“Several years ago, I recall a conversation I had with Lizzie about everything and nothing, just a conversation, but she mentioned what she called Cosmo’s project, and she said it was his, that she wasn’t involved, just the way he wasn’t involved in her activities with the sisters. She did say that after Cosmo’s mother died, his father went dark and quiet, kind of the way Myra went when our daughter Barbara died. It was his way of getting his father back among the living, giving him a reason to carry on. I don’t know if any of that is going to help us.”

“Hanging out at the hospital isn’t going to get us anywhere. Maybe you should go out to Happy Village and talk to some of the seniors, or if you’re lucky, the leader of the Cavaliers,” Abner said. “While you guys are doing that, I can see what I can hack into in regard to the Village, the gang, and Mr. Meadows himself.”

Jack looked at Harry. “You want to stay with your guys? I can take Dennis with me. Ted and Espinosa can hit the local papers and see what their colleagues are willing to part with. Reporters are a close-knit group but usually kind to one another. Fergus and Charles can hang out here or go to the hospital. How’s that all sound to you guys?”

Everyone said it worked for them. They all agreed to stay in touch and meet up back at Babylon at one o’clock for brunch in one of the main dining rooms.

Jack was about to get up to help clear the table when his cell phone vibrated. He looked down at the caller ID and was surprised to see it was Little Jack. He knew instinctively the boy had a problem and it wasn’t going to be good. He knew this because it was way too early in the morning for LJ to get in touch. He showed the caller ID to Harry, who rolled his eyes.

“What’s up, little man?” Jack said, forcing cheer he was far from feeling. He listened, then let out a huge sigh. Before he commented, he walked out of the dining room and down a hall, to where he could have some privacy.

“Whoa. Whoa. Calm down now. Let me make sure I have this right. LJ, take a deep breath. This is not the end of the world. You went to bed last night and sometime during the night someone went into your room and drew sour faces on your knees with a black magic marker that won’t wash off. Do I have that right?” Jack listened as the boy on the other end of the phone fought not to sob. “All the girls are giggling. Well, of course they are. They’re the ones who did it. It’s what kids do at summer camp, LJ. You have to suck it up and pretend it doesn’t matter. Take the high road. Yeah, I get the part about the fat knees and you have to wear shorts. Emily is waiting for you to explode, to retaliate. That’s what girls do. Now listen up, this is going to be really hard for you to do, but you have to do what I tell you. I want your promise, LJ.”