Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 15:03:18 -0500
From: Gary <gary_q@hotmail.com>
Subject: Patient John Doe Chapter 11

Patient John Doe
By Gary_Q
Gary_Q@hotmail.com

The below story is a work of fiction, none of the events described
happened, nor do any of the characters exist.  This story may contains
erotic and/or sexually explicit behavior between consenting males, both
adult and underage minors.  If it is illegal for you to, or you find this
sort of work offensive, don't download or read it!

The author reserves all copyrights to this story, it my be printed,
electronically recorded or reproduced ONLY for personal use.  The
reproduction or linking to this story by pay web sites is expressly
forbidden.


			      Chapter Eleven

     Mary had arrived when I got to the house.  Roberts had already filled
her in on the incident last night, and she was thankful none of us had been
seriously hurt, but relieved Doeman was out of circulation.  She was elated
as I filled her in about my intent to seek custody of Johnny, and the hopes
Sanchez had offered.
     When I joined Roberts on the patio a couple minutes later he was
filming toward the pasture.  I smiled as I followed the direction of his
lens and saw Johnny, Cindy riding behind him, galloping the pasture on
Cindy's horse.  'For such a shy little rat, he sure can get what he wants,'
I thought.
     "When do you think Johnny will be well enough to sit a horse by
himself?" I asked Roberts after he stopped shooting.  "The Vet suggested
Ginger be ridden for exercise, and you know what that's going to lead to."
     "As long as he's careful I think it would be safe.  Ginger might be
the best horse for now, if he falls off her he wouldn't have as far to
fall." he answered.  "But don't you have to break her, or whatever they
call it, first?  I don't want him getting bucked off or such!"
     "Yeah, I was going to do that in a few minutes," I replied.
     "You!  You're going to get tossed around and all that?  You have more
nerve than I!"
     "Actually, the Vet recommended someone smaller than I, I was going to
ask you to break her," I said, trying to keep a straight face.
     "ME!" he exclaimed.  "I've lived in Texas almost ten years, but I'm no
God Damn cowboy!  You actually think I'd let myself get bucked and pitched
around that way?  Shit, I'd end up getting tossed to the moon and back!" he
added, his voice raising with each word. I was careful to avoid his eyes, I
had no idea I would stir him up that much and wasn't about to let him off
easy.
     "Hey, I saw you ride last weekend, you did great, you'd be a perfect
choice!" I informed him.
     "That's the second time I've been on a horse in my life, and my crotch
STILL hurts!  What do I look like, a short Clint Eastwood!" he barked.
     "Well, you had said you weren't going to have any more kids, a good
bucking horse ride might help you insure you wont!"  The veins budging out
of his red face told me I had pushed far enough.  "I'm kidding, I'm too big
to ride her, I going to get Cindy or Ronnie to."
     He seemed to hang on his wife's name until I added, "They don't buck
and go nuts like in the movies, well unless they know John Wayne is
watching.  Really, all they have to do is get used to having a saddle on
their back."  After his face relaxed somewhat I added, "Besides, I'm a
Psychiatrist, I'll just have a quick therapy session with her, and she'll
be fine!"
     "Are you sure that is wise?" he asked.  His face broke into an almost
evil grin as he added, "Are you sure you can handle a patient with a higher
IQ than your's?"
     Buddy was sound asleep, snuggled around some of the rags in his
cardboard box on the patio, when the boys came back up to the house a few
of minutes later.  They rushed inside for drinks, and I was sure a snack I
don't think anyone noticed the box.  A couple minutes later they began
drifting back onto the patio, inhaling cups of fruit salad and juice as
they walked.
     "I was just about to go back down with you guys," I told them.  "When
you finish your snack we have some work to do," I added, earning matching
glares from all four of them.
     "But it's the weekend!  I mean yes sir," Ronnie exclaimed.
     "Oh, it wont be that bad, I promise," I snickered.
     I had to laugh with pride as we introduced Ginger to a saddle, and
later a rider on her back.  I had Cindy hold her halter, and Johnny and
Mark reassure her while I gently draped a blanket, then a saddle onto her.
She wriggled her back and hips somewhat is I pulled the girth strap just
snug under chest, but didn't resist or seem to object.  As we started
walking her around the pasture wearing the empty saddle she turned her head
back to look at what was on her, then seemed to look at the other saddled
horses as her ears perked.  Shortly she was pushing her muzzle to Johnny,
and looking at the other horses almost like she was saying 'Look, look, I'm
a big horse now!'
     After ten minutes or so I cinched her girth strap tight, and we walked
her a little more.  "Let's let her loose for a few minutes," I suggested.
"You guys run up to the house and get everyone something to drink," I
instructed as I grabbed Junior and Ronnie's neck.  "And I want a beer!"
     Johnny pushed under my arm as the other boys started toward the house
and Ginger strutted toward the other horses, I could almost read the 'Look
At Me!' thoughts she was broadcasting with her body language.
     "She soooooo happy Pop, thanks!  And she said thanks, too!" he
bubbled.  "I wish I could ride her, do you think I'm gonna getta?  Please,
I gotta!" he whined.
     "You are going to ride Ginger, I promise," I told him as I pulled him
against me.  "But when you are Gonna Getta?
     "Ah, well, ah, when am I gonna get to, , , ah going to, , , well, I
don't got.  I'm sorry sir, I want to talk right like you and Ronnie and
everyone!"
     "I'm not mad, I'm trying to help you do that!" I told him before
kissing his forehead.  "You're doing fine, but I'm going to correct your
language, is that okay, son?"
     He stiffened under my arm for an instant, but then melted against me.
"Yeah Pop, I mean DAD!" he hooted.  "I mean Yes Sir!"
     "I like Dad better, okay?" I countered.  Before he could answer Ginger
pressed her long nose against our stomachs, pushing into our snuggle.
     Johnny leaned into me as he hugged Ginger with his hand, snuggling for
several seconds.  "Do you think I'm ever really gonna get to live here?
For real like Mark and Ginger?" he asked, I think both Ginger and I.
     "Very soon, son.  Didn't I say you were going to?" he looked up at me
wide eyed again.  "Please trust me, I promise you will," I continued,
hoping Cindy was right.
     After we let Ginger adjust to her saddle a few more minutes while we
enjoyed our cold drinks, I held her halter while Cindy started to mount
her.  She resisted, turning away and pulling at her lead rope.  After
several tries the little horse moved so her saddle was next to Johnny and
turned her head, as if telling him to get on.
     "Johnny's not ready to ride you yet, girl.  You have to let someone
else ride you first," I told her, wondering even if I said it if I was
really talking to a horse that way.  To my surprise she looked at me, then
her boy as if asking his reaction.
     "Can I ride her?  She likes me," Mark offered.  I wasted no time in
turning down his request, but as I did he was already in front of Ginger.
"Will you let me ride you?  I bet if you do our dad will let Johnny ride
you soon," he told the animal as he stroked her snout.
     I was wondering, hoping 'our dad' referred to he and his brothers, not
the horse and him, when Johnny joined the snuggle.  "It's okay,"Johnny the
little horse.
     "I'm sorry guys, but if she bucked Mark could get hurt," I interceded.
"Let's let Mrs. Roberts try a couple more times, if she cant I'll ask
Mrs. Stewart to work with her on Wednesday."
     "Wednesday!" Johnny hollered.  "But, I ain't gonna be here Wednesday!"
I was about break the news to him that he would, that I intended to have
Mary pick him up so he could begin riding lessons when he pulled Ginger
closer.  "Please girl, you gotta!" they stated at each other for several
seconds.  "She promises she wont hurt Mark, Pop!  Tell him Ginger, tell him
you wont."
     I had to do a double take as she turned her head and looked me
directly in my eyes.  I saw Cindy nod her approval.  I thought about it for
several seconds, every eye in the pasture, both human and four legged,
staring at me, before taking a deep breath and asked Cindy to take Ginger's
lead rope.  Grabbing a handful of Mark's belt, I half lifted, half helped
him as I made him drape his body across the saddle.  The little horse
shifted her weight and feet somewhat, as if testing her balance, but seemed
calm.
     Johnny and Cindy walked her for a minute or so while I walked next to
the animal, maintaining my death grip on Marks belt, ready to jerk him off
the saddle if she tried to buck.  'Here goes, nothing, or everything,' I
thought as I told Mark to get down.  Ginger moved her feet a little as his
weight shifted, but then turned her head almost like saying, 'that's not
all, is it?'
     "No girl, we're not done," I said before I realized it.  She turned
back toward Johnny and let out a nay, her tail rising into a proud arch.
"Okay, you are not a cowboy," I told Mark.  "If she bucks at all, you are
to jump off, DON"T try to ride her if she does, promise?"  He nodded.  "And
take your headgear off."
     He had removed his straps and was pulling the facebow out of his mouth
when Cindy barked, "He wasn't talking to either of you!"  When I followed
her eyes, she was snapping at Junior and Ronnie, already almost out of
their appliances.
     I snickered as I looked around at the rest of our audience.  All the
other horses were formed into a loose semi-circle behind us, with the boys
in the middle.  All of them watching as intently as a human would a good
movie.  'Here we go!' I told myself as I helped Mark climb into the saddle,
more for my benefit than his.
     Ginger only shifted her body a little as it accepted the boy's weight,
then stuck her nose higher into the air.  I walked next to Mark as Cindy
led them in a slow walk for a couple of minutes, making a few gentle turns
and stops.  The filly seemed to be loving it, the longer she carried her
rider the crisper her step became, the further her head and tail rose with
pride.
     "Remember what I told you son," I reminded Mark before walking ahead,
tucking Johnny under my arm.  "Good girl," I said, stroking Ginger's head
with my other hand.
     Johnny petted the side of her head for a second as she looked over at
us.  "She said thanks Pop!  Yeah, thanks for me too!" he bubbled.  I almost
found myself wondering if she really did as I looked at her eyes and face.
     "Junior, go saddle Zeus for me." I asked.  "Come here Zoe," I added,
gesturing toward her.  As soon as I mounted Zoe and took Ginger's lead
rope, Cindy rushed over to her steed and climbed aboard.  "Remember what I
told you son," I told Mark before I started to lead our little pupil around
the pasture, Cindy riding next to Mark on the other side.  We rode for five
minutes or so, walking and trotting her.  All the while she seemed as happy
as could be, looking over at Cindy's horse, then Zoe almost like saying
'Look at me!  I'm a big horse now!'
     "Carl said Johnny can ride by himself, what do you think?" I asked
Cindy.  Ginger almost stumbled before Cindy could respond.
     "What, you need to ask?" Cindy quipped as she reached over and patted
Ginger's head.
     "Yeah DaD!" Mark injected.
     I tied Ginger's lead rope to Zoe's saddle-horn before I climbed off
Zoe.  After I climbed up on Zeus and Ronnie mounted Zoe, we made another
ride around the pasture with Ronnie leading the little filly and Cindy and
I flanking her.  She seemed even happier than during our first excursion,
looking around and showing off to three horses now.
     "Go mount up, Junior too," I told Mark after I climbed off of Zeus and
helped him off of Ginger.  "As soon as you put this on," I added, handing
him his headgear.  "Stay close to her, but don't scare her," I told him
popping his butt to shoo him to Hera.
     "Well, you want to go for a ride?" I asked Johnny.  He looked between
my face and Ginger's saddle, his face in total disbelief, as I walked him
toward the filly.  "Hang onto the saddle horn, and remember to hold with
your legs," I reminded him.  He hesitated for a second or so until Ginger
turned her head, gently pushing him toward the stirrup with the tip of her
nose, as she snorted softly.  "Have fun, Son," I added as I lifted him and
helped him swing his bad leg over her saddle.
     Johnny looked down at me, then around briefly before standing somewhat
in his stirrups and falling forward against Ginger's neck.  My ass-hole
sucked a good amount of wind as I reached to catch him before he fell, but
he stayed in the saddle and wrapped his arm around his mount's neck crying,
"Yeah!  YEAH WE DID IT!  YEAH GINGER!!!"  He buried his face into her mane
as she pushed her neck back against him, her tail swinging side to side.
     Ginger behaved like she had been ridden for years as she proudly
strutted around.  Cindy and I rode on each side of Johnny for several
minutes, praying she wouldn't freak and buck or try to run, before we
backed away, letting the boys and their horses enjoy themselves.  We gave
both our horses a good gallop for twenty minutes or so before returning to
the kids, Ginger still prancing like a show horse.
     "I think Ginger, and you should rest a little," I suggested as I rode
next to Johnny.
     "But, Pop, please?" he whined.  "Please, she's so neat, and please?"
     "Well, but I am getting hungry, and I think it's almost time for her
to take her pill,"" I countered.  My tactic worked perfectly, Johnny seemed
to snap instantly to the suggestion of food as did the other boys, and
Ronnie turned back toward the pasture fence, Ginger still in tow.  I got a
frightened look from Johnny as everyone dismounted and I told the boys to
remove Ginger's saddle, but he brightened considerably when I told him he
could go for another ride this evening.  "Go get her pill, and groom her,"
I told Johnny.
     "That is an amazing horse, I have never seen an animal almost demand
to be rode for the first time.  And she loves Johnny, I have never seen
that kind of loyalty from a horse, especially as young as she is," Cindy
told me as we walked toward the house.
     "I know," I answered.  "I just wonder if she is really all horse, she
clearly understands English!  Who was the Greek God trapped in a horse's
body?" I quipped.  "Go look in the box," I told her as we walked onto the
patio.  I went to join Mary and Roberts at the barbeque pit as she gave me
a curious look.
     "Wow, thanks Adam!" Cindy bubbled as she joined us a minute or so
later, Buddy tucked against her chest.  "You are wonderful, I don't know
who is going to be happier, Buddy or your boys!" she added, pecking my
cheek with a kiss as Buddy leaned out in her arms and licked the other one.
     "Or me, only three more to get rid of now!" Roberts teased.  "Where's
my kiss?" Everyone but Roberts laughed as Cindy held the puppy up to her
husband's face and the little dog scrubbed him with her tongue. We were all
still laughing and teasing Roberts as the boys began crowding around the
pit, their stomachs almost bulging out of their eyes as they look hungrily
at the feast cooking.
     "Buddy!" Junior howled when he noticed the little fir-ball in his
mothers arms.
     "I don't believe it, there is something in that come between them and
food!?!" I quipped to the other adults as the boyd in mass carried Buddy
away, the little dog craning his neck like a Giraffe to lick all of them.
     I shuttered a few minutes later when we sent the boys inside to wash
up and bring out plates and utensils for lunch, Buddy stumbling and
tripping to keep up as they rushed inside.  "Don't worry, that is what
carpet cleaner is for sir, he wont hurt anything!" Mary told me.  She
ignored my dirty look as she added, "His mess is easier to clean up than
their grass stains and gym shoe odor!"
     "He already knows he should go outside to do his business, he's a very
intelligent dog," Cindy added.  "He is still young, and cant wait long, but
don't worry, your house will survive."  'Thanks a bunch!' my wallet
groaned, loud enough that I could hear it from my bedroom.
     The rest of the day went perfectly.  Mary showed me how she had spread
newspapers across the floor of a small room off the kitchen for Buddy,
suggesting we just move his box into it later, and I finally managed to get
Mary to relax and sit by the pool, be a guest for a few minutes.
     After we ate, and Buddy munched on the small bits of our meal Cindy
allowed the boys to give him, he disappeared back into his box and crashed
into a nap.  I'm not sure who was happier, Ginger or Johnny as they went
for an hour or so ride tethered to Ronnie.  Almost all too soon evening
attacked, and I sent the boys to bathe after Carl and Cindy left for home,
and I went into my bedroom for a much needed shower.
     "Well, I think things are getting back to normal!" I chucked as I saw
the mountain of quilts and pillows stacked in the family room.  "Did anyone
think to look for any good movies?" I asked as I sat on the couch.  "I
don't guess anyone has time to get. . ."
     A thin hand stuck a beer can in front of me before I could finish the
statement.  "Can we sleep here, please?" Johnny whimpered as I accepted the
beer and he sat next to me, snuggling against me.  Mark dove into my lap as
Ronnie and Junior appeared from the foyer, struggling with another load of
bedding.
     I was about to tease them and say they had to sleep in the bedrooms
upstairs when the stack of quilts next to me whimpered, and Buddy's puppy
face surfaced from under them.  "Shit Buddy!  I told you to. . . Ah, I
meant, ah, I'm sorry, I was gonna say. . ." Junior began.
     "You were going to apologize for your poor language, weren't you!" I
scolded.  His ghost white face and quivering lips answered for him.
"Please come here," I directed, "Now!" I added when he hesitated.  I let
him sweat for a minute before wrapping him in my arm and pulling him down
on the couch on the other side of me.  "Do you think a soap bar would fit
under that thing?" I asked him, gently tapping in his facebow.
     He blushed red, then turned even paler than before, muttering
something I didn't understand.
     "You stuck kid, you're my fourth son, and I expect you to behave like
that!  Okay?" I asked, tucking him into a tight snuggle and kissing his
forehead as he nodded.
     'Well at least we're not in the recliner!' I thought as Ronnie climbed
into my lap next to his brother, depositing Buddy in the middle of our now
mass nest.
     "I'm glad you want to play with Buddy, but I want him to sleep in his
box, in the backroom, understand?" I looked around at the five sets of sad
puppy eyes staring back at me for several seconds before adding, "Just for
awhile guys, until he's, , , pottie trained."
     "But he sleeps with me at home sometimes.  Sir," Junior whined.  "He
hides under the covers and kisses me if he has to go.  I promise he'll be
good!"  All four boys gave me liver lipped frowns, my three braces patients
sticking their lower lips out so far they almost covered their facebbows.
I was trying to build up the fortitude to break their hearts when Buddy
began gently kissing my hand as he softly whimpered.
     "Will you, all of you promise to take him outside as soon as you wake
up?  And watch him closely?"  Their faces answered for me and I agreed.
     The little dog did just as Junior said.  A little later when the boys
crawled under the covers to watch a movie, Buddy burrowed into the blankets
with them, snuggling between Junior and Mark.
     I watched a few minutes of their corny Si-fi movie before deciding to
turn in myself.  I knelt down, kissing each boy's forehead as I whispered
good night to them.  I was about to stand up when a tiny black snout
appeared out the edge of the blankets, followed by one eye.  "You too,
Buddy," I added as I kissed his nose.  'Did I really just kiss a dog good
night?' I asked myself as I entered my bedroom.
     I was a little surprised to find I was alone in my bed when I awoke in
the morning.  'Wow, what a day, what a week,' I thought as I cuddled with
my pillow.  Soon my nose rudely told my stomach about the freshly brewed
pot of coffee it had detected, and my bladder began demanding its share of
my attention.  'Yeah well,' I growled as I tried to convince my legs to
cooperate.
     Everyone was either sound asleep or dead, it was hard to tell which,
as I looked at the kids on the way to the kitchen.  So far so good, I
decided as I looked around the family room and didn't see any gifts from
Buddy.  After I poured a cup of coffee and was walking through the family
room to the patio your new little friend was peeking out from under the
blankets, just his little nose and his eyes showing.  'Hi Buddy, you want
to go outside?" I asked as I bent over, extending my free hand.
     He glanced at Mark and Junior's faces for an instant and squirmed out
of the nest toward me, allowing me to scoop my hand under his chest and
pick him up.  When I sat him down in the grass right next to the patio he
scampered a foot or so and squatted, I could clearly read 'Relief!' on his
furry little face.  "Good boy, Good Puppy!" I praised when he finished.
His tail began wagging like a propeller as turned back toward me, looking
up at me with a happy face.  I laughed so hard I spilled my coffee as his
tail wag extended to his hips then rear legs and he fell over.
     I was still laughing at the puppy as he tried to get up, despite his
hypersonic rear propeller continuing to control his balance, when a thin
body slammed against me.  As I looked down Johnny buried his face into my
chest as he slung his arm around me, pulling himself against me.
     "Good morning, sunshine!" I exclaimed, wrapping my free arm around his
bare little back.  He pushed even harder against me as he let out a long
sob, and began whimpering as his tears flowed down my abdomen like a water
fall.  "Hey, what's wrong pumpkin, are you okay?"  He heaved a couple of
attempts at speaking and began wheezing somewhat.  I looked for a place to
sit my coffee cup down for an instant before tossing it in the grass and
wrapped both arms around his thin shoulders.  "Calm down, Dad's here, take
a deep breath son," I told him as I scooped him up, one hand under his
brief clad butt, the other around his back.  I carried him over to the
closest chase lounge and sat down, dropping him in my lap.
     "Relax Johnny, try to relax and take deep, slow breaths," I coached
him as I took his pulse with one hand and snuggled him with the other.
'Fuck, where's my cell!' I thought as I read his heart rate, beating almost
double what it should be, his respirations so short and spasmodic.  'Please
God, HELP!  HELP NOW!!!'  "Relax Johnny, try to relax, everything is going
to be fine,"
     I stroked his back and neck and after several seconds he calmed
somewhat and his vital signs began to settle.  As he leaned against me he
began sobbing softly. "I, I, I thought you was gone!" he sobbed into my
neck.  "I couldn't find you, you were gone!  I couldn't find you nowhere!"
he sobbed.
     "I'm here aren't I?" I softly said as I pulled him against me.  "It's
okay son, relax, take a deep breath and relax!  I'm right here, I just
took. . ."
       "But, well, I thought you was, I mean I was dreaming and then you
were gone!  You was just a dream I had!"
     I held him tightly for several seconds before pulling his chin up
toward my face.  "Is that a dream?" I asked, kissing his cheek.  "I'm here,
everything is okay," I added.  Buddy clawing against my shin distracted me.
When I looked down he was jumping between my leg and the chase lounge,
trying to get into the chair.  I reached down to pick him up by his
hackles, but as soon as I put my hand behind his head he flexed his neck
muscles and used my hand as leverage to climb into the chair.
     "Is he a dream?" I asked as the little fur ball stumbled his way
across the chair and up my stomach, licking both Johnny and me as he did.
     "Wow, I thought he was a dream!  He's really here!" Johnny cried,
petting our little friend.
     "He's really here, and so are you.  Feel better?" I rubbed his back
with one hand and petted Buddy with the other.
     "I love you Pop," the boy whispered.  We cuddled for ten minutes or
so, until my stomach began cursing me for throwing away its caffeine fix.
     "Are you going to ride Ginger today?" I asked.  He perked up instantly
in my arms.  "After breakfast we're going to see how she likes a Hackamore,
how's that sound?"
     "A what?" he asked, looking up at me.
     "It's like a bridle, but more comfortable.  Then you can ride her
without being on a lead rope."  He perked up like a new kid.  "Why don't
you wash up a little and I'll make some breakfast, then we'll she what
Ginger thinks.  Why don't you jump in the pool!"
     He pressed his body against me briefly before squirming out of my lap.
He took a couple of steps toward the pool before turning back to me, now
showing a somewhat evil grin.  "If they're more comfortable, maybe you
should get one for Junior!  Well and Ronnie and Mark!  Wait till I tell
them!" he hooted before jumping in the water.  'He's got spunk!' I thought
as I went inside.
     The other boys were stirring when I when inside, and quickly joined
Johnny in the pool.  After breakfast Mark and Ronnie grumbled and groaned
when I made them put on their headgear, and I got some dirty looks from
them as I reminded them it was all day wear starting today, but shortly we
were saddling up.
     As soon as Ginger was saddled she pranced away, walking by all the
other animals as if showing off.  I let her roam for a few minutes to let
her again get used to the saddle before hooking a lead rope to her, then
slipping the hackamore around her snout, and over her head.  She snorted
and shook her head a few times, but didn't buck or seem to really object.
Ronnie led as Johnny rode her for a few a brief time, until I was sure the
filly would respond to her reins, but she seemed to be enjoying the lesson.
     A few minutes later I cursed myself for not bringing my camcorder with
me as I watched Johnny and Ginger go for their first independent ride.  I
was sitting on Zeus, watching them enjoy their great adventure, when Ronnie
rode up beside me, then his brother rode up on the other side.  "Thanks
Dad," Ronnie exclaimed, as they both leaned over and hugged my arms.
     "Come on guys, let's go ride with your brother," I answered, wiping my
misty eyes as I prodded my big stallion into a trot.
     I thought I was going to have to rope Johnny to get him off his small
steed as the day went on.  First have him, and the poor horse restm and
later for lunch.  'Well, the Vet wanted her to exercise,' I thought as I
watched them trot off for the tenth or so ride of the day.  Cindy arrived
an hour or so after lunch to pick up Junior.  She and I rode with the boys
for awhile, which I think finally wore Johnny down somewhat, and he only
slightly objected when we ordered the boys to unsaddle and groom all the
horses.
     I thought Johnny was going to break down when Cindy offered to take
him back to Hill Country on her way home, he even pulled away from me when
I tried to draw him into a snuggle.  "Come on son, remember you have to
finish getting well, right?" I asked him, only earning me a weak nod.  "I
want you to work hard, so you are ready for Wednesday afternoon, okay?" was
answered with a slight shrug.  His little brain seemed to vibrate briefly
before he asked what he had to do Wednesday.
     "That's your first riding lesson, your's and Ginger's!  Mary is going
to pick you up you are going to come out here for it, will that work?"
     "Pop!  For REAL!" he howled, throwing his arm around my waist.  "Wow,
I really getta!?!  Ah I mean get to?" When I reassured him he would he
yelled "YEAH!  I gotta go tell Ginger!"
     I barely had time to grab him around his thin, tight stomach as he
darted toward the door, and for a second wasn't sure I could hold him
without hurting him.  "Settle down, Tiger!  You can tell her when you tell
her goodbye!  I need you to do something else first," he pulled against me
briefly before relaxing a little and looking at me.
     "Before you leave I would like you to go upstairs and decide which
bedroom you want.  You're going to start living here soon, and Mary and I
need to start getting it ready for you."
     "I'm really gonna get to?" he gasped more than said.  "I'm gonna get
my own room?"
     "Your very own, you can have any room except Mark and Ronnie's," I
answered, the last part of my statement almost inaudible over the other
three boys hoots and cheers.
     "Come on dude," Ronnie exclaimed as he and Junior grabbed him and
rushed him toward the stairs.
     "When do you think he might be able to move in?" Cindy asked after the
boys disappeared up the stairs.
     "When can you get me that court hearing?" I asked.  "I'm calling for a
staffing tomorrow, but I know he is well enough, he is safe form that
dick-head sperm donor that spawned him, as soon as that Judge's gavel
drops, he is a day patient at Hill Country."
     "Done!" Cindy answered.  "Thanks Adam, but don't waste too much time
getting that room ready!  Oh, and get him a suit, tomorrow!" she bubbled as
she gave me a brief hug.
     Cindy was good to her word.  When I arrived at my practice after my
morning rounds, my scheduling nurse followed me into my office.  "Your
first session is in the waiting room already, so I will be brief, but I had
to rearrange your schedule for a lot of the week," she began.
     "You are have two appearances in court tomorrow morning, at 9:00 to
brief the judge on Eric Ashley's evaluation, and now for a custody hearing
regarding your new boy at 8:30.  Of course you will need to cancel your
morning rounds, I took the liberty of notifying the hospital."  'An
eight-thirty court hearing?' I as myself.  I had always assumed most judges
were still in bed at 8:00, Rodriguez was the only jurist I knew of that
opened his docket at nine in the morning.
     "I also have cleared your calender for all of Friday and Monday
morning, and scheduled an appointment with Doctor Sanchez for Friday at
nine o'clock their time," she continued .  "You are flying out at
six-thirty Thursday night on United, and have reservations at the Hilton
there.  Also a rental car is reserved for you at the hotel.
     "Doctor Sanchez also asked you call him sir" she added.  "You both
have blocked time between ten and ten-thirty today our time, may I place
the call for you?"  'You're not REALLY to THAT point, are you?  You cant
answer your own calls?' my ponytail pumped me before I asked her to arrange
the call.  'Yeah well!' I told my hair.
     "Yes, please," I meekly answered as she left the room.  'Damn, it
great to have complete control of your practice!' I thought.  I chased her
into the hall, asking, "Please arrange a Staffing at Hill Country regarding
Johnny Doeman this afternoon, and tell them I will be checking him out for
the night."  'I'm glad Cindy is not the lawyer on the other side!' I
thought.
     Between patients I found time to call my computer supplier, Billy-Ray
and Mary.  Although it cost me an extra thousand dollars or so I managed to
have all the changes to Johnny's room I asked for to be completed by mid
afternoon.  Mary also agreed to bring Mark and Ronnie into town and meet me
at an Applebee's restaurant, I even talked her into joining us for supper.
'Another one of those weeks,' I told myself.
     "Doctor, I have Doctor Sanchez on the phone, line two" my nurse
informed me.
     "Good morning Doctor Owens, I am looking forward to meeting you and
Johnny on Friday!" Sanchez began after our nurses connect us.  "I am also
looking forward to having you visit Norfolk, have you ever seen our city,
or our wonderful beaches?"  I barely had time to answer I hadn't when he
added, "I hope you will accept my invitation to be my guest, in my home,
for the weekend.  We are expecting you."
     "Thank you Doctor Sanchez, thanks so much for examining my
s. . . Johnny, especially on such short notice.  But I couldn't impose, and
also I intended to bring my other two sons on the trip.  I have
reservations at a hotel near your practice.  Your commitment to examining
Johnny is much more than I could have ask of anyone!"  The phone was silent
for several seconds.
     "Thank you too, sir, but I have a comfortable, six bedroom home facing
a private ocean beach, and only my partner and I live in it.  We would be
honored if you and your boys would be our guest.  I will be expecting you."
'God, I cant impose on this dude any more, NO WAY!' I thought.  "And my
father is looking forward to meeting you, I will pick you up at the
airport," Sanchez interrupted my thoughts.
     "Thank you Doctor, but I already have made hotel reservations,
and. . . I appreciate your offer, thank you so much, but I couldn't impose.
I'm sure we will be comfortable in the. . ."

     "Doctor Owens I assure you that you would be imposing, we would feel
miffed if you refused to accept our hospitality!"
     I thought about his statement for a second or so.  From his
conversation I was sure they were still childless, 'Does this fool know
what he is getting into?'  I wondered.  'Letting three full of
piss-and-vinegar young teenagers loose in what sounded like a very nice
home?  He's either dumb, which I doubt, or. . .'
      "Have you ever been to Texas, Doctor?  I would be honored, I'm sorry
my boys and I would be honored to accept your invitation to visit your
home, but only if you will reciprocate and visit our ranch."
     It was his turn to pause.  "I am of Hispanic descent, I have read your
people still shoot wet-backs on site some of those Texas ranches," he said,
the chuckle in his voice clear even over the phone.
     "Whatever, I understand you Yankee's still beat up hippies!" I
countered.  "I am looking forward to Friday, and meeting you.  I will be
the long hair deplaning United with three rock-clunkers in tow!  Thank you
Doctor, more than I can express."  'I like this dude, he's as wacky as I
am!' I thought as we rang off, both of us laughing.
     'How do I lay all this on Johnny at once, how can things be happening
so fast?' I asked, I guess my big cat's steer wheel as I drove toward Hill
Country.  'Fuck, you've got to be forty for all this shit!  Yeah well!'
Almost as if on cue Cindy called me, assuring me she was totally prepared
for tomorrow.  After a little convincing she agreed to Carl and her would
join us for supper at Applebee's.
     Johnny hugged me and climbed in my lap, then spent what seemed like
forever showing me his progress both on his tutorials and therapy sessions.
After I congratulated him for the tenth or so time I interrupted.  "There
has been a change of plans, and I want you to. . ."
     He stiffened and almost got out of my lap before I could grab him.  "I
don't get to go live with you and Ginger do I!" he growled more than asked.
"I knew I wouldn't!" he added as he tried to escape my grasp.
     "Actually, I'm afraid you have to go back to the ranch tonight, would
you mind spending the night there tonight?"
     "Yeah well, , , What!  WHAT!!! I getta!"
     "You getta," I answered as he leaned against me.  "A LOT of crazy
things are going on that I'll tell you about later, but we have to, , ,
well, let's go home, we can talk about it in the car. Remember we're going
to town first, okay!"
     Cindy was the mother I wished all the boys had when we met.  All I did
was offer my credit card as she picked out a royal blue sport coat, dark
blue slacks and an almost pink shirt that set off his hair perfectly.  'And
this for your eyes," she said as she help up a tie that accented his
beautiful miles deep eyes.  A few tee-shirts and jeans later Johnny was
much happier than my credit card.
     We relaxed at Applebee's longer than I expected, and the boys and I
didn't get home until almost eleven.  I wanted to show Johnny his new room,
but when Mark and Ronnie asked if he could sleep in their room I didn't
argue.  Johnny played with Ginger for a few minutes then with Buddy before
I finally stuffed our little dog into her temporary room and my kids into
bed.
     "Thanks Pop, I love you!" Johnny's whisper said right after my clock
radio assaulted my slumber the next morning.  Still half asleep I pulled
him into a snuggle as his tiny tongue licked my chest and neck.
     "You are suppose to be in bed, so is Buddy," I mumbled as I realized I
wasn't at all alone in my bed, and that Johnny wasn't licking my chest, but
a fluffy little dog was between us.
     "We are in bed!" Mark whined, almost crushing Johnny as he pushed over
and kissed my nose.  'Are they still accepting boarding students in
Afghanistan?' I asked myself as I tried to wake up.  "Can we go swim?
Buddy wants to go out too, can we?" Mark added.
     "Go!" I answered.  'How long did I work for this big house, and the
solitude of living on my ranch where no one can disturb me?' I asked myself
as I crawled out of bed and stumbled toward my shower.
     Cramming into a pressed white shirt and business suit was ALMOST worth
it as we left the house, and Johnny ran down to the pasture fence to show
off his new dress clothes to Ginger. 'STRANGE horse,' I thought as I
watched her study him, beaming with pride at her boy's dress.
     "Hi guys," Cindy said as we walked toward the courtroom door.  I was
surprised to see Mary walking with her.
     "Come on guys, let's run down to the snack bar and get a drink before
our hearing," Mary said.  I started to protest, but Cindy's almost panicked
look told me to nod at the boys to do as she asked.
     "You are not going to believe this," Cindy said as she ushered me into
a small conference room.  "Doeman's arrest sparked some attention we didn't
expect, you better sit down and take a deep breath," she told me as she
closed the door.
     I was glad I took her advise as she continued.  As expected,
authorities in several States had warrants outstanding for Johnny's dad.
It wasn't until he came into custody that it came out Texas and another
State were also looking for Johnny on ten or so offenses, from burglary to
abiding armed robbery.  Although they couldn't issue arrest warrants on a
13-year-old, there were enough partitions to declare him a juvenile
delinquent scattered about to keep him in custody for several years.  "I
understand he did three months in juvi detention last year" Cindy
concluded.
     "That's what he was talking about," I absent minded answered before I
realized I had said it.  Seeing Cindy's lost look I filled her in on
Johnny's frightened concern about getting sent to CPS when he and I had
talked earlier.  "Three months in Juvi as a twelve year old, I guess he
does not want to go back!  What to do?" I asked.
     "Do you still want him?" she responded.  I'm sure seeing my face she
continued, before I bit her head off, "I'm your lawyer, I had to ask that.
We are out of time, quit being mad and listen!" she chastised.  "I don't
know if we can pull this off, if we can still get custody of him or not,
but it's pretty well up to you.  How good a shrink are you?  There are
three prosecutors, and a couple of cops that are going to want a piece of
Johnny's ass, and as skinny as he is, they wouldn't all get their share
until he's thirty or so.  Rodriguez thinks you can walk on water when you
treat troubled kids, ready to dance on the wet stuff?  You can do it Adam,
if still want to adopt Johnny you can!"
     I stared after her as she walked back toward the hall, trying to take
a normal breath as I digested everything she told me.
     "Good morning, Doctor Owens, it is an honor to have you in my
courtroom again for this type of petition!" Rodriguez began after his clerk
called the court to order.  "Oh, and thank you for wearing clothes again!"
he snickered.  "Ronald, Mark, you both look like you are doing well, your
tans sets off your freckles well!" both boys blushed so red their freckles
almost disappeared.  He climbed down from his bench and walked over to our
table before adding "Braces now!"  He looked around my hip at the thin body
hiding behind me before continuing, "And you are Johnny?"
     "Yes sir," I answered as the boy pushed further under my suit coat.
Rodriguez took a breath, then turned and silently summoned Ronnie with his
finger.  Ronnie listened as the judge whispered into his ear before rushing
behind me and pulled Johnny against him, then pulling Johnny away from me
as he talked to him.  Johnny gave me a scared look before following Ronnie
toward the judge's chambers.
     A minute or so later Ronnie stepped back out of the Judge's chamber.
Instead of returning to his seat he stood in front of the door, cupping his
arms behind his back and spreading his legs slightly as if guarding the
door.  Quickly the bailiff approached him telling him to return to his
seat.
     "He told me to wait here," Ronnie informed the big officer, the top of
the boys head was about breast high on the man.
     "Take your seat son," the cop said as he reached toward the boy.
     "He told me not to let anyone in," Ronnie snarled, his lips curling
back like an angry dog's.  'Don't get in the way of those teeth,' my arm
seemed to say.  They stared at each other for the better part of a minute
before the cop withdrew his hand and took a step back.  I covered my mouth
to hide my grin as Ronnie actually stared the big man down.
     Shortly Johnny came back into the courtroom and ran to my side, and to
everyone's surprise Ronnie called Mark and sent him into the Judge's
chambers.  Mark session with the Judge lasted only two minutes or so, and
as soon as he came back into the courtroom Ronnie disappeared into
chambers, giving the big cop a final glare before he closed the door.
     "Bailiff, seal the courtroom," Rodriguez ordered as he reentered the
room, Ronnie tucked under his arm.  Cindy motioned for Mary to sit behind
us as the officer escorted everyone but the people that were related to our
case out of the room.  The Judge, looked down at Ronnie.  "Go ahead," he
instructed.  Ronnie called Mark and Johnny to him, and led them into the
Judge's chambers.
     "Be seated," he said as he climbed behind the bench.  "Ronald, excuse
me Ronnie, is a remarkable young man," he said with a grin.  "Doctor, it
would be an honor to sign this petition right now, but I have to address
another issue.  It has been presented that this boy very well might have
participated in delinquent activity on multiple occasions, including
violent behavior.  Not only could he be a threat to society, but to you and
your sons.  I am looking at eight creditable partitions asking he be
declared delinquent and detained.  In this light, do you still think your
request is reasonable?"
     "Yes sir, I do," I answered, wishing I had undergone surgery to remove
the sweat glands from my face before going to this hearing.  "I am sure any
deviant behavior Johnny engaged in he performed under duress, that he was
in fear of his life if he failed to act as ordered.  It is my opinion he is
no threat society or my family, that he deserves a fresh start."
     "Your honor, this kid's an accomplished burglar and thief, and belongs
locked up somewhere, either in your state or mine," a man with a thick
southern accent objected.
     "And you are?" Rodriguez asked.
     "Assistant District Attorney Brown, representing the people of
Arkansas.  I don't know who this Doctor character is, except a fool for
wanting a brat like this one.  I am sure the great state of Texas don't
take the word of some damn long hair any more seriously than we do, and I
demand the boy be returned to Arkansas for adjudication."
     "The ONLY one that makes demands in my court room is ME!" Rodriguez
barked.  "Further, the great state of Texas does NOT consider profanity,
nor insulting remarks proper court room domineer, you are fined five
hundred dollars for your last remark.  I will suspend that if you show a
civil tongue until this hearing is concluded, but consider yourself under
arrest until that fine is paid.  For your information, DOCTOR Owens in not
only a respected professional but an officer of this court.  Did you have
any other demands?"  Cindy cupped my thigh as the man withered into his
seat and Rodriguez summoned his clerk, whispering into her ear briefly.
     "On the other side of the coin, as a Psychiatrist, what is your
professional evaluation of the boy, your recommended plan of service for
him." the Judge asked me.
     "He belongs in a nurturing environment, where he can enjoy, or regain,
his childhood and learn to be loved.  He will require clinical and
occupational therapy to be able to lead a productive live, as well as
proper supervision."  'Fuck, I usually spend two or three hours preparing
these presentations, am I spouting this shit correctly or fucking it up?' I
thought.  "And he needs the chance offered, the surgery that I hope will
recover use of his paralyzed arm."
     "Are you partitioning to adopt the boy so he can have this surgery?"
the Judge asked, studying my eyes almost as if through a microscope.
     "No sir.  Although CPS denial of the surgery opportunity made me
consider adoption, I want to adopt Johnny because I can help him, and I
love him as do my other sons."
     "Judge, I must protest again!" Brown drawled, Dixie dripping from his
voice.  "I just scanned the briefs, and this hipp. . . gentleman lives in
total seclusion with two teenage boys already, is he adding another one to
his stable?  Who is to know what happens to these kids, who supervises them
when the 'Doc' is at work, or out playing around?"
     "I do!" Mary countered before anyone else could react.
     Rodriguez rubbed his head in frustration before asking Mary to
identify herself.  "Mary Hope, I am the boys' Nanny," she answered as she
stood up.  "Johnny is a wonderful boy that deserves a chance!"she
proclaimed, putting her hands on her hips and almost glaring at the Judge.
     "Oh great, now an uppity wet back," Brown mumbled, I'm sure a little
louder than he meant to.
     "I might add that Mrs. Hope is a certified Occupational Therapist,
retired after twenty-five years plus service at Central Baptist hospital,
and a . ." I began, only to have Rodriguez cut me off.
     "That statement bought you three days in jail!" the Judge roared.  "Do
I look wet too?  Bailiff, get this trash out of my courtroom!  I want him
in jail NOW!" he thundered.  He turned away from us for several seconds as
Brown was handcuffed and led away.  "Does anyone else have anything to
add?" he growled, glaring around his courtroom.  "I'm going to talk to the
children again, and take this under advisement." he announced as he, and
everyone else stood.
     He talked with the boys for only a couple of minutes before they
reentered the courtroom, rushing to Mary, Cindy and I.
     Ten minutes later the court reconvened, the Judge walking in front of
his bench instead of sitting behind its high desk. ."Mark, if you will," he
began, twitching his head toward his bench.  'Not again!' I thought as my
little Turkey scampered up to the bench and perched on top of it, but
relaxed as I realized what the outcome might be.
     "If I allow you to live with Doctor Owens, do you promise to keep
working as hard as you have been to get well?  And to behave?" he asked
Johnny.
     Johnny was so far hidden behind my body again I started to answer for
him when his little pixie nose pushed from under my elbow.  "I will sir, I
promise!  Ginger will too sir, she said she will!  We promise Sir!"
     The judge looked around at us for a second or so.  "I hope you don't
intend to partition to adopt Buddy, or Ginger like Johnny suggested,
but. . .  God bless you Doctor Owens, take good care of all three of your
new sons.  You have full custody of Johnny Doeman.  Further, I want the
adoption of Ronnie and Mark finalized, ASAP.  As soon as you have the
papers drafted, it is so ordered.  "Now Mark!" he barked, followed by a
sharp hammer strike and all the boys cheers.

To be continued. . .