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___________________________________________ LIVES CHANGED: Chapter 18
Walking into the kitchen Michael sat at the table and waited for Cory, Mrs. P had made Michael a cup of tea and had just placed it in front of him when Cory walked in. Seeing hi daddy Cory ran over and jumped onto his lap. "You wanted me daddy?" Cory asked with a bright smile.
"Yes son, first I want to tell you that I love you and I love it when you call me daddy." Michael said as he hugged his son.
"I love you too daddy."
"Cory remember what I just said outside, about have to do things and being away?"
"Uh Huh."
"Well daddy has to go away for two weeks, you see I have been ordered by a judge to be in San Antonio for a hearing. Now it won't be a lot of fun, so I was wondering if you wanted to stay here with Mrs. P or go with me."
"Daddy that is easy, I wanna go with you. Can Uncle Scott and Derrick come with us?" Cory asked innocently.
"Well I don't know, Mrs. P might have things for Scott to do, as for Derrick, well his mother really doesn't know me that well so she might not let him go with us."
"I think she will, I go a funny feeling she would like him gone for a while. I know she don't like me hanging around their place, that is why I asked."
"Well I will call her and ask, if she says yes then I will need someone to watch over you two while I am at the courthouse, so maybe you better talk with Uncle Scott and see if he wants to come."
Jumping down Cory ran into the front room and slammed himself down onto the couch right beside Scott a huge smile on his face as he gave his uncle a hug. "Uncle Scott, will you come with daddy and me to San tonio, or whatever it is called?" Cory asked seriously.
"You mean San Antonio, and why are you and Michael going there?"
"He gotta go to the court, he said a judge is making him go." Cory answered.
"Well squirt, if judge says that he has to go then he does and yes I will go with you both."
"Yippee, thanks uncle, I love you."
"I love you too, now shall we play for a bit.
While Cory and Scott were talking and playing in the front room, Michael called over to Derrick's house. When Derrick answered the phone, Michael asked to speak with his mother for a few minutes. "Mrs. Allston, this is Michael Caine calling." Michael started when Hannah Allston took the phone. "My son Cory has asked if your son Derrick to go with us to San Antonio for a week. I was wondering if that is possible." Michael asked.
"Well, I don't know Mr. Caine, I mean we hardly know your family and what happens if Derrick gets sick?" Hannah asked impudently.
"I assure you that Derrick would get the best medical attention there is if he got sick."
"Well I could do without him for a week, I have tried to get his father to take him, but he refuses."
"Oh, well if Derrick wants to come with us, we are leaving in the morning, I can swing by and pick him up."
"No that won't be needed, I will have him pack a bag and he can ride over on his bike." Hannah said, then hollered at Derrick. "Go pack a bag and get your butt over to Mr. Caine's house now."
Hearing the way she hollered at Derrick made Michael cringe, but he held his tongue and thanked Mrs. Allston and wished her a good night.
Hanging up, Michael went to the kitchen and asked Mrs. Gomez if she had any tea made, and if so could he please have a cup. As Michael sipped his tea he could hear Scott and Cory laughing as they played. About a half hour later Derrick came in through the back door, seeing Michael sitting at the table he walked over and gave him a hug. "Thanks Michael, mom was getting to be too much."
"What do you mean Derrick, she hasn't been hitting you has she?" Michael asked with concern.
"No, but nothing I did was ever good enough for her. I know she tried to get my dad to take me, but I won't go live with him.
"Listen Derrick, why don't you relax and enjoy this time with us, and when we get back maybe we can work things out with your mom, how does that sound."
"Okies, can I go play with Uncle Scott and Cory?"
"Sure you can turkey, but first put your bag by the back door so we won't forget it in the morning."
"Thanks Michael. You're the best."
"I doubt that turkey, now off you go."
Over the past few months, Michael had noticed that Derrick was spending more and more time over at his house than at home. Derrick was always welcome, but Michael was starting to worry that things weren't all that good for Derrick at home.
The rest of the day went by too fast, the four spent a few hours swimming, then they all curled up and watched the Transformers. For Scott and Michael the movie was funny, but the two young one were enthralled with the Autobots. Derrick liked Bumblebee, saying that he was the best of them all.
When the movie was over and the boys had showered Michael and Scott tucked them into bed wishing them both a good night sleep, then both of them crawled under the covers and were soon sleeping, only to be disturbed when Derrick and Cory came in and snuggled in between them.
The smell of baking biscuits woke Michael the next morning. Slipping from bed he grabbed his robe, smiling as he looked at the bed with everyone snuggled tight. Quickly showering and getting dressed Michael then woke the others and told them to hurry as breakfast was almost ready.
Michael had a chuckle as he watched his son and Derrick scramble out of bed and raced out of the room. "What time is it?" Scott asked.
"Six o'clock." Michael replied.
"Dang to early, wake me at ten."
"I don't think so, besides, you have some driving to do if we are going to be in San Antonio by Sunday night."
"Oh yeah, what time we leaving?"
"Right after breakfast, so get your lazy butt up and showered." Michael said with a laugh as he left the bedroom.
With Breakfast over, the boys washed their hands and face and then grabbed their bags and put them in the trunk of the Mustang. Michael spent a few minutes with Mrs. Gomez before saying good bye and heading out to the garage.
Cory had brought his back pack into the car with him and as soon as the two boys had their seatbelts on Cory pulled out two I pads and all too soon the boys were lost in playing games on them. Scott and Michael were softly talking up front as they headed out of the city and up the highway there first stop would be Tallahassee Florida. About an hour into driving Michael looked into the back and saw that both Cory and Derrick had fallen asleep with their heads resting on each other. Smiling Michael handed Scott is I phone and asked him to take a picture of the two, before they woke up. In Tallahassee Michael filled the gas tank and then parked the car as the others went into the restaurant and got a table so they could all eat. As they were sitting talking and waiting for their burgers and fries, Scott saw a dark grey Crown Victoria pulling into the lot. Ignoring it he went back to watching the other diners.
Soon the boys were back on the highway. The city fading into the distance. Scott was driving now and Michael was resting against the passenger door. Derrick was deep into a book he had brought with him and Cory was watching a movie on his pad.
It was just after six pm when Scott pulled the car into a Best Western Hotel and parked. Michael had gone inside while the boys got their bags. Getting a double room was easy since the hotel was all that busy at this time. While at the desk Michael asked if they could have four meals sent up along with a pitcher of orange juice and a pot of tea.
"Dad they don't have a swimmin pool." Cory said with a slight frown.
"No son they don't, but don't worry your little head, you will have lots of time to swim when we get to San Antonio. I know the hotel and it has a huge pool in it." Michael answered with a smile.
"Okies, can we rent a movie then?"
"I am sure the hotel has pay per view, and I think we can find you something good to watch."
"I wanna watch Big Hero 6, it heard it was cool."
"Well if they have it then we can watch it together, but only have you have eaten and had your showers." Scott stated.
"Ahh, Uncle Scott you mean." Derrick laughed.
"Come on grab your things and let's go boys, I am tired." Michael stated.
Dinner and the movie soon had the two boys sound asleep on the second bed. So Scott just gently covered them both and let them sleep, before cuddling up next to Michael and resting his head on Michael's shoulder. "So how soon will we be there?" Scott whispered.
"I am hoping to make it by Saturday afternoon, which means we'll have to leave early tomorrow morning."
"Well if we leave early enough, we might make it by late tomorrow afternoon."
"I hope so, I just want to relax and get this over with. I know that Mr. Johnson and my lawyers are supposed to meet me on Sunday, so lets' see what happens."
"Good idea, now get some sleep, you look tired."
"I am, it has been a long day."
During the night Michael had another bad dream. Tossing and turning so bad that he had actually pushed Scott to the far side of the bed. Waking Scott knew what was wrong and slowly took Michael into his arms and softly whispered to him, trying to calm him down.
Michael's mumblings and thrashing around had woken the toy boys also and Derrick sat on their bed wide eyed and scared. Cory was nervous, but he held on to his friend. "It is okay Derrick, dad has them all the time, but he won't hurt us."
"Are you sure, he sure looks angry?"
"Yup, I been with him a few times when he has bad nights. It will end soon."
"Okay. It just scares me."
"It scared me the first time too. I am glad Uncle Scott is here tonight, he'll help dad through this."
"Good, I going back to sleep then."
"Uh huh so am I. see you in the morning my friend."
"Like wise anytime." Derrick said with a little laugh.
"I'll get you for that, but right now I too tired."
The rest of the night went quietly, with Scott holding Michael as he slept. "So much for making it tomorrow night." Scott thought to himself. When the wakeup call came at 5:30 Michael woke up with a smile when he realized that he was locked in Scott's arms. "Come on lets shower then wake the two boys." Michael whispered."
"Okay." Scott said stifling a yawn."
"Scott, you look like hell, didn't you get any sleep?"
"I got a few hours, before you had a nightmare, since then I have been awake."
"Damn I am sorry, you should have woken me up."
"It's okay, you can drive the first half, I'll sleep some. We can put Derrick in the front with you and I can curl up on the back seat somewhat."
"Sure. Now let's go.
After showering Scott and Michael dressed then woke the boys telling them to shower and dress while they packed up everything. Breakfast was quiet as everyone slowly woke up. By six thirty Michael had checked out of the hotel and had the car heading down the highway towards San Antonio. Derrick was sleeping beside him. Michael every so often took a look at the back and saw the other two sound asleep. Michael also noticed the rising of the sun, the bright red corona as the sun rose over the mountains and trees.
With everyone sleeping as Michael drove, the silence and the beauty he was witnessing as the sun rose made him think of Tommy. "The beauty that nature gives up bro, is nothing compared to the beauty that shone within your smiles." Michael thought as he wiped a few tears from his eyes. By lunch time Michael was getting tired and his back was sore from sitting for so long.
Pulling into a small truck stop, Michael woke the boys while he filled the tank. He sent Scott inside with Derrick and Cory asking them to get a table so they could have something light to eat. All through their meal the boys were silent once more trying to wake up. "Scott can you go grab some snacks and drinks for us, I don't want to stop again unless we really have to."
"Sure, you think we will make it tonight?" Scott asked.
"Yes, I can have you drive for a few hours if you wouldn't mind."
"Heck no, I love that beast of yours."
"Can I help you Uncle Scott?" Derrick asked softly.
"Sure turkey. Why don't we go now, that way Michael can pay the bill here and we can meet up at the car quicker."
"Good."
When Scott and Derrick had left, Michael went to stand when he saw Cory just sitting there. "What's wrong little man?" Michael asked.
"Dad, you got to talk to Derrick, you scared him last night when you had your bad dream again." Cory answered.
"Oh Cory, I am sorry. You should have come and woken me up."
"No way, you had Scott there and you were pushing him around. It is a good thing he is strong."
"Yes I guess it is, but you know I would never hurt you, and I would never hurt Derrick either. That is a promise I make to you both."
"I know that dad, but still can you talk to him, I tried but I don't think he believed me."
"I promise to talk to him when we get to San Antonio, but for now what do you say we get out of here?"
"Okay, oh one thing more you should know."
"What's that turkey?"
"I love you dad, you the best in the whole world."
"I love you too son, and you're the best son anyone could ask for."
Having paid their bill Michael and Cory soon met up with the other two and together the four were walking towards the Mustang when Scott stopped and stood staring at a grey car. "Come on Uncle Scott, they gonna leave without us." Derrick called out.
"Huh, oh yeah sorry Derrick." Scott replied still staring at the car. "Michael are you still going to let me drive?" Scott asked as he was handing a bag to Cory, who was sitting in the back with his seatbelt in his hand.
"Yeah I need a break."
"Okay, good." Scott said with a smile as he pulled out his phone and quickly took a picture of the car he had seen.
Once back on the highway, Scott kept checking the mirrors, like a good driver should but he was also looking at the car that was following them. "Michael can you call Sam for me please?" Scott asked nervously.
"Sure, but can I ask why?"
"Well, I don't want to scare the boys, but we're being followed and I don't like it. I am hoping Sam might have some ideas."
"Okay let me call him, what does the car look like?"
"Here I got a pic of it, you can tell Sam everything. You can also tell him that the car is still following us, it is like three cars back."
Taking Scott's phone, Michael looked at the picture and realized that he had seen them around his home. Pushing the speed dial for Sam, Michael waited for the ring and Sam's quiet voice. "Johnson here, how can I help you Mr. Caine?" Sam asked in a brisk voice.
"Umm, Sorry sir if I am interrupting something, but I have a small problem and was wondering if you could help." Michael stated in a worried voice.
"Mr. Caine what is the problem, and no you weren't interrupting anything."
"Sir, we that is my son and friends are on our way to San Antonio as you know, but we have a car following us. I have seen the car around my place a few times and honestly it is scaring my friend and worrying me."
"Okay Michael calm down and tell me what the car looks like, and where you are."
"Sir it is grey, looks like a four door, family car, I can send you a picture that Scott took. And we are about an hour from San Antonio right now."
"Okay Michael I will have the sheriffs find you and bring you into your hotel. I will also call the FBI and see if they have had a car with you all the way."
"Thank you Sam, You do remember what my car looks like don't you?" Michael chuckled.
"Yes and I even remember the plate you have. You little smart ass." Sam stated with a laugh. "Look I will call you back as quickly as I can, just don't stop or do anything."
"Okay, talk to you soon then."
Just east of Sequin Texas, Michael and Scott switched seats, now with Michael driving, and Scott watching the cars, everyone seemed to relax a bit. Just past the turn off at Sequin Michael saw a couple sheriffs' cars sitting on the side of the highway. Driving past Michael paid them no mind until they both started moving and coming up behind him their lights blinking. "Now what?" Michael asked out loud.
Pulling over, Michael was surprised, when one of their cars moved in front of him and the drive waved to him to follow."
Not wanting to miss out on anything, Michael did as he was told and soon the three were headed back down the road at just a bit over the speed limit. Cory and Derrick were nervous and laughing at the same time. "Daddy, are you in trouble?" Cory asked.
"Not that I know of, Mr. Sam Didn't call us back yet so I don't understand."
"Maybe Sam got busy, Michael and forgot to." Scott said.
"Yeah, might be, why don't you call him back and see what is up." Michael stated.
Three cars back the Crown Victoria was pacing everyone, the driver, frustrated at the police in front.
"I think you had better call Liam and let him know that the sheriffs have become involved. I don't know how or why, but I don't like this, we are supposed to protect those kids, and this isn't doing it." The driver spoke.
His partner was reaching for his phone and telling the driver to relax, that he would find out what was going on when the phone chirped in his hand making him drop it. "Hello, Ortez here."
"I thought I told you people not to get seen." A woman's voice rang out shrilly.
"Ahh Senor Brookmeir, nice to hear your voice, what can I do for you?" Ortez asked.
"It's too late the kids have already spotted you, damn it,"
"Listen lady, my job is to serve the people, not you. I was told to follow these kids and that is what I or shall I say we are doing. Now, please tell me how you found out we were with them."
"I have my ways, you piece of trash, I don't want that kid in court on Tuesday, you make sure of that."
"No Mrs. Brookmeir, that boy will be there and I can assure you he will be on time." Ortez stated as he slammed his phone shut.
"What the hell is it with her, she is a DA not some special operative. Call Liam and tell him now." Plante said as he pushed his foot harder onto the gas pedal. "I have a bad feeling about this."
Twenty minutes later, Ortez and Plante had listened to what their boss had said and with their own grill lights blinking were now just behind the tailing sheriffs' car.
Scott had not been able to get a hold of Sam at his office or on his cell phone and was looking at Michael apprehensively. With the sheriffs leading Michael and his little group were soon at the San Antonio Hilton. The Sheriffs stayed long enough to make sure that Michael was booked in and that he was headed to his room before they left.
Having settled into their rooms the boys quickly put their clothes away and head back down to the dining hall, where they got a corner booth. Putting Derrick and Cory between them Michael and Scott soon had the waitress bring them some milk and tea, though Scott changed his to hot chocolate, before she returned both boys had asked if they could go swimming after dinner. Michael said that it would be fine, but only if Scott was with them as he had to make some phone calls.
Friday and Saturday Michael spent with the three others seeing some of the sights. Sunday Michael spent most of the day with his lawyers. On Monday the four went over to the Aphex office and while the three boys played video games, Michael went over some of the business papers and then looked at the list of employees that were willing to move to Naples and the new head office.
What surprised Michael the most was that all the employees said they would move as they enjoyed working for the company. This gave Michael concern, and he started to think that maybe he could leave an office here, but have the head office close to home.
When Michael got back to the hotel with the boys his lawyers were waiting for him in the restaurant. Joining them for a light dinner Michael was told by Joseph Littlebear that the Judge would not be able to see him before court the next day as meeting could influence the outcome of the hearing and then Brookmeir could call for an appeal or mistrial which could lead to Michael and his friends being stuck in San Antonio longer than was needed.
Giving into what his lawyer was saying, Michael and the others quickly finished their meals, and with a good night and I will see you in the morning the boys left the restaurant and went to their room. Cory quickly settled on his bed and ordered up the Batman movies for the rest of the night.
Early the next morning as Michael was showering, Scott got the other two boys up and dressed. Once in his suit, Scott took led them all downstairs where Michael headed off to the courthouse and the rest went for breakfast.
Joseph Littlebear and James Talbert both met Michael just outside the courthouse, Joseph, being very conscious of how Michael was feeling had brought with him a large cup of tea. "Did you get any sleep at all last night?" Talbert asked as the three slowly walked through security."
"A bit, I don't know how Scott slept with me tossing and turning all night, but I guess he did." Michael replied as he sipped his tea.
"You know Michael." Joseph started. "The judge might not allow you to speak before things get started."
"He better, or I will have a few people brought in that will force him too."
"The only person that could do that Michael is the state Attorney General, and I don't think you have that sort of pull, not yet at least." Talbert stated.
"Oh I think he has, in fact I was talking with him last night and he is very interested in Ms. Brookmeir and her inadequacies." Joseph laughed.
"Do you think he will show up?" Michael asked.
"I doubt it, he might send someone in his place, but who knows these days. Now let's get inside and get this pony show over with." Joseph said with a grin.
Laughing, the three slowly made their way up to the fifth floor and were walking down the hallways when Ms. Brookmeir stopped in front of them. "Mr. Caine I have some questions for you." Brookmeir stated angrily.
"Ms. I don't know who you are, but I refuse to talk with you. Now if you will excise me I have a court date to attend." Michael said softly, trying to keep the anger from his voice.
"Do you know who I am kid?" Brookmeir almost shouted.
"No, and I don't care, now get out of my way."
Walking into the court room, Michael noticed that the only people there were the court clerk and bailiff. Going to the table with his lawyers Michael took off his suit jacket and sat. Michael had just gotten comfortable when he say Ms. Brookmeir walk in a smug look on her face. Right behind her walk Scott and the two boys. Cory seeing Michael let go of Scott's hand and ran down the aisle and jumped on to Michael's lap. "Hi daddy." Cory said with a giggle.
"Hi yourself turkey, what are you doing here?" Michael asked quietly.
"I told Uncle Scott I wanted to be with you, I didn't want you to be lonely."
"Well I like that, I want to be with you also, but I can't right now. You will have to sit on one of the benches because the judge won't let you sit with me."
"Okay, we'll sit right behind you then." Cory laughed.
The three had just sat when the door beside the judge's bench opened and the bailiff called out. "All rise, the honorable Judge North presiding." The bailiff boomed out.
Judge North with a short portly man with salt and pepper hair, his face was round and sparkled with a smile as he looked at the three boys sitting behind the defendant's table. "Be seated." North called out. "Bailiff what have we on the docket today?"
"Your honor we have a court action to seize the property of Michael Caine." The Bailiff responded.
"Very well, let's get the thing." North called out.
Brookmeir was about to stand when Joseph Littlebear stood "Your honor I know you don't, like to be interrupted, but my client has asked me to request that he be able to speak prior to the beginning of this case."
"Mr. Littlebear, normally I would not allow such a request, however due to the nature of this case I believe the Mr. Caine should speak before this court. Mr. Caine I see that you do not have any notes with you."
"Sir, it is my belief that notes are reminders for people who tend to forget what they need to say, I however have not forgotten, in fact every day I am reminded of what I am missing. For the past 18 months I have waited for justice for the death of my little brother, I came out here is three months after that and spoken with the accused. The fact that the conversation was taped and right on tape the said accused, not only confessed to the rape and murder of my brother, but also too many other such incidents. Now it is not my job to come out here to do the work of the DA. She refused to listen to the whole tape, she has tried to have me arrested and brought out here just so she could ask me questions. I know for a fact that she was told by a judge that if she wanted to speak with me she could fly out to Naples, FL but she refused, she believes that people should jump when she says so. Your honor just this past month Ms. Brookmeir tried to have my chartered plane land here in San Antonio, had my pilot done that he could not only have lost his job, but his pilot's license as well. In Florida she tried to have the FBI arrest me again, this time as an accomplice in my brother's death, it was only through judge Montoya and the fact that there was no warrant, that I was able to take my son home. Now I am here because she has failed to do her job and the only way to get me anywhere near here was to try and seize my company. So your honor, instead of wasting time and tax payers money I am asking that you throw this case out and have Ms. Brookmeir brought up on charges of complicity and failing to do her job properly. Ms. Brookmeir's failure to bring the accused to trial even with all the evidence before her makes me believe that she is either related to the accused or doesn't want the accused to see the inside of a prison. The longer that the accused is allowed to stay free, even though under house arrest, the longer we the victims suffer. Now sir I have had my say and I surely would like to hear how Ms. Brookmeir is going to respond to what I have said here.
Mr. Caine, I too would like some answers and I will have them even if it takes all week.
To be continued
Email me if you wish me to continue. thewriter1@live.ca
Lots More Too Come just please be patient
LITTLE VOICES:
If you knew the streets like I do; Then maybe you would see; The trouble that is out there; And things that shouldn't be.
Little voices crying, somewhere in the dark; Frozen smiles in their eyes, lacking any charm; Running through the streets, or sleeping in a part; Is there any place to keep them out of harm?
A single night spent with a stranger; A place to clean and eat; And night so filled danger; To them a special treat.
Are we deaf to hear the cry? Blind to all around; Do we ever stop and ask for a reason why? When will we hear the tears, a mournful sound?
Can we take just one voice? Show them that we care; Then let them make the choice;
Of a life of love to share.
A poem for all the lost angels
May they find a way home.