Chapter 78: The Park

The drive to the park was filled with chatter and laughter, with Jake and Alex making jokes about Jordan’s ridiculous disguise. Tyler, still getting used to his new outfit, occasionally tugged at the hem of his “Baby Boy” shirt but smiled whenever he caught Jordan rolling his eyes at the mustache.

When they finally pulled into the parking lot, the boys eagerly unbuckled—except for Tyler, who had to wait for Jordan to help him out of his car seat. He huffed but didn’t protest as Jordan lifted him down.

The park was lively, with kids running around the playground, parents chatting on the benches, and a few people walking dogs on the trails. Mrs. Faulkner and Miss Harper found a picnic table under the shade while Jordan led the boys toward the playground.

Tyler’s eyes lit up as he spotted the swings. “Jordan, push me?” he asked, a little shyness in his voice.

Jordan smirked. “Sure, squirt. But only if you say it in your special voice.”

Tyler’s face turned red, but he hesitated only a moment before his mouth betrayed him again. “Jordy, push meeee!” he squeaked in his uncontrollable baby voice.

Jake and Alex giggled, running off toward the slide while Jordan lifted Tyler onto the swing. “Alright, hold on tight,” he said, giving him a push.

As Tyler soared forward, the wind rushing past his face, he felt an unfamiliar feeling—contentment. For the first time since all of this had started, he wasn’t completely fighting it. He laughed as Jordan pushed him higher, letting himself enjoy the moment.

Meanwhile, Miss Harper and Mrs. Faulkner kept a watchful eye on the boys, their conversation quiet but relaxed.

“They’re really starting to settle into this,” Miss Harper mused, watching as Alex and Jake took turns on the slide.

Mrs. Faulkner nodded. “Even Tyler. He’s still resisting in little ways, but you can see it happening.”

Miss Harper smirked. “And Jordan?”

Mrs. Faulkner chuckled. “He’s playing along more than I expected. But I think he’s realizing he enjoys taking care of them.”

Back at the swings, Tyler let out a happy squeal as Jordan gave him an extra big push. "Higher, Jordy! Higher!"

Jordan chuckled. “Alright, but if you fly off, I’m not catching you!”

Tyler just laughed, letting himself be a kid—at least for now.

After a while, Tyler finally had enough of the swings, so Jordan lifted him down and ruffled his hair. “Alright, squirt, what’s next?”

Tyler looked around, scanning the playground. His eyes landed on the jungle gym, but before he could say anything, Jake and Alex ran over, both grinning.

“Tag!” Jake shouted, tapping Tyler’s shoulder before taking off.

Tyler gasped and looked at Jordan. “Jordy, help me!”

Jordan smirked, crossing his arms. “Nah, this is your battle, little man. You gotta tag ‘em yourself.”

Tyler pouted but quickly turned and started chasing after his friends, his legs pumping as fast as they could. Jake and Alex weaved through the playground, laughing as they dodged Tyler’s attempts to catch them.

Mrs. Faulkner and Miss Harper watched from the picnic table, sipping their iced coffees. “They’re really having fun,” Mrs. Faulkner noted.

Miss Harper smiled. “Yeah, even Tyler’s letting loose.”

At that moment, Tyler finally managed to tag Jake, giggling triumphantly before turning to run. Jake wasted no time chasing after him. As they ran, Tyler suddenly tripped, landing on the soft rubber ground.

Jordan was on him in an instant. “You alright, squirt?”

Tyler blinked, looking up at Jordan before nodding. “Yeah… but now Jordy’s it!”

Jordan’s eyes widened just as Jake and Alex both tapped him. “Yeah! Jordy’s it!” they chanted.

“Oh, you little punks,” Jordan growled playfully before taking off after them.

The game of tag continued for a while, laughter filling the air. Tyler, caught up in the excitement, didn’t even realize how much fun he was having until he was lying in the grass, out of breath and giggling.

Just as things started to settle down, Mrs. Faulkner stood and clapped her hands. “Alright, boys! Snack time!”

The three kids ran over excitedly, and Jordan trailed behind them, pretending to be exhausted. “Phew, I don’t know how you guys have this much energy.”

Miss Harper smirked. “You’re getting old, Jordan.”

Jordan scoffed. “Please. I’m in my prime.”

Mrs. Faulkner pulled out a small cooler and handed out juice boxes and snack pouches, giving each of the boys their own. Jordan was about to grab a bottle of water, but she smirked and handed him a juice box instead.

He raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

She shrugged. “You’re taking care of a baby, so you get the full experience.”

Jordan sighed dramatically but took the juice box, making a show of stabbing the straw into the foil top. Tyler giggled. “Jordy has a juice box!”

Jordan shot him a playful glare. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, squirt.”

The group sat together, enjoying their snacks in the warm afternoon sun. It was peaceful, a rare moment where everything felt normal. Even Tyler, who had been resisting his toddler treatment so much, seemed at ease.

But just as they were finishing up, Miss Harper’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and frowned.

Mrs. Faulkner noticed. “What is it?”

Miss Harper hesitated for a moment before looking up. “I think we might have a problem.”

Miss Harper's grip tightened around her phone as she listened to Detective Singer on the other end. Jordan and Mrs. Faulkner exchanged a glance, sensing the tension in her expression.

“Are you sure?” she asked, her voice low.

“Yeah,” Singer sighed. “Miller’s at it again. I caught him talking to another officer, claiming you stole money from him and lied about the tire slashing. He’s trying to flip the whole situation on you.”

Miss Harper clenched her jaw. “And the diner footage?”

Singer hesitated. “Not good. I spoke with the owner, but he admitted the cameras are just for show. Said he wasn’t about to drop fifteen grand a year on security.”

Miss Harper exhaled sharply, rubbing her temple. “So, it’s his word against mine now.”

Jordan frowned. “That’s bull. We know he did it.”

Mrs. Faulkner placed a calming hand on Miss Harper’s shoulder. “What are our options?”

Singer sighed again. “I’ll do what I can to poke holes in his story, but without evidence, it’s tough. You should be prepared for him to try something else.”

Miss Harper glanced toward the boys. They were still happily sipping on their juice boxes, oblivious to the storm brewing around them. She didn’t want them to worry.

“Alright,” she said finally. “Thanks for the heads-up.”

“Keep your guard up,” Singer warned. “I’ll check in later.”

She ended the call and looked at Mrs. Faulkner and Jordan. “This isn’t over.”

Jordan crossed his arms. “It never is with that guy.”

Mrs. Faulkner nodded, deep in thought. “Then we’ll just have to stay a step ahead.”

Miss Harper took a steadying breath, pushing down her frustration. “For now, let’s not ruin the boys’ day. But we should talk tonight about our next move.”

Jordan nodded, but his jaw was set. He didn’t like the idea of waiting for Miller to make his next move.

For now, though, they had to act normal. The boys had no idea what was going on—and that was exactly how they wanted to keep it.

“Alright, boys,” Mrs. Faulkner called with a smile. “Who’s ready for the slide?”

Jake and Alex cheered, and even Tyler giggled, momentarily distracted from the serious expressions of the adults.

The storm was coming—but for now, they had a little more time.

The park was full of laughter as the boys ran from one playground structure to another. Jake and Alex were climbing the jungle gym, while Tyler was happily toddling behind Jordan, holding onto his hand as they made their way toward the swings.

Everything seemed normal—until Tyler suddenly stopped dead in his tracks.

Jordan, who had been glancing toward Jake and Alex, turned back to see Tyler frozen in place, a strange expression on his face.

“Hey, squirt, what’s—” Jordan started to ask, but then he saw it.

Tyler’s knees bent slightly, his body tensed, and his face scrunched up. A quiet grunt escaped him as he pushed.

Jordan’s eyes widened in realization. “Oh.”

Tyler remained still for a few moments, concentrating as he filled his diaper right there in the middle of the playground. His face turned pink—not just from effort, but from embarrassment as he became aware of what was happening.

Miss Harper, who had been watching from a nearby bench, immediately noticed and nudged Mrs. Faulkner. “Looks like someone needs a change.”

Jordan, trying to act casual, leaned down slightly. “Uh… you good, buddy?”

Tyler’s face was still red as he looked up at Jordan, clearly embarrassed. He hesitated before nodding, though he shifted uncomfortably, now fully aware of the sagging bulk between his legs.

Jordan glanced at Tyler, who fidgeted, clearly torn between continuing to play and wanting out of his messy situation.

Tyler groaned, burying his face in Jordan’s side. “Jordy…”

Jordan laughed, ruffling his hair. “Relax, kid. Happens to the best of us.”

Jake and Alex ran up to Jordan, their faces lit with excitement. “Jordan, come push us on the swings!” Jake called, bouncing on his feet.

Before Jordan could answer, Miss Harper walked over, placing a gentle hand on their shoulders. “I’ll push you boys. Jordan has to take care of Tyler real quick.”

Jordan gave her a grateful nod before looking down at Tyler, who was still standing awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable in his sagging diaper. “Alright, squirt, let’s get you cleaned up.”

Tyler pouted but nodded, letting Jordan take his hand as they made their way toward the park’s public restroom. The air inside was cool and smelled faintly of disinfectant. Jordan led Tyler toward the changing station but suddenly realized something—he had to go too.

He sighed, glancing down at Tyler. “Alright, bud, you wait right here. I’ll change you after I go.”

Tyler nodded, rocking on his feet. “Okay, Jordy. I stay stay.”

Jordan gave him a quick pat on the head before stepping into a stall and locking the door behind him. As he did, he didn’t notice the soft click of the bathroom door shutting.

Frank Miller had just walked in.

His eyes flickered around the room, and then he spotted Tyler’s reflection in the grimy mirror above the sinks. A slow smirk spread across his face as he carefully reached back and slid the door’s deadbolt into place, locking them inside.

“Looks like I finally found you,” he muttered under his breath, taking a slow step forward.

Tyler’s breath hitched as he saw Frank’s reflection moving toward him. Panic surged in his chest, and his instincts kicked in.

“JORDY!” he screamed.

From inside the stall, Jordan, still mid-process, groaned. “One sec, bud—”

“HURRY, IT’S HIM!”

Jordan’s entire body tensed. He immediately shot up, pushing at the stall door—only to find it wouldn’t budge.

“What the—?” He shoved harder, but the door barely moved. A weight was pressing against it.

Outside, Frank grinned as he kept his boot planted firmly against the bottom of the door. “No rush, kid. I just want a little chat with your friend here.”

Jordan’s blood ran cold. He slammed his fist against the door. “You stay away from him, you sick freak!”

Tyler stumbled back, pressing himself against the tiled wall as Frank loomed closer. His little hands clenched into fists, his whole body shaking.

Jordan gritted his teeth, shoving against the stall door with all his strength, but Frank’s weight kept it firmly shut. Panic flared in his chest as he heard Tyler’s frightened breathing just outside.

“Let Jordy out!” Tyler suddenly shouted, his small voice shaking but determined.

Before Frank could react, Tyler balled up his tiny fists and swung.

His knuckles connected hard right between Frank’s legs.

Frank’s eyes went wide. A strangled gasp escaped his lips as he crumpled forward, his hands instinctively grabbing at his injured groin. “You little—!” he wheezed, staggering to his knees.

That was all Jordan needed.

With one final shove, he forced the stall door open, slamming it into Frank’s side and sending him toppling over onto the cold tile. Jordan barely had time to process what had just happened before he grabbed Tyler’s hand.

“RUN!”

Tyler didn’t hesitate. The two of them bolted toward the exit, Jordan’s heart pounding like a drum in his chest.

BANG BANG BANG!

“PARK SECURITY! OPEN UP!”

Jordan skidded to a stop just as he reached the door, fumbling to unlock it with shaking hands. He yanked it open, nearly stumbling as he rushed out with Tyler right behind him.

Miss Harper and Mrs. Faulkner were already there, their faces full of panic.

“TYLER!” Miss Harper gasped, immediately pulling him into a tight hug.

Mrs. Faulkner’s eyes darted to Jordan, scanning him for injuries. “Are you alright?”

Jordan nodded breathlessly, then jerked his thumb toward the restroom. “Frank’s in there. Tyler—he—”

Before he could finish, two security guards rushed past them into the bathroom.

Miss Harper cupped Tyler’s face, her eyes filled with worry. “Are you okay?”

Tyler, still catching his breath, nodded. Then, a small, proud smirk crept onto his lips.

“I punched him in the balls.”

Everyone went silent.

Then Jordan let out a bark of laughter, shaking his head. “Yeah, you did. Dropped him like a sack of potatoes.”

Miss Harper blinked in shock before sighing, pressing a kiss to Tyler’s forehead. “You are so your mother’s child.”

Mrs. Faulkner turned toward the security officers. “Please tell me you’re arresting that man.”

One of them emerged from the bathroom a moment later, shaking his head. “He’s gone. Slipped out through the back.”

Jordan cursed under his breath.

Miss Harper’s grip tightened around Tyler. “We need to get out of here. Now.”

Mrs. Faulkner nodded, already pulling out her phone. “I’m calling Singer.”

Jordan exhaled, glancing down at Tyler. Despite everything, the little guy looked oddly proud of himself. Jordan ruffled his hair with a small smirk.

“Remind me never to make you mad, squirt.”

Tyler giggled, hugging Jordan’s arm. “Okay, Jordy.”

But despite the lighthearted moment, a dark feeling settled in Jordan’s gut.

Frank wasn’t done. And this was far from over.

As miss harper called singer they gathered the boys Tyler still in his messy diaper

singer awnsered what happened

Miss Harper held the phone tight to her ear as she slid into the passenger seat, her voice sharp with frustration. “It was Frank. Again.”

Jordan glanced in the rearview mirror, checking on the boys. Tyler was strapped into his car seat, shifting uncomfortably as his messy diaper squished beneath him, but he stayed quiet. Jordan had whispered to him earlier, "I’ll change you when we get home," and Tyler had simply nodded, trusting him completely.

“Tell me everything,” Singer’s voice came through the speaker, calm but edged with urgency.

Miss Harper relayed the incident in a rushed but clear explanation—how Frank had locked the bathroom door, how he had approached Tyler, how Tyler had punched him and bought enough time for Jordan to force his way out. She left nothing out.

There was a pause on the other end before Singer let out a slow breath. “Damn. This guy doesn’t know when to quit.” His voice hardened. “That’s it. I’m putting out a warrant for his arrest.”

Mrs. Faulkner, hands tight on the wheel, nodded grimly. “Good. He’s dangerous, and now he’s desperate. That makes him even worse.”

Singer agreed. “I’ll call in some favors and see if we can track him down before he pulls anything else. In the meantime, don’t go anywhere alone. Keep those doors locked.”

Miss Harper sighed, rubbing her temple. “We will. Just… make sure they get him this time.”

“I’ll do my best,” Singer promised. “I’ll update you as soon as I know more.”

With that, the call ended, leaving a heavy silence in the car.

Jake and Alex, who had been uncharacteristically quiet during the call, finally spoke up.

“Tyler really punched him?” Jake asked, a mix of awe and disbelief in his voice.

Tyler, cheeks pink, nodded. “Uh-huh.”

Alex grinned. “Dude, that’s awesome.”

Jordan smirked. “Told you guys he’s tougher than he looks.”

Tyler beamed a little at the praise, though he was still clearly uncomfortable in his diaper. Jordan reached back and gave his knee a reassuring squeeze. “Almost home, squirt.”

Tyler nodded. “Okay, Jordy.”

Mrs. Faulkner drove faster than usual, her mind clearly focused on getting them home safely. As they pulled into the driveway, Miss Harper turned back to the boys.

“Alright, inside, now.”

No one argued.

Jordan unbuckled Tyler from his car seat and carried him inside, careful not to worsen his discomfort. As soon as they were safely behind locked doors, Mrs. Faulkner double-checked every window and entrance.

Miss Harper sighed. “We need to be ready. Frank’s desperate. He’ll come back.”

Jordan nodded grimly as he carried Tyler upstairs to get him changed. This wasn’t over.

Not yet.

After changing Tyler Jordan brings him downstairs to see everyone else the boys in the play pen, Mrs faulkner and miss harper on the couch...

Jordan places Tyler in the play pen and says ok this frank guy is starting to crop me out 3 for 3 encounters all in bathrooms with me and tyler

Mrs. Faulkner sighed, rubbing her temples. "I know, Jordan. It’s not a coincidence anymore."

Miss Harper crossed her arms. "He's targeting Tyler specifically. The first time at the diner could’ve been chance, but after today? It’s clear."

Jake and Alex, sitting inside the playpen with Tyler, looked between the adults, their expressions serious. Tyler, now freshly changed, clung to his stuffed bunny, his face scrunched in thought.

Jordan exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "It's creeping me out. Three encounters. All in bathrooms. All when I'm with Tyler."

Miss Harper nodded. "And this time, he locked the door behind him. He was planning something."

Tyler shivered a little at the thought. Jordan noticed and sat down beside the playpen, offering a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, squirt. I'm not letting that creep near you again."

Tyler looked up, eyes big. "Promise?"

Jordan ruffled his hair. "Promise."

Mrs. Faulkner stood. "We’re not taking chances. From now on, no one goes anywhere alone. Not even to the bathroom. If Frank is this desperate, he's bound to slip up—and when he does, Singer will nail him."

Miss Harper nodded. "Until then, we stay together. Always."

The boys all nodded, understanding the weight of the situation. Jordan, though still unnerved, clenched his jaw. If Frank came after Tyler again… he wouldn’t get the chance to walk away next time.

Unknown to them when frank had run earlier it was only to his car... he followed them a few car links behind so he wasn't noticed

As the family settled back into their home, unaware of the lurking danger, Frank was out there, watching. Sitting in his car a few houses down, he kept his distance, staying just out of sight. His fingers tapped against the steering wheel impatiently.

"They think they’ve won," he muttered to himself, watching the lights in the Faulkners' home flicker on. "They think they can just brush me off."

He reached into his glove compartment, pulling out a cheap prepaid phone. Flipping it open, he dialed a number and waited.

A gruff voice answered. "Yeah?"

"It's me. I need some information on a family. The Faulkners," Frank said, keeping his voice low. "And I need it now."

There was a pause on the other end before the man chuckled. "Gonna cost you."

Frank smirked. "Money ain't a problem. Just get me what I need."

Hanging up, he leaned back in his seat, eyes narrowing at the house. They can hide behind their walls, but they can’t hide forever.

Hrs had gone by Jordan made dinner being careful not to injure his hand further as he made meatloaf and potatoes forgetting he still had the fake mustache on

As Jordan set the plates on the table, Mrs. Faulkner walked in from the living room, pausing mid-step when she saw him. She pressed her lips together, trying to stifle a laugh.

"Uh, Jordan?" she said, folding her arms.

"Yeah?" He looked up from mashing the last bit of potatoes, completely unaware.

Miss Harper smirked, biting her lip. "You do realize you're still wearing that ridiculous mustache, right?"

Jordan blinked. He reached up, touching his face, and then groaned. "Oh, come on! I forgot about that thing!" He ripped it off in frustration, making Jake and Alex burst into laughter.

"You should've kept it on, Jordy!" Alex giggled. "Chef Mustache!"

"Yeah, you looked like one of those fancy cooks on TV," Jake added, grinning.

Tyler, already seated at the table, wiggled excitedly in his chair. "Jordy make food!" he said in his uncontrollable baby voice, clapping his hands together.

Jordan rolled his eyes but couldn’t help chuckling. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, you little punks. Now eat before it gets cold."

Mrs. Faulkner smiled warmly as she helped portion out the boys' plates, while Miss Harper took her seat. As they began eating, for the first time that day, everything felt normal.

But outside, parked just out of sight, Frank was still watching. Waiting. Planning.

Jordan cuts tylers food and fed him bite after bite Mrs faulkner feeding the other boys... miss harper takes another bite of her meatloaf and potatoes and notices a lot of rich flavors she's never had in her meatloaf she asks Jordan what he put in it

Jordan smirked as he scooped up another bite for Tyler. "Ah, now that is a secret," he teased.

Miss Harper raised an eyebrow. "Oh, come on, Jordan. This is seriously the best meatloaf I’ve ever had. Spill it."

Mrs. Faulkner chuckled as she wiped Jake’s mouth. "I have to admit, it is really good. What’s your trick?"

Jordan shrugged, feeding Tyler another bite before finally answering. "Alright, fine. I mixed in some Worcestershire sauce, a little bit of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and just a pinch of smoked paprika. Gives it that deep, rich flavor."

Miss Harper’s eyes widened. "No wonder! I would have never thought of that."

Jake, who had been quietly eating, suddenly piped up. "Jordy should be a chef!"

Alex nodded eagerly. "Yeah! You make the best food!"

Jordan smirked. "Well, I am pretty awesome."

Tyler, his mouth full, mumbled something in his baby voice that sounded like "Jordy food good!"

Everyone chuckled at that, and for a moment, things felt peaceful. But outside, Frank still sat in his car, gripping the steering wheel, his patience wearing thin.

That's when franks contact called him he said I got your information he tells frank a single mother with one son age 15 name Jake, just this year she adopted his best friend Alex sterling now Alex Faulkner age 15, they also recently added a live in nanny not much on her 29 yrs old alias miss harper.... frank says and the other 2... the guy says I got nothing on any more occupants of that household

Frank gritted his teeth, gripping his phone tighter. “Nothing? What do you mean nothing?”

The man on the other end sighed. “I’m telling you, that’s all I could dig up. The house is registered to Mrs. Faulkner, and those two boys are the only documented kids under her care. The nanny’s got an alias, so I couldn’t pull much on her without more time. But as for any other occupants? There’s no record of them.”

Frank exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. So, who the hell are those other two boys? He had seen them with his own eyes. The one named Tyler and the older one—Jordan. They weren’t just some random neighborhood kids. They lived there.

“You want me to keep digging?” the contact asked.

Frank thought for a moment, then smirked. “Nah. I’ll handle it myself.”

He hung up and leaned back in his seat, staring at the Faulkner house. If those two weren’t supposed to be there, that meant one of two things—either they were hiding something, or they were hiding from something. Either way, Frank was going to find out.

Inside the house, completely unaware of the growing threat outside, Jordan finished feeding Tyler and ruffled his hair. “Alright, squirt, you’re all set.”

Tyler yawned, his eyes heavy. Mrs. Faulkner noticed and smiled. “Looks like it’s bedtime for all of you.”

Miss Harper stood up, stretching. “I’ll take them up. Jordan, you’ve been on your feet enough today.”

Jordan waved her off. “I got Tyler.”

As they started leading the boys upstairs, Frank tapped his fingers on his steering wheel, his smirk widening.

Enjoy your night, Faulkners. This isn’t over.