Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:11:01 -0700 (PDT)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons  Chapter Seventy-Seven

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, John and Matthew for their continued
support and patience while I try to write this story.  Their support and
efforts at editing and correcting my errors contributes significantly to a
more enjoyable story.  It is the emails and comments I receive from you,
the readers, that encourage me to continue.



Chapter Seventy-Seven:  New Horizons


The rest of the weekend progressed without incident, for which Daniel was
extremely grateful.  Joey and Donny kept a close eye on Connor and Peter
and Daniel made it a point to know where Nigel was and what he was doing.
Daniel thought it was interesting that Nigel returned to the camp,
showered, and then joined the other boys as though nothing had happened.
Daniel did talk with his staff and advised them what he had discovered and
asked everyone to keep an eye open for any trouble.  As expected, Colin was
understanding and very cooperative.  Colin confessed that he didn't blame
the boy for feeling abandoned and had hoped this trip would help solve that
problem.

After Captain Jackson and his men left, the boys began to settle down to a
more normal pace.  Daniel could tell by looking at them that the boys had
had a full weekend and were ready to slow down.  Not too long after the
Captain left, Elizabeth and Linda departed for Orlando.  Daniel and the
boys would be staying with Elizabeth while in Orlando and the ladies had
decided they needed to do some grocery shopping and get the house prepared
to accommodate a group of over energetic boys.  Elizabeth had chosen to
leave Chris and Eddie with their friends; they could return with Daniel and
the boys.

Daniel's day brightened when he saw Michael arrive.  Michael was to come on
Saturday, but, as with many doctors, a couple of his patients changed his
schedule.  The two men had been apart for longer than normal and Daniel
looked forward to some private time.  Daniel smiled to himself, realizing
he was thinking more like one of the boys at the moment rather than a
mature adult.  He knew he wasn't interested in any small talk with Michael;
this night was to be full of hot, sweaty, raw passion.  Daniel was ready to
give and to take.

During supper on Sunday, Daniel noticed the boys were quieter than normal,
and so were the adults.  The mess hall was filled with a low murmuring
sound which was far different from some of the hollering and occasional
whistles that shrieked through the hall.  The adults discussed last minute
details for the upcoming trip to Orlando.  Everyone was a little nervous
about the court hearing on Tuesday morning.  There was a lot at stake,
particularly for several boys, and no one wanted to overlook anything.
Arthur stated they had prepared their case and, if they weren't ready now,
they never would be.

The judge's decision would actually settle several cases at once.  The
guardians had filed several individual cases which the court found to be so
similar in nature that they were all combined.  Arthur had explained that
the cases were so similar that whatever was decided in the first case to be
heard would set the precedent for the rest.  He was also very confident
that the cases would come out the same as the previous cases that had freed
a number of boys.  Everyone accepted Arthur's conclusions since he was the
legal expert in the group.  Everyone also knew they would feel better once
the judge entered his findings in the boys' favor.

The men enjoyed sitting at the table, sipping an after-meal cup of coffee,
and relaxing.  They all watched as one tired boy after another left the
hall.  Even the boys on KP duty appeared to be worn out.  Daniel watched
the boys and made it a point to acknowledge each boy as they walked by.

Danny walked with Sean as the older boy carried their trays to the service
window.  Normally a bundle of bouncing energy, Danny almost dragged himself
along side his big brother.  As they turned to leave, Danny looked up and
spotted Daniel.  The young boy headed straight for his hero and without
saying a word, held his arms out.  Daniel picked the young boy up and set
him straddling his lap.  Danny wrapped his arms around the man's chest as
best he could and then leaned into him.

"What's wrong Danny?  Are you worn out?"  Danny's response was a light
whimper with a nod of his head.

"Sean, you look a little tired, too.  You boys must have had some weekend."

"Busy, Mr. Dan'l, and I'm tired.  I was takin' Danny so we could both get a
quick shower and go ta bed."

As they talked, Daniel noticed Jacob leaving with Ian.  He was giving the
young boy a piggy-back ride and the boy seemed almost passed out.  Daniel
knew that was very unusual; the three youngest boys were known for their
boundless energy.

"Sean, what did these little guys do to get so tired?"

"They decided to play mud monsters today.  Me, Jacob and Brian was runnin'
after 'em all afternoon.  For some reason, Mr. Dan'l, we couldn't get 'em
ta slow down any.  When we did catch them, one of 'em would decide it was
okay to jump on us.  We've had more rinse showers today than we normally
get in a week."

Daniel knew the boys' fatigue wasn't just from the one day. Saturday had
been active and so had Saturday night.  Very few of the boys had gotten
their normal sleep time Saturday night.

"Danny, don't you want to go with Sean and get clean?  Then you can go to
bed and rest."

"Nooooo," came the whiney answer as the young boy tightened his grip on
Daniel's shoulders.

"Sean, why don't you go take some time for yourself?  We'll take care of
Danny."

"Yes,sir.  Mr. Dan'l, usually when he gets this tired he likes ta sleep
with me.  If he doesn't, he doesn't sleep good and is grumpy the next day."

"You know, Sean, you make him sound worse than an old man."

"He's horrible ta take care of when he's grumpy, Mr. Dan'l," Sean answered,
making Daniel smile.

"Well, you go take time for yourself, and I'll handle Mr. Grumpy; okay?"

The adults appreciated the humor in the conversation between Daniel and
Sean.  They continued sitting at the table, engaged in casual conversation
for a few more minutes.  No one knew when, but as they were ready to leave,
it was obvious that Danny had fallen sound asleep in Daniel's lap.

Daniel carried Danny into the dorm.  He decided to forego the usual shower
and just put Danny to bed.  He looked around and couldn't find Sean.  He
also noticed that a number of the boys were already in bed, many asleep.
Daniel wanted to place Danny with Sean, especially if what Sean said about
Danny sleeping was true.  The last thing Daniel needed was a tired and
cranky little boy in Orlando.  Not spotting Sean, Daniel asked if anyone
had seen Sean.  Two of the boys pointed to one of the private rooms.

Daniel walked up to the private room, the door stood half open.  It took
only a moment to realize this was Brad and Patrick's room.  Daniel had to
smile when he looked and saw the boys had taken three beds and pushed them
together, laying the mattresses crosswise.  The boys had created their own
king size bed, or play pen as the boys would call it.  Daniel stepped in
carrying Danny.  Brad and Patrick were lying in bed with Sean between them.
Daniel laughed to himself when he saw the younger boy laying with his head
on his brother's shoulder and his legs stretched across Patrick.  He stood
and admired the two naked teenagers lying partially on their backs with the
younger boy stretched across them, his little bubble butt sticking up
innocently.  Daniel watched them, thinking they were the picture of
innocence and all that was good.  He then left, taking Danny with him.

                                       * * * *

Michael helped make a bed for Danny.  When the boy was tucked away, the two
men were ready to take a little time for themselves.

A common, and rewarding, feature found in the modern mobile home, or
modular unit, is the size of the master bathroom incorporated into the
double and triple wide units.  The master bath was usually as big as one of
the other bedrooms.  Almost all of the master baths had a tub with a
separate shower.  The tub was the garden variety, elevated, and equipped
with turbo jets.  These features were found in the master bath that Daniel
and Michael shared.

In the privacy of their bedroom, the men had lovingly kissed.  Their lips
locked together, savoring not only the taste, but the feel, of the other.
Tongues didn't duel for supremacy, but gently glided, one over the other,
enjoying the silky touch of the other's mouth.  Daniel and Michael stood as
nature had created them, listening to the water cascade into their private
Jacuzzi tub.  They could feel the warmth of the water as the steam rose and
enveloped them.

Daniel possessed an inner strength that had allowed him to challenge the
system and create New Horizons. Because of his strength and willingness to
challenge the establishment, many boys were spared the hell called
enslavement.  This same strength carried Daniel through his day to day
responsibilities of supervising both the organization and the care of the
boys.  However, Daniel did have a weakness; he was human.  Man can support
himself and those around him physically and emotionally for only so long
before the body and soul cry out for relief.  Daniel heard those cries and,
fortunately for Daniel, so did Michael.

Michael set the jets to low and sat in the tub, guiding Daniel to sit
between his legs in front of him.  As Daniel settled in, Michael used his
hands to pour warm water over his lover's back.  For years, Michael had
seen the scars that covered Daniel's back and, for years, the sight made
him cringe and want to cry.  Michael had talked and then pleaded with
Daniel to have the surgery performed that would restore his back; he vowed
to persist until Daniel agreed.

After his back was thoroughly wet, Michael applied a bath gel, rubbing it
in gently in a massage motion.  Daniel enjoyed these moments; he enjoyed
giving in to the care and control of Michael.  Daniel sat in the tub,
balanced and totally relaxed.  Michael pulled Daniel back to lean against
him; Daniel's head titled back and rested on Michael's muscular shoulder.
This was one of Michael's favorite rituals that he and Daniel followed.
Moments like this were the only times Daniel was ever this totally relaxed,
surrendering himself completely.  Michael spread the gel over Daniel's
torso, pausing to tease a nipple or allow his fingers to travel the tight
path between torso and thigh.  As Daniel squirmed, Michael leaned into his
neck to give a slight kiss, or to explore an ear with his tongue.

Daniel kept his eyes closed.  He didn't want to think or see; he wanted to
simply feel.  He enjoyed the feelings Michael imparted to him and the
sensations his body sent coursing through him.  Daniel lay in Michael's
arms and smiled to himself, remembering the scene he witnessed between TJ
and Evan.  The boys had learned early how to love one another and how to
express that love.

Every nerve in Daniel's body felt as though it was on fire.  Michael
couldn't touch him without sending sensations akin to small electrical
shocks coursing through him.  Daniel wanted, needed, to move to the next
level.  Daniel turned in his lover's lap and locked into a passionate kiss.
Michael savored the kiss as he inched a finger into the valley leading to
Daniel's forbidden treasure.  Forbidden, that is, to all but Michael.

                                       * * * *

As the two men lay in the bed, it was Daniel that took over the dominant
position.  Kneeling to the side and looking down on his love, Daniel began
to kiss and then suckle Michael's neck.  Michael would wear a brand to
breakfast the next morning.  Daniel didn't care if he marked him.  His body
and mind were consumed and drowned in both love and lust.  He suckled the
neck and nibbled the ear, sometimes breaking to explore the canal with his
tongue.  Michael gripped a handful of sheet in each hand and whimpered; he
too had been too long without the expression of being loved.

Slowly, Daniel straddled his lover's torso, never breaking contact with the
neck that tasted and smelled so intoxicating.  Intertwining and locking
their fingers, Daniel stretched Michael's arms to the side.  He broke from
the neck for only a moment to look his lover in the eyes and smile.  Again,
he attacked the neck and chewed an ear lobe while rocking slowly up and
down.  Their skin was still damp enough from their luxurious bath that it
felt like silk against silk.  As Daniel rocked down, he could feel
Michael's manhood touch his perineum; his lust elevated, but he needed to
wait.

Pushing his legs behind him, Daniel lay on Michael.  He pushed himself
downward until his lips hung over the nipples that begged for his
attention.  They didn't wait long before Daniel sucked each nipple in and
nibbled.  Michael gasped, whimpering as he slowly exhaled.  When Daniel
thought he had tortured the nipples enough, he turned around and, holding
Michael's manhood firmly in his fist, stroked the firm rod up and down
against his face.  With Michael begging with his whimpers, Daniel consumed
the entire manly shaft in one gulp.  Michael remained on the bed only due
to Daniel's weight.  Rolling to his side, the two men engaged in a lustful
admiration of the other's manhood and those magical orbs until both had
shared their creamy nectar with the other.

Needing time to recover from the exertions of taking the edge off their
need, the lovers lay side by side, arms and legs entwined, and just held
one another.  The two men had been together for enough years that they
didn't need to say anything.  A soft touch, a gentle stroke, maybe a hug or
a light kiss here or there expressed more than words could convey.  They
knew each other; they fed and satisfied each other's needs.

As the men lay together, enjoying the warmth and comfort of the other,
Daniel heard an unusual sound from outside; he couldn't quite place it.
Raising himself on the bed, he looked out of the window.  It was
night-time, but the yard was lit by a bright moon.  As he scanned the
grounds he spotted two people walking together, each had an arm around the
other.  Daniel could only see their backs, but he could tell that it was an
adult and a boy.  He watched for a moment and, when they turned, he
recognized Arthur and Jeremy.  He scanned the grounds further and realized
there were two people near the pool.

Daniel watched the two by pool.  They were a little further away and
without the sunlight, it was more difficult to discern who they were.
Watching closely, Daniel realized they were also an adult and a child.
Studying them for a minute, he realized the adult was removing his clothes.
When they turned so light shone on their faces, Daniel recognized Colin.
He assumed the child was Nigel.  Daniel watched them as they entered the
pool.

"What do you see?" Michael asked quietly.

"It's Arthur and Jeremy walking around and it looks like Colin and Nigel
just got in the pool."

"Didn't you talk with Colin about the incident yesterday?"

"Yes, I did.  I made sure he understood how upset I was with Nigel.  I also
wanted to be sure he understood that when we agreed that Nigel could stay
here as long as he followed the same rules as the other boys, those rules
would include discipline, if required.  His worry is primarily for his son,
and he told me that if it came down to having to discipline Nigel to get a
message across, then he could accept that; he would trust in our judgment.
I think he's really frightened about this Devilray business and Nigel's
so-called master.

"We also talked about Arthur and Jeremy and what Jeremy was like when we
first took him home.  You know, with Elizabeth and Mom gone, it's just the
two of them in the modular.  Maybe they had a little talk; it looks as
though Colin is using some of the same methods Arthur used to build a bond
with Jeremy."

"Good.  Maybe they can get some things worked out; let's hope they do and
we won't have to worry about the discipline issue.  But, right now, you
know what...?"  Michael didn't finish his question.  He leaned over and
pulled Daniel down far enough that Michael sucked a nipple into his mouth.
Daniel gasped and melted into Michael's arms.

Locked in a passionate kiss that neither was willing to break, hands roamed
and caressed the other's flesh.  Daniel reached down and grasped Michael's
manhood, applying a firm, but loving, squeeze that elicited a groan through
locked lips.  Michael reached over his lover and used his fingertips to
play and tease along the top of the valley of treasures.  Breaking the
kiss, Michael coaxed Daniel to lie on his stomach.  Michael mounted Daniel,
straddling his back and sitting just at the top of his thighs.  Using oils
he had sitting on the bedside table, Michael poured some in his hands and
massaged Daniel's back.

Daniel and Michael had been through many arguments over the years regarding
Daniel's back.  To Daniel, it was a reminder of why he worked and fought so
hard to establish New Horizons.  Daniel's goal was to save every boy that
he could and, if possible, then some. Michael viewed the scars as a
reminder of the dark times and pain his lover suffered.  Michael had
already arranged for some of the top surgeons and doctors in the nation to
restore Daniel's back.  Daniel had promised that when the slavery laws were
changed so the young were protected, then he would allow the scars to be
removed.  Michael said nothing, not wanting to spoil their time together.

Michael knew how to grasp the top of Daniel's shoulders and massage them
hard enough to elicit a groan of contentment from Daniel.  He played with
Daniel's back and sides, moving up and down, across and over.  As he moved
around, he purposely allowed his own firm manhood to trace a path inside
the valley formed by Daniel's buttocks.  Occasionally, Michael allowed a
finger to trail deep within the valley, spreading the warming oils and
causing Daniel to inhale sharply through clenched teeth.  Michael had done
this often enough that he knew how to read the signs, he knew he could push
Daniel to the edge quickly, or he could stretch it out.  That night, he
chose to stretch it out and enjoy turning the strong leader into a
whimpering puppy.

While Michael worked his lover, Daniel gradually spread his legs, granting
more and more access to his treasured spot.  Michael slowly moved down,
causing his manhood to drop further and further, nearer and nearer to the
sought-after treasure.  A finger traveled through the valley and stopped at
the treasure entrance.  The finger did not travel back up, but penetrated
the opening and sought the magic spot.  Michael knew exactly where the
sensitive spot was and immediately attacked it.  Daniel gasped and
whimpered, his body writhed under the strong hands.  Michael worked the
magic spot, eliciting stronger and longer whimpers and groans.  Daniel was
lost in a world of pleasure, no longer aware of his surroundings; no longer
caring.  Michael smiled to himself.

Michael had worked three fingers into the opening.  He twisted them and
moved them in a scissors action to loosen his lover.  Daniel no longer
moaned unintelligible gibberish; he whispered and begged to be fucked.
Michael withdrew his fingers and, positioning himself, penetrated his lover
with his manhood.  Again, Daniel gasped.  Michael waited till he saw
Daniel's breathing level out and pushed in gently.  Each fraction of an
inch, each little push, was accompanied by whimpering and panting sounds.
Fully engulfed in Daniel's heat, Michael leaned forward and kissed his
lover on the neck.

Daniel lay on the bed, feeling the fullness of Michael within him.  Michael
lay on his lover and gently rocked his butt from side to side and then
forward and back.  Michael wanted to be sure Daniel was accustomed to the
feel of being fully penetrated and then began a slow, loving long stroking
motion.  Both men now occupied a world of passion, a world both populated
by each man alone and each man together.  Michael remembered how everyone
bashed gays and said they were condemned to hell for male to male sexual
acts.  How could anything this good, how could loving someone this much, be
wrong?

Michael maintained a steady stroke, increasing the pace and the force of
his thrusts only when he recognized that Daniel pushed his hips up to meet
him.  The two men lay together, body to body, feeling that special
sensation created by two firm bodies sliding over one another.  The slick
feeling created first by the oils Michael used on Daniel and then by the
mixture of oils and sweat oozing from their pores.  Michael hooked his
hands under Daniel's shoulders and used the leverage to increase the force
of his thrusts.  Each thrust was a direct attack on Daniel's prostate.
Daniel had already climaxed shortly after Michael achieved full
penetration.

Both men built towards a mind blowing climax that would make each of them
see stars and float through a sea of sexual satisfaction.  When the moment
came Daniel began to cry out and gasp for air, emitting sounds of animal
lust.  Michael rode the wave with his love and tightened his grip on
Daniel's shoulders.  When the moment came and he felt as though his total
inner being was being expelled through his exploding manhood, Michael bit
down on Daniel's shoulder to smother his scream.  Daniel moaned from the
sting of the bite.  The lovers lay where they were, spent.

When they recovered, they lay side by side.  Daniel lay with his head on
Michael's chest and basked in the afterglow.  They used a towel they had
placed on the night table to clean themselves off.  The towel that had been
covering the sheets, was now gone.  Michael lay with his eyes closed,
running his fingers through Daniel's hair.  After a few minutes he reached
down and kissed Daniel on the top of his head.  Daniel wrapped an arm
around Michael and hugged him.

"Michael, we go too long between finding time for ourselves."

"I know.  Sometimes it seems as though it gets longer and longer.  One day,
when things settle down and we can see where the future will take us, it'll
change."

"That's what I keep telling myself." Daniel laughed to himself before he
added, "I just hope we're still young enough to appreciate it."

"Daniel, you'll never settle down and commit until you've seen this slavery
thing through. Somehow, I think the reward may be a little closer than
either of us knows.  I hope so, anyway."  Michael slid out from under
Daniel and added, "Wait here, I have something very special for you."

Michael left the room and quickly returned.  He carried Danny to Daniel.
Danny, the symbol of everything New Horizons stood for and fought for.  The
little boy who had won Daniel's heart from the moment Daniel first saw him.
Michael lay Danny on the bed, next to Daniel, and then lay down himself.
Two men and a boy slept soundly.

                                       * * * *

"Oooof!"

Daniel reacted to something hitting him in the stomach and a sharp pain.
Daniel opened his eyes to see a bouncing little boy grinning from ear to
ear.  The bouncing was what caused the pain, particularly when the bouncing
boy landed on Daniel's bladder.

"Heeeeey," came Danny's sing-song morning greeting.

"Hey yourself, little man.  I thought you might sleep in this morning."

"Noooooo; I gotta pee."  Daniel looked down and realized the little man had
the traditional morning problem all boys have, and so did he for that
matter.

Daniel carried Danny into the bathroom.  Realizing Danny most likely just
stood in front of a urinal and let loose against the backsplash in the
mornings, Daniel knew he had to improvise; the master bath didn't have a
urinal.  Daniel set Danny on the toilet and told him to point his little
guy down so he didn't wet the floor.  Danny did as he was told and then,
looking up, pointed at Daniel's morning problem and laughed.  When Danny
finished, Daniel stood the boy on the floor and then turned to take care of
his own personal problem.

"OOOOOO. . .LOOK!. . .LOOK!" an excited little voice exclaimed to the
amusement of both Daniel and Michael, "You got a little pool."  Daniel and
Michael laughed.

"No, that's not a pool, it's a garden tub.  But, I can see why you might
think it's a pool.  It's a tub you soak in and get a bath to get clean."
Daniel noticed how excited Danny was over the tub.  "You know, I know a
little boy that didn't get his shower last night.  Do you?"  Danny got
quiet and looked down, thinking he might be in trouble.  "Suppose you get a
bath now while Dr. Mike and I shave and get dressed?  Maybe a bath in our
little pool?"

"YEEESSSS!. . .YEEESSSS!" Danny hollered as he bounced up and down with
excitement.

Daniel and Michael watched Danny in the mirror while they shaved.  They
normally showered together, particularly after a hot session of sex, but
elected to split the showers so that, while one of them showered, the other
watched Danny.  The boy was having a great time playing in the tub,
especially after they turned the jets on and bubbles came from everywhere.
They could watch the boy and knew he had discovered the jets and how
sitting on one or leaning into another felt good.  After the showers, they
retrieved the boy and wrapped him in a towel.  Each man took turns drying
and tickling.  Danny got the fun and attention all kids deserved and loved.

As they left the modular, headed to the mess hall for breakfast, they heard
boys calling Danny.  The tone of the voices said they were upset.  Daniel
stopped to listen and try and determine where the voices came from.  A
moment later he saw Brad and Patrick coming around opposite corners of one
of the dorm buildings.  Sean came around the corner of the other dorm
building.  That was when Daniel realized that none of the boys knew that he
had kept Danny the previous night.

"SEAN!. . .SEAN!. . .I'M 'ERE, SEAN!"  Danny hollered as loud as his little
lungs allowed.

"DANNY!" Sean called out as he ran over to Daniel and Michael.  "Where'd
you find 'im, Mr. Dan'l?"  Sean didn't wait for an answer. "Danny, you know
you're not s'posed to leave in the morning without one of us.  Where've you
been?"  Danny's expression said he was hurt and didn't want to be fussed
at.

"I was with Mr. Dan'l and Dr. Mike."

"I know they found you, but why did you leave like that?"

"I did'n leave.  I stayed with Mr. Dan'l and Dr. Mike."

"Sean, he's right." Daniel thought he should step in and protect Danny,
although he was pleased to see how Sean could get upset with the boy; it
meant he cared.  "When I carried him in last night, you said to bring him
to you.  You weren't in your bed and when I found you sleeping between Brad
and Patrick, I thought I wouldn't disturb you.  Danny stayed with us last
night.  I should have asked one of the other boys to let you know."

"Yeah, me and them sleeped in the same bed jus' like you and Brad and
Patrick."  Sean looked puzzled, but Brad and Patrick had a hard time
stifling grins as they realized what Danny was saying might mean.

"Okay, wise guys.  You can lose the grins."  Sean was still puzzled until,
suddenly, the light came on and he knew what they were talking about.

"Mr. Dan'l?" Sean stated more than asking, as he looked at Daniel and then
Michael.

"Yes, Sean?"

"Nothin' . . .uuuuhhh, nothin', Mr. Dan'l.  You know, I always heard
. . .you know, that when ya get older that you don't so much care
'bout. . .you know, playin' the way we like to."  Daniel had to think about
that one a moment, but he couldn't resist the opportunity.

"'Sean, are you saying that you think Dr. Mike and I are old?"  Sean
suddenly got a shocked look on his face.

"No, sir . . . oh, no sir!  That's not what I meant.  It's just that,
well. . .you know. . ."

"No, I'm afraid we don't know.  Would you like to tell us?"  Sean's
expression was now slowly turning into a look of sheer panic.  Both men and
the older boys were about to burst at the seams wanting to laugh.  Brad
decided to save his little brother and grabbed him by the arm.

"C'mon, little bro; you're diggin' a deep hole here."  The three ran
towards the mess hall with Danny tucked under Patrick's arm screaming his
delight all the way.

"Michael, I think we just got told we're old."

"Ya think?" Michael responded jokingly.

In the mess hall, the staff talked mostly about the weekend and how much
fun the boys seemed to have had or discussed the upcoming trip.  Everyone
knew the court hearing was Tuesday and that Daniel was a little uptight; no
one mentioned the hearing.  While everyone ate, Arthur's cell phone rang.
Arthur talked for a couple of minutes and then hung up; he gave Daniel the
news.

"That was my secretary.  There were two messages in our emails this morning
concerning the hearing.  It seems the number of boys at stake has now
increased to thirteen.  Second, the judge, not his legal admin, but the
judge himself, called and said he wanted the Cherubs that were in the
segments airing on television at the hearing."

"Why?" Daniel asked.

"He didn't say, but he was emphatic about it being those boys and being the
Cherubs."

"He wants us to bring them to court dressed in just the loin cloths?  I
thought court was formal."

"He said the Cherubs and, if that's what identifies them as the Cherubs, I
suggest that's what we do.  I'll have my secretary contact his office and
confirm, though."

Daniel couldn't help but be both curious and concerned.  He let the men
know that he didn't want the boys to know until Tuesday morning that they
had to appear in court.  There was no need to cause unnecessary anxiety.
Daniel was anxious enough for them all.

End Ch Seventy-Seven

To Be Continued

Comments welcome: contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com