Friends and Family Series
Murdoch and Ryan

By: Ron Robbins
(© 2012 by the author)
Editor: Frank Perry

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Chapter 12

Spencer Town House - Atlanta

"Mary, this is Tom Gilmore, my lawyer," Ryan said. "Tom will show you the court documents remanding the guardianship of the Spencer children  to me. He also has two letters given to him by my father and Vera.

Tom handed the court document to Mary. She looked at it briefly and returned it to Tom.  "I have no reason to doubt your word, Ryan," Mary said.

Tom handed her the two letters. She opened them and read them both.  She folded the letters and placed them back in the envelopes. "Both Mr. and Mrs. Spencer told me that they had given you guardianship of their children, including her brother.  They thanked me for my services and said they hoped you would keep me on as the children's Nanny; however, that was up to you, Ryan."

"As I told you yesterday, Mary, I have no objections to your staying on with the children.  The decision is yours to make.  If you wish to stay with them you will need to relocate to my estate," Ryan said.

"I've thought it over and decided to remain with the children."

"Good, you will need to call my HR department and they will have you complete the employment documents and discuss your salary and benefits package. You will also have to interview with Annie, my house manager, for final approval. You can take care of that this weekend." Ryan gave Mary the name and telephone number of the Vice President of the HR department.  "I suggest you call him today, Mary."

"I will," she said. "Would you like to talk to the children now?"

"Yes, that will be fine," Ryan said.  "Oh, by the way, the children have an appointment with the Psychologist this Wednesday at 3 pm. I'll pick you all up at 2:30 pm.

They followed Mary into the family room. "Good morning, children," Ryan said . "There is no way that I can soften the sad news I bring you this morning. I'm here to tell you that your parents will not be home for some time. Since they can't be here to parent you, they have asked me to take on that responsibility. From now on, or until your parents can resume that responsibility, I will be your guardian. I feel that Atlanta is not a good place for you at this time.  So next week, you will be relocating to my estate.  On Wednesday, I will be visiting my doctor who wants to meet you all. This weekend I am having a barbecue for children only.  We have invited a large group of children and it should be fun.  I also want you to meet my nieces and nephews from Scotland. They are wonderful children and I'm sure you will get along with them.  Now I know you have a lot of questions, but, I would like you to think about the upcoming move and make a list of all the things you want to take with you.  Mary, please take charge of the children; I would like to talk to Dale."

"Dale, you're old enough to know what's going on with your parents and my Father.  I have also been appointed your legal guardian as well.  Your parents have signed over custody of you as well. Tom will show you the court papers if you wish. He also has a personal letter from your sister and your parents explaining their reason for making this decision. I realize this is tough on you and how you must be feeling right now.  Do you have any questions?"

"How could they do this to me?"  Dale asked.  "What can they be thinking?  You are the one responsible for them being in jail and they expect me to live under your roof?"

"Let's get something straight right now," Ryan said. "The District and the Federal Attorneys put your family behind bars.  They broke the law big time, and did that all on their own. Maybe one day you will accept the truth of what happened.  Anyway, this is not the time to delve into the reasons they are behind bars.  I realize this is very difficult for you right now; it's difficult for all for all of us.  But we must try to make the best of a bad situation.  I knew that you would not be happy with this arrangement.  No doubt  I would probably feel the same way in your situation. But I want you to at least try not to be bitter about the move.  Are you getting any flack from your friends and school mates?"

"Yea, some of the kids are asking questions.  Some have given me a wide berth."

"I hate to say this, Dale," Ryan said.  "But it's going to get a lot worse when this goes to trial.  That is why I don't want my brothers and sisters being exposed to this media frenzy.  I'll tell you the same thing I told my father. You can move in with us on my plantation and try to make it work. If you feel that you don't want to be part of my family, I will make arrangements for you to go to a good boarding school. You can make that decision after the summer. Now, unless you have any other questions for me or Tom, we will be leaving.  Remember to make that list of things you want to take with you, also any questions you have of me."

"I'd like to see the court order," Dale said.

"Tom, will you show Dale the document and the letters from his folks?"  Ryan asked.  "Tom, I'm off to say goodbye to Mary.  I'll wait for you in the limo. So long, Dale, I'll see you again on Saturday."

Templeton Manor - Wednesday Evening 

When Murdoch returned to their sitting room after he finished reading bedtime stories to the children, he found Ryan waiting.

"So, how did it go with Dr. Rogers this afternoon?" Murdoch asked.

"Not bad at all. The children were much more relaxed today.  I guess they weren't too traumatized by the forthcoming move.  I think the barbecue did the trick.  They had a chance to see their new home and the children they will be living with.  I had a chance to talk to Dr. Rogers after the screening.  He thought, on the surface, they were okay.  He feels they will need more counseling sessions.  Dr. Rogers did say he did not feel that there would be any problem with Mary making the adjustment into our household.  She seems resigned to the children's relocation.  In fact, she is relieved that someone is going to be around to make the decisions for the children.  She said it was difficult for her trying to keep everything together.  She may be their Nanny, but she does not want the responsibility of raising five children."

"That's understandable," Murdoch said.  "I just hope all the children get along together."

"I second that, Sweetheart," Ryan said.  "I will need to spend more time in Atlanta in the coming weeks because of these mergers, my board meetings, and of course, the trials.  I'm sure Dale wants to finish out his term before transferring to a school here.  He can commute with me every day.  We can work out the appointments with Dr. Rogers at the same time.  How is everything going down in Scotland?"

"So far, it's working out according to my new Executive VP, Ian Jones. He said some of the executives are not entirely happy with the new changes I've made, but Ian feels that they will change their minds when they start to see positive results.  Of course, your suggestion to institute incentive bonuses made them all much happier. I feel that rewarding individuals for their achievements is a very healthy situation for all concerned.

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Ryan was seated next to Dale on their helicopter flight to Atlanta. Several other executives were also commuting to Atlanta on the same aircraft.  "Well, Dale, you have had two months of living with us at the Manor; have you given any more thought to the offer I made to you regarding the boarding school we discussed?" Ryan asked.

"I didn't think I was going to like living in the country, but I've changed my mind.  I've met a lot of nice people my age and I don't feel the pressure that I experienced in Atlanta.  I'm still worried about my family.  They are still in a lot of trouble from what I've read in the papers.  I'm concerned about my own future.  I know I was not in the best of moods when I arrived here two months ago, but you were very patient with me and made me feel welcome.  I really appreciate everything you, Murdoch, and your staff have done for me.  I'm glad you encouraged me to see that shrink.  I feel that he has helped me put things into perspective.  At least I don't feel so alone and as insecure as I felt a month ago. Murdoch's children are really a great bunch of kids, especially Sean.  He has helped me a lot.  When I think what he and his brothers and sister lost, my troubles seem so minor by comparison.  So, if you don't mind, I would like to stick it out here with you."

"Good.  I'm glad you feel comfortable living with my little family.  You're welcome to stay as long as you like.  And stop worrying about being alone; you are part of my family now and your future is assured.  I will see to that.  We will talk about your future plans, and what you want to be, down the road. You can be anything you want to be when you finish college.  You may wish to join one of my companies, or you may wish to look at what Murdoch has to offer.  Think about that when you have time."

"Thank you, Ryan; you're the first person who has been genuinely interested in me and my future. My family was more interested in their social position and in making money than they ever were in me or what my needs and goals were. They treated me just like another possession that they would parade around when necessary. Now I finally feel that my future looks a lot better."

"As I've told you before, you are part of our family now, and everyone in my family is important to me.  I feel responsible for your safety and well-being.  Well, it looks like we are about to land.  I'm going to be tied up in meetings most of the day, but please check in with me after your appointment with Dr. Rogers this afternoon.  Why don't we meet at the five o'clock shuttle?  We can fly back to the Manor together."

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"Ryan, Dale is on line one, can you talk to him?"

"Thanks, Beth."  Ryan picked up the receiver, "Hi, Dale, what's up?"

"I finished with my appointment, and I'm heading out to the Charley Brown airport."

"Good, I should be leaving shortly, see you in twenty minutes. If you get there before I do, introduce yourself to Mark Steinberg. He is an old college classmate of Murdoch's.  He is in town for the weekend.  I've invited him out for a short visit."

"No problem, Ryan," Dale said.  "See you in a bit."

Ryan closed his laptop and placed the two files he was working on in his briefcase.  He walked over to the closet and retrieved his suit coat and slipped it on.  As he was walking to the desk to pick up his computer and briefcase, the intercom buzzed. He picked up the receiver, "Jack Harding is on the line, he said it was important," Beth said.

"Thanks, Beth."  Ryan pressed line one, "What's up, Jack?"

"This is an emergency and I can't tell you over the telephone. Can you meet John and me in your office right away."

"Absolutely, how soon can you be here?"

"Fifteen minutes if I'm lucky."

"Don't kill yourself getting here. I'll take a later flight to the Manor," Ryan said.

Ryan dialed the helicopter pilot. "Hi, this is Ryan; I'm going to be stuck in my office a while longer. Will you tell Dale and Mark Steinberg to go on ahead, and that I will be on a later flight?"

"Sure thing, boss," the pilot replied. "I'll see you on the next flight."

Ryan's next call was to Murdoch. "Hi, lover, just wanted to let you know that I'm going to be delayed. Dale and Mark will be on the five o'clock flight. Jack Harding has requested an urgent meeting and I'm always ready to meet with my chief of security. I'll call and let you know what time I will be home."

"Thanks for calling, Sweetheart," Murdoch said.

The intercom buzzed again. Beth said, "Jack Harding and John Goodall are here to see you, sir."

"Please send them in, Beth."

Jack and John walked over to shake hands with Ryan. "What, did you guys fly over here?"

"Nah, but we got all the breaks in traffic," Jack said.

"Please sit down and tell me what is on your mind," Ryan said.

"Two weeks ago," Jack began, "we picked up from one of our sources, that a big hit was going down in Atlanta. Naturally, we became very interested and spread the word around that we would be paying top dollar for information. Well, it paid off. We learned that you are the target, Ryan. We immediately added additional men to the job and doubled your shadows and rechecked all the people and transports you would be using. We doubled the security on your 737 and had our own people check every inch of that aircraft. All your cars and helicopters have been doubled checked as well. Your office is checked every day for bugs. All your mail is, and has been, checked for bombs or poison. We are taking every precaution to protect you and your family."

Ryan remained calm and showed no outward signs of distress.  "Have your sources been able to trace this contract to its source?"

"We don't have the proof we need yet, but we are close to nailing it down. We feel that the Rollins family is behind this. You remember that AAA deposit of $100,000 from Mrs. Rollins, and the detectives who were nosing around your aircraft a while back? We have a lot of men assigned to this project and we already have the money trail; all we need now is confirmation."

"Will you tell Charles Lattimore for me that I don't care how much money it takes, but I want solid evidence so that we can nail these people in court," Ryan said.

"Yes, sir, he will be informed of your request," Jack said. Jack's cell rang just then, "Excuse me Ryan, I need to take this call." Jack listened to whoever it was on the telephone and nodded his head. "Any survivors," he asked. "Look, keep me posted on any developments, I'm in the Templeton office right now, I'll be back to you soon."

Jack said, "Ryan! That was your security chief at the Plantation. The five o'clock helicopter exploded and crashed five minutes from your landing pad. There were no survivors."

"O, my God," Ryan said. Ryan took several deep breaths and calmed down. He picked up the phone. "Beth, I want you to call my VPs of Public Relations and Finance and have them meet me in my office ASAP. When they arrive I want you to join us as well. As far as anyone else is concerned, I have already left the office for the day." He hung up the telephone.

"Jack, this is how it's going to go down. Have my 737 ready for take off as soon as this meeting is over. Have the full complement of security ready to take me to the plantation to pick-up Murdoch and my family and the children's staff. We will be flying to Scotland. I want the media kept away from that crash site. Tell your people to only release the names of the passengers who can be verified once their families have been notified. Let them assume I was on that aircraft. I'm sure my PR Department knows how to handle that end of it. Work with them on this. They will be working closely with my legal team to make sure everything is done by the book. I know that my ward, Dale Rollins, and our good friend, Mark Steinberg, were passengers on that plane. If you had not called me for this meeting, I would have been on that aircraft as well. As soon as my VP's arrive we can continue this meeting. I need to call Murdoch."

Ryan dialed the Plantation. "Murdoch, have you heard news about a plane crash?"

"Thank God, you're safe, Ryan. Our chief of security just told me not ten minutes ago. He didn't know anything more than the aircraft crashed."

"There were no survivors, Murdoch. I know that Dale and Mark were on that plane, but I don't know who else was on board. It was not an accident, the aircraft exploded before it crashed. I will tell you more when I see you. Until we find out more we are all in danger. My plan is for all of us to fly to your estate in Scotland. You'll need to pull things together at your end. All our passports are in the safe in the library. I think we will need a copy of the guardianship papers as well. You have less that two hours before my plane arrives. I'll have Jack make arrangements with our security detail, as well as for the Scotland team.  We will need them in place before we land. Would you contact Ian Jones and let him know we will be arriving within the next ten hours or so. He can let us know at which airport to land for customs clearance."

"I agree that Scotland is the best place for us right now. I'll have everything ready to go in two hours. I'll call Ian as soon as you hang up.  I can't believe that Dale and Mark are dead, what a waste. How sad.  I love you, Sweetheart.  I don't have to tell you to be extra careful, do I?"

"No, Sweetheart, you don't.  As you know, I was scheduled to be on that flight.  Don't let anyone know that I wasn't.  Please let the staff know that Dale was killed, but don't mention anything to the kids about Dale for now. Tomorrow is soon enough to break the news to the older ones.  Whisking them off to Scotland on such short notice is enough for them to handle for now.  Please inform the household to answer no questions, and to refer all calls to my Atlanta office.  I have my people ready to handle those calls.  I've a meeting to attend which should last about an hour.  After that I'll be heading out to the airport.  They are loading provisions on the plane at the moment and I'm hoping to take off in about an hour and a half.  I'll call again when we're airborne."  Ryan hung up the telephone.

Beth buzzed the intercom, "The VP's have just arrived, boss."

"Good, show them in, Beth." The two VP's and Beth entered the office and closed the door.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice. You all know Jack Harding, my chief of security. Jack will brief you on the reason for this meeting."

Jack told them about the crash and his operatives' feeling that the bomb that was planted on the aircraft was intended for Ryan. He went on to tell them who the three passengers were who they knew that were on that flight. They would know sometime tomorrow the names of the other passengers who normally took that flight. He turned the meeting back to Ryan.

"That is the normal flight I take home when I'm in my office.  No one knows that I was not on that fight today. I want to keep it that way until all the names are released by the coroner's office.  We can still hold back on any information about my whereabouts.  I want the bomber to think they succeeded in their mission.  The reason you're here, Earl, is because I want you to set up a separate account to cover this special investigation. I want all the time and expenses accounted for. Because down the road we are going to find out who is behind this and sue them in civil court to recoup our expenses.  Lattimore Associates is going keep this separate from their normal services.  I'm authorizing you to set up a cash account so that Lattimore can pay his underground sources."

"Frank, I want your office to handle the media.  I want you to brief all the department heads about this.  All calls will be answered by your office.  I've instructed my home to forward all inquires to my office here.  Beth will screen the calls and refer them to your office, or to the departments necessary.  I will be keeping a low profile and will keep my whereabouts unknown until we find the persons responsible for these terrible and senseless murders.  If you have any important information for my eyes only, please contact Jack.  He will relay your messages.  Are there any questions?"  No one spoke.

"Beth, if you feel you need another person to help, ask Earl, or Frank for anything you need.  Again, thank you all for coming.  I'm sorry this mess had to be dropped in your lap on a Friday afternoon.  But, I must ask you to stay on top of this until we know more.  It's our responsibility to keep the public and our customers informed."  Beth and the VP's left.

"I'm at your disposal, Jack.  How do want to handle this?"  Ryan asked.

"We rented the services of an EMS Ambulance along with some off duty policemen. They will be arriving in a few minutes to take you to another location where you will transfer to one of our vehicles that will transport you to your aircraft. No one will see your face with the oxygen mask on. We will leave in the normal way in case anyone is watching," John said.

"Sounds like a good plan, Jack."

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Two mini-buses were parked by the hanger waiting for Ryan's plane.  The 737 touched down and taxied to the hanger.  The boarding platform was guided up to the aircraft door.  John and Jack were the first ones off the plane and walked over to the parked buses. "Mr. McDonald, Mr. Spencer is inside the aircraft waiting for your party to board," John said.

Murdoch nodded to his security men to help with the boarding as he picked-up Bridget.  "All right, kids, it's time to board the plane.

Ryan picked up Barbara as she entered the airplane. Ryan said, "Carol, you go first, the boys will follow you.  Sean, you make sure they are all seated and buckled in please," Ryan said. "Grace, will you help to organize the staff and work with Larry, the flight steward. Helen, Mary, and Craig followed Grace into the rear of the plane.  "Grace, will you meet us in the conference room when you have squared everything away.  If you need us, just buzz us on the intercom."

"Yes, sir," Grace said.

"I'll have Larry check with you as soon as the seatbelt sign is turned off.  He'll give you all a quick tour of the aircraft so you know where everything is.  You all must be hungry; he also has a list of the DVD's that he has on board," Ryan said.

"Thank you, Mr. Spencer," said Grace.  "I didn't realize how spacious this plane is without all the seats in place."

"Yea, it is configured better than your regular 737 aircraft.  It carries more fuel than the normal 737, giving us a much longer cruising range.  Larry will show you how the rear section is converted to Pullman type sleeping berths.  There are enough berths for all of you to sleep comfortably tonight.  Larry will set them up as soon as the meal is served.  He could probably use your help in making up the bunks if they are not already made up.  I'm sure the younger ones can double up for tonight.  If you and Mary don't mind, I suggest one of you allow Bridget to sleep with you. Barbara can sleep with her sister, Carol.  The twin boys are no problem, they each take a bunk. You and Mary decide who takes the upper and lower berths.  There are two showers and baths, and two airline lavatories are back beyond the sleeping area."

"All the comforts of home," Grace said.  "Helen, Mary, Craig, and I will work out the sleeping arraignments.  The younger children should be sent to bed shortly after they have eaten.  A light meal is in order for them.  They have had a busy day and it's almost their bedtime."

"Murdoch and I will stop back and say goodnight after they have eaten," Ryan said.

He walked forward to the conference room and closed the door.  He sat next to Murdoch on the lounge and hugged him.  Murdoch drew him close and kissed him tenderly. "Do you feel like talking about what happened?"

Ryan let out a sigh, "This morning Dale and I had a long talk in the helicopter on the way to Atlanta.  He told me that he had decided to live with us permanently.  He said that he never felt more loved and wanted before he moved in with us.  He told me his parents were selfish and cared more about making money than they did about him.  I told him we felt that he was part of our family.  He felt that you and I were both concerned about his well-being and for his future.  I told him that when he graduated college, we had a place for him in one of our companies.  It was up to him.  It was the first time since I could remember that Dale was truly a happy young man.  He even hugged me when he left me this morning for school. I had a good cry on the plane over here to pick up you and the children.  I am angry that Dale, Mark and the other passengers were murdered.  They had their whole lives ahead of them.  What a tragic waste."

"I had the feeling Dale was coming around after the second week he lived with us.  Slowly he began to see that we cared about him and included him in our family activities.  After Sean and he became friendly, Dale dropped the chip he was carrying on his shoulder.  I'll keep them in my prayers," Murdoch said.

Larry, the Steward, buzzed Ryan to let him know that the children were finishing their meal.

"We better go aft and say goodnight to the children," Ryan said.

They walked back and talked to the children for a little while and then hugged them and said goodnight.

"Sean, don't you and Carol stay up too late, you both still have school tomorrow," Murdoch said.

"Don't worry, Uncle Murdoch; I'm ready for bed."

Murdoch kissed Sean on the forehead, "Goodnight, son."

Murdoch, Ryan and Grace returned to the conference room.  The steward had the table set for dinner and had poured the wine.  "Thank you, Larry; I could use a glass of wine at this point," Ryan said. "Would you like a glass of wine, Grace?"

Grace said, "Not tonight, sir; what did you wish to talk to me about?"

Ryan said, "Murdoch told you about the attempt on my life and of the deaths of our friends and of Dale.  I did not want to upset the children tonight with the news of Dale's death.  I'm sure they are excited enough for one day.  I plan to tell the four older children after breakfast tomorrow.  If they ask about Dale tonight just say he missed the flight.  I want you to try and keep to their normal schedule at McDonald Hall. McDonald Hall is Murdoch's home and he will introduce us all to his staff tomorrow.  He has already informed his staff to expect us tonight, or tomorrow local time.  So he is in charge if you need any help there.  Do you have any questions?"

"No, sir, I can handle everything from here on."

Ryan said, "John, or Jack need to collect the staff's passports before you turn in for the night; he already has the children's papers."

Grace said, "I'll see that is taken care of, sir."

Ryan said, "Thank you, Grace; we will try to keep you informed about any further developments. I will say for a certainty that we will not be returning to the Templeton Plantation until conditions are safe and the killers are in custody."

Grace said, "I'm sure the staff will want to know how long we will be staying in Scotland."

Ryan said, "Thanks, Grace; we will talk again in the morning; goodnight."

Larry said. "If you gentlemen would move up to the lounge after your dinner, I will make up this room for sleeping."

"Thanks, Larry."

Murdoch said, "I'm so glad that Craig Simpson and Grace Mellon are working out so well. The boys like him and he is patient with them.  Grace is a godsend.  She is well organized and has become a welcome addition to the staff.  The entire staff is much happier since she has added some additional part-time people.  Now, they have time off, and are only working fifty hours a week. She has already hired two nurses to take care of our babies when they arrive. I hope we can return to Templeton Manner before they arrive."

Larry walked into the lounge and said, "Gentlemen, your stateroom is ready whenever you are ready to retire."

Ryan said, "Thanks, Larry. If you don't mind, Murdoch, I am exhausted. I'm going to hit the sack."

Murdoch said, "You go on ahead, Ryan, I need to check with the pilot and find out our ETA in Scotland.  I also need to call Ian and let him know our arrival time.  He needs to make sure the customs people are alerted at Edinburgh International."

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Murdoch was awakened by the intercom. "Hello," Murdoch said. "Thank you, Larry, Are the security people awake?"

Larry said, "Yes, sir, but I have not disturbed the children's staff. Your security chief said to check with you first."

"Thanks, Larry, we'll be out in a few minutes."

Ryan said, "What was that all about?"

"That was Larry letting us know that we are twenty minutes from Edinburgh International."

Ryan said, "God, I'm still tired, but I'd better do the right thing and get dressed."

"Murdoch chuckled and said, "That might be a good thing, I don't think I would want inspectors getting the hots admiring your beautiful naked body."

Ryan and Murdoch walked into the lounge and helped themselves to a cup of hot coffee.

John said, "I have all the passports for the children and the staff. I don't think it is necessary to wake them up.  Let's see what the customs officer has to say first."

Ryan said, "John would you have Charles Lattimore call me as soon as he hears anything from the Feds regarding the crash.  I know those guys are the best at figuring out exactly what happened.  I know they take their time but I'm sure they will get to the bottom of this."

John said, "Yes, sir.  I talked to some of my people a while ago, and they said the Fed's were already on the scene and were not letting anyone near the site.  They are checking out a few leads on their own and should have something for you later today. I can tell you there were two more passengers on the flight, other than the pilot, our security man and your two friends. The dispatcher is checking their names with your personnel department.  The Fed's have been asked not to let anyone know that you were not on the flight.  They have been told that we think that you were the target.  They will be coordinating with the federal prosecutor on this one."

Ryan said, "Good, I would like to give our people as much time as they need.  I want them to think they succeeded in killing me."

The pilot landed the jet and taxied over to the customs area.  The Customs officer checked the cargo area, did a head count, checked the passports and left.  The pilot restarted the engines and headed back to the main runway and took off.  Twenty minutes later, he touched down on the McDonald estate runway.

Murdoch paged on the intercom, "Grace, would you please come up to the lounge?"

Grace walked into the lounge.  Ryan, Murdoch and the security staff, John and Jack, were waiting.  Murdoch said, "The vans are on their way to take us up to McDonald Hall.  Raymond, my butler, and Kitty, my housekeeper, will have a breakfast buffet set-up in the main dining room. As soon as the children have a quick wash, we can have our breakfast.  John, your people are welcome as well.  Grace, I'm sure you and the staff will be able handle the children."

Grace said, "I don't see any problem.  I think we can use the rest of the day to sort out their sleeping arrangements and decide what rooms to use for a classroom."

Murdoch said, "My four children already have their rooms. We may want to have the two young girls; Bridget and Barbara, share a room, and let Carol have her own room.  The twins also can share a bedroom.  Grace, we have plenty of bedrooms on the second and third floors to accommodate the staff as well. Since we did not bring along your part-time staff, you may want to hire some local people to fill in."

Grace said, "I think that would be a good idea, the staff will need some time off.  I'll have a chat with Raymond and Kitty before I call in an agency for some help."

Murdoch said, "That is a good idea.  Raymond and Kitty know who would be available in this town.  John or his Scottish staff will need to check them out."

Ryan said, "One last thing, Grace, I want to have a word with the four oldest children after breakfast.  I need to explain what happened to Dale, and why we had to leave Georgia so quickly.  You may wish to sit in on that meeting."

Murdoch said, "Why don't we use the family room, Ryan."

Ryan said, "I think that would be the best choice, the other kids will be on the second floor sorting out their rooms."

Grace said, "I'll let the staff know that the four oldest children will be joining us, and that they should help the other kids to settle in."

Murdoch said, "Well, folks, the vans are here, I think we should be on our way."

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Murdoch and Ryan lead the children and Grace into the family room.  Ryan said, "Children, please sit down."  After everyone was settled, Ryan began.  "I wanted to explain the reason we had to leave the Plantation so suddenly yesterday.  As you know, I had been kidnapped several months ago, and have had several security teams watching us at all times. They are here for our protection.  However, no matter how tight that security has been, someone was able to breach that wall of security and made an attempt on my life.  Fortunately, my life was spared.  The aircraft I was scheduled to take home yesterday was blown out of the sky and five people were killed.  I felt that we all were not safe at the plantation, and until the people responsible for this act are found, and brought to justice, we felt the best place for all of us was here in Scotland on Murdoch's estate."

"I'm sorry to report to you the tragic loss of Dale.  He was on that flight yesterday and is dead.  As soon as the bodies have been recovered, I plan to have a funeral for Dale and the other four men in Atlanta.  Unfortunately, for security reasons we will not be able to attend the funeral, as much as we would all like to be there.  I am also having a service and a day of mourning at McDonald Manor for Dale.  Dale told me just yesterday morning how much he loved and enjoyed his new family.  He told me that he greatly admired Sean's positive attitude after the loss of his parents.  He was happy in the way that everyone welcomed him and made him felt that he was part of the family.  Sean, you and your uncle need to discuss how you are going to pass this on to your brothers.  I ask you all to keep Dale in you prayers."

Sean asked, "When do you think we will be able to return to the Plantation again, Uncle Ryan?"

Ryan said, "I wish I could answer that, son, but I will tell you that we will not be returning until it is safe to do so.  Your safety comes first. Grace will continue your home schooling here as well.  Maybe we can have a party this weekend and invite some of your friends to meet your new family, Sean."

"That would be super, Uncle Ryan."

"Uncle Murdoch and I will work out something. In the meantime you can draw up a guest list of the people you want to invite; you might want to ask the twins if they would like to invite some of their friends as well."

Murdoch said, "Well, children I know you have to get settled in, so if there are no further questions, why don't you follow Sean up to the second floor.  Grace, if you need me for anything, please call me on my cell phone.  Ryan and I have a full day ahead of us."

Ryan followed Murdoch into the library.  Ryan said, "I know you need to catch up on your calls.  I think it would be better if I worked in our sitting room on the second floor until I need to use the video equipment."

Murdoch said, "You're right, Sweetheart.  Ian should be here within the hour and we have a lot to discuss.  I'll see you at lunch."

Ryan kissed Murdoch and left.

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Ryan checked his cell phone messages and saw that Charles Lattimore had called.  Ryan dialed the call back number and reached Charles.

"Ryan, I'm glad you called back," Charles said.  "John tells me your flight landed in Scotland without a hitch.  I called to keep you up to date on what we've learned so far.  I must give the NTSB people credit for their quick reaction to the crash scene.  They are still gathering all the bits and pieces from the crash site and reassembling it in one of your vacant hangers. So far they have determined that the explosive device was located in the roof of the helicopter, just below the main rotor. They think it was in a sealed bulkhead. That is why the security people did not discover the bomb. I have checked with the aircraft maintenance people and found out that the aircraft was returned to service the day before the crash."

"Their theory is that someone had caused one of the backup systems to short out.  That is why the helo was taken out of service and sent to the repair facility.  We have learned that the aircraft was out of service for four days and at the sub-contractor's facility while the necessary repairs were made.  My investigators feel that is when the bombers installed the devise.  That facility is open 8 to 5 and closed on the weekend.  It is going to take time to check out that facility to see who had access to the hanger while our aircraft was there.  We have pictures, and are checking on the guy who was snooping around asking questions at the Charley Brown Airport two weeks ago.  Maybe someone will recognize him.  I have a team checking them out."

"Now that the Feds are on the case, they are checking on the information we gave them regarding the 100K that Mrs. Rollins gave that detective agency.  I'm convinced that that agency is in this up to their necks . They were a shady bunch to begin with.  Don't worry, Ryan, we will connect all the dots in this puzzle.  We will follow the money.  If Vera and her brother, Nat Rollins, are in on this, they will all be up for murder, in addition to the kidnapping charges."

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To be continued...

Posted: 04/27/12