The Steampunks continued to herd their enemies into the sunset.
Chapter 22
Eventually, the police located the Steampunks and their hostages. They arrested the fugitives, and spoke to the heroes about their experience. As always, the Nelsons and their companions told the authorities about dramatic battles and action. The police also brought a social worker to speak with Reb and Giles.
A female social worker approached the couple. “I’m really glad that everyone is safe, but I have to tell you something important. The investigation involving Parker’s legal guardianship is complete. For a while, we thought Parker belonged to the two of you, he’s not your son after all. I’m very sorry.”
Reb and Giles were taken aback by the news. They looked at Parker with sadness in their eyes and understood it was time for them to part ways with the boy.
“That’s not what I expected to hear. I thought it was almost a foregone conclusion,” Giles said sadly.
The social worker replied, “That’s what the research team initially believed, but the results were different upon further evaluation.”
Reb kept her chin up. “What about visitation?”
“That’s up to Parker’s birth parents. You should probably talk to them about it. Thank-you for taking care of Parker, but it’s time for you to say good-bye. I’m taking Parker home,” the social worker explained.
Giles wearily nodded his head. “We understand.”
The couple approached Parker and both knelt in front of him.
“Buddy, we just found out something. The police are done investigating your biological roots. You really are a member of the Salvatore family. Giles and I aren’t your parents. I’m really sorry the results didn’t work out the way you had hope, but there’s nothing we can do about it,” Reb said in a gentle tone.
Parker felt his heart break. “No! You were supposed to be my parents! We’re getting used to each other! I don’t want to go back!”
Giles reassured the boy, “You have a very bright future. Reb and I still care about you. If you need to speak with us you can always call.”
“Do you like social networking? We should chat online,” Reb suggested.
Parker wiped away a few tears. “Yeah, I spend a lot of time on the computer. This still sucks.”
“I agree, but you have a worried Mom and Dad waiting at home. I know they love you unconditionally. That’s the way it works for most parents. Show them some appreciation and let them know that you love them too,” Giles lectured.
“Are we going to see each other again?” Parker quietly asked.
Reb thought about it a moment and then said, “Fate brought us together once. I’m sure it could happen again. Stay in touch, okay? This social worker is taking you home. Be strong. I expect you to grow up and become a terrific guy.”
“You got it,” Parker said with a half-smile.
Reb and Giles hugged Parker before the social worker led him to her car.
Savannah approached them as she watched Parker leave. “Are the two of you disappointed?”
“Maybe a little,” Reb answered.
“At first, we didn’t want to be his parents. Parker and I really bonded on the prairie. I feel like a different man now that he’s entered my life,” Giles contemplated.
Savannah patted Reb’s shoulder. “Maybe parenthood is still in the future for you. Don’t give up.”
Reb sighed. “We’ll see.”
Time passed and life returned to normal for the Nelsons. Percy and Savannah went home to San Francisco and became active philanthropists in the anti-terrorism movement. The world developed increasingly violent elements and they wanted to make a statement. Percy and Savannah also spent a lot of time together as a couple, because they understood that life was only temporary.
Gable and Priscilla returned to Las Vegas and reunited with their children. They told Oliver and Maggie about the events that occurred in Oklahoma. The kids thought it was an interesting and exciting story, but they were glad they had stayed home, away from scary bandits. Gable and Priscilla’s emphasis on academic achievement proved successful. Oliver and Maggie did well in their classes and student counsel events.
Malcolm and Beauregard each tried out the dating scene. Beauregard experimented with online dating, while Malcolm dove right in and hit the nightclubs. Both men encountered a variety of women, but neither of them found an appropriate partner.
Parker’s parents were grateful that Reb and Giles had kept their son safe from harm. They allowed the couple to become his godparents, and gave them permission to contact Parker through social networking and phone calls. Despite growing fond of the boy, Reb and Giles were happy to resume their independence and careers. They agreed that parenthood was not appropriate for them, but Parker’s presence was a good substitute. Reb and Giles remained close with each other and didn’t let their corporate arrangement get in the way of a happy relationship.
Bandits remained a problem in Oklahoma and neighboring states, but there were plenty of Steampunks who gave them a hard time. As always, the Steampunk culture proved they were strong enough to thrive in a dystopian world.
It was a peaceful Saturday morning, and Reb and Giles were enjoying cereal at their dining room table.
“Let’s take our minds off work. We should do something fun today. Do you want to check out the new art gallery in Oklahoma City?” Giles suggested.
Reb was munching on the cold cereal, but paused to say, “I like artwork, but we have to spend so much time with Beauregard and his paintings. Can we do something else?”
Giles nodded his head. “We could see a movie. I’m just not sure what’s playing right now.”
“That sounds a lot better. We can look up something online,” Reb commented.
Her phone vibrated on the table as they ate.
“I hope that’s not a client. This is our day off,” Giles muttered.
Reb picked up the phone and said, “Hello?”
Parker was on the other end. “Hi, Reb. I wanted to talk before you guys got busy today.”
Reb was pleasantly surprised. “That would be great. We’re always happy to hear from you.”
“Is that Parker? I wondered what he’d been doing lately,” Giles asked.
She nodded her head at Giles.
“It’s good that you called. Giles and I want to see a movie today. What do you recommend?” Reb asked.
Parker thought about it, then said, “There’s a cool nuclear Apocalypse movie out now. I thought it was awesome.”
Reb frowned. “More Apocalypse? We have that problem every day. Do you have any other ideas?”
“Well, I heard about a new Western film that came out last week. Maybe you guys should give it a shot,” Parker suggested.
“A Western. How about that?” Reb mused.
Giles shrugged. “Sounds good to me. Everything is ironic in our dystopian world.”
Reb continued her conversation with Parker, without any distractions from terrorists or other disastrous obstacles.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Table of Contents
Steam Is Power
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
The Iron Age of Piracy
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Ch
apter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Haunted By the Wild West
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
The Post-Apocalyptic Society: A Nelson and Hyde Revolution Page 34