Markus

Disclaimer: Mine andco-writers, Gothdragon

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“So you’re a dad? I can’t believe it.” Patty rounded the corner to pull into the drive way. “I feel bad about Jade though.”

“I wish she’d have told me. I would have brought her and Mikyle to New York with me. Maybe this all wouldn’t have happened if I had.” Markus got out and went to the back doors. “I wish there was more I could have done..”

“But she didn’t tell any of us. You are doing what you can now and that’s what is important. I am proud of you. I may be older but you are acting just as mature and grown up as you can. For a twenty year old, you’re doing great.” Patty smiled, watching him pull Mikyle out.

“Uh oh.” Mikyle covered his mouth. “Poo.”

“Yeah...and now I have diaper duty.” Markus laughed. “Grab his bag for me, sis.”

“Mom and dad are going to flip out. Their first grandchild.”

“An unexpected and most welcomed surprise.” Markus closed the door with a hip bump. “Although, you know what this means, right?”

“No...what?” Patty walked up beside him. “That you’re the first parent out of their kids..I know that.”

“No..it means that you guys have to visit me in New York more. I am not leaving him here and I am sure that you all want to get to know him.”
“Oh yeah...I forgot that you live way the heck up there.” Patty frowned. “You should move here.”

“Bear..” Mikyle grabbed for his toy that was hanging out of the diaper bag. “Bearrr.”

“Here ya go.” Patty handed him the small toy. “So cute.”

“He doesn’t smell cute right now.” Markus coughed. “Come on little man. Lets go change your diaper.”

“I Uh oh.” Mikyle hugged the bear.

“ Yes, you went uh oh.” Markus walked off from Patty. “Oh and sis..”

“Yes?” Patty followed behind him.

“We need to go baby shopping after we talk to mom and dad. Vicky is being a real brat and not letting me have any of his stuff that Jade got for him.”

“Mean.” Patty moved ahead and opened the door. “Why is she being like this?”

“Who knows. But also..I’d appreciate no one telling her where we move to. I don’t need her stalking me all the up in New York City.” Markus nodded to his parents, who both looked at him with a ‘what?’ look. “Hey..”

“Uh...hi?” His mother blinked. “You’re in town! And.. You have a baby?”

“Oh yeah..I never did tell them you came home the other day.” Patty handed the diaper bag over. “Guess what..you’re grandparents.”

“We are?” Their father looked as confused as his wife. “We do get to know what’s going on, right?”

“Yes. Patty can fill you in on the basics. I have to go change his diaper.” Markus said as he walked off.

“Okay..Patty?” Mrs. Andrews smiled.”Basics please?”

“Yes..do tell.” Mr. Andrews sat back down in his chair. “We’re happy but..you do understand, right?”

“Of course I do.” Patty sat across from them. “Basics. That is little Mikyle Janson Andrews. Well, he will be when Markus gets the full name change done. He is the son of Jade Janson. Apparently upon their break up, they had one last go around before he left off to college. Mikyle was the result that none of us, including Markus knew about.”

“Jade? But..we heard..that..” Her mother gasped. “Oh no..oh gods.”

“Jade was raped and murdered. They caught the killer but listen.” Patty continued. “He found out from Jade that Mikyle was his the other day. When I forgot to tell you he was home and all? Anyways, that’s the basics. Markus can fill you in on the rest.”

“That poor girl.” Mr. Andrews frowned. “So Markus just stepped up and became dad?”

“Yes, in a way.” Markus came out with Mikyle in hand. “He’s my son..and there is proof of this. So don’t go trying to say anything against it.”

“I’m so sorry..son. We knew how you felt about Jade.” His mother looked tearful. “She was a sweet girl.”

“Everyone liked Jade.” Patty said. “Her mother is a you know what. She isn’t letting Markus have any of Mikyle’s stuff.”

“We will have to get him new stuff.” Mr. Andrews smiled. “So I have a grandson. My, he is a handsome devil.” He was trying to focus on the good instead of the bad. “I see he has daddy’s eyes.”

“Eye.” Mikyle pointed to his. “Bue eyes.”

“Glad you two aren’t trying to argue.” Markus sat down on the couch, beside Patty. “I ..am trying my best here. Jade’s death has me feeling very upset but..I also know I can not break down because of Mikyle.”

“Oh son.” His mother moved over beside him and hugged. She wrapped her arms around him and Mikyle. “You have us and now you have Mikyle too.”

“Hi.” Mikyle smiled and touched Mrs. Andrew’s nose. “Beep.”

“Thanks mom.” Markus took a shaky breath. “Want to hold him?”

“Of course I do. I finally have a grand son. My friends are going to say it is about time Melissa Andrews.” She took the boy, gently. “Hey cute man.”

“Who you?” Mikyle looked up at her. “I Mikyle.”

“ I am your grandma.” She smiled. “And that is your grandpa and your aunty Patty.” She chuckled.

“Okay.” Mikyle smiled. “I hugry.” He rubbed his tummy.

“I’ll get him something.” Markus started to stand.

“No..you sit.” His mother pulled him down. “I’ll take him to the kitchen and feed him. You need to relax.”

“Thanks mom.” Markus sighed inwardly. “I am trying to handle everything.”

“That’s why you have us, son.” His father smiled. “We are your family and that bond is unbreakable.”

“That’s right.” Patty grabbed her purse. “I am going to run to the store for some diapers and such for Mikyle. You stay here with mom and Just relax, okay?”

“I’ll go with you.” Her father stood. “I want to go get a few things anyways.”

“Oh, be right back.” Patty went to grab the diaper bag. “I need to know his size.”

“They come in sizes?” Markus blinked.

“Yes, silly.” Patty laughed. “You really do need help.”

“Come on Mikyle.” Melissa kissed his cheek. “Lets go eat something yummy.” She hummed, walking off with the boy.

His family was really pulling together for him. Markus chuckled and nodded. He had to agree. This dad thing was a lot harder than he thought.

“I’ll have to hire a nanny when I get back to New York, I suppose.” Markus leaned back and closed his eyes. “That Or I need magical parenting lessons that will have me completely prepared for this before I leave.”

“You’re leaving?” His father stopped. “I thought..you might stay ..considering.”

“My job is in New York. My schooling is in New York. I can’t simply leave it.” Markus glanced up. “I’m sorry dad..but..you guys CAN come visit me and even STAY for a few days.”

“I know I am going to be visiting and staying.” Patty held the diaper up. “Success! There are only a few left. Guess I had better hurry back.”

“Patty..” Markus pulled his wallet out. “Here..” He handed her a couple hundreds. “Load up on baby stuff. Diapers, milk..what ever he needs.”

“Whoa..” She grinned. “I’ll pick him up a few little outfits too. “ Patty kissed his cheek. “Stay calm and don’t worry. We got your back, Little bro.”

“Thanks.” Markus hugged her. “Remember to get fruit loops. He likes eating them dry. That’s what Jade had packed in the bag for a snack.”

“I will.” Patty grabbed her father’s hand. “Come on dad. You can fret over visiting that big city when we get back.”

Their father was a small town man. He never did like big cities. He hated the thought of being in one. But he would have to get over that fear if he was going to be a grandpa to Mikyle. It was something he would gladly do.

“Markus?”

“Yes mother?” Markus sat up. “Need my help?”

“Did I hear Patty and your father leave?” She peeked her head out of the kitchen. “Tell them to bring back some potatoes. I need some for supper tonight.”

“Alright.” Markus pushed him self up. “Is Mikyle eating?”

“Yep and he will definitely need a bath after this.” She chuckled. “Now go tell them before they pull off.”

“I’m going.” Markus smirked at the bath comment. It was hard enough to bathe him when he was clean. The boy was all over the tub. “Hey.” He opened the door. “Mom said bring back potatoes!” He called to the car.

“Alright.” Patty waved from the window. “Don’t worry! I got everything under control.” She said as she drove off.

“Just hope I do.” Markus pushed his wallet back in his pocket. “Oh well..time to go see my messy boy.”

He closed the door and walked off towards the kitchen. If anything, he had one comforting thought. He had his family to help him get a quick 101 parenting class in. Plus they accepted Mikyle with open arms. It was a relief because he would have hated to deal with that on top of all the other paper work he needed to do. There was the Name change to his last name and all the other programs that Mikyle was in. Although he doubted he would qualify for them as his job was a really good job. His income bracket probably far exceeded the ‘you must be struggling’ amount that they required. It didn’t matter either way. He was going to get Mikyle on his insurance and do what ever else he needed. He was going to prove it to Jade that he was a good dad. He still kept her in his heart. He knew she would be watching.

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Mean while, at the Police station

“Keith?” Mary came in with a couple of files. “You were right. The human services department is asking for those records on Mrs. Janson. Apparently she filed a contestation of custody. They are checking records right now.”

“Are they on the line?” Keith cursed under his breath. This damned woman was trying to cause problems for him. “Or do I need to call?”

“Line two.” Mary smiled. “I figured you would want to talk to them.”

“Thanks.” Keith picked his phone up. “Hello? Detective Keith Landers speaking.”

Mary gave him a thumbs up before she left. Keith nodded to her and leaned back in his chair. He was listening and nodding occasionally.

“Yes, about that. Mrs. Janson is not a suitable guardian in my opinion. Markus Andrews has a clean record and a really financially suited job. I’ve called the New York police station to verify information. He is a promising young Jr. Executive. He makes a hundred and fifty thousand to two hundred thousand a year right now..with further room for raises once he graduates. Plus he has an apartment that is well suited for the child in question. It is a three bedroom suite apartment.” He nodded. “She looked the type..So I looked into it.”

He sat up, glancing at the files Mary set down. He idly nodded as she read over some information.

“Right. She has a previous record and I have reason to suspect that isn’t totally trust worthy at the moment. Her behaviors were suspicious enough. But even more so..she was glaring and almost followed the young man, his son and his older sister out of the hospital parking lot. I don’t have to tell you how her husband died. It was a car wreck. She accidentally backed into his car as he was pulling in. At the time, no one questioned it..that’s right.” Keith started jotting down a few notes. “I would be happy to make a statement and sign it. I will do that right now. And..thank you..I know that leaving the boy in his birth father’s care is the best choice.”

He rolled his chair forward and pulled his keyboard out. He started typing a few more notes as he listened.

“I can do that. I should have this for you by tomorrow afternoon. Yes..Mary? She has seen Mrs. Janson’s behavior first hand.” Again he typed a few words. “Right, I can have her write a statement up too if you want. She is our on staff secretary and Psychologist.” He chuckled. “No, she is licensed.”

“I hear you.” Mary peeked in to his office. “What do they need from me?”

“Hold on.” He glanced at Mary. “Do you remember Mrs. Janson?”

“Yes.” Mary raised a brow.

“They would like your professional opinion, as a psychologist, about her actions that she has displayed.” Keith mmhmmd into the phone. “They are going to deny her case for custody but they need sufficient evidence to support that she is not qualified..oh and they would like a statement about Markus..Ms. Jones sais just..the first impression and what you thought of this man.”

“He is a very responsible and mature young man. I would be happy to.” Mary smiled. “Is that all?”

“Is that all?” Keith asked into the phone. “Yes, Mary. They want us to send the information as quickly as we can without rushing. Other than that, That’s it.” Keith smiled. “No, feel free to call me any time. Thank you too.”

He hung the phone up and smiled. Mary grinned at this.

“Can I assume that they are definitely going to let Markus keep Mikyle?”

“Yes.” Keith answered. “They just need our statements and a copy of Mrs. Janson’s records to put in the file.”

“I will get right on that.” Mary chuckled. “Who knew that my degree in human Psych would be this handy?” She winked.

“I think your degree helped save a two year old from going through hell because of his unstable grandmother.” Keith shuddered. “With family like that, you surely don’t need enemies.”

“True and you know, that was fast. I have never seen the DHS work so quickly. She had to have just put in the call today.”

“When Murder and unclear custody is involved, they have to act. But that’s better for us and Mr. Andrews. It gets it clearly stated that he is the sole guardian of Mikyle Janson. They don’t want to drag this out in child court either so everything is being done as swiftly and quietly as possible. Once it is done, Mrs. Janson will be marked and any further contestations of custody would prove to be a failure on her part.”

“This is like getting the war done without the battle.” Mary nodded. “And yes, I agree that this just helps Mr. Andrews for the future.”

“Good. Then lets get to typing..and after..we can go get a bite to eat for dinner. What do you think?” Keith grinned. “Sound good?”

“Are you asking me out?” Mary smirked playfully.

“Why yes I am.” Keith nodded. “So?”

“Alright.” She chuckled. “But no Chinese. I can’t stand Chinese food.”

“Done.” Keith started typing again. “Oh and...watch Mrs. Janson. I don’t know why..but my gut is telling me that once she finds out, she won’t be happy and may try and act.”

“You’re usually never wrong. That’s why you made detective so quickly.”

“Yeah but I hope I am this time. But just incase, I need to pull the old file on her and reinvestigate it. Detective Miller was good but he didn’t look into it much.”

“I can pull that for you after I finish up here.” Mary shifted her rolling chair. “I was actually going to suggest that. Maybe if she knew you were opening the file again, she wouldn’t try to attack the Andrews family.”

“Lets hope so. I know Markus is leaving back to New York at the end of this week. That gets him out of the way and safe but it doesn’t help the rest of his family.”

“Does Mrs. Janson know where he lives?” Mary asked.

“No and I hope to keep it that way.” Keith answered. “We sure as hell do not need a stalker on his case.”

“She does seem hateful.” Mary hmd. “I wonder if you could bring her in on malicious behavior and suspicious actions. Maybe just for a week..say long enough for Mr. Andrews to be out of town with the boy?”

“You k now..I could do that. In reopening the case of murder she is suspect and there for has to be detained while the investigation is going on.” Keith smiled. “I like your thinking.”

“Thank you.” Mary laughed, softly. “On a more serious note. I was looking over that file the other day.”

“You were?” Keith walked from his office to where her desk was. “So you really were thinking like me, huh?”

“A few things don’t add up on it. Jade and Mikyle have several witnesses to attest to their location. She was at the school bake sale. And she was genuinely upset when she came back to see her father dead. But Mrs. Janson ..according to the other psychologists reports, didn’t even shed a tear. She was shaky and looked stressed but I don’t know. Something doesn’t click.”

“Right..and they just let it go with involuntary man slaughter because no one could ever believe that Vicky Janson would do that on purpose..but..then she started pushing really hard for her husbands five hundred thousand dollar life insurance policy. I remember helping on the case. I tried to push for a longer investigation but they let it go.” Keith pulled a chair up. “If there are two officers and or one with your opinion..that strongly suggest we re open it, we can do this.”

“You have my support. The woman is unstable. I saw it in her eyes. She looked like she could kill and believe me, I have seen killers eyes before.”

“Then I am going to make the call to the judge.” Keith grabbed her phone. “Once the DHS delivers news, there was no way of believing the Andrews would be safe.”

“Exactly. And with your record of ‘gut’ feelings, the chief will listen to you.” Mary slipped a few papers towards him. “Those are case permission papers. The sooner they are done, the sooner we can get her in lock up. You just have to get the judge to sig them. Then that’s when I take over and try and see into her psyche.”

“That’s a trip that I am glad I do not have to make.” Keith cleared his throat. “Chief..yeah. I need your permission to reopen the Janson murder case.” he nodded. “Mary agrees with me. Yes sir. Let me explain.”

He started to explain. Hopefully everything would work out. Especially if their hunches were right.