Shattered Innocence

Chapter 11

Raiden grinned at the computer, Jon's face looking back at him from the other side of the country. It had been a long day at school, meeting and talking to the counselor after another outburst in music class. Richie had been able to get Raiden's therapist on the phone...appointments made and one medication adjustment.

"Papa, when are you gonna be home? I miss you."

Richie sat next to Raiden, petting Murray and scratching behind his ears. He frowned at the sadness in his son's voice.

"In a few days, sport," Jon answered, then looked at Richie. "I talked more to Steph and she started warming to the idea of visiting Cali with the boys later in the summer...but Romeo's standing firm on Dot's side."

"I wish there was something we could do to help," Richie sighed. "You sure you don't want me to come out there? I'm sure Heather would watch Raiden."

"No...don't leave me," Raiden exclaimed and shook his head in disagreement, his eyes filled with concern and anxiety in his voice. Raiden turned his attention back to Jon. "We miss you, Papa. Where are you?"

Jon smiled and scrubbed at his face, eyes tired from too little sleep. "I miss you too, buddy. I'm in a place called the Hamptons on Long Island. But we'll see each other soon, I promise. Just have a lot to take care of."

Richie stood up and walked over to the balcony, looking out at the waves crashing against the shore and listening as Raiden asked Jon about how to give the necklace to Irina. It had been hard without Jon...climbing into a cold bed alone, dealing with Raiden's outbursts without backup.

The one today had been especially violent when one of the kids shoved Raiden off the monkeybars. Raiden, rather than telling the teacher, punched the kid in the nose. No matter how proud Richie was, Raiden still had to learn that violence solves nothing in life.

"Raiden, I'd rather you didn't take the necklace to school," Richie interrupted, walking back into the room. "It might get lost or something.

"Just tell her you got her a present. Simple," Jon told Raiden who rolled his eyes.

"Oh come on, Jonny," Richie chuckled, "You're more of a charmer than that."

"Think you can do better?" Jon asked in a daring tone. "Let's see what you still got, King of Swing."

"King of what?" Raiden popped in.

"King of Swing," Jon repeated. "Richie was the best...uh...charmer...back in our day. He used to wow all the ladies right out of their panties."

"Eww!" Raiden grimaced. "Papa J, stop!"

Richie laughed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You just wait and see, kiddo. You'll make Irina swoon. Don't worry about the panties part until you're older."

"How though?" The child asked politely.

"Compliments," Jon offered. "Women love compliments...especially when she doesn't have to fish for 'em."

"Huh?!" Raiden raised an eyebrow at the computer screen. "Did Momma love com...compliments?"

Richie chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "It's a long story, kiddo. Let's just say that your mom and I had a thing back in the day."

"Your mom knew King very well," Jon laughed at the grimace on Raiden's face. "She fell under his spell quickly."

"How? With a wand or something?" Raiden asked with all the innocence of a six-year-old.

Onscreen, Jon spat the drink out that he'd just taken a sip of. "Or something, buddy," he managed to croak out as he tried to mop up the mess he'd made. "Or something...," he repeated and smirked at Richie.