"Peter's cousin, the ugly one, well, they're both ugly, he's in jail," Ally sputtered, tripping over words as she talked to Stacey on the phone. "And, it was murder! Drugs! He, like, totally killed a guy!"

-------------------

"Hello? Hello? Justin?" Johny closed his phone and looked online to the Ditto Breaking News site.

Stacey said, "Wait up. I thought they were kind of cute." She was confused. "He killed a guy? Why did he do that?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Justin sighed, and slouched into a seat. He may as well call the pastor and tell him that he would not be a youth minister for a while. Still, he was going to wait until the cop left. He did not want word preding to anyone that he was a minister. Right now, he was an upset 22-year old boy who made a mistake and was in big trouble.

Jen and Lyneya came into the hospital room at the same time.
"Nate, are you okay?" Lyneya asked. Jen came to Peter's side.

Peter was relieved to see Jen by his side. "Well, what an evening. Did the cheif hurt you outside?"

Lyneya waited for Nate to answer. She couldn't believe this was happening.

Peter assured Lyn, "It's just a small wound. I think he needs his rest."

Miley put an arm around Jen, who was shaking. "Are you okay?"

"But how did it happen?" Lyneya asked.
"I'm fine," Jen whispered. "Thanks. Are you?"

Peter relayed all of the info of what happened that night to Lyn.
Miley shuddered. "The cheif pulled a gun on me and gave me a wicked grin. I'm really scared for my brother. I don't want him to go to jail." SHe gazed at her brother who was sitting comatose-like in a chair, staring head at a blank wall.

Ryan touched Justin's shoulder. "I'm sorry about all this. I know none if it was your fault. You killed the man in self-defense." He stumbled over his words, unsure of what to say that would comfort Justin.

Justin was grateful for Ryan's touch and understanding. Still the thought that he killed a man, even in self defense made him cringe. "The cheif won't believe me because of my past." His eyes darkened, if that were even possible. "What are we going to do?"

Peter grabbed his older cousin's hand. "We will get through this, that's what. We are going to fight this man to man." He pursed his lips, with a look of determination. "You are not who you used to be and the cheif will have to accept that. Maybe there were some other ways you could have handled the thug, but you were just protecting others. Be strong for us, okay?"

Justin took in a deep breath. "I don't know if I have any left in me."

Jen said, "I believe you do."
Miley stood closer to her brother. "And I second that."

Maralyn finally made her way to Nate's room. She rushed to Justin, embracing him as if he were to be taken away any second. "So what exactly happened?"
Justin explained the whole thing to her, still a hint of sadness in his voice. Maralyn put an arm around her. "You were just protecting others."
Justin said, "Well I probably should have just let him go into the police station. Then, he would get arrested. No way he would have gotten off injuring a kid, no matter what story he would make up."
Maralyn held her husband's hand. She promised to be with him for better and for worse and she meant it. Even if Justin had to go to jail, she would make sure their child got to see him. His bravery he had when he protected Kevin and Nate made her regret putting him down for not joining the Military. "You're a brave man, Justin."
Justin smiled. "Thanks. What do you think our child would be?"
Maralyn answered, "I don't know. I would like a girl. Boys squirt." She made a face and the two of them laughed.
Miley teased, "Oh, if it's a girl Justin will be wrapped around her fingers."
Then, she turned to Justin. "I'm going to be an aunt?"
Justin smiled. "You are an aunt now, actually. The baby is a human being the moment of inception."
Forgetting the horror of the night for a second, Miley sqeualed and hugged both her brother and sister-in-law. Then, she wrapped her arms around Peter. "Wonderful news!"
Peter smiled and hugged his cousin back. He turned to Nate. "Did oyu hear that? Maralyn is going to have a baby!"

"Whoa, that's awesome!" Ryan said. He could tell that Miley was thrilled. At last, some good news for her. It was nice to see her so happy.

Miley gave Ryan a hug. "We should celebrate!"

The cop called to the other young cop, who was outside, on his radio. "Any new information?"

Miley groaned. "I hope the new info says Justin is innocent."

The chief snorted "Yeah, Kevin Green is a possible murderer"
---
Nate came out of the doze "Oh hey Lyn, whats up?" he asked with a joking voice.

Peter laughed. "You just missed on exciting news! I have a new baby cousin! Maralyn's with child!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The young cop said, "OKay. What should I do with Thomas?"

"Bring him back down here" said the Chief "we'll take him in for the night then put him on probation ti'll the trial" he added.