Date: Fri, 31 May 2002 19:01:29 -0500
From: Gary <gary_q@hotmail.com>
Subject: Patient John Doe Chapter 7

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 Seven

     Johnny scanned the front of my house wide-eyed as I helped him out of
the car.  He took a few steps inside and stopped, looking around the family
room and up the stairs.  "Wow, this is one house?" he mumbled.  "Just you
live here?"
     "Well, my sons and myself."
     "In all of it?" he almost whispered, his face showing almost utter
disbelief.  He looked around again after I answered.  I offered him
something to drink, but he didn't answer, still scanning the house's
interior.  Finally he looked back at me saying, "But, well, ah, where are
the horses."
     "I bet their back here," I replied, guiding him to the patio door.  He
craned his long thin neck and took a deep breath when we looked down toward
the pasture.  All three boys were mounted, trotting their steeds across the
field, with the other horses following loosely behind.  "I'm going to go
upstairs and see if I can find you some shoes, then we'll go see them,
okay?" I waited several seconds for a response, but the closest I got was
his head moving slightly as he watched the boys ride.
     I had no idea what size he wore, so I grabbed a spare pair of shoes
from both Ronnie and Mark's closet.  Thankfully Ronnie's were a little
large, but close enough to still be comfortable.  I earned a wide smile
from him as I slipped some socks, then laced the shoes on his feet.
"Thanks M. . . Doc," he bubbled.
     "Let's go meet my four legged friends," I suggested as he pushed his
way under my arm.  I stated out the door, but raced back and grabbed the
camcorder.
     The boys saw us about halfway to the pasture gate and galloped to meet
us.  Johnny started through the gate as they rode up, but pulled back,
almost refusing to enter the pasture.  I tried a couple of times to asked
him what was wrong as I tried to coax him to come with me but he wasn't
going anywhere.
     "They're too big," he finally whimpered.  "I didn't know they was that
big!"
     "They wont hurt you, they're completely friendly,"
     "How come your's are so big?  TV horses ain't that big!"
     "They aren't that much. . . Have you ever seen a real horse, or just
pictures?" I asked, realizing he probably had not.  He swallowed hard and
shook his head he had not.
     "Hi Doctor Pop!" Mark's voice hooted from behind.  I turned around
just in time to catch him as he dove off his ride, wrapping his long legs
around my waist.
     "Hi Turkey, what would you do if I didn't catch you!" I snickered,
kissing him on the forehead.
     "You will!" he exclaimed.  I hugged him briefly and set him down just
before Junior and Ronnie slammed into a hug.
     "Guys, this is Johnny, the boy I told you I invited to visit us
today," I began, turning toward our now pale faced guest.  "Johnny, these
are my sons, Ronnie and Mark, and our good friend Carl, Carl likes to be
called Junior."  The boys had just said hi to Johnny when a big black head
pushed against my arm, letting out a loud snort.  "Oh, I'm sorry, and this
is Zoe, Ronnie's horse," I added kissing her on the bridge of her snout.
     Zeus pushed his huge head against me from the other side, demanding
his share of my attention.
     "Wow, they wont eat you?  I mean bite you?" Johnny whined.
     "They're totally cool, they love us!" Mark answered, hugging Zeus'
head, almost as wide as the boy's thin body.
     "Come on dude, they're chilled," Ronnie added as he put his arm around
Johnny's waist, nudging him into the pasture.  I felt a gentle tug on the
camera strap.  Junior was holding the camcorder, his face asking for it.
     Johnny walked a couple of steps with Ronnie, but then pulled away,
slipping back under my arm.  "They're too big!" he whimpered.  "I'm
scared!"
     I guided him in front of me and wrapped my arms around his chest,
causing him to push more tightly into my stomach with his back,and grab my
hand with is left arm.  Just as he did Zeus lowered his head and sniffed
the frightened boy's torso briefly before ever so gently rubbing my forearm
with his face.  "Pet him right here," I suggested, stoking the animal's big
head just below his eyes.  "Come on, he likes you!'
     Johnny cautiously released his grip on my hand and moved it an inch or
so toward Zeus before jerking back.  He started to reach out toward the
animal a couple more times, but pulled back each time. I stroked Zeus'
snout, making the big stallion lower his head even more and let out a long
breath, his big eyes softening from pleasure.  Finally Johnny touched Zeus'
fir for an instant, as if he was touching something to see if it would burn
him.
     After a couple more quick, test touches he softly rubbed the horse's
nose and I slowly pulled my hand away for Zeus' face.  "His hair feels
neat, soft," the boy said.  Zeus answered for me, pushing his huge head
into a snuggle against Johnny's thin chest, much more like a little puppy
than the twelve hundred pound plus beast he was.  Johnny stroked the
animal's jowls a few times before hugging its head and giggling, "He likes
that don't he!"  Zeus answered with a soft snort.
     He jerked his hand back against my arm when Zoe pushed Zeus out of the
way, as if saying my turn.  He stared at her wide eyed for a brief second
before she gently pushed the side of her face against us.  I started to
worry when Zeus lowered his ears for a brief second (a horse's way of
announcing aggression, saying `Back Off!') but he moved to the side
pushing under my arm and allowing Zoe her snuggle.  Johnny giggled again
and petted her.  "He's neat!"
     "He's a she!" Ronnie exclaimed, stroking the big animal's neck.  "Come
on, wanta meet all of them?" he offered, extending a hand toward Johnny.
     "Go on, it's okay!" I suggested.  He looked up at me wide eyed for a
second and after a little hesitation slipped out from under my grasp.
     `Yes, now I know exactly why I bought this place,' I thought as I
leaned back against the pasture fence and watched the boys.  Johnny relaxed
quickly as he touched then petted the other horses, Mark and Ronnie
introducing each of them as if they were human friends.  I didn't pay much
attention as Junior rushed into the field to join them, until the
materialistic side of me snapped into operation.  `Camcorder!  Twelve
hundred dollars laying in the dirt?' it thought.
     "The philosophers aren't always right, this picture's worth a million
words," Cindy's voice rang into my ears.  When I turned around I was
relieved to see her now operating the camera.
     "Mary let us in, she said you were down here," Roberts said as he
walked up to me.  "How's he doing, that's the happiest face I've ever seem
on him!"  He snickered as I filled him in on the morning, and Johnny's
adventure.  We enjoyed watching them for a few more minutes, now all four
kids and six horses playing around and interacting like ten kids on a
playground.  As we continued to talk I felt more and more comfortable
Johnny was not only no longer uncomfortable but having the time of his
life.  Roberts and I decided to let them play, I think both of us thinking
about the pool and the beer chest.
     I called Johnny off to the side before we left the pasture.  "I'm
going up to the house, are you going to be okay?" I asked.  Getting his nod
I continued, "I want you to remember, you are still recovering, I mean you
are still getting well, so don't over exert yourself.  If you get tired, or
if you start breathing too fast relax, okay?  And I'm going to tell Ronnie,
because he has a watch, but I want you to come back to the house in, let's
say an hour."
     He stiffened at my last request.  I could almost feel gears grinding
in his little head before he whimpered, "Well, but, please, I don't wanta
go back that quick, I'll be good!"
     "You're not going to, you don't have to go back to Hill Country then,
I just want you guys to get something to drink, well and I bet the boys'
Nanny will have a snack for you guys then!"  I cursed myself for saying
Nanny as it left my mouth, but hoped he didn't snap to it.  From his face I
could tell he didn't completely believe me, that he expected to go back to
Hill Country sooner than he wanted.
     I pulled him a little tighter against me before I said, "Oh, and I
want you make me a promise, you have to. . ."
     "I wont run away or nothing I promise, please Doctor!  I wont!" he
cried.
     "You should listen BEFORE you answer, son.  I know you wont run away!
I wanted you to promise you'd have fun!  Can you do that?" I got a through
scan from a pair of questioning eyes, followed by a warm smile and one
armed hug as an answer.  "I love you Johnny," I said before I realized it.
     After I gave up on getting Mary out of the kitchen, Roberts and I
grabbed a couple of beers and went out to the patio.  Cindy joined us a
couple of minutes later.  We made small talk for a couple of minutes before
she got quiet, from her face I could tell she had something on her mind.
     "Carl and I have been talking," Cindy began.  She looked over at her
husband nervously before continuing, "We are considering buying a couple of
horses for the kids, and were wondering if we could pay you to pasture them
here.  The going rate for boarding seems to be. . ."
     "Your welcome to keep them here, but not for pay," I interrupted.
"Kick in some food from time to time, but I cant accept your money."
     "We couldn't do that, we'd insist in paying you something."
     "You can work it off, I'll take it out on trade," I countered.
Realizing the implication of what I had just said I added, "I already owe
you a year's boarding for handing the boys' custody."  Everyone snickered,
probably at my red face.  "The only thing I ask is no stallions, because I
want to be sure only my stud breeds.  If you don't mind a suggestion, buy
Arabian mares, with Zeus' bloodline they could turn into an investment."
     She and Roberts went on to say Junior wanted to take riding lessons,
of course with my boys.  Jennifer wasn't interested in lessons right now,
but mom hoped to sway her.  We joked for a minute about rather Jennifer
didn't want to take lessons, and why she didn't come today was because she
didn't like horses, or didn't want to risk getting Cooties from being
around too many boys.  I was still snickering when Roberts added, "By the
way, a little further down the road riding lessons would be excellent
therapy for Johnny."
     "How's your beer?" I answered.
     Johnny was in the middle of the pack as the boys burst into the house
later, darting into the kitchen.  Shortly they began to drift back toward
the patio, with plates of cookies and glasses of juice.  I had to smile as
I watched Ronnie, Mark and Junior carrying extra dishes for Johnny.  The
boy seemed to have more stamina than I thought he would, and kept up with
his new friends as they rushed back into the house with their empty dishes.
     After they didn't come out for a few minutes I excused myself and went
to check on them. To my surprise they were not in the kitchen or family
room. "Oh, they went upstairs," Mary informed me.
     "Johnny too?" I asked.  She nodded he had.  `Let it go,' I told
myself, `He's having too good a time.'
     He was limping pretty badly when they came back onto the patio a few
minutes later.  All the other boys were in swim trunks and dove into the
pool.  "Don't you want to go swimming?" I asked.
     "I'm sorta tired," he whined.  I guided him to a chase lounge, and
after he stared at it for a few seconds lifted him into it.  He closed his
eyes almost before his head landed on the cushion.
     As soon as I sat down Ronnie climbed out of the pool and ran over to
me.  "He said his leg hurts," he whispered.
     He was quiet the rest of the day.  I was thrilled to see his extended
activities had not damaged his appetite as I watched him inhale at least as
much supper, then ice cream, as my two feeding machines, but he was clearly
too tired to argue when I told him it was time to take him back to Hill
Country.
     "I wish I didn't gotta live there," Johnny whimpered as I turned into
Hill Country's parking lot.  "I could behave and everthing if I didn't
gotta."
     `Change his orders, more, MUCH MORE grammar software!' I told
myself.  "I want you at Hill Country so you get well more quickly.  You
don't live here, you are a patient, a temporary patient here until you get
better!" I answered.  "You keep working real hard, and you will be well
enough to leave soon, okay?" I added as I parked.  `And if we can find
that ass hole father, or should I say sperm donor, of your's before he
hurts you again' I silently added.
     He was both silent and somber as we crossed the parking lot and
entered the building, I was a little disappointed that he walked next to
me, rejecting my arm the several times I tried to tuck him under it.  We
were approaching the door into his ward when he almost whimpered, "Thanks,
Doc, your horses are neat.  Thanks for I got to meet them and stuff.
Ronnie and Mark are real neat."
     "Thank you for visiting us, we all had a wonderful afternoon," I
answered.  I started to pull him under my arm but his face told me not to.
"I hope you will come back!  Remember, I promised you a ride on a horse
when you are well enough, do you still want to?"
     He stared at me wide eyed as his face paled ghost white.  I was about
to reach and grab him before he fainted when he muttered "You mean I get
to?  I get'a go there again?"  He pushed against me burying his face into
my chest before I could answer, wrapping his arm around me.
     "As soon as you are ready,"
     "Can I tonight?  I'll do all my stuff and everthing REAL fast!  PLEASE
DOC!  I mean everything sir!  I mean all my learning and everthing!"
     "You have to let your body heal, and recover right now.  Remember,
it's going to take a LOT of hard work isn't it" I answered as I stroked his
back and shoulders.  "If you are doing well, you want to visit again next
weekend, maybe Saturday or Sunday, you choose."
     "I really get'a?  I mean I really can?" he whimpered.
     "You really get'a but you gott'a work very hard to get ready,
promise?" I answered.  `No more beer tonight, not after that rape of the
Queen's English!' I thought.
     I was surprised but pleased that the boys were engrossed in their
homework when I got home.  An hour or so later I had finished checking
their work, and was about to send them upstairs to bathe, when Mark climbed
into my lap.  Almost immediately Ronnie pushed under my arm.  "Thanks for
letting Johnny come here, he's pretty neat," Ronnie began.
     "Yeah he's fun," Mark said.  "And he needs some friends, he don't got
any,"
     "Doesn't have any," I corrected.  "But he has us, I was very proud of
you two the way you accepted him.  He really felt at home, and it was
because of you two."
     "What's gonna happen. . . I mean what's going to happen to him?  Is he
gonna have to go to Saint Puke's or something?"  Ronnie asked.
     `St.  Puke's, okay, whatever,' I thought.  I don't know, we haven't
gotten that far.  "He is going to stay where he is for probably a few weeks
until he is well.  I'll let you know.  I invited him to visit us again, I
didn't think you would mind." I added which earned me a pair of hugs.
     "When are you gonna fix his arm though?" Mark asked, his voice raising
an octave."  He digested my diluted explanation about Johnny injury,
deciding to tell them we weren't sure if his could be repaired for a couple
of seconds before responding.  "Well, but you're a Doctor!  And you can fix
anything!"
     "But I'm a Psychiatrist, I only work on people's mental, well brain
problems."
     "Well, fix the part of his brain that makes his arm work!" Mark
proclaimed.
     "Thank you Doctor, I'll take that under advisement!" I chuckled.
"What about I fix the part of your brain that remembers bath time?" I
added, tickling his tight stomach.  "Go on guys, tomorrow's a school day!"
     Their active day had clearly caught up by the time they finished their
baths.  I waited a fem minutes after I heard the water stop running and
went upstairs to tell them to get in bed, but the already had, both of them
sound asleep.  I tucked their covers around each of them before gently
kissing the small area of their foreheads not under the blankets.  As I
started out of the room I turned back and stood watching them sleep for
several minutes.
     By the time I arrived at my practice after finishing rounds Monday
morning, I found myself hoping the rest of the week wasn't going to be like
the way my day was shaping up.  Besides having a full calender after my
shortened work schedule last week, there was a policeman and an FBI agent
waiting for me in the reception area, and a message from a supervisor at
CPS, stating Judge Rodriguez had ordered the man to speak to today.  He all
but begged for an audience, and knowing Rodriguez as I did I was sure the
CPS worker's butt was on the line.
     `Well, looks like it's a vending machine lunch, yumm!' I thought,
but told my nurse to squeeze CPS in.  I told her to try and fit the cops
in, but by appointment, and met with my first patient.  When I came out of
the appointment my nurse informed me my next patient would not be able to
make his appointment, that his parents had called informing us he was in
Juvenile Detention on drug charges, which didn't surprise me in the least.
     I started into my office, thankful to have that time slot freed to
catch up on case records and paperwork, when the nurse informed me the two
cops were still waiting, that they had said they would wait as long as
needed, hoping for a free time slot.  `FUCK!' I thought.  "Show them
in," I groaned.
     The policeman was Sargent Wilson, the senior officer that Roberts and
I had met with just before moving Johnny to Hill Country.  The FBI Agent
looked more like a house ape than a federal agent, well over six foot tall,
and even through his business suit his build said football jock.  His ham
like hand completely swallowed mine as he introduced himself as Stanley
Banks.
     I was mildly disappointed as the Sargent filled me in on the weekend.
They had no leads as to Johnny's dad's whereabouts, but he either was a
foot or in a stolen vehicle.  The car they captured after the shootout at
the hospital contained several weapons and most of his belongings, but they
knew he was still armed, and extremely dangerous.  "We found some,
interesting property in the car," Wilson said, picking up his briefcase.
     I stared at the several items he laid on my desk, several fairly large
dog collars, two of which were connected by a short chain, along with some
smaller collars.  A couple of these were fastened together almost like
handcuffs or leather wrist restraints, a couple more were connected
together with short pieces of chain.  "We also found these, and they are a
little graphic," Wilson continued, handing me several photographs.
     I almost gaged trying to keep from vomiting as I looked at the first
pictures, showing Johnny and younger boy, that I was sure was his brother,
wearing the restraints sitting on my desk. The two larger collars were neck
collars tethering them together.  The pairs of smaller collars were leg
shackles and wrist restraints as I had suspected.  I felt my head starting
to spin as I saw the two young teens in various poses, sometimes wearing
what looked like leather gee-strings and sometimes nude.
     "I'm afraid we have more," Banks added.  He paused, I'm sure waiting
for my eyes to focus, before handing me some printouts.  "These are from
the web, some of them from a kiddy-porn ring we busted a year or so ago,
some from web-sites we are currently tracking."  I glanced at the first
couple of pages, showing Johnny, his brother and a few more kids in equally
perverted poses before I turned them upside down over the pictures.
     "We need your help, Doctor Owens," Banks voice rang into the back of
my mind.  "Doctor Owens?" he asked, snapping me somewhat back toward what I
could not believe was reality.  "I NEED to talk to Johnny.  I know the boy
is recovering from horrible trauma, both physically and emotionally, but I
must.  Besides being an FBI Agent I have two Ph. D.'s, including one in
Psychology.  I have authored a book on non-injurious interview techniques
for sexually abused children, which is to date the accepted text for most
law enforcement agencies.
     "I know you well by reputation and would never presume even consider
encroaching on one of your patients, but here is my resume, I would be
honored if you would review it and consider our request."
     His name rang a bell as I digested his statement, I had read his book,
actually kept it on the bookshelf behind my desk.  From his writings the
last thing I would imaged was he as the same oversized linebacker stuffed
into a business suite sitting before me.  "Thank you, I would be happy to
read this," I said, accepting his resume.  "But I have read your book, and
use some of your protocol in dealing with my patients.  It's a pleasure to
meet you."
      I considered his request for a few seconds, but was far to lost to
make any decisions.  "Let me, reevaluate Johnny, if he is ready for all
this, or when he is, I will get back with you," I offered.
     "Please do Doctor.  Do you remember the news coverage of the porn
rings we shut down right after the holidays a few months ago?  They were on
national news for several days, we rescued a lot of kids.  Those images,
and your patient, are one of the stringers we are still trying to close
from that operation.  There are still kids we have not accounted for, that
we HAVE to save!"  I couldn't believe the big ape's eyes began welling
tears as he spoke.
     I was so thankful I wanted to kiss my nurse when she buzzed me on the
intercom, saying my next appointment was waiting.  `Yes Judge,
Granny-mama Jones has been so devastated by her divorce she cannot even
break par on the golf course anymore, only a million dollars a year in
alimony will help her recover!' I snickered after I showed them out and I
prepared for my next case.  `Yeah, fuck head, you could have been making
the big bucks spouting that shit in court!'
     The CPS worker was much easier to deal with.  Although he was a
supervisor he would be serving as Johnny's case worker, at Judge
Rodriguez's `suggestion'.  I was pleased when he informed me he was here
to support my efforts toward the boy, that I would have a free hand until I
was prepared to release him as a patient.  He needed to speak to the child
briefly to get some routine information for their records, but then we only
get involved when I asked him to.  I told him right now we needed to get
the lad some clothes, which he said he would see to it.
     Johnny was in a therapy session when I arrived at Hill Country that
afternoon.  When I checked his chart and computer I was again amazed at his
progress.  I also was surprised that he had spent about six hours studying
on the computer today, two more than required.  He had been writing and
drawing on his tablet also, I had to laugh at a couple of sketches he had
attempted, although I had a good idea, I had trouble telling if they were
of a horse or a very strangely shaped person.  `Well, considering he's
just learning to use that hand, not bad,' I thought.
     "Hi Doc!" his voice rang from the door.  One of the Occupational
Therapists wave at me as he rushed across the room and pushed into a hug.
     "You should be very proud of your patient, Doctor.  He is progressing
faster than anyone I have ever worked with." the therapist said.  "Besides,
he's my favorite patient!" she added, tousling his hair.  I had to smile
when Johnny looked up at me, grinning ear to ear.
     "Mine too," I answered, pulling him more tightly against me.
     I watched patiently as Johnny proudly showed me his accomplishments
today, the one's I had just reviewed.  "Oh, I made this for you, and these
too," he announced, handing me some folded papers.  "The nurse lady said
your post to. . . I mean. . . supposed to give them," he added as I began
unfolding the one with `DOC' scribbled on it.
     I had to clinch my jaw and take a deep breath as I looked at the
paper.  At the top of the page was a slightly improved version of the
sketch I had seen on his tablet.  Below it was scribbling that read:
`Thank for taking me and me getting to go at your house.  It is pretty.
Your horses 2.  Luv Johny.'
     "Thank. . .thank you," I whispered, trying to keep from sobbing.
"This, well this is so nice of you, I will cherish it forever," I added
pulling him against me.  I was walking across the parking lot before my
eyes cleared enough to look at the other two papers, `Rony and Mark,'
one of them read.  `Mammy' did the other.
     I was surprised when the boys rushed out of my study, a room strictly
off limits when I was not home, to greet me.  I couldn't resist enjoying
their warm hugs and greetings before asking why, or just killing them for
their trespass.  I had just kissed their foreheads when a beer can entered
my view.
     "Good afternoon Adam, your face said you might want this," Mary said.
"I hope you don't mind, but both boys had to use the computer for their
homework, and I was afraid they would not have time," she said as I downed
about half the can.
     "She said it's okay," Mark whined.  `Well, time to go shopping,' I
told myself.
     "If Mary said so it's fine.  But I thought you guys would be riding!"
I answered.
     "We already did, we got home early," Ronnie answered.  As he said it I
remembered that Mary was going to pick them up from school for their
Orthodontic evaluations today.  `Shit, I'm glad I'm not overloaded!' I
thought.
     "Can we go again?" Mark added.
     "Only if I can too!  You go finish on the computer and let me go
change," I answered.  Zeus was exactly the therapy I needed this afternoon.
     Mary told me that after initial evaluation the Dentist said that both
boys needed treatment, that his secretary would be calling mine to set an
appointment next week, to preview his treatment plans.  After telling me
supper was in the oven she excused herself, and was almost out the door
before I remembered Johnny's note to her.
     "He's such a wonderful boy," she sobbed as she read her's, then my
thank you notes.  "It's beyond me how any human being could do something
like that to another, much less a father to his son."
     "That son-of-a-bitch is neither human or a parent," I retorted before
realizing it.  "Excuse my language, I apologize," I added, feeling my face
redden.
     "I think you worded it perfectly," she replied, wiping her eyes.
"Perfectly," she repeated before leaving.
     I downed the rest of my beer before rushing into my bedroom, anxious
to relax with my kids, both the two legged and four legged ones.
     I met with the salesman that provided the computer equipment for my
practice over lunch the next day.  Although he paid for our meal, the
burning sensation of my molten credit card, even through my wallet told me
I came out the looser in our transaction.  `Yeah, well, they're worth
it!' I reassured myself.  `It will be fun to watch anyway!  Especially
with Junior there for his first riding lesson,' I thought as I reviewed our
plan.
     I was on my way home from Hill Country, snickering and enjoying my
visit with Johnny and his determination to progress when my cell phone
rang.  When growling at it didn't make it quit ringing I checked the caller
ID.  I felt relieved to see it was Cindy.
     "Hi Adam!  Do you have a minute?" she began.  `If it's good news,'
I thought, but said of course I did.  "I've found several horses I'm very
interested in.  The farm you bought Zeus and a couple other of your's from
has them, they are registered Arabians.  Carl and I want to go see them
Saturday, and we would like you to go with us, we respect your opinion and
want your advise." I was digesting her suggestion when she added, "And the
boys of course, we can all fit into my Suburban, it would be fun!"
     "Hey, it's great you might have found something so soon!" I responded.
After I mentally reviewed my schedule I answered, "I think I better pass
though, I promised Johnny he could visit the ranch Saturday.  He's not
stable enough for me to break a commitment right now.  You know horse-flesh
probably better than I anyway, go for it!"
     "Bring Johnny with us, actually I had included him in my plans.  As
much as he loves horses, visiting a stable of this size would be like
visiting heaven to him!" she almost bubbled in response.  "Besides, Carl
has diagnosed it will be good for both your and Johnny's hearts." she said,
and rang off before I could respond.
     I was still considering her statements as I parked in front of the
house.  `This is going to be interesting, well fun,' I thought.  The
delivery van and Stewart's truck in front of the house, and hoped my plot
had worked.  It had, the boys, now including Junior were romping around the
pasture on the horses, totally engrossed in Steward's lessons.  The
computer technicians were finishing up their work in the boys' bedroom.
     I just had time to change clothes and listen to Mary's instructions
regarding how to warm and serve supper when work upstairs was completed,
and the techs left.  `Screw it,' I decided as I said goodbye to Mary,
and jumped into a pair of swimming trunks and then the pool.  `Yeah,
there is a life after work!' I told myself as I relaxed in the water,
leaning back against a water jet for a massage.
     "Hi guys, go get in your suits and come on in, the water is great!" I
said as the boys came back from their lessons.  As usual Steward was
already at the side gate and waved before letting herself out.  Mark and
Ronnie started stripping out of their tee-shirts and jeans when I
interrupted, "Sorry guys, it's the daytime, go get into swim suits!"
     I got a pair of dirty looks before they trudged inside.  I waited a
minute to be sure they were upstairs before quietly slipping inside.  All I
heard upstairs was idle chat for a minute or so before Junior, then Mark
came bounding down the stairs, Ronnie right behind, all now clad only in
tight Speedos.  `Well so much for a surprise!' I thought as he ran down
the stairs.  He was about half way down when he slowed, then stopped,
looking back toward the second floor landing and rubbing his forehead.
     "Come on dude, my mom's gonna be here soon!" Junior barked up at
Ronnie.  "Dude, your dad's waiting for us!"
     Ronnie glanced between his friend and the stair landing a couple of
times before rushing back upstairs and toward his room.  "MARRRRK! ! !
. JUNIOR! ! !" his high pitched voice screamed.  "SHIT!  COME HERE, COME
HERE NOW!  Pop!  Shit I don't believe it!" he hooted as the other two boys
darted back upstairs.
     "Wow!" Mark's howled.  "Holy shit!" Junior added.  I wrapped a towel
around myself and went upstairs.  "Dude, you GOT a Dell!  Two Dells!  Fuck,
look, their 2 gig, and 500 meg, they're TOTALLY awesome!  Shit, 40 gig
hard-drive, wow, these are TOTALLY BAD!" Junior continued.
     I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing out loud as I looked
into their room.  Junior was flying between the two computers, exploring
their features and programs, as my two boys watched wide eyed.  The lost
expression on their faces told me they didn't understand what their friend
was talking about, but also were not believing there was now a pair of
computers in their bedroom.
     "Fuck, you've even got. . ."
     "Pop!" Mark interrupted Junior.  "Wow, thanks, are they really ours?"
he cried, rushing to me.  "Are they?  Thanks Doctor Pop, I mean Dad," he
added, pushing into a tight hug.  Ronnie rushed over and wrapped his long,
thin arms around me.
     Junior jerked around, turning ghost white when he saw me.  "Ah, ah,
these are neat Sir," he whimpered, straightening into an erect posture that
would make any West Point cadet envious.  "Ah, I didn't mean to say that,
well, ah I, ah, I'm sorry Sir. . . But these are TOTALLY awesome!  Sir," he
whimpered as his face turned from white to crimson.
     I had to deflect my eyes to keep from laughing at the embarrassed lad.
`Be a parent, nail him,' one side of my brain said.  `He's a
teenager, not a little boy,' the other argued.  `This is about the boys
enjoying their new computers,' a little voice rang in from nowhere.
     "You know quiet a bit about computers!" I answered as I led my boys
toward their new PC's.
     "Ah, Yes Sir,"
     "Will you help them learn to use them?  We all would appreciate your
help."
     "Yes Sir."
     His tightening face, and the sweat dripping off his forehead told me I
had pushed far enough.  "Come here son," I asked, extending my arm.  He
stiffly shuffled to us, his face so taught he was sure he was going to his
doom.  I pulled him into our snuggle and kissed him on his forehead before
saying, "I think you can express yourself much better than you just did,
cant you?"
     "I'm sorry Sir!  Well but they are sooooo awesome!  Ah, I'm sorry I
said that stuff, ah, please don't tell my mom!  She'll kill me, please?"
     "I wont tell her, if you promise me you will try to express yourself
better in the future," I answered.  `See, you're learning to be a
parent,' I told myself.  He blushed and mouthed something, no air passing
his lips.  "I'm not mad, okay?" I suggested, offering my arm toward him.
     "Thanks Pop," he whimpered as he pushed into our hug.  I rubbed his
back for a couple of seconds, his face buried in my chest.  "I wont do it
again, sir," he added.
     "You guys want to swim or play on the computers?" I asked after a
minute.  Not getting an answer I suggested, "Why don't you three try them
out while Junior is still here to help you, we can swim later."
     We had finished supper and the boys were upstairs doing homework when
the phone rang, Cindy on the caller ID.  "I don't suppose your going to
tell me what my first-born got into today, he wont," she began.  I dodged
her question, suggesting he was excited about the new computers.  "Yeah,
sure.  Junior would be the worst criminal in the world, the guilt in his
face gives him away so much that a total stranger could tell when he did
something wrong,"
     "He's a great kid, Cindy.  He is a delight to have around," I tried.
     The line was silent for several seconds.  "Well, I made it very clear
that if he screws up, you have our blessing to blister his butt," she
finally said.  "Whatever he did today, I hope. . ."
     "Was nothing more than being a young teenager.  He's just all boy," I
interrupted.  She teased me about guys sticking together for a minute or so
and rang off.
     "Thanks Dad," Ronnie's voice came from behind.
     "So, you're spying on the old man now!" I quipped.  "Come here, we
better do something about that!"  His face tightened as he shuffled toward
me.  As soon as he was within reach I grabbed him, jerking him against me
before I started tickling is ribs and underarms.  After I had him squirming
and giggling like a two-year-old I mocked a thick German accent as I said,
"That's what we do to spies!"
     "You're silly!" Mark giggled as he pushed into my lap next to his
brother.  We ended up snuggling in my recliner for the next hour or so, not
even noticing it was later than the boys' bedtime.
     I almost couldn't believe how quickly, and quietly, my day had passed
as I finished my rounds the next afternoon.  `Run kitty run!' I told my
big cat as I aimed her toward Hill Country.  `Check in on Johnny and I'm
home!  There is a God!' I thought.
     At first Johnny was elated when I told him about our trip on Saturday.
"200 horses?  Do I geta. . . get to, meet all of them?  I didn't know,
anyone had that many!" I was still dazzled by the improvement in his
language skills, over so few days, when he whimpered, "But do I still geta
go see your horses, I mean get to, well and your house again?  I made these
for Zoe, and Zeus and Athena and Hera and all of them!  Please I wanta give
them to them, maybe I can read them to them?" he said, pulling a stack of
folded papers out of his tablet.
     I fought back tears as I looked at the scribbled notes, much like the
thank you notes he had made earlier, but addressed to each of the horses.
"Of course we are going to the ranch," I answered.  "Well, if you will go
swimming!  Promise?"  His bright smile answered for him.  "It's going to be
sort of a long day, I'm going to pick you up right after breakfast and
we'll be together all day, I'll bring you back before bedtime.  Is that
okay?"  His answer was a long, tight one armed hug.  "You just have to work
hard until Saturday, okay?" I told him before leaving.
     The evening was equally quiet.  The boys were still enthraled with
their new computers.  I spent an hour or so upstairs with them showing them
how to operate them and enjoyed a series of hugs and thank you's before
finally getting them into bed.
     `One more day, and it's the WEEKEND!' I told myself as I climbed
into bed, crashing almost instantly into a relaxed slumber.  Late into the
night I began having what I thought was a dream, but some soft sobbing from
under my covers told my half awake brain it was not.  As I drifted back to
consciousness there was indeed a warm little body pushed tightly against
me, crying softly.  The feel of his thin neck and back told me it was Mark.
     "What's the matter, Pumpkin?" I whispered, brushing his hair with my
fingers.  "Are you okay, what's wrong?"  The only response I got was him
pressing more tightly against me as his sobs turned to whimpers.  "It's
okay son, Dad's here, please tell me what's wrong," I tried.
     "I'm scared," he whined.  A couple of sobs later he softly added, "I
thought you were gone!"
     "I'm right here pumpkin, you're safe, promise.  Did you have a bad
dream?  What's wrong?"
     "I woke up, and I was back at St. Paul's and, well I dreamed I was a
dream and you were too, that I had to live there more."
     "It was only a dream though, wasn't it?" I asked.  `Well, a dream
that he was dreaming?  He has an imagination!' I thought.  I pulled the
covers back, and kissed the back of his head.  "Was that a dream?"  He
pushed his way up my chest tucking his head under my chin.  "You are safe,
and you are home, you're safe in what's your home forever now, I promise."
     I continued to cuddle him for I don't know how long after he drifted
back to sleep, until my still tear filled eyes finally closed.
     Fingers softly stroking my shoulder woke me up the next morning.  As I
opened an eye Mark was still tucked under my chin, Ronnie was now laying
next to him, looking back at me.  "You're suppose to be in bed," I mumbled.
     "I am," he answered.  He kissed my nose before I could respond.
"You're a neat dad,"
     "You're a neat Turkey, but it is a school day, you are suppose
to. . . I love you turkey," I answered before I kissed his forehead.  Mark
giggled softly still pressed against me.  "I don't suppose all this
affection has anything to do with, maybe a pre-school swim does it?"  They
both giggled, throwing their arms around me.  I enjoyed their snuggle for a
minute or so before announcing, "Okay, I'll take you to school and we will
eat on the way.  But Dad's has to get up, or we're going to be swimming in
bed!"
     They giggled again and crawled out of bed, darting toward the patio
door as I rushed to the bathroom.  I was almost to the patio door when my
alarm clock broadcast its first assault of the morning.  "Shut the FUCK
up!" I growled, attacking its off button with a harsh punch.
     "Ah, Dad, we were kind of wondering, well if it would be okay if
Junior spent the night tonight," Ronnie asked as we were driving into town.
     "You said we gotta ask first, and we did and stuff!" Mark added.
     "Guys, I don't care if you invite Junior, or any of your friends to
visit, but you still are not planning ahead.  With no notice, do you expect
his mother and I to take time out to get him fresh clothes and such?  I
don't think so tonight, you show me you can plan ahead for next time."
     "Well but we did, Sir!" Ronnie countered.  "He brought clothes and
stuff when he came Wednesday, for Ms. Stewart and stuff!  And he's gonna
bring his braces stuff to school.  See we remembered!"
     `These little rats are going to end up as lawyers, or in Congress,'
I told myself.
     "He's gonna ask his mom, but she's gonna say he can if you do, please,
, , DAD!" Mark whined.
     `Senators, the first brothers to serve as Senators at the same
time,' I predicted.  "Boys, this has to end, you know better.  From now on,
two days notice when you invite a friend over," I snapped.  I looked at
their wonderful faces in the rear view mirror for a second before adding,
"Yes, Junior is welcome tonight, but from now on. . ."  `Don't you think
you are being a little strict on them. . .' Cindy's voice rang back into my
mind.
     "He's only pushing the call button every THREE minute to see if you
have arrived THIS TIME!," the charge nurse growled as Roberts and I went to
collect Johnny the next morning.  She ignored my chastising glare as I
reviewed his chart.
     "Doc!  and Doc!" Johnny howled as we went into his room.  "Are we
still gonna go see all them horses?  Please?  Please Pop. . . I mean Doc!"
he asked as he hugged me.
     "I'm impressed how you deal with your patients.  Don't ever get too
involved," Roberts whispered to me as we walked across the parking lot,
Johnny embedded tightly under my arm.  I gave him a one-fingered wave
behind the boy's head.
     He was wonderfully relaxed during our hour or so drive to the breeding
farm, interacting with the other kids as if he had known them since birth,
and laughing and giggling probably more then they.
     All of the boys' heads began almost bouncing off the Suburban's
windows as Roberts turned into the ranch.  "Wow, there's millions of them!"
Johnny cried, looking at the herd of horses.  The other boys, and even
Jennifer joined him in his enthusiasm.
     As soon as the car stopped a mass of kids bailed out and rushed to see
the horses, even before Cindy, Carl and I could get out and meet the ranch
owner.  I had just introduced the Roberts' to Santos, the owner, when I
heard a whimpering cry from the Suburban.  When I looked back Johnny was
still sitting in the truck, tears pouring from his eyes.
     "What's wrong, why are you still in here?" I asked when as I climbed
in next to him.
     "Please Mister. . . I mean Doctor, I'll be good I promise, please
don't leave me in here!" he cried.  "PLEASE!"
     I tried to digest what he was saying for a couple of seconds before I
realized he was still wearing his seat belts.  "What happens if you push
that?" I asked, pointing at the seat belt release.  "PUSH, let's find out!"
     He blushed between pale white and red a couple of times before pushing
the release.  As soon as the belt released he pushed to the car door.  He
was almost out it when he turned back.  "You're neat Doc!  You're SO NEAT!"
he exclaimed, darting out the door and rushing toward the pasture fence.
     We spent a few minutes evaluating the horses Cindy was interested in
while the kids played with and petted the twenty or so other horses in the
pasture we were in.  Junior was too excited to be of any input, and Jenny
was even less, so Cindy and I rode and interacted with the animals as we
evaluated them.
     Cindy didn't take long to make her decision, and choose two horses
that were exactly what she was looking for, and after she forced her kids
over, they got along with the animals immediately.  As she and her husband
discussed price, trying to get the old man down from the eight thousand per
horse he wanted, and the other details of the sale with Santos, I looked
around to check on my kids.
     Johnny and Mark had climbed a fence and were in a smaller coral,
petting and playing with what looked like a thin cinnamon colored foal, or
maybe a yearling, a very small horse.  I couldn't help laughing as I
watched them playing together like they had known each other all their
lives.  Johnny's bright strawberry blond hair blended with the animal's
beautiful Ginger coat so wonderfully they looked like a match only
Hollywood could create.
     "The Cinnamon is a beautiful foal," I told Santos.  "She looks so
friendly."
     "Yes, but sadly she is a yearling, not a foal.  I'm sending her to
auction next week.  It is sad, she has a good bloodline but, didn't thrive.
I'm sad for her, but I have to make a living so she's gone."  He paused
before turning back to Cindy.  "Eight for each of the mares, I can deliver
them, tomorrow?" he told her.
     I watched Johnny hug the little filly and race around with her, his
limp almost gone as he ran.  "How much for the Cinnamon?" I asked.
     Santos was clearly caught off guard by my question, but recovered
quickly.  "She's a good horse, just a late bloomer," he replied.  Dollar
signs formed in his eyes as he continued, "I'll let her go for, seven."
     "A minute ago, she was going auction, she might bring a dollar a pound
for the glue factory, what, she weighs about six hundred pounds?  I'll wait
and buy her at auction!" I paused for a minute, watching his face change
back to one of an old, experienced horse trader.  "Two, that will pay you
well for her registration and Vet certificates.  And I want a bloodline, no
relationship with my stud."
     Johnny howled, his timing probably the worst, or best possible, in the
background as he and Mark ran around the pasture chasing the filly.  Santos
looked out at them before responding.  "If you buy the other two, five for
her.  If she ever fouls, she's worth that!"
     "Eighteen for all three, we will write the checks right now.  You pay
for all the paperwork and transport them to my ranch, tonight.  Instant
money if you want it, our checks are good!," I countered, hoping Carl and
Cindy were still committed.
     "My friend, you are raping me!  She is a beautiful horse, just a
little small!  She will grow!  Twenty-five and it's a done deal!" he
grinned.
     "Well, I think we're done here, and I'm getting hungry.  It was great
doing business with you Santos, while it lasted," I answered, extending my
hand to him.  "Good bye," I added as I started toward Cindy's Suburban.
     "Adam, I want those horses!" Cindy almost snarled into my ear.  "His
price is in line, don't screw this up!"
     "Please call the kids, we're done here," I answered loudly.  "Don't
fuck it up now, I have him by the. . . I've got him, chill!" I whispered.
Cindy gave me a glare that told me I might be a eunuch before we got back
to our homes if I was wrong, but accepted her husband's hand as they went
to call our kids to the car.
     "Done!" Santos barked from behind us.  "Eighteen if you pay today, I
will have my driver follow you with the horses.  I have papers for all of
them, even the runt; I mean the yearling!"
     "We are going to eat lunch before we go home, can I expect your
deliver, about three?" I answered.  I grinned at Santos, I hoped as
debauchery as he had at me, as we agreed and the Roberts and I paid him.
     The only thing that looked like it didn't promise food poisoning from
the street was a McDonald's.  Of course we had no argument for the kids,
and I was soon trying to convince my mouth to bite into one of their aged,
heat lamp dehydrated burgers.  The kids disappeared into one booth as the
Roberts and I sat down in another.
     "I said it before, but remind me not to screw with you pacifists
types!" Roberts said as we began eating.  "You cleaned Santo's plow, thanks
for your help!"
     "And God Bless you for buying that filly for Johnny," Cindy added.
     "I just bought the horse as an investment, she was a good deal if she
grows, a good bloodline," I countered.
     "Adam, don't try to lie to a lawyer, we are experts at that!" Cindy
snickered.  I was trying to decide what she meant when she added, "Don't
bull-shit a bull-shiter.  I just insist I get to handle the adoption
casework."
     "Not!  I'm his Psychiatrist. and, I've already got two more kids than
I'm ready for.  I am only treating him!"  Both of their faces told me I was
not being believed, in the slightest.
     "Well, let's get home, and greet my new daughter," I suggested,
praying for some relief.  "You have a pair of girls to introduce to Zeus!"

To Be Continued. . .