As Albert Gamboni was escorted into a cell, he said, "I know my rights. When do I get my phone call?"
"Phone call? What phone call?" asked the military police officer, as he locked the cell door behind Albert.
"My phone call so I can contact my lawyer," said Albert. Or in this case, to call Marcus and let him know what's going on.
"Didn't Agent Baoman tell you? Terrorist suspects don't get phone calls," replied the MP.
"WHAT?" shouted Albert. "I'm no more a terrorist suspect than... you are," he told the guard.
"Not according to Agent Baoman. Seems like your father has been negotiating with some 'questionable' people of late, so until the Feds can complete their investigation and figure out what's what..."
"I get it!" said Albert, as the guard walked away. Besides whatever you legitimately have, you also hold me on some trumped up suspicion to keep me from contacting the others before it's too late. Well, we'll see who has the last laugh...
MEANWHILE...
Karen Charlston had rejoined her family while her father's friend Daniel had gone into the kitchen to answer his cellphone.
Just as she was about to sit down, she heard footsteps as somebody was coming down the staircase from the upper floor of the Brooks home.
"Well, it's about time you joined us Peter. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes," said his mother, as Karen stared at the new arrival.
He was Karen's age and easily six feet, which made him a few inches taller than her, with black hair, brown eyes, a cleft chin, and a well muscled body that looked like a professional basketball player's.
"Sorry mom. I just wanted to finish my homework before dinner," the boy said, while looking at everyone gathered in the living room.
"Everyone," said Mrs. Brooks. "This is our son Peter."
"The last time I saw you, you were still in diapers," commented Nicole Charlston, which made Peter blush. "My, how you've grown!"
I'll say, agreed Karen, as Peter introduced himself to her parents.
"And this bashful lady standing by herself is their daughter Karen," added Francine Brooks, as Peter walked around to introduce himself.
"Hello," said Peter, as he reached out to shake Karen's hand.
"Hi," was all Karen could manage to say, as she held out her hand. She remembered what the town handbook that Samantha Twist gave them said about mixed species couples and marriages and thought, I hope canines and felines get along well in this town.
Dinner was a simple fare. A large meatloaf with all the trimmings, along with milk and iced tea.
"While it's still available, very few weres like alcohol, because no one wants to run the risk of getting drunk and losing control," explained Daniel as they ate.
The fathers were sitting across from each other at the ends of a rectangular table for six. For some reason, both wives decided to sit near Moe Charlston during the meal, which left Peter and Karen facing each other as they sat next to Daniel Brooks.
"So, mom tells me you'll be joining us at Moon Lake High soon," said Peter, looking at his guest. "What grade?"
"I should be a junior, but I won't be surprised if they wind up placing me as a sophomore because of all the time I've missed so far this semester trying to stay out of Marcus Gamboni's clutches," complained Karen.
"Then you're 16, like me, because I'm a junior," realized Peter. "Once you're enrolled, if you ever need any help..."
"Thanks. I'll take you up on that," said Karen, with the first genuine smile she expressed all day.
The parents exchanged 'knowing' looks, before Moe asked Daniel, "Is there a decent pizza joint in this town?"
"The local diner has it on their menu, and there's some in the frozen food section at the grocery store, but otherwise, no. Are you thinking of reopening Moe's Pizza?" his friend asked in return.
"It's been on my mind since we first hit the road, but the opportunity hasn't come up yet," replied Moe.
"Good! I haven't had a decent slice in ages," revealed Daniel.
"There are still some things to work out," said Moe, thinking of the mandatory were situation, "but I've got the feeling things are going to get a lot better for all of us now," he added, looking at his wife, along with Karen, who kept looking at Peter.