Chapter Eight - The next day

Dave tapped on the door softly and waited for an answer. After a few minutes nothing happened so he tried again but louder. He then gave up and unlocked the door. He walked in and picked up a few items spread along the floor. He looked at the sleeping boy and mumbled to himself about how lazy he[Peter] was. As he picked up the loose objects, the room echoed. Not so much with the rooms physical emptiness, for it was full of materialistic items, but it was still empty.

He looked at the bed, all that was there was a mess. No boy. No sign. His heart jumped when he heard a voice behind him "What are you doing here?" A cold voice demanded, this voice was harsh but soft; like a whisper.
"You really need to make this place more alive boy. I'm startin' to think all sorts of sentimental crap."
"What would you suppose I do?" He hissed "I've been alone here for years now and you have only started to let me converse with one person."
"Well if that's what you want then you'll be happy today." The officer smirked
Peter's ears pricked, he emotionless voice was forced "And what might we be doing today?"
"You fool, it is Patrick's birthday today. We're going outside to meet him."
The kids façade was destroyed when he next spoke, the words came out in an excited high pitched squeak, "Really? How long 'til we leave?"

...

"Checkmate," the boy grinned triumphantly "It would be more satisfying if you were any good at this you know."
There was no reply except an annoyed grunt. The eyes that the irritated man had when he looked up, did not look very good at losing. They were brown with grey flecks, but didn't seem bored, rather too into what he was doing. He had cropped brown hair which he ran his hand over to show his dismay at losing to an eleven year old.
"Stop using your powers kid," he grumbled "It's cheating, cheating!"
"I've already told you, although it pains me to say it, my powers don't work on you." Peter retorted "But, it's surprising how bad at chess you are, considering your colonel status."
"What does my rank have to do with anything?"
"Chess is supposed to be a strategic game, didn't you even know that?" He smirked "Aren't we going out today?"
"Give over, I'll beat you this time. Get ready."
"That's fine. I wouldn't mind to get that last win for my 50 win-streak."
"On second thoughts Peter, get ready, we're leaving."

...

They moved along the street briskly, they had 5 minutes to get there. Reynolds noticed Peter lagging a bit behind, he grabbed his hand and pulled him along a bit faster. Peter pulled his hand out of the colonel's grip.
"I'm sorry, but only my parents can do that." He looked apologetic
"Don't worry lad." The forced smile ended up as a pained grimace.
"Are you all right?" That was the first time he realised what Patrick had done. He had made the boy more innocent. He could barely restrain his jealousy. He walked faster to hide his face.
"I'm fine. Keep up boy."

He spotted Patrick first, and then his daughter. She had a warm smile on his face. Dave laughed at the sight of Peter. He felt the a psychic himself, as he could tell exactly what the boy was thinking. The hair's a different colour.