I finally have the time to finish this story. No one's been more frustrated than myself, thanks for letting me know how it's going. Maybe it will encourage the other great authors to finish their stories as well.

Chapter 9: One Week

/- SATURDAY -/

"Okay, maybe candles weren't the way to go," said Diana as the group surveyed the results of the fire pit. Actually there was less damage than usual, the smoke had succeeded in flushing out the crowd like wasps from a nest.

Ryo had discreetly escorted his new business partners out the side door. Tentatively approaching the posse, he was full of remorse having knowingly used them to keep things in order while he absented himself.

"That was a fun way to spend the evening but what happened to Dee? I was surprised to see him walk out and it looked like he was too," said Ted.

"It's part of the plan. It's best if people see that Dee isn't part of the crowd," said Ryo.

"Makes sense," said Ted, "but after he left it somehow... I don't know... left a void. Everyone seemed to be having a good time and the action was hot but..."

"Just goes to show how strong Dee's personality is, huh. Need help cleaning up?" Janet asked.

"No, thanks. A service crew will be in tomorrow" replied Ryo.

"Must be nice not having to pick up after yourself" Drake said wistfully.

"THAT'S why you want a girlfriend," said Janet.

"Ha! All the girls I meet would make me pick up their stuff AND wear an apron," Drake said.

"Masculine aprons do exist" Diana cooed. "So now what? Same time next week?"

Ryo was enjoying the banter between the friends but without their leader, they were at an impasse as to what the next step was to be. It was time to put a damper on their enthusiasm. "Thanks for keeping an eye on things but it's best if all of you leave it to the professionals. After the electronics are installed there's no reason for you to watchdog the place. As you saw, things can get out of hand. I don't think any of you bargained on getting assaulted or nearly suffocating in a stampede of people."

"That's what made it fun. You need some saneness around here, electronics can't do that" said Ted.

A hoot of derision went around the circle. "Saneness! Are you out of your mind, dude?"

Ryo sought to reassure them. "I think the novelty of this place is wearing off and there'll be less activity. It'll end up being my old Army buddies coming over to get drunk. By the way, when you see Dee tell him it would be best if he didn't come over anymore, wouldn't want him to risk blowing his cover."

They were getting ready to leave when Diana pressed a slip of paper into his hand. "If you need to talk, sweetie, here's my number."

"Um, thanks," he said.

"Call me now," she said abruptly.

"Now?" he asked in surprise.

With insistance in her voice, "NOW!"

Ryo was startled. "You're looking scary but o..okay."

BA-BEEP-BEEP-BA-BA-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP

Diana squealed in delight at the funky rhythm. "Goody. I'm on your phone list and you can't conveniently lose my number."

"No excuses not to ask her out except for her boyfriend," teased Drake.

"What boyfriend? We just played together as kids," she said innocently.

"And you're still 'playing'". Drake said with mockery.

Diana glared at Drake. "I see why no one plays with you. You're not the least bit funny."

"Okay, I'll back off. Just warning Ryo." Drake failed to stifle a yawn. "I could use some fresh air."

Ted agreed. "If you're sure there's nothing we can do I'm ready to turn in. I'm drained."

Ryo thanked them again and saw them out as a perfect host. After closing the door behind him, he leaned against it as he was almost overcome by a wave of nausea. He knew Dee would have seen his friends leave but didn't know if the dark-haired detective-in-training would approach them or him.

"Sorry, Dee. I said it was part of the plan but I didn't say it was part of YOUR plan." Events had been set in motion and he couldn't let Dee and his friends into it. He agreed with Ted, Ryo was drained. He didn't want to face the consequences of kicking Dee out and he suspected Dee wasn't going to leave him alone. But right now, at this moment in time, he WAS alone. While Dee was being dragged home by his friends, Ryo didn't need an artificial sedative as he stumbled into his room and succumbed to unconsciousness as an escape from the insaneness.

/- SUNDAY -/

Though Dee would have liked nothing better than to kick Ryo's door in again, there was a more urgent matter he had to take care of at the Church. He arrived at the gate before morning Mass with a duffle bag of personal belonging slung over his shoulder. Before he rang the bell he chuckled to himself. /'Won't Penguin be surprised. Sometimes she would have to overturn the mattress to get me up on time Sunday mornings.'/

He really didn't get a chance to explain why he was there so early until after services and he had helped feed lunch to the young, healthy appetites, including his own. But Mother knew there was something on his mind he needed to get out.

When they were finally in conference Dee gave Mother an update on the type of people he had encountered at Ryo's and somehow they had all gotten mixed up in it. He wanted her to keep an eye on things and to ask the children to report any strangers in the area because they may be in danger. He knew he didn't have to ask her the first part, Mother knew the neighborhood had traps the young people under her care could fall into but the thought of any of her children being threatened put Mother on full alert. She was well-known and respected and had more contacts, both high and low, than any stooge or politician. She knew love was often used as a weapon because of its great power but she believed that true love never falls in ruin. She had witnessed the interaction between her son and the directionless young man and saw it was not one of pity. It was God's will whether tough love will bring them together or separate them.

Dee hurried over to Ryo's after lunch and saw that the cleaning crew had worked their magic. The front door was locked and he slapped his forehead when he realized he didn't have a key to the new front door (not that it mattered before). Unnerved by the still atmosphere, he walked around the boat and peeked in through the shades but the rooms were empty. Ryo was obviously not in. "Look at me. As if I have to know where he is every waking moment. Get it together Laytner, he's an adult and he's already told you he doesn't want to see you." He headed back to Mother's.

/- MONDAY -/

After class, the group met to discuss the events of Saturday.

The professor said that he saw enough to get the harbor patrol in and wanted to expedite the installation. "They'll be there on Tuesday. Laytner, arrange it with Maclean."

"You forget, sir," said Dee, "he kicked me out of his place. I don't think he'll listen to anything I say."

The Lieutenant was insistent. "Lean on him if you have to. Maclean is as young as all of you but he should be held responsible for his actions. We have to consider that he may be guilty, too, since he was in conference with known criminals."

"He didn't REALLY kick you out, did he," said Drake. "He said it was part of the plan to get you out of it."

Dee knew that wasn't true but didn't contradict them.

/- TUESDAY -/

The electronics are installed. Meandering through the ductwork the cameras and wires were discretely camouflaged around the place under the guise of the cleaning crew.

The manager stopped by. "Mr. Maclean. I see things are busy around here do you need any help? Did the usual crew miss anything?"

Ryo gave him a reassuring smile. "Oh no. I'm just upgrading the sound system. Some of the wiring got damaged and it required special equipment."

The manager was sympathetic. "So sorry for the inconvenience. If you have any problems at all let me know and I'll get you the best."

"Of course. I've been very satisfied with your recommendations. I'll be sure to consult with you in the future."

/- WEDNESDAY -/

The manager didn't want to lose his best customer so he put in a few phone calls. "I wanted to thank you. You've certainly livened up the area with your generosity. I wanted to show my appreciation as a neighbor and business associate by hiring an interior decorator for you. "

It looked like South Beach was coming to Manhattan. The parade of people came in single-file. There were big pots with palm trees as the centerpiece, chaise lounges for the deck and bright awnings for the doorways. A rug was rolled out that effectively covered the singed area and café tables were set up for refreshments and intimate conversation.

After seeing the new crews yesterday the club manager was afraid of losing his cut from the extravagent heir. Best to keep on his good side if he wanted to continue raking it in.

xxx

"Word came down that known mafia associate Ernie Fry was found dead behind his rooming house. He's low on the totem pole and it's hard to tell whether he was the target or not but he was arrested for the violent murder of the Macleans and released for insufficient evidence. Suspect: Only son Randy Maclean with a record in the Armed Forces and awards in marksmanship. He'd better have a good alibi."

xxx

After the Professor had dropped the news on the group. Dee detained Diana after the meeting. "Can I talk to you?"

Diana's eyes grew wide with anticipation. "Have my dreams come true? Finally going to ask me out?"

Dee struck a pose for her benefit. "Sorry honey, keep dreaming. I may be too hot for you to handle."

Diana laughed. "Think Ryo can handle you? Don't look shocked I have eyes, you two look cute together. I'm surprised you'd let him go so easily."

"It's not so easy." Dee grew serious. "I need help. I ran into a couple of characters Saturday. They knew Jess and they knew who was there when he died."

Diana realized the consequences right away. "They know you want to be a cop?"

"Yeah, but they think maybe I don't want to wait to get revenge. They offered me a job as a recruiter for starters."

"Who's the head?"

"I got tagged by Kenneth Bow who's pretty high up in Bruno's organization but word is he's getting pushed out as next-in-line. They know some of Bruno's men hang out at Maclean's and wanted to scout out the loyalty in case there's a power struggle."

"Why do they want you?"

"Why not? I'm a popular guy."

"Of course, silly question. Why should you work for them?"

"They threatened someone I care about."

"You need to be out of it but I know you won't. Why didn't you tell the Prof?"

"You heard him. Ryo's a suspect. I don't want to risk Ryo being charged as an accomplice."

"You saw who he went off with, didn't you?"

"Yeah."

"And you say he's not an accomplice?"

"He won't talk to me. The kids are looking out for strangers. I can't see him because I've been camping out at the orphanage."

"No wonder they want you as a recruiter you have the power to corrupt so many young minds. Why don't you call him?"

/silence/

"You didn't ask for his number. Honestly, Dee, you don't want to miss out on the beautiful things in life. Here."

"I knew I could count on you Diana," as he gave her a peck on the forehead.

/- THURSDAY -/

Dee was at his work-study at the local precinct doodling on the piece of paper with Ryo's number on it. Even if he called him, he didn't expect Ryo to tell him what's going on. He had already told him he didn't want him coming by and forcing his way in might make the situation worse.

Should he call him.

Everything he needed to know was in his phone cell.

Dee accessed the information database and downloaded Ryo's cell phone log.

Phone calls to his Aunt, vendors, the hardware store, the liquor store, party supply company. There were a couple of calls to Chicago.

He wanted to believe in Ryo's innocence, but then he saw the list of names since Saturday. They spanned the range in Mafia peonage all the way up to Jeff de Luca, Leo Grant's number two.

"Bruno's group. What game are you playing, Ryo?" He bit the bullet and called Ryo.

"Maclean speaking."

"Don't hang up! It's Dee."

"Di-a-na." he threatened between clenched teeth in a voice that left one fearing for her safety despite her training. "Leave me alone, Dee. I don't want to talk to you."

"But you'll talk to Guido?"

/silence/

If business is what Ryo understood, then business it would be. "Student Union. 1:00. If you're not there I'll turn your phone log over to the police."

Resenting the way Dee held power over him, Ryo said, "You would, you bastard," but immediately felt contrite. "I'm sorry, please don't."

Was he begging? "Dammit. You're not PROTECTING them are you?"

There was a touch of panic in Ryo's voice. "I'll be there. Just- just don't turn it over."

/- FRIDAY -/

The Student Union was empty as was to be expected at this time of day. As they sat across from each other with sandwich wrappers between them, Ryo refused to let his chocolate eyes meet the moss-colored ones. He broke the silence. "Well. You got me here".

Dee looked at Ryo with his head down avoiding his gaze. He finally had him to himself and Ryo was retreating unto himself. Dee said in a gentle voice. "It's a dirty game. Maybe that's rubbing off on me. The way I force you to do things you don't want to do, like getting you to see me when I know you wanted to be left alone... but I can't do that."

Dee continued in a straghtforward manner. "At first I just wanted to help you because Mother asked me to and the more I got to know you the more you annoyed the hell out of me for being so self-centered." His voice softened. "But when I get to see glimpses of the real you it's like experiencing the childhood I never had: a pure joy and innocence that you can't expect me to walk away from as much as you shut me out."

"I didn't expect you to walk away." Ryo's voice was pleading. "I wanted you to hate me. I didn't want you to get caught up in my problem."

Dee gave a sigh of resignation. "Too late because I've got a problem too."

That comment caused Ryo to raise his head. "What do you mean?"

"Did you see those men I was talking to before you bitch-slapped me?"

"Didn't look like your type."

"How would you know. I'd be flattered if I thought you were jealous."

Ryo shut up. Alarmed by the harsh tone in his voice.

"They were scouting out local talent for an out-of-towner who wants a piece of the City and I had been fingered."

"Why would you work for them?"

"They threatened Mother."

Ryo's indignation rose. "What?"

"They want to bring Bruno down. They knew I had a grudge against him because of Jess, they also knew I had grown up at the orphanage. They expect my answer tomorrow."

"But I kicked you off."

"I won't be there as your guest. Shouldn't be a problem with your open-door policy."

Ryo showed frustration. "I knew who they were. I wanted them to see that you wouldn't get anything from me, to make them believe you're a bad prospect. I wanted to protect you. But I see now that I couldn't do anything for you. That you don't need me. I am self-centered."

Dee felt the pain reflected in himself. "I'm a street rat. But that doesn't mean I don't need you. That I don't want to protect you too. The only ones who's ever protected me were Mother and Jess. Talk to me Ryo. If I turn over everything I know you could be charged with murder. Did you know Ernie Fry was whacked."

The news didn't seem to faze Ryo. "Was he?"

Ryo's calmness didn't seem out of place to Dee. "You don't seemed surprised. At least you didn't insult me by pretending you didn't know who he was. Did you have anything to do with it?"

There was genuine uncertainty. "I don't know and I don't care. Just don't turn in the logs."

"What do you mean? What have you gotten yourself into? Who were those people in your office?"

Ryo confessed with a sense of satisfaction. "I finally found out the truth. I had these parties because I WANTED the lowlife to come, the more decadent the better. I wanted to get information to clear my parents. Ernie Fry was the fingerman. If he hadn't been such an IDIOT they wouldn't have been killed. He got whacked? Ha! Good riddance."

"So you told them where to find him. Don't get me wrong, if anyone went after Mother I'd hunt them down even though I know revenge is not the answer."

"No. I recognized one of the men from out of town. I agreed to pass on information on what Bennett's group was planning."

"To Leo Grant?" Dee said incredulously.

Ryo sighed. "I had no choice. The man I recognized is in a precarious position. Somehow he has to convince Bennett that it'll be harder to win a turf war than he thought without appearing incompetant. If Bruno knows Bow is recruiting against him it leaves you out of it if you're not part of his group. You're not the only one who saw me with Bruno's men. My place is no longer considered neutral territory and I don't want you anywhere near. If you turn in my phone log they'll know I was in contact with this person before he came to town and we'll all be in danger. I don't care about myself but I can't risk that person's safety."

Dee had no idea Ryo had such strong feeling for someone. He was willing to jeopardize his own life for the sake of another. "What does he mean to you?"

Ryo told him. "He's my uncle. He's been undercover for a while collecting evidence on Bennett. Now it's time for his allegiance to be tested and I think you know what that means. My aunt's gone into a safehouse until my uncle is back in Chicago. Please. They're the only family I have left. I don't want to lose them and... I don't want to lose you."

Dee grabbed his hand. "We've been idiots. We should be working together to solve our problems and protect those we love. We're so concerned about each other's safety we're running away. Remember, as of now we're on opposite sides. You're working for Bruno and I'm working for Bennett. I think it's going to get messy."

So they discussed the situation while the outside light grew dimmer. It was soothing to be in each other's presence as each one presented more and more outlandish proposals bent on ridding the city of organized crime until they came across a plan that might work. They knew it wasn't a good idea to head back to Ryo's or Dee's place together so they grabbed dinner in Union Square and lingered together as long as possible. Their trust in each other was fully restored because if the plan didn't work it might be the last evening they spend together.

Tomorrow the stage will be set.

TBC.