Survival Under Protection - Book Two (Sequel)

15 - The matching links

"Hey, guys! I am back with another chapter, quite a big one, and hope you will like it.

And because of many requests, I am adding the current ages of the main characters again, just to provide a better view. Apologies if the view looks silly   :P

Harry's kids

Logan - 23 ; Jack - 22; John - 20 ; Twins - 19 ; Ria - 17(4 months short) ; Joe - 15 

Garry's kids

Gino - 20 ; Mark - 19

Derrick's kids

Zane - 22 ; Ried - 20 ; Evelyn - 14

RINCON (Orphanage)

"Boys and girls! I want everyone gathered here in the next 5 minutes! Hurry up!" Mr. Ortiz shouted in his usual angry tone but the added nervousness in his tone gathered everyone's attention and all 4 girls and 6 boys, all ranging from ages 7 years to 15 years, came running to the courtyard. They greatly feared Mr. Ortiz, but at the same time, they all loved and respected him.

And why shouldn't they? Unlike the other kids who had access to the best education, toys, opportunity and love from their parents, this handful of kids, who had absolutely nothing, had the shelter in this orphanage under Mr. Ortiz and he made sure to provide them with all basic needs as much as possible.

"Kids, as feared, we again will have a visit from the authorities to check on the cleanliness of this orphanage and if you want this orphanage to sustain, we will have to do all the cleaning." Mr. Ortiz said with an urgency in his words.

"Sir, they don't need to." That was Martha, the only cook in the orphanage, and dared to interrupt though she knew Mr. Ortiz hated that.

"They don't need to? Then tell me, Martha, how will we survive the audit? Our dear owner doesn't give a shit whether the orphanage runs or not, whether the kids get food and clothing or not, whether the kids get good adopting parents or not! When he started this place, I thought he did this for a good cause, looking after these orphan kids, but he just wanted hefty money, either from parents or from smugglers.

And now, we have to survive on our own, Martha. That means this place should look good to their eyes! Kids, I want everything clean... Kitchen, your rooms, this courtyard, and especially the bathrooms. I wonder if your noses have stopped working? They stink like a dead mouse!"

-"That's what I wanted to say, Mr. Ortiz, everything is done. Even the toilets are clean!"

-"Really? Did you do so? Martha, you cannot work so much all alone. You will go sick!"

-"Not me, Mr. Ortiz. Everything was done by Vena. I told her last night about the authority visit and she did the cleaning all night. The kitchen, the rooms, and all 4 washrooms!"

-"I-I can't understand this girl, Vena. Sometimes I am angry with her, sometimes I hate her and sometimes I feel, she is my favorite. Where is she by the way? And where is Rony?"

Mr. Ortiz was suddenly alert and went inside and checked the girl's room and then the boys' room and both were still missing.

But when Mr. Ortiz turned towards the library, Martha tried stopping him, but Ortiz barge in and he was shocked to see Rony hovering over Vena with his hand inside her top and kissing her roughly.

"How dare you, you sick kids!" Ortiz roared and both Rony and Vena abruptly stopped and stood up, buttoning up their shirts. Ortiz looked at Martha and she hung her head low in shame and Ortiz commanded, "You two in my office, NOW!"