6 Tennyson

Instead of putting their daughter on the bus the next morning, Ten and Ronan drove Everly to school. Fitz and Jude were doing the same thing with Aurora and Wolf. Everyone wanted to be at the school in case there were fireworks.

Max Preston had sent Ronan a text letting him know all was well and that Aurora was welcome at school, but Ten wasn't taking any chances. Not only did he want to find out why Mrs. Robbins convicted Aurora without evidence, but wanted to see her get taken down a peg. After the kids were settled, if Ten wasn't satisfied with the resolution, he was headed straight for the principal's office. He wasn't above moving Everly out of that woman's class if this sort of behavior was going to continue and knew Jace and Cope would be right behind him in doing the same for Aurora and Wolf.

Ronan parked the SUV in the teacher's lot and when Jude and Fitzgibbon joined him, they all got out of their cars. "How's Aurora?"

Fitzgibbon shook his head. "To be honest, she's a little scared. I am too. I need to you keep me on a short leash in there. I'm so angry at what that woman did to my daughter that I might step over the line."

Ten knew Fitzgibbon was the most measured and controlled man he knew. Usually it had been Fitz holding Ronan back when he'd lost his temper or had become too emotional. "I've got you. Everything's gonna work out just fine."

"Did Everly tell you that?"

Fitz asked, looking hopeful.

Ronan shook his head. "We're dealing with an elementary school full of kids, not death row convicts."

Jace, who'd been talking to Aurora through the open back door of the vehicle shook his head, shut the door, and joined the group of fathers. "She doesn't want to get out of the SUV. I think maybe we should take her home. We can go out to lunch and watch her favorite movies. Maybe buy out a toy store."

"Hold on, Uncle Jace. I've got this."

Everly pushed through the group of men and hurried to the SUV, she opened the door and climbed into the backseat with Aurora. Moments later both girls could be heard laughing. The door popped open and Aurora climbed out. She ran to Fitz and wrapped her arms around his knees. "I'm ready to go to school, Daddy."

Fitzgibbon scooped her up. "I'm so proud of you. What changed your mind?"

Aurora giggled. "Everly told me Timmy was gonna have an accident in his pants today! I can't miss that!"

"Me either,"

Fitzgibbon agreed. Setting Aurora on her feet, he took her hand and led her toward the school's front door. Room monitors helped kids getting off the bus, while others walked them into the school.

"You have to stop here, sir,"

a woman said as Fitz tried to take Aurora inside. "Parents aren't allowed inside without permission."

Reaching into his pocket, Fitzgibbon pulled out his gold detective's badge. Ronan and Jude joined him, flashing theirs as well. "This permission enough for you?"

Without waiting for her answer, Fitz pushed ahead.

Ten had to admit he liked this version of Kevin Fitzgibbon. He was in a fuck-around-and-find-out sort of a mood and Ten was happy they were on the same side.

Max Preston stood in the lobby as if he were expecting them. "Good morning, Aurora. I'm so glad you're here with us today."

"Really?"

Aurora asked, standing tall.

Max crouched down so they would be on the same level. "Really. I had a long chat with Mrs. Robbins and she won't be in school today. I've lined up a great substitute who'll be your teacher instead. Want to guess who that is?"

"Who?"

Aurora asked.

"Me!"

Max gushed.

"You're gonna be our teacher, Mr. Max?"

Aurora's wide eyes sparkled with excitement.

"I sure am. We're gonna have a little chat about bullying this morning and then we're gonna have a great day. Before we go to class I want to tell you I'm sorry for how Mrs. Robbins treated you and your friends. I promise nothing like that will ever happen again."

"Thanks. I feel much better now. I'm ready to go learn!"

Aurora turned around and hugged Fitz. "I'll be okay, Daddy. Thanks for walking me inside the school."

"You're welcome. Have a great day."

Fitzgibbon and Jace each waved to their daughter.

"Wow, is that a real police badge?"

a small boy asked from behind Fitzgibbon.

"It sure is."

Fitz unclipped it and handed it to the little boy to hold. He marveled over it for a few seconds before handing it back.

"Anytime you guys want to come in and give a little talk, you're more than welcome," Max said.

"Thanks for everything, Max. We'll take you up on that offer if anyone else tries to bully my daughter again."

With a short laugh, Fitzgibbon headed for the door.

"Have a good day, little miss."

Ten hugged Everly. "What kind of accident is Timmy gonna have? A number one or a number two?"

Everly giggled. "Two."

"In that case, stay far away from him so you don't get splashed,"

Ronan said.

"Bye, Dad!"

Everly ran off to catch up to Max and Aurora. Wolf was right behind her.

"Crisis averted, for now?"

Ronan said.

"Yeah,"

Ten agreed. "They're all gonna be fine today. Well, all of them except Timmy."

"I can't say that I'm sorry to hear that. No one gets away with hurting my family."

Ronan offered a bright smile. "What do you think is gonna happen to Mrs. Robbins?"

"Oh, I don't think, I know."

Ten waggled his eyebrows. "She's being moved into an administrative position. Max will bring in a long-term substitute teacher until a permanent replacement can be found. Some people shouldn't work with kids."

"Agreed."

Ronan said. "Who's in the mood for pancakes? I think we deserve a treat after being such kickass parents."

"You realize you just said ‘ass' in a school full of kids?"

Ten rolled his eyes at his husband.

"I hate to break it to you, babe, but so did you!"

Ronan snorted. "Guess that means we both need a time out."

He waggled his eyebrows.

"Feed me pancakes and tell me I'm pretty."

Ten laughed and followed Ronan toward the door.

Ten was glad the situation with Aurora was resolved. He hoped whoever Max got to replace Mrs. Robbins would be someone who could lift the kids up instead of tearing them down.