Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:40:43 -0700 (PDT)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons  Chapter Forty

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enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted by any
means, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author.
As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually and are kept to a
realistic level.  Comments on the story are appreciated and may be
addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between
males, adult and minor.  As such it is homoerotic, designed for the
entertainment of mature adults.  If you are not of legal age to read such
material, or if the subject matter would create irresolvable personal moral
dilemmas, please exit now

Note: I would like to thank Colin and John for their continued support and
patience while I try to write this story.  Their support and efforts at
editing and correcting my errors contribute significantly to the reader's
pleasure.

Chapter Forty: New Horizons

Saturday morning Daniel awoke feeling contented.  He was spooned into
Michael with Michael's arm wrapped around his chest.  He wondered what the
boys would think if they could see the two of them now.  An instant later
he smiled when he remembered four not so innocent boys wandering in from
the grove.  The look on the boys' faces was priceless when they realized
Daniel was watching them and most likely knew what they had been
doing. Then, their expressions when he let them off the hook and didn't
embarrass them.

It had been a good week.  Clay had done a good job helping the boys to look
better.  Linda and Arthur were extremely generous and patient with the
boys.  Daniel thought about Jeremy, but knew he needed to let him have time
with his mom and Arthur.  Daniel would call his mom later.

The television appearances went well and the appearance with David Arnold
was particularly pleasing.  The highlight of the week was the injunction
and the affirmation on appeal.  The federal court had not issued its
ruling.  Arthur expressed his opinion that if the federal court was going
to overturn the ruling it would have done so immediately and not waited.
This gave Daniel encouragement, but he would feel better when the ruling
affirming the lower court was announced.

Daniel could hear the boys.  They were up and starting a new day.  Daniel
listened and could hear them following their normal routine.  Almost all of
them headed to the latrine for morning duties.  They sounded half asleep
walking in, but awake coming out.  A few of the older boys were coaxing
their young charges to hurry and use the bathroom so they could get
breakfast before Mr. Barry ran out.  Daniel wondered how many of the little
ones believed that veiled threat of going hungry.  Barry would never close
the kitchen so long as he knew there was one boy still to be served.

Daniel extricated himself from Michael's grip, found his duff kit and
headed to the latrine to shave and shower.  Daniel normally waited until
the boys were out or dressed before any of them woke, not today.  Still
naked from the previous evening's activities with Michael, Daniel decided
to not worry about it and left his room.  The boys greeted him as though it
was normal for him to walk among them as naked as they were.  Daniel
laughed to himself as he thought either being naked was perfectly normal to
them or, their stomachs were a higher priority at the moment.

Daniel quickly dressed and decided the boys' had the right priorities.
Daniel headed to the mess hall for coffee and breakfast.  When he walked in
many of the boys greeted him.  Little Danny ran over and jumped in his arms
for their regular good morning hug.  As usual, Daniel walked among the boys
drinking his coffee, asking them how things were going and if anyone needed
help with their lessons or anything else.  The priests were due in this
afternoon so Daniel knew many of the boys would be going to confession.  He
didn't know why but he had a sudden urge to ask TJ and his friends from the
previous afternoon if they would be going to confession; Daniel mentally
slapped the back of his hand for the thought.

Two of the boys on kitchen duty brought plates over for Daniel and the rest
of the staff.  By then Michael had dressed and joined them.  Mark sat at
the table looking first to Daniel and then Michael.  Daniel knew something
was up.

"Mark, you look like the Cheshire cat.  What's going on?"

"Oh, nothing.  Just thinking."

"Must be some thoughts from the look on your face.  Want to share with the
rest of us?"

"Daniel, I'll assume you haven't heard the latest gossip or story running
around here.  Seems the boys believe you and Michael will be in a good mood
today because you enjoyed yourselves so much last night.  The other part is
some of the boys were thinking they should share some of their favorite
spots with you.  The other boys said 'no way'; they didn't want you knowing
where they like to sneak off to for a little personal satisfaction."

"What?!"  The staff members all had a good laugh while Daniel and Michael
turned crimson.  "You mean as open as I've been with them, they won't share
the location of some of their hottest spots?"  Michael said with a touch of
sarcasm and laughingly, trying to get out of an embarrassing moment.

The men sat there finishing their breakfasts and enjoying a final cup of
coffee while the last of the boys filed out of the dining hall.  Daniel
wanted to let his staff know what had transpired during the week and what
was planned for the near future.

"After the first television appearance I realized the message would be much
more effective with a visual aid.  My step-dad has a model of Lady Justice
sitting in the house and when I thought about the scales, I thought it was
perfect for what we wanted to say.  We think it was very effective."

"Of course, between my parents and Mark's parents we were able to locate
the boy; my mom named him Jeremy.  Poor kid, you wouldn't believe how lost
that kid looked.  He'd just flat given up hope.  I don't think he cared if
he lived or died, or what anyone did to or with him.  He turned twelve less
than a month ago."

"Do you think he'll come around, Daniel?"  Barry asked.

"We hope so.  Michael is taking care of the physical problems now.  That
kid was penetrated so many times and so often that the sphincter muscle
wouldn't close.  He has to wear a diaper or a plug to avoid embarrassing
himself.  Mentally, he's been beaten into total submission as a slave."

"The boy has withdrawn to the point of using his withdrawal as a survival
mechanism, if you can call it surviving."  Michael interjected. "Sometimes
when you can't deal emotionally with the problem, the way to deal with it
is to block it out.  In Jeremy's case we're guessing his withdrawal is due
to a number of things.  Daniel and I talked about it and we think that when
Jeremy can function without embarrassing himself, we're going to bring him
here for a visit.  We're not talking permanently, just a few days.  Let him
be around other boys his age.  These boys can relate somewhat to the things
Jeremy has experienced, but they can also show him a way back."

"Do we know where the boy's parents are?"

"We know where they lived.  We have a picture of the house.  Would you
believe they had plenty of equity in the home to borrow the money to pay
the debt, but the creditor wouldn't give them time to arrange the loan?
This was a case of pure greed and not caring who paid the price.  That was
a key element for us in deciding to get this boy.  Anyway, there's been no
contact with the parents.  That's something we have to address later.
Right now, my mom is determined to free this boy and adopt him.  She's
trying to do for Jeremy what my dad did for me."

"Daniel, if the boy is set free, doesn't he then return to the parents?"

"Logic tells me on one side that the boy should go back to his parents.
However, I know from experience that the boy we will have when he's freed
will not be the same boy they lost.  After his experiences, he can't be.
Someone mentioned to me when I asked mom about naming the boy why we didn't
use his original name.  Understand that my birth name was Michael, not
Daniel.  My therapist said it was a new life and I should have a new name
and not one that would tie me to the old life."

"We're hoping the law suit provides a lot of answers for us.  If this works
out the way we hope it will, then each parent will have to petition for a
finding on their child.  The question will become, what happens to children
who should have had this protection but didn't get it, and their parents
don't petition the court for the child's freedom?"

"Daniel, I don't mean to redirect this conversation or train of thought,
but before I came in here this morning, I checked our answering machine.
Your step-dad called and Captain Jackson from Orlando called last night."

"Okay, Paul, thanks.  Gentlemen, travel time is over.  Time for me to get
back to work.  Oh, Paul, what about the new boys?  Any word on their
medical tests and school?"

"All of them checked out clean on the blood tests.  When the priests get
here this afternoon they will have the evaluation tests for the boys to
take.  When do you want to set it up?"

"Why make 'em sweat?  Let's go ahead and do it this afternoon.  Do you
think we should let them see the priests before or after the test?  They
can ask for support before taking the exam or forgiveness for all they
think and say during the exam."  Daniel said with a smile.

***

"Arthur?  Sorry I didn't return your call sooner, I just got the message."

"That's no problem, Daniel.  I just wanted to keep you apprised of the
latest developments.  I received a call from Frank Dewey.  The name most
likely doesn't mean anything to you, but among attorneys, the guy is almost
a legend.  He's a senior partner in Boyd, Dewey, Bellum & Howe.  The firm
specialized in appellate law and argument before both the state and federal
supreme courts.  He's offered his services, pro bono, as co-counsel on our
suit.  Translated, that means some of the most prestigious firms around
must think that we've got one helluva case."

"Now, before you get too excited, let me explain something here.  I said
he's willing to do this pro bono.  That's for right now.  Understand that
when we win this case, the attorney or attorney directly involved with the
verdict and with the best public relations people will reap huge rewards
down the road in the form of interviews, possibly television appearances,
and future clients.  Frank's a great attorney and an excellent business
man."

"Arthur, I'm going to leave the legal part of this up to you; you're the
lawyer.  However, one thing I can do is help direct some of the publicity
through Walter and Elizabeth.  If anyone deserves to benefit from this down
the road, it's you.  This was your brainchild."

"I appreciate that, Daniel, but suppose we worry about that when the time
comes.  Right now, let's just win."

"I can go along with that.  Arthur, how's Jeremy?  I was a little concerned
about how much we were throwing at him the past few days, particularly
given his age and what he's been through."

"He hasn't said anything to us, but your mother and I think he's looking
for you.  You connected with the boy.  We think he knows you can understand
how he feels right now.  Daniel, the adult-child relationship is difficult
enough to understand for most people.  In this case Jeremy had a
master-slave relationship and it wasn't good.  Your mother thinks that with
lots of patience, lots of love and therapy, he'll come around, and I agree
with her.  We think it would be good for you to maintain contact with him.
Do you mind if we call you every few days so Jeremy can have the
opportunity to talk with you?"

"Anything I can do to help the boy, I'll do.  Same goes for the law suit.
Give my best to Mom?"

"You know I will.  Take care of yourself and don't be a stranger."

***

"Who was on the phone?"  Linda asked as she set a cup of coffee on Arthur's
desk.

"Your son.  He said to give you his best.  Actually, he was returning a
call I placed to him last night.  I wanted to let him know about Frank
Dewey.  Where's Jeremy?"

"In the kitchen.  I'm trying to get him to sit at the table and eat with
me.  He keeps moving off towards a corner and standing to eat."

"Linda, remember what Daniel told us.  This boy's world changed when he was
ten years old from what we consider as normal to a world full of brutality
and abuse.  He has been trained a particular way and if he didn't do
exactly what was expected, he was punished.  Michael told me he thought the
boy was afraid to accept what we think of as normal.  If he expects the
worst and it happens, there is no let down.  If he accepts our reality, to
him there is a chance of having to relive the nightmare of being enslaved
again.  It's going to take time and patience, my love.  Let me talk with
him."

Arthur picked up his coffee and walked into the kitchen.  Jeremy stood to
one side eating his breakfast.  Arthur understood that slaves were taught
they were not allowed to sit in the presence of their master and never sat
at the same table to eat.  The way the boy ate, using only a spoon for
bacon and eggs, told Arthur he was not accustomed to this kind of food or
manner of eating.

"Jeremy, on mornings as nice as this one, I sometimes prefer to sit out on
the patio.  Why don't you and I sit out there and have our breakfast, maybe
we can talk a little, too."

Jeremy stopped eating as soon as Arthur said something to him.  Arthur
could see the confused expression on the boy's face and assumed it was
because the boy wasn't sure what he should do.  His slave training taught
him that as soon as the master entered the room he stopped eating and
assumed slave rest until either he was told otherwise or the master left
the room.  This new place was very confusing and unsettling to the boy.

"Jeremy, I want you to sit at this table to eat your breakfast.  I'm going
to sit here with you so you and I can talk.  The first thing that I'd like
for you to understand is that it is okay for you to talk with me, do you
understand that?"

Jeremy looked in Arthur's direction and then quickly looked away.

"Jeremy, the second thing I'd like for you to understand is that it's
considered only polite that when you are talking with someone, you look at
that person.  In other words, we expect you to look at us.  In fact, we'd
like for you to look at us; we hope to see a sparkle in those hazel eyes
one day."  Jeremy forced himself to look at Arthur, who thought he saw a
hint of a smile sneaking its way into the boy's expression.

"Since you've been here we've told you a lot of things, mostly to try and
make you more comfortable and get you to understand that we didn't bring
you here to be a pleasure slave.  It occurred to me that while we were
telling you all the things you shouldn't or didn't have to do; we failed to
tell you what you should do.  We left you hanging with no direction."
Jeremy again looked in Arthur's direction, this time waiting longer to look
away.

"Jeremy, do you know what a mentor is?"

Jeremy's expression turned to one of being uncertain.  The boy didn't know
what a mentor was and wasn't sure how to answer.

"No mas^Å^Åuh, no^Å" Jeremy now had a pleading look on his face.

"That's alright son.  I know, we said for you not to address us as master
or mistress.  We failed to tell you how to address us.  Most children show
respect to an adult by using the terms 'sir' or 'ma'am'.  Would you feel
comfortable with that?"

"Yes ^Åuh yes, sir."  Jeremy answered and the smile tried to sneak in
again.

"A mentor is an advisor, a counselor or teacher.  The mentor is normally an
older person who guides a younger person.  Right now I think that may be
the easiest way for you to look at Ms. Linda and myself; we are your
counselors and teachers.  There's one other important thing that happens
between the mentor and student.  In time they learn to care about one
another and a trust grows between them.  Ms. Linda and I hope that's what
happens between us and you."

"That's enough lecturing for one day.  Do you remember Ms. Linda saying the
pool and grounds would be your responsibility?"  Jeremy instinctively
nodded.  "Let me ask you this, do you know how to take care of a pool?"

"No, sir."

"Well, in that case, maybe it would help if I showed you.  Let's walk out
to the shed and I'll show you how the pool is setup."

Arthur gathered his dishes to take them inside.  Jeremy quickly picked up
his dishes and then reached for Arthur's.  When he did Arthur looked at the
boy, smiled, and thanked him.  The look on the boy's face let Arthur know
the boy was beginning to relax with him.

"Jeremy, I didn't want to say anything near the house, just in case
Ms. Linda could hear us; I didn't want to embarrass you.  This little talk
is just between us guys, okay?  I can understand it might be a little
embarrassing for you to have to wear that diaper all the time.  When you're
outside, if you prefer not to wear it we want you to know that's all right.
You can take it off and if there's a little problem, just get the water
hose and clean yourself off.  When we're inside you should use it so
nothing happens while you're sitting on the furniture. The doctor tells us
it'll probably take three or four weeks for the muscle to heal itself so
you won't have any problems.  In the mean time, we'll work through it.
Also, when we go back inside you need to follow me to our bathroom.  I need
to get your weight and waist size, that's how they sell those things and
I'll pick up a supply for you this afternoon."

Arthur and Jeremy walked into the shed where Arthur explained all the
valves and timers to Jeremy.  He also showed the boy where the chemicals
and cleaning equipment was kept as well as the clipboard holding the
maintenance schedule and records.  It occurred to Arthur the boy might not
be able to read the instructions and schedule, Daniel had told them how he
had forgotten a large part of his reading vocabulary in a short period of
time while a slave.

"Jeremy, I want you to understand that if you understand the directions on
the clipboard, ask us.  That's what a mentor id for.  That's how you learn.
Okay?"  Jeremy nodded and then answered.

"Yes, sir."

Jeremy walked out of the shed with the pole in one hand and brush and net
in the other.  When he got to the pool, Jeremy turned to look at Arthur and
then removed his diaper.  He walked around the pool and did not appear to
be the least bit self-conscious about being naked.  The boy had very little
tan which meant he would burn quickly.

Linda watched the man and the boy as they began to bond and build a
relationship.  She noticed that coming out of the shed Jeremy was much more
vocal with Arthur than when they walked in.  She didn't know why, but she
did know that was a step in the right direction.  She also noticed that
Jeremy had no tan lines; in fact, he had no tan.  Suppressing a mother's
instinct to give him lotion to protect himself from burning, she stepped
back; this was the guys' time together.

That evening Linda, Arthur and Jeremy sat in the family room watching a
movie on television.  Linda noticed that Jeremy got a light sunburn during
the day.  She retrieved some lotion from her bathroom and motioned for
Jeremy to sit next to her on the sofa.  Jeremy looked at Arthur who nodded
for the boy to move over to Linda.  Linda squirted some of the cool lotion
on Jeremy's back and laughed when he cringed and goose bumps appeared.  She
was pleased when she felt the boy relax and enjoy the attention she gave
him.  She could tell his bottom was also burned but didn't try to put any
lotion there, knowing that if he had an accident while she rubbed the
lotion in, the boy would be humiliated.  Linda gave him the bottle of
lotion, suggesting he rub more in wherever he might feel the sun burn.

Jeremy stayed in the family room with Linda and Arthur until his bedtime.
Linda waited, giving the boy sufficient time to go into the bathroom,
cleanup and put on a fresh diaper.  She then stepped into his room and
found him curled up on a blanket on the floor, next to the bed.  Lightly
placing a hand on his shoulder, she got the boy up and put him in the bed.
She told him not to worry about anything getting dirty; soap and water
would take care of any problems.  She pulled the sheet up, tucking him in,
and gave him a kiss goodnight on the forehead.  Jeremy watched as she
walked out of the room and then began to shed tears, silently.

***

"Captain Jackson, Daniel Thompson.  How are you?"

"Doin' fine Daniel, doin' fine.  Listenin' to the news, I think you've been
doin' pretty good yourself.  I called about a couple of things.  The fellas
that came down and helped with the basketball court and the baseball field,
they want to know when we're goin' down again; they're ready to spend some
time with the boys and have fun."

"Now, Captain, you know I have a hundred boys here who would just tell you
to come on down.  They'd be glad to show the older generation how the
game's played."

"You know, Daniel, I'm almost afraid of that.  Actually, I'm serious, the
guys promised the boys that they would come down and we'd put some teams
together for a little competition.  My guys were serious and they are
definitely ready to go."

"Do your guys have a date in mind?"

"You say when, Daniel.  We can arrange to be off with just a few days
notice.  Of course, my guys want to bring their boys with them too.  All of
us have had to put up with our sons nagging to get back down there."

"What about next weekend?  I'm sure the boys would love it and that will
give Barry enough time to lay in supplies for a cookout.  Captain, you know
if the boys want to come for a visit and the parents don't mind, they're
welcome any time.  The bunks are still available for an overnight if they
want."

"Let's make it a date for next weekend then.  I'll let the guys know and
you tell the boys to start practicing.  Unless my calendar is off, aren't
you and the cherubs scheduled to be at the hospital next Wednesday?"

"That's right.  We'll be bringing Sean up for a checkup and the boys help
serve lunch at the senior center.  This is turning into one of those
grand-adoption things.  I just haven't figured out if the seniors have
adopted the boys as grandsons or if the boys have adopted the seniors as
grandparents."

"Daniel, let me get real serious with you for a moment.  I have two boys
here that we're holding in juvie.  They seem to be pretty decent kids to
me.  They aren't delinquents or street kids.  I had them at my house for
two nights, but that's against procedure, so I had to bring them here.  My
boys were keeping them occupied.  They were traveling through here,
probably on vacation, and the family got in a bad accident.  These two boys
lost both parents and three siblings; that was just three days ago.  We
haven't been able to find any family.  We know they're from England and
we've notified immigration; they notified the British Consulate.  So far,
we haven't heard anything.  Daniel, the only kids we have in juvie right
now are real hoodlums; these two wouldn't stand a chance.  Can you take
them?"

"Captain, I'll assume you're asking that question just to be polite.  Do
the boys know their parents and siblings are gone?  How old are they?"

"They've been told, but I'm not sure it's registered yet.  These kids walk
around like their in shock; neither one has shed a tear.  They're only nine
and seven.  Of course, if we can locate some of their family the boys could
go there.  Our main problem with locating family is that we believe they're
from England; you'll understand when you talk with them.  Daniel, there may
also be some legal issues if the information I'm getting is correct.  At
least for these two, they could get a settlement out of this that would
secure their education and a start at a decent future.  They could be ready
to go when you get here on Wednesday."

"Do you think, Captain, they could be ready to go around 3:30 this
afternoon?"

"I was kinda hopin' you'd ask that.  I know a judge I can call and have
temporary custody transferred to you right away."

Daniel sat back in his chair and watched the boys outside.  There would
always be boys who needed both a home and some one to care about them.  It
suddenly occurred to him he hadn't asked the names of the boys the Captain
had called him about.  It really didn't matter.  All that mattered was the
boys needed someone to care.  As he sat thinking, Daniel heard the bell
ring, signaling lunch was being served.  He realized he had spent most of
his morning on the phone.

***

Barry and his crew had prepared hamburgers and fruit salad for lunch.
Daniel listened to the staff making plans for the afternoon's activities as
they ate their lunch.  About half way through lunch Daniel let Rick know
they had two more boys coming in.  He told Rick as much as he knew and then
smiled when Rick asked when the boys were coming and Daniel said he was
going to get them right after lunch.  Daniel decided he needed to let the
boys know what was happening.

"Okay fellas, can we bring it down to a low roar?  Hey, guys!"  Daniel gave
up, set his drink down and placed a little finger at each side of his
mouth.  The resulting whistle caused the room to become eerily quiet.
Daniel wondered why he hadn't thought to use that trick before.

"A couple of announcements please.  Everybody listen up.  First, the
thirteen new boys, you know who I'm talking about.  They can be identified
by either the light stripe around their butts or by their sunburned butts."
Daniel paused to let the boys get the finger pointing and laughs out of the
way.  "Yeah, the thirteen that just got pointed out by the rest of the
guys, report to the administration office at 3:00 this afternoon.  I'll
assume everyone knows the priests will be here shortly and you can
participate in confession and communion if you like.  The priests are also
bringing the scholastic evaluation test for our thirteen new friends."
Daniel saw the pained expression come over some of their faces while the
older boys again pointed and laughed.

"Sorry, fellas, but you were forewarned.  Every boy here, including the
littlest ones, had to undergo evaluation and get a study plan.  Today, it's
your turn."

"Next, I'm sure you remember Captain Jackson and his friends that gave us
all the sports equipment and helped build the baseball field.  I spoke with
him this morning.  It seems he and his men are ready to come down and show
you guys how to play some ball; if you're up to it, of course."  Daniel
smiled while he told the boys about the Captain.

"Bring 'em on, Mr. Dan'l, we'll show 'em how it's done." Hollered out one
boy.

"Who's gonna show who?" called out another boy.

"Well, I told him I thought next weekend might be a good time for them to
come visit.  That should give Mr. Barry enough time to lay in supplies for
a cookout.  Everybody on board with that?"

"Don't worry, Mr. Dan'l, we'll be ready."

"All right fellas, I'll let the Captain know.  Now, one more item, and this
is very serious.  Dr. Mike and I are leaving in a few minutes for Orlando
to meet the Captain.  He has two young boys, ages seven and nine, up there
that we're bringing back here.  These boys just lost their entire family in
an automobile accident three days ago.  When they get here they'll need
lots of support."

The room grew quiet with the last announcement.  The boys spoke to one
another in whispers.  After a couple of minutes a few of the older boys
began looking around at one another.  Gerry, one of the fifteen years olds
stood up.

"Mr. Dan'l, Jimmy and me would be glad to ride with you if you think it
would help."

"Gerry, I was hoping one of you would offer.  I think it would help for the
boys to be around someone other than just adults.  From what I understand
these boys may still be in shock, neither one has shed a tear yet.  Jimmy
would be good for the older boy and I'd like to have someone for the
younger boy."

Jamie, an eight year old, raised his hand.  Daniel looked at the boy, "I'll
go Mr. Dan'l."  Daniel responded with a smile and a nod.  They may be boys,
but they were caring boys willing to give support and help when they could.

***

"Elizabeth?  It's Daniel, hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"No, Daniel, not at all.  I'm sitting here just editing my notes from last
week and doing some research.  Right now, an interruption is welcome.  I
know you well enough now to know something's happening or about to happen,
what is it?"

"It's pretty bad when I can't call and surprise you any more.  Captain
Jackson and I talked this morning.  He has two more boys for me to take to
Fort Ogden, but these boys are different.  Evidently, there was a pretty
bad accident in Orlando about three days ago; several people were killed.
That's all I know about the accident except the victims were the family of
the two boys we're picking up.  The reason I called is simple.  It seems to
me that our system has focused so strongly on not draining public resources
that we've overlooked another segment of our society that needs support, at
least temporarily."

"Captain Jackson had these two boys at his home.  That was against
departmental policy and he had to bring them in.  The only place he could
put them was juvie.  These boys are locked up with other kids that are
charged with or have been convicted of committing serious crimes.  The
Captain thought these two were too innocent and would be eaten up by the
other boys, so he called us.  Of course, what I'm getting at is that we
need places set up and approved as temporary shelters for kids like these.
I didn't know if you'd be interested in this side of the story or not."

"Daniel, you know I am.  When and where are you supposed to meet the
Captain?"

"At the police station; 3:30."

"I'll see you there with a crew.  I'll see what I can find out about the
accident also."

"While they rode along Daniel scolded himself for not having thought about
these situations before.  Not all children need a permanent home.  Due to
circumstances, some children only needed temporary shelter and support
until they could be returned to their family.  Daniel's only consolation
was knowing Elizabeth would play the story up on the news broadcasts for
the next several days, or even weeks, until a resolution to the matter was
reached.

As they entered Orlando, Daniel called the Captain to let him know where
they were and that they would arrive in about fifteen minutes.  The Captain
advised Daniel the judge was en route to the station to sign temporary
custody papers and would arrive about the same time.  Daniel was to park
his car out front in the no-parking area.  A man would come out and place a
short-term parking permit on the car.

The television station van was already there when Daniel pulled up to the
station.  He, Michael and the boys got out and walked over to greet
Elizabeth.  While they spoke, the Captain came out to greet them.

"Daniel, you said 3:30, you meant 3:30."  The Captain then turned to
Elizabeth, "Why am I not surprised to see you here, Elizabeth?  I bet
Daniel called you while he drove here, right?"  Elizabeth just smiled at
the Captain.

"The boys are inside, upstairs.  We can head inside so you can talk to
them.  The judge isn't here yet.  He's exercising one of his prerogatives."

Daniel introduced his boys to the Captain as they all walked inside.

***

As the group exited the elevator they heard some of the boys yelling.

"What's wrong?  Is the baby goin' to cry? Boo hoo hoo^Å"

"You like suckin' that thumb, squirt?  Here, I got somethin' you can suck;
try this.  Suck it up good and I'll show ya how ta have a real good time."

"Oh man!  Look at his brother.  I bet he's got one tight ass, don'cha boy?
You ever had anybody shove somethin' up that tight hole?  Com'ere lemme
show ya how it's done."

Just then the Captain burst into the room.  "Hold it, right there! Guard,
get in here, now!"  His voice was loud, intimidating, and strictly
business.  "Who let this trash in here?  I gave strict orders these two
boys were to be kept sequestered.  Get this trash outta here.  Now!"

"Who you callin' trash?"  one of the older boys swelled up and challenged
the Captain.

"You, punk!  In case you didn't understand that I'll repeat it. YOU! PUNK!
You want to challenge me?  I'll stick my hand down your throat, grab your
balls and turn you inside out.  Tell you what.  You want to see somebody
get stuck?  You've already been found guilty of armed robbery and attempted
murder, that's quite an accomplishment for somebody just turned fifteen.
You know you're goin' to be enslaved for life so how about I send you next
door to visit the big boys for some early trainin'?  You want to talk 'bout
somebody havin' a tight hole.  Tell me punk, how many times you had
somethin' stuck up yours?  The boys next door would just love ta get a
virgin.  You know it's goin' to happen, now or when your new owner shows
you who's in control.  You'll most likely wind up bein' somebody's piece of
fresh young meat and spend most of your time on your face, your back or
your knees.  In two or three years you'll be an old man, a has been, all
washed up at eighteen.  You wanna go next door and learn now?"  A look of
fear immediately came over the boy's face.

"No sir. I mean, we was just funnin' with 'em.  We wouldn't hurt 'em,
honest.  Right guys?"  The boy became contrite and backed away from the
Captain as he spoke.  The Captain looked at the boy with contempt.  The boy
didn't fully understand that he had thrown his life away and what was in
store for him.

Daniel, Michael and the boys stood together quietly while the Captain
handled the situation.  Gerry and the younger boys just stared at the older
boy who was to be enslaved.  They had seen boys like that on the streets
and knew to keep their distance.

Daniel and Elizabeth took the two boys by the hand to lead them away.  As
the group turned to leave the trouble maker looked at Gerry and made a
kissing sound, calling out "Sweeeeet, sweet, sweet, sweet."

Gerry knew the meaning and turned to face the boy.  On the streets, you
didn't back off.  If you did you were marked for trouble forever.  The
Captain caught Gerry's arm.

"Son, no.  He's not worth it.  I'm almost tempted to let you go back and
kick his ass, but then we'd all be in trouble.  He's just tryin' to goad
you into a fight.  That boy's goin' no where but down.  Remember one thing,
he has nothing to lose, you do!  His life's over, yours is still ahead of
you."

Gerry looked at the Captain and then Daniel who smiled and motioned for the
boy to walk with him.  Gerry looked back at the boy and snickered contempt
in his direction.  He then joined Daniel and walked out without looking
back.

The Captain showed them into a private visitation room.  Right after they
entered, Jamie stepped up to the younger boy.

"Hi, I'm Jamie.  What's your name?"  When the boy didn't answer, Jamie
turned and looked at Daniel who encouraged him to keep talking.  "We're
from New Horizon and you're comin' with us.  We got a pool, and we got
bikes and skateboards, too, to play with.  I got a big brother there who
helps take care of me."  Jamie was getting louder and more excited the
longer he talked.  "And, guess what, we get to go naked all the time, too."

With the last statement, the adults broke into laughter.  Only an eight
year old could say it with such innocence.  The two new boys just stood and
looked at everyone, wondering if this was for real.  Daniel sat down in a
chair and pulled the older boy near him.  Elizabeth took the hand of the
younger boy.

"Son, what's your name?"  Daniel asked gently.

"Conner, sir.  He's my brother.  His name is Peter."

"Conner, my name is Daniel Thompson with New Horizons and this is Elizabeth
Risler.  The boys call us Mr. Daniel and Ms. Elizabeth, you can too.  These
are some of the boys from New Horizons.  That's Jamie that was talking to
your brother, the older boy is Gerry and the other boy is Jimmy.  We have
over a hundred boys there.  Conner, the Captain asked us to come talk with
you.  Do you know why you and your brother are here?"

"Yes, sir.  We're waiting for our mum and dad to come get us and take us
away.  We don't know why they left us and haven't come back for us."  While
the boy spoke his forehead wrinkled.  He was upset and confused, he really
didn't understand what had happened or was going on.

"Were you and Peter here on holiday with your family?"

"Yes, sir.  We went to DisneyWorld.  We've also been to the space place and
were goin' to Sea World to see the whales; and we went to camp for a week.
We were goin' to another fun park but we got in an accident."

"Conner, can you tell us about the accident?"

"A lorry hit our car.  We were driving and then he hit us and the car
started rolling over and over.  Me and Peter were thrown out of the car, at
least that's what they told us.  Some people in uniforms took us away from
there to a hospital and then we went with Captain Jackson to his house.  He
has two boys, too.  Then Captain Jackson said the people he worked for said
he couldn't keep us at his house and he had to bring us here.  We're
waiting on our mum and dad."

"Mr. Daniel," the boy gave Daniel a pleading look, "we don't like it here.
You saw the other boys, they want to hurt us and we don't know why."

"Connor, we know you're from London.  Do you have any family there you can
tell us about?"

"Yes,sir.  We have a grandmum.  She was supposed to come with us but got
sick and stayed home."  The boy didn't say any more.  He looked at Daniel
and then at the Captain.  The boy looked around and then at the floor.  No
one said anything.  He was thinking.  When the boy looked up at Daniel,
tears were forming in his eyes.

"Mum and dad, they aren't coming, are they?"

Daniel shook his head.  "No, Connor, I'm afraid not."

 The boy looked at Daniel a moment and then fell into his arms and cried.

Elizabeth held Peter while he listened to his older brother talk with
Daniel.  Peter didn't understand everything they said.  He did understand
that his brother was very sad.  Where were his mum and dad?  They would
make everything better, they always did.  Elizabeth held the boy close
while they listened to his brother cry.


End Chapter Forty

To Be Continued: comments welcome, contact Dwight Wilson at
adm2780@yahoo.com