Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Chapter 53 - Newt vs Leroy - Part 2 of 2

Newt nudged Ben inside the tiny apartment daring Kaitlin and Leroy to say anything with his eyes while he directed his words to Ben. "It's okay Ben, she's not mad," he said encouraging his son to go to his mother.

Newt took in his surroundings as Kaitlin ran to Ben and pulled him into a hug. Ben just stood there and didn’t reciprocate and she pretended not to notice. “Ben I was so worried! Please, don’t ever do that again!” she said.

When she released Ben, he looked at her with disdain, “I want to live with Daddy. You don’t care about anyone but him and the babies,” he said motioning towards Leroy.

“Benjamin! You know that’s not true! I love you very much! So does Leroy,” said Kaitlin sweetly while Leroy glared up at Newt like he figured he put the words in Ben's mouth.

“Uncle Reid and Daddy don't think I'm just a little kid,” said Ben.

It was obvious to Newt that Ben needed some attention. He didn’t know all of the details of how they survived but according to Ben, the apartment had only two bedrooms and housed not just Kaitlin and their 3 children but 4 additional ones. Two were Reese’s kids, his grandchildren. What the hell was up with that? He assumed one of the toddlers in the playpen was his grandson and the other must be Leroy and Kaitlin's kid. Damn. Leroy also had his own 5 year old kid that he moved in with her who was likely the little girl sitting on the couch watching TV when he came in. She had since got up to come see what was going on, but stayed back when she sensed the tension. How did all of them survive in a two bedroom, one bath apartment. No wonder Ben was feeling left out.

Ben had told Newt that Reese was moving out after graduation when he married his girlfriend - the mother of his youngest child. That would leave Ben as the oldest boy with three little girls. He was definitely going to push for joint custody of Ben since he was almost old enough to voice an opinion, which he had just done. Well, he ran away, it shouldn't have been a surprise.

Newt spoke up, “ Ben! That’s not a respectful way to talk to your mother. She loves you and was worried sick about you. I’m sure she doesn’t think you are just a little kid. Right Kaitlin?”


“No...I…don’t,” she said looking back and forth between Ben and his father.

Newt looked around the tiny apartment then asked, “Where can we talk in private?”

Kaitlin sighed then looked at Ben and asked, “Ben, would you please take Dakota outside and play ball with her while your father, Leroy and I discuss some things please?”


“Please Ben. We won’t be long,” said Newt trying to support Kaitlin’s direction. Then he added, "I will come find you before I leave, okay? We just need to work out some things about, well the divorce."

“Okay Dad. Come on Dakota,” he said and the two of them went outside.

As soon as the door closed, even though both men knew who the other was, Newt extended his hand, “Newt Murdock,” he said as an introduction. Leroy looked at him for a second and finally extended his  hand. “Leroy Chapman,” he growled out.

The unlikely trio sat down at the kitchen table to talk and, as if on queue, Maddy started to cry.  “I will get her Kate,” said Leroy.

Newt grinned when Leroy went to fetch Maddy. “Do all of your boyfriends have a nickname for you? Katie and Kate? Or did you give them different names to hide from me?” he asked his grin turning to a frown.


“It’s none of your business,” she said defensively. Newt felt instantly terrible and was getting ready to apologize as Leroy walked in carrying the most precious little girl he had ever seen.


He immediately stood up, the apology dying on his lips. “Madison?” he asked staring at the little girl in Leroy’s arms. She was so big. The last time he saw her she couldn’t even walk yet. Newt’s heart sank thinking about how much of her life he had missed due to his own self righteous behavior. “She’s beautiful Kaitlin," he said then he smiled and spoke to his little girl. “Hi Maddy.”  He had no idea what else to say to an almost 3-year old child.

Maddy hid her face in Leroy’s chest when Newt spoke to her. Leroy smirked at Newt and comforted the little girl in his arms. “It’s okay Maddy baby,” he cooed.

Kaitlin, however, looked like she might cry so Newt sat back down with her. “Look Kaitlin," he said, "I know I messed up, no I fucked up, big time. I have been in therapy for more than a year trying to deal with it so I could move on and not repeat the same mistakes. I think we both need to come to an agreement on the terms of a divorce so we can each move forward with our lives.

Honestly, I was going to file for divorce on the grounds of spousal abandonment, but now that I found my family, I want to try and reconcile with Ben and Maddy, to have a relationship with them. Ben desperately wants it. Obviously Maddy doesn’t know me at all and that’s my fault. But maybe, with time, she will. I know they need you too. Let's just agree to share custody.”

Leroy, still holding Maddy spoke up, “What gives you the right to walk in here and demand a relationship with the very family that you abused? I am more of a father to Maddy and Ben than you have ever been!”

Maddy started to whimper. “Daddy Woy, I don’t feel gwod,” she mumbled so Leroy stood up again to try and rock her, whispering to her.

Newt was pissed now. He was trying and this Leroy just wouldn’t let it go. “Maybe to Madison," he shot out, "but not to Ben. He wants to have a relationship with me,” he gestured around the apartment as he continued, “Look at this place. No wonder Ben is running away. You have seven kids in this 2 bedroom apartment! Of course he feels ignored! He needs a father that treats him like the intelligent young man that he is!”

This time Kaitlin spoke up, “How do you know what he needs! Even when he lived with you, you didn’t have time for him!”

“Okay,” reasoned Newt, “You are right Kaitlin, I wasn't there. But this is now! And just like any child his age, he wants his parents to be together. We both know that’s not going to happen. I told him you left because we didn’t get along and that it was my fault, not his and not yours. I also told him we are getting a divorce. And he still said he wanted to live with me. I told him we would work out time for him to spend with me. Kaitlin, you can’t stop it.”

Newt glanced at Leroy cuddling his own daughter before going on, “I didn’t tell him the sordid details. Look, I lost my opportunity with Reese. Maybe one day Reese will forgive me but if he doesn’t, I will have to live with that. I just want a chance with these two.”

“So you will give her a divorce? Uncontested?” asked Leroy.

“I want joint custody of Ben and Maddy and I will - at least Ben,” said Newt.

“NO!” shouted Kaitlin and Maddy began to cry. Leroy had no choice but to try and soothe the sick toddler in the other room removing himself from the discussion.

After Leroy walked out, Newt continued to negotiate. “I understand how you must feel Kaitlin. But we need to work this out for Ben, not just for me. He's miserable. Just know that Cassie will push too.”

Kaitlin softened at the mention of Cassie, “How is your mom?” she asked.


“She misses her grandchildren. But Kaitlin, she doesn’t know everything...she’s the one that made me go into therapy because of my depression and she knows it helped me. That’s all she knows. Please don’t make me tell her that her only child was abusing his wife. Maybe she already knew, but as long as it remains unsaid, she doesn’t have to deal with it. Please.”

“I won’t make any promises Newt. Before I can agree to any type of custody arrangements for Ben and Maddy, I need to talk to Janet. I assume she will be part of their lives,” said Kaitlin nervously wringing her hands and glancing back to where Leroy had disappeared.

Newt was getting fed up with this conversation and was ready to put an end to it. What does Janet have to do with anything? he thought then took a deep breath before replying. “I told you already, she knows. Why do you want to bring her into this?” he asked.

“I need to know my children will be safe," she said breathing erratically.


Safe? I have been working to be safe for 18 fucking months! he thought knowing he was getting out of control but powerless to stop the words from rushing out his voice rising as he spoke. “And you think they are safe like they are? Fuck Kaitlin, I could take them all away in a heartbeat. You ran away from me. Then you had an affair with my brother at the same time you were screwing Leroy and had his bastard child, Reese has TWO babies and he’s still in high school and Ben not only got in trouble for stealing a video game, he ran away from home because he is miserable and you have 8 people - sometimes 9 with your boyfriend -  living in a goddamned two bedroom crackerbox!” Maybe now you will reconsider, he thought.

Kaitlin jumped up and was beginning to cower when Leroy walked back in after settling Maddy. Leroy looked at Kaitlin then looked at Newt with a crazed look on his face,  “It’s time for you to leave! NOW asshole!” he shouted.

Newt stood up and held up his hands. “I’m sorry man. Kaitlin! Tell him. I didn’t do anything to you!”

Kaitlin was panting, looking like she might pass out. Leroy tried to put his arm around her and she screamed at his touch so he quickly let her go. “Get. Out!!” he commanded.

Newt had no idea what was happening with her. “What’s wrong with her?” he asked worried.

YOU! Now leave!” barked Leroy.

Kaitlin was crying now and kept saying, “I’m sorry, Newt, please, no,” over and over.

When she said that it clicked. She thought he was going to come at her. He wanted to go to her and comfort her and tell he wouldn’t but he knew Leroy wouldn’t let him near her, “Kaitlin, I told you I wouldn’t. I didn’t!” He said in desperation. But she didn’t acknowledge anything he said and kept backing away mumbling.


Leroy just glared at him and put himself between him and Kaitlin. He looked like he was torn between taking care of whatever was wrong with her or beating the shit out of him for apparently causing it. “Okay, I’m leaving. I will call later and check on her,” said Newt.

“Don’t bother!” snapped Leroy.

 Newt opened the door to let himself out. He heard Leroy talking to Kaitlin telling her he was gone and quietly coaxing her to take deep breaths. He stood outside the door in the hallway trying to get himself under control as well. He didn’t mean to upset her. He knew he shouldn’t have said what he did about taking the kids from her. He wouldn’t ever do that - he was just trying to get her to settle for joint custody. It was his fault she was living like she was anyway and Ben did say she was building a house.

Seeing Ben and Maddy had been a game changer for him. Maddy called Leroy Daddy. He needed to make things right with his kids and seeing how they were living made him sick. He decided he would get a lawyer and do his best to get joint custody of Ben and Maddy. He didn’t want to have to make it messy, but Kaitlin had made it clear, she wasn’t willing to do that without talking to Janet and he couldn’t put Janet through that. He couldn't risk losing the one good thing he had in his life right now. If she wanted to fight him, he would have to hire an attorney - a good one.

Newt took another deep breath and calmed himself as much as possible. He pushed the button for the ground floor. He needed to find Ben and say goodbye. Let him know that he wasn't leaving forever. Just until the divorce was worked out.


Go To Chapter 54 Part 1

Go Back to Chapter 53 Part 1

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Chapter 53 - Newt vs Leroy - Part 1 of 2

Day 53 - Rolled 17 - Sick toddler

Kaitlin didn't sleep well at all and got up to make coffee. Leroy didn't either. They were both worried about Ben and then Maddy woke up sick. Kaitlin was glad Leroy had spent the night or he wouldn't have been able to be there with her last night when Reid called and then to help take care of Maddy throughout the night.

Leroy sat down at Kaitlin's sketch table drawing up ideas for a client to keep himself busy. Reese left to go get Brooke and Dakota watched cartoons while Sam and Hailey played in the playpen. Sam and Maddy were still sleeping. It was relatively quiet in the apartment with the only sound the occasional squeals of delight from the babies playing with each other and the ambient sound of the TV in the background.

Kaitlin was sitting at the table playing with her coffee, watching Leroy and thinking about Ben when the phone rang. She hoped it was Reid saying he was on the way. But it wasn't.

Newtnot now, she thought. She didn't want to deal with him while she was trying to figure out what to say to Ben he got home. She swiped the phone to answer the call.

“Hi Newt. Can we talk later? I'm really busy right now,” she said hurriedly.

“No. Kaitlin, I am still in town. I am staying with Reid. Ben is here with me..."

"NO!" she screamed into the phone and Leroy got up and rushed over to her.

"Hey, calm down. He's fine. I am bringing him back to you. Don't worry.”

“Where's Reid? I thought he had Ben. Why did he leave him with you? Why are you still here?” Kaitlin couldn't think straight and knew she was rambling.

“Reid was called to the police station this morning to sign some paperwork regarding his release. I offered to bring Ben to you. He wasn't keen on going with Reid to the police station. Anyway, I thought while I was there, maybe we could talk about the terms of the divorce, get that started, said Newt.

“Wait! You're coming here?” she asked in a panic as it sunk in that Newt was coming to the apartment. She didn't want him in her apartment but she didn't know why.

“Yes Kaitlin. Didn't you listen? I'm bringing Ben home. We will be there in 10 minutes. I want to get things between us settled before I go back. I gave you some space and I needed some time too to think about things after our meeting.....I am ready to get this over with. And, Kaitlin, do you think maybe you might let me see Maddy while I’m there.” 

“Maddy’s napping,” she said too quickly, “And what did say to Ben?”

“He’s right here sitting next to me in the car. When I get there we can talk more. But, I did tell him we are getting a divorce. He wasn't happy but he understands,” said Newt.

“Leroy is here. He was worried and stayed with me,” she said flatly, hoping he wouldn't come inside if he knew Leroy was with her.

“I don't care. We still need to make some decisions. He can be a part of it Kaitlin. Hell, he needs to be a part of it. You two have a kid together.”

“See you in a minute,” she said with a sigh and hung up. She turned to Leroy. Leroy who was always there for her.  She could tell by the look on his face he knew the gist of the conversation and was none too pleased.

Leroy started in as soon as she hung up. “So he just gets to just waltz in here after spending the night with Ben, asking to see Maddy. Do you think for one second that Reese is going to like this any better than I do?” he spit out as if the words tasted bad.

Kaitlin desperately needed Leroy to be calm or she would lose it. She took a deep breath, put her hands together to stop them from shaking and looked him in the eye. “Ben ran away from me last night, right into his father’s arms. It sounds like they connected and if Ben wants to see him, I can’t stop it now even if I wanted to," she said fighting back tears, "Please - Leroy - don’t make a scene. Help me get through this. Newt wants to discuss the terms of the divorce. And he wants to see his daughter. Put yourself in his place. It’s been two years. Maddy won’t even know who he is. But Ben does.”

The buzzer sounded interrupting their conversation. “Kaitlin. We’re here. We're on the way up," came Newt's voice over the intercom.

She swung around to look at the door and Leroy pulled her back close to him. He whispered, “I'm sorry Kate. I just don't like seeing you upset....I love you. It's going to be okay.” Together they waited and for father and son to walk through the door into her tiny apartment that just seemed to get smaller and smaller as the seconds ticked by.


Go To Chapter 53 Part 2

Go Back to Chapter 52 Part 3

Monday, August 28, 2017

Chapter 52 - Running Away - Part 3 of 3

Well shit, thought Reid as he looked out the car window at the water rushing across the bridge, Ben's going to get his wish after all. The bridge was flooded and he couldn't get across to Katie's apartment. Ben was going to spend the night with him and Newt whether anyone wanted him to or not. Fucking awkward. He called Katie from the car and she wasn't happy. He didn't tell her that Newt was still in town and staying with him. No sense opening up that can of worms. There was nothing he could do about it anyway.

He turned the car around and headed to his house. On the way he explained to Ben that he had company. His Dad was staying with him. Ben got real quiet. Reid figured he was trying to understand why nobody told him his father was here. But maybe he was afraid of him, hell he didn't know.



Finally Reid broke the silence and gave Ben the choice and asked if he would rather not see him. Ben just asked if his father was mad at him. Reid said ‘No, he would really like to see you.’

Ben looked relieved and said ‘Yes, I want to see him too.’ He was quiet the remainder of the short drive to his house, unusual for Ben.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


The father and son reunion was so emotionally charged that Reid could barely watch. When Ben saw his father, they just looked at each other. Newt started to tear up. He squatted down and choked out, “Ben,” then opened his arms to his son.

“Daddy?” came the reply and Ben ran into Newt’s outstretched arms. They hugged for a few minutes both crying. “God, I have missed you so much Ben. You are so grown up. You've grown at least two feet!” said Newt once he recovered.

Ben pulled back and looked at him suspiciously. He stood up straight and squared his shoulders as if getting ready for a fight. “Why did you make Mom leave? Reese said you hit her. You didn't, did you?”


Reid groaned. He needed to stop this conversation. “Ben, let’s find you something to sleep in and I'll put your wet clothes in the dryer. You get changed and we will make you a bed on the couch,” he said before Newt could respond.

Newt gave him a thank you look over Ben's head. Then Newt looked at Ben as his son hung his head and turned to do as Reid said. “Ben, son,” he said, “We can talk in the morning okay. It's late and we all need to get some sleep.”

Ben looked back and forth between the two men. “I’m not a baby! I can stay up late!” and turned to walk off.

Newt frowned trying to understand where that came from. He stopped Ben and looked at Reid. "No you aren't,” he said. “You are definitely not a baby, you are a young man. An incredibly brave young man to ride your bike at night like that and in the rain. So how about this, you go and get ready for bed and then we can talk for awhile before you go to sleep, okay?”

Ben brightened up. “Okay, Dad,” he said.

While Ben was in the bathroom Reid asked Newt, “Do you want me to stay? What the hell are you going to say to him?”

“The truth. That what happened between me and his mom is between us. I am sure he heard the arguing but never saw…”

“Fuck Newt. I want to beat the shit out of you every time I think about it,” said Reid.

“I wouldn’t blame you if you did. You and Kaitlin. It has to be difficult,” replied Newt.

“I knew she had an asshole husband, just didn’t know it was my fucking brother. Sorry man. It’s hard okay,” said Reid, “I’m working on it.”

“Thank you for sticking by me Reid. You didn’t have to. We’ve already discussed this. I promise, I am under control now. It won’t happen again. Janet...God I miss her. I wish she were here.”

“That sucks you know. You were the asshole of all assholes and you got the girl - twice! I lost the girl twice and I would never do what you did. Hell, it doesn’t matter. Listen, I'm here if Ben gets upset. He's a good kid Newt. Don’t screw this up.”

Ben walked out of the bathroom in one of Reid’s t-shirts. “Don’t screw what up Dad?” he asked.

Newt looked down at Ben without missing a beat. “This chance to get to know my son again,” he said, “Uncle Reid cares a lot about you and he’s worried that I will upset you because we haven’t seen each other in a long time. You are kind of like a son to him. Did you know that?”

Go to Chapter 53 Part 1

Go Back to Chapter 52 - Part 2

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Chapter 52 - Running Away Part 2 of 3

Ben left the house as soon as everyone went to bed. He rode his bicycle in the pouring down rain all the way to the fire station. He didn't care if it was raining. As long as there wasn't an emergency someone would be there and even if they weren't, he knew his way around. He used to live there after all. Most importantly, they could help him get in touch with Reid.

He walked inside dripping wet and freezing. He needed to get dry so he headed straight to the closest of the many bathrooms. He took off his slicker and dried off as good as he could and pushed his hair back off his face. Then he started looking for someone that could help him find Reid.

As he looked he thought about his hero. Reid was a hero again. Ben knew he would have never done anything like he was accused of and he hated Leroy for making people think he would. Reid puts out fires and saves people, he doesn't start them.

What was even better was he heard his mother tell Reese that Reid was his uncle.He thought a lot about that. He didn't understand why she wouldn't tell him. Leroy probably wouldn't let her because he hates Reid. But still, since they were related, maybe Reid would let him live with him now that he was freed. He didn't think he could stand that house full of babies any longer.

Ben jumped when he heard a voice behind him. “Well, what have we here?”said a familiar voice. Ben turned around and sure enough it was Darius. “Ben?!” he said and pulled him into a manly hug. “My gosh, you have grown at least a foot and you are soaking wet! Are you okay? What are you doing out this late and in the rain?”

Ben threw his shoulders back and tried to sound confident when he answered his old friend. “I came to see Reid.”

“He's not here buddy, was he expecting you?” he asked.

“Uh, Can you call him and let him know I am here for him now?” asked Ben.

“Why don't we call your mom instead?” suggested Darius.

“No! I mean she knows I'm here so you don't have to call her,” he lied.

“I see,” said Darius, “You want something to eat?”

“No thank you. I'm not hungry,” replied Ben.

“Okay, why don't you sit here and watch TV while I try to get hold of Mr. Reid,” he said.

“Thank you!,” said Ben relieved he wasn't going to call his mother. He knew Reid would come for him.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Reid hung up the phone and laid it on the table where he and his brother had been sharing a beer and talking about the shit storm that had been their lives the past 25 years. He knew this phone call was only going to add to it.

He looked at Newt figuring he might as well tell him what was going on. It was his kid after all. “Hey man, that was the station. Evidently Ben ran away from home. He is there asking for me to come and get him.”

Newt frowned. “Ben? Why would he do that? I thought they were all happy little clams without me. And why the fuck would he ask for you?” said Newt getting angry.

Reid through up his hands. “Calm down bro. He and I bonded. He's a good kid, just lonely, and I sort of took advantage to get...well I didn't know Katie was married to you or even married at all. Look, I'm going to go get him and take him home. You stay here. I don't know if seeing you is what he needs right now.”

“Shit. I should be the one going,” grumbled Newt.

Reid grabbed his shirt and threw it on over his t-shirt. He saw his beer sitting there and picked it up and chugged the rest and turned to leave.

Newt called out as he was leaving, “See if you can find out why he ran away. Call if you need help. I'll wait up.”


* * * * * * * * * * * *


Reid walked in and saw Ben and Darius talking. He had no idea why Ben would run away. “Hey Ben!” he called out.

Ben looked up and smiled then ran to him and hugged him, “Hi Reid. I knew you would come,” he said.

Reid motioned for the other man to give them some privacy. Darius shrugged and walked out. “Okay, wanna tell me what this is all about?” he asked.

Words just started tumbling out of Ben's mouth. “I wanted to see you but mom said no. You are my only friend. I knew they would let you out. They had to. You would never do what Leroy said! And then Mom wouldn't bring me to see you while you were in jail and then when you got out,  she wouldn’t let me invite you to Reese’s stupid birthday party. Mom said it was for family but you’re family. It’s not fair.”

His heart went out to the young man standing in front of him trying to act all grown up. “A prison is no place for a kid Ben. She was right to keep you away. Sit down, let's talk,” he said as gently as possible.

Ben's face fell. “Didn't you want to see me?”

Geez! “Of course I did. We're buds right?” asked Reid.

Ben smiled. “Yes!!” he exclaimed and then looked around and seeing no one lowered his voice anyway, “And we are family. Did you know that you're my Uncle? Isn't that cool?”

Reid almost choked. “Who told you that Ben?”

“I heard Mom telling Reese,” he said excitedly and began to explain, “You see, Papa is your father and Daddy's father, but you don't have the same Mom. Sort of like me and Hailey have the same mom but not the same dad. She is my sister. So Daddy is your brother which makes you my Uncle!”

Shit! he thought, he almost followed all of that. “Well, looks like you got it all figured out," said Reid, "So, does your mother know where you are?”

“You already knew you were my Uncle? Why didn't you tell me?” asked Ben looking hurt.

“Hey bud, I only just found out too. What do you say we call your mom and let her know where you are so she won't worry,” prodded Reid.

Ben scowled before replying. “She won't even know I'm gone and won't care anyway. She thinks I'm a troublemaker. So, I was thinking, since mom won't let me see Daddy, couldn't I just live with you? I promise I won't be any trouble and I am really good at cleaning house. And then you will have someone to race with!”

Reid groaned inwardly. He couldn't figure out why Ben assumed his mother thought he was a troublemaker. He was a good kid. “Ben,” he said with concern, “I am sure your mother doesn't think you are a troublemaker. She loves you.”

“Nope. She told me," he said matter of factually, "She said I was trouble. So can I? Can I live with you please?” he asked with a hopeful look on his face that tugged even more at Reid’s heartstrings.

Now that Reid had been spending time with Ben’s father, he could see Newt in him and it was hard. How could he break this kids heart? “I tell you what," he said negotiating with Ben, "We have to call your mother and let her know where you are. She might already have the cops looking for you.”

Ben's eyes went wide and Reid thought he was going to cry. “You can't tell them! I will be in sooo much trouble if they take me to the police station again!”

Again? Ben had been in trouble with the cops before? Or had he run away before? What the hell? “No Ben, you won't be in trouble. They will be trying to help you. Everyone will be worried that something bad happened to you. They will be relieved to know you are okay. I have to call your mom Ben. Nothing bad is going to happen.”

Ben hung his head.

“Stay right here while I call her. You want me to get Darius to sit with you?”

“No sir, I'll stay here,” said Ben looking dejected.

Fuck. After a minute Reid came back in. It had taken him a few minutes to calm down Katie. Ben was right, she had no idea he was even gone. He told her he would bring him home and she could get his bike later because it was still storming.

Reid came back in carrying Ben's raincoat. He handed it to him to put on. “Come on Ben, let's go. I'm taking you home,” said Reid.

Ben put it on and asked eagerly, “To your house?”

He didn’t particularly like kids so why was Ben getting to him? Reid wanted to find out what was going on with Ben but it wasn't his place. Uncle or not. “No Ben, not today. You need to go to your own home. I will talk to your mom and maybe you and I can hang out at the arcade some time. Okay?” he said hoping to ease his fears a little.

“She won't let me. She always says no,” said Ben flatly.

Reid thought Ben was really going to cry this time. All he got from Katie was that Ben had been acting out; being disrespectful and doing things he knew were wrong. Ben just needed someone to pay attention to him, a father. He got that Ben wasn't a Leroy fan so that wasn't working out. Damn Newt. He knew Newt was in therapy for his ‘problem’ and was trying to get Katie to let him see his kids. But all he could do right now was take Ben back to his mother. Dammit.


“Well, let me talk to her, okay," said Reid smiling, "I bet I can make her say yes, and Ben, she really is happy you are okay. Come on bud, let’s get you home.”