Date: Fri, 11 May 2007 16:07:27 -0700 (PDT)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons  Chapter Forty-Eight

All rights reserved.  Other than downloading one copy for personal
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.

Like 'feel good' stories?  Go to Adult/Youth section and try "Brad's Idol"
or "Never Take Love For Granted".  One is another of my stories, the other
is written by a talented friend.


Chapter Forty-Eight: New Horizons

Only three days remained before Daniel would face David Arnold in their
first debate.  Describing the past two weeks as hectic would be an
understatement.  Paul had managed to get state approval to place two
manufactured homes on the property.  The Captain and his associates had
spent their third weekend with the boys who seemed to really enjoy the time
they had with the men.  Daniel was pleased to see the boys perception of
the police change from 'the enemy' to friends.

The Captain's sons were beginning to be a regular fixture around Ft. Ogden
as well as the sons of some of the other men.  Daniel knew the boys
occasionally managed to sneak off and play little boy games, but they would
do that anyway, wherever they happened to be.  Boys and sexual curiosity
were synonymous.  Daniel once heard a story that nurses in the hospital
would massage a baby boy's balls to make them relax and go to sleep.  Was
that where boys first learned of the pleasure their sexual organs could
bring them?  At the moment Daniel had more important matters to deal with.

"Mom, it's . . . uhh . . your son, remember me?"  Daniel teased Linda.
There was also an underlying message to let her know they didn't call often
enough.

"Daniel!" Linda responded, "what kind of question is that?  If you want to
be remembered you should pick up the phone and call once in a while."
Message backfired.

"Mom, I thought that's what I was trying to say to you, but I get the
message.  How are things going over there?  Is Jeremy seeing the
counselor?"

"Last week he began a regular schedule of three visits a week.  But, I'll
tell you what I think has helped him the most.  Arthur and Jeremy spend
time together every afternoon.  Weather permitting, they fool around in the
pool.  If it's bad weather, they stay in the house or in the guesthouse and
do things.  Jeremy also has a couple of friends, Ted and Derek, that come
over and help him with his school work.  The change has been incredible.
Daniel, he reminds me a lot of you when you were little.  He's becoming a
child again."

"Mom, I'm glad to hear it.  I can hear the happiness in your voice.
Remember one thing though, this child has been through a lot.  He has a lot
of baggage to work out so he can be a child again.  It's good to hear he
and Arthur do well together also.  Speaking of Arthur, is he home?"

"Not yet, he should be here in another half hour or so.  Is there something
you want me to tell him?"

"No, not really.  I was wondering how the suit was coming along.  You hear
a lot on the news, but you can never tell what to believe.  Also, Mom, I'm
coming over for the first debate with Arnold.  I'd like to talk with Jeremy
while I'm there if you don't mind."

"Daniel, you know good and well that if Jeremy found out you were here
without seeing him, he'd be very hurt and upset.  Aren't you staying here
at the house?"

"Mom, I thought about it, but I'm going to have about fifteen boys with me.
That's a lot to handle."

"Daniel Thompson, listen to your mother.  Fifteen boys is just fifteen
times the pleasure.  There's plenty of room and you know it.  Besides,
it'll be good for Jeremy.  The counselor told us the more interaction
Jeremy gets, the better.  Also, the more he's willing to talk about his
ordeal the better his chances of dealing with his past and moving forward.
Daniel, Arthur and I think it might be a good idea if you talk with him
some, too.  We might even ask those two boys that befriended him to stay,
too."

"Mom, do the boys have any idea where these boys come from?  Their parents
may not be happy about the idea."

"Daniel, let me worry about the parents.  I think you'll be surprised.  As
I recall, the first debate is on Thursday so we'll expect you and boys here
for dinner on Tuesday.  The boys need time to rest and visit."

                                                                ***

Tim and Jimmy walked around the compound watching the other boys play ball
or swim.  Some of the boys were doing the same as them, walking and boy
watching.  Seeing the two boys now, no one would ever believe that Tim had
kicked the crap out of Jimmy and come close to permanently injuring him.
Nor would anyone believe that the boy who was hurt so badly was the first
to stand up and protect his attacker and one time best friend.

Tim stayed in the infirmary with Jimmy, leaving only to get them food or
other necessities, until Dr. Mike released him.  The boys' younger
brothers, Alex and Mikey stayed with them most of the time.  Ironically,
the time was used to teach Alex how to appreciate the pleasures his body
could bring him.  This was the very act that caused the trouble to begin
with, that and Tim's refusal to allow his brother to grow up.

Alex and Mikey both slept in the spare bed in the infirmary.  It was ten
year old Mikey that taught twelve year old Alex how to enjoy nursing on
cock and to please another boy.  Tim and Jimmy watched as the two boys
played and laughed when they whimpered as they experienced their orgasms.
Young and immature, they were unable to ejaculate, but were old enough to
enjoy multiple dry orgasms each night.  Tim and Jimmy decided they had
created two pre-pubescent sex monsters to which the younger boys just
grinned like Cheshire cats.

As they walked through the compound the other boys acknowledged and greeted
both boys.  This was far from being ostracized which Tim originally faced
and his acceptance, though still somewhat shaky, was because of his friend.
Tim owed Jimmy a lot and he knew it.  They continued to walk with Tim
leading them near the same spot where he attacked his friend.  Tim had a
plan, he also had a lube plug stuck up his love canal.

When they reached what Tim thought looked like a private and comfortable
area, he helped his friend sit down.  Jimmy was still confused as to why
Tim had brought him out here.  Tim got to his knees and helped Jimmy lay
back, giving the boy as much support as he could to minimize the pain.
With Jimmy leaning back against a tree, Tim moved between his legs and,
without a word, proceeded to orally minister pleasure.  Jimmy was at first
shocked, but he knew that Tim understood it had been a while since he had
true relief.  Jimmy not only wanted this, he needed it.  He shifted to make
things easier for his partner.

Tim had been on the streets long enough and with enough men to know the
spots most men, or boys, responded to and used his experience to make Jimmy
have an almost instant erection.  Tim planned on taking his time and
showing what a professional could accomplish.  As he ministered to Jimmy he
gradually worked him into a true reclining position and pulled the boys
knees up so that with his feet still on the ground, his heels almost
touched his firm cheeks.

Jimmy was known as a connoisseur of anal sex.  He had a reputation on the
streets for being able to lay on his back for most any man and use his
internal muscles to make men beg for relief.  He was also known for making
men beg and promise anything if he would just never stop exercising his
hidden talents.  Tim knew that the one thing Jimmy really enjoyed was a
good, old fashioned, ass pounding.  He liked it hard, fast and rough.  It
wasn't good unless he could scream long enough and hard enough to be
hoarse.  Jimmy couldn't handle that kind of sex now, but Tim had a
reputation of his own for being able to control the love muscles and
prolong the pleasures.

Taking his time pumping his tongue and cleaning out his ear and nibbling
the lobe, Tim made his mark on Jimmy's neck.  There were rumors on the
streets the boys were lovers.  They weren't then, but Tim marked the boy
now and neither cared who saw it. Tim didn't leave just the one mark on the
side of the neck, he left marks on both sides so no one could miss the
brand, and then proceeded to suckle the silky, almond shaped nipples.
Jimmy whimpered and squirmed, needing more.  Finally, he grabbed Tim's head
and the two boys engaged in a long, deep and passionate kiss.  The two boys
enjoyed their sexual frenzy.  Unknown to them, two other boys enjoyed the
show.

Alex and Mikey had followed their brothers.  Both boys knew, or suspected,
that their brothers did not come out here to just talk.  They wanted to
watch the two older boys pleasure one another.  They hoped to learn some
things; more, they hoped to join in.  As they watched Tim's head move
around between Jimmy's legs, the younger boys began to fondle one another,
almost subconsciously.  Their little boy sized tools were so hard they
hurt.  When the two older boys began to kiss, the little ones couldn't
handle it any more and moved to their favorite sixty-nine position.
Excited from the show put on by their brothers, both young boys quickly
reached another dry climax.

Tim continued to please his friend, kissing and licking his way to the
point where thigh merged with torso.  Rather than give attention to the
package before him, Tim proceeded to kiss his way along the inner thigh,
returning along the back of the thigh.  Jimmy gritted his teeth and hissed
as he drew in sharp breaths, savoring the feelings coursing through his
body.  His muscles were becoming tense, he didn't know if he could endure
the pain that might come from still bruised and aching muscles and bones
that would be pressured while enjoying sexual pleasures.  He was determined
to enjoy, though, what his friend wanted to do for him.

Tim reached under himself and pulled the plug, releasing the lubricant.
Most of the lube stayed inside the canal where it was needed to prevent
painful friction, some he spread over his hole.  He also kept some on his
fingers and played with Jimmy's love chute, knowing it would drive the boy
nuts.  After finger fucking his friend for a few minutes and massaging his
prostate, Tim leaned down and again orally ministrated his friend to a full
hardness.  Jimmy squirmed and whimpered with each stroke over the magic
gland, simultaneously begging for Tim to stop but massage him harder and
faster.  Jimmy was quickly losing himself in his own world of sexual
ecstasy.  Remaining on his knees, Tim decided it was time to mount Jimmy
and show off his talented love muscles.

Jimmy could feel the heat radiating from Tim's butt, pure animal lust was
consuming both boys.  Oh how he wished his ribs were healed.  He longed to
experience the pleasures of a hard ass pounding, particularly with a
professional like Tim.  His turn would come before too much longer.  Tim
watched Jimmy's face transform to pure pleasure as he slowly sank down on
the boy.  Tim loved the feeling of something hard and big inside him, it
gave him more to work with and he did go to work.  Tim enjoyed the strained
expression of pure pleasure on his friend's face.

With his eyes closed, Jimmy had to gasp for air and force himself to lie
still and enjoy the electric sensations coursing through his body.  Tim
concentrated on tensing the muscles in his butt to control Jimmy's
pleasures and smiled at his success.  He has practiced long and hard to
learn how to control those muscles and make them feel like a vice rolling
up and down their welcome intruder.  While he smiled and continued to tease
his friend, the two younger boys walked up.

They had been watching but now wanted to participate.  The two younger boys
decided to trade brothers as partners.  Mikey stood, staring at Tim, while
Alex did the same to Jimmy.  When Jimmy and Tim exchanged glances, the
unspoken message and consent was exchanged.  Mikey stepped over Jimmy and
presented himself for instruction.  Alex dropped to his knees when Jimmy
held his hands up, and waited for instructions.  Few words were spoken as
the older boys began to pleasure their young charges.  Tim watched how
gentle and caring Jimmy was with Alex and wondered how he could have ever
thought Jimmy might hurt Alex.  Tim was equally careful with Mikey.

Mikey began to coo and purr as most young ones do when their nipples and
other sensitive areas feel a hot, wet tongue glide over them.  Tim
recognized the sounds of contentment and continued to pleasure the boy
while still working his ass muscles to please Jimmy. When Tim worked his
way up and along the boy's neck, ending with sticking his tongue in the
young boy's ear, Mikey began to squeal giggle; he was too young to feel
anything other than the tickle.  Mikey's legs began to shake and buckle, he
had to wrap his arms around Tim's neck to avoid collapsing.  Tim knew the
signs of a dry orgasm and placed his hands under the boy's butt for
support.  He held the boy close while he began to slide up and down the
stiff pole on which he was impaled.  Soon, Mikey wrapped his legs around
Tim's waist and enjoyed the way Tim slid him up and down as they rode the
pony.

Alex watched his friend being pleasured by his brother and longed for his
brother to show him that same tenderness.  At the moment he was also lost
in new feelings of pleasure as Jimmy gave the young boy his very first rim
job.  Alex didn't know what it was called, he did know how good it felt and
rocked his body back and forth, seeking to increase his pleasures.  Alex
knew his brother was watching them and smiled at him.  He knew he didn't
have to fear anyone being hurt.

When Jimmy felt his orgasm approach he told Tim who let Mikey slide down
just far enough that he touched the top of Tim's tool.  Tim worked to
control both his movements and Mikey's stimulations so he and Jimmy would
come at about the same time.  Tim felt Jimmy grow inside of him and knew
the time was near.  He allowed more of Mikey's weight to fall on his tool,
the increased stimulation caused him to go over the edge.  Both boys cried
out when their sweet boy juices exploded.  The older boys continued to
vocalize their pleasures as wave and wave of pleasure rocked their bodies.
Jimmy filled Tim's love canal while he felt Tim's muscles contract with
each burst.  Tim managed to spray his juices over all four of them.  Alex
scooped some in his finger and tasted the juice, his first taste.  He then
shared some with his brother before he bent down to clean off his friend.
In the end all four boys collapsed to the ground.

When they regained control of their breathing, all four boys walked back to
the shower near the pool area.  There was no closer place to go to clean
up.  The younger boys enjoyed walking back between their brothers with the
older boy's arm over their shoulder.  Some of the boys saw them and knew
from the dirt on their bodies what they had been doing.  There was no
teasing or chiding, just the familiar 'I know what you've been doing' smile
and a wave.  Looking at Jimmy's neck, Tim realized how aggressive he had
been and laughed.  They might as well hang a sign around Jimmy's neck
announcing what had happened; actually, the marks were a sign, a big sign.

                                                                ***

Paul walked into Daniel's office with the newly edited tapes of Jimmy's
statements during Tim's disciplinary hearing.  With the tapes was a disc
containing the slide show Daniel wanted to run during the debate.  The
tapes and the disc, with the Cherubs and the statue of Lady Liberty were
his visual aids.

"Daniel, have you finished your notes for the debate?  Is there anything I
can do to help?"

"Thanks, Paul, but I think you've done quite a bit already.  These visual
aids should help quite a bit.  This debate has been timed for ninety
minutes so it can be televised.  My problem is trying to shave my notes
down to that time frame.  You know me, when I get on my soap box with this
subject, I could go for hours."

"You're not telling me anything new.  Why do you think I agreed to join
you?  It was either join or go deaf from you chewing my ear off!" Paul
responded laughingly.

"Careful, I could lock the door and start from day one." Daniel answered
his friend, smiling.

"Seriously, Daniel.  Is there anything I can help you with?  I know you can
handle your own during the debate, I'm just worried about getting you
there."

"Paul, there is something I forgot.  I'm glad you said something."
Daniel's demeanor suddenly changed to a more serious tone. "Have we
finalized the list of boys that are going with me?  We need to check them
and see if Clayton can work some of his magic on them."  Paul retrieved the
tentative list of boys scheduled to accompany Daniel.

"In addition to Danny and Ian, we have twelve boys that have volunteered
and a waiting list of another forty or fifty.  What do you do with these
guys over there?  Half the camp wants to go with you."  Paul teased.

"It's not me, believe me.  I'm guessing it's my mother's cooking or, more
likely, the pampering she showers on them.  All boys like to have a
mother's attention, don't you know that?  Let me make a call to Amos
Crawford and then we'll try to round the guys up for a quick inspection.  I
know the two little dirt daubers are going to need help, but we'll have to
check the others."  Paul just nodded and left Daniel to make his call.

Daniel had made a request of the state to modify their agreement, at least
for the debates.  The agreement required Daniel to have an announcement
read prior to the boys appearance stating the boys were available for
personal pleasure on request.  Except for the first couple of appearances,
there had been no incidents.  However, Daniel didn't like the boys being
viewed as things to be used and deep down, resented having to make the
announcement.  He thought he now had the opportunity to at least suspend
the practice for a while and possibly end it altogether.

"Amos, it's Daniel.  How are you?"

"Fine, Daniel.  Why am I not surprised to hear from you?  I got your
'suggestion' from your dad.  That was kind of sneaky, don't you think?"
Amos said light heartedly.

"Well, it wasn't meant to be sneaky, Amos.  I just thought it would be
easier to explain our case and reasoning face to face rather than in a
letter.  Knowing my dad, he can be pretty persuasive and I need all the
help I can get with you guys."  The two men continued their diplomatic
bantering and then broach the real subject.

"You know Daniel, we did have an agreement, and it's in your contract that
the boys be made available."

"I understand, Amos.  It's because of the clause in our contract that I
need all the help I can get.  Actually, in this case, I personally believe
it's in the state's best interest to suspend the requirement, at least for
the near future."

"You're dad and I had dinner together yesterday, that was our third meeting
on your request.  I told him that I needed something solid to take to the
other board members.  We understand there is no law requiring the boys be
made available, but it is a long standing tradition.  Sometimes, traditions
can be stronger than the law.  We're on the phone and I still need
something solid.  I'm listening, Daniel."  Daniel knew he had just been
given one of his bigger challenges.

"I'm not sure what Dad said to you so I'm going to use two of my stronger
arguments right up front.  First, I'll remind you that the debates are live
and will be telecast at least statewide and I understand there will be
national television and news people there as well.  These people will be
hearing as well as broadcasting the announcement we are required to make.
An announcement that says children under the care of the state are treated
as slaves and used as property.  This being done while there is a major
court case ongoing that challenges that very position.  Now, with that in
mind, I'll state simply what I think are the two most important
considerations for the government.  First is the image it projects to the
nation and the world about how this state treats its children and how
visitors may have to consider possible threats to the well being of their
own children before coming here as tourists; and, second, the political
ramifications for our state politicians.  How am I doing so far?"

"Daniel, I'd say you're doing pretty good and you can slow down.  After
hearing that and the passion in your voice I understand what your dad meant
when he said you could get on a soap box and really get wound up.  Paul
should have walked into your office while you were talking and has
something for you."

Daniel looked to Paul who handed him a letter from the Department of
Children and Family Services.  The letter, signed by the governor and his
cabinet, amended the agreement between New Horizons and the state
suspending the requirement that the boys be available to anyone requesting
their services for pleasure.  The suspension was valid until all current
litigation was settled and reviewed.  Daniel looked at the date, yesterday,
and knew he had been had.

"Amos, this letter was signed yesterday.  Didn't you just tell me you and
dad had dinner yesterday, and why did you ask me for my arguments?"  Daniel
was confused and a little amused.  He knew Amos well enough to know there
was another underlying motive.

"Daniel, I said your dad and I met for the third time on your request.
While we had dinner I gave him the original signed letter that was just
faxed to you.  He said he planned on being at the debates and would deliver
it.  Also, he and I discussed another little issue we have over here and we
thought if I got you worked up enough on the subject it might be easier to
get you to agree to do something for us; particularly since you are at
least partially responsible for our dilemma.  Were we right?"

"Knowing Dad, probably.  Somehow I feel like I'm the target of a conspiracy
here. What can we do to help you?"  Daniel was smiling and when he looked
at Paul he knew Paul was in on the charade.

"The injunction blocking the seizure and sale of children for parental debt
is casing some big problems.  First, though, I want to congratulate you on
a great move.  I was really surprised someone didn't try it before, but I
sure am glad it's done now.  Most of the children that were seized under
orders of execution for the judgments have been returned to their families.
We have a few still held by various sheriff offices and they are beginning
to complain because this could be a long, drawn out process.  With slavery,
juvenile facilities were converted for adults and these boys are being held
with some hard core criminals.  Daniel, you know where I'm headed, we want
you to take control of these kids until their futures are decided.  The
critical factor here Daniel is that you will have to accept the outcome of
what's been started, good or bad.  Personally, I want more than anything
else for you to win this one and, knowing you, my money is on you."

"How many boys are we talking about, Amos?  I'll also assume this falls
within the current agreement?"

"Daniel, we amended the agreement for you to be able to take as many boys
as you thought you could accommodate, remember?  My latest number is
forty-three spread mostly over the northern end of the state, including the
panhandle.  That number won't go up and it drop depending on whether the
various offices can locate family for the boys.  Daniel, you know the law.
The plaintiffs can be made to pay for the care of these boys, they were
having to pay the sheriff's offices.  Do you have the ability to take
them?"

"Amos, you said you know me.  Do you think I would even consider not taking
these boys?  Besides, I like the idea of the people supporting the very
tenets we oppose having to pay us for the kid's maintenance.  There's a bit
of irony and poetic justice to that.  We'll need ages, issues and other
technicals.  Amos, do you know why these kids haven't been returned to
their families?  If we can locate families, can we return them and when can
we get them?"

"That's a lot of questions at one time.  I don't know why they haven't been
returned, Daniel.  My immediate concern was to get them away from the hard
core adult felons.  You know what would eventually happen to these boys.
If you can locate family to take them I give you my word that I'll have the
paper work placed on top priority to let them go home.  When can you take
them?  I have a bus sitting in Pensacola right now waiting on my call and
they'll start picking them up.  They won't be processed like slaves, it
will be like the last group in Orlando.  If they haven't had a physical and
shots, I'll issue the orders personally so they can be ready when you are."

"Amos, we may have to set up bunk beds, but I don't think the boys will
object."  While Daniel spoke with Amos he was writing notes to Paul, the
last note simply says '43?'!  "Can you give us a rough age range?"

"It looks like most of them are from around eight to thirteen.  Does that
create a problem?"

"No, no problem at all.  We have the boys sleeping arrangements set up by
age groups.  Their ages will let us know where we may need to set up beds.
If you can get a count and age grouping for us it would be a big help.
Amos, a favor, please.  Would you or Ron Wilson make the calls and tell the
sheriff's offices that these boys are not to be put in manacles?  These
kids are not criminals and they're going to be scared to death anyway.
Also, what about escorts on the trip, feeding the boys, do they need to
stop overnight?"

"I think that can be arranged.  Standard procedure is to keep manacles on
them while we have them in custody to prevent escape, but I understand your
request and will have them comply.  I'm not sure about escorts, but I do
know they'll have some food on the bus.  Overnight may have to be in
another jail, Daniel."

As Amos was speaking, Daniel wrote a note for Paul that he wanted to see
Jeff and Mark.

"Amos, why don't I make this a little easier on both of us.  I'll send two
of my people with a couple of the boys.  I think my people and the boys can
better help these kids accept what's happening and lower anxiety levels.
They can be in Pensacola tonight.  In fact, they'll go straight to the jail
and meet the kids, tonight.  Can we have the use of your bus and driver for
the rest of the week?"

"I don't see why not, we'll simply bill the people you seem to enjoy
prodding right now.  May I ask why?"

"Easy, we'll use credits from some of our sponsors and make this an easy
trip for the boys.  If they stay overnight, which I'm guessing will happen,
it will be at a motel with a pool.  They'll also be stopping at restaurants
for food; no slave chow.  Fair enough?"

"Fair enough.  Daniel, there's a per diem on each boy so I'll see to it
that you get that credit.  Thanks, and good luck."

"Paul, suppose we send Mark and Jeff to travel with the boys.  We'll need
to decide on two boys to go with them.  Also, I'd like for them to be in
Pensacola tonight."

"Daniel, you do remember that Mark was looking forward to seeing his family
this week?"

"I know, but if I know Mark, he won't hesitate to go.  We'll arrange for
extra time off for him after the debate.  Suppose we send TJ and Sean with
them?"

"You mean you want to separate TJ and Evan?  You think they could handle
it?"  Paul was being facetious. "What about Kevin and Ben?"

"Suppose we just ask Mark and Jeff?  I think you may be right about Kevin
though, he can exercise some control over the boys."

                                                                ***

Daniel stood in the dining room watching the boys as they moved through the
serving line.  He planned on telling the boys about the new arrivals once
everyone was served and seated.  In the interim he always enjoyed watching
the boys and speaking with many of them as they moved through.  Each night
he thought back to the first night he saw them.  The boys had both grown
and regressed.  They had grown as individuals capable of caring about and
helping one another.  They had regressed to being kids again capable of
having fun and, occasionally, acting dumb.  While Daniel sipped his coffee
and waited he heard the patter of little feet and heard that familiar
little voice.

"Mr. Dan'l! Mr. Dan'l!" Danny cried out as he ran towards his mentor with
hands outstretched.  Sean followed the boy at a distance, having long since
given up on stopping Danny from running to Daniel.  Daniel scooped the boy
up.

"Hey, little man."  Daniel enjoyed carrying his favorite little boy around.
As he scooped the boy in his arms he noticed the boy was still a little wet
from his shower.  Sean always did a good job in caring for his charge.
"Did you have fun today?"  Danny nodded while he looked around the room,
taking in as much as he could.

"Guess what?" He asked, and then answered without waiting for Daniel to
take a guess.  "I know my ABCs.  You wanna hear?"  When Daniel let him know
he was excited and couldn't wait to hear Danny began to rattle off the
alphabet.  Except for a little trouble with his enunciation, the boy was
perfect.  Daniel let him know how proud he was of the boy's accomplishment.

"That was perfect, Danny."  Danny responded with his special smile and
beamed at the praise.  "How about we eat our supper now and then in a
little while, after our food has a chance to settle, you and I go for a
swim?"

"Yeeeaaaa!  Right after supper?"  The boy was really excited to know Daniel
would take him for a swim.  Danny then jumped down and grabbed Sean's hand,
pulling on the older boy as hard as he could so they could eat in a hurry.
Danny had plans.

Daniel watched as the last few boys were served and seated.  He couldn't
help but look at his watch.  Paul had driven Mark, Jeff, Kevin and Ben to
the airport for a 5:50 flight to Pensacola.  The original plan was to
drive, but when Paul called and told the airline who they were and why they
were making the trip, the airline offered to sell them the empty seats for
just one dollar each.  They would land in Pensacola around 6:30 and head
for the sheriff's office to claim five very frightened boys.

When the last boy was seated, Daniel freshened his cup of coffee and slowly
strolled through the dining hall.  This was a habit of his to check on each
boy and give them the opportunity to speak to him or let him know they
needed time.  As he walked through the aisles, he quickly noticed Jimmy and
Tim sitting together with their brothers.  He also noticed something else
and recognized the opportunity to bring a little levity to the room.

"Jimmy!"  Jimmy instantly tried to scrunch down and turned red. "Apparently
Dr. Mike didn't do a very good job taking care of all your injuries.  But,
you know, those look kinda fresh to me?  Did you get in a fight or
something?"

"Or something is right, Mr. Dan'l, and we know who did it too, but it
wadn't no fight!  We know what you've been doooiinnn'."  Came the sing-song
taunt from across the room that caused an immediate uproar of laughter and
one boy to turn a very dark crimson.

"Mr. Dan'l . . Mr. Dan'l" Mikey called out while tugging on Daniel's pants
leg.  "I know what happened."  The boy declared like he had a big valuable
secret.

"Is it supposed to be a secret, Mikey?"  the boy nodded his head.  "Then
don't tell, okay, or it won't be a secret anymore."  Jimmy quickly turned
his brother around to face away from Daniel, thankful Daniel had stopped
the boy from talking.

"Guys, it's always good that one of you can provide the rest of us with a
good time.  Of course, everyone realizes that mostly we are laughing with
you, not at you.  It's always interesting to see how red some of you can
get."  Daniel allowed the noise to calm down before continuing.

"Fellas, I have something serious I need to talk to you about.  Have you
noticed that Mark and Jeff are not here?"

"Kevin neither, Mr. Dan'l."  someone volunteered.

"That's right.  Kevin and Ben are with Mark and Jeff.  They should be
taking off from the Tampa airport and will arrive in Pensacola in about
thirty minutes.  They will be riding in a bus across the northern part of
the state and then head back home after making several stops along their
route."

"We received a call from Amos Crawford, the Director of Children and Family
Services.  All of you are aware that an injunction has been issued to
prevent the law from taking any boys from their homes and selling them into
slavery to satisfy debts against a parent.  The injunction was upheld by
the state and federal courts.  Now, what does that have to do with our
missing friends and their trip?  Let me explain."

"The law says the sheriff must return the boys to their homes or, if that
is not feasible, keep and support them until all this is resolved in the
courts.  Believe me, boys, when I say it will take a little time to get
this done.  We do not plan on letting this go, we plan on winning so no
more boys have to suffer for things they didn't do."  Daniel had to pause
to allow the cheers and hollering to calm down, then continued.

"Because of the slavery system, juvenile facilities no longer exist.  Only
juveniles who committed a crime or were taken to be sold and pay debts ever
saw the inside of the police station.  Since they were to be enslaved and
had no rights, the law mixed them with adult criminals, not caring what
happened to them.  The only place to separate them was at the slave
processing center.  We don't think it's a good idea to keep them there.
Therefore, we will be getting approximately forty-three new brothers around
here."

"What can we do to help, Mr. Dan'l?"  called out an unknown voice.

"Who said that?  I'd sure like to give that boy a hug.  You know, I've
always believed I could count on you boys when we needed you.  You've just
proven me right, and I thank you for that.  There's no way I can tell you
how much that last question means to us.  Anyway, we may have to build some
bunk beds to accommodate everyone.  We aren't sure of the ages yet, but we
should know before the end of the week.  Mark and Jeff will be calling with
reports every time they pickup some of the boys."

"Mr. Dan'l?  Can, maybe, some of us that's here set our beds like bunk beds
and let the new boys have the old space?"  asked Jimmy.

"Now Jimmy, don't you think you've let a boy get close enough to you
already?"  Daniel asked, which lead to uproarious laughter from the other
boys.  Again, Jimmy blushed.

"Guys, when we know how old the boys are and where they should be placed,
I'll let you know and you can have first choice on whether you want to
bunk-up with a friend.  Right now, let's finish eating so the boys on KP
can get out of here and I have a date with one little guy to go swimming."

"That's ME!!"  yelled Danny, as though no one could guess, and to the
amusement of the other boys..

                                                                ***

After landing in Pensacola, Jeff and Mark picked up a rental car and headed
straight for the sheriff's office.  On the way, Mark called to confirm
their motel reservations and then called the number he was given for a
contact at the station.  After a brief conversation, Mark hung up and told
Jeff the sheriff would be waiting on them at the station.  Arrangements had
been made to release the boys that night.

When they arrived at the sheriff's office, it took a few minutes to clear
paperwork and get the boys released.  While Jeff completed the paperwork
Mark asked if he could be taken to see the boys.  He knew the boys had no
idea what was going on and had to be as scared, if not more, as he was when
he was held in jail.  Mark also knew what some of the inmates might try on
the boys and was worried the boys had been hurt.  When the doors were
opened leading to the holding area, Mark was ready to cry when he saw the
boys.  He immediately used the digital camera they had with them to
document the scene.  The older inmates had quieted down when the guards
entered.

The oldest boy couldn't be more than ten and was about the same size as
Ben.  The boys were in a single cell crouched together against the back
wall.  The noises they heard when first walking in had let Mark know the
men were taunting the boys, telling them how they would soon learn to
pleasure real men.  Walking in, Mark stepped up to the boys, dropped to one
knee and looked at them.  Two boys were so scared and ready to cry, their
lower lips quivered.  The boys looked exhausted, probably too frightened to
sleep.  All five wore prison uniforms, orange jump suits, that were way too
big for them.

"It's okay, boys, my name's Mark and we're here to help you.  Are you ready
to get out of here?"  The boys didn't know how to answer.  One boy finally
spoke.

"Mister, are we gonna be sold now?"  asked one boy that Mark guessed to be
about eight years old.  Mark held his arms out to the boy who, reluctantly
but needing to, melted into Mark's arms.  Mark let him cry.

"No one's going to be sold.  In a minute my friends will be here and the
first thing all of us are going to do is change into some different
clothes.  They'll be clothes a lot like what I'm wearing.  No jail clothes.
Then we are going to leave here."  That's when Mark noticed all the boys
were wearing manacles.

Mark asked the guard to check with the supervisor because the letter they
had said the boys were not to be manacled.  The guard quickly returned and
removed the manacles.  When the restraints were gone, Mark told the boys to
follow him; he carried the crying boy in his arms.  As they walked through
the door Kevin stepped up and took the boy from Mark who then retrieved the
suit case packed with New Horizon clothes.  An officer showed Mark an empty
room where he could have the boys change.

Mark looked at the boys and guessed their sizes.  He did a good job on
three of the four.  The small boy Kevin held needed something smaller.
Kevin found the right clothes, dressed the boy, and held him on his lap.
While the boys dressed Mark tried to explain who they were and what was
happening.  Each boy was given one of the collars that could be used to
trace the boy or, if someone tried to molest the boy, he could sound an
alarm.  The only parts that seemed to register with the boys was that they
were getting out of that place and not coming back.  Mark also got their
attention when he mentioned food.

"Boys, I know a lot of what I'm saying right now is not registering with
you.  This is very important, each of you must promise me that when we walk
out of here, you won't try to run.  If you do, it will cause big trouble
for all of us, okay?  Does everyone promise?"  The boys nodded their heads
with a couple of the boys trying to voice an answer.

"Alright, I want you two to hold my hands.  Kevin, are you going to carry
him?  Then how about taking the little one's hand and this older boy,
what's your name, son?"

"Cole, sir."

"Okay, Cole 'sir', can you just walk with us?"  Mark tried to bring a
little levity to their situation.

After leaving the room, Cole made sure he wasn't left behind.  He hooked
two fingers into Mark's belt loops and was determined not to let go.  They
were joined by Jeff and Ben.  Jeff took charge of Cole and five very scared
little boys began their journey to their new home.

End Ch Forty-Eight

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