Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2002 19:14:07 -0500
From: Gary <gary_q@hotmail.com>
Subject: Patient John Doe Chapter 19

Patient John Doe
By Gary_Q
Gary_Q@hotmail.com

The below story is a work of fiction, as stated in the previous chapters:
all copyrights from apply, as does my prohibition to this work being linked
to any pay web sites.

If you are just joining this story, please note the DEDICATION of it,
stated in Chapter One.

Again I thank my good friend Miguel Sanchez,  miguel_sanchez55@hotmail.com
for his help in developing this work, along work we are doing on future
chapters.  (Julio, of course, is now the mature Doctor Jay Sanchez in this
story).

			     Chapter Nineteen

     My alarm clock hatefully announced it was morning.  It continued to
buzz its hateful assault into my ears, ignoring my hopes it would go away,
until I delivered what I was sure was a fatal blow to its snooze button.
'Take that, ass hole!' I thought as I glared at the beast for a second
before rolling back into my warm blankets.
      "Yeah, I know, but at least the only thing I have to do this morning
is get the kids off to school and meet Cindy for breakfast.  No patients
until this afternoon," I answered when the covers groaned at me.  'Did I
really talk to blanket, a piece of dead sheep's fir?' I asked myself.
'Maybe you should find a Shrink's Shrink, you are loosening it!'  I was
still building up the nerve to begin a reality check when the blanket
squirmed somewhat, pushing its warmth against my body.
     After a couple of tries I convinced one of my eyes to reopen slightly,
and after pausing again I lifted the covers, finding a crop of strawberry
blond hair, snuggled tightly against a mess of golden blond fir and nylon
straps pushed against him.  "Hi Dad," Mark muttered in a sleepy voice.  "We
don't gotta get up already, do we?" he added as he reached across Johnny
and cupped my ribs with one hand.
     'God, I wish!' I thought as I lowered the covers and wrapped my arm
around his bony shoulder.  "You guys are suppose to be in your own beds,
remember the rule about school nights?" I replied.  "Come on son, you guys
promised," I added, trying to ignore his and Johnny's snuggle and make a
valid attempt at being a responsible parent.  I think I gave myself away
when I unknowingly began rubbing Mark's thin back and neck.
     "Well, but Johnny was scared and stuff, he, well, he is scared about
today, Sir," Mark answered, his voice getting clearer and higher as he
spoke.  'Yeah well, I'll chew them out NEXT time they do it,' I decided.
     All too soon the beast began its rude assault again.  Reluctantly I
pulled the covers back and leaned around, slapping the snooze button again.
Mark yawned a wide silver yawn before he sat up in bed.  He quickly reached
down to Johnny, pulling his brother's thumb from his sleeping mouth before
glancing at me, his face clearly hoping I didn't see.
     "Wake him, then go wake the others, if you hurry you have time for a
quick swim," I suggested. I had to snicker when Johnny instantly rolled
over in the bed giving me a wide eyed smile.  "Well, I know how to wake you
up!" I teased as I kissed him, then Mark on their foreheads.  "Go get
Ronnie and Junior up, I'll start some breakfast.
     I stopped for a quick pit stop in my bathroom and started into the
kitchen still just wearing just my briefs, but grabbed a pair of gym
shorts, not bothering to put them on until after I poured a cup of coffee.
I had just straightened back up when I heard a covey of kids rush through
the family room, and glanced out the window as they dove into the pool,
still clad only in their briefs.  'What the hell, an advantage of living in
the country, no one to bother you,'I thought as I watched them frolic.
     I had just put a pound of bacon into the microwave and begun
scrambling some eggs when I heard the front door open.  'Where are they
going?' I asked myself.  'They're not going to the pasture in their
underwear, no shoes,' I hoped as I put the bowl down and rushed toward the
door to stop them.
     "Good morning, Adam!" Mary bubbled as she stepped out of the foyer,
scaring the crap out of me.  "Oh, the house smells wonderful, I'm surprised
it hasn't woken the boys!" she added.
     I was about to reply when I realized I was standing shirtless, wearing
only skimpy gym shorts in front of a distinguished lady older than my
mother.  I could feel my face blush red as I crossed my arms in front of my
chest.  "Ah, good morning, excuse me for a second," I groaned as I made my
way to my bedroom.  'Oh shit, the boys!' I thought as I jerked a shirt from
the closet.  'Fuck, what to do?' After thinking for a minute I grabbed four
towels from my bathroom and went to the door from my bedroom onto the
patio.  After several tries I got Junior's attention, gesturing him to me.
"Mary is here, you guys wrap yourselves before you come inside," I half
whispered, half growled to him.
     My heart sank as I went back into the kitchen and saw Mary staring out
the window toward the pool.  "They look so cute, so carefree," she
commented making me blush again.  "But I'm surprised they don't swim nude!"
she added, turning my blush from red to crimson.  "You're the last person I
expected to be bashful," she added when she saw my face.  "What's the
difference between seeing you shirtless in the pool and in the kitchen?"
she asked with a knowing smile.  "Should I make wheat or white toast?"
     I had to snicker as the boys finished breakfast.  As Mary and I
finished preparing the meal I sent everyone upstairs to get dressed.
Junior, Mark and Ronnie soon afterward appeared at the breakfast bar in
their school shorts and uniform shirts, Johnny right behind wearing Hill
Country gym shorts and tee-shirt.  After they ate and the boys carried
their plates to the sink, Mary followed them with her eyes.  "Johnny, we
have a busy day today.  Please go upstairs and change into a pair of pants
or walking shorts, and a shirt with a collar," she said.  "And, please wear
socks and shoes, and be sure to tuck your shirt in."  'This might be good,'
I though as she looked at her watch and added, "Please hurry, we have to
begin in twenty minutes.  We will start everyday promptly at eight
o'clock."
     'She don't mess around,' I thought as I turned onto the expressway a
few minutes later.  Mary had already planned their day, actually the next
several, even providing me with a written schedule.  She was to give Johnny
a series of tests this morning while she set up appointments with
Cornerstone and Hill Country.  After a half hour lunch break his afternoon
would be occupied with a combination of lesson related evaluations, exactly
what I would have ordered for a work up of a suspected learning disabled
patient.  Her schedule was actually a full hour longer than Mark and
Ronnie's school day.  'Now I almost wish I had installed surveillance
cameras, just to watch the show,' I thought as I wondered how Mary would
get along with Ginger in her new role.
     "She is going to be a God-send," Cindy commented as I filled her in on
my morning.  "By the way, I used the information from Johnny's custody
partition to prepare the incorporation paperwork for her as a PC.  I am
going to have a friend of mine who does cooperate law review it, and I
would like to bring it out for her to sign this afternoon.
     After we ordered our breakfasts I filled her in about my discussions
with Jay and his mate, along with their father.  Without wanting to I found
myself dodging direct references to their sexuality, referring to them as
brothers living together instead of partners.  She listened intently, then
looked away as if in deep thought as I finished up.  When she looked back
at me her face told me I was screwing up.
     "Are they single step brothers, or a gay couple?" she asked, as calmly
as if asking the time.  "All the rumors are true, all attorneys are crocked
as snakes, but trust your lawyer."  She took a bite of her meal, and sipped
some juice almost as if giving me a little time to think.  "What about you?
Are you gay or straight?" she asked.  "I've often wondered.  You're a very
eligible, a six figure eligible bachelor, that dates his horses and raises
kids for a hobby.  You are either gay, or a boy lover."
     I was trying to decide how to answer her question, both to myself and
publically, and if I should tell her to fuck off and die for being so
intrusive when she added, "I don't really care, you are the best thing that
has ever happened to three, well four little guys including mine.  Are they
fit parents?  Can they help troubled kids, do what you are doing?  From
what you said they are, that it would help their emotional health to fill
that need.  Are you willing to certify that as a professional opinion?"
After I nodded my head she cupped my hand and offered a personable smile.
     "I don't know much about family law in Virginia, but from school I do
remember not only did the Pilgrims landed in New England, but their Puritan
crap was carved into stone as are their ancient laws.  If Waco is the heart
of the Bible belt, those folks are the lock of the Chastity Belt!  I know
some colleagues I can call, I'll let you know something tonight or
tomorrow." I started to feel a little relieved, that she was letting me off
the hook, when she added, "You never answered my question!  Let's talk this
afternoon."
     Considering I was away all weekend, and had not been in my practice
Friday, everything was surprisingly calm at my practice.  The resident that
had taken care of my hospital rounds did a perfect job, and my nurse was so
kind as to schedule a light afternoon for me.  Mary hadn't wasted any time
either, and about mid-afternoon Hill Country called, asking me to stop by
and sign Johnny's final release paperwork.  'Damn, I might get home before
the kids!' I thought as I turned onto the freeway after completing my
afternoon rounds.
     Zoe and Hera were waiting by the gate when I turned into the ranch,
but just gave the car a fleeting glance and turned their attention back to
the road, I'm sure looking for Cornerstone's bus.  As I stopped in front of
the house, Ginger appeared at the pasture fence, gave me what was clearly a
dirty look, and turned going back toward the rear of the house.  'Wow, I
wonder what I did to deserve that?' I thought as I walked to the front
door.
     The house was surprisingly quiet when I walked in, no Johnny bouncing
up to give me a hello hug as he always did.  I got a bit of a start when I
went to put my laptop in my study, he was sitting at a table on one side of
the room, concentrating on some papers before him.  "Hi Pumpkin!' I
exclaimed, bending down and kissing the top of his head.
     "Hi Pop," he answered.  He looked up at me briefly, then back at his
work for a second.  After looking toward the study door briefly he climbed
out of his chair and wrapped his arm around me as I pulled him into a hug.
"Well, but I gotta finish this, sir," he said an instant later, pulling
away from me and rushing back to his seat.  'Damn, he's clean this time of
day?' I thought as I noticed his hair neatly combed, his shirt carefully
tucking into his shorts.
     "Good afternoon, Adam," Mary said from the doorway.  "Do you need any
help, Johnny?"
     "No Ma'am, I only have one page to do still," he replied with a proud
grin, but quickly turned his attention back to his project.
     Mary handed me my afternoon beer, and nodded her head toward the
kitchen as I stepped back into the family room.  "I hope you don't mind me
allowing him in your study," she began, "But it was the most conducive area
I could think of, and still have him close by."
     "Not at all, it seems to work, he worked hard at Hill Country, but I
don't think I ever saw him that dedicated!  A one second hug, and blowing
me off for schoolwork?  I'm shocked!"
     "Goal completion incentives," she answered with a slightly sinister
grin.  "His scholastic day ends when he completes his assigned tasks, not
when the clock declares it over.  Oh, the same with breaks," she added,
setting a couple of cupcakes and a glass of milk on the breakfast bar.
"The results can be amazing!"  'I wonder if she'd be interesting in
proctoring homework sessions for the other two?' I jokingly asked myself.
     We talked a couple of more minutes before Johnny came into the
kitchen, slipping under my arm and pushing against my side.  "I'm done, I
mean I'm finished Ma'am," he announced, offering Mary a stack of papers.
He glanced up at me with a wide grin, then cast a longing look at the milk
and cakes next to us as I stroked his shoulder and gently tucked him into a
snuggle.
     The boy pushed a little tighter against me as his eyes darted between
the snack and Mary, who was inspecting his papers.  "Very good!" she
commented, giving him a warm smile.  "You did an excellent job all day, we
even finished, ten minutes early, I am very proud of you!" she added as she
reached over and tousled his hair.
     He blushed slightly and looked up at me with a proud smile, then
pulled out from under my arm and leaped onto one of the breakfast bar
stools.  Mary and I both chuckled as he inhaled both cupcakes and the
entire glass of milk in what seemed to be one motion.  "Can I go see Ginger
now?" me mumbled, his mouth still full from the last of his snack.  "Can I
go riding, please?"
     "As soon as you change clothes," I answered.  His face tightened for a
brief instant, but then brightened again as he jumped down from his seat
and darted upstairs, his limp barely visible even as he climbed the stairs.
     Mary started to bring me up to date on her plans, but only had begun
when he was back downstairs.  "I cant get this thing back on!" he cried as
he rushed toward me, his shoulder splint hanging haphazardly on his chest.
Despite him anxiously squirming and shuffling his feet like his pants were
full of ants or something, I managed to secure his arm fairly quickly, and
turned him toward the door, popping him on the butt.
     He rushed toward the patio door but abruptly turned and rushed back to
me.  "Thanks, Pop, I mean Dad!" he exclaimed as me kissed my cheek.
"Thanks Mary," he said giving her a brief hug before turning and
disappearing outside in a flash.  We watched from the kitchen window as he
darted toward the pasture gate, where Ginger was bucking her head and
kicking her rear hooves up in joy.
     I had just slipped into my bedroom to get in a pair of trunks, and
hopefully get into the pool when I heard Mark, Ronnie, and only slightly
surprisingly Junior come into the house.  I felt a little honored when they
actually interrupted their assault on Mary's cupcakes and gave me a group
hug as I entered the room.  "Mom said to come here, she's gonna come and
pick me up," Junior informed me.
     I noticed a bit of tightness in Ronnie's face as they resumed their
cupcake eradication efforts.  He gave me a couple of questioning looks
before finally asking, "How come Johnny gets to ride all day and we gotta
go to school?"
     "I think you should ask Johnny that question," Mary answered before I
could.  "The answer might surprise you!" she added ignoring his dirty look.
     "Hi Guys!" Cindy interrupted, walking into the family room
unannounced.  "What, Johnny is the only one that likes to ride anymore?"
she quipped.  "We're not going to be here very long, if you want to ride,
go change your clothes and get saddled up," she told her son.  The three
kids exchanged quick glances before each of them wolfed down another cake
and rushed upstairs.
     "If I keep hanging around with you I'm going to get fat!" Cindy
snickered as she got a beer from behind the bar.  "I have mostly good
news," she added as we sat down in the family room.  "Sign these," she
instructed Mary handing her several documents.  "Read them later, you have
copies, but you'll be a PC by the end of business tomorrow if you do.
Also, you guys can bill the state for Mary's services regarding Johnny's
recovery, up to six hours a day at industry standard rates."
     "But, OT Clinics bill at fifty-five an hour!  That cannot be legal!"
Mary somewhere between mumbled and gasped.
     "I'm sorry, but the State of Texas will only pay fifty-three-fifty."
Cindy countered.  "But it's a done deal, as long as you become a PC and
Adam writes a prescription for the care.  If that happens today, you get
paid starting today."  She ignored Mary's shocked face and told me, "Oh,
don't answer calls from CPS accounting, they are PISSED!  But it's good for
them," she said, the grin on her face reminding me of Carl's copper wire
joke.
     "Excuse me, do you have a bill for me, how much do I owe you for all
of this?" Mary asked with a fair amount of apprehension in her voice.  Mary
shifted nervously when Cindy said she did and rifled through her purse.
     "I think this would be a fair trade, no rush, whenever you get the
time," Cindy said, handing Mary a folded sheet of paper.  The recent
retiree's face tightened, as if praying for her savings account's future,
as she paused, then slowly opened the bill.  "The top one is the Fried
Spanish Rice you served the other weekend, it's invaluable I'm in love with
it," Cindy told her.  "The other two are one's Carl Junior is driving me up
the walls to cook after he had them out here."
     "But, I couldn't accept this, I have been told by friends what
attorney fees were when they opened their clinics.  I have some savings, I
could, , ,"
     "I'm a soccer mom that happens to be a member of the bar," Cindy cut
her off.  "Besides, you are taking care of my second most favorite little
guy.  Or, is he my favorite?" she tittered, melodramatically looking toward
the wall as if for guidance.  "Besides, the way you take care of my son
when he's here, I'm going to be owning you soon!"  Mary stared at Cindy for
a second before moving her lips slightly as a reply and hurried into the
kitchen.
     "I've some information, I'm not sure how helpful, regarding the other
matter we discussed this morning," she told me.  She paused, her lawyer
eyes cutting into me as if asking if she should proceed.  When I nodded she
continued, "My colleagues confirmed what I had said.  In Virginia, there is
almost no hope of a single male getting custody of anything but a, well
really a next-of-kin child, even those end up in sometimes nasty court
hearing and investigations.  If your friends tried to adopt, or even want
to foster a teen or pre-teen, the Virgin State would probably fight it
until the kid was a voting adult."
     'Yeah well,' I thought.  "Cindy, they could help some kids, some
troubled kids, and they want to, they need to!" I answered.
     "You hinted that they are, , , financially, comfortable?" she asked.
"My New England friends and I had an idea, but it wouldn't be cheap for
them."  She paused, seeming to wait for some reaction from me.  I shrugged
my shoulders slightly, wondering what she was getting me into now.
     "If they established a residency in another state, let's say Texas,
JUST for the sake of discussion, they would then have the right to
partition prayers to that state's court system, and under that State's laws
and precedents.  Do you get my drift?"
     I leaned forward slightly as I tried to digest her suggestion.  "I
think I understand the drift of your suggestion, but, they have well
established lives, and a beautiful home on the east coast, they are not
going to move over this.  It would cost Jay his practice, a second
generation shop!"  Mary startled me setting a fresh beer next to me, then
Cindy, cupping Cindy's shoulder for an instant before walking away.
     "I didn't suggest they move here, but establish residency here; if you
will a dual residency like a lot of politicians do.  Basically, they would
need to buy a piece of property in, let's say Texas, that has a dwelling on
it suitable for raising a child.  I'm not their attorney so I cannot offer
any advise, but an idea location might be in the Judicial Court District
249, JUST as an example, of course!  Provided they are at their 'southern'
residence from time to time, by law they can reside anywhere in the US the
rest of the time!  The same thing we both did in school, I know you
attended school in other states like I. "
     "But we were college kids living in dumps, not potential parents," I
countered.
     "That is what lawyers are for.  Provided there is nothing in their
pasts that could jeopardize their approval, this in all likelihood can
happen.  I used to clerk for a this guy, when he was a Federal Judge," she
said, handing me a name and address.  "He's retired now but is involved
with a firm in Richmond, as Emeritus Senior Partner, a firm that MIGHT even
deal with some of the Sanchez family business.  Of course he cant disclose
any relationships because of privilege, but I would bet your friends know
his name."  From the glimmer in her eye I could tell she knew much more
than she was saying about the relationship than she was offering.  "Have
them give him a call, he and I are on the same wavelength.
     'The soccer mom from hell!  Shit, remind me not to piss this women
off!' I thought.  "I see you were about to jump in, would you mind if I had
a quick swim before I take my rat home?" she interrupted my thoughts.  She
was in the bathroom changing before I could respond.
     Cindy's suggestion continued to intrigue me, but contacting Jay and
Ronnie in Virginia wasn't in the cards for that night.  After she and I
swam for a few minutes Junior and her left for home, Mary leaving with them
before my boys and I sat down to supper.  I let the kids relax for a few
minutes after we ate before sending them to bathe and get their homework
done.  When I did Johnny rushed back into my study instead of upstairs
along with his brothers, giving me a sheepish grin as he followed behind
carrying a wad of paper.
     I had just booted my computer to write Jay when my cell rang, one of
my patients had screwed up, for the tenth or twelfth time, and I spent the
next hour or so telling the police not to release him, and resisting the
urge to drive to town and strangle the brats mother as she condemned me to
Hell over and over for not rushing to the rescue of her angelic little drug
addict from the jaws of all those evil policemen.  'Oh well, life is back
to normal,' I thought as I turned back to the computer to e-mail Virginia.
     I was settling my fingers on the keyboard's home-keys when a thin body
pushed against me, pushing my hand off the keyboard as it leaned into me.
"Can you check our homework?" Ronnie asked as I somewhat automatically
reached around his thin waist.  "Here's mine, and here's Mark's," he
informed me, handing me two stacks of paper.
     "Where is Mark?" I asked.
     "Well, he's helping Johnny finish his, he's got a bunch of it!" Ronnie
answered.  "Arf, I'm glad she's not my teacher!"  As much as it hurt I
resisted the urge to ask Ronnie if he found out why Johnny was already
riding his horse before Ronnie could, and turned around in my office chair
to my desk, and began reviewing their work, Ronnie pushing one hip onto my
thigh before I could push under my desk.  I had checked most of their work
when Ronnie's alto voice interrupted my concentration, asking "You guys are
done already?"
     Before I could look around Mark, then Johnny, crowded around my chair
as Johnny pushed his papers in front of me.  "Will you check mine, please,
its gotta be right and everthing!  I mean everything," he whined.
     I was amazed as I read his assignments, he miscalculated one of the
forty or so math problems he had solved, and didn't do well at all using
'there', 'their' and 'they're', along with only two spelling errors, in the
four pages plus of sentences he had written.
     "This is great, I am impressed!" I told him.  "You did fantastically
today, do you like Mary teaching you?" I risked.
     "She's NEAT, she teaches a lot of stuff for me!" he answered.  "I mean
to me, sir."
     "Yeah, and his arm is getting all kinds of better and stuff!" Mark
added, beaming with pride.
     "Let's go celebrate, anyone ready for ice cream?" I suggested.  I
silently praised the people that made my carpets as I watched the boys dash
across it, the carpet absorbing the skidding from their rapidly
accelerating feet's friction without burning.
     By mid-morning the next day I was convinced some force from the dark
side had sent Murphy to stalk me, lawbook in hand.  After solving the tenth
or so problem of the morning I finally found time to check my e-mail, but
could only quickly respond to a couple of urgent messages before my next
patient.  What was suppose to be a half-hour of blocked time right before
lunch, a time for me to catch up on the administrative duties of my
practice, turned into an emergency trip to the hospital to deal with one of
my patient's latest suicide attempt.
     'Yeah well, I guess I could get up, say two in the morning and write
Jay, maybe no one would find me then,' I thought as I fed money into one of
the hospital vending machines.  'Wow, I've got a whole ten minutes to get
back to my office for my next appointment,' I groaned as I tried to decide
on embalmed ham on stale rye, or rotten egg salad on moldy white for my
dining pleasure.
     I started to open my 'sandwich' as I got in my car, but after looking
at it again tossed it in the passenger seat.  'Fuck it, it wont hurt to
try, I might catch him,' I told the steering wheel as I dialed Jay's cell
phone number.  To my surprise he answered on the second ring.  After
assuring him Johnny and everyone was doing well, that I was calling him on
another matter, I relayed a very abbreviated version of Cindy and my
conversation last night, and gave him the name of the Richmond attorney she
suggested they contact.
     "We know Judge Aeolus, he did some legal work for Ronnie and my
company, and a lot of work for Dad before retired.  I'm having one of THOSE
weeks," he said, "But I'll ask Ronnie to call him this afternoon."  We
laughed and sympathized which each other as we stepped on each saying each
had to ring off, he was rushing from his office to the hospital, already
fifteen minutes late for a surgery.
     "Well, I'm only five minutes late, but five minutes away," I answered,
pushing my big cat's accelerator pedal to full throttle.  We both laughed
when he joked he could have been a Plumber, or a 'Lazy Cook' "You know I'm
going blackmail you with that the next time I see your partner," I teased
before pushing the end button on my cellular.
     'Time to stretch your legs, girl,' I told my Jaguar as I opened her
door after finishing my afternoon rounds, over an hour later than usual.  I
pushed the edge as far as I dared driving to the freeway.  'Damn, I don't
like this,' I thought as I tried to call the ranch for the third time in
the past hour and not getting an answer.  'Run Kitty run,' I added as
entered the expressway and watched the speedometer climb.
     I had mixed emotions as I pulled in front of the house very shortly
later, having cut the drive time home almost in half.  Mary's car was
there, but no horses or people in sight.  The house was just as empty when
I rushed inside, nothing appeared disturbed, but no kids, no Mary.  I found
myself falling into a defensive mode as I looked around the house, then out
the patio door.  I could only see one horse, unsaddled, but no other signs
of life. 'Not again,' I thought.
     I looked back around the family room, almost hoping I had missed
something or someone, but I hadn't.  I was trying to decide if I should
check the rest of the house, go outside for a better look, or get my
handgun out of the safe when my cell phone rang, almost making me soil my
pants.  'Sorry Dude, but not now," I silently shouted with my eyes as I
read 'Ronald Sanchez' on the caller ID.
     'Chill, fool,' I told myself, taking a deep breath, then turned back
to look outside.  My eyes bugged as several horses came into view from
behind the barn.  'I don't EVEN believe this shit!' I thought out loud as I
rushed into my study.  'You better have at least some charge left!' I
threatened my camcorder as I ripped it out of its carry bag.
     'Damn, someone has GOT to invent Zoom Audio!' I mumbled to myself as I
adjusted the video zoom and began recording.  Mary was perched, almost
propped on Athena, sitting as stiffly upright as any old drawing I have
seen of a tightly corseted lady from Victorian times.  Mark, mounted on
Hera and Johnny, riding Ginger were riding on each side of her as Ronnie
walked in front, leading Athena by her reins.  Zoe was saddled, walking a
little sideways as she gave her boy dirty looks.  Zeus and the other horses
were surrounding the entourage as if they were serving as body guards.
     I tried to stifle my snickers, remembering the camera had a
microphone, as I zoomed in on Mary.  Both of her hands were locked around
the saddle in a death grip, her knuckles as white as her face.  I only got
to shoot for a minute or so before Zeus turned toward the house and loudly
snorted, but ducked inside before anyone but he had noticed my presence.
'That made the day, all the bull-shit, worth it,' I snickered as I rushed
into my bedroom to change, and to try to look innocent when they returned
to the house.
     By the time I had changed into a pair of swim trunks, gotten a beer
from the bar and stepped onto the patio everyone had dismounted and started
toward the house.  I wondered if it was from affection or need of support
that Mary had her arms around Ronnie and Johnny's shoulders as they made
their way up the hill, but hid my snicker and waved at them.
     "Good afternoon, , , Doctor, , , I, I walked down with the boys to see
the horses, they are wonderful animals," Mary said, her voice a little
shaky.  She paused just for an instant before sending the kids inside to
wash their hands and get something to drink before asking, "May I have a
sip of your rum?" as I followed her inside.
     I considered teasing her as she downed a large jigger of rum in one
swallow, but I didn't.  "Wonderful animals," she repeated before she went
to the kitchen, gave the kids a quick hug and excused herself for the
evening.
     As we ate supper I debated if I should ask the boys about Mary's
riding session, and how they convinced her to mount a horse, but curiosity
finally got the better of me.  'Yeah, my timid little boy, afraid of his
own shadow,' I silently snickered as I listened to Johnny stammering
explanation.  Johnny, after unsuccessfully asking Mary several times if he
could visit Ginger during his breaks, sucked her into offering him a
'bribe'; if he completed all of his day's assignments at least an hour
early, she would go down to the pasture and conduct that last hour of his
tutelage there.
     "Ginger said to bet her if we could answer all her questions right,
she'd ride. Ginger said she'd like horses and stuff after!" Johnny
proclaimed with a bashful smile.  I resisted the urge to ask about any
ongoing extensions to their bet.  'Call Stewart, ask her to include Mary in
tomorrow's riding lesson,' I added to my mental to-do list.  'And stock
extra Rum.'
     After the boys cleaned the kitchen and went upstairs to bathe and do
their homework, I finally found time to climb into the pool and lean
against my favorite water-jet.  'There is a God,' I thought as I relaxed
the back of my head against the pool's wall and took in a beautiful sunset,
enjoying the massage of the pool relaxing my neck.  'This is God's
country,' I reassured myself as all of the day's stress floated off into
the pool's drain.
     "I don't FUCK'N believe it!" I groaned when my cell phone broke my
trance.  I started to ignore it, leave it to its own devices, but crawled
out of the pool to check the caller ID.  'I hope this damn thing wont
shock,' I thought as I settled back against the pool's jet and pushed Talk.
     "Hi Adam, thank you for you help, especially so quickly!  Ronnie and I
are on speaker-phone," Jay began.
     "I spoke with Judge Aeolus at length earlier, thank you so much.  I'm
amazed that you connected with him," Ronnie added.  "He knows, our family
very, very well, and suggested we contact, well actually retain, the
attorney you are using, I believe her name is Roberts?"
     Before I could answer Jay added, "When we tried the phone number
Aeolus gave us, an answering machine answered, with a message more from a
private residence than a law firm.  We cannot find a listing in your local
directories for her law office, her home number is non-published."
     From the silence on the line I could tell they were trying to
tactfully finish their query.  "Cindy is an attorney, and a damn good one,"
I began.  "She is also a full time mom and doesn't have a law practice or
office, instead spends her time shuttling kids between school and lessons,
the perfect Soccer Mom.
     "She also managed to get me custody of Johnny in about three days, so
Jay could treat him.  She got me custody of my other two in about two
weeks," I answered.  "When it comes to the law, she is crooked as a snake,
when she dies we probably will twist her into the ground like a corkscrew
instead of burying her, but if you want a lawyer on your side, I know of
none better."
     Their pause was briefer than I expected.  "Jay is tied up here all
weekend, but I would like to meet with her, can you arrange it?" Ronnie
asked.  "I have booked a flight Thursday evening, and reservations at a
local hotel our foundation owns, the Wyatt just north of your airport."
     "I'll see what I can do," I answered.  "But, your lodging reservations
are wrong, I insist you be our guest here on the ranch.  No argument,
especially if you want my lawyer to try to free some time from her, , ,
busy schedule!"
     "Thank you, but with the short notice and. . ." Ronnie began to
counter.
     "What time is your flight?  Or, I can the boys hang around the airport
all evening holding up a sign reading, 'Yankee Fry Cook Report Here' up for
all the terminal to see." I interrupted.
     "Just have one of them carry a camera!" Jay chuckled.  "I want
thirty-five copies, one to mail each of our Executive Chefs!"  From the
smirks I could hear over the phone I found myself wishing video phone.
     "Seven-ten your time," Ronnie answered.  "But, are you sure I'm not
imposing?"
     "Where you would impose would be making me explain to the boys why
you're NOT staying here, I'd probably have to commit your namesake," I
countered.  "I don't think I'm going to tell the kids in advance, the
surprise will be fun to watch, and I doubt they would get anything done in
school if they knew," I said after he gave me his flight number and
airline.
     "But, please have the sign and a camera!" Jay heckled.  I could hear
Ronnie mutter something, but couldn't make out what.
     "Oh, in case this works out with Mrs. Roberts, do you know a good
realtor?" Ronnie added after they made a couple of more laughing comments I
couldn't understand.
     "I was completely pleased with the agent that found this place for me,
I'll give him a call, see if he is available Friday or Saturday.  Can I
give him an idea what you might be looking for?"
     "Yes, and no," Jay answered.  "Between us we have been to south Texas
about three time. We own a restaurant in Houston, but from the time we have
spent in that city we have never had much interest in visiting the rest of
your state."
     "Except for the pictures you showed of your property. We definitely
would like a rural setting, with enough land for our family to have a
vacation getaway.  Of course Doctor Sanchezstein in interested in something
that might offer some return from our investment," Ronnie said.
     "A piece of cake," I snickered, "I'm sure my realtor already knows
exactly what listing to show you!  This guy is pretty good, and let's plan
on spending some time riding around, give you a lay of the area."
     "You two going for long rides in the country?" Jay quipped.
     ""Wait until he meets my cook!  It will be love at first site," I
countered.  "He might not come back!  Or better yet, I'll send my kid's
back with him! A special deal, this weekend only!"
     "YOU are the evil man, Charlie Brown," Jay teased.
     "And I'm hanging up, while I still have some pride!" Ronnie grumbled.
"See you Thursday evening."
     'Wow, this is happening quick!' I thought as I set my phone on the
deck behind me.  I relaxed against the pool's wall for a second, enjoying
the beautiful orange sliver of the sun still peeking above the mountains as
dusk settled onto my paradise.  "God, I hope this works, I hope they get
the kids they want, that they deserve and can help," I told the sun as it
gave its final wink at me, and the pasture below it as it said its
goodnights to us.
      'All the world is well,' I thought as I closed my eyes and leaned my
head back against the deck.  A second later a long, warm tongue splashed my
face as Buddy rubbed his wet nose against me, whining as he bathed me with
his kisses.  I reached for him, but he backed away from me toward the
house. I was about to call him back when I heard another whimper coming
from behind me.  'What now?' I thought as I turned toward the house and saw
Johnny pushed against my bedroom door in a fetal position, tears flowing
from his eyes like twin waterfalls.
     "What's wrong Pumpkin?" I asked as I kneeled next to him, Buddy
jumping between us.  I took a wad of papers out his hand and leaned against
him.  I ignored him as he tightened his posture, and lifted him into my
lap.  He tried to pull away back toward the wall as I added, "It's okay,
son, Dad's here, everything is going to be all right, I promise," I tried,
kissing his tear soaked cheek.
     "But, please, well, we'll be good again and stuff!" he sobbed.
"Please don't send us away! We will be good again and stuff! I'll do
anything you want, please!"
     "Wait, son, I'm not going to send you, or anyone anywhere!" I tried,
still trying to realize this was happening, much less what he was talking
about.  "Oh, Shit!" I said before I realized it, as I recalled the joking
end to my conversation with Virginia. "Johnny, I was joking when I said
that, I was talking to, , , someone you know and like.  I love you, I love
all of you, can you believe that?"
     "But, are you gonna sell us, please Dad, please I'll be good just let
Mark and Ronnie stay!  Please don't hurt them no more!" he cried as he
again squirmed to get out of my hold.
     "No one is going anywhere, I was teasing some of our friends, some
that you know!" he quit squirming a little.  "Can you keep a secret?" I
asked.  "A good secret, and one you only have to keep for a couple of days.
I promise you'll, and your brothers will like it!" he gave me a far less
than comfortable look, but shyly nodded his approval.
     "Well, but, not here, someone might hear! Buddy is already listening!"
I said. I took the papers from his hand again, picked him up and carried
him to the pool.  He relaxed somewhat and even giggled softly as we went
into the water and I soaked him from the neck down. "Listen closely, I have
to whisper because Buddy is listening!" I said as I tucked his head next to
mine and put my lips next to his ear.
     "Wow, and no one knows!" he howled. "Yeah cool! I wont tell no one,
but do I getta go? To the airplane place?  Ronnie's gonna totally freak!"
he added, pushing into a tight hug.
     "Not a word, not to anyone," I ordered.  "Not even to Buddy!" I teased
as our little friend swam into our hug.  "You keep quiet too!" I said as I
pulled the puppy against me.  We snuggled for several minutes before I
carried them to the pool's edge.
     "Do you think I'm really gonna get to stay here?" Johnny whined as we
climbed out of the water.  Before I could say anything I guess my smile
answered for me and he hugged me again.
     "Oh, but, I gotta figure out what this word means, or Mary's gonna
totally kill me!  And Ginger!" he said as he rushed out of my arms and
grasped the papers he had carried onto the deck.
     "Let's go inside and try," I suggested as he handed me a now piece of
very wet paper pulp.  'IF we can still read it!' I thought.  'Oh well, it
gives the lived in look,' I thought as I opened the door and Buddy rushed
inside ahead of us, rolling and squirming as he dried his fir on the
carpet.
     I waited a few seconds before turning back to see why Johnny had not
come inside.  He was looking down toward the pasture, seemingly in deep
thought.  I had just followed his gaze to Ginger when he turned and pushed
against me.  "Ginger said she wont tell any too, sir!" he informed me.
     'I still don't believe this, or that animal,' I thought as the filly
and my eyes met.

To Be Continued. . .