Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2006 17:53:32 -0400
From: Miguel Sanchez <miguel_sanchez55@hotmail.com>
Subject: Julio - The Growing Years Ch. 17

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction and that of love. Any resemblance to
actual places, events, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
This story may contain erotic and/or sexually explicit behavior between
consenting teens. If it is illegal for you to, or you find this sort of work
offensive, don't download or read it!

The people in this story do not use protection because diseases don't exist
here. However, in our world they do so please use caution and protection.

This story is protected by copyright. It may not be downloaded or copied for
other than your private enjoyment and may not be changed in any way without
the expressed written consent of the author. This story may not be put on
any pay to view site.

I reply to all emails, except flames. You may write me at
miguel_sanchez55@hotmail.com

I hope you enjoy this story.
Miguel Sanchez


Julio -- The Growing Years

Chapter 17

"Now that they know about this, I think they will want to help," Danny said.
"I personally think it's a good idea but it might still be a hard sell."

Javier looked over to me and asked, "Have you got a place in mind Miguel?"

"As a matter of fact I do," I replied pulling the photos out of the port
folio. "I'm looking at the old Rivera Hotel. It has everything already
there."

The Town Treasurer looked over and said, "The town owns that now."

The Mayor's eyes raised then he asked, "Why do we own it?"

"Nonpayment of taxes," The Treasurer answered.

The Mayor then looked at me and said, "Mr. Sanchez, your plan for an
orphanage couldn't have come at a better time. The Brazilian Government has
given us a 5 million Real endowment contingent on us coming up with a solid
plan to help get the homeless children off the street. They, like you, don't
like the physical and sexual assaults and other things that have been
happening to them. If we get an orphanage up and running, they will continue
the money for another 9 years."

I looked at the Mayor thinking carefully what to say. "That is a generous
amount of money Mr. Mayor. But that will just handle feeding 200 hungry
growing children. You have salaries, clothing and medical care just to name
a few other things. The Foundation was planning on running this and covering
all the expenses associated with it in return for a few concessions."

I was hoping that last sentence wasn't my undoing. "What concessions were
you looking at?" The Mayor asked.

I thought carefully so I wouldn't cut my throat then said, "Well, property
taxes for one, or a greatly reduced rate. Water and electricity are two more
big things."

I saw the Mayor and Treasurer lean over and start talking quietly. I was
wondering what they could be discussing when the Mayor said, "Here is what
we're prepared to do. You buy the building for the outstanding taxes. The
town will turn over the 5 million Reals to help defray your operating
expenses. You will be taxed on 50%of the value of the property and we will
provide you with free water. The town doesn't make electricity so we can't
do anything for you there."

"How much are the back taxes?"

The treasurer looked at his figures then said, "150,000 Reals."

I was prepared to have to buy the building for that price but I didn't
expect the 5 million Real windfall the town just gave me. The tax break and
free water was a plus too so I said, "You have a deal. I'll get hold of our
accountant and have him issue a check. Do you have keys to the building?"

"I have a set we had a locksmith make," the treasurer said.

"Good. When can I pick them up? I want to get new locks put on the entire
place."

"Don't worry about that Miguel," the Mayor said. "I'll contact the locksmith
tomorrow morning and he'll have the locks changed and two sets of keys back
here by lunch."

I nodded my head then shook the Mayor's hand. The meeting broke up and
Javier said, "You know this isn't going to be easy."

"Since when have I ever done something the easy way? I got Jay, Ronnie and
Steven off the streets. By the way, Steven just got married."

"I stand corrected Miguel," Javier said laughing. "How long do you think it
will take go get the place open?"

"I'm not sure. The washers and dryers will need to be replaced. I think I'll
get someone out to survey the building and see what else needs to be done.
I'm thinking a minimum 60 days maybe 90 depending on what all they find."

"That sounds reasonable," Javier said. "So who did Steven marry?"

"You mean you can't figure that out?" I said laughing.

Javier thought for a minute. "You mean your foster daughter? What was her
name?"

"Angel," Jay responded. "She's the one who came up with the idea for the
orphanage. She's also got a plan for a nice hotel here."

"I think what you're doing for the children is admirable Miguel," Javier
said as he put his jacket on heading for the door. "I'm tired of reading
reports where the Sheriff and his men are finding children injured or
worse."

"I know Javier," I said as we left his chambers. "I carried my son to the
hospital and killed a vigilante who tried to kill another of them. I've seen
more than enough kids hurt."

We all walked outside and said our goodbyes then returned home. Ronnie
started fixing dinner as I called the Foundation. I asked to speak with the
manager and he told me the accountant would personally deliver the check to
the treasurer's office tomorrow morning. I had him give me the name of
someone who could inspect the building and tell me what other than the
washers and driers would need to be fixed before we could open.

Marco and Paulo came home in time for dinner. Marco helped Jay set the table
as I helped Ronnie bring the food in. The boys filled their plates like they
were 13 again while Paulo and I watched. Once they were finished we got our
food and began eating. Jay filled Marco in on the day's events then Paulo
said, "Have you settled on a board for the orphanage?"

"The Foundation is charged with most of the decisions and the hiring of the
staff. The clinic at the hospital will handle their medical care and there
will be social workers on duty 24 hours a day."

Marco swallowed his mouthful then said, "This sounds like a great project
Pop and Angel must be psyched too. Think I can take a look at the building?"

"Sure Marco, we're going there tomorrow afternoon to take a better look at
the place. We're going to need to look at all the rooms and see how they
are."

We only had one more day in Receife before we had to get back to meet Angel
and Steven from their honeymoon, but I had a feeling we were going to be
spending most of the summer here.

The next morning I got a call from the treasurer telling me he had the new
keys to the property and my accountant had delivered the check. I was
assured the title would be delivered to our office within the week. The next
call I got was from an inspector who said he could meet me that the place as
soon as I could get there.

The boys and I got dressed then started our day. First stop was the
Treasurer's office. While there, I got a letter from the Treasurer showing
the taxes paid and us as new owners of the property. Now it was off to meet
the inspector.

When we arrived, Mr. Rivera was standing outside trying to get his keys to
work. I got out of the Blazer and asked, "What are you trying to do? This is
not your property."

He looked at me sheepishly then replied, "Ah that matter has been cleared
up. I can make you a good offer on the property."

"I see," I said knowing he just stuck his foot in his mouth. "Can I see a
receipt showing you've paid the back taxes?"

"It's back at my house," he said.

I took the letter from the Treasurer out of my pocket and showed it to him.
"This letter stated that the taxes have been paid and I am the rightful
owner of this property. I'm now telling you if you come back here again, I
will have you arrested."

With that, I took the letter back and got out the new keys to the property.
As soon as I unlocked the gate, Mr. Rivera knew he'd lost. Just as he was
leaving, another man drove up. "May I help you?" I asked as he stepped from
his car.

"I'm here to meet a Miguel Sanchez," the man said. "I'm William Fuller, the
building inspector."

I extended my hand, "I'm Miguel Sanchez."

Jay and Marco had opened the gates so we drove our vehicles inside. As we
walked inside, I explained that the building was going to be used for an
orphanage. Mr. Fuller told me that the local laws were very lax but I said
this would not be the case here. I informed him that I wanted everything
closely inspected and if there were any doubts about something, then it was
to be noted so it could be repaired or replaced.

He told me he would check everything out very carefully then the boys and I
started looking at the rooms. The first room I entered was almost bare. All
that was there were two bed frames bolted to the walls. The mattresses, box
springs and other furniture had been removed. The room needed painting but I
noticed that everything else looked in pretty good shape. The windows had
not been broken nor were there any other signs of vandalism.

We quickly looked at the rooms then the boys and I met back in the lobby.
Jay looked at me and said, "Looks like that guy stripped everything out of
here he could quickly sell."

I had to agree then Ronnie said, "Let's take a good look at the kitchen."

I nodded my head and I was wondering what other things I would need there. I
flipped the light switch and was surprised to find the electricity was still
on. The kitchen looked modern. There were several commercial grade gas
ovens. Against one wall were two refrigerators and a freezer. "These ice
boxes are good Dad. They're like the ones we have at school. This freezer is
good for in here but for bulk storage, you might need a walk in freezer so
you're not ordering food every three or four days."

The inspector found me and said, "Mr. Sanchez, I have a question for you. Do
you know what they planned on doing here?"

I didn't know what he was referring to so he led me to what he was talking
about. There was a room that had been gutted and some type of alteration was
going to take place. "I haven't a clue."

Ronnie looked inside and said, "This would be perfect for what I was talking
about Dad. It looks plenty big enough for a walk in freezer."

The inspector looked at his list then said, "The electrical system is all up
to code. I was surprised that there is all copper wiring here instead of
aluminum. The HVAC system needs upgrading. It is old and not worth repairing
and you would eventually have to replace it. I would recommend you have your
offices on one unit and the living areas on a couple of others that way
things can be controlled better. From what I can tell, the plumbing system
is alright. The one thing I would do is install a sprinkler system in case
of fire since children will be here."

"Good idea," I said. "I just had the one in the children's wing at the
hospital upgraded. I'll get hold of them to do the work. As for the freezer,
a refrigeration company will have to install that. Other than the HVAC and
sprinkler systems needing installed, was there anything else?"

"When I was out back, I looked at the roof and the tiles up there appear to
be solid," the inspector said. "I looked up into the ceiling at several
places and that looks solid too. Structurally, the building appears to be
sound."

I thanked the man and he went on his way. On the way back home I stopped at
the Foundation's office and told my manager what needed to be done to the
building before anything else could be done. I got back into the Blazer when
Jay asked, "Where are you going to get the things for the rooms from?"

I hadn't really had the chance to give that much thought. "I think when we
get home I'll contact a couple on manufacturers and see what they can do on
a large order."

"How many do you want to put in a room Dad?" Jay asked as I navigated
through the traffic.

I managed to get out of the heavy traffic and on the road leading home. "I'm
not going over 200 residents at any time. I don't want the children to feel
like they are being warehoused. Two to a room is plenty."

"What else besides the beds and dressers do you want to put in there?" Marco
asked as I neared the house.

"Each person will have their own desk that they can do their school work on.
There will be plenty of staff on hand until they go to bed if they need
help." I said as I pulled into the drive.

"Sounds good," Jay commented.

We went inside and I was excited about this project. Ronnie came in and sat
down and said, "I can find out about food vendors that ship overseas. I
think it would be better quality than here."

"That's true in some cases son," I said as I fixed myself a drink. "The beef
here is first rate. We could probably work out something directly with
butchers to buy wholesale. I'll let you look into that when we get back
home."

Jay called out that dinner was ready. We were having some leftovers so we
wouldn't have anything to throw out before we left to return home. After
dinner we paid a visit on Paulo so Marco could spend some time with him
before returning to college.

The next day I was a little sad that I was leaving and not over seeing the
work being done on the building. But I realized that there was still work to
be done at home while the repairs and modifications were being done.

We touched down in Norfolk mid afternoon and the traffic heading out to the
Beach was a nightmare. It took over an hour to make then normal 20 minute
drive home. The first thing I did when I got inside was look at the
answering machine. There was a call from the honeymooners telling us they
were having a wonderful time.

We got ourselves unpacked and no one felt like cooking so we decided to go
out. After returning home, I saw Jay and Ronnie snuggling while we watched a
movie. Marco looked left out so I moved and sat next to him. I held my arm
out and soon it was like he was a little boy again. We both got comfortable
and the next thing I knew, Marco was gently shaking me saying, "Hey Pop,
come on lets get to bed."

I slowly opened my eyes and I was surrounded by the boys. Jay helped me to
my feet then I managed to get to my bedroom. I did my nightly business then
quickly got into bed. The next thing I remember was the smell of coffee.

I quickly emptied my bladder and tossed on some shorts and made my way to
the kitchen. I fixed myself some liquid wake up and noticed Marco dressed
already. "What's going on?"

"Pop I have to get back to school," Marco said.

I'd been thinking so much about the orphanage I clean forgot Marco was
leaving today to return to UVA. "I'm sorry Marco, I've been thinking so much
about the building."

"Don't worry Pop," Marco said fixing me another cup of coffee. "I am taking
this Christmas off so I'll be back then. I'll be here for a week then in
Receife for a week."

Marco finished his coffee then wanted to get on the road so he could be back
at school at a decent hour. After breakfast I started looking for mattress
and furniture manufacturers who would be willing to make a huge order and
still ship to a foreign country.

I was about an hour into a major headache when I got a call from my manager
at the Foundation. He told me he made a few phone calls to several of the
major hotels in Rio and got several lists of vendors for things like
mattresses, linens, furniture, kitchen supplies, televisions and even food
suppliers. He also informed me that the sprinkler and HAVC system would be
started on next week. The refrigeration company would need to see the room
before making any commitment as to when work could begin.

We were basically starting with nothing and furnishing the place from the
ground up. I thanked him and said I would make a list of everything I
thought we would need and get it faxed to him. I gave him the authority to
review the list and to add anything I might forget.

That afternoon I started making a list of things the place would need. Each
room had two closets built into the walls with a metal bar for hung up
items. Each of the 100 rooms would need 2 dressers, 2 desks and chairs, 2
pillows and 2 mattresses and box springs. I decided that there would be
plenty of linens and towels so I figured on 500 sets of sheets, pillow cases
and towels. The more I got into making this list the more I was glad I
mentally set aside between 500,000 and a million dollars. The kitchen would
require a little help so I went to Ronnie for that. Ronnie wasn't sure about
what all would be needed so he said he'd talk with one if his teachers for
some advice.

The next day I was beside myself because Steven and Angel were due home that
afternoon. Ronnie went and got basic inventory for things for the kitchen
along with additional items they may need. Since there was really nothing
there for them to work with, I went with the full list. Ronnie got me an
estimate on the cost of everything and I was glad I was sitting down. With
the appliances I hadn't counted on, plus the pots, pans, dishes and what
nots, the estimated cost for the kitchen alone was almost $250,000.

I was about to get comfortable when I heard a car pull up and blow its horn.
When I opened the door I was greeted by "Daddy" and my girl in my arms.
Steven paid the driver and got the bags out of the trunk.

I sat Angel down and asked, "How was your trip?"

"Great Dad," she answered as she grabbed one of the suitcases.

I picked up one of the bags and it had to have weighed 20 pounds more then
it did when they left. Jay and Ronnie came running in as soon as they heard
Angel's voice. I looked at them but it was really hard to say anything. "Hey
you two," Ronnie yelled as he hugged Steven while Jay hugged Angel.

Ronnie went to take the bag I had then said as he tried to lift it, "Damn
bro, what have you got in here?"

"Now cut it out," Angel admonished. "I just got a few things for the house
here and for Steven's room when he's at college."

`Oh oooo' I thought. `Angel's married and really acting like a woman now.
She's already decorating.'

Steven opened the carry on bag and pulled something out in each hand. "Here
Dad, I know you like your Bailey's so we brought you back two bottles when
we were in St. Thomas.

We helped the happy honeymooners bring their luggage to their room then
Ronnie said, "Dinner will be in an hour."

The kids got unpacked and then started showing us the stuff they got. Steven
brought in a small suitcase as Angel said, "I have some things in here for
everyone."

"Some things," Jay said laughing. "Was there anything left?"

"Keep it up wise guy," Angel said as she opened the bag.

The first thing she took out was a box that she handed to Ronnie. "I know
it's a little early yet bro but it's something you'll need real soon."

Ronnie opened the box and in it was a white chef's top that had Ronnie
Sanchez Chef embroidered on it. "Thanks guys, I hope I don't let you all
down."

Angel went over and kissed him on the cheek and said, "You'll never let us
down."

Steven reached in and brought out something in a heavy cardboard box. He
brought it over to me and said, "This is something from all of us to you
Dad."

I opened the box and carefully pulled out the contents. It was a 15 x 18
painted portrait of the five of us but they had somehow managed to include
Luiz. "Oh my god son, how did you manage this?"

Steven took a photograph out of his wallet and showed it to me. "Do you
remember this Dad?"

"That was taken at your graduation," I said. "How did they do it? And how
did you manage to have Luiz in it?"

"Part of it was done with a computer," Steven said. "I had a picture of
Uncle Luiz for them. They used the computer to print out a picture of how it
would look. Then the man started painting the portrait onto the canvas. It
took him 4 days to do it. We hope you like it."

At this point I couldn't contain the tears any longer. I had to set the
painting down so it wouldn't get ruined. That painting brought back all the
happy times he graced this house and kept this family on an even keel. The
children came over and managed to wrap their arms around me. I let the
memories float through my head as I finally managed to compose myself. I saw
the perfect spot for it. I set the painting down then went and hugged the
children. "Thank you all so very much."

Angel and Steven went into the case and brought out 3 boxes. They gave one
to me, Jay and Ronnie. I opened mine and it was a gold bracelet with Miguel
on it. Jay and Ronnie took theirs out of the box and it was like mine except
it had their name on it. After we ate, we relaxed in front of the television
until we all were sleepy.

To be continued.

Come join me in my groups and read stories by me and some other great
authors.

Fantastic Stories --
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Stories_byFantastic/

Our Newest Story Group is -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gold_byFantastic
This if for the works of Miguel, Mikki and GayMarky

Also check out a firend of mine's site for great pics.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bills_YummieLand

Remember to have your age, gender and location on your profile, otherwise we
can't approve your request for membership.