Date: Fri, 18 May 2007 15:28:45 -0700 (PDT)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons  Chapter Forty-Nine

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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
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dilemmas, please exit now

Note: I would like to thank Colin and John for their continued support and
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editing and correcting my errors contribute significantly to the reader's
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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-Nine: New Horizons


Daniel lay in his bed and stared at the ceiling.  He was too wound up to
sleep; his mind tried to focus on everything at one time and couldn't focus
on any one topic.  Night was turning into day, but it was too early to
contact Mark and Jeff.  Daniel gave up and decided to go for a quick early
morning swim.  Fast laps usually helped him focus and work the tension out
of his body.  He also knew he didn't have much time if he wanted to avoid a
repeat of a few days earlier.

Daniel swam the laps with purpose.  He didn't swim as fast as he could, but
he did push his body.  As he cut through the water he could feel his
muscles relax.  He also felt the slight pain that comes with straining the
muscles.  Each time he felt the pain he could only think 'no pain no gain'
and smiled inwardly.  Lap after lap he swam, touching the concrete and then
throwing himself backwards, kicking off the wall for another lap.

He reached for the wall, but it wasn't concrete that he touched.  Daniel
stopped at the unusual feel and looked up to see Danny smiling at him; too
late, it was repeat time.  Daniel didn't have time to say anything when
Danny jumped towards his hero.  Daniel caught the boy who wrapped his arms
around Daniel's neck and gave him a tight hug.  Daniel turned to see Sean
standing next to the pool.

"Sorry, Mr. Dan'l," Sean said sheepishly, "but you know how he is when he
sees you."

"That's alright, Sean," Daniel answered with a smile, laughing at the
antics of the small boy he now held close, "I guess we all know where and
how we're having our breakfast this morning?"  Sean nodded and ran towards
the dining hall.

Daniel placed the boy at his front and then began swimming laps doing a
backstroke.  Danny kept his fingers locked around Daniel's neck and
couldn't stop laughing.  The carefree sound of youthful laughter and joy
was music to Daniel's ears.  After four laps Daniel stopped to look around
the pool and realized Danny's laughter had drawn quite a crowd.

When Sean returned with two plates containing more than an ample amount of
food for the three of them and a cup of coffee, Daniel climbed out of the
pool with Danny still clinging tightly.  As they had a few days earlier,
the three sat by the pool and enjoyed breakfast.

"Mr. Dan'l?"  Sean asked quietly, "Isn't today the day some of us are
supposed to go to West Palm Beach?  Mr. Paul hasn't posted a list and
nobody's gotten their hair done yet."

"Sean, I think you identified a problem we need to deal with right now."
Daniel stated as he moved Danny off his lap.  "Why don't you go find
Mr. Paul and ask him if he can tell you who is scheduled to go with me to
West Palm?  That will let him know the list isn't posted, and it will get
us an answer.  Also, let him know I'll be in the office just as soon as I
get dressed, okay?"

"Sure thing, Mr. Dan'l.  Danny and me will take care of it.  Mr. Dan'l, I
know Danny's goin', can I go too?"  Sean asked with an air of hope.

"Of course, who else could help me keep an eye on our little friend there?"

                                                               ***

When the cell phone rang, Jeff quickly reached over to answer.  It was
still early in Pensacola, the sun not having cleared the tops of the trees.
Jeff wanted to let the boys sleep, knowing they were exhausted from their
ordeal.

"Hello," Jeff answered quietly.  He recognized the number calling in but
had no way of knowing who was placing the call.

"Jeff, it's Daniel.  Sorry to wake you, I thought you might be up by now."

"We're trying to let the boys sleep." Jeff explained as he quickly put on
some pants and walked outside to talk.  "These boys have had a rough time
Daniel and it was apparent they were exhausted as well as scared to death.
Kevin and Ben were really good last night about being able to play with
them some and settle them down."

"Good." Daniel commented. "I was hoping having the boys with you would
help.  While we talk, how about pulling out your lap top and let's verify
you received the list Paul posted for you last night."  Jeff immediately
retrieved the lap top from the room and stepped back outside.

"Give me minute and the computer should come up. Are you all set for the
debate on Thursday?"  Jeff asked while he waited for his computer to warm
up.

"Jeff, you know me.  I'm ready until I decide to change something which
I'll probably do even while we're speaking.  We'll be leaving right after
lunch today and head to my mother's.  I'm trying to reach Michael and have
him put me in touch with Jeremy's counselor.  We're debating over whether
to try and take him to the debate with us."

"Okay, Daniel, I'm up.  Give me one minute here to open the files.  Okay, I
see the list.  It looks like we have numbers, places, names and even some
ages here.  Do we know if all the boys will be ready when we get to the
different offices?"

"They are supposed to be.  Of course, you need to remember that we're
working with several levels of government here and be realistic."  Daniel
stated, trying not to be too pessimistic.  "What about your transportation;
what's your status there?"

"The bus is supposed to be here in about an hour and we'll start our trip
home.  Looking at this list and checking the map, I'm guessing this will
take a couple of days, at least.  Most of the towns are off the main
interstate, so that will slow us down, plus the number of stops we have to
make."

As Jeff talked with Daniel, Jeff noticed one of the boys looking out the
window and motioned for the boy to come out.  It was ten year old Cole.
Wearing his shorts and shirtless, the boy looked like he was half asleep.
As he approached, Jeff put an arm around the boy's shoulder and pulled him
in close.  Cole wrapped an arm around Jeff's waist and stood there while
the man rubbed his back.  Jeff let Daniel know one of the boys was with him
and Daniel asked to speak to the boy.

"Cole?" Daniel asked trying to sound as friendly as possible to the boy.

"Sir?"  Cole answered hesitantly.

"Cole, I know that you don't know who I am, but let me ask you something."
The boy nodded his head in response, not thinking that Daniel couldn't see
him. "Cole, has Mr.  Jeff told you who he is and where he's taking you?"

"Yes, sir, kinda.  He said we was goin' to a place in the middle of the
state where there's a bunch of other boys like us.  He said they live there
and they're not slaves.  Mr. Jeff said we wasn't goin' to be made slaves."

"That's right," Daniel continued to speak in a measured tone and
pace. "There's over one hundred boys here.  Now, before you get here,
Mr. Jeff and Mr. Mark will be stopping in other towns to pick up other boys
and bring all of you here.  Cole, there is one thing I need to ask you do
to for us, okay?  If you need something, we need for you to let Mr.  Jeff
or Mr. Mark know.  If you're hungry, you tell them.  If you don't feel
good, you tell them.  If you're hurt, you tell them, and they'll help you.
We know things are moving kind of fast right now, but can you do that for
us?"

"Yes, sir.  I guess so." Cole responded, still unsure about what was
happening.  He handed the phone back to Jeff.

"Daniel, the boys are starting to move now.  We need to get them cleaned up
and let them eat before the bus gets here.  While we travel today we'll be
setting up the files on each of the boys."

"Good, Jeff.  Get as much information as you can.  I'm sure that if we do
some research we should be able to return some of these boys to their
families.  At least, that's my hope."

"Well, unfortunately, I can tell you now that for at least one of them,
both parents were taken away.  We'll set up the files and deal with the
issues when we return."

When Jeff got off the cell, he and Cole went back into the room to wake up
the others.  Jeff was glad the motel was sympathetic to their cause. The
original plan was to get one large room for all of them, but the manager
gave them the adjoining room at no charge.  With two baths available, he
and Mark could both shave in separate rooms while the boys were taking a
quick shower.  The boys looked a little hesitant when told they should
shower two at a time, but became very cooperative when they realized they
could eat sooner.  Also, the older boys needed to help in the care of the
younger boys so they could save time.

While they ate Jeff explained to the boys about the trip ahead of them and
that it would take a couple of days.  While he talked, the bus arrived and
the driver joined them for a cup of coffee.  When he finished explaining
things, Jeff asked the boys if they had any questions or needed anything.
The boys looked at one another and then Cole spoke up.

"Mr. Jeff, can we have some comic books or somethin' to read while we
ride?"

Jeff smiled, pleased that Cole listened to Daniel.  "Cole, we're going to
stop and pick up some drinks and snacks for all of you to have along the
way.  While Kevin and I are in the store with the other boys, suppose
Mr. Mark takes you and Ben over to pick up some comic books or whatever you
boys want to help entertain yourselves?"  Jeff saw the pleased look on the
boy's face and had to add, "However, there is one rule; no Playboys."  Cole
blushed.

                                                               ***

Daniel sat at his desk going over a last minute check list.  After the
revelation that morning that they hadn't posted the list naming the boys to
make the trip to West Palm, Daniel decided he better review all of their
plans for this trip.  Two changes were required for this trip.  Mark was
traveling with Jeff, so Brad was substituted in his place.  Clayton was
also added to the list so he would have the opportunity to visit with his
mother.  As Daniel reviewed his notes, he heard the sound of large trucks.

Four large tractors were pulling into the compound.  Each tractor was
pulling part of a modular home unit.  As Daniel watched he saw Rick emerge
onto the roadway and signal the drivers where to take their loads.  The
units were purchased with donations from the manufacturer and funds
received from the mysterious donor's check that Daniel received at the
hospital.  Daniel paused to watch the trucks maneuver their loads into
position.

"It's growing, Daniel."  Paul startled Daniel when he spoke.  Daniel did
not hear him come in.  "Did you ever think it would grow this much, this
quickly?"

"No, Paul, I really didn't.  When I think back about all the political
maneuvering and debates, the trips to win supporters and sponsors, I have a
hard time believing it myself.  Sometimes I worry about how many we could
have helped but didn't get to.  When that happens I look at the boys
running around here and am thankful we could do something for them.  Now
look, before, we begged the state for a chance to save these boys.  Now,
the state calls us asking for our help to care for the boys.  All in a few
short months."

"Well, I'm not sure I would call them a few short months, but I'd
definitely call them busy months.  Think I'll go take a look at our
soon-to-be new quarters.  Care to join me?"  Paul asked smiling and anxious
with anticipation.

Paul and Daniel stood to the side while Rick gave directions to the
drivers.  Daniel didn't understand everything the men discussed, but he did
understand that it had something to do with where the main plumbing and
electrical hookups were located.  After a few minutes, Rick walked over and
joined the two men.

"Daniel, we got a pleasant surprise."  Rick began.  "We were supposed to
receive one three bedroom and one four bedroom unit.  Someone cancelled an
order at the last minute, so we now have two four bedroom units.  The other
big surprise is that the manufacturer talked the furniture company into
donating all the furniture."

"I can't see a whole lot from here, Rick, but I'd be willing to bet those
units are fairly nice inside.  We'll also take all the donations we can
get.  Tell me, have you guys decided who's going where yet?"  Rick and Paul
both laughed and blushed a little.  Daniel had read their minds.

"I'll give you fellas a suggestion and you think about it while I'm in West
Palm.  Michael isn't here most of the time so he and I can still share a
room.  I'm willing to bet that Mark won't mind keeping a room in the dorms,
particularly if Kevin is in the same dorm."  That suggestion brought laughs
from all three men.  Although they tried to be very discreet, everyone knew
that Mark and Kevin were close.  Daniel waited for the laughter to subside
before continuing.

"Seriously, I know we discussed trying to let the older boys take the rooms
we have now, but we may need them.  Is anyone, besides me, beginning to
think that we may need some more staff around here?  There's only seven of
us full time to handle over one hundred boys and we'll be growing quite a
bit in a couple of days."

"Daniel, the new boys coming in, didn't Amos Crawford say they were boys
seized as property?  It seems to me there should be family to take them."

"Paul, I won't argue with you on that point.  Jeff did tell me he has one
boy that's lost both parents, I'll assume to a creditor.  That boy will
stay with us unless we can find extended family somewhere.  My big concern
is that the state either didn't have the necessary resources to dedicate
towards finding family, or the family is afraid to accept the boys.  This
is an issue we'll have to review when the boys get here and I get back from
West Palm.  Jeff's trying to build files for us now.  I'd really like to
see these boys returned to their families."

While the men talk they notice a large number of boys moving in the same
direction.  It takes only a moment for them to realize that the boys'
natural hunger alarm has sounded and they know it's almost time for lunch
to be served.  As they approach the dining hall Daniel reminds everyone
that the boys traveling to West Palm need to be at the front of the line so
they can have lunch before the vans leave.  Daniel laughs when he sees
Danny run to the front of the line with Brad and Sean right behind him.  He
wasn't sure if Brad and Sean were chasing Danny, or just as anxious as
Danny to eat.

                                                               ***

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

"Yes, I recognize the voice, Daniel.  I'm doing fine son, how about you.
Are you prepared for the debate with Arnold?"  Daniel laughed to himself,
wondering why everyone kept asking him that same question.  Anyone that
knew Daniel knew he always walked in prepared.

"I think we're in pretty good shape for this debate.  I was hoping you
might have some information for me on that research project we talked
about."

"I have more information, but the research isn't complete.  Right now, if I
was a betting man, I'd be willing to bet that our hunch was correct.  I
thought you were going to wait to use this information until about the
fourth or fifth debate.  Has something happened to change your plans?"

"No, Dad, nothing has happened.  You know how I am, I like to have all my
points lined up and planned out well in advance.  I do need a little
assistance on a project though.  I was hoping you might have some student
volunteers we could use for about a month."

"What kind of project, son?"

"Amos Crawford called us and asked us to take custody of forty-three boys
that were picked up on executions.  The injunction saved the boys and the
sheriff offices were trying to keep them.  You know since that damned court
ruling there's no more juvenile facilities so we had eight year olds housed
with adult felons.  There's no need for me to tell you the dangers there.
Anyway, Mark and Jeff are on the road now with Kevin and young Ben, picking
the boys up.  Dad, I like to do some in-depth research and hopefully find
family so these boys can return home.  We'll take care of those we can't
find family for, but you know the boys are much better off with family."

"Where are Mark and Jeff now; and how are you transporting that many boys?"

"Amos loaned us a state bus and driver.  It's one of the old passenger
conversions the state has.  They left Pensacola this morning and then went
to Crestview.  They should be in Panama City now; or possibly headed to
Tallahassee.  With those three stops they should pick up fourteen boys.
Judging from the time, I'm fairly sure they'll stop in Tallahassee for the
night and then head out again early in the morning.  The next stop is in
Perry and I told Jeff there's not much there in the way of motels to house
the boys."

"Daniel Thompson, you knew good and well that when you called me and told
me all this that I'd get upset if Jeff didn't bring those kids here.  I bet
you were even planning on it.  Am I right?  You hang up right now and let
me call the sheriff's office and talk to Jeff.  You know where he'll be
tonight."  Daniel smiled as he listened to his dad try to act upset with
him.  Daniel laughed when he pictured sixteen boys, and most likely Mark,
skinny dipping in his dad's pool while Jeff and his dad grilled hamburgers.
Daniel wished he was there to see it happen, but he had responsibilities in
West Palm.

                                                               ***

As they waited for the gate to open, Daniel surveyed the grounds and
thought Jeremy had done a commendable job clearing the planting beds and
maintaining the grounds.  As the vans stopped, the front door to the house
opened and Daniel's mother, Linda, came out to greet them.  She was
accompanied by Mary, Clayton's mother, who anxiously looked through the
van's windows for her son.  When Mary looked at Daniel, he pointed to the
other van.  She didn't need to look since Clayton had already spotted his
mother and ran to her.

"Mom, are you sure you don't mind putting up with all these boys?" Daniel
asked, seriously.

"Daniel, I know that question was rhetorical.  You know, I recognize some
of the boys.  Did you bring some new boys that weren't here before?"

"Of course we did.  We try to rotate the boys so they all get the
experience.  Besides, the new boys here heard about your home cooking and
almost demanded to be allowed to come."  Daniel answered, jokingly.
"Where's Jeremy and Arthur?"

Linda looked outside and didn't see Jeremy or Arthur.  She assumed they
were in the guesthouse and used the intercom system to call them.  Soon
Arthur walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist, followed by a
naked Jeremy and Ted.  Daniel's boys saw the two boys and smiled.  After
Arthur greeted Daniel and introduced Ted, Jeremy stepped forward to greet
Daniel.  Daniel placed a hand on each of the boy's shoulders and looked him
in the eyes.  Daniel could tell that some of the despair was beginning to
be replaced with hope.  Experience had taught Daniel that Jeremy still had
a long way to go but he was making progress.  As Daniel spoke to Jeremy,
Danny stepped between them and held his hands up to Daniel.

"Little man," Daniel said as he reached down and picked up the young boy,
"don't tell me you're getting jealous already.  You remember Jeremy, can't
you say 'hi'?"  Danny wrapped both arms around Daniel's neck and hid his
face in Daniel's shoulder.

"Danny, turn around and be nice." Daniel encouraged the boy. "You remember
Jeremy from the last time we were here.  You see that swimming pool out
there?  That's Jeremy's; if you aren't nice to him he may not let you swim
in his pool."  Danny looked at Daniel and then to Jeremy.

"Hi," Danny said, holding up the palm of his hand and waving it through the
air.  Danny continued to look at Jeremy and then turned to Daniel.  "He's
naked.  I wanna be naked, too!" Danny said in the little staccato talk
young ones sometimes use.

Daniel held the boy away from him, gripping him under the arms.  He nodded
to Jeremy who then reached out and removed Danny's shorts in one quick
movement.  Daniel then turned a giggling little boy upside down while
Jeremy removed the shirt.  On a signal from Daniel, Sean stepped over to
stand by Daniel.

"Jeremy, this is Sean; he's Danny's mentor.  Behind Sean is his older
brother, Brad.  Since Brad is the oldest, he will be everyone's mentor on
this trip."  The boys exchanged greetings and nods.  Then Daniel addressed
all the boys.

"Okay, guys.  Anyone who wants to swim or play ball, or whatever you do
outside, head to the guesthouse."  Daniel pointed to the guesthouse as he
spoke. "Leave your clothes in there.  In five minutes we expect to see
nothing but naked boys having fun.  Sean, you want to take your young
giggle-box charge here and go with Jeremy?"  Sean tossed a laughing and
screaming five year old over his shoulder and headed outside.

While Daniel was settling his boys and making them comfortable, Ted stood
to the side observing the activities.  Ted had heard of Daniel from Arthur,
and some from his own dad, but they had never met.  He now understood why
his dad and Arthur spoke so highly of Daniel when he saw how friendly the
man was with the boys and how they showed respect for one another.  Ted
also knew Daniel's story and wondered if Jeremy would one day be as strong
as Daniel.  Daniel was the first freed slave Ted had ever seen or met.

Ted spent most of his afternoons with Jeremy.  Sometimes it was just the
two of them, other times Ted's brother, John, came along and it wasn't
unusual to see Derek with them.  The boys spent time working outside,
playing and helping Jeremy with his reading, at first, and also writing.
Ted was initially amazed at how much someone could forget but quickly pick
back up.

Since that weekend their fathers had brought them over to apologize for
teasing Jeremy, and Ted learned about Jeremy's past, he was unable to
dismiss the thought that it could happen to any boy.  Ted never told anyone
that he went home after that weekend and found himself waking up during the
night, crying from his treatment of Jeremy.  The two boys were rapidly
becoming good friends, actually buddies.  Ted understood that Jeremy was
still afraid of what might happen to him and tried to assure him things
would be fine, but the questions still lingered.  Ted liked Jeremy and
wanted to be best friends with him.  Ted also wanted to help Jeremy and
wondered what the future would hold.

                                                           ***

The adults busied themselves inside preparing dinner for what they knew
would be fourteen very hungry boys.  They enjoyed watching the boys' antics
through the patio door and thought it was interesting that since the door
had a reflective coating, the boys seemed to forget the adults could see
them.  When the boys started horsing around and playing grab-ass, although
that wasn't what they were grabbing for, Daniel started outside to caution
them.  Linda stopped her son and told him she'd seen it more than once.
When Daniel looked at her questioningly, she responded with a look that
reminded Daniel of some of the things he and his friends used to do around
the pool.  Arthur, Larry and Mary responded by laughing.

"Mom, there are some things you could forget, you know." Daniel said,
teasing his mother.

"Daniel, I have forgotten, or at least set aside, most of the bad memories.
Seeing boys play like that just says they are normal, happy boys.  They
aren't boys very long, let them have their fun.  Now, why don't you boys go
fire up the grill and get the patio table ready; we'll serve buffet style
like last time.  Mary and I can handle things in here better without quite
so much help."

The men went outside, as 'requested', and began grilling.  Arthur pulled
out cold beers for them to enjoy and they watched the boys while they
worked.  Daniel wanted to find time to talk with Arthur about Jeremy.  He
was surprised when Arthur began to question him.

"Daniel, we've been trying to work with Jeremy and help him adjust. He sees
his counselor on a regular basis.  The counselor has advised us the best
thing Jeremy can do right now is get comfortable, feel secure and we should
encourage him to express his feelings about what he's been through.  Your
mother and I just aren't sure what to expect and if there's anything else
we can do to help him.  We're hoping you give us some direction on how to
help him."

"You know, I was glad the ladies threw us out because I was hoping to be
able to talk to you about Jeremy."  Daniel answered with a smile.  "I'm not
a qualified counselor so it's difficult for me to know what to say.  All I
can do is tell you how I felt and what helped me.  We have no way of
knowing right now if those same things will pertain to Jeremy.  Mom told me
that you and Jeremy spend quite a bit of time together in the afternoons
and seem to be building a bond between you.  How does he seem to be
reacting to you while you're together?"

"In the beginning thee was definitely some hesitation.  I'd almost say it
bordered on suspicion and I tried to understand how he felt and why.  It
only took a few days before he began to relax with me.  I've been teaching
him to swim and he's been doing well.  So far, we haven't talked about
anything that I can say was related to his experiences over the past couple
of years and I'm not sure if I should try to broach the subject with him."

"Arthur, there's no way I can ever tell you the depth, and I mean negative
depth, of the emotional trauma Jeremy has been through.  When it happened
to me I was initially scared and in shock.  Then I felt betrayed because my
parents didn't try to do anything to save me.  Of course, that really
wasn't true because I do remember Mom pleading for them to leave me alone.
I can also remember her screaming at my father.  After the feeling of
betrayal came bitterness and, eventually, acceptance of the fact that no
one was going to save me.  All those emotions played out fairly quickly;
I'd guess over a period of about two weeks.  It was that quick because of
the short time frame required to move through the system."

"When I was sold I was in shock.  I walked like a zombie, just doing
whatever someone told me.  I can remember thinking it was a nightmare and
hoping I'd wake up.  In some respects, my new reality was a nightmare, but
there was no waking up from it.  Everything is done to take away any
thought of escape or even of thinking for yourself.  They deliberately take
steps to destroy the individual and the emotion within you by telling you
you're nothing but trash.  You eat slop out of a bowl that's given you by
sliding it across the floor.  If you dare look at someone without
permission, or even make a sound, someone is there ready to use a paddle or
tawse for punishment."

"In Jeremy's case I'm willing to bet the same thing happened.  He's been
told how worthless he is and probably called every vile name in the book.
They stripped him of any degree of self worth or value as a human being and
took away every bit of confidence he would have in himself.  He's been
taught the hard way not to trust anyone or allow himself to have hope.
Right now I would suggest that you do exactly what you are doing.  Build a
bond with him and let him learn he can trust you.  He may try to test you
to see if you're playing a cruel game with him.  More than anything else,
be patient and understanding.  In time, he'll learn to trust you and open
up."

"The thing many people don't realize is that while he was stripped of his
self worth and told what kind or trash he was, he learned to survive.  He
figured out how to live and avoid unnecessary pain, physical and emotional.
He built his own world where he knew how to make people happy with what he
did and gained their praise.  That praise meant a lot to him, it became his
new measure of self worth.  It's hard to say how long it took him to define
the boundaries of that new world, but you will have to break through the
boundaries and let him know it's okay to step out.  He knows how to survive
and feel safe; you're asking him to give that up and face a new unknown.
That's not easy for him."

"Daniel, it's easy to understand why you care so much for these boys.  If
someone couldn't see it in you, they can hear it in your voice.  One day,
these boys will appreciate what you've done for them."  Arthur spoke with a
tone that reflected the admiration and respect he had for his step-son.
"You've just told me more and helped us more than the three sessions I've
had with his counselor."  Daniel looked at Arthur with an understanding
smile.

"I think part of the problem, Arthur, is that so few slaves are ever freed
that there is little material available and only a few people with
sufficient experience to help.  When the opportunity presents itself, I'll
try to talk to him in private and see if I can help."  As Daniel spoke, his
cell phone rang.  The number displayed let him know it was Jeff or Mark.

"Daniel, it's Mark.  We're at your father's house."

"Good.  How has it gone so far?"  Daniel was concerned whether how the
different sheriff's offices reacted to what they were doing.  He knew that
not everyone approved of the private care program or the injunction.

"About the same as Pensacola.  The boys were in cells in general lock-up.
They were frightened and didn't trust us too much.  Kevin and Ben have been
a big help there.  By the way, one of the boys in Crestview and two boys
here in Tallahassee were returned to their families.  We've picked up
eleven so far."

"That's good news, Mark; wish we had more news like that.  Is my dad there?
I'd like to speak to him."

"Sure thing, but we have one more bit of news.  Jeff called Ocala and it
turns out one of the deputies lives up close to Gainesville.  He's taking
the two boys we are supposed to pick up in Ocala to Gainesville tonight and
we'll get them there.  Jeff thinks that will save us some time and
backtracking.  Here's your dad."

"Dad?  I can here the boys in the background.  Sounds like you have your
hands full right now."  Daniel used an upbeat tone as he talked to his dad.

"Daniel, you know how I feel, that's music to me.  The boys are in the
pool.  In fact, when Mark handed me the phone he dropped his shorts and
jumped in with 'em.  They're good boys Daniel, just a little scared right
now.  By the way, I think I have a couple of my students set to come down
and stay at Ft. Ogden for a couple of weeks and help Paul with paper work
and tracking down families.  Will that help any?"

"Dad, you know we'll take all the help we can get.  You said a couple of
students; when are you coming to visit?"

"I can't right now, I'm too busy running a private motel for you and your
boys."  Dr.  Thompson answered with a laugh.  "Actually, I think I'll have
my hands full working the political end of all this.  There's one thing I
want you to do for us Daniel.  Be sure you give 'em hell on Thursday.  I'll
be watching."

Daniel always had a secure and comfortable feeling after talking with his
dad.  As he sat watching the boys, he wondered if they could pull off the
same miracle for Jeremy that Daniel's dad had pulled for him.

                                                           *** Daniel heard
the splash and realized someone was in the pool.  Extricating himself from
the two small boys he stepped to the window of the guesthouse and saw
Jeremy swimming laps.  Daniel watched a few minutes and then walked
outside.

"Good morning, Jeremy."  The boy stopped and tried to assume slave rest
when he realized Daniel was addressing him.  "Jeremy, please don't try to
assume that position with me.  I know it's just habit and we don't want you
thinking you have to act like a slave around here.  Arthur told me you were
learning to swim and I'd say it looks as though you've learned well.  May I
join you?"  Jeremy couldn't help showing a slight smile and nodded his
head.

Jeremy was accustomed to swimming naked with Arthur.  He was accustomed to
having naked men around him a lot, so he wasn't bothered when Daniel
stepped into the pool naked.  Jeremy just watched Daniel, wondering what he
would be allowed to say to the man he wanted to talk to.  He understood
that they said it was okay for him to talk and ask anything, but that
didn't agree with his training.  If Jeremy spoke out of turn he was
punished, severely.  When Daniel nodded his head and began swimming, Jeremy
followed.

Daniel made it a point not to swim ahead of the boy.  Jeremy could swim,
but it was obvious he was a beginner.  Daniel was very careful not to do
anything that might suggest Jeremy couldn't swim as well as anyone.  The
man and the boy slowly swam laps.  When Jeremy turned is head to breathe he
looked at Daniel.  He wanted to please this man who was nice to him; he
wanted to please him as much as he enjoyed pleasing Arthur.

When Daniel thought Jeremy was getting tired he made it a point to stop and
take a deep breath like it was he that was tired.  Telling Jeremy he needed
to rest before he could swim more laps, he asked Jeremy if he'd like to sit
with him for a few minutes.  The two walked over to the side yard and sat
on a bench.

"Jeremy, I noticed the grounds when we got here yesterday.  You're doing a
good job taking care of the planting beds and yard.  Mom told me you're
making them look better than she ever could."  Daniel noticed the boy's
eyes light up with the compliment.

"Jeremy, I want to ask you something and it's very important that you be
honest with me and tell me everything.  Can you do that?"  Jeremy nodded.
"Before I ask the question I want to be sure that you remember that at one
time I was a boy slave; I was almost the same age as you are now.  Also,
it's very rare for someone who's been enslaved to ever be free again.  I'm
one of those very lucky people and you will be too.  Do you understand
that?"  Jeremy nodded, but he saw a look of uncertainty in Jeremy's
expression.

"Jeremy, what has it been like for you since you've been here?  What do you
think is going to happen?  More importantly, what do you want to happen?"
Jeremy's expression turned to deep apprehension and Daniel could tell the
boy was on the verge of crying.  Crying was an emotion he was not allowed
to show as a slave.  If Jeremy cried now, that would be a positive change
for him.

"Mr. Dan'l, I don't know what to think; I'm afraid to.  Ms. Linda and
Mr. Arthur have been real nice to me.  I'm not used to people bein' very
nice to me.  At the place I was in, men talked nice to me 'cause they
wanted to fuck me and sometimes hurt me.  They thought it was funny to make
me feel good and then hear me scream in pain.  I learned not to feel
anything and now they want me to feel again.  How can people like Ms. Linda
and Mr. Arthur love a whore?  Will it last Mr. Dan'l?  Is it okay for me to
feel again?"

Daniel watched the boy as he spoke and knew that Jeremy wanted to cry.
Moreover, Jeremy probably needed to cry and feel emotion again.

"Jeremy, they want to help you.  They really want you to become their son.
To get there you're going to have to learn to let people care about you
again and you need to care about them.  It will take some time.  More
importantly, it will take trust on their part and on your part.  You need
to try so you can have your life back."

"I'm tryin' Mr. Dan'l, I swear I'm tryin'."  Jeremy began to cry.
"Mr. Dan'l, I'm just plain scared."

The boy cried harder and Daniel reached out and wrapped an arm around his
shoulders, pulling him close.  Looking up, Daniel saw Arthur and Linda
watching them.  Daniel signaled for them to come over.  Arthur picked
Jeremy up and held him; he then sat down with Jeremy in his lap.  The boy
buried his face in Arthur's shoulder and bawled.  Linda shed tears with
him.

"That's alright Jeremy, cry it out.  Let it go, son."

End Ch Forty-Nine

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