Reb felt somewhat guilty, but she remained strict. “Unfortunately, that doesn’t matter. We need to call the police and they’ll take you home.”
Parker became upset. “This should be my home! I don’t understand why nobody wants me!”
The boy stormed into the next room while Reb and Giles tried to find a solution.
“This is a mess. How did he find our address?” Giles asked.
“I assume he figured out a way to obtain our address illegally online. That’s how he got my cell phone number,” Reb muttered.
Giles shook his head. “This kid is going to be a criminal one of these days. I can’t believe it.”
They heard the doorbell ring.
“Wonderful. That’s going to be my parents. I’ll have to explain the problem when they come inside,” Reb griped while she hobbled to the lobby.
She opened the door and saw two misfits.
“Reb, let’s catch up! I want to hear all about your path to parenthood!” Malcolm announced.
“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill you with my baton!” Reb threatened.
Beauregard defended their intrusion, “Wait! We come bearing gifts this time! Malcolm and I brought a box of chocolates!”
Reb snatched the box from him. “It’s a start. Come inside and join the party.”
The two men followed Reb into the house. Giles was unpleasantly surprised to see Malcolm and Beauregard.
“No offense, but this is the worst time for a surprise visit. Our alleged son hitchhiked across the state line and found our ranch. He’s pouting in the entertainment room,” Giles explained.
“Are you serious? He’s an adventurous kid. What’s his name?” Beauregard asked.
“Parker. Hopefully we can send him home soon. I haven’t had a chance to call the police yet,” Reb stated.
Malcolm was intrigued. “This is better than a soap opera. First, the two of you had a kid without knowing it. Now, he shows up on your front porch. It’s awesome!”
Giles sighed in frustration. “Malcolm, you’re a really annoying guy.”
“Now you know how I feel,” Reb grumbled.
All of them heard the doorbell ring again.
“Let’s see. That should be someone from your family. I think we’re running out of people,” Giles pondered out loud.
Reb walked to the front door. “There’s only one way to find out.”
She opened the front door and saw her parents.
“How’s it going, Moonshine?” Percy asked, in his usually friendly demeanor.
Reb tried not to have a nervous breakdown. “You’re probably expecting me to complain about that nickname, but Giles and I are having a particularly disastrous morning.”
“That’s an interesting way to start the weekend. What happened?” Savannah wondered out loud.
Reb motioned them inside the house. “Come inside and find out for yourself. Our house is overrun with stray animals.”
“I heard that!” Malcolm yelled.
The middle-aged couple entered the house with their luggage.
“So, the two protégés are here. What else is going on?” Percy asked.
“Do you remember that boy who might be my son? Apparently, he hitchhiked from Dallas to rural Oklahoma, just to find me and Giles,” Reb answered.
Percy was taken aback by her statement. “That’s very serious. It’s not safe at all for him to travel that way. His parents must be searching everywhere.”
“That’s what worries me,” Reb fretted.
Savannah thought she had a solution. “Wait a minute. There was a change in our plans. Remy sent a last-minute text message and said we can ride the train to Dallas. We can take the boy with us and hand him in to the authorities.”
Giles raised one of his eyebrows. “I thought you guys were staying here for a few days?”
“That was the original plan, but Remy said there are a lot of fun activities in Dallas. Our trip might be extended a little bit. He wants to check out sporting events, gambling, dining, and shows. Your senator is a very impulsive man,” Percy explained.
Parker reentered the living room. “Who are all of these people?”
Percy, Savannah, Malcolm, and Beauregard didn’t want to say anything when they saw the boy.
Giles took a deep breath and then said, “I guess it’s time for me to make some introductions. This is Percy and Savannah. They might be your grandparents. The big guy is Malcolm. He’s one of your alleged mother’s clients and a good friend. Malcolm’s family emigrated from Germany. The other guy is Beauregard. He’s a painter, one of my clients, and also a friend. Beau’s family is from France. Everyone, I want you to meet Parker. This boy might be our son.”
Percy knelt in front of his potential grandson. “It’s nice to meet you, Parker. I hope we’ll have the chance to become closer someday. In the meantime, we need to take you back to Dallas.”
“Why?” Parker protested.
Percy calmly responded, “Legally, you’re not part of our family yet. Savannah and I are taking a train to Dallas later today, and that means you’re coming with us. You need to stay home until we find out more information. Do you understand why that’s important?”
Parker begrudgingly agreed with him. “Yeah, I guess.”
Savannah took Parker’s hand. “Come on. We’re going to meet some new friends before heading back to Dallas.”
The Nelson family’s matriarch and patriarch led the boy away while everyone else watched.
“How do you think this is going to end?” Reb asked.
Giles wasn’t sure how to answer her question. “I hope we see the best results for Parker. Honestly, I don’t know what to think. He belongs with a family who can raise him appropriately. Right now, I don’t know who will give him the best chance.”
Percy drove a rental car to Remy’s estate. They drove onto the property and admired the large and elaborate Steampunk house. Remy’s estate rivaled some of the most beautiful mansions he had ever seen. It was a home made of iron, and decorated with pipes, gears, rods, springs, and iron wings. It also had some Dieselpunk influences, with a sleeker and shinier appearance.
“We’re meeting someone named Remy Lafayette and this is where he lives. Doesn’t he have a lovely estate, Parker?” Savannah asked the child.
The boy shrugged. “Yeah, but my parents have a house like this too.”
“I have a request, Parker. It would be terrific if you kept an open mind and treated Mr. Lafayette with respect. Remy is an important man, and it’s best to make a good impression. You’re a very smart boy. He’ll probably find you quite charming and interesting,” Percy instructed.
“I can do that. Maybe he can convince you to let me stay longer,” Parker replied and then smiled.
They exited the rental car while Gable and Priscilla were driving onto the property. The couple from Las Vegas stopped their vehicle, stepped out, and greeted the trio.
Priscilla looked at the young boy. “Aren’t you a beautiful young man? I’m starting to see the family resemblance.”
“We got caught in traffic. Reb called me and told us to head over here. It seems like Priscilla and I missed a lot of the action, but Reb gave us some of the details,” Gable mentioned.
“It’s hard to explain. Since we’re all here, I think we should meet our host,” Savannah said.
As they approached the porch, Percy turned his attention to Gable. “Did you get the message about Dallas?”
“Yes, I got the text message. Truthfully, Oliver and Maggie aren’t going to be happy with us. The kids wanted to come on this trip, but Priscilla and I made them stay home to study for their tests. If our trip is extended, they won’t appreciate it,” Gable explained.
Priscilla kept a positive attitude. “I think this is very exciting. We’re going to meet new connections, take a train ride to Dallas, experience some nice cultural activities, and maybe add a new member to our family.”
Percy rang the doorbell. It soun
ded like a loud foghorn.
“That was really weird… and loud!” Parker remarked.
“Our Steampunk culture has some eccentric components. You’ll understand one of these days,” Savannah replied.
Remy opened the door and greeted the Nelsons. He was a tall, well-groomed man in his mid-fifties. Like many Steampunks, Remy displayed a Victorian clothing style.
“You must be the Nelsons. I now understand why everyone calls you the royal family. All of you are stunning. Come inside and make yourselves comfortable,” Remy said in a friendly tone.
They entered the estate and were impressed with the well-decorated interior. The Nelsons noticed that Remy appreciated bright colors and lights. He used traditional Steampunk metals, such as iron and brass, but his accents were much more colorful. Remy had an interesting collection of retro-futuristic furniture, artwork, and weapons. They also saw a large bookcase with a variety of Steampunk literature.
“You have a remarkable mansion, Remy. I can’t thank you enough for inviting us here. However, I must admit that we have a stowaway. This young man is Parker. He may be the son of our daughter, Reb,” Percy admitted.
Remy was open and friendly to the boy. “I’ve already heard a lot about you, Parker. The news reporters won’t stop talking about you. What brings you to Oklahoma?”
“I tried to run away from home. At the time, I thought Reb and Giles would let me live with them, but they’re sending me back to Dallas,” Parker answered and shrugged.
Remy chuckled. “I have a feeling you’ll get to move in with them when your case is settled. Just be patient.”
Savannah’s offered her right hand and the politician warmly shook it.
“My name is Savannah. I’m the woman who keeps the Nelson brood together,” Savannah commented.
Remy found her quite beautiful for a middle-aged woman. “It’s my pleasure to meet you. If you weren’t Percy’s wife, I would take the opportunity to snatch you away. My wife got a divorce several years ago. Would you prefer to be called, Queen Savannah?”
Savannah was flattered. “I could get used to it. Perhaps you’ll find true love in the future. It’s takes longer for some people.”
Remy shook Gable’s hand too. “I recognize you, Gable. You’re the type of man who gets a lot of press coverage.”
“Las Vegas is a magnet for publicity. I’m really glad to meet you, Remy,” Gable politely said.
Finally, Remy greeted Priscilla. “You must be Priscilla. I have to admit that your hats and fans are legendary. You’re definitely the frontrunner of southern-flavored Steampunk style.”
Priscilla was also flattered and she blushed. “Thank-you, Remy. You seem like a classy and charming man. It’s hard to find such people in our Post-Apocalyptic world.”
Remy lead the Nelsons to his living room where two men were standing. “I want you guys to meet two of my closest friends. This is Flynn Madden, and Claude Aurelius. Both of these men helped me get elected and they keep my head on straight when I try to be overly ambitious.”
“It’s nice to meet all of you,” Flynn said, while he waved to the Nelsons.
“Same here. Welcome to Oklahoma,” Claude agreed, and nodded to them all.
Percy was glad to see new faces. “The day keeps getting better. What should we do next, Remy?”
The politician checked the time on his pocket watch. “I wish we had time to socialize here at the estate, but we need to catch the next train. Are you ready to go?”
“Absolutely. Lead the way, Mr. Lafayette,” Savannah replied.
Remy corrected her, “Please, call me Remy. Mr. Lafayette sound too formal. My driver will take all of us in a limousine.”
As they exited the estate, Gable whispered in Remy’s ear, “I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but do you think it’s wise to cross the state line? My sister warned me about bandits.”
“We have a problem with them in Oklahoma, but I’ve never seen bandits at the train station. I know you guys encountered pirates on that ocean liner, but we won’t have that type of trouble here. Don’t worry about it, Gable. We’re going to have a lot of fun over the next few days,” Remy quietly said with confidence.
Chapter 7
Remy, his friends, Parker, and the Nelsons all waited in line at the train station.
Parker looked at Savannah. “So, I’m really going back to Dallas? This was a disappointing trip.”
Savannah placed her hand on the boy’s shoulder. “It’s going to work out. Either way, your biological parents will take excellent care of you. Your parents Arturo and Tanya are influential people. They gave you a good life. On the other hand, Reb and Giles might be your real parents. They have a very strong sense of morality and loyalty. Believe it or not, the three of you could easily become a family.”
“But Reb and Giles rejected me. It makes me feel unwanted,” Parker griped.
“They’re nervous about parenthood. Just give them a chance and I know they won’t disappoint you,” Savannah warmly said.
The group admired the train station’s design. It was a Steampunk setting, constructed from grafted metals. The train caused steam to overrun the station, but the crowd didn’t mind. Parker liked the train’s retro-futuristic design. It was an iron locomotive that was modeled after those in the old Wild West. The train had a massive smokestack, multiple cars, large wheels, plus rods and pistons that helped rotate the wheels. Like many Steampunk vessels, the train was a creation that was both modern and antiquated at the same time.
Remy and his group passed the time with conversation.
Priscilla examined her ticket. “First class; I can tell you really enjoy spoiling people.”
“A man like me can afford these luxuries. I assure you that none of my personal trips are paid for with taxpayer dollars. It’s completely legal,” Remy assured her.
“I believe you. Reb would place a bounty on your head if she suspected corruption. She didn’t shoot any warnings at me, so she must believe your character is okay,” Priscilla replied.
Remy snickered. “I wouldn’t expect anything less. Your sister-in-law is a very intimidating woman.”
Percy wanted to learn more about Flynn. “How long have you known Remy?”
“Around five years. I was his campaign manager. Getting him into office was a difficult journey, but we made it happen. Aren’t you making robots? I keep hearing about these mechanical creatures that you’re inventing,” Flynn said, turning the topic of conversation back on Percy.
Percy tried to be thorough. “All of them are prototypes. I read a lot of Steampunk literature and robots are a recurring element. Since I’m a frontrunner in computers and technology, I wanted to tinker a little bit. Right now, my robots are very small. They don’t have very impressive artificial intelligence. Right now they can respond to commands, and appear to imprint on the people who interact with them. Hopefully, we can eventually mass-produce bigger robots that can help with construction, national security, and rescue missions.”
Flynn was impressed. “That’s incredible. Keep me posted about your robots. I’m very curious about their progress.”
Gable started a conversation with Claude. “We’ve never met before. What type of career do you have?”
“I used to be Remy’s business partner before he became Oklahoma’s senator. We owned a sporting goods company. Lately, my job description has become more ambiguous. Sometimes I help him with finances. Other times I work in his publicity department,” Claude responded.
“Remy sounds like an interesting guy. Do you think he’s more flamboyant than an entertaining guy like me?” Gable curiously asked.
Claude responded, “He probably has a more flamboyant personality. However, you’re definitely a bigger showman. Your casino is almost a show by itself.”
They boarded the first class section of the train with their luggage. Remy’s group took command of the first passenger car. The entourage stowed their bags and sat comfortably in their luxurious seats.
<
br /> “This is a terrific way to travel in style,” Savannah commented.
Claude wiggled in his seat and felt the cushy chaise with his hands. “I couldn’t agree more. The seats are covered in a soft and lovely material.”
Parker sat next to Savannah. “My parents are going to be really mad when I get home.”
“Maybe I can convince them to take it easy on you,” Remy said, with a friendly demeanor.
“Good luck with that. My dad is hardcore about his Texan heritage. He’s not going to listen to someone from Oklahoma,” Parker muttered.
Savannah reassured Parker. “At least you’ll have an entertaining tale to tell them. I’m sure they’ll find it quite fascinating. You’ve showed an interesting display of survival skills during the past couple of days. Maybe your dad will appreciate it.”
Back at the ranch, Reb, Giles, Malcolm, and Beauregard struggled to get along with each other.
“Why does your timing always have to be so terrible?” Reb complained.
Malcolm shot back, “Have a dose of your own annoyance! Sometimes I get really tired of your lame restrictions and obsession with publicity! You’re always telling me what to eat, wear, and everything else!”
“That’s because you have lousy judgment!” Reb yelled.
“For the record, this trip was Malcolm’s idea!” Beauregard put in.
“Dude, it’s not cool to turn your back on me!” Malcolm snapped.
Giles tried to lower everyone’s anxiety. “Guys, stop screaming at each other! It’s been a long day for everyone. For future notice, Reb and I need to have some warning if either one of you want to visit the ranch. That sounds perfectly fair, right?”
Beauregard sheepishly agreed with him, “Yes, but we have a harder time controlling our impulses. The two of you are abnormally structured and organized people. We can’t compete with that.”
“You and Malcolm are still a work in progress. It makes a difference,” Reb bluntly said.
Malcolm sighed and tried to relax. “I can tell both of you feel stressed. It’s not going to go away if you ignore the problem.”
“What are you talking about?” Giles asked.
The Post-Apocalyptic Society: A Nelson and Hyde Revolution Page 27
