Vengeance Is Mine

by Pepper

Sequel to 'The Club'

I want to thank my beta for all of her help.

Main Characters: Fox Skinner, Walter Skinner, Jr., Walter and Rachel Skinner, Sr., Chip Walker, John and Mary Walker, Carl Johnson and Mike and Ted Johnson.

* * * * * * * * * *

"I'm going to get that little wimp for all of the pain he's caused you and me to feel in the last 2 weeks," vowed Mike as he was talking with his brother Ted. They had just finished the two-week Punishment Tour and they were still too sore to sit comfortably. Their Dad had reheated their bottoms several times over the two-week period and they were out for revenge against the one they blamed, Fox Skinner.

Chip and Fox had just completed their week Punishment Tour as well. It had taken them about a week to get over the Wildcat's Initiation. Their Punishment Tour had started the second week. They had gone back and forth between the Walker's house and the Skinner's place doing odd jobs. Their grandfathers kept them busy and the boys worked hard knowing that it could have been much worse.

The day after the Punishment Tour ended Fox's Uncle Joe showed up with an idea to introduce both Fox and Chip to a hobby he hoped would help them stay out of trouble. Their first project would also serve as an apology to their grandparents.

"Hi kids," Joe called out to Fox and Chip as he found them just lounging on the front porch, "want to come with me to town? I have something to discuss with you and then we need to buy some things to go along with the discussion." The boys looked at each other and ran to get into the truck with Joe. They had just spent a whole week working for their grandfathers and any excuse to leave was welcomed.

"Where are we going Uncle Joe?" quizzed Fox.

"All in good time Fox, first we need to talk. Now I want to introduce you to a hobby that I hope you might enjoy. It's called Wood Working and your first project will be a picture frame for your grandparents. Are you interested?"

"YES," shouted both boys. "Will you help us?"

"Oh, yes, just try starting without me. Now, to answer your earlier question Fox, we are going into Danville to a hobby shop I use all of the time. I'm going to purchase a deluxe wood burning kit, to be used in decorating the frames."

The rest of the journey into town was taken up with Uncle Joe explaining his hobby to the boys. He concluded it with, "and I had better not find either of you using the wood burning instrument without an adult present. If I do your bottoms will be burning soon. Do you understand?"

"Oh, but Uncle Joe what if we want to play and you aren't around? Can't we use it if we are very careful?" Fox asked hopefully.

"Fox, if I ever catch either of you using the tools without me or your Gran I will be spanking two bottoms. Now do you want to really do wood working project showing off the reddest bottoms ever?"

Fox hastily shook his head and said, "Never mind, we will wait for you or Gran to be around, won't we Chip?" Chip echoed his promise as well. They shuddered as they imagine themselves both working on their projects with their red bottoms on display.

Soon they were in the shop and picking up the wood burning kit. While they were at it, Joe picked up everything else they needed. Soon they were back on the road and heading home. As they past the hamburger stand Joe bought the boys and himself a chocolate shake. They took their time getting back. It was a quiet trip as they all enjoyed their shakes.

Joe led them to the woodshed where they would be doing their projects. As soon as the boys entered they noticed the Persuader hanging there. Joe turned and saw them looking at his father's strap and had to laugh at the expression on their faces. He guessed what they must be thinking and surprised them by answering their unspoken question. "Yes, it hurts. It leaves a burning stripe on your backside which stings for some time afterwards. Trust me boys you do not want to be on the receiving side of it. Now lets get to work, shall we?"

The boys followed him further but before he could start Chip just had to ask, "Uncle Joe, how did you know what I was thinking when I saw the strap?"

"Yeah, Uncle Joe how did you know?" echoed Fox.

"Boys, do you really believe that you are the only ones to have those thoughts when viewing the 'Persuader'? We all had them when Dad first introduced it to us. The first thing he did when we turned 13 was to take us in here and say, 'Now, that you are a teenager you're old enough to experience the Persuader when you misbehave'. He would take down the strap and let us feel it. We all wondered what it would feel like when applied to our bare bottoms and we too shuddered at the thought."

Joe then said, "Now lets move on to happier thoughts and the art of wood working," and began to show them how to form the pieces of wood into frames. After that was done Joe showed them how to sand them smooth and he turned the boys loose with wood burning tools.

The deluxe kit had two wood burning pens as well as a multitude of designs that could be used in burning designs into the wood. Fox drew a design in pencil on the top half of his frame. It was of a boy and dog. Just the outline of the figures but they could easily be discerned as a boy and dog. On the bottom half he penciled in "To my Gram and Gran" and "I Love You, Fox." He also picked some of the designs to decorate around the frame.

Chip picked designs dealing with fishing and drew in pencil a pond, with what looked like two figures fishing. He picked fish designs to go around the frame. Once the boys were ready Joe showed them how to use the wood burning tools and stood back and let them do their own work. He kept a close eye on them to be sure that all that was burnt was the wood.

Once Fox finished he showed his frame to his Uncle who praised him by saying, "Fox I didn't know you were such a good artist. Your Gram and Gran are really going to love this and afterwards, if you like, you can do another one for your Dad. Let me now show you how to stain and varnish them." He showed Fox the wood stain he had and told him, "Now if you want it to be a light stain, wipe it off as soon as you can, and if you want it to be darker let the stain stay on longer. Now do you think you can handle this while I go and see to Chip?" Fox nodded and eagerly accepted the rag and wood stain and set about to stain his frame. He had wanted his frame to not be too dark and worked quickly.

Joe saw that Fox could handle himself and went to show Chip how do the same. He always liked to give individual instructions as much as possible. Chip's frame was a bit more rustic than Fox's but no less attractive. He heavily praised Chip as well. In turn Joe gave him the same instruction as he had Fox and Chip eagerly grabbed the cloth and wood stain and decided he wanted his a bit darker than Fox's.

Once they were pleased with the right color the frames were varnished and put aside to dry.

While the frames were drying Joe brought out the pictures he and Walter had taken of the boys during the fishing trip and spread them out for the boys to choose from. "Kids, what is a frame without a picture to put in it? While I go and get the glass to go in your frames I want you to pick the picture you want to put in your frames."

The boys picked the photograph they. "While you're at it go ahead and pick another one for your second frame. The one you are going to make for your Dad, Fox and the one you are going to make for your parents, Chip," instructed Joe.

When all was finished Joe showed them how to put up their tools and clean the area. Only when the work place was in order did he send the boys out to play. By tomorrow all would be ready for the boys to give their apologies to their grandparents. He would see if his Mom could be persuaded to have the Walkers over for supper Tuesday night as sort of ceremony for the apologies and presents. He turned to go and ask. After a few minutes explaining without giving too much away he was able to achieve his request and a hamburger supper was planned.

Tuesday started with the Skinners going into town for supplies for their hamburger feast. Mary Walker had insisted that she would make the potato salad and slaw, so all the Skinners needed to get were the hamburger meat and buns. Rachel also wanted to get some more ice cream to go with the brownies she was planning on fixing that afternoon. They would drop Fox off at the public library. They had asked Chip to come along but he was fishing with his grandfather and had declined.

Yoda was left at home and watched as his boy left in the truck. After dropping Fox at the library with the instructions to "behave" they went on to the grocery store for what they needed.

Fox greeted the staff and went up to the children's department to pick out books. His Gram told him not to get anymore than 10 this time. As he wandered through the shelves a title caught his eye. The book was called "Soup" and he noticed there were several next to it with Soup in the title. Looking closer he saw they were all by the same author, Robert N. Peck. He picked up Soup and began to skim. It didn't take him long before he was chuckling to himself. He picked up the next two, Soup and Me, and Soup's Uncle and moved on. He noted there were a lot of Soup books left and he would get more the next time. Then he saw Hatchet by a Gary Paulsen. It was a survival story and he grabbed it as well. He moved on to his beloved Hardy Boys mysteries and picked up 6 of them. Once he had his total he went to check out and then found himself a comfortable chair so he could read while waiting for this Gran to pick him up. He was enjoying his book so much that he laughed out loud so many times that finally he was asked to leave. He moved out to the bench under the tree next to the library to wait. He became so engrossed in what he was reading that he jumped when the truck horn tooted and he looked up into the smiling face of his grandfather.

He hurried to the truck. "Fox why weren't you waiting inside where it's cooler?" asked his Gram. "I wasn't hot outside Gram," answered Fox trying not to tell them that he had been asked to leave.

"Fox, answer your Grandmother," instructed his Gran sternly.

Fox hung his head and whispered, "They asked me to leave, Gram."

"Why, dear?"

"I was laughing so much that they thought it would be quieter if I left," answered Fox "Are you going to spank me for misbehaving?" He asked worriedly.

"It depends, why were you laughing?" demanded Walter.

"It was the book; it was so funny, I couldn't help myself. I wasn't doing it on purpose, it just popped out," answered Fox.

"No, you aren't going to be spanked," answered Gran. "Now do you want a milk shake?"

"Yes, can we get it at the Burger Place. They make them so thick and chocolaty," cried Fox.

"We're there," answered Walter as he drove into the parking lot. He turned to his wife and asked, "Do you want your regular...a vanilla shake?" Rachel nodded as Walter and Fox jumped out.

The trip back home was quiet; Fox was too busy slurping his milk shake to talk. He finished it by the time they pulled into the drive. He jumped out, helped his grandparents in with the groceries, he grabbed his books and went up to his room. He wanted to reread the part about slinging apples. That sounded like fun and he wanted to get the directions down.

"Fox, come on down for lunch," called Rachel.

"I'm not hungry, Gram," Fox called back down. Rachel turned to Walter and said, "I knew that milkshake would spoil his lunch. Oh well, I guess he'll come down when he gets hungry. I wonder what he is reading that has him so engrossed."

It was mid afternoon that Fox came down and asked if he could have an apple. Rachel said yes, and Fox looked the apples over before picking the smallest. "Thanks, Gram," he called out as he left the kitchen. He ran off to find a springy stick to see if he could sling apples like the book said.

While Fox was looking for the right stick, Joe Skinner came by to help his dad get ready for the Hamburger feast that night. He cleaned and set-up the grill. He figured to light the coals soon so the coals would be ready to start cooking the burgers. He was starting to get hungry just thinking about his mom's special hamburger recipe. He knew that Mary Walker would be bringing the slaw and potato salad and next to his mom's hers were the best.

Joe was so intent on what he was doing that when he heard a crash and the tinkle of glass he jumped nearly upsetting the grill. He ran to where the sound had come from. He stopped as he stared at the hole in his passenger window. He walked closer and discovered a small apple inside the car with glass all around. Puzzled he picked the apple up and showed it to his parents as they came out to see what had happened.

"An apple broke my window, " was all that Joe said.

"An apple?" repeated Walter.

"An apple," remarked Rachel as she remembered who had just left with an apple a few minutes before. "Fox left with an apple a few minutes ago, but why would he bust your window. There has got to be another explanation."

"FOX WILLIAM SKINNER, GET YOURSELF HOME IMMEDIATELY," Walter called out in a loud voice.

Fox was headed in that direction when he heard his whole name called and knew he was in trouble. When he came in view he was still carrying the stick, the apple had come in this direction. He saw the broken window and knew where it had gone.

He presented himself to his grandfather and said, "You yelled?"

"Fox, I have a question for you? Did you break your uncle's car window?"

Fox looked at his Gran's face as well as that of his uncle and Gram. Seeing sympathy only on his grandmother's face, he moved to her side before answering. "Yes, sir; but it was an accident." He immediately hid behind his Gram, waiting for the explosion to come.

"Fox, just out of curiosity, how did you do it?" asked a confused Joe.

Fox looked around his Gram's side and answered, "I was reading a book called Soup and in it the two boys were whipping apples and it sounded so neat that I wanted to try it out for myself."

"Fox, how do you whip apples? Explain it carefully, your bottom's at risk," Walter commented.

"Uh, you take a small green apple. We didn't have any green ones, but I took the smallest we had. Then you find a stick with a lot of spring to it and push the apple on the top of the stick but don't push the apple all the way through. Then you whip your arm back and forth and the apple leaves the stick and flies. I'm sorry Uncle Joe, I didn't know it would go that far or cause that much damage." Turning towards his grandfather he pleaded, "Please don't spank me," tearing up a bit.

Walter turned to his son and asked, "Well, what do you think? Should I spank him or not? It was definitely an accident. You know Fox wouldn't do it on purpose, not after what happened the last time he broke a window."

Joe looked at the tearful eyes of his nephew and suddenly smiled. He knelt on the ground and opened his arms and said, "Come here you little scamp." Fox ran to his uncle and threw himself in his arms and hugged him tightly. All was forgiven. "Go wipe your eyes, we have a supper to prepare. Just do me a favor and don't whip anymore apples...ever?"

Before Fox could answer his grandfather also said, "Fox, just a reminder. If we find out that you're still whipping apples; apples won't be the only things that gets a whipping. Do you understand me, boy?"

"Yes, sir. I'll remember. Can I go now?" Walter nodded and Fox ran off to do as his uncle suggested.

He returned to his room and picked the book back up and reread the apple incident again and said to himself, "I'll just have to be more careful the next time. This is too much fun to stop." He returned to his bed to finish reading the book. He wanted to finish so he could lend the book to Chip. He knew he would just love it. They would practice with the apples over at Chip's in the morning.

Around 5, Joe came up to get his nephew. He knocked on Fox's door, "Fox, can I come in?" At Fox's nod, Joe came in and said, "Chip and his grandparents are here. Come on downstairs so you and Chip can give your presents to your grandparents." Fox nodded again and picked up the book as he was leaving. He had finished the book and was reading the second one he had picked up today, Soup and Me. It was just as funny as the first.

Fox and Yoda came down the stairs. When he saw Chip he ran up and extended the book, "Chip you have got to read this. It is so funny. Be sure to read Chapter 2. We can practice with it at your house tomorrow morning. Chapter 4 is interesting, too."

Uncle Joe came up then and herded the boys with him. Chip dropped the book in his grandfather's truck on the way and followed Joe and Fox. When they were out of their grandparents' sight, he gave Fox and Chip their frames.

"Wow, Uncle Joe these are awesome. Do you think Gran and Gram will like them?"

"Yes, I think both of your grandparents will love them, especially since you two made them for only them. Now get back there and present them to your grandparents."

Fox and Chip ran back and gave up their prizes. Joe followed more slowly and heard the pleasure in his folk's voices and those of the Walkers as well. When he came into view he saw both boys being hugged, which was reward enough for him. Joe was well pleased with how much the grandparents liked the frames, and he could see by their expressions that both boys would be eager to make the frames for their parents as soon as possible. He had a lot of fun helping the boys and only hoped that he had planted the idea in the boys' mind that they now had a hobby they could visit again and again.

The rest of the night was a huge success. The food and companionship was wonderful. Joe stayed too late to return home and decided to stay the night in his old room.

Early the next morning Fox was up and dressed by 8. After a quick breakfast he ran to Chip's so they could whip apples. He knew that after Chip had read the chapter he would be raring to go. He met Chip in the front yard and asked, "Did you read the book?" At Chip's nod, he continued with, "Do you have the apples?" Again Chip nodded and showed him the two small apples he had found. They were perfect. Each boy took one apple and ran off into the woods closest to the Johnson farm to find sticks.

Mike and Ted were up, too. Since they had been punished by their father for inflicting pain on Fox and Chip they had been forced to get up early and do chores. They Fox and Chip and followed them into the woods. What they heard brought joy into their hearts.

Fox was telling Chip about how he made the apple fly the afternoon before, "Chip you should have seen it. It was awesome. I didn't realize that the apple could cause damage, but it had enough force to break the side window of my Uncle Joe's car. I nearly got spanked. We have to be careful, my Gran told me that if he even heard that I was whipping apples, I would get a whipping as well."

Mike and Ted smiled at each other and returned home. After watching out for dear old dad, Mike sneaked back in and returned moments later with two apples. They carefully skirted their dad working in the field and positioned themselves at the edge of the Skinner property just waiting for the right target.

About 30 minutes later they saw Joe's car back out of the Skinner drive. Mike immediately took aim and threw the apple in an arc. He watched as it hit the hood of Joe Skinner's car. Joe immediately stopped, turned and headed to the Walker's. His dad and mom had told him that Fox had gone there earlier.

John was in the yard when Joe pulled into his drive. He went to meet him. Joe got out and removed the remnants of the apple from the hood of his car. "Mr. Walker, do you where my nephew Fox is?"

John replied, "I think I saw my grandson and your nephew running toward the wooded area separating my farm from the Johnson's a few minutes ago. What happened?"

"Fox got in trouble yesterday for slinging apples," Joe explained. He continued to relate the events of the afternoon before in which his side window had been broken. He finished it with, "Fox was warned not to do it anymore and if he was caught whipping apples he would get a whipping himself."

Joe was about to call for his nephew when he heard the dog barking and the laughter of the boy in question. Fox and Chip rounded the corner; Fox skidded to a halt when he saw his Uncle Joe. When he saw what was in his uncle's hand he spoke without thinking, "Oh, no, not again."

He hastily threw his stick down. Chip threw both his apple and stick away as well. Joe strode up to Fox and taking him in hand stated, "You were whipping apples, weren't you?"

Fox looked into the angry eyes of his uncle and refused to answer. Joe took that as an admission of guilt. He asked John to lock the dog up in his storage shed for a few minutes. He walked Fox over to the woodpile, pulled him over his knee and, grabbing a stick of kindling, proceeded to paddle his nephew. He paddled him hard. He reduced Fox to tears within the first few licks.

CRACK...CRACK...CRACK...OWWWWWW...CRACK. The licks and the screams continued as Joe heated his nephew's bottom. Fox struggled to get away, but couldn't. What made it worse was the knowledge that his friend was witnessing it as well. As his bottom was heating up his face turned red from embarrassment and crying. With the final four licks delivered to his sit spot Joe released the boy, who began to try and rub the sting away.

When Joe reached to hug him, Fox turned away and yelled, "I hate you," and ran away. Joe nodded to John to release the dog and soon boy and dog were seen running back home. Joe walked slowly back to his car, knowing that he would have to return to explain things to his dad.

Fox ran all the way home bursting through the front door, sobbing so hard that he could hardly see. His sobbing brought his grandparents out of the living room where they had been watching TV. Fox ran up the stairs, and threw himself on his bed face down. He put his face into his pillow and just cried.

Walter and Rachel looked at each other wondering out loud what was wrong. "Well, I'm going upstairs to find out," declared Rachel. As she started up the stairs they heard a car pull up and she paused.

"It's Joe," Walter said as he looked out the window. "Maybe he knows what's wrong with the boy. You go on up and check on Fox and I'll see what's up with Joe." They went their separate ways; they had a mission...find out what was wrong with their grandson.

Rachel peeked into Fox's room and found her grandson still crying, laying on the bed. It nearly broke her heart to see him like this. She sat gently next to him and asked, "Baby, what's wrong?"

That was all it took. Fox turned to her and wailed, "Uncle Joe paddled me. Chip and his grandfather watched. I was so embarrassed and it hurts." Rachel gathered him into her arms and hugged him. He cried in her embrace until he was cried out.

"Fox, why did your Uncle paddle you?"

"I was just showing Chip something and his car got hit and he blamed me and paddled me," sniffled Fox.

Rachel was quick to figure it out and asked more severely, "Fox did you disobey your grandfather and hurl those apples again. Your grandfather told you what would happen if you were caught doing it again."

"Yes, but why did he have to do it in front of Chip and his grandfather," wailed Fox as he began to cry again.

Rachel couldn't answer the question for Fox so she just held him tighter until he cried himself to sleep. Once he had relaxed and gone to sleep she gently put him to bed, leaving him in the care of his dog. She went downstairs to hear her son's version of the story.

Joe was still talking with his Dad when his Mom strode into the room. Joe looked up and asked, "How is he?"

"He's hurt and embarrassed. Joe why did you paddle him in front of Chip and John?"

"Mom, I hated to but he left me no other option. He completely ignored Dad's orders about whipping the apples. I felt that I had to make an impression on him. I considered it an object lesson. It was an hard one I admit, but he needs to learn it all the same."

"Joe, you did explain this to him afterwards, didn't you?"

"Mom, he ran away before I could tell him anything. I couldn't even end the punishment with our traditional hug. He just yelled that he hated me and left. Dad, can you talk with him and explain things?"

"Oh, you can bet that we will have a discussion about his disobeying me. One to his bottom for sure," Walter, replied sternly.

"Oh, Dad I punished him pretty severely, won't that work this time?" Joe pleaded for his young nephew.

Walter just looked at him, remembering all the times in the past when his kids would plead for each other when they were facing additional punishment. He said thoughtfully, "We'll see, but first I need to talk with the boy." He told his son to stay put and went upstairs to talk with Fox.

He eased into Fox's room and saw he had awakened. "Fox we need to talk about your disobeying me."

Fox looked at his grandfather guiltily and said, "I'm sorry, Gran."

Walter looked at Fox sadly and replied, "Saying I'm sorry is not going to be enough, boy. I told you what would happen if you were caught whipping apples?" Fox nodded, his tears were starting to fall. Walter grabbed Yoda by the collar and pulled him from the room.

Walter returned and sat in the chair in the room and motioned for his grandson to join him. Fox slowly made his way to his Gran, sniffling as he went. "Fox, lower your jeans and underwear and come to me." Fox started to cry as he pulled his pants and underwear down. Walter pulled him over his knees as he sat in the desk chair. Fox's backside was still red from Joe's administrations earlier and he hated to add to it. "Fox why are you getting this spanking?"

"For disobeying you with the apples," wailed Fox. He was crying even before the spanking began. With tradition out of the way, Walter began to spank his grandson's sore and red bottom. He only gave him 6 licks and focused them all on his sit spot. Fox screamed with every lick and struggled to get up. When the last lick was given Walter gathered his crying grandson up in his arms and held him until he had calmed down. Fox relaxed in his grip and eventually calmed down.

Walter held him a bit longer and told him why he had to be punished and why Joe felt that he had to punish Fox publicly, earlier. "Now Fox, after Joe's paddling you will think twice about disobeying us, won't you?"

"Yes, sir."

"And you don't really hate him, do you?"

"No, sir, I was just so embarrassed by being paddled in front of Chip and his grandfather."

"Fox, just think how much more embarrassed you would have been if it had been me that had caught you in your disobedience...I would have given you a bare bottomed spanking right on the spot."

Fox gulped and blushed at the thought of being spanked like that in front of Chip and gave his Gran a tentative smile and said, "I guess I'm glad that Joe punished me instead."

"Joe is downstairs, why don't you go and apologize for your words and make peace with him."

Joe had been making small talk with his mom when they heard the sounds of Fox's spanking. Joe was sorry he had been unsuccessful in his attempt to prevent his nephew from getting another spanking. He was surprised a few minutes later to see the flying shape of his nephew as he threw himself into his uncle's arms. Fox buried his head in Joe's chest and cried, "I'm sorry Uncle Joe for what I said earlier. I love you. Thanks for being the one to punish me the first time."

Walter followed a bit more slowly and answered Joe's unasked question, "I told him that I would have given him a bare bottom spanking on the spot if it had been me to catch him in his disobedience, he's thanking you for paddling him instead."

Fox was kept at home for the remainder of the day. He used the time constructively, lying face down on his bed reading another Soup book.

Over at the Johnson farm Mike and Ted were celebrating the paddling they had been lucky to watch. After he threw the apple that got Fox in trouble, Mike and Ted had followed the proceedings very carefully and had nearly cried for joy when they saw Fox get his paddling. Vengeance had been so sweet that they were planning other ways to get him back in the kind of trouble that would lead to another paddling.

They would have to watch him like a hawk. If they played this right, Fox would be the one to be punished and they would be in the clear. They would just let Fox "hang himself" with his own stunts. All they had to do is watch and make sure the right people were apprised of his stunts If they had to change things around so that Fox would get all of the blame then more the fun. By the time Fox went home at the end of the summer their vengeance would be complete.

That night at supper Fox was very quiet as he tried to eat his supper. Even with the pillow in his chair it hurt to sit and he squirmed around trying to find a comfortable place to settle.

After watching Fox for a few minutes Rachel could take it no longer and left the table for a moment. She returned with a bottle of lotion.

"Fox, I want you to go to your grandfather's study and lower your pants and underwear and lie face down on the couch in there. I'll be in there in a minute to put the lotion on. It will help soothe the pain you're feeling."

Rachel was sure that Fox would protest and was amazed when he ran from the table in the direction of the study. She turned her amazed look to Walter who chuckled and said, "He's had all afternoon to deal with the pain and he's willing to do anything to relieve it. You had better hurry in before he comes out and gets you."

When she arrived there was Fox ready for her to apply the lotion. She kneeled down and gently applied a thick layer of lotion rubbing it in lightly. "Baby, now stay there until it as all been absorbed. Then come back in for supper. I'll keep your plate warm in the oven." It was a happier Fox who returned to the table about 10 minutes later. He gingerly sat down and finished his supper with haste.

He returned once again to his room to read his book. His bottom was still too sore to sit on for more than a short time. He decided that he wouldn't try it just yet and lay on his belly. By the time Rachel and Walter came up to wish him a "Goodnight" he had finished his book.

Walter and Rachel both gave him a kiss and listened to his prayers before putting him to bed. He immediately turned on his stomach and fell asleep. Yoda had been put out while Fox was getting ready. He joyfully entered the room and he joined him in the bed. With Fox in the care of his protector Rachel and Walter left him for the night.

The next few days went by without incident and by the weekend Fox could once again sit comfortably. Chip had made no mention about his friend being paddled in front of him and the incident was forgotten by both of them.

Mike and Ted were disappointed that Fox had done nothing else to get in trouble. They were just raring for something to happen. It looked like they would have to take matters in their own hands.

Early Saturday morning, Chip and Fox headed out to go fishing. They were going to a different pond than usual. It was on the Walker land, about a thirty-minute walk from the house, near a wooded area. There was an old oak overlooking it.

Chip brought the poles and bait leaving Fox to bring the food and soft drinks; he even brought a few dog biscuits for Yoda. They trudged to the pond and threw their stuff down. Chip and Fox set up their poles, baited their hooks and reached for the soft drinks and chips and sat back to fish. Yoda settled in to sleep. After an hour without so much of a nibble Chip started talking. "You should have seen the kids at the swimming hole, they looked like they were having the time of their lives."

"My Gran told me I couldn't go without adult supervision. When I tried to argue about it he just made the motion of spanking me and I quit. It's not fair," whined Fox.

"Well, my Grandpa hasn't said yes or no. Maybe we can go together and you grandfather will think that mine is going with us and let you go."

"No, he'd probably call my Gran and Gran will say no. What were they doing?"

"They were jumping from a branch overlooking the swimming hole. Some were swinging from a rope and dropping into the water. I wish we could go; but we'd look like babies if our grandfathers tag along."

Fox lay back in the grass and looked up at the oak. An idea began to form. Suddenly he jumped up and cried, "Chip, we can have our own personal swimming hole right here," pointing at the pond and tree.

"We can use this pond and jump out of that tree. We can also tie a rope to one of the higher branches and have ourselves a swing, too."

Chip looked at the pond and the tree and back again before he broke out in a huge smile, "Do we tell our grandparents?"

"No, they'll just tell us that it's too dangerous. What they don't know won't hurt us," declared Fox.

They decided to try out the branch. Not wanting to explain wet clothes, they stripped and climbed the tree. They didn't know that Ted and Mike had been following them and listening. Mike had left Ted to watch while he ran home for his camera. He returned in time to see the boys climb the tree. The boys posed unwittingly for the camera before jumping into the water.

Mike and Ted watched and took many pictures of the boys as they jumped time and time again. Finally they left the water to lie in the grass under the sun to dry before dressing.

While lying in the sun they discussed what materials they would need to make the swimming hole just right. They needed a thick rope as well as some wood and nails. They thought they could make steps up to the branch for easier climbing. By the time they were dry it was time for lunch. They made plans to meet afterwards with all the materials they could find.

Mike waited until the boys left to come out of the bushes. He looked at his camera and gave an evil laugh, "Ted, we're going to make Fox's life miserable."

"What are you going to do?" asked Ted.

"I'm going to use these pictures to get Fox in trouble. We need to get them developed as soon as possible. Dad wanted one of us to go into town for supplies. We can stop at the Super Wal-Mart store and get them to develop the film while we get the supplies. Then we can start on our revenge. With these pictures, Fox's butt will stay red for the remainder of the summer."

Mike and Ted went home to "volunteer" and got the ball rolling. Fox and Chip went home for lunch. Fox played the part of unsuccessful fisherman all through lunch while making plans for sprucing up their swimming hole. After lunch Fox ran to the woodshed in a round about way so his grandparents wouldn't get suspicious. Opening it, he searched for materials needed to make their swimming hole complete. He found a length of rope in the corner of the woodshed and took it. On the way out he grab a fistful of nails. He skirted the house so his Gran and Gram wouldn't see him.

He reached the pond first but only had to wait a few minutes before Chip trudged up carrying a hammer and wood. While Chip was making steps with the wood scraps, Fox climbed the tree and tied the rope high in the upper branches to make their swing. He tied the knot has tight as he could and put several knots at the bottom with a few a couple of feet above as handholds. Then he took a tentative swing. It was all he hoped for.

By the time both jobs had been completed they were hot and sweaty. They couldn't wait to cool off in the pond. They stripped off their clothes and made their way to the big and thick branch. Fox tool the rope in his hands and swung out. It was heavenly to swing so uninhibitedly over the pond and then drop into the water. Chip was not far behind and dropped down after him.

To keep their swimming hole a secret they decided to go skinny-dipping whenever they swan there. That way they wouldn't have to lie to their grandmothers about their wet swimming trunks.

While Fox and Chip were enjoying the fruit of their labors, Mike was in the bushes listening to their conversations and taking more blackmail pictures. He could hardly wait for Ted to return with the earlier pictures. He stayed there and watched until Fox and Chip got dressed and left. He waited impatiently until Ted finally arrived. After helping him unload, he grabbed the pictures that Ted held out to him. They were perfect. There was no doubt of who was in the pictures.

Mike and Ted watched the next week as Chip and Fox continued to use their swimming hole, secure in the belief that nobody knew except them. About midweek Mike decided that next Saturday afternoon would be perfect for the start of Fox's downfall. He noticed the boys always went swimming early in the afternoon; they did that so they could swim and have plenty of time to dry off before going home. He also noticed that they went just every other day. Since they didn't go swimming Friday, he figured that they would be there Saturday.

Mike waited until after he saw Fox and Chip head for the swimming hole before he put his plan into action. He was surprised to find that Yoda was not with them. It seemed that the last time they visited the swimming hole Yoda went in with them and nearly gave their secret away as they tried to explain why he was wet. So Fox left him in the barn tied to another stall.

Mike called the disbanded members of the Wildcats together so they could witness Fox's downfall as well. They arrived that afternoon and hid near the pond, waiting for Mike and Ted to appear. Mike then put his plan into action. Most of the kids in the area knew of the "Parents Grapevine" that was forever checking on them. With that in mind he and Ted moved into position. He knew their Dad was in the garage working on the car so they stood nearby and began to speak loud enough for dear old dad to "overhear" their conversation.

"Ted, have you seen Dad? I don't want him to hear this. I overheard those little scamps talking the other day about a personal swimming hole they fixed on the back part of the Walker property, so I followed them and watched them as they climbed the tree overlooking the pond and jump from one of the upper branches into the water. Ted, they weren't wearing any swimming trunks and were having the time of their lives. They also had a rope swing they were dropping from. The rope looked old, probably wouldn't hold me but since they are smaller and lighter it should be fine for them." They moved off and watched from a distance as their Dad quickly left the garage for the house. Once the first part of the plan was rolling smoothly they ran to join their friends.

The phone rang at the Skinner house. Rachel watched as Walter answered. "Hello, oh...Carl...uh, uh. THEY WHAT!!!! At John's...Thanks so very much. I will take care of it. Goodbye"

"Walter, what's wrong?" asked Rachel.

"That grandson of ours and his friend, Chip have been skinny-dipping at a swimming hole they've set up. It's on the Walker property. They're using a tree as a diving board and an old rope as a swing. The rope is frayed in places. That boy is in so much trouble. . . I'm going over to John's to put a stop to this."

Rachel watched as her husband stalked angrily from the house and drove off in his truck. In no time he was pulling into the Walker driveway. Luckily, he met John in the yard and quickly filled him in on what was happening. As soon as he described a pond with a tree overlooking it John knew where this swimming hole was and led the way.

Walter watched from concealment as Fox took a hold of the rope and jumped from his perch. The rope swung in a big arch that went beyond the pond before completing the swing back and as it came over the pond the rope broke and boy and rope fell into the pond.

As Walter saw the rope break and Fox fall he cried out, "NOOOO...FOX" and ran towards the pond. At his scream Chip looked up and saw his grandfather following behind. He jumped from the tree into the pond since that was the quickest way down.

When Fox surfaced they first person he saw was his Gran with a concerned expression on his face. He was surprised at the question he asked. "Fox, are you hurt?" As soon as Fox shook his head, Walter reached down and pulled the dripping boy from the pond, pulled him to a nearby stump and sat pulling the wet boy over his lap. He gave him a hard smack on his wet bottom.

"OWWWCH," cried Fox, the sting was great due to his being wet. Walter continued to spank, as Fox's bottom got hotter and redder by the moment. After reducing Fox to tears in record time Walter paused to say, "Boy, you nearly scared me to death when that rope broke. If it had broken just a few seconds earlier you would have hit the ground instead of the water. You could have been seriously hurt."

"I'm sorry, Gran," wailed Fox as his grandfather resumed his spanking. Fox's bottom felt like it was on fire. He struggled to get away as his bottom continued to burn. He sobbed and repeated over and over again, "I'm sorry. Stop, please, stop."

After what seemed like hours but was only a few minutes, Walter stopped for good. He gathered his grandson in his arms and just held him as his tears mingled with Fox's. After a moment he put Fox on his knee and said, "Fox, what ever possessed you to do such a foolish thing? How could I tell your father that something serious had happened to you while you were in my care?"

Fox squirmed to get off his Gran's knee. His bottom hurt too much to sit. "Gran, it hurts to sit. I'm sorry. Let me up, pleaseeeee," sobbed Fox. Walter noticed his distress at last and allowed him to rise. As soon as he was free of his grandfather, Fox began to rub his bottom fiercely. His Gran had done a complete job of heating not only his bottom but the back of his thighs as well. While he was rubbing he noticed Chip in the same shape. Like him, he was frantically trying to rub the sting out.

Before he knew what was happening, Walter grabbed his hand and began to lead him home. Fox realized that he was still nude and cried out, "Gran let me get dressed first. Please, someone might see."

Walter paused for a minute and said, "Hurry up then," and to make his point he smacked Fox's hindquarters one more time. "Ouch," cried Fox as he danced out of his grandfather's reach. Fox just grabbed his shorts not bothering with the underwear. Chip was allowed to put his shorts on as well. The trip seemed to take forever but finally they arrived. As soon as he saw the house Chip was released and he scampered inside. After shaking hands with John, Walter allowed Fox to run to the truck. He turned a deaf ear to the cries Fox made as his sore bottom made contact with the warm seat.

Walter didn't speak the whole journey home and all that could be heard was Fox's sobbing. As soon as they arrived Fox made to rush into the house when his grandfather stopped him. "Wait where you are; don't even think of moving until I open the door." As soon as the passenger's door was open, Walter grasped his grandson's arm and escorted him inside. He took his time in getting to the house.

He led Fox to the living room and pushed him into a corner and instructed, "Don't move or rub your bottom. If you disobey me I will reheat it." He left him there still crying while he went to inform Rachel about the recent events. While he was gone Fox couldn't stop himself from rubbing and was surprised a few minutes later, to find himself once again over his grandfather's knees.

"NOOOOOOO, I'm sorry, Gran. I won't do it again," Fox wailed as his shorts were lowered and his bottom was reheated to boiling point by his grandfather. After the impromptu spanking Walter replaced Fox's shorts. He was then pushed back into the corner. He sobbed as his bottom burned.

Back at the pond the uninvited guests emerged from their hiding places. "Wow, thanks man," speaking to Ted and Mike, "for inviting us to the show." "That grandfather of Fox really can lay it on." "Did you see how red his butt was when it was finally over?" "Chip's grandfather did some damage to Chip's butt, too" were some of the comments the boys made after watching the spankings. They went home leaving Mike and Ted at the pond.

As the boys drifted off Ted asked, "Mike? Why didn't you show them the pictures you already took of Fox or that you were taking more during the spanking?"

"Because, dear brother, I need to get Fox to do my bidding. I'm going to pick a few of the more revealing ones and send them to Fox. Enclosed with the pictures will be a note that states that either he does what I say or I will pass copies of the pictures out to every kid in the neighborhood and also send them to the kids at his school. Trust me he will do anything to prevent that from happening."

"What things are you going to get him to do?"

"Things that will get him in trouble with his grandparents and earn him spankings or paddlings. That will teach that brat what happens when he crosses me. It was because of him that Dad punished us. You know he's going to continue to use that type of discipline in the future. Fox is going to pay the price for disbanding out club as well."

As Mike and Ted were headed home, Fox was finally released from his corner and sent to his room. He hurriedly pulled up his shorts and ran upstairs. His bottom was still burning.

Walter joined Rachel to discuss whether they should tell Walt of this last fiasco. After much discussion they finally decided that they had to tell Walt. Fox was his son and he had nearly had a terrible accident. If the roles were reversed they would want to know. While Walter was breaking the news to his son, Rachel decided to check on Fox.

Peeking into Fox's room Rachel saw the boy lying face down on his bed crying. She tried to comfort her grandson. "Baby," she called and pulled him to her. He responded immediately and fell into her open arms crying, "Gram, all we wanted to do was have fun and cool off. We didn't mean to do anything dangerous."

"I know baby, but you did. Why didn't you tell one of us; we would have helped you."

"Gram, we thought you would say no and come and watch us as if we were little babies."

"Fox, you will always be my baby, but swimming without adult supervision is playing with fire. What would have happened if the rope had broken while you were over land? You could have been seriously injured. By the time Chip ran for help it might have been too late. How could we explain that to your father? You nearly scared your Gran to death."

"Gram, after he finished spanking me he started to cry as he hugged me. I didn't mean to scare him. I thought the rope was safe," whispered Fox.

Rachel just hugged Fox until he had calmed down. It was about then that she noticed that someone was missing. "Fox? Where is Yoda?"

"I tied him in the barn to one of the stalls."

"Why would you do that Fox?"

"I was afraid he would join us in the pond and get so wet that you might ask questions. I didn't want to lie, so I tied him in the barn."

"Oh, Fox. It didn't do any good, did it?" At Fox negative response, Rachel continued, "Well, I had better go free him. You are going to need your best friend here. Your Gran is talking to your Father about what just happened and I'm sure he will have some words for you."

Fox just nodded, looking scared and sorry at the same time. He lay back down and waited for Yoda; hoping he would arrive to comfort him after he talked with his Dad.

"Fox, come downstairs, please; your Dad is on the phone and he wants to talk to you," Walter shouted up to his grandson.

"Coming," replied Fox in turn. He came down and took the receiver from his grandfather. His eyes were still red from crying.

"Dad?" Fox answered, his voice shaky.

"Fox!! Thank God you're all right. Boy, what were you thinking? You put yourself in so much danger by swinging on that old rope. I don't know what I would have done if I had lost you, son," cried an emotional Walt.

"I'm sorry Dad. I didn't know the rope was old and was going to break," wailed Fox. When Fox heard the emotion in his Dad's voice he finally realized just how much danger he had been in and it scared him into crying once again.

"Fox, don't cry. I love you, as do your grandparents."

"I know Dad; Gran showed me just how much he loved me when he cared enough to spank me," unconsciously rubbing his bottom. "Dad, he started to cry after he spanked me."

"I know son," cried Walt as the tears were falling down his face as well. "Now Fox, I want you to be a good boy and I'll be up soon for a visit. I love you. Goodbye."

"I love you too, Dad," replied Fox before hanging up the receiver. Even after hanging up the phone Fox just stood there and cried. His grandmother came in and immediately took him in her arms to comfort him. He cried in her embrace until he was all cried out and exhausted. "Fox, before you go upstairs I want you to take this notebook," she handed him the Punishment Book, "and write down what you did to wrong and what you have learned from it. Now, I haven't made you do this for the other scrapes you have gotten into this summer but the seriousness of this one demands it. You aren't to come down until we call you for supper. You can take Yoda with you." With a gentle shove, she pushed Fox towards the stairs.

Fox climbed the stairs slowly as he read some of the other entries in the book. By the time he reached the top he knew what he needed to say but decided that a short nap would help him word it just right and he lay face down to snooze. Yoda jumped up and lay down beside him, resting his head on Fox's thigh.

After his nap, Fox picked up the Punishment Book and reread some of the latest entries and picked up a pen and began to write. After he had finished, he picked up another of his books and began to read. He soon was engrossed in Hatchet by Gary Paulsen and had to be called twice by his grandmother to come down for supper. Waiting at his place was a fluffy pillow, which he gratefully sat on to eat his supper.

After the blessing Fox handed the Punishment Book over to his grandmother, "Here, Gram. I hope this is what you wanted." Rachel took the book and opened it and leafed to the last entry and began to read. It said, " Don't ever go swimming with out having someone there to keep you safe or be prepared to suffer for it. I didn't do this and my bottom is so sore that I won't be able to sit comfortable for several days. My Gran spanked me for endangering my life only I didn't know that I was at risk until he explained it to me with his hand to my backside."

Rachel smiled at the last statement and handed the book on to her husband. "That will be fine, Fox. Just remember the consequences of your actions before you try something that you know might get you in trouble."

Fox had been eating his supper while his entry was being read. He had almost finished the homemade chicken and noodle soup and sandwiches. As soon as he was done, his grandparents sent him to bed as added punishment for the day's incident. Soon he was in bed and fast asleep, dreaming of the adventures down the road.

The next few days a more subdued Fox was kept close and under the watchful eye of his grandparents. It was obvious the same was being done to Chip since they didn't see him. Towards the end of the week Walter asked at the dinner table, "Fox, how would you like to go swimming? We will be meeting Chip along the way."

Fox's eye's got big at the mention of swimming and getting to be with Chip again. He nodded enthusiastically at the suggestion. "We'll be going after lunch."

Soon Fox was waiting with bathing suit on under his shorts and towel in hand. Walter nodded to his wife, gathered his grandson and Yoda, and got in the truck and drove off. Chip eagerly waiting in the Walker's driveway. As soon as the truck came to a stop Chip attempted to climb in the cab when his grandfather stopped him.

Two very confused boys watched as both grandfathers turned and started to walk away. Walter spoke over his shoulder, "If you want to go swimming follow us." With the boys following behind the grandfathers led the boys in a roundabout way back to their swimming hole.

When they arrived all Fox and Chip could do was look in awe. There was a ramp leading to a platform where you could jump into the pond and a new rope, with a board at the bottom to be used as a perch before dropping into the pond . There were several picnic tables under the trees as well as a roped off area where towels could be hung to form a changing room. Now the boys didn't have to hide behind trees to change from wet suits to dry shorts.

Fox and Chip turned their amazed faces to their grandfathers. Walter took it upon himself to explain. "Well, John and I thought that this would make the ideal place for a swimming and recreation area. You two had a wonderful idea; there were never any fish in that pond. It makes a wonderful place to go swimming. The pond is deep and large enough for several to swim. We got together and put this up, your Uncle Joe and his son did the work. We thought that both of our families could make use of the place. So what are you waiting for? Get in there and try it out."

Soon all that could be heard were the giggles, shouts and barks of two boys and Yoda, who had jumped in after the boys. The grandfathers retired to one of the picnic tables and began to talk. Due to the noise the boys and dog were making they choose the table furthest from the pond. They glanced at the pond off and on just in case trouble arose.

Mike and Ted were doing some required yard work when they heard happy shouts coming from the direction of the swimming hole and went to investigate. They were not pleased to see the boys having a ball in the pond. They noticed the changes and saw the grandfathers watching. Mike decided that Fox was having too good of a time, it was time to implement his plan. The plan that would keep Fox's bottom an even shade of red for the remainder of the summer. The pictures of the spanking had come back just the other day; he was just waiting to spring them on the boy. Tonight or tomorrow would work just fine.

They returned to finish their work so they could pick the right pictures and phrase the note. Mike had overheard Walter mention that he was going into town tomorrow and would drop Fox off at the library. Afterwards it would be grandfather/grandson time together. They would finish by going out to eat.

Mike and Ted decided to also visit the library.

Not knowing when Fox was going to make an appearance Mike and Ted arrived at the library minutes after its opening. They hurriedly got the books they were supposed to read over the summer and went up to the second floor, which held the Children's Department and sat down to wait. While waiting they began to read the book, Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. This was a class project and after being told by their Dad what would happen it they didn't apply themselves this fall they decided to start reading.

They had been reading for about an hour when Fox appeared. Fox didn't see anything except the books he was reaching for. Mike and Ted gave him time to get engrossed before they made their move. Each brother approached from opposite ends of the isle and came to a stop with Fox positioned in between them. "Hello, Fox," said Mike waiting for his reaction.

Fox looked up and turned pale. He scrambled to his feet and said, "What do you want?"

"We want you," said Mike with a sneer. "We want you to do as we say or suffer for it."

"No!" cried Fox as he struggled to get past them.

Mike grabbed him and shoved him into his brother's arms. "Listen, or you will regret it," threatened Mike and Fox ceased his struggling for the time being. "This is all you have to do," he handed Fox a piece of paper.

Fox reluctantly grasped it and began to read. His expression changed to disbelief and he threw it back at Mike. "I won't do it," declared Fox.

"Oh, I think you will," he brought some photographs from his pocket.

"Oh, yeah?" returned Fox.

Mike grabbed him and said," Listen to me, you little brat. As long as you are wearing that brand you will do as I say. You belong to me for as long as that brand is clearly on your body. When it fades your servitude fades."

"Well, I don't care and there is nothing you can do to make me," Fox answered angrily. Mike silently handed Fox the photographs. Fox glanced at them, recognized who the naked boy was and whose bottom was so red in the photographs. He stopped and looked at Mike. "Wwhere did you get these?"

"I took them. They look pretty nice don't they? I want to thank you for your part in them. By the way these are yours to keep; I have more at home. Now, if you are considering telling on me I must inform you that I have a package already fixed to send to your school, Wheatley Academy. The package is addressed to the editor of the school yearbook and marked as candids. Now, you will do as I say or do I send those pictures?" After a pause, Mike handed the instructions back to Fox. "Now if you would start the show, we have been waiting for some time."

Fox looked up at Mike and said, "Why? Why are you doing this to me?"

"It's your fault that my club was disbanded. I also blame you for your grandfather's interference that introduced the Punishment Tour to my Dad and his use of the strap on us. By the time you go back to Washington, DC your backside will be bright red and sore to the touch. And don't think that just because you are leaving Danville that you will be free of all of this because I have plans of calling through out the year to keep your backside as sore and red as I can. Now get on with it."

Fox put the photos in his book bag and picked up a few books that he had picked as well as some selected at random and placed them in the book bag as well. He then began to follow Mike's instructions. Soon the librarians below heard what sounded like things falling. The sounds were heard clearly from below. One got up to see what had happened and when she got to the top floor she gasped at the mess that met her eyes. She caught a boy red-handed as he continued to push books off the shelves and onto the floor.

"Stop," she screeched and watched in disbelief as she recognized who was doing the damage. Fox ran past her with book bag on his back and slid down the banister and out of the door.

As he ran from the Library he saw his grandfather talking to his Aunt Jean and ran towards them. He gave his aunt a smile and ran and got into the truck. "Hi, Aunt Jean," and in the same breath he continued, "Are you ready to eat, Gran?"

Walter looked with amusement at his grandson and said to Jean, "Well, we had better leave before this boy starves to death." Fox watched as his aunt entered the library and sighed in relief when no one came running after him. He turned his attention to matters at hand...where to eat and what to have.

Jean entered the Library and found it in utter disarray. "What's wrong?"

"Your nephew caused some trouble on the second floor and then slid down the banister and, if he had books in that backpack, he didn't check them out. Go upstairs and see what he did." Jean was quite unprepared for the mess that met her eyes. She reached for her cell phone and called her mother to report what Fox had done. "Mom, he was terrible. He pushed several rows of books on the floor, slid down the banister and didn't check out any of the books that might be in his backpack. I don't know what got in to him but he misbehaved big time. Ask Dad to call me if he has any questions. Bye." She hung up and then went to help put the books back. She didn't know what brought on this display of mischief but she knew her dad would punish him severely for doing it.

Mike and Ted had heard her conversation and knew how her Dad would handle it. Part one of their current plan of vengeance was now in operation.

They gathered their books and left the Library. They decided to go to the local hamburger stand for lunch. The hamburger stand was called, The Burger Place, and it was a favorite place among the area folks.

Fox and his grandfather were also at the Burger Place but they were eating inside and Mike and Ted decided to eat in the car. Mike didn't recognized Walter Skinner's truck or they would have gone in to the restaurant to harass Fox. Fox was enjoying not only the food but being in his grandfather's company. When they left the restaurant they were laughing, they got into the truck and drove home.

Upon entering the house Rachel motioned for Walter to follow her and went to break the news of Fox's bad behavior in the Library this morning. "Walter, where is Fox?" After Walter told her that he was outside playing with Yoda, she continued. "Walter, about 2 hours ago Jean called to give me some bad news. It seems that Fox misbehaved while at the library," and proceeded to tell him the details.

Fox was in the midst of throwing a Frisbee when he heard his grandfather call him and he ran to him. "What do you want, Gran?"

"Fox get into the house...Now!!!" shouted Walter.

Fox gulped and hurried to obey. He knew he was in trouble when his grandfather kept Yoda from entering the house.

Walter grabbed Fox by the arm and hurried him to the nearest straight back chair and sat down. He reached for the snap and zipper of Fox's jeans and in no time both jeans and underwear were at his ankles. Fox felt himself pulled over his grandfather's thighs and his shirttail lifted. "Fox William, I want an explanation on why you decided to misbehave at the Library today?"

Fox was at a lost on how to answer. If he told the truth the photos would be sent to Wheatley Academy and he would be mortified. He decided to lie. "It was an accident, Gran. I was just pushing the books by accident and pushed too hard and they fell. When I rushed to pick them up the librarian came up, and mistook my attempt to rectify the situation and I got scared and sliding down the banister was the fastest way down."

"Did you check those books out?"

"No, sir, I had no time. They were chasing me." It sounded pretty good to Fox and he stuck with it. Unfortunately for Fox his grandfather didn't believe one word of it. SMACK!!! Walter struck over and over again surprising Fox. He thought he had convinced his grandfather.

"OWWWWWH. Not so hard, Gran."

"Fox, you were seen deliberately pushing those books off the shelves. You lied to me and you know what that will earn you." Walter continued to pepper his grandson's bottom until it was quite red. Fox was sobbing after the first few licks. Walter stopped abruptly. Fox thought it was over, and struggled to get up. "Not so fast, my boy. The spanking was for your misbehavior. This paddling is for lying."

Fox hadn't noticed his grandfather picking up the small paddle. He felt the first of six licks to his sit spot and began to wail. After the 6 licks were given, Fox was pulled up and enveloped in a hug and sent to his room. Fox pulled up his pants and fled to his bedroom, sobbing as he went. Once there he threw himself face down on his bed and sobbed himself to sleep.

"Rachel?" called Walter, as he saw Fox flee to his room.

Rachel came out of the kitchen to join him in the living room. "What do you suppose came over him?"

"I don't know, but I do know that he won't be sliding down any banisters any time some, or sitting on hard chairs for that matter," replied Walter. "This isn't like Fox. He loves the Library; why would he misbehave, knowing I would hear of it eventually and he would certainly be punished?"

"Do you think someone put him up to it?" pondered Rachel.

"I'm thinking that someone has something on him to make him deliberately misbehave. He knew he would be spanked, at the least. We will just have to wait it out for now and hope he comes to us for help."

"So, are you going to add anything else to the spanking/paddling he already got?" asked Rachel

"Yeah, an early bedtime and bedtime spanking for the next couple of days to help remind him to behave," explained Walter

They heard scratching at the door and opened it. Yoda came in and headed upstairs comfort his 'boy'.

Rachel went up to check on Fox about an hour later and found him fast asleep with his head resting on Yoda's body. He looked so young and vulnerable but she knew that he needed to wake or he would be unable to sleep tonight. "Fox...baby? It's time to wake up now," shaking his shoulder as she was talking. Fox opened his eyes to the concerned eyes of his grandmother. "Gram? Gram, I'm sorry about my misbehaving at the Library." He wanted to tell her why, but knew if he did Mike would send the pictures and everybody at his school would see him in all of his glory, bawling as his Gran spanked him. They would even see his red bottom. He just couldn't handle that.

"Fox? Why did you misbehave at the Library? Did someone put you up to it?" asked Rachel. Fox reacted to that statement and Rachel knew she had hit it on the nose.

"No, Gram," Fox responded quickly. "It was a mistake. I accidentally pushed the books, at least at first. Then it was kind of fun and I kept it up. As for sliding down the banister, I've wanted to do that from the moment I saw it. I just picked the wrong time to do it, that's all."

Now like her husband Rachel had learned to tell when one of her children was lying to her and this grandson of hers just told her a lie. She believed the part about wanting to slide down the banister from the moment he saw it, but that was all she believed. She just looked at him sadly and said nothing.

"Fox, you are to stay in your room until supper. I will be bringing you the Punishment Book. You think about what you have done and write down what you have learned from it." With a kiss to his cheek she left him to his thoughts. It was a little while later that she returned with the book. Fox waited until he heard he go back downstairs. He pulled the pictures from his backpack and looked for a safe place to hide them. He then remembered something he saw on TV and turned to his desk. He pulled the front drawer all the way out and placed the pictures in an envelope and sealed it. He got some tape and taped the envelope to the underside of the drawer and pushed it back in.

Rachel went downstairs to discuss her talk with her husband. Fox's expression had told the truth about why he had done what he had but they didn't know who or what had forced him to do it.

When Fox came down for supper he brought the Punishment Book with him and like before he handed it first to his grandmother and then took his seat at the table. He was grateful for the pillow that had been placed there. He waited for his Grandmother's comment. He had been unable to write anything about the incident at the Library and he knew it wouldn't go unnoticed.

"Fox, you didn't write anything," remarked Rachel.

"I didn't have anything to say," responded Fox. Rachel handed the book back to him. "You keep it until you do. Now, let's have supper." After a blessing they ate a quiet meal. Fox wouldn't be drawn into the conversation and as soon as he had finished he asked to be excused.

"Fox, before you leave the table, I have something to tell you. You're going to have a bedtime spanking and an early bedtime for the next two days. Maybe this added punishment will help you remember to behave, especially in public. Now, go get ready for bed. I'll be up in a few minutes." Fox dejectedly turned and trudged up the stairs. Walter snagged Yoda's collar to keep him from following and took him outside to feed him and let him have a run. As soon as he was ready, Walter let him back in to go to Fox for the night.

About an hour later Walter peaked into Fox's room to find the boy reading a book, waiting for his appearance. Yoda was pulled from the room and Walter administered 6 licks to his already sore bottom. The licks redden his bottom well. Yoda came back in moments later when Rachel came in to wish her grandson a goodnight. When they had finished Yoda jumped back on the bed to offer his comfort to his boy and Fox feel asleep once again with his head on the dog's body.

For the next two days Fox was the perfect angel, not getting into trouble once and by Thursday his grandparents felt that everything was okay.

Early Thursday morning while playing Frisbee with Yoda and Chip, Mike and Ted made their appearance once again.

"Hey Fox, are you able to sit comfortable again?" both laughed at Fox's discomfort.

Fox just eyed them and nodded. "Good, I'm wanting you to go and get me some tomatoes and if anybody tries to stop you hit them with one of the tomatoes. You can bring them to the tree house," ordered Mike.

As Fox turned to obey, Chip stayed his arm and said, "Fox if you do that your grandfather will spank you."

"I have no choice," replied Fox.

"Well, I'll tell him that it isn't your idea," said Chip.

"I don't think so," remarked Mike as he once again brought out his photographs. He handed two to Chip and said, "Remember this?" Chip paled when he saw who was in the pictures and what they were of. They were similar to the ones that Fox had been given. "Now unless you want me to share pictures like these with the neighborhood you will keep your mouth shut. Fox go get me the tomatoes...NOW!!"

Fox jumped to obey, he knew what would happen if he didn't. He went down the road until he came to the Thomas farm. They had a huge vegetable garden and he was going to try and get the tomatoes without being seen. It was true that he could sit with some comfort but he knew that it would only take a few hard licks from his Gran to bring the soreness back. He was lucky this time, old man Thomas wasn't out tending his garden and he was able to pick quite a few without getting caught. He hurried back with his prize and made it back to the tree house in record time.

"Here," he handed the tomatoes to Mike. "They came from the Thomas garden. They are the best in the neighborhood."

"Did you get caught?" asked Mike.

Fox answered quickly, "Yes, and I threw a tomato back at him and caught him right in the face." Fox had decided on the trip back to lie if Mike asked. He knew that if he had said "No", Mike would have thought of something else for him to do to get caught and punished.

"Good, then you will be getting a spanking from your grandfather soon. You can go now," ordered Mike. Fox and Chip lost no time in obeying.

"Fox, I heard what happened at the Library. Did Mike order you to do what you did?"

Fox nodded and added, "If I don't he will send the pictures to my school. The package is already addressed and ready to be sent off. It's addressed to the editor of our school yearbook. If I fail to obey they will see me in pictures similar to the ones he gave you. I'll be mortified."

"Fox, did you really throw a tomato at Mr. Thomas?"

Fox looked around and said, "No, but if I had told Mike that I hadn't got caught, he would have thought of something else to make me do to get into trouble."

"What if he finds out that you didn't?"

"I don't know. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it."

The boys walked back to Fox's and soon were enjoying a midmorning snack. When they finished they went out to play. Rachel was enjoying watching the two boys play. It was a kind of tag with Yoda being it. Soon they all collapsed in a heap just giggling as Yoda was licking them. It was a much nicer sound then hearing Fox crying. She sure hoped he would come to them with his problems instead of getting in deeper.

When Walter arrived for lunch Chip went home and Fox and Yoda followed Walter into the kitchen. After cleaning up they all sat down for lunch. Rachel had soup and sandwiches waiting for them. After a short blessing they all dug in. Half way through, Rachel asked, "Dear, you were a little late; is everything okay?"

"Sorry, about that. I was just leaving the store when Thad Thomas came in and boy, was he mad. It seems that someone got into his vegetable garden and helped themselves to several of his tomatoes. He said that if he catches them he is going to wear them out immediately and then take them to their folks for further punishment.

"I told him he had better just take them to their folks for punishment. He thinks it is the Johnson boys that are doing it, and feels that if he doesn't punish them right then and there they won't ever get punished. He didn't know the changes over there. I was happy to inform him. Those boys have better watch out. Rachel, the soup is delicious."

"Thanks dear, can I get you some more," and looking around remarked further, "Fox you aren't eating, what can I get you?"

"Just some crackers for my soup, Gram." Fox had stopped eating when he heard his Gran mention the missing tomatoes but realized he hadn't been discovered and resumed eating as soon as his Gram returned with the crackers.

When lunch was over he ran back outside. He had to tell Chip about the tomatoes. Unfortunately, he ran into Mike on the way. "Fox, I have something for you to do," and walked off, confident that Fox would follow behind. Fox had no recourse but to follow him. They came to the Thomas farm and Mike said, "Those tomatoes were so good that I want some more. I'll wait for you here."

Fox looked at the farm and then back at Mike and shook his head. Mike responded with a scowl and said, "Do it or the pictures will go out in tomorrow's mail. Before you go, I'll hold on to the dog; he might get you caught," and grabbed Yoda and pulled out a length of rope and hooked it to his collar.

Fox took a deep breath and returned to the scene of the crime, so-so speaking. He looked carefully around before venturing into the garden. He picked the first tomato and nothing happened so he gained a little more confidence and picked a few more. He thought that three was enough and made his way back. Just as he was to leave the garden a hand came out of nowhere and grabbed him, forcing him to drop his tomatoes. Looking behind him he saw Mike, he was smiling and keeping Yoda from coming to his rescue. Thad looked at the struggling boy and said, "You're Walter Skinner's grandson, aren't you?" When Fox didn't answer right away, Thad shook him and Fox stuttered out the answer, "Yyes, Ssir. My name is Ffox."

Fox felt himself lifted and taken to a nearby lawn chair. Thad sat down and pulled Fox over his thighs. With one hand on the boy, he unbuttoned Fox's shorts and pulled his underwear down and began to slap his bottom with his hard and weathered hand. "Owwwwwwh," Fox yelled as his bottom began to heat up. He struggled to get down but was easily held in place as his bottom turned quickly from pink to a bright, bright red. Thad didn't stop until the boy had begun to wail in earnest. Then and only then did he stop. He put Fox back on his feet and pulled his underwear and shorts back up with a jerk and pulled him along behind him. Fox had to run to keep up while holding on to his shorts to keep them from falling.

Walter and Rachel were outside as Thad came pulling a wailing Fox behind. Fox was still holding his shorts up with one hand. Thad stopped in front of Walter and said, "Well, I caught my thief and as promised, I spanked him. He's yours now," and without another word turned and left. Walter looked down on Fox's tear stained face and said, "Go to the woodshed. You leave me no recourse but to use Jr. on you."

Fox slowly went to the woodshed and entered. Rachel turned to Walter and said, "Do you have to? Thad has already punished him. Can't you wait until later?"

"No, he heard me talking during lunch about this and deliberately went back. I need to nip this in the bud and the Persuader has always worked wonders on my boys hopefully Jr. will do the same in this case."

When Walter arrived he found Fox sniffling in the corner. "Fox come here," when he did, he positioned him on the bench and pulled his shorts and underwear back down. "Don't move," and went and took down the smaller leather strap, dubbed Jr., and brought it back to where Fox lay. "Fox William, why are you getting this strapping?"

"For pinching the tomatoes," was Fox's reply.

As soon as the words left his mouth, Walter swung the strap. It caught Fox square on his bottom. He hadn't hit him as hard as he would have if he was older, but it was hard enough to cause Fox to cry out, "Yeoooowwwwccchhh." The next few strokes fell rapidly order all close to the first. Fox started crying out with the first and continued through all 6 licks. Walter made sure the last two fell right on top of each other all on his sit spot, and then it was over. Walter helped the sobbing boy up and engulfed him in the forgiving hug. Fox just stood there and cried. Once he could control his tears, Walter attempted to pull his grandson's underwear up but Fox began to cry when the briefs touched his bottom, and they were discarded. Walter just pulled up the looser shorts. Before man and boy left the shed, Walter paused to hang the strap back up. Yoda was waiting anxiously for them and ran up to Fox licking his face as soon as he got there.

"Fox, go on up to your room and don't come out until I say so." Fox nodded, wincing as he walked back to the house. He was sobbing by the time he arrived. The first thing he did was to lower his shorts and looked in the mirror to survey the damage the strap did to his bottom. It felt like it should be bleeding. He was surprised to find that it wasn't. He lay carefully on his bed, not even taking the time to pull his shorts back up.

"What am I going to do, Yoda? I can't take any more spankings or worse; and Mike will make sure that I will be getting them regularly if I stay. I can't tell Gran why I have to obey Mike even though it means I will be punished. If I'm not here...I can't be told to do those things that will get me spanked. If Gran catches me, he'll spank me for running away... I'll just have to be sure that he doesn't catch me." With the decision made, Fox closed his eyes to catch some sleep; he would be leaving tonight.

While Fox came to his decision, Walter and Rachel decided to call their son, Fox's father and tell him to come home. Fox was in trouble and he was needed. Walt concurred but couldn't get away until after 8. He told his parents he'd be home late that night and together they would tackle Fox's problems in the morning.

By the time Fox came down for supper, he had packed for his journey. He had emptied his backpack and packed a pair of jeans, underwear, socks, T-shirt and light jacket. He also grabbed the light blanket from his bed and had rolled it up and tied it in a way that he could carry it on his back. He included a knife and flashlight. He would get some food, matches, utensils, plates and bowl on the way out.

He even left a note saying, "Dear Gram and Gran, I know I must be an embarrassment to you and there is no way I can stop what I'm doing. So to prevent you from being ashamed of me I am leaving. That way I can no longer be forced to do what is wrong. I love you two and you must forget me and focus on loving all of your other grandchildren. Tell Dad I love him and maybe someday I can return, Love Fox." He planned to leave the note on his desk so his folks wouldn't worry or think he had been kidnapped. He honestly thought he was doing the right thing in running away.

Fox was very subdued and sore when he arrived at he table. There was a pillow in his seat and Walter remarked, "If you keep it up son, that pillow is going to be a permanent fixture in that chair." Fox gave him a shaky smile and sat down. Rachel had fixed a stew from the left over roast that they had the day before. Fox ate as if he wasn't going to eat again for some time. When he had finished, Walter told him to go upstairs and get ready for bed and the bedtime spanking. Fox just nodded and left without a word.

As before, Yoda was kept downstairs to finish his meal and during the time he was let outside, Walter administered the 6 additional licks. The licks awoke the pain in his bottom from the strapping he received earlier and he threw himself face down on his bed crying once again.

Rachel came in with Yoda and pulled Fox into her arms to wish him a goodnight and to comfort him a bit. She left him in the loving company of his dog and then went back down to wait for Walt to arrive.

"Walter, I still think we should have told Fox that his father was coming up tonight."

"There was no need, since the boy will be asleep when he arrives. This way he can have a big surprise in the morning."

Fox set his alarm to go off in the early hours of the morning and went to sleep with his head on Yoda's body. He was asleep when his father arrived. Walter and his folks, after a quiet welcome, decided to go on to bed. Before retiring Walt peeked into his son's room and saw Yoda on guard. He went on to bed himself.

Fox woke a few minutes before the alarm went off and was able to keep it from waking anyone. He quickly dressed and carried both his blanket and backpack down the back stairs. He was careful of the squeaky steps and made it to the kitchen without waking anyone. Once there, he found the dry dog food and dog biscuits for Yoda and took a portion of both. He also took a box of crackers with two cans of corned beef, a can opener, and a couple of bottles of water. He located some disposable plastic plates, bowls, and utensils and left the house.

Once outside he turned on his flashlight and they left the homestead. They walked down the driveway and turned right on the road. They walked quickly. Fox knew they highway was only a few miles away and he hoped they could get there in a couple of hours. He felt they would be able to hitch a ride with a trucker and be far away when his grand folks woke up.

Fox and Yoda made good time. They would walk until he got tired and then rest for a while and then begin again. This way they didn't run themselves down. They were at the highway by 5 a.m. and began to look for a truck to take them away. Several trucks and cars passed them by before the driver of an eighteen-wheeler stopped. Fox and Yoda ran to the driver's side and stopped as the man asked if they needed a ride. Fox nodded and the driver told him to climb right in. Once they climbed in the driver, who introduced himself as Mark Williams, told them to go in the compartment behind the curtain and rest, which they eagerly did. Once they were situated, Mark drove off. He knew runaways when he saw them. He thought to keep them with him until he could find a way of returning them to the boy's parents.

Back at the Skinners, Walt was just waking up. Rachel and Walter had already wakened and had gone downstairs to make breakfast. Before going down himself, Walter peeked into Fox's room and was dismayed to find it empty. He rushed to the bathroom and when he didn't see him came back to Fox's room once again. He looked around and located the note. He picked it up with dread and began to read. "Nooooooooooo," Walt yelled so loud that his folks came running back upstairs. "What's wrong, son?" Asked Rachel. Walt held the note out and said dully, "Fox has run away."

Walt began to pace up and down in the room as his parents read Fox's note. He was planning how to look for his son. Joe and Sheriff Cole would be called for their aid in finding Fox. By the time the note was reread he was ready to start. "Dad, are you ready to go with me and find Fox?" As his father nodded, Walt started to issue instructions, switching into his A. D. mode.

"I'll start by searching his room to see what might be missing. Dad, if you wouldn't mind calling Joe and the sheriff and we can meet downstairs to pool our information."

Rachel broke in with, "I'll make breakfast and have it waiting."

With something to do, Walt tackled his son's room with the expertise of a trained FBI agent. It took him no time at all to find the photographs and discover what was missing from both his closets and bed. After viewing the pictures he knew for sure that Fox had been blackmailed into doing the things he was punished for. Well, they would have to solve that mystery after they found the boy. He hurried to his room and got dressed and went downstairs. By the time he arrived his father was dressed and eating breakfast.

"Here's the reason Fox has been acting up lately. He's being blackmailed," he passed the pictures to his parents. Walter sat down while his Mom put a full plate of bacon and eggs in front of him along with a cup of coffee. While he was eating his Dad told him that Joe and the sheriff would be arriving at any time now. They would all take off in a different direction in hopes of finding Fox before he got too far off.

It was only about 30 minutes later that they heard two cars screech to a stop and then Joe Skinner burst through the door with the Hopewell Sheriff, Sam Cole, at his heels. Sam walked over to Walt and Walter and remarked, "Tell me all about it. It is your son and grandson who's missing. Can you tell me what is missing and what he was wearing when last you saw him?"

Walter and Walt looked at each other and Walter motioned for his son to answer. "I don't know what he is wearing, he left in the early hours of the morning, and I would guess that it is a pair of jeans with a T-shirt and maybe a light jacket. I know that he is missing some jeans, T-shirts and his light blue jacket. Also missing is the light blanket Mom always kept at the end of the bed. Oh, his dog is with him. Yoda is a golden retriever. Fox is 12 years old. He has dark hair and hazel eyes." Sam was writing all the details down and asked suddenly, "Do you have a recent picture of the boy?" Before Walt could pull one out, his mom handed the sheriff one of the ones on the mantle.

Walt could stand it no longer and nearly shouted, "Can we get started now?"

The sheriff looked up and responded at once, "Yes, of course, I'm sorry for the delay. As I see it we can look for him around here first and I'll get this description on the wire for my men and other departments."

It was decided that Joe and Sam would take off in one direction and Walt and his father would head towards the highway. Walter and Walt talked about what led to Fox leaving and what he was going to do when he found his son. He was going to give him the biggest hug of his life.

Mark spied a truck stop up the road and thought that it would do for what he wanted. He pulled in and parked, opened the inner door and woke his passengers. "Hey, wake up boy...are you hungry?" At Fox's shy nod he continued, "Well, get on out of there and I'll treat you to breakfast. It would be best if the dog stayed in there, I would hate to see him hit by one of the trucks pulling in or out of here." Fox agreed and after pouring him some water and leaving a few dog biscuits he said seriously, "Stay Yoda. I'll be right back."

Mark watched as the dog settled back and began to eat one of the biscuits the kid left. As they were leaving the truck Mark stopped and asked him point blank, "Hey kid, what's your name? You know mine; I think I should know yours. After all I know your dog's name."

Fox quickly answered, "My name is William." Mark held out his hand and said, "Pleased to meet you, William. Now what do you want for breakfast?"

Fox grinned and said, "Do you think they'll have pancakes?"

"I bet they not only have them but that they are delicious." They made their way inside stopping first at the rest rooms to freshen up and wash their hands. Then they made their way to a table. Mark told him to pick whatever he liked. With a smile Fox ordered a serving of pancakes with sausages and a Coca-Cola. Mark changed the coke to a glass of milk and ordered a serving of bacon and eggs with coffee.

Soon they were eating...Mark watched as Fox fixed his pancakes. He painstakingly buttered each pancake and poured half a bottle of maple syrup over the whole thing. Then and only then did he dig in. He occasionally stopped for a swallow of milk and a bite of sausage. Mark finished way ahead of the boy. "William, I'm going to go start filling the truck's tank. I'll pay on my way out. You take your time and finish eating. I'll meet you outside when you're done." Fox only nodded, his mouth was too full to answer.

While he paid for breakfast he asked the cashier who the sheriff was in these parts and was told that the Hopewell Sheriff patrolled this area. His name was Sam Cole. Mark thanked her for her information and hurried to the nearest phone. Fortunately it was out to the view of Fox.

Upon calling he was told that there was a small boy who met his description. When Mark mentioned that there was a dog with him he was patched in to the sheriff's car. "Yes, sheriff, he could be 12, and he has dark hair. He told me that his name is William, and the dog's name is Yoda."

As Mark listened to the sheriff, he began to smile. "Yes, I'll hold him here," and gave him directions on where he was. He was given a description of the boy's father and told that he would be on his way. After hanging up he hurried to his truck and was in the process of filling it up when Fox came out.

Fox approached Mark and thanked him for breakfast and that he had to go now. "Okay, if you've got to go, jump up and let your dog out." He held out his hand and they shook. Without another thought Fox obeyed. As soon as he had the compartment opened and was leaning in to get his stuff Mark came up behind him and pushed him in, locking the door behind him. Fox was taken by completely surprise and jumped up and began to pound of the door and cry, "Let me out."

"Sorry boy, I'm not ready for you to leave me yet," and jumped back down and returned to what he was doing. He only had to wait for a little while before he noticed a Jeep Explorer come tearing into the truck stop and screeched to a halt sending the gravel flying. He noticed a tall, bald man emerged from the vehicle along with an older man and start looking around anxiously. Mark knew without a doubt that this had to be William's father. Mark called out, "Mr. Skinner?" and watched with satisfaction as both men looked up. Mark walked up to them and introduced himself. He told them to wait and he would bring the boy to them and returned to his truck. Walt and Walter walked slowly behind. Mark opened the door and pulled William for the compartment.

Fox's face was streaked with tears and he said, "Wwhat are youu going too doo with me?" in a small voice. Mark didn't say a word and brought the boy out. He held him lightly.

"Fox," shouted Walt as he saw his son. His shout alerted Fox and he kicked Mark, escaped his grasp and took off running away from his dad. This time it was Yoda who stopped him by biting at this jacket and holding on. He stopped Fox in mid flight. "Let me go, Yoda," Fox said as he struggled to get free. "I can't go home, let me go."

Yoda held him until Walt reached him and grabbed him. "Fox, son, why did you run? Don't you know how much you are loved?"

Fox struggled to get away and cried out, "You don't understand. I can't stay because if I do I will be forced to misbehave. This is the best way...please let me go."

"Son, whatever it is...we will work it out," and stooped to carry him to the car.

Mark popped back in the inner compartment and came out carrying Fox's gear. He followed them back to the Explorer and handed them over. He approached Fox and said, "I'm sorry for having to do that William, but you belong with your family not hitchhiking. You don't know what danger you put yourself in by hitchhiking," and after giving him a squeeze on his arm turned to go. Walt stopped him and said, "Thank you for returning my son to me."

Walter opened the door to the back seat and watched as his son and grandson got in. Walt stilled carried him, not wanting to let loose for a minute. He came so close to loosing him all together. Walter shuddered to think what could have happened to the boy if the wrong type of person had picked him up. He opened the front door and said, "Come on, boy," talking to Yoda who jumped in to the passenger side of the front seat. Walter slid into the driver's eat and they took off for home.

* * * * * * * * * *

Along the way, Walt pulled out his cell phone and called his mother and brother to tell them that they had Fox and were on their way home. The rest of the way, Walt was content to hold his son close and thank the Lord for his safe return. It was only an hour later that Walter pulled into the familiar driveway and they all got out.

Rachel, Joe and the Sheriff all came out to welcome them home. Rachel took over and pulled her grandson away from his father and led him into the house. She scolded him all the way, pulling off his clothes as they went. Finally by the time they arrived at the bathroom she had stripped him to his briefs and pushed him in and told him to take a bath. She came by later and found him in the tub. "Fox, here are some clean clothes, as soon as you are dressed you had better come down...we have a lot to discuss with you." Fox nodded and returned to his bath.

His grandmother had left him loose clothing...sweat shorts, briefs and a T-shirt. He hurriedly dressed and went back downstairs. "In here, son," Walt called, directing his son to the living room. When Fox arrived he was directed to the couch and told to sit down. Fox noticed right off that Yoda wasn't there and suspected that this was not going to be pleasant.

The room held only his family; the sheriff had been thanked. He left Fox to his family. If he was going to be needed later, he knew they would get in touch with him. "Fox, I want to know why you thought your only recourse was to run away. You have been taught to face your problems head on and to always come to us when you couldn't handle them," Walt asked right away. "Don't you know what your leaving did to all of us?"

Fox couldn't look any of them in the face and mumbled, "It was the only way...you should have let me go."

Walt reacted to that right away and before he knew what happened he found himself over his Dad's thighs with his pants and briefs at this ankles, "Don't you ever say something like that again," and gave him an impromptu spanking.

"Owwww, ouch...not so hard. I'm sorry," cried Fox as his bottom quickly heated up. After making his point on his son's bottom, Fox was placed back on the couch, clothes still at his feet.

"Leave then there," Walt growled as Fox made the motion to pull them up. His T-shirt was long enough to cover his front. He squirmed with the stinging in his rump as he tried to sit still on the couch.

Walt continued, "Fox, I know about the pictures. Who is blackmailing you?"

Fox jumped up and rushed to pull the pictures from his Father's fingers, unmindful of his state of undress. "Noooooooo, I have no choice." He pulled up his shorts ran from the room. He ran out the door and to the woodshed, where his uncle had left the wood burning tools. He picked one and fitted a blank head to it and plugged it in. Yoda had run after him but had been shut out of the shed. He kept up a steady bark alerting the grownups to where his master was.

Walt jerked the door opened just as Fox was about to use the red-hot head to his inner thigh. "No!! Fox!!" Screamed Walt.

Fox yelled, "This is the only way!" and before his father could stop him he plunged the head down. He screamed at the intense pain and Walt grabbed the hot tool out of his hands and away from his thigh. He moved fast, but not fast enough to stop Fox from burning himself. The Wildcat brand was completely erased; the new burnt spot covered it completely. Fox fainted from the sudden pain and Walt hurriedly pulled the plug free from the outlet and threw it out the door into the dirt. He picked Fox up and carried him into the house.

He yelled coming in to the house, "Call the doctor, Fox has purposely burned himself. He burned off the wildcat brand." Walt hurriedly carried his son to his room and into his own bed. He stripped him completely of his shorts and briefs and Rachel was there with the cool wet rag, which she placed on the brand. "The doctor is on his way. He said to only put a cool compress on his burn and wait for him."

After what seemed like forever but was only a few minutes, the doctor arrived. As he hurried to his young patient he asked, "What happened? Did those young hooligans burn him again?"

"No, not this time. Fox did this himself this time," replied Walt.

"Why, the brand would have faded with time," stated the doctor.

"To tell you the truth, Doc; I have no idea why he did it. We will have to wait for him to tell us. Doc, is it serious?" asked Walt anxiously.

"No, fortunately it is only a first degree burn. Just like the brand, it will fade in time. The pain will diminish by tomorrow. I'll leave some medicated cream and give him a injection for pain." He turned Fox on his side and injected the painkiller into his hip. "Now, this is only a painkiller not a sedative, but he will probably be out for a while, let him wake naturally." Even though he noticed that his bottom was pink, he made no comment. He knew the Skinners well and was very familiar with their brand of discipline. He did note that it seemed to work well with their children, because on the whole they were the most well behaved kids in the area. He gave the cream to Rachel with instructions on how to administer it and left. "Don't hesitate to call if you need me further," he called back to them.

Walter took Walt by hand and led him from the room, "Come with me son, you need to rest; your mother will stay with the boy for a while." After one last look at his son, Walt allowed himself to be led from the room and followed his father obediently to his brother's room. He lay down when ordered and closed his eyes. He dosed for a while and when he awoke he did feel more refreshed. He looked at his clock and saw that he had indeed slept for an hour. He got up and hurried back to Fox finding him waking.

Rachel looked up as her son walked in, "He's just waking now," and with a kiss to his forehead she left her grandson with her son. Walt walked over and sat on the side of the bed and watched his son come to. Fox opened his eyes and found his father looking at him with so much love he teared up and said, "Hi Dad...I'm sorry." He seemed to be thinking and suddenly blurted out, "Is it gone?"

Walt knew what he meant and answered sadly, "Yes, it's gone. Fox why did you purposely burn yourself like that?"

Fox didn't seem to take in what his father said at first; his comment when hearing that the brand was gone was to repeat over and over again, "I'm free, I'm free," and began to cry.

Walt pulled him into his arms and held him until the tears came to an end, and repeated himself, "Fox, did you hear me? I asked why you burned yourself?

Fox finally began to talk, "Mike and Ted were hiding in the bushes near the pond and took those pictures of Chip and me while we were skinny dipping, and then later when Gran and Chip's grandfather spanked us, they also took pictures. Mike said that as long as I wore the brand I had to do what he said. He also said that if I didn't he would send the photos to the editor of the school yearbook. He said that if he got into trouble about this the pictures would be sent immediately to Wheatley Academy. I had no choice but to obey. I couldn't let those pictures be seen by everybody at school."

Walt got angrier and angrier as Fox talked...mostly he was angry with the Johnson boys but he was a little angry with Fox for not telling him or his folks about the whole thing. Fox was watching his father's face as he talked and came to the conclusion that not only were the Johnson brothers in trouble but he was, too.

"Are you going to spank me?" Fox asked in a small voice. Walt looked at his son and nodded, "Don't you think you deserve it?"

"But I'm the victim here; it was Mike's fault," trying to move the blame from himself to the one he felt was more responsible.

"Yeah, I agree it was mainly Mike's fault but you are responsible, too. Fox you should have come to your grandparents when it became apparent that you couldn't handle the situation. Let's not forget that you lied to your grandparents, and ran away and hitchhiked as well. You have a lot of punishment coming your way and I think that you can look forward to a Punishment Tour and everything that goes with it." Fox's face was getting sadder and sadder and when Walt noticed he was on the verge of crying he added, "But not now. You need to heal first, and we need to catch Mike and Ted in their scheme and get those photos and negatives as well. I need to talk with their father and see if we can come up with a plan to scare them as bad as they scared you. Now you lay back and rest," and prepared to leave.

He made it to the door and then turned around and pulled Fox back into his arms, and said, "Fox, I love you and don't you ever forget it." He gave him a kiss on the forehead, and pushed him back into bed.

As he was leaving he allowed Yoda to come into the room and knew that his son was safe with his protector in the room.

It was two days before Fox was well enough to get up and move around. His burn wasn't sore and he could wear jeans once again. It was time to put hid Dad's plan into action. The day before Carl had come over and Fox had told him his story. Carl believed every word. "I thought I was making a change in their lives," was his only comment. He promised he wouldn't let on that he knew anything and returned home to search for the photos while the boys were out. He found enough to reinforce Fox's story and brought them with him today.

Fox's cousin Mike and a few of his friends decided to tag along to watch out for Fox and Chip just in case things got ugly with Ted and Mike Johnson.

Chip was incorporated into the trap. He was happy to help since he was also a victim, as Walt learned soon afterwards. Chip would have a miniature tape recorder on him and just before approaching the Johnsons he would turn it on and leave it to Fox to get them to admit what they had done.

Fox and Chip went to the tree house and as expected found the Johnson boys there. "Hey, where have you been brat?" Asked Mike of Fox, "I've been looking for you these last few days."

"I ran away. I thought that if I wasn't around you would have no power over me and I wouldn't be forced to misbehave," answered Fox truthfully.

"I see you didn't get very far," remarked Mike. "Did you get a spanking for running away?"

"Yes," lied Fox. In truth he hadn't been punished yet, and he wasn't looking forward to it in the least.

"Come here, I'm in the mood for the apple pie your grandmother just baked. Go and get it for me," ordered Mike.

"NO," replied Fox. "I don't have to."

"WHAT!!" Roared Mike who jumped to his feet. He stalked to his victim. Fox stood his ground. "Have we forgotten about the photographs? I guess you want all of your friends at your school to see what a nice red bottom you have after being spanked by your grandfather."

"No, I don't, but you said that as soon as the brand was no longer showing on my body, you no longer had any control over me." With that Fox suddenly unzipped his jeans and lowered his pants. He turned so Mike and Ted could see his inner thigh. Expecting to see the Wildcat brand on his inner thigh, Mike was dismayed to see that it was no longer there. In its place was a burned patch.

Mike and Ted looked at each other and then turned to Fox who simply said, "I got tired of being treated as a slave and burned it off. I'm free of you." He pulled his jeans back up and prepared to leave. This left Mike speechless for a minute or two and then he said, "I lied. As long as I have the photos and negatives you are mine. The brand means nothing to me."

Fox turned back with anger flashing in his eyes, "That's not fair. You promised that I only had to obey for as long as I was branded."

"Welcome to the Real World, now go and get me the pie."

Fox turned, seemingly defeated, and with Chip in tow left. They ran to the house and Chip silently handed the tape recorder to Walt. Walter noticed Fox's defeated attitude and asked, "Fox, what's wrong?"

"Mike lied. He had no intention of freeing me when the brand had faded. It is all on the tape," Fox broke down with the last word and began to cry. Before Walter could reach him Rachel was there and pulled him into her lap, and just held him as he cried out his anger, naivet�', etc.

Mike Skinner and his friends hated the way Fox had been used and decided that they would take matters in their own hands. They left the Skinner homestead and arrived at the Johnson farm in time to find hiding places. Several of the boys brought along their cameras. They had planned this as soon as they had heard what Fox had been blackmailed with. They decided to get some embarrassing pictures of Mike and Ted to use against them.

Walt and Walter left with the tape and went to the Johnson farm to share it with Carl. Walter took up his observation post and waited for the fireworks to begin. Eventually Mike and Ted returned, angry that the pie hadn't arrived.

Carl and Walt met them outside. "Mike. Ted. I trust you remember Fox's dad? He tells me that you two have been picking on Fox and even threatening him to do things that will get him into trouble."

"Dad, who are you going to believe? Us or him," replied Mike recklessly.

Carl looked as his son and said, "Him. He has proof," and Walt turned on the tape recorder and they heard the whole conversation. Both Mike and Ted paled when they heard their own words convict them. Carl turned to Walt and asked, "Walt would you be so kind as to help me with their punishment?"

"It will be a pleasure," he replied as he grabbed the first boy, Mike. Carl grabbed his son, Ted and led him to a very conveniently placed chair. "Ted, I think you know what to do?" Without a word Ted lowered both his jeans and briefs and placed himself over his dad's thighs. Carl produced a small paddle and began to paddle his son in earnest. He soon had both his son crying and his bottom red as a beet.

Mike was horrified to see Fox's cousin, Mike, and his friends taking pictures of his brother being spanked. They were hiding in the bushes and snapped pictures from the different locations in the yard. "Hey," he shouted, "there are kids in the bushes taking pictures."

Walt looked up but didn't see a thing. He looked at Mike and said, "Good try boy, but it isn't going to work. You're still going to be punished."

"No, they jumped back down just before you looked." Walt didn't believe a word he said and had to use all of his strength to keep Mike from getting away. Mike knew he would be next and he struggled to get away.

As soon as he felt Ted's bottom had been tenderized enough his Dad pulled him from his lap, stood up, told him to put himself over the back of the chair and hold to on to the seat with his hands. He stood behind him, produced a leather strap and began to strap his son's bottom with great gusto. He put welt upon welt on his son's backside, visiting not only the back of his thighs but his inner thighs as well. When he was convinced that he had enough he allowed him to rise. "Ted stand by the house and face it. Don't move from it or rub your bottom unless you want more of the same." Ted only nodded, he was sobbing too hard to speak coherently. All the time that Ted was being paddled and strapped Mike Skinner and his friends were taking photos of it.

Now it was Mike's turn and he had to be physically placed on his dad's thighs after having his pants and briefs removed. He was given the same treatment only he was subjected to a longer session over his thighs. As he sobbed as he realized that his picture was being taken from all directions. He sobbed from the pain and from mortification of it being caught on film. This was worse than what he did to Fox and Chip since they were unaware of what he was doing at the time. He wasn't so lucky. He was finally getting an inkling of what he had put Fox through. He was placed over the chair and held in placed while his father took the strap to his backside. He, like his brother, had his thighs, back and inner, attended to. Carl had a longer session with this son, knowing he was the one really responsible for the whole thing. Carl turned a deaf hear towards his son's sobs wanting to make sure he understood his responsibility in this crime. Just about when Walt was going to call a halt in the punishment Carl stopped. He viewed the near raw backside of his son and decided that he had been punished enough this time.

He sent his sobbing son to join his brother and addressed both of them, "Boys, I am very disappointed in you. What you did to that little boy was criminal. His father could have brought charges against you. Because of you Fox has been spanked, paddled and strapped for doing things that were sure to get him punished. I consider that as assault, and for it you have been punished. Because of you he was burned, for that you two will be on a Punishment Tour for the remainder of the summer, which means an early bedtime as well as bedtime spankings. And why are you being punished? You two are being punished because you craved vengeance. Vengeance against him because of you're getting caught doing wrong. You were punished for things you did, not for his doings.

Now I want the pictures you took of him and his friend, and the negatives, too. Bring them to me NOW!" And sent his son's on their quest.

Mike told his brother, Ted, that they had to get all of the pictures and negatives and turn them over to their father. "Why, Mike?" asked Ted, "I thought we were going to send them to that brat's school for tattling on us."

"We can't," sobbed Mike, the pain was still too great, "What you didn't see but I did was that Mike Skinner and his friends were hidden all over the yard and they were taking pictures of us getting our tails whipped. I don't know about you but I'm not going to do anything that might make them show those pictures of us around school. They hate bullies you know." Once this dawned on Ted he swiftly found all of the pictures and negatives, even the package they were going to send to Fox's school.

While the boys were gone, Carl was congratulated on taking care of the punishing his sons. Walt informed him that he would not be pressing charges this time. A moment later, both boys came running back with all of the pictures they had taken, they even brought the negatives. They handed them to their father. Carl glanced through them and then turned them all over to Walt.

Walt and Walter seeing that everything was taken care of left Carl to continue to lecture his sons. They had one to punish as well.

When Walt and Walter returned home they went to talk with Fox. Upon entering the room, Walt snagged Yoda's collar and dragged the protesting dog out of the room. Fox knew what that meant and faced the two men with fear in his face. "Fox, your problem has been taken care of. We have the pictures and negatives and we will burn them in the morning."

Fox smiled a little, then asked in a forlorn voice, "Are you going to spank me now?"

Walt nodded and sat down on the bed and pulled Fox over his thighs. It only took a moment to bare his bottom. "Fox William, why are you getting this spanking?"

In a small and still voice Fox answered, "For running away from home and not coming to you or Gran for help." Walt smiled in his son's attempt to double up on offenses in hopes of not being spanked for each offense. He steeled himself and began to spank his son. He decided to use his dad's favorite method of striking the same place several times before moving on to another area.

Fox tried to keep from crying out but as his bottom began to heat up his resolve diminished and he began to cry out. "Owwww, ouch, I'm sorry, I won't do it again, I promise. Pleaseeeeee, stop."

Walt turned a deaf ear to his son's pleas and cries and continued to heat his bottom to boiling point before finally coming to a stop. Walt pulled Fox into his lap and held him. When his burning bottom made contact with his father's thighs he began to whimper and cry even louder. Walt shifted his son until his weight was not centered on his bottom. Then he pulled him into the forgiving hug.

Walt pulled his pants and briefs completely off and returned him to the bed making sure that he was lying face down. He leaned over and kissed him on the forehead and said, "I love you, son." He pulled the sheet up to cover his son's burning backside.

Before leaving the room, Walt turned and said, "Fox, this was just the spanking for running away, in a few days you will be punished for hitchhiking. Your Gran will handle that punishment. Consider yourself grounded for at least two weeks, I haven't decided on whether you will be put on a Punishment Tour as well."

He left the room. Walter turned to Fox and sat down on his bed. "Well, son, do you still think it was such a good idea to runaway and hitchhike?"

Fox turned on his side and rubbed his bottom and wailed, "No, sir. You have got to believe me Gran; I'll never runaway again."

"What about hitchhiking?"

Fox looked at his grandfather and asked, "If I answer and you don't like it will you spank me?"

Walter ruffled his head and said, "No."

Fox took a deep breath and said, "It was fun riding in that big truck. I was so high up. I could see a long way off. What was so wrong with that? He was a nice man, he even treated me to breakfast."

Walter pulled Fox to him and held him carefully, "What you don't understand Fox is that Mark was the occasional good guy. Not everyone would treat you like he did. They might want to sell you to the highest bidder for immoral purposes. Do you understand?"

"Yoda wouldn't let anyone hurt me," Fox's answered naively.

Walter patiently explained, "Fox, Yoda would have been killed first off. You would be the prize to be used in any way your new owner wanted. Do you understand why you will be punished for hitchhiking?" Fox just nodded as tears began to fall.

"I didn't know, Gran," he sobbed.

Walter held him close as he cried, "I know, boy. That is why I needed you to understand why hitchhiking is so dangerous. I think God for protecting you, don't you ever do that again."

"I promise, Gran"

Walter kissed him on the top of his head and pulled back the sheet, allowing Fox to roll back in place. He left him, opening the door so Yoda could come in. Fox pulled the dog close to him and cried into his fur.

It was two days later that Walter led his grandson into the woodshed. "Fox, I think you know what to do?" Fox nodded and lowered his shorts and briefs and positioned himself on the low bench. He gripped the sides of the bench and waited for the first lick to land. As with his son, Walter asked the time-honored question, "Fox William why are you being punished?"

In a strong but scared voice Fox answered: "For hitchhiking."

The first lick caught Fox by surprise; it burned, landing across both cheeks. "Owwwww," cried Fox as he closed his eyes even tighter. The next two landed right under the first, Walter was stripping his grandson's backside from top to bottom. He wasn't using all of his strength or the Persuader that he had used on the adult Fox. This was the strap dubbed Jr. that he was using on his grandson. It packed a wallop just the same and Fox was sobbing as the licks continued to fall.

Walter wanted to make sure that this was memorable and Fox would think twice before even thinking about doing it again. He aimed carefully with the last two licks landing them right on top of each other and a little harder right upon the sit spot. Fox would be feeling this licking every time he sat for the next few days.

"Yeowwwwwwch," Fox screamed as the last two landed. Fox continued to yell even after the licking had stopped and Walter pulled him up into the forgiving hug to show that all was forgiven and at an end. He pulled up Fox's underwear and shorts since bending over hurt his bottom.

Walter led the way out of the woodshed with Fox following behind, wincing with every step. He bit his lip to keep from yelling out and slowly returned to his room. The first thing he did was to strip out of his shorts and briefs and to lie face down on his bed. He cried into his pillow until he felt Yoda jump up next to him and he buried his face into the soft hair Yoda. He stayed like that, crying himself to sleep. It was a few minutes later that Rachel came in and gently pulled the sheet up over her grandson's abused bottom. She hoped that this would be the last time she would view Fox like this but knew that was impossibility.

Fox stayed in his room all day, coming down only for meals. He stood while eating his meals the first day and the next day was pleased to find a pillow placed in his chair for the rest of the meals. By the third day he could sit without too much pain and was starting to get back to normal again. It was the afternoon of the third day that his cousin Mike came for a visit.

After getting permission, Mike and Fox went for a walk. While walking Mike told him something that made his day. "Fox you don't ever have to worry about Mike or Ted Johnson bothering you ever again. I had a talk with them and they came to agree with my suggestion to stop bullying you or anybody for that matter. I even got them to call and tell the staff at the Library that they had forced you to misbehave in the Library the other day. They told how they threatened you to make you misbehave, that it wasn't your fault. That you did it out of fear."

Fox's eyes shone when he understood that he was free of them and that he wouldn't be blamed for the incident at the Library. "What about the tomatoes?"

Mike didn't know about that one and after Fox told him he said, "I wouldn't worry. I'll get those two to call and set matters straight with Mr. Thomas, too."

"Mike, how can you do that?"

"Well, this is just a secret between cousins."

Fox nodded and Mike continued, "Well, some friends and I thought that Ted and Mike needed to have a taste of what they put you and Chip through, so we figured that they were going to get punished severely for this last incident. We got to the Johnson farm before Gran or Uncle Walt got there and hid in the bushes, behind the trees, buildings and waited for the fireworks to begin. We witnessed the lickings those two got. And did I forget to mention that we brought our cameras with us and got a lot of good shots. We got them developed the other day and I picked a few of the better ones and took them to Mike and told him that unless he wanted the high school to be plastered with these and others they had better behave. You have never seen such agreeable fellows in your life."

Mike and Fox looked at each other and just laughed. They were still laughing when they returned to the house. When they strode up Walt and Walter were sitting in the chairs on the porch. They were delighted to hear laughter from Fox once again. At their questioning looks all Fox said was, "I've just learned that vengeance doesn't pay and I think that Ted and Mike have learned that the hard way, too." He then broke out in laughter again with his cousin Mike joining in.

The End

* * * * * * * * * *