Chapter 53

When Gregory Feingold arrived at the Draiman homestead he had to admit to admit that he was nervous. Dealing with Jordan was nothing. He was used to her. It was the fact that he was about to meet her phenom of a father and his wife. David Draiman was an inspiration if ever there was one. He had been the Voice. It had been David's words that had kept his parents strong during the original Utopian Occupation.

Greg knew that he had to push the nerves aside in order to do his job. He rang the doorbell and waited patiently for someone to let him in. The man that answered looked like a young David with glasses and hair. "Can I help you?" he asked quaintly.

"I'm Gregory Feingold. Jordan's divorce attorney."

The man stepped back and let him in. "Nice to finally meet you. I'm Jordan's twin brother, Jacob."

"You're the Neurologist that won the Nobel Prize a few years back."

Jake nodded. "That would be me." Jake hated talking about his Nobel Prize. Even ten years after the fact, he didn't feel like he'd done anything to deserve it. "Jordan's in the kitchen with our parents."

"Where are the kids?"

"Out at the cottage my parents had built a few months ago with one of our younger brothers and his family."

Greg nodded. "That's a load off of my mind."

"My parents take being their guardians very seriously. It doesn't matter what happens, they will put the best interests of their grandbabies in front of everything else."

"Well that's good of them."

Jake led him into the Kitchen where Jordan sat talking to her parents. "Jord, your attorney is here", he said as he walked toward the fridge to grab a bottle of water. "I'm going to leave you all to take care of business. I think I'm actually going to head into town and check on my medical practice that hasn't seen me in

months", he said with a laugh.

"Go have fun with that", his mother said as she laughed and waved.

Once Jake was gone Jordan introduced everyone and Greg got down to business. He asked them questions about the things that they had personally witnessed during the course of the relationship and things that they had learned since Levi and Jasmine had been in their custody. They left nothing out. David was even sure to tell him about the conversation between himself and Davina earlier that morning, including Jasmine's reaction to the thought of speaking to Davina over the phone. Once Greg was done taking his notes.  “That should about do it.  We’re good.  Were your other children going to testify as well?”

“Probably”, David said with a nod.  “They all have things that they’ve witness that we know have no firsthand knowledge of.  Did you want to speak to the kids?”

“I would like to, but I don’t want there to be an appearance of impropriety.  The judge will more than likely speak to one or both of them.  If she allows council into chambers afterward, I’ll talk to them then.”

“I want to be in the room when that happens”, Jordan said adamantly.

“You can’t be, Jordan.  It’s just between the child in question, the judge, and the two attorneys.  It keeps the kids from feeling like they have to answer a certain way because one parent or another in the room.”  

Jordan’s face showed how much she liked that answer.  “Jordan, don’t worry.  I’ll make sure that Andrews doesn’t harass them in anyway.”

“Andrews?” James said when he walked into the room with an empty plate.  Kenna had just finished a bit of lunch and he was getting ready to feed his kids.  “Ryan Andrews?” he asked.

“Yeah.  You know him?” Greg said, looking in James’s direction.

After he finished digging through the fridge, James set about making lunch for his kids while he answered.  “Yeah.  I went to high school with him.  Wow, he actually made it to law school.”

“And you are?”

“I’m James Draiman.  I’m one of Jordan’s younger brothers.”

Greg looked at David and Brie.  “How many kids do you two have?”

“Ten”, they said in unison.

Gregory shook his head.  “So I’m going to have to talk to nine more people.  Wow.”

“One of our children isn’t here to be honest with you and knows next to nothing about what’s going on.  She  lives in Israel close to us.”

“Will Jessi not be here?” Jordan asked.

“She’s trying, baby.  She wants to be here for big sister and bring out the new baby for everyone to see”, Brie said reassuringly.  “She’s trying to get the time off work.  Thankfully, the President of Turkmenistan left a couple days ago.  She said she’d call when she was ready to come out.”

“I hope she’s here by next week”, Greg said.  “Jordan is going to need all of the support she can get.”

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

The week passed rather quickly.  It took no time at all for Greg to get all of the statements that he needed from the family and Jordan’s friends.  Jessi had even made it out the night before they had to be in court.  The night in the Draiman house was a very happy one.  Aside from Jessi’s husband, the entire family was together.

When everyone got up, things were somber.  Only Jordan’s nine siblings were going.  The in laws were staying behind unless they had a story to tell the judge which meant that Delilah was going.  The kids would stay with their aunties and uncles so that they could play with their cousins during the court proceedings.

Jasmine and Levi were going with their grandparents and Morbus.  Morbus was driving them in a vintage car of his own.  He’d taken good care of it over the years.  He still wore something to cover his face though he did dress in a suit and tie for the proceedings.

The entire family was silent and tight- lipped as they made their way up the stairs and into the county courthouse.  No one had anything to say in the Draiman camp.  In Davina’s camp, however, it was a totally different story.  Her entire family decided to stop and address the media to give their sob story about how the Draiman family was unsupportive of Davina’s relationship with Jordan, and how they didn’t treat their precious little Jasmine like family when they had gone out of their way to make sure that Levi felt at home.

Finally, once everyone was in the courtroom, the bailiff called the court to order.  “All rise!  The family court of El Paso County Colorado is now in session.  The Honorable Judge Melody Haskins presiding.”

Judge Haskins came out and took her seat on the bench.  “Please be seated.”

The bailiff handed her the file.  “Your honor, your docket for today is #774915, the matter of Davina Kealoah- Draiman vs. Jordan Draiman for custody of the minor child Jasmine Nichelle Draiman.”

“Thank you Bailiff.”  She looked out over the people in her courtroom.  “Are all parties present?”

“Gregory Feingold for Ms. Draiman.  The respondent and witnesses are all present”, Jordan’s attorney said.

“Ryan Andrews for the plaintiff, your honor”, Davina’s attorney.  “All parties are present.”

The judge looked out at the courtroom.  “As I’m sure everyone knows, this is a closed courtroom for the privacy of the Draiman family as they are all public figures.  All cellphones need to be shut off and will be collected by the bailiff.”  As the bailiff moved around the room to collect everyone’s phones, she continued.  “The details of this hearing are not to be discussed outside of this courtroom and my chambers.”  She looked in the direction of Davina’s table.  “I know about your little stunt out on the steps this morning, Ms. Kealoah.  That will not happen again.  If it should, not only will you be held in contempt of court, but you will forfeit your claim.  I hope I make myself perfectly clear about this gag order.  No one is to speak to the press about this matter until after the ruling.  That being said; yes, I am familiar with the Draiman family.  I know James.  I know Dr. Draiman.  I know Malachai.  I know Mr. and Mrs. Draiman.  This however does not make me biased.  If I feel that Jordan is unfit to be a parent not only will I have Jasmine removed from her custody, but I will have Levi removed from her custody as well.  I am unbiased and fair.  Now, to kick things off I want to arguments on why each party thinks that they are the better parent.  Mr. Andrews, you first.”

Ryan Andrew stood and gave an elegant and passionate speech about how Davina was really a victim in the relationship.  She was treated like a pariah and so was Jasmine when after she was born.  Jordan was foul tempered and abusive toward them and Davina felt that Jasmine was in danger of being beaten by all of the Draiman family.  All Jordan- in her beige pant suit, red silk shirt, and black stiletto pumps- could do was sit there and listen as Davina’s attorney slandered her and her family.

When Gregory Feingold stood and gave said his piece in response, he spoke of how the first time he spoke to Jordan about the divorce he could hear the heart break in her voice that she couldn’t see her children, because of the provision she had put in the pre- nup. She didn’t just cry over Levi, she cried over Jasmine too.  She was never violent, even of provoked.  She struggled to keep the fighting away from the children where Davina would pick fights in front of them.  He spoke of Jordan’s family’s undying support of not only her life style, but of her herself.  He even told the story about how her parents responded when she told them she was a lesbian, saying that there was no way that the Draiman family- let alone Jordan herself- would ever hurt the children.

Judge Haskins sat back in her chair and massaged her temple.  She was already getting a headache from the bull shit that Davina’s side was spewing.  She knew that there was one sure fire way to get to the bottom of it all.  She had to talk to the child that they weren’t fighting over.  She knew she had to talk to Levi.

After all of the statements were given, she nodded.  “Alright.  Now that I’ve heard everyone’s bull shit, I’d like young Levi to step forward.”

David leaned in and whispered to Levi on how to address the judge and to be respectful, then sent the boy to the front of the courtroom.  Jordan smiled as Levi walked up into the main floor of the courtroom in his little suit.  Levi looked up at the judge.  “Yes your Honor?”

“Just a quick question before you and I go into my chambers and talk.  What did your grandfather just whisper to you?”

“He told me to address you as ‘your Honor’, to be respect and say ‘yes ma’am’ ‘no ma’am’, and to tell the truth.”

“Do you know the difference between the truth and a lie?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Give me an example.”

“My name is Levi Joseph Draiman.  That’s the truth.  I have my social security card to prove it.  My Grampa is a mean old man.  That’s a lie.  My Grampa is AWESOME. He took me diving and I got to see two different species of sharks.”

The judge nodded and laughed.  “Alrighty then.  You wanna follow me?” She stood from her seat and walked down off of the podium.  She took Levi’s hand and led him to the door that led to her chambers.  “I will send for council to question the child as soon as I am done.  Behave yourselves, please.  The first person to step out of line will be held in contempt.”  And with that, she and Levi disappeared behind the door that led to the judge’s chambers.

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

As Judge Haskins shut the door to her chambers Levi spoke.  “You could have put me on the stand, your honor.”

The judge laughed.  “Why do you say that, Levi?”

“Because I don’t like Davina or her family and I want them to know that I don’t like them.”

Her eyes grew wide as she took her seat behind the desk.  “Wow.  You’re just as opinionated at your mother and grandfather, aren’t you?”

“I’ve been told I have a temperament more like Uncle Jake, but my Mama taught me to call a spade a spade and not mess around with sugarcoating things.”

She nodded.  “That’s a good lesson to teach.  If more people were like your Grampa and the rest of your family, there would be a lot fewer problems in the world if you ask me.  Now, why don’t you tell me why you don’t like Davina and her family?”  She laced her fingers together and laid her hands on the desk.

“Well your Honor, let me just lay it out for you.  Davina’s lawyer lied in court.”

“How so?”

“What he said about them treating me like family while my mom’s family didn’t treat Jasmine like family is actually reversed.  All of the concerns they voiced about Jasmine at the mercy of my family, those things were actually inflicted on me.  There was one time when I saw Mama actually hit Davina before Jasmine was born and that was because Davina slapped me and left a mark on my face.  Mama went crazy.  The only thing I saw was Mama slap Davina and I ran off because I’d never seen my Mama that mad.  She later apologized to me for me having to see that.  She said that I should never have to witness a fight like that and that Gramma and Grampa never fought like that and if they did she and her brothers and sisters never saw it.”

“When your Mama and Davina fight, who usually starts it?”

“Davina.”

“What are some of the things Davina would do to punish you and Jasmine if you did something wrong?”  Levi started outlining many of the things that Davina would do to punish him and his sister.  Kneeling on bags of rice, being swatted with wooden spoons wherever she could land the thing- and not the flat part either, but the handle- as well as a plethora of different things that would make even the strongest stomach turn.  Once she’d heard enough she called for the attorneys to join her in chambers so that they could ask Levi their questions.

Before either of the men were able to get anything out of their mouths, Levi looked at Davina’s attorney and spoke.  “You should know better than to lie in court, sir.”

Ryan Andrews looked at the child like he’d gone crazy.  “I didn’t lie.  How did I lie?”

“My Mama was only ever violent toward Davina once and that was because the… woman slapped me and left a bruise on my face.  If anyone should be afraid of how someone is going to treat Jasmine, it should be my Mom.”

Greg knelt and got down on Levi’s level.  “Why don’t we explore that, Levi?”

“Ok.  What do you want to know?”

“When Mr. Andrews said that your Uncles and Grampa were violent and abusive, was that true?”

“No.  My Uncle Jake is a Doctor.  His oath said that he can’t hurt anyone.  My Uncle James is an attorney himself.  He would never hurt someone and break the law.  And Grampa always tells us boys not to hit our sisters or girl cousins.  You should never lay a hand on a girl, he tells us.  Not only can it get you in lots of trouble, but it’s just morally wrong.  When we asked what the word morally means, he explained it that society, or the people around us, sees hitting a girl, or a woman, as bad and told us that if he saw it again, he’d make sure we did all of the girls’ chores until our parents got sick of seeing it happen.”

Then Andrews asked Levi a question.  “You mentioned in the courtroom that your Grampa took you diving and you got to see sharks.  You remember that?”

Levi nodded.  “Yeah.”

“Where were Gramma and Jasmine while this was going on?”

“Grampa and I dropped Gramma and Jasmine off at the mall in Tel Aviv before we went down to the dive shop to pick up our tanks.  Grampa gave Gramma one of his credit cards and joked with Gramma not to spend it all in one place.  She laughed at him and said she’d try to do just the opposite.”

“Do you know how much money Gramma spent on Jasmine?”

“No, but I’m sure that it had to be close to what Grampa had spent on me.  They don’t believe in doing things that show favoritism toward any of us.”

“How much did Grampa spend on you?” Judge Haskins asked.

“Around $1,500.  But, Grampa paid for a diving education class, a wet suit and the stuff that goes with that, an oxygen tank, gas for his friend Joe’s boat, and a camera so I could take pictures while we were down.”

“Do you want to be separated from your sister?” Greg asked.

“No.  I love Jasmine.  She’s my baby sister.  There have been times when I would take punishment meant for her because I didn’t want to see Davina hit her.  I’m bigger and I can take it.  Grampa and Gramma tell us to protect those who are smaller than us.  That’s what I would do.”

“Levi, how do we know that you’re telling the truth?” Andrews asked.

Levi stood and took off his suit jacket.  “You wanna see the scars from where she caned me?”

The judge’s eyes tripled in size.  “Whether the lawyers do or not, Levi, I certainly do.”

Levi carefully removed his shirt and tie to show the judge and the attorneys the scars on his back.  “My Mama doesn’t know about these.  Only Gramma and Grampa because I told them while we were staying in Israel with them.”

“When did this happen?” the judge asked.

“On one of the tours that Mama had to go on recently.  I think it was the last tour.”

“Did anyone see this happening?”

“Yeah.  Mama’s bodyguard.  Mr. Morbus, she told us to call him.  He made Davina stop hitting me.”

She looked Jordan’s attorney.  “Please tell me that Morbus is going to testify.”

“He’s one of our witnesses, yes, your honor.”

“Good.  I want to hear what he did about this.”  She looked down at Levi.  “Levi, we’re going to step out and let you get dressed again.  When you’re done, the bailiff will take you back out to the gallery so that you can sit with your grandparents.  Ok?”

Levi nodded and started putting his shirt back on as the judge and the attorneys left the room.

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

Court was called back to order the judge spoke. "Mr. Andrews, I allowed you to give your opening statement first, but I'm going to ask Mr. Feingold to give call his witnesses first."

"Your Honor, I have to object", Andrews said.

"Shut up, Mr.Andrews. You'll have a chance to cross examine all of the witnesses", she said with a roll of her eyes. She looked at Jordan's attorney. "Mr. Feingold, call your first witness."

Greg stood and did just that. "I would like to ask the Draiman family's long time bodyguard, Morbus, to the stand.". Morbus stood from his seat next to David and Brie and went to the stand where he was sworn in. "Please state your given name, occupation, and any aliases for the record."

Morbus sat a buttoned his suit jacket. "My given name is Trevor Daniels, I've been the bodyguard for the Draiman family, as well as the bands Disturbed and Reckless Disregard since the Utopian Occupation. I am known to most of the world as Morbus."

The judge looked at him from the bench. "I hope that I don't offend you, but I would like to ask you to remove your hood momentarily so that I can see why you wear it", she asked.

Morbus reached up and removed the hood that covered his face, revealing the scars from the explosion that maimed him so many years ago. "I was standing a little too close to one of the safe houses when it blew up", he said with a chuckle and slipped the hood back over his face.

The judge's eyes widened momentarily, then she swallowed her shock. "Have you ever considered reconstructive surgery?" she asked.

"Why?"' he asked. "I'm supposed to be frightening. It's my job. If I'm supposed to protect Jordan and Malachai then how can I do that if I'm not mysterious and a little scary?"

"Touché."

Jordan's attorney walked out from behind the table where he and Jordan were sitting and over to the stand where Morbus was sitting. "May I call you Morbus?"

The hardened bodyguard shrugged. "Everyone else does."

"Fair enough. Morbus, how long have you been Reckless Disregard's bodyguard?"

"Since they first got started, so for about 20- 25years."

"And in that time, did you ever witness Ms. Kealoah abuse either of the children?"

"On several occasions", he said.

"Did you make an effort to put an end to it?"

"Each and every time", he said.

"Can you give the court and example?"

"There was an occasion where Davina- Ms. Kealoah- had what looked like a thin bamboo cane in her hand and she was literally beating Levi with it, saying that's what he got for interfering with her punishing Jasmine. I can't say for certain but I believe that it was her intention to use that same cane on Jasmine. Levi took a beating for his little sister."

"Do you believe either of the women to be abusive or foul tempered?"

"Objection", Davina's attorney called. "Calls for an opinion."

"Your Honor, this is kind of the witness's area of expertise", Greg quickly countered.

"I'll allow it. Objection over ruled."

"Jordan is hot headed , but has never been on to strike out in anger physically. She will strike

out with her words rather than her fists. She's much like her parents like in that regard. Davina, from what I've witnessed, is violent and physically so", Morbus said on response to the question.

"Thank you Morbus." Greg went and took a seat.

Davina's attorney stayed where he was sitting for the moment. "Why should we believe anything you have to say, Morbus? I mean, you are partial to the Draiman kids, aren't you?"

Morbus stared at the young attorney for a moment. He guessed that he was about the same age as the Quads. "No. I treat them the same way I treated the kids of the other members of Disturbed and my own children."

"So are you saying that you would lie for the other members of Disturbed's children as well?"

"No. I'm saying that if I thought they were wrong, I'd snatch a knot in them as quickly as I would my own children. When Jordan is wrong, I let her know it. When she goes too far, I let her know it. I did the same to Davina. There came a point where I told Jordan to stop bringing Davina out on the road and Jordan told me that she wished she could. Davina would track her down and drag the kids along for the ride. I asked why and Davina herself told me that she was insanely jealous and afraid that Jordan would cheat."

"Were my clients fears ever founded?"

"No. Jordan was nothing but faithful. Can't say the same for your client though. She screwed any woman that would let her between their legs."

"And you witnessed this personally?"

"Yes. While Jordan would be onstage with her band, Davina would be hiding amongst the buses and trucks with a groupie."

"Did you ever get proof of this?"

"Yes. The pictures are on my phone."

Ryan Andrews knew that he was going to lose this round with the infamous Morbus. "Nothing further, your Honor."

"I have a question for you, Morbus", Judge Haskins said.

"Yes your Honor?"

"Council may not want to see these photos you took, but would you mind showing me?"

"I'd need my phone back your Honor."

The bailiff returned Morbus’s phone to him and he pulled up the pictures for the judge. She looked over them and shook her head. "Pitiful", she said. "Thank you Morbus. You may step down after you shut off your phone and return it to the bailiff."

Morbus shut off his phone and gave it back to the bailiff. As he walked back to his seat he felt a twisted smile tug at the corners of his mouth. He knew that his testimony would be damning for Davina. He took his seat on the other side of David and he leaned in to whisper, "You think that drove a few nails in her coffin?"

"Probably."

Brie leaned into them and whispered, "I hope her attorney chokes on the crap he's trying to spew on her behalf."

Chapter 52

When Jordan awoke the next morning, she was right on top of things that needed to be taken care of. She called her attorney as soon as she knew that he was his office. His assistant answered the phone. "Thank you for calling the law offices of Gregory Feingold. How many I direct your call?"

"I need to speak with Mr. Feingold please."

"Whom may I ask is calling?"

"Jordan Draiman."

"Right away, Ms. Draiman."

There was a brief period of silence then she heard her lawyer on the phone. "Ah, Jordan. I've been wondering when I would hear from you. Now ya been?"

"Can the crap, Greg. You know good and well how I've been and you know what I've been up to. Now do me a favor and pull your head out of your ass so that you can give me the information that I need for the court hearings for this divorce."

"Sorry Jordan. I know you've been having a rough time here recently. Anyway, I have good news and bad news. Good news is that Davina is NOT contesting the divorce. She signed the papers at her attorney's office the other day. Bad news is that she is contesting custody of Jasmine solely. I have no idea why she just wants Jasmine when she's citing that you're unfit and not of sound mental faculty."

Jordan let out an exasperated laugh; a very unhappy sound. "I'm not of sound mental faculty?  Who the fuck does this bitch think she is?"

"I have no idea, but I do hope that you have awesome character witnesses that will testify to the fact that you're a better parent than she is. More than just your family. I mean, is Reece involved in the kids' lives still?"

"Yes he is. As a matter of fact he was out to visit with my parents recently and has been keeping the children to give my 73 year old father and 70 year old mother a break."

"Are you keeping away from them?"

"I haven't seen my kids since the day my niece Rina was born."

"That's good. Leverage for us, though if your parents are in their 70's, then maybe you need a new provision if you should marry again. Your brother Jacob perhaps?"

"I'll have to talk him and his wife about that later. Not one of my priorities, though I'm sure that Ronnie will testify on my behalf. She was never a big fan of the way Davina treated me or the kids."

"Get ahold of whoever you need to and have them call me so that I can collect my statements and all that good stuff."

"I'll get on that after I eat a little breakfast.  When is the first hearing?"

"We've got a week. And the judge has already said that she wants to talk to Levi. And please have your parents contact me as well. As the children's ad litem guardians the court will want to hear from then as well.  Would it be easier for me to come out to talk to them?”

“I’ll ask them and get back to you by lunch.”

“Cool.  Well dear, I’ll let you get some breakfast.  Thanks for finally calling me.  I was starting to get worried.”

“I understand that.  I was starting to get worried too.”

“Eat, talk to everyone you need to talk to and I look forward to your call later.”

Once they hung up, Delilah made Jordan some breakfast while Jordan made phone calls.  She called all of her personal friends that she knew would testify to her ability to be a good mother.  These were close friends whom she trusted around her children.  They’d all seen the way Davina treated the kids.  They’d all seen her and Davina fight.  A few of them had even broken up fights.

She’d call her parents after she ate breakfast.  She knew that they would have their hands full with her kids.  She missed them terribly, but she knew the rules.  She couldn’t see them.  Neither could Davina.  It was against the rules.  If Davina tried, she would go to jail.  Though she would love to see it happen, she certainly didn’t want it to happen in front of her precious angels.  That would be too traumatizing.  She knew that watching her be hauled off in handcuffs would mess them up far too much and she only wanted what was best for them.  If Jordan Hannah Draiman was guilty of anything, it was loving her kids too much.

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

As David and Brie Draiman were preparing for their day, they made breakfast for themselves and the two of their precious grandchildren that were living with them.

As they prepared the breakfast spread- which included pancakes and turkey bacon- David's phone started ringing in their bedroom. David hurried off to answer it. He didn't recognize the number when he checked it. "Hello?" he asked.

"Mr. Draiman?" a female voice said.

"Speaking. May I ask who's calling?"

"You don't recognize the voice of your daughter in law?"

"Davina?"

"Yep. I'm calling to talk to my kid."

"Excuse me?"

"I didn't stutter. I want to talk to my daughter."

"Umm... Let me think about that for a moment. No."

"Let me talk to Jasmine."

"No."

"My attorney told me that I have every right to contact my child. Now let me speak to her."

"That may very well be true, but as one of her guardians I have the right to say no."

"I'll go to the judge."

"Go right on ahead. Brie and I are the kids' guardians' ad litem which translates to we decide what is in their best interests. I don't feel that talking to you is in Jasmine's best interests. A judge will back me up on that."

"Look, all I want to do is tell her that I love her and that I'll see her soon."

He chuckled. "You're so full of shit Davina, but I'll make you a deal. I'll let her decide if she wants to talk to you. If she doesn't then you'll just have to get over it and wait until you see her at the courthouse. If she does, I will be in the room and the phone will be on speaker so that I can monitor the conversation."

"That's an invasion of my privacy."

"Again, that's one of my rights as her guardian. Hell, it's my duty as her guardian. And, just so you know, that's the only way this is going to go down."

She sighed. "Fine."

She heard a beep in her ear and David cleared his throat. "Jasmine, come here for a moment please baby", he said.

She walked over to him from where she was sitting on the couch. "Yes Grampa?"

"Your Mama wants to talk to you."

"Mama Jordan?" she asked and her eyes lit up.

He shook his head. "No sweetie. Your mother."

Her wide eyes filled with fear. "I don't want to talk to her. I wanna talk to Mama Jordan."

"I'll see if I can arrange that for you sweetie", he said and walked out of the room. "From the mouths of babes comes the honest truth."

"No, that's an sign that you've been turning my daughter against me."

"We don't even speak of you in front of them. They have their opinions of you and none of them are good."

"I'm going to let the judge know that you've tried to turn my daughter against me."

"Do what you feel you must. We'll see you in court, Davina."

David hung up and went back out into the main part of the house. Brie looked at him with a shake of her head. "She's something else."

"She accused us of turning Jasmine against her", he said after walking back into the kitchen.

"Seriously?"

He nodded. "Yep. She thinks that we're turning Jasmine against her. Where she got that fucked up notion is beyond me."

"That's pretty fucked up."

"Oh I agree. She's got a few screws loose."

"What other than she wanted to speak to Jasmine, what did she say?"

"She threatened me with the judge like that was going to scare me. I told her to do what she felt she needed to do."

"She really thinks we're trying to turn those kids against her?"

"No. Just Jasmine. She doesn't seem to care about Levi."

"What?"

"She was only interested in Jazz. She didn't care about Levi."

"Why ever not?"

"I don't know". He took a deep breath and sighed. "I wonder when the court hearings are going to start."

"Well, when Jeremiah and Jona come out here to watch these two to let Mattie and Jazz play together, we'll head in an ask Jordan what's going on. That's all we can do."

He nodded. "I just don't want the kids to be poorly affected by this."

She curled against the front of his body as he pulled her into his arms. "I know, baby. I feel the same way."

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

Jordan was just hanging up with Ronnie when Morbus walked into the house. "Any news on when you go to court?" he asked when he saw Jordan hanging up her phone.

"Yep. In a week. Now, I have q question for you, Morbus."

"Shoot", he said as he folded his arms over his chest.

"Seeing as you know better than anyone how things go behind the scenes when we're on the road, would you testify at the hearing on my behalf?"

Morbus grinned. "I thought you'd never ask. What do I need to do?"

"Take down this number and talk to Greg Feingold. He's my attorney."

When he was ready, she rattled off the number to him and made. "You got it. I'll be sure to give him a call."

"He might be coming out to talk to Mom and Dad later. I'm sure that he won't mind talking to you if he does while he's here."

Morbus nodded. "Not a problem". He looked her over. "It's good that you’re doing better after everything that's been going on."

"One crisis at a time. I'll fall apart over my lost innocence later. Right now, I have a divorce to get ready for and children to fight for custody of. Well, a child."

"Davina's only going after one of the kids?"

"Yep. Just Jasmine. Well, she's got another thing coming if she thinks I'm going to let her take that little angel from me."

Morbus chuckled. "Get her, Jordan. And yes, I will gladly testify on your behalf. I know what kind of person you are."

She smiled. "Thanks Morbus.". She looked at him cautiously for a few moments. "You do realize that you're going to have to use your birth name for court purposes, right "

"Yes Jordan, I realize this. After this whole fiasco with you is over I plan to retire call it good."

"So Morbus will be no more?"

He nodded. "Yep. Once this is all over, Morbus will be no more."

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

After Jeremiah and Jona arrived with their kids and Miri and Ira, David and Brie went into the main house to see what was going on. David also wanted to let Jordan know about the phone call he'd received from Davina. When they walked in, Jordan immediately started in with the details. "Morning Mama and Daddy. I have updates", she said with a smile.

"Well it seems like you have been a busy bee this morning", Brie said with a smile.

"I have. I've been making phone calls all morning. After having another break down last night when Reece came in for bed I decided that I needed to find out when I was going to get my divorce. I got it but she's fighting for custody of Jasmine."

"So, when do we go to court?" David asked.

"In one week. My attorney wants to talk to the two of you and possibly one or both of the kids."

"Not a problem, but it would be a little easier on us if he came out to us. We're still trying to recover from the traveling we did yesterday and the night before."

"That's fine. He offered to come out here if it would make things easier on you anyway". She called Greg and let him know that coming out to the would be easier on her parents and that the family bodyguard was willing to testify if need be. By the time she was off the phone David had a cup of coffee and was sipping it patiently as he waited. "Ok that's done."

"Good because there is something that you need to know", David said and set his coffee cup on the table.

"Ok Daddy", she said cautiously. "What's going on?"

"I got a call from Davina earlier demanding to speak to Jasmine."

"That whore did what?"

"She called and demanded to speak to Jasmine. I told her no several times, then decided to give Jasmine the choice on the condition that if Jasmine said yes that I had to be in the room and the phone had to be on speaker. Jasmine said no."

Jordan turned red for a moment then took a deep breath and nodded. "You know what? When Greg gets here tell him about what happened."

David nodded. "Will do. I just felt that you needed to know that happened."

"I did and I thank you", she said as she sighed.

"Jordan, you know we're always going to do our best to look out for you", he said laying his hand on hers. "We're your parents. It's what we do."

"Thanks Daddy. If it hadn't been you or Mom there when I woke up I don't know what I would have done. I probably would have freaked out to be perfectly honest. You and Mom have always been there for all of us. We could all stand to learn a thing or two from you both."

"It doesn't matter how old you kids get, all ten of you will always be our babies", Brie said with a smile. "We will always do whatever we can to take care of you, even if it means we have to jump up and catch a flight from Ben Gurian to do so."

Chapter 51

David and Brie decided to give Reece a little extra time with the kids and went for a walk after dinner. It was just a short walk down the drive and back to the house, but it was honestly the only alone time that they'd had together in a few months. They loved each and every one of their grandkids but even they had times when they needed a break.

As they walked, they enjoyed the silence.  It was rare for them to have a quiet moment to just enjoy being together.  They’d had to except that when they had ten kids.  She tucked herself against his side and sighed.  He looked down at her.  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing really.  Just worried.”

“About?”

“Jordan.  She’s gone through so much and everything is just crashing down on her all at once.”

“I know, but Delilah is working with her one some relaxation techniques to deal with the nightmares and Jake is willing to sedate her tonight if need be so that she gets a restful night’s sleep in order to deal with her business tomorrow.”

“Oh yeah, she’s got to call her attorney to find out about meeting with Davina’s attorney and going to court.”

“Yep.  That’s the plan.  She’s not looking forward to the conversation with her attorney.  And from what I understand Davina’s parents, though they’ve been told that Davina lied to them, are still pushing her to sue for custody of only Jasmine.  They don’t want anything to do with Levi.”

“What?  That’s ridiculous.  Why ever for?”

“

Davina pulled the wool over their eyes again.”

“This is ridiculous.  Is this what we get for being nice people?  People lie and take advantage of us?”

“The truth will come out in court, baby.  The judge that draws the case will see what we’re actually like.”

“Do you think that the attorney will want us to take the stand in all of this?”

“Maybe because we’re the kids’ guardians ad litem.  We’ve had legal possession of them for the last few months.  We know what’s in their best interests.”

She nodded.  “Lucky you almost went to law school, huh?” she giggled.

He shrugged.  “I suppose.  Too bad if I had I would have gone into Criminal Defense law rather than Family Law.”

She leaned her head against his chest with a sigh.  “I just can’t wait until this nightmare is over for everyone involved.”

“You and me both.  I can’t wait until this is over and Levi and Jasmine can go back to having a normal life.”

“Have those poor children ever known what normal is?”

He shook his head with a sigh.  “I don’t think they have and that’s all Jordan wants for them.”

“I know, because that all we wanted for her and her siblings.”  She looked up at him and pulled them to a stop.  “David, putting the fact that Jordan is our child aside, who do you think had Levi and Jasmine’s best interests at heart?”

“Putting the fact that Jordan is our daughter aside?”

“Yes.”

“Jordan, hands down.  She wants them to be normal.  She wants them to be together.  Davina wants to break them up.  Jordan and Reece are what’s best for those kids.”

She nodded.  “Ok.  I just wanted to make sure that we’re on the same page.”

He smiled at her softly.  “When aren’t we on the same page?”

She laughed.  “Very true.  I have to admit, you got me there.”

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

When David and Brie made their way back out to the cottage, Reece was sitting in the spare room reading a book to the kids.  It was an old Dr. Seuss book that they’d read a million times to their children when they were all small.  They stood in the door way and just listened for a few moments.  When Reece closed the book and made his way out he looked surprised when he spotted the kids’ grandparents and he jumped.  “How long have you two been standing there?”

They grinned.  “Not in a box, not with a fox, Not in a house, not with a mouse.  I would not eat them here or there, I would not eat them anywhere.  I would not eat green eggs and ham, I do not like them Sam I am”, David chuckled.

“I’m sorry.  Jasmine found it in a box in the closet and asked me to read it to them.”

“Don’t apologize Reece”, Brie said with a motherly smile.  “It just brought back a lot of memories to hear you reading that to them.”

“That one and One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.” David smiled.

“Horton Hears A Who.”

“Geez.  Fond memories, huh?” Reece asked with a chuckle.

“Many of them.  There are times when we miss our kids being small and reading those books to them, but then again we do have the grandkids.”

Reece smiled.  “That’s very true.” He sighed.  “Thank you for letting me hang out here with them.  I really appreciate it.”

“It’s no problem”, Brie said.  “If we’re not here who are they safer with than you?”

Reece couldn’t help but smile.  “Thank you.  That means a great deal to me.”

“It’s not a problem.  Are they asleep?” David asked.

“Yeah.  They’re down for the night, I think.”

“Good news, that”, Brie said with a sigh.

“That’s for sure.”  David looked at Reece.  “You about to head back to the house?”

“Yeah, I think so.  I need a shower.”

“Good idea.  Jordan may be in need of your shoulder later.”

“What do you mean?”

“She’s having a rough go of it still.  She’s too proud to ask for help, but she may need you to let her cry on your shoulder”, Brie said softly.

“She must really hate herself right now.”

“She’s willing to fake it in front of her brothers and sisters, but she feels horrible.  She feels weak, mostly, and that’s what she hates most.  She’s always been a strong girl, but right now she feels like the powers that be hate her.”

“Not good.  I’ll head in and hold her for the night.  If she wants to cry, she’s more than welcome to cry on my shoulder.  I’m good with that.”

“You’re a good guy, Reece.  I can see why she asked you to be the father of those children”, David said with a nod.

“She didn’t ask.  I offered.”

“That makes you an even better man in my eyes, then.”  He yawned and shook his head.  “Well, we’ll see you in the morning.  We’re probably going to head on to bed.  Have a good night, Reece.”

“And you as well, David and Brie.” 

Reece grabbed the key to his ATV and headed out the door.  Once they heard the motor roar off into the distance, they decided to get comfortable and head to bed.  They’d had an interesting couple of days and it was time for it to end.  Once they had settled into bed it wasn’t long before David and Brie Draiman had drifted off to sleep.

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

Jordan was sitting on her bed watching a movie that had not violence in it what so ever.  It was a romantic comedy that Makayla had recommended.  Usually, Jordan preferred hard hitting action or super gory horror, but considering the fact that she was living her very own horror movie at the moment, she really didn’t want to watch one.

When Reece walked into the room, she gave him confusion. "Where were you at dinner?" she asked.

"I was out at your parents' cottage with the kids. Cooked them dinner and read them Green Eggs and Ham until they fell asleep."

She smiled sadly. "Too bad I couldn't be out there. That would have been a sight to see."

He smiled. "Your parents seemed to think so. They were reminiscent about when you and your brothers and sisters were younger. Your dad even quoted the book to me."

"Green Eggs and Ham was my favorite growing up. Jake was a One Fish Two Fish guy. I think it's because he's fucking OCD". She laughed genuinely. "Either that or he's anal retentive."

"Well, he is a Neurologist. They tend to be anal retentive. I mean, he is dealing with the nervous system". He got comfy and climbed into bed with her.

Once he was settled in, she curled up against his side and laid her head against his chest with a heavy sigh. "When is this nightmare going to end?" she asked as her voice started to crack. Her emotions were running high that night.

He wrapped his arm tightly around her shoulders and squeezed her gently. "I don't know Jord. But, no matter how long it lasts I'm here for you".

She sniffled and took a shuddering breath. "I want to see my babies, Reece." She started to cry.

"Shh, I know babe. They want to see you too. Levi is really, really worried about you. He's not used to not being able to take care of you."

"Jasmine must be freaking out too."

"She is. That baby loves you Jordan. She really does".

She sobbed heavily into the shoulder of the man who held her in his arms. All she wanted was to see and hold her children. They were more important to her than anything else in the world. They were more important to her than her own life. She wanted her babies more than she wanted anything in the world.

All Reece could do was lie there and hold her as she cried. He knew that her heart was breaking and that she was tormented by the things that she had done the night before. It wasn't something that she was proud of and he knew it. But, in order for all of them to live the lives that they chose, what was done had to be done. There was no avoiding it. Eventually she would see that. Right now, she hated herself too much to realize it.

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

Jake and Delilah were sitting downstairs and trying to watch a movie to distract them from the things going on with Jordan. Everyone wax worried. Finally, after sitting in silence for most of the movie, Delilah spoke. "Jake, do you think that Jordan is going to be ok?"

Jake sighed. "I don't know, Lilah. I really can't say right now. I hope so. Unfortunately psychology isn't my field of expertise. I'm primarily a neurologist, though I'm trained in obstetrics and emergency medicine as well."

"I don't want your professional opinion, Jacob. I want your personal opinion as her brother."

He sighed again. "As her brother all I can say is that I pray so. All I want is for Jordan to be ok after all of the things she's been through."

"I'm scared for her."

"We all are. She's got a lot she has to deal with now and it's all happening all at once."

"Other than what Mom and Dad have asked of us, is there anything that we can do?"

"Help them out by taking Levi and Jasmine off of their hands. Motivate the more reluctant of my siblings to do the same. I know that Jeremiah and Jona will help out as much as they can but the others maybe difficult to get to help out. Apparently Maddie was complaining that we need a schedule set up for when who will help out. Dad told everyone to make time."

"Us making time won't be that big of an issue. I've always got time to help out with our nieces and nephews."

He smiled. Of all of the things she could have said in that moment, that meant the most to him. "Thank you baby. I don't think there's anything that you could have said in this moment that would have warmed my heart more than that. You are truly a one in a million."

"Jacob, they're just as much my family as they are yours. Of course I'll do anything for them. Hell, your parents are the only parents I know."

He chuckled. "I know, Lilah my love. But you saying that you always have time for our nieces and nephews is what made me smile."

"Well if I always have time for brothers and sisters then why wouldn't I have time for their children? But, Mom and Dad take precedence."

"I think they'll insist that the kids come first."

"I know. And that's how it will go. Kids, them, you, your siblings. That's the pecking order."

"Our kids are included in the kids part right?"

She looked at him like he was stupid. "Of course I did. Our kids come before everyone else's. The only exception to that might be Jordan's kids and they would rank with our kids because Jordan can't take care of them herself right now."

"Have I told you recently how completely awesome you are?"

She smiled. "Only every time you get the chance to. I've come to expect it quite regularly to be perfectly honest."

"Well gorgeous, I hope I don't let you down."

Chapter 50

After discussing all of the things that had happened over the last few months and talking about the impending divorce, David and Brie emerged from Jordan's bedroom with heavy hearts. "That poor child", Brie said with a sigh.

David nodded. "I know. Some much to deal with, so little time to process it all before she has to deal with it all". He shook his head and wrapped an arm around her waist. "We'll just support her and help her where we can. It's all we can do".

She nodded as they made their way down the stairs. "I know, David."

When they walked into the kitchen, Maddie looked up at them expectantly. "How is she?" she asked.

"She'll be fine. She's just shaken from all of the things that have happened the past few months. She's gonna try to get a little more rest before coming down for dinner. Do her a favor and don't ask her any question about what she did last night. If you have any questions ask us", David said. "We have a pretty good grasp of what happened."

Marc asked the question that was on everyone's mind. "What happened?"

"Long story short, she tortured and killed man", Brie answered. "The details get pretty gory."

"Care to share one?" James asked.

"She emptied a 20 round nine millimeter clip into his face, essentially turning his face into bloody red ruin. This was after she worked him over with a baseball bat".

All of the eyes in the room grew wide. "Are you serious?!" Makayla said.

James looked at their parents. "You know, this is what you two get for leaving the country", he said.

"How do you figure, Matthew?" David asked.

"You two move to Israel and shit hits the fan. This is what happens when the Voice and his wife retire."

David lifted a brow at the comment. "Somehow I doubt that."

"Whether we stayed or not, shit would have gone to hell. There's nothing that we can do about it. It's time for someone else to take over and keep the Utopians from turning the country to shit", Brie said.

"Geez, you two", James said.  "Can't either of you take a joke?"

"We can, but you have to realize that none of this is a laughing matter". She gave her son a stern look. "Now, as I'm sure you all realize, your father and I aren't as young as we used to be and we're going to need as much help as you all can offer with Levi and Jasmine. Jake is out at the cottage right now with Reece. It's not solely Jake's responsibility to help us out."

Meagan raised her hand. David acknowledged her. "Yes Mae?"

"Why isn't Jordan helping you with her kids? I don't mean to sound like I don't care, but they are her kids."

"There are a couple of reasons that Jordan doesn't help out. First, she's in no place right now to have to deal with that stress. And second, there is a clause in her pre-nup that states that neither she nor Davina are allowed contact with the kids until they reconcile or custody is decided by a judge. Any other questions?"

"Do you want to set up a schedule for us to go out there and help you out and all that?" Maddie asked.

"Do we really need to resort to a chore chart again?" Brie asked with a look of skepticism. "Are you all still that juvenile?"

Maddie cracked a smile. "No, but it might help us all stay organized. Delilah, Jona, Damien and I do have a business to run. Jake is trying to run a practice from home. We all have lives now."

"Make time", David said. "Your sister needs you right now. I understand that you're all trying to live your lives right now, but this is one of those times where we need to come together as a family and support each other. And should I hear one single word of protest out of any of you, you will feel my wrath. Do I make myself understood ?"

All of the children in the room responded with a resounding, “Yes sir".

"That's what I thought. Now, we're going to go out to the cottage to get a little rest before dinner. We will be in to eat with the family. Jake is going to have to unass my seat at the head of the table. We look forward to dinner tonight and hope that you girls create something spectacular. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon". He looked at Maddie. "You and Delilah have your work cut out for you". And with that they headed out the backdoor. "How did I do?" he asked with a laugh as they mounted the ATV.

"You handled it like a pro, like you always do. We have bitchy children, though. I don't understand it."

"I know. I hope that I put an end to that bull shit though. That's fucking ridiculous."

"No kidding. Maybe we need to break them of that shit again."

"For their sakes, I hope not. They won't like it if we have to."

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

When they walked into the cottage, Reece and Jake were sitting in the living room.  Levi and Jasmine were both asleep, napping from the whirlwind travelling they’d just finished doing.  “They’ve been out for about fifteen minutes now”, Jake said.

“Good for them”, Brie said.  “Those poor kids haven’t gotten to do much sleeping in the past 16 hours.  They need their rest.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay out here with them during dinner, if they’re still asleep”, Reece asked.

“We were actually going to ask you to do that whether they were still asleep or not”, David said.  “I’ll have Morbus stay nearby in case you need him.”

“Why can’t they be in the main house?” Jake asked.

“The clause in Jordan’s pre- nup.”

“The one that gives you and Mom custody?”

“The same one.  It states that neither of them can have contact with the kids until they reconcile or until a judge decides custody.”

“That’s why I’m the only of their parents that can see them”, Reece said to Jake.  He looked at David.  “How is Jordan doing?”

“She’s ok for now.  She’s trying to get a little rest before dinner.”

“Dad, do you mind if I ask what is it that she did?” Jake asked.

“I mind if you ask her.  I don’t mind if you’re asking me.”

“That’s what I meant, Dad.”

“She tortured and killed a man.”

“I hate to ask, but care to elaborate?”

Brie, who had busied herself in the kitchen making a snack, turned and looked at Jacob.  “She turned Grissom’s face in to bloody ruin after working him over with a baseball bat and putting kerosene soaked bamboo needles in his joints and lighting the on fire.  Your brothers and sisters don’t know that detail.”

“The needle detail?”

“Yeah, that one”, David said.  “Keep that to yourself.  And, tell your wife that you mother needs to talk to her.”

“May I ask what about?”

“Jordan”, Brie said as she took a seat in the living room in one of the arm chairs to eat.  She nibbled on the pita chips and queso dip that she’d made herself to keep her sugar from bottoming out.  They needed to be strong for Jordan.  They did not, however, need her to go to the hospital with the beginnings of a diabetic coma.  “She’s having nightmares about what she did and the time that Grissom had her hostage and beat her.  I wanted to see if Delilah might now of some techniques to help her with that.”

Jake reached over to grab a chip and dip it in the cheese.  “Ok.  I’ll let her know to talk to you.  You’re going to have Jordan present, right?”

She nodded as she chewed.  “Of course.  She asked me to talk to Delilah for her.  You know how your twin is.”  David reached down and grabbed a chip only to get his hand smacked.  “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“Eating some of your chips and dip”, he said as he grabbed a chip, dipped it in the cheese and ate it.  As he chewed he stuck out his tongue.

“Oh, I’m so going to make you pay for that.”

“You and what army?”

She just looked at him, then rolled her eyes as she went back to eating her pita chips.  “Any way, boys, you both know how Jordan is.  She hates to ask for help of any kind.”  She took another chip off of the plate as she spoke.  “Which reminds me; Jake, do you know of a good cognitive therapist that can be trusted that Jordan could go to so that she can deal with these issues?”

“No, but I know a good hypnotherapist who might know someone.”

“Do you mind making some phone calls to check?”

“Not at all.  Anything to help Jordan out.  Is there anything else you need from me?”

“Yes”, David said.  “Kick your brothers and sisters in the ass and convince them that you’re not the only one responsible for helping Jordan out.  Jessi’s trying to get some time off of work to come out and help Jordan out as well.  She’ll be bringing Abby with her.”

“I’ll see what I can do, Dad.  It’s bull shit that they’re being like this.  Jordan needs us right now and they’re being cantankerous?  Oh no, it doesn’t work that way.”

“Thank you, Jacob.  By the way, you’re unassing my seat tonight at the table.”

“Gladly.  Do you want me on your right or left?”

“Left.  Your mother sits on my right.”

“Yes sir.  I’ll be there with bells on.”

“Thank you, Jacob.”

“I’m just keeping my responsibilities.  I may act as the head of the family while you’re gone, but when you’re here, I’m just another flunky.”  Jake couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Jacob, you’ve never been a flunky.  You’re one of my lieutenant.  You hold down the fort while I’m away.  You’re doing a very good job of it, by the way.”

Jake cracked a smile.  “Thanks Dad.  That means a lot coming from you.”

“You know me, Jake.  I don’t say anything I don’t mean.”

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

At dinner Jordan looked shaken. It wasn't easy for her to sit at the dinner table and pretend that nothing had happened the night before. She still felt like a truck had run her over. Though she had to admit that she was grateful to her parents for being there when she woke up. Had it been anyone other than her Daddy sitting at the foot of her bed, she may have accused them of being nosy pricks.

Jake did as he was asked and scooted over a chair. He sat at his father's left hand as he had been told. It was his pleasure to let his father have the seat at the head of the table. Of all of the things Jake didn't like in this world, letting his father take over running things while he was in the country wasn't one of them.

At dinner, David had his children - all nine of them present as well and their spouses if they had one- update him and their mother on the things that had been going on in their absence. There wasn't a lot. Kenna and James were expecting their son at any time. "We're so excited to welcome little Zechariah into the family", James said. "Next month can't arrive fast enough".

David nodded. "How do Hunter and the girls feel about having a new baby brother?" he asked.

"They seem pretty excited. Hunter even wants to be more hands on with his little brother than he was with the twins."

"That's good news" Brie said with a smile.

Jeremiah and Jona had decided that after Rina, they were done having kids. "We don't want it to seem like we're trying to outdo the two of you", Jeremiah said with a laugh.

"We never would have gotten that impression, Alexander", Brie said with a chuckle.

"Just making sure you got it, Mom."

"How could we miss that one, Miah?" David asked sarcastically.

"I don't know, Dad. You and Mom are getting older and you could be slipping a little."

"You kids would delight in your mother and me admitting that our memories are going, wouldn't you?"

The Draiman children all shook their heads in protest, but their parents saw through them. "You can't fool us", Brie said with a shake of her head. "We know that you guys would celebrate if we actually admitted that we were getting old. Hell, a couple of you might even get up and start dancing an Irish jig if we admitted that we were getting old. You can't pull one over on us. We're still too damn sharp for you."

"Mom, did you take your insulin before eating dinner?" Marc asked.

"Boy, I always take my insulin before eating a meal. Worry about your own self, Christopher. I don't need you to worry about me. Your father does that enough for all of you and then some. Mind your own and eat your dinner."

Jordan laughed, but was having difficulty staying in a jovial mood. All her mind kept going to was the fact that she had taken human life and was wondering when she was going to have to face the consequences of doing to. She vaguely remembered a fire after she killed Grissom and his goons but couldn't remember if that was the factory burning or if a forest fire had started. She was messed up because of what she did, but she was trying to enjoy time with her family. The next day it was right back to business to see what her attorney had come up with as far as a court date for the divorce. The sooner she got rid of her ties to Davina the sooner she could have the support of her kids.

Dinner continued this way. Jordan forced a smile and the rest of the family pretended not to notice that Jordan wasn't having an easy go of it. For now, they would all pretend that everything was ok until they were told otherwise by either their parents or Jordan herself. All any of them could do was just be there in case she needed to talk to someone. They were all family after all

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

When Levi and Jasmine woke up, Reece made them something to eat that was relatively quick and simple. He'd made sure to get permission from their grandparents to cook their kitchen before taking the liberty. Insulting David or Brie Draiman was the last thing he wanted to do. They were far too kind to take advantage of like that.

As he sat and ate dinner with his kids, he talked to them about their lessons and if their tutor was coming out from Israel to continue teaching them.  “Mr. Liam is on his way tonight from what Grampa said”, Levi said.

“That’s great.  Are you learning from Mr. Liam?” Reece asked his son.

“Oh yeah.  He’s a really good teacher.  And his wife is a really, really sweet lady.  She’s sends pastries over with him every morning.”

“Cool.  But, I’m sure that Gramma can make them too.”

“She only makes them during Hanukkah unless Grampa has a sweet tooth”, Jasmine said sadly.

“What’s the matter, Jazzy?”

“We’re back home as we still can’t see Mama.  I wanna see Mama”, she pouted.

“I know, sweetie.  Soon.  Very soon, baby girl.  Mama’s kinda sick right now.  After Gramma and Grampa come back out, I’m going back in to take care of her.”

“Shouldn’t Uncle Jake take care of her?” Levi asked.  “He’s a doctor.”

“The kind of help that Mama needs, I don’t think Uncle Jake can give, Levi.”

“What kind of help does Mom need?”

“It’s not really anything that you need to worry about, Levi.  I know that you try to take care of Mom, but let me do it now.  Ok?”

Levi sighed and looked at his plate.  “Ok, Dad.  I’ll try.”