"Well, standard procedure for us is for Kate and I to take guardianship so that she has legal parents, but placement can be made at any of several associates we have," Robert told Jessie. "Brian and I both thought that since Fiona--Brian's sister--is such a good mom that perhaps this new Fiona would do well there in Colorado with her. The ranch has a lot of space and it is a working ranch with a lot of horses and cattle and all kinds of animals and crops. I'm sure if she wants a new dog or some other pet that she'll be able to do that, but since she'll be back in school, she may want a cat or an owl for now. So, new Fiona met with Brian's brother and sister, and she got on well enough with them that they all decided it was worth a try, and I sent her off with them. Some of our men went to her home and got her belongings and a few memory pieces she wanted. We'll store the rest of those things for her until she turns 18, and then she can do what she likes with the rest of her things and her dad's things. She is definitely a bit of a spitfire, so who knows if we see her again or not here. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if she did some sort of career in adventure of some sort."
"Well, then she'd fit in fine if she decides to return," Angus said. "How many kids are you now the parents of?"
"Currently? Or how many have we had all together?"
"No, just now," Angus said.
"Um..." Robert said, trying to count. "Thirty one right now, I think. That's why I'm saying I think we need another property, a property that is an unplottable piece where these kids we have can live in peace and where they can heal physically and emotionally, where they can learn and feel loved and, if need be, they can stay there until they're grown and ready to face the world with the skills to not just barely survive but thrive."
"Then maybe its time we get serious about it," Angus said. "Maybe we need to start looking at some land and maybe we need to build it. It's a good idea, Robert, but so long as its just an idea, it isn't going to help even one. For some of the kids we take in, a place like that would be a good next step from the headquarters. I think we should talk about it, all of us, and see what everyone thinks, but I'm betting you'll have 100 % support for it."