Jack lifted his brow at Rosamunde, as her Mother informed him how much of a handful she could be. His eyes stared at her mischievously and told her he didn't believe a word of it.

Then Mrs Troy addressed him and turned his attention to her, "Yes Mrs. Troy. That's my farm." he answered.

Rosamunde grinned at him in return, with a look that proved her mother's words to be true.

"Your folks live there, too? Or is is just you?" Taylor asked, taking a seat beside her daughter.

Jack chuckled at Ro's expression, then dragged his green eyes away from her, to look at her Mom. "No, actually, they love in the city now. After my Dad hurt his hip in a fall of a horse he couldn't take care of the farm like he wanted. Plus Mom had always dreamed of selling some of her paintings, so they left me the farm. They own a small art gallery in Ditto City."

Taylor arched a brow. "All by yourself? You're braver and more capable than I thought. Running a farm, no matter the size, can be hard. I grew up on a pretty large farm, so I know how it goes. It wasn't until I went to college and met Robert that I lived in the city."

Taylor chuckled, "But you know, Rosie has always wondered who lived on the farm...She always thought it was gorgeous." She glanced at her daughter, who's jaw had dropped open a fraction.

"Mama!" Rosamunde said, shaking her head and blushing. "I have not!"

Taylor nodded at Jack. "It's true, despite what she says."

Jackson replied with a smile, "Just trust me they always do." He winked, but he grew more serious almost imediately. "Lets talk about the trial...first off whatever you do tell the truth. Don't lie. Don't try to hide anything. If they ask you a simple yes or no question answer with a yes or a no. If they want more detail, explain everything step by step..." he paused and asked Micah, "Think you can remember all of that?"

****

Buck replied to Ian, "That's classified. I can tell you however he's been taken into custody."

****

Kahlynn said, "I think what he really needs right now is support from his family and friends. And encouragement."

"Well, I'd love to take your daughter on a ride sometime on the farm, and then she can decide whether it is gorgeous." Jack said, winking at Ro. "Of course, with her, and your and Mr Troy's, permission."

*****

Ian bit his lip. "Why?" He asked Buck, matter-of-factly.

Micah nodded. "Yeah. Will my friends get to be here? Do you know how they are doing?" He was still a nervous wreck.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter swallowed. "I'm not so sure it will be enough..."
He felt comforted by Jen's femine touch. He knew hair was something he, Justin and Miley were particular about. Though he didn't feel that way about his as much. Then again, if he was scalped he would be pretty concerned about it. Peter shivered at the thought. He remember how hard it was for him when he lost his hair and was glad to have it back.
Jen said, "I'll pray for him. I would hate to be scalped and stabbed in the chest. I could see where he's coming from."
She felt Peter's strong arms return a strong embrace to her.
MIley rolled her eyes and playfully threw a napkin at them. "Save teh romance for later, you two."

Rosamunde blushed at his wink, biting her lip.

Taylor chuckled. "Well, we'll decide if we like you or not over dinner." She stood and said, "I'm going to go set the table." She patted Rosamunde on the knee and then left.

Rosamunde watched her mother go and then looked at Jack. "I think my mother likes you..." She chuckled.

"Well, I hope I can behave myself at Dinner. It sounds like that is the final test." Jack said, grinning. He was seriously though, as he looked at Rosamunde. "I do, hope I can make them like me." he flicked a button on his green shirt. "Cause if not....ice cream parlors and coincidences might be sadly out of the picture"

Rosamunde shook her head. "That would not be good. I was quite looking forward to both..."

She glanced toward the foyer as the front door opened. Her father stepped through and walked into the kitchen. "Where's Rosie?"

"In here, Daddy!" Rosamunde yelled, putting her feet off the couch.

Robert Troy walked out of the kitchen and into the living room. "Ah, here you are." He nodded to Jack. "I see you haven't been kicked out. That's good." He chuckled and looked at Rosamunde, "Your car made if safely to the garage. They're gonna keep it for about a week and fix it. I told them to add some extra touches by refurbishing and repainting it. It'll look and feel new when you get it back."

Rosamunde grinned. "No way..." She jumped up and hugged her father. "Thank you, thank you!"

Robert smiled. "Okay, okay. Your mom says dinner's ready. Let's eat. I'm starving."

Rosamunde turned to Jack, motioning for him to come. "So am I. Let's go."

Jack smiled and followed Father and Daughter into the kitchen. The smell of seasoned tomato sauce, which had been tantalizing him for the past 20 minutes, was strong and thick in the air. He cast a hungry glance at the pot in the center of their table brimming with noodles. The family took their seats and he did the same, sitting, much to his great pleasure, across from Rosamunde. He grinned at her, his eyes flashing brightly.

*****

Brian and Emmy arrived at his house about a 45 minutes after school. They had dropped off Emmy's school books at her house, then hurried to his residence, making sure they avoided any ways they thought Logan might take, going wherever he might go. Brian gestured for her to enter first, then he followed, shutting the door behind him.

"Mom! I'm Home! And I brought a guest for dinner!" he called, hanging his back-pack on a hook on the door.

His Mother came out of the kitchen, a chicken skewer still clutched in one hand. "Hello, Honey." she said to Brian, then looked at Emmy with a slight scrutinizing gaze. "Mind your manners and please introduce this lovely young lady."

Brian chuckled, shooting a sheepish smile in Emmy's direction. "Mom, this is Emmy. She's a really good friend from school." he said.

"It's nice to meet you Emmy." His Mother said. "You may call me Mrs. Casey."

Rosamunde returned the smile, sitting beside her father, who sat at one end of the table. Her mother sat on her other side.

Robert cleared his throat when everyone sat down. He glanced at Jack. "I don't know what your background is, Jack, but in my house we honor God in everything. That includes thanking Him for the food."

Emmy followed Brian into his home, surveying it with interest. It was a very warm, welcoming home, and she decided right away that she liked it. A distinct and alluring smell was emanating from the kitchen, evidence of supper being prepared.

She smiled sweetly when Mrs. Casey introduced herself. "Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Casey," she responded politely, as her parents had taught her. She felt she should add something else, so she said, "Dinner smells wonderful!"

-----

Logan kicked his skateboard up as he approached Peter's house, holding it under his arm. He rang the doorbell and waited for a response.

Peter finished hisd dinnner and went for the door while Jen and Kahlynn were still there. To his suprise, he saw Logan. "Hey man, what's up?"

"I understand, Sir." Jack said, bowing his head respectfully. "My parents were God-fearing folks."

******

"Well thank you dear." Mary said, smiling. "I suppose Brian has already told you, it's barbecued chicken."

"And it's the best barbecued chicken in the world." Brian told Emmy with a wink.

"Oh, Brian really." His Mother said, chuckling. "Since supper won't be ready for awhile and your Father isn't home quite yet Brian, how about you take Emmy up to your room."

Brian smiled. "Would you like to go upstairs Emmy?" he asked.