want to explore by yourself later." Lucas flopped down on the bed and closed his eyes. " Well I'll be around so if you need anything just call or come and find me in the main room." Lucas sat up and smiled. " Thanks. I'm just really tired. If I'm still asleep when my father comes back could you wake me up?" " Sure. Sleep well." He did, fully dressed and on top of the covers, but it was all so soft and comfortable that he didn't notice and it felt safe here in this light apartment high above the rest of the city. As soon as he had some of his own things here it would be perfect. He looked at the clock on the wall, surprised to see that he'd slept for five hours. He wandered into the main room and Jerry looked up grinning. " I was beginning to wonder if you were dead or something." Lucas sat down opposite him. " I think the meeting's still going on. They've been very busy lately. You want some food or something? There's a great Italian place across the street and we an leave a message at the front desk for if you're father comes back." " Actually I'm starving. That would be fine." He looked around once more, contented. " Great." " So, you thought about where you want to go to school here?" Jerry asked over a mouthful of Linguini. " No, I don't really know what the options are." " But you didn't mind leaving the other place much?" Lucas grinned. " I didn't really fit in. I mean, most of the time people really hated me for being smart and then rest of the time they were kind of... they just didn't get it, or me. I don't know. Maybe I could skip a few more grades. Trying to stay with my age group hasn't worked, so I guess it's worth trying it. Probably just another way to not fit in," he added wryly and sighed. " I heard you were pretty good with computers," Jerry said, neatly changing the subject. " I heard about that thing with the defence lawyer. That would have been great to see." Lucas smiled softly thinking about Evens' face. " You know I can never figure out how to work the...." And the next few hours passed quickly, in talking about everything and anything to do with computers. After a while the frowns from the waiter got through to them and Jerry paid the bill and they left, crossing the street to the apartment building. " Is Dr Wolenczak in yet?" Lucas stopped to ask the receptionist. " Not yet," she replied still smiling and Lucas continued towards the elevators. Lucas played around with the television controls not finding anything of interest on any of the channels. After a while Jerry tried to get him interested in helping him with a program on his lap top, but Lucas resolved it so quickly that he was at a loss as to what to suggest next. " Is he always this busy?" Lucas asked finally, knowing the answer, but angry anyway. He sighed and got up before Jerry could find an answer. " Sorry. I'm just kinda of... getting used to things." He tried forcing a smile. " Guess I'll go and sleep again." Although he had slept a lot already, sleep came easily and, after a short rush of disconnected images, peacefully. He hadn't closed the curtains, so when he woke the room was flooded with warm sunlight and he smiled as he showered, dressed and then made his way down the corridor. The wall that separated the kitchen from the main room had somehow shortened so that the two rooms merged. His father looked up smiling as he poured out coffee. " Want some?" he asked smiling. " Yes, please." Lucas sat down on a stool on the opposite side of the counter, spread with a basket of breads and muffins and one of fruit. " Help yourself to what you want. If you prefer cereal or..." " This is fine. Thanks," Lucas replied biting into a dark peach. " How did the meeting go?" " Well, we got everything sorted out, eventually. I'm sorry it took so long but the investors weren't pleased to have to reschedule it. We're just in the final stages of signing a huge geothermal energy project. Jerry sorted everything out for you?" Lucas nodded, his mouth full. " He'll be back again later on. First of all I wanted to discuss things with you. We need to find you a school. I've talked to a friend of mine who is on the board at a very good one in the city. He says that you have a place there if you like it. One thing your mother did send me were school reports. It's up to you, but I think you'd do better off moving into a higher grade. But when you go to the school, you can talk to Bill about that. He'll have a better idea of what would be the best thing. I'm afraid that I really don't know much about the education system anymore. I arranged for us to go and see him in..." he looked at his watch, " an hour. Does that sound OK to you?" "Fine." " Good. That's the first thing." He paused taking a long drink of the strong, aromatic coffee. " We need to talk about our... arrangements here. I want you to know that I'm very happy to have you here but it was unexpected and I have some work commitments that I can't drop at this stage." He looked at Lucas earnestly, reassured when he smiled back. " I understand and that's fine. I just don't want to be a pain or anything." " You're not, believe me," Wolenczak said forcefully. "It's going to take some getting used to: new city, new school, new everything and I might not be able to be here as much as I would like for a while, but Jerry will be here or someone else and if there's anything you need you only have to ask." He sighed. " I'm not sure that I'm going to make a very good parent. Honestly, I don't know how and... I will do my best, but I don't want to promise anything that I won't be able to deliver. Just don't think that it's not because I don't care.... we'll manage right?" He waited for Lucas' reaction nervously. " Right." Lucas smiled at him trustingly. " It'll work out fine." Copyright by E.Casale 1997, 1998 Date: Wed, 13 May 1998 11:17:27 -0500 (CDT) From: Silvia Casale Subject: House of windows: part 2B Sender: owner-tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Sender: silvia.casale@pop-3.ukonline.co.uk To: tales Reply-to: tales@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (16) Copyright by E.Casale 1997, 1998 " I know it doesn't make things any easier, but you did do the right thing. And this is about her shortcomings not yours. You did nothing wrong and have nothing to be ashamed of," Marie told him forcefully. " Then why don't any of the people who are meant to care about me want me around?" he asked furiously. " What is so wrong with me?" " Nothing. Nothing at all. You're great. It's them. I know that it's hard to accept that, but it's them." " Everyone? It doesn't add up. I've done the math; it doesn't make sense. Three parents and one of me and none of them want me around. Now doesn't it seem like it's me rather than them?" " It's horrible, terrible luck and they're completely stupid not to want you around..." " Go away." Marie looked at him for a moment, trying to judge whether he really meant it. " Please?" She waited and less than a minute later he let her hold him as he cried. After a long time he stopped, exhausted, but the pain wasn't less and the aching loneliness hadn't eased. There was just nothing left. After that she lead him to a quiet room with a couch and let him sleep. She woke him a few hours later. " We have to go to the hearing now." He frowned at her for a moment, still waking up and then nodded miserably. He stretched and let her lead him to the hearing room. The same judge was already waiting, finishing his lunch. " Only place where I can get some peace and quiet," he smiled warmly at them as they sat. Lucas stared out of the window. What happens now? Where do I go now that Laura doesn't want me around? It felt easier to think of her by her name rather than as his mother. The courtroom door opened and a young man hurried in and started setting out papers on the next table. The judge looked at the clock. The hearing was due to start in three minutes. The door opened again and two middle aged men in smart, expensive suits walked in briskly. Lucas stared at the second man blankly, then with astonishment, before literally jumping up and throwing himself on him. " Dad!" he cried delightedly. Dr. Wolenczak held his son tightly for a moment and then held him apart, looking at the judge. He smiled briefly at Lucas. " I think the judge wants to start and we'd better not keep him waiting." Lucas nodded and sat down again beside Marie, this time with a new sort of happy, hopeful glow. Marie smiled, watching this. Then they all focused on the bench as the judge screwed up his sandwich bag and threw it at the bin, missing by at least ten metres. A security guard discreetly retrieved it and placed it in it's intended destination. The judge frowned and looked down at each of them in turn. He gaze rested on the young man at the furthest table. The young lawyer obediently got up. " Frederick Jones, your honour. I'm here to represent Mrs. McKenzie at these proceedings." " And where is Mrs.McKenzie?" " She was unable to attend due to personal difficulties, but I have a statement of her wishes..." The judge made an impatient movement for him to continue. " Mrs McKenzie would like to relinquish all custodial rights to her son, so that he might be placed in more suitable care." " Anything else? Visitation rights?" " Nothing, your honour. She simply asked that the court appoint whatever guardian it deemed appropriate to continue to care for him." The judge frowned darkly. " Court acknowledges Mrs. McKenzie's decision but would like to note that it would have been more appropriate for her to be present, even under the circumstances. If you have nothing more to add you are excused. If Mrs McKenzie has any further requests for information she should put them to her son's lawyer or that of his appointed guardian." " Yes, Sir." The young lawyer quickly reassembled his papers and left. Dr. Wolenczak had turned to his lawyer and they were speaking quickly in whispers. They seemed to come to an agreement and then turned back to the bench. " And you are Dr. Wolenczak?" The judge asked. The second lawyer rose and gave assent. " After discussing this matter with your son's lawyer and taking due consideration of all the facts it seems that you are the most suitable person to have custody of your son. Do you think that you can and are willing to accept this responsibility?" " Yes, your honour," the second lawyer replied. The judge looked down at Lucas who was smiling dazedly and then quickly at Marie, who nodded happily to him. " Then I grant you full custody of your son. Make sure you fill your responsibility properly," he added warningly. " Yes, your honour. Thank you," Dr. Wolenczak answered for himself. " Dismissed." Wolenczak shook hands with his lawyer as Lucas turned smiling to Marie. " Thank you so much, for everything." " You're very welcome. Good luck. You have my number if there's anything more you need. Make sure you use it." " I will." He looked at her shyly for a moment and then hugged her quickly. " Take care," she called as she left, feeling that there had been a happy ending. The second lawyer held the door for her and then Lucas was alone with his father in the courtroom. " I didn't think you'd come!" Lucas said still in shock and then went red. " I didn't mean..." " That's all right. I haven't exactly been around much." " It's just that I can never get through to you," Lucas tried to explain. " I know and I'm sorry." " I'm just so glad you're here," Lucas smiled at him earnestly. " So am I." " I've arranged for someone to go to the flat and pick up your things. I'm afraid that we have to get straight on a plane now." Lucas didn't want to leave quite yet. He hadn't said good bye to Sally or to... but there wasn't anyone else that he really cared about that much. He did have friends at school, but they were always so in awe of him or so terminally pissed off about his intelligence that relationships were always strained, to say the least. And he didn't want to have to go back to the flat. He sighed and looked out of the window of the expensive company car as it took them towards the airport. He didn't want to leave yet because everything seemed new and he wanted the security of things he knew: routines, places, anything that was normal. But at least his father would be there and that was something he had wanted more than anything for a long time. " I've got to go to a meeting when we land, but there will be someone to pick you up and take you home, show you around. If there's anything you need or want, just ask and Jerry'll sort it out. When I get back we'll need to talk about somethings like school and work. I'm sorry about this, but I'm in the middle of a really big project and I wasn't exactly expecting any of this." " That's OK. I think I'll just want to sleep when we arrive." The plane ride was very quick and comfortable. While his father worked on his laptop Lucas stared out of the window at the coast line as they flew past. It was a clear sunny day and the contours rose up in sharp definition and the water was clear and sapphire, from the air. He was always surprised at how beautiful nature was and how he never failed to be happy looking at it even when everything else was horrible. But, now at least, it wasn't. In fact he was looking forward to being happier than in a long time. He hadn't realised that he had drifted off into sleep, but the next thing he knew was his father gently shaking his shoulder and telling him that they had landed. He stretched happily, though somewhat groggily and watched the airport buildings pass as they taxied in to their gate. The security checks were very quick, as it was a local flight and they had only carry- on luggage, so they were out into the lobby within minutes. His father waved at two young men in suits waiting by the doors. " Lucas, this is Jerry. He'll be taking you home and helping you sort out anything you need. Are you OK?" " Yeah." " Good. I'll see you later then." And he was off with the second man. Lucas turned back to Jerry. He was in his early thirties with light brown hair, sunglasses to hide his eyes and clearly eager to be of help. " The car's over here," he indicated and they walked over slowly. " Like your father said, if there's anything you need, just ask." " Thanks. Right now I'm just tired." Jerry smiled and opened the door for him. The car was comfortable and spacious with black leather faux seats and tinted windows. Jerry got in and they pulled away as he chatted inanely about the city and the buildings that they passed. Shortly, they pulled up in front of a very smart, very new apartment building. " You're in the penthouse." Jerry grinned, leading him through the entrance and to the main desk. The receptionist looked up smiling brightly. " This is Lucas Wolenczak. He'll be joining his father in Apartment 5011." " That's right. Would you like a key?" " That would be great," Jerry answered for him. " If you would just stand in front of the security camera for a second we can put your picture on our systems." Lucas nodded and complied staring at the small box high on the wall. " Thank you. OK, that's it." She smiled again, fixedly. " Thanks." Jerry took the key and lead him to the elevators and then down the corridor and into the apartment. His first impression was of light and space. The first room was a corner one and two walls were windows looking out across the city. " It's an incredible view, isn't it?" Lucas nodded gazing across the buildings and the parks in between and finally over to the ocean, a shining ribbon before the sky. " Your father said that you should have this room," Jerry told him and he pulled himself away from the view to follow him. The room was somewhat bare from not being lived in, but was roomy and comfortable looking. " There's a bathroom off on the left and the kitchen is in the next room to the main one. Apart from that you'll probably want to explore by yourself later." Lucas flopped down on the bed and closed his eyes. " Well I'll be around so if you need anything just call or come and find me in the main room." Lucas sat up and smiled. " Thanks. I'm just really tired. If I'm still asleep when my father comes back could you wake me up?" " Sure. Sleep well." He did, fully dressed and on top of the covers, but it was all so soft and comfortable that he didn't notice and it felt safe here in this light apartment high above the rest of the city. As soon as he had some of his own things here it would be perfect. He looked at the clock on the wall, surprised to see that he'd slept for five hours. He wandered into the main room and Jerry looked up grinning. " I was beginning to wonder if you were dead or something." Lucas sat down opposite him. " I think the meeting's still going on. They've been very busy lately. You want some food or something? There's a great Italian place across the street and we an leave a message at the front desk for if you're father comes back." " Actually I'm starving. That would be fine." He looked around once more, contented. " Great." " So, you thought about where you want to go to school here?" Jerry asked over a mouthful of Linguini. " No, I don't really know what the options are." " But you didn't mind leaving the other place much?" Lucas grinned. " I didn't really fit in. I mean, most of the time people really hated me for being smart and then rest of the time they were kind of... they just didn't get it, or me. I don't know. Maybe I could skip a few more grades. Trying to stay with my age group hasn't worked, so I guess it's worth trying it. Probably just another way to not fit in," he added wryly and sighed. " I heard you were pretty good with computers," Jerry said, neatly changing the subject. " I heard about that thing with the defence lawyer. That would have been great to see." Lucas smiled softly thinking about Evens' face. " You know I can never figure out how to work the...." And the next few hours passed quickly, in talking about everything and anything to do with computers. After a while the frowns from the waiter got through to them and Jerry paid the bill and they left, crossing the street to the apartment building. " Is Dr Wolenczak in yet?" Lucas stopped to ask the receptionist. " Not yet," she replied still smiling and Lucas continued towards the elevators. Lucas played around with the television controls not finding anything of interest on any of the channels. After a while Jerry tried to get him interested in helping him with a program on his lap top, but Lucas resolved it so quickly that he was at a loss as to what to suggest next. " Is he always this busy?" Lucas asked finally, knowing the answer, but angry anyway. He sighed and got up before Jerry could find an answer. " Sorry. I'm just kinda of... getting used to things." He tried forcing a smile. " Guess I'll go and sleep again." Although he had slept a lot already, sleep came easily and, after a short rush of disconnected images, peacefully. He hadn't closed the curtains, so when he woke the room was flooded with warm sunlight and he smiled as he showered, dressed and then made his way down the corridor. The wall that separated the kitchen from the main room had somehow shortened so that the two rooms merged. His father looked up smiling as he poured out coffee. " Want some?" he asked smiling. " Yes, please." Lucas sat down on a stool on the opposite side of the counter, spread with a basket of breads and muffins and one of fruit. " Help yourself to what you want. If you prefer cereal or..." " This is fine. Thanks," Lucas replied biting into a dark peach. " How did the meeting go?" " Well, we got everything sorted out, eventually. I'm sorry it took so long but the investors weren't pleased to have to reschedule it. We're just in the final stages of signing a huge geothermal energy project. Jerry sorted everything out for you?" Lucas nodded, his mouth full. " He'll be back again later on. First of all I wanted to discuss things with you. We need to find you a school. I've talked to a friend of mine who is on the board at a very good one in the city. He says that you have a place there if you like it. One thing your mother did send me were school reports. It's up to you, but I think you'd do better off moving into a higher grade. But when you go to the school, you can talk to Bill about that. He'll have a better idea of what would be the best thing. I'm afraid that I really don't know much about the education system anymore. I arranged for us to go and see him in..." he looked at his watch, " an hour. Does that sound OK to you?" "Fine." " Good. That's the first thing." He paused taking a long drink of the strong, aromatic coffee. " We need to talk about our... arrangements here. I want you to know that I'm very happy to have you here but it was unexpected and I have some work commitments that I can't drop at this stage." He looked at Lucas earnestly, reassured when he smiled back. " I understand and that's fine. I just don't want to be a pain or anything." " You're not, believe me," Wolenczak said forcefully. "It's going to take some getting used to: new city, new school, new everything and I might not be able to be here as much as I would like for a while, but Jerry will be here or someone else and if there's anything you need you only have to ask." He sighed. " I'm not sure that I'm going to make a very good parent. Honestly, I don't know how and... I will do my best, but I don't want to promise anything that I won't be able to deliver. Just don't think that it's not because I don't care.... we'll manage right?" He waited for Lucas' reaction nervously. " Right." Lucas smiled at him trustingly. " It'll work out fine." Copyright by E.Casale 1997, 1998