Divorced! Now what?
Chapter 139

Pam POV

I was a bag of nerves as I waited for Bob and Bethany to come back. Judy seemed to push tea rather than coffee, but coffee was always the drink for most police as a thermos of tea tasted terrible when a thermos of coffee did not, or maybe it was just me. The tea was camomile, and I was not too sure about it, but I took the cup from her with thanks and took small sips all the same as the room talked about different things. Thomas held mini Bob, rubbing his back to get up some wind, as Judy had just fed him. The child was a good-looking baby. It was still tiny and slept most of the time; I was hesitant to hold him, not having much to do with children and babies in particular. I was unfamiliar with the basics of holding and burping a baby; I was happy to watch and learn. I was an only child, and my parent was long gone, lost in a plane crash, taking my aunt and uncle with them. I was at college at the time, finishing my master's in criminology so that I could join the FBI, or that is what I wanted to do after they all died and I had sorted out their possessions. I joined the FBI and took every hard job they had. I needed to forget the pain of losing my whole family, and I had not thought of having one myself until now; looking at this loving family and the time at Hanks and Kitty and how they interact with their children showed me what I was missing out on.

I met the woman, Samantha, after Kitty asked me to accompany her to visit the woman in the hospital. The Department of Child Protection Services was going to put her three young children in care, but Kitty stepped in and took the children; they are staying with her until the mother is out of the hospital. It almost broke my heart when I saw her, and I can understand why Bethany cried later over the situation. I would happily take in children like that, where the mothers need a helping hand. It comes down to Bethany and Bob. If they are willing to give me a chance, I might see if Bob is interested in having some children. I don't mean making him go through the nappies again, but maybe taking in some orphans or something. So we can help at least one or two children so they do not end up like Bret. I feel that Bret had no chance ever to have an everyday life; from a drug addict mother to a violent criminal father, they were given a bad example to live up to. The system failed them. Peter was old enough to know better and get a life, but Bret was too young, and giving him to his brother to raise when he was still a young man finding his feet would have put unnecessary hardship on Peter.

I heard that Bret met Bob through a youth group that he was a part of, and that was how he ended up at Bob's home one weekend. Bob thought he and Thomas would get along, and he most likely never dreamed that Cynthia would befriend him outside the youth group.

Then he went to the same high school as Bethany and Cynthia, and the friendship grew, but by then, Cynthia would have had her life-changing event due to the judge and then the forced marriage to Peter to keep the two of them in line, would have devastating for both of them. Peter would fly back and forth as he had moved to another country and built up the Gutter Boys.

That is part of why it took so long to piece Peter with the Gutter Boys. We all thought Peter and Bret were from our country, but they were both born overseas and came to this city for their wives.To access the complete chapters for free, visit J o b nib.com. However, she could not get off the drugs, and things went downhill when they lost the support system they had in their country. It was easy for Peter to get back into the gang, take over, and lead them.

Bob and Bethany coming down the hall took me out of my thoughts; I think the brain never stops thinking and putting things in order; well, mine doesn't; I like it all neat and tidy and all tied up with a neat bow. Bethany looked more relaxed than when she left down the hallway.

'Judy, do you want a hand-making dinner? I heard we can have steaks on the grill; the boys have volunteered to cook?' Bethany walked over to Thomas, lifted the baby from his arms, and walked away towards the kitchen, not giving me any clue as to how the meeting with her went. I looked over at Bob, and he smiled, but that was it; I still needed to figure out where I stood. I thought I would join the girls in the kitchen, but I was still determining if that was what I was supposed to do. I am new to trying to socialize, and I felt awkward and a duck out of water. Bob nodded his head towards the kitchen, and I sighed, grateful that he gave me a hint of what was expected from me.

Judy was pulling food from the freezer in the kitchen while Bethany, with the baby in my arm, was pulling food out to make salads. I looked around and was unsure what to do, so I waited for one of the ladies to tell me. Bethany looked up at me and nodded to the pantry.

'We could use some marinade for the steaks, and you should find all that is needed there.' Opening the door that Bethany indicated and stopping short, it was huge, a walk-in pantry. One side had jars and tins of assorted food; the other had sauces, herbs and spices, potatoes, and, just wow, baby food. I had never seen such a massive pantry with such an array of food. I pulled out some spices and a jar of honey and soy marinade and, hoped this was what they wanted, placed them on the table. Bethany and Judy glanced at what I put on the table and nodded. We worked as a team while Judy sorted the meat, using the microwave to defrost it and then into a marinade. Bethany gave me the task of peeling the spuds and dicing them small; my goal was to make potato salad. That should be pretty easy. I marveled as Bethany chopped salad with one hand and chatted away with Judy and me, mainly about the following sports day and that it would be at the penthouse if Judy wanted to join, but she was not worried, saying no. She was not into sports, but Nate and Thomas might come over, or just Thomas, as he wants to spend more time with Bob.

It was only briefly before Thomas entered the kitchen and took the meat, onions, and corn to the grill. We started to set out plates and cutlery on the table. The idea was to take a plate, fill it with food, and take it to the lounge. It was a casual affair; jugs of juices and water were on the table, too, and napkins.

I could hear the men laughing outside as they cooked the steaks together. After a while, Judy took the baby to change its diaper and feed him again. Then, she placed him on a blanket on the lounge room floor so we could relax and still see him, and he was part of the company.

The room was full of laughter and jokes, and sports news was on the television, but everyone needed to take more notice. I loved how they all collaborated and worked as a unit. Men at the station should watch and learn. There was no anger or fighting, and everyone seemed to gel. I was so glad I was here today to see this and be part of it; even if Bethany had said no and I had to wait, this day will never be forgotten; it is how a family and friends should work together. Nate came in a little later.

'Steaks are almost done. The guys kicked me out and said I should be the woman. I am not sure if I should be offended or not! Nate was pouting, and it was so adorable; he is an interesting guy, and I love that he is not hiding who he is. It can be confusing, though; one minute, he is all butch like men can be at times, then next, he is swinging his hips like a woman when he wants attention and is not getting enough.