Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2012 10:19:29 -0600
From: Michael king <thewriter1@live.ca>
Subject: LiL Bros chpt 15

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Note: The characters Special Agent Rich Mason, Ben Jacobs and Bennie Jacobs
are from his story The President's Son and are used with the express
permission of the author, Miguel Sanchez.

LIL BROS (2)

SUMMER HOLIDAYS

 High school was over, Michael had graduated. The summer was about to begin
and it was holiday time. Time to rest and relax, Cory still had a few weeks
left before he was finished his classes, and that gave Michael time to plan
a vacation for them both, but first he had to get some school to teach him
how to drive. Michael also wanted to hire a housekeeper, cook so that
Michael could spend more time with Cory and with college starting in the
fall he really wouldn't have time to do everything.

The third week of June and Michael had his license, and was about to buy a
car. Michael was looking at a Ford Mustang with its six air bags, and all
the bells and whistles that a teen would want. The selling feature of the
car, was the new addition of the my key program that could be set.

Now that Michael had his car and license, he started getting ready to take
Cory on a holiday that he wouldn't forget. Michael decided to fly out to
California and then hire a car and driver to take them around.

Two days after Cory had finished classes, Michael and Cory were flying out
to California. For Cory this was his first time in a aircraft, so he was
bouncing around, staring out the windows and giggling away. After Michael
and Cory had lunch, Cory seemed to settle down a bit, snuggling up to
Michael, Cory soon was sleeping. Michael was too nervous to sleep. He was
remembering that his parents had died on a flight, so Michael sat wide
awake.

California is a land of sunshine, movie stars and smog; but it is also a
land of enjoyment. Especially for a boy who was nine. When the flight
landed Michael took Cory's hand, and together they walked to the baggage
area and waited. Cory thought it was cool how the bags would come out of
hiding and then go around in circles as others tried to grab them. Soon the
two had their bags and was heading over to where their car and driver were
waiting. "Good afternoon. You must be the Caine's?' The driver asked as he
took the bags and placed them in the trunk of the limousine, then held the
door for Michael and Cory.

"Yes we are answered Michael. Were you told of our destination?" Michael
asked as he took his seat.

"Yes sir, we should be there in about an hour. The driver replied.

Siting back Michael started to relax, the tension from the flight leaving
him as they got closer to their hotel. Michael had not told Cory where they
were going, so when Cory saw the sign for Disneyland he screamed and hugged
Michael tightly. "You're the bestest bro. I love you." Cory laughed and
cried into Michael's chest.

"For you bro only the best fun you can have this week." Michael whispered
pulling Cory tighter to him.

Signing into their hotel the bell hop took their bags and showed the boys
too their suite. The suite was huge with two queen size beds, a large
Jacuzzi bath, and a window that over looked the park. Cory's squeals of
delight and his running around the room; soon had Michael falling on one of
the beds laughing. Michael was laughing so hard his sides hurt and he had
tears running down his cheeks.

Way to early the next morning Cory pounced on Michael's bed telling him to
wake up that it was time to go to the park and on the rides. Looking at the
clock beside the bed Michael saw that it was only six. "Cory, it is to
early yet, the park doesn't open till nine. Come on curl up and sleep a bit
more." Michael said as he yawned and pulled Cory down beside him.

"Awe, but I wanna have some fun; I wanna meet Mickey and all them people."
Cory pouted.

"I know you do buddy, but until the park opens we have to wait." Michael
answered as he closed his eyes and snuggled Cory closer to him. For another
hour the two lay in bed, before Cory started to fidget. Opening his eyes
again Michael groaned and then smiled. "Cory go take a shower then get
dressed in shorts and t-shirt." Michael told Cory.

"Okay, but you gotta get up too." Cory said as he bounced off the bed and
ran to the bathroom.

 As soon as Cory had finished his shower Michael took his and soon the boys
were taking the elevator down for breakfast. Bacon and eggs, waffles and
juice, a strange combination for Cory to eat, but he was hungry. Michael
just had some eggs and toast with a glass of juice. As soon as the boys
were finished eating and Cory had washed his hands and face again, they
walked out side and waited for the shuttle that would take them to the
park. The wait wasn't long but Cory was jumping around, his excitement was
intoxicating to the others that were gathered and waiting for the shuttle
also.

Once on the bus it was just a short ten minute ride to the park, but it was
loud with the kids getting more excited the closer they got. That first day
Cory was dragging Michael around wanting to go every where at once. Cory
had his picture taken with Mickey and Minnie, then took Michael over to the
bumper cars. An hour of trying to crush his brother with the cars Cory soon
tired and together they left and started looking around. Stopping at a
souvenir shop Michael bough some t-shirts and mouse ears for Cory. The day
was getting on and Cory had taken Michael on most of the rides. The last,
being a roller coaster that was made for little kids. Though Michael wasn't
pleased with the ride, the look of pure joy in Cory's eyes was more than
enough for Michael. This was a holiday that neither would forget and that
was what Michael wanted.

A week in California really is not long enough to see everything, but the
two boys had a blast. They got a tour of Paramount studios and then went
and saw a movie at the Chinese theater. The last night in California
Michael took Cory to the Hard Rock Café, by the time they got back to
their hotel room Cory was sound asleep on Michael's shoulder.

After a good night's sleep, followed by a large breakfast, Michael and Cory
soon were being driven to the airport for their flight to Edmonton,
Alberta. There Michael planned on taking Cory to the exhibition and to the
Indy car races. This would be two weeks of fun. Neither Michael nor Cory
had been to a car race, so this was something new for them both.

The flight wasn't long, but the ride from the airport to the hotel seemed
to take forever as cars moved slowly through construction zones and past an
accident. The hotel MacDonald looked down over the river valley. The sun
glinting off the water threw shadows of ethereal figures against the
shore. This was one of the things Michael noticed when he stood at the
window after getting into his suite. Cory had run to the bathroom and was
still in there, so Michael having left the window unpacked their bags and
then called for Cory.

With Cory at his side Michael left the hotel and together they walked up
the street and past the library. At Churchill square the boys heard some
music, so crossing the street they ambled through the crowd listening and
looking around. Seeing Edmonton city hall, the two walked towards it as the
glass pyramid look to it fascinated Michael. Cory saw the wading pool with
the fountains spraying. Letting go of Michael's hand, Cory took off his
sneakers and socks, but before Michael could stop him Cory ran into the
water and soon was splashing and laughing with a few of the other children
that were there.

The first week that Michael and Cory spent in Edmonton was going really
well. The two had gone to the Valley zoo, taken a tour of all the animals,
even spent time with Lucy the elephant. The next thing Cory wanted to do
was take a ride on the miniature train that ran around the zoo. A quick
lunch and then Michael suggested that they go for a ride on one of the
paddle boats, that way their lunch cold settle and they both could relax a
bit. For most of the afternoon the two boys stayed with the paddle boat,
and then it was a bus ride back to the hotel and a warm shower before
dinner. Cory had just stepped out of the bathroom when he looked over at
Michael. "My belly hurts Michael." Cory cried.

"Come lay down for a bit and see if that helps." Michael said as he patted
the bed beside him.

Crawling up Cory curled tightly to Michael and closing his eyes. "Did you
have a hot shower?" Michael asked as he noticed that Cory's body was really
warm.

"Nah uh, I had a cool one, cause I was feeling hot." mumbled Cory.

"That is okay, just try and relax. I'll get you some cool water." Michael
said as he started to swing off the bed, only to have Cory cry out, forcing
Michael to stop. "Cory I think I am going to take you to the hospital. Just
to get you checked out. Okay?" Michael said as he leaned down and put his
lips on Cory's forehead and noticed he really felt hot.

"Uh huh, I'm sorry Mike." Cory whispered.

"Its okay buddy, you didn't plan on getting sick.

"But I wrecked our fun."

No buddy, we have had lots of fun, now just relax. I am going to call for
some help."

Michael didn't know what he hated more the hospital or the fact that it
seemed to take forever to see a doctor. He knew that if he was home Cory
would have been seen right away. Michael was just about to go find a doctor
when a heavy set nurse walked in. "Mr. Caine, we seem to have a problem,
since you don't have a parent with you, we can not treat your brother." She
said.

"What do you mean you can't treat him, this is a hospital?" Michael asked
slowly as he started getting mad.

"Sorry, but those are the policies and we have to follow them."

"Lady, I don't give a damn about your rules, my little brother is hurting,
now find me a doctor, or do I find a lawyer. I may not know how you do
things up here, but back home he would have been seen right away."

"Then I guess you had better go back home." The nurse said not giving in.

Michael was doing a slow boil then he remembered he had a copy of Judge
Montoya's adoption papers with him. He reached into his pocket and took it
out and handed it to nurse Battleaxe. "Here's the reason I don't need my
parents here, it's because I'M HIS FATHER."

The bitch snatched the paper out of his hand and read it. What she did next
was send Michael into a full rage. She wadded up the court order then threw
it at him. "Those are forged papers. I'll have you arrested for trying to
pass yourself off as this boy's father. Now, take that brat the hell out of
here before I throw him and you out of here on your ass."

"That's it, get me your boss."

"I'll do no such thing; now take your brother and leave." She said as she
started to storm over to the bed Cory was lying in.

"What's going on here?" A young doctor interrupted as he walked up.

"This woman refuses to have some one look at my brother." Michael snapped.

"Oh and where is your brother?" The doctor asked

"Lying on one of your beds in there," Michael said as he pointed towards
Cory.

"Well come with me, let's go see your brother and try to help him."

"Doctor, he does not have any parents." The nurse snarled.

"You just don't listen, lady, I tried to tell you I was his guardian, I
even tried to show you the papers, but no you balled them up and threw them
at me." Michael stated with anger.

"Well we'll see if you get help now, your attitude stinks." The bitch said
to Michael as the young doctor listened intently.

Michael was going to say more when Cory let out a loud scream. Turning
Michael ran to his said and gently grasped his hand. "Hang in there buddy,
the doctor's here and he will look after you." Michael whispered.

"My tummy really hurts Mike, make it stop." Cory sobbed.

"The doctor will, just relax, let him look at you."

As Michael was trying to calm his brother, the doctor was slowly checking
Cory over. "Young man I need to take his temperature, so if you can keep
him from moving for a few seconds that would be great." The doctor spoke

The doctor continued his examination, with Michael sitting there holding
Cory's hand when the curtain was pushed aside and an elderly gray hair man
stepped in. "Doctor I want you to stop this exam and have the patient sent
home." The man spoke.

"I can't do that." The young doctor spoke. "This young man from what I can
tell so far has acute appendicitis and I refuse to send a sick child out of
the hospital on your say so."

I am the head of this department." The man snapped.

"I don't care if you're the pope, this is a sick child and he comes before
your damn rules.

"I don't care who the hell you two are, just help my brother." Michael
yelled.

"Young man we can not take care of him without his guardian's approval."
The man spoke up surprised at Michael's outburst.

"I am his guardian." Michael spoke taking the balled up papers from his
pocket then smoothed them out and handed them to the old man.

"I see, where are your parents, why aren't they with you?"

"They are dead."

Having read the papers the head of the department turned and looked at the
nurse that had started the problems. "Did you read these?" he asked.

"Of course not; the brat didn't show those to me." The nurse answered.

Michael had finally had enough of her. "I did so," Michael screamed. "How
do you think they got balled up? She even told me they were forgeries but
if you look, you can see the raised seal from the district court in Naples,
Florida."

"She tried to cover her ass. "Naples Florida, She rebuked. "Everyone knows
Naples is in Italy."

The old man looked at her. "You obviously failed world geography," He
said. "There does happen to be a city in Florida named Naples."

She got huffy. "I don't believe you."

"Very well," The man said. "You're relieved of duty till further notice;
this isn't the first complaint we have had against you."

With the nurse gone the two doctors then took time out and drew some blood
sending it to the lab. Within minutes the results were back and the old man
was able to confirm what the younger man had said. Calling for an operating
room the two doctors took Cory back to the examination room where he would
be with his brother. "Young man.," The old doctor spoke. "We have to
operate and remove your brother's appendix. It will take about 90 minutes,
when we are done we will come and get you."

"Thank you both," Michael cried, "I can't lose him."

"You won't, I promise you that." The young doctor said as he placed a warm
hand on Michael's shoulder.

Once Michael knew his brother was being looked after he went outside and
called home to see how things were and to talk with Scott. Michael hearing
that the house was okay and that the brothers were all looking after it
gave Michael some peace. Scott then asked Michael. "When are you and Cory
coming home?" Scott asked.

"Don't know, I had to take Cory to the hospital, they are operating on him
now." Michael answered as he stared at the hospital doors.

"What happened?" Scott asked.

"His Belly started hurting, and when the doctor's looked at him they said
he had appendicitis. They had to operate"

"He'll be fine right?"

"Yeah, he'll be fine, just worried."

"Do you want me to come join you?" Scott asked with a worried sound in his
voice.

"No, we should be okay for a few days then we'll come home. I know that it
will be a couple weeks before Cory can do anything."

"Okay, but if you need me just call, we'll get some food in the place for
you guys."

"Thanks, I'll call you and let you know what is happening and when we'll be
home." Michael said.

"Okay, Michael I miss you, really can't wait till you're home, hope you got
lots of pictures."

"Miss you too. I got to go, don't want to stay out here to long."

"Relax dude, he's going to be fine, you're not losing him." Michael said
trying to put Scott's mind at ease.

"I'm just worried that's all."

"I know; I am also."

Michael was waiting just outside the recovery room when the young doctor
came up to him. "Young man," the doctor started. "I have to tell you that
your brother is going to be alright, however when we got him into surgery
he appendix burst, we have managed to get him cleaned up, but his fever
spiked and now he's in a coma.

As the doctor was talking, Michael started to pace back and forth in an
agitated state, the doctor noticed this and the clenching of Michael's
hands. "Son you have to relax, we are doing the best we can right now, he
is on strong antibiotics and the nurses have him covered with cool towels
to help lower his fever. He is being monitored around the clock, so we are
doing everything humanly possible for him."

Michael listened intently to what the doctor had told him but once again,
fears of losing another brother were taking over his thoughts. The doctor
tried to talk softly and calmly to the teen but it didn't seem to
help. Michael started shaking and crying and became inconsolable. "WHY? I
CAN'T LOSE ANOTHER. GOD, WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME? HAVEN'T I DONE
EVERYTHING YOU'VE WANTED OF ME?"

Michael was going through a full meltdown. The young doctor had no choice
but to sedate him.

He returned with a couple of orderly's but by now the teen had gone totally
limp. The doctor lowered the boy's jeans and stuck the needle into his hip,
delivering the sedative. Gently placing Michael on a bed the young doctor
had him placed in the same room as his brother. Hours later when Michael
woke up and saw his brother laying there, the tubes and machines, whirring
and beeping once more brought tears to Michael's eyes. Slowly getting up he
stepped over and carefully sat on the edge of Cory's bed, taking his hand
and holding it. He was still holding it when the young doctor came back
in. "Well young man, are you feeling a bit better?"

"Yes, but he looks so peaceful. Doctor, thanks for all you have done."
Michael whispered.

"You're more than welcome. Now I may not know a lot of things, but I can
tell you are holding onto a lot of hurt, and sooner or later that is going
to cause you problems. If you want and since Cory is going to be here for a
few days, I can set you up with a youth psychologist, maybe you can talk
with her."

"I don't know, it might help, but, well I think I'll wait till I get home,
I can talk with my friend's mom. She has always been there for me when I
needed her the most."

"Well it was just a thought, now come on let's go see your brother."

Back in Naples, Fla. Scott having just spoken with Michael hung up and
walked into the kitchen where he saw his mother and Richie sitting at the
table quietly talking. Looking up Richie saw a worried look on his
brother's face.

"What is it Scott?" Richie asked. "Was that Michael?"

"Yeah, it was he was just checking in." Scott mumbled.

"And?" Richie asked sounding frustrated.

"Well he had to take Cory to the hospital, Michael says he is going to be
fine, but I could tell he was worried, maybe even scared." Scott said still
sounding worried.

"There is nothing you can do Scott." Richie said trying to reassure his
brother.

"I could go be with him."

"He'll be home in a few days, so just relax." His mother interrupted.

That night Scott had a very restless sleep, his thoughts on Michael and
Cory, some where not pleasant. His dreams were more like nightmares. With a
scream Scott woke, sweat dripping off his forehead. Getting up he grabbed
his cell phone and called Michael, but all he got was the voicemail. Going
over to his brother's room he knocked and went in. "Richie wake up."

"What is it Scott, and what damn time is it?" Richie mumbled, rubbing the
sleep from his eyes

"It's like 2 am, something's wrong."

"What could be wrong at this time of morning, other than you disturbing my
sleep?" Richie groaned.

"I don't know it's just a feeling, I think I am going to go and be with
Michael."

"You know mom's not going to let you go." Richie said trying to keep from
shouting and waking their mother in the process.

"I know that is why I am not going to tell her, you will after I leave."
Scott said starting to leave the room.

"Oh no, I am not doing that, you got to talk to her."

"You gotta do this for me; I can't wait till she wakes up." Scott said
stopping at the door.

"No bro, this you have to do, beside Michael could be sleeping, now go back
to bed and try calling Michael again in the morning."

"Okay maybe your right. It's just, I don't know," Scott started, "This
feeling that he's on edge."

"Well you did say Cory was in the hospital, just think what that would do
to you if you were him."

"Probably freak out big time."

"There you go, now go back to bed, I need my sleep."

"No kidding, you do need your beauty sleep."

Leaving Richie to fall back to sleep, Scott went into the kitchen and
grabbed a glass of juice, sitting at the table he got lost in his thoughts
and before he knew it the sun was starting to peek through the windows. He
was still sitting there when his mother walked in. "Scott what are you
doing up so early?"

"Huh, oh morning mom, I had a bad night and I needed to think. Also I
wanted to talk to you before you left."

"Okay, let me get my coffee and you can tell me what's bothering you."

"Mom, I want to go up and be with Michael, I had a bad feeling last night
and I think he needs some one."

"Scott, I know you want to be with him, but what can you do?"

"I can be there for him, I wasn't when he lost Tommy, and now with Cory in
the hospital who knows how Michael's doing." Scott said pleading his case
to his mother.

"Have you tried phoning him?"

"Yeah when I first woke up, but all I got was his voice mail."

"Well why not try again, that is after you have had your shower and
something to eat."

"Okay, but you haven't said whether or not I can go."

"No I haven't and I won't till we hear more on how Michael and Cory are
doing."

"Thanks mom, I'll call soon as I get done." Scott said finishing his juice
the heading for the shower.

"Good now I am off to work. Call when you know something."

"I will."

At the hospital Michael had fallen back to sleep sitting on Cory's bed and
was still there when the nurse came in followed by a different doctor. The
nurse who was new to the pediatrics unit saw the way Michael was sleeping
and gently woke him. "Young man you can't sit there, like that, it's not
good for you." The nurse whispered.

"Why not, this way Cory knows I am here for him." Michael replied in a
tired voice.

"Well it's not good for you and what if you fell over as you were
sleeping?" the nurse said in a caring voice.

"Then I fall, not that it will matter, if Cory doesn't wake up. He's all I
care about."

"I understand, now come sit in the chair, while the doctor looks your
brother over and I will see about getting you something to eat."

"Thanks, but I'm not hungry."

"Now you have to eat, and I am not going to have you arguing about it." The
nurse smiled as she said that. "Besides I bet I can find you some ham and
eggs."

"Fine, you win." Michael said relenting.

"I know; there is one thing I learned from an old friend and mentor and
that was to listen and hear what a person was saying, I also know a friend
sometimes helps more than just a smile. If you need anything just ask for
Sarah and I will come see you."

"Thanks Sarah, I am Michael, and that turkey lying there is my bro Cory."

"Okay now let me help the doctor here and then I will get you something to
eat." Sarah said moving over to the bed to assist the physician.

"Thanks."

For the rest of the day Michael stayed with Cory, not wanting to be far
away from him, even going so far as to ignore his phone vibrating in his
pocket. At lunch time when the Doctor came back to check Cory he noticed
that his temperature was slowly dropping, so he had the nurse keep up the
cool towels. Michael watched everything closely. By supper time, Michael
had noticed some slight movements in Cory's fingers, so he went out and
spoke with Nurse Sarah.

With Sarah beside him, the two went back to see Cory, and were surprised to
see that he had his eyes open a bit. Rushing over Michael leaned over and
gave Cory a kiss on his forehead. "Oh bro you had me so scared." Michael
whispered as tears started to roll down his cheeks.

"What happened, the last thing I remember was some one giving me a needle?"
Cory whispered.

"Well they operated, on you and there were a few problems, but now you're
gonna be fine. Oh and this is Nurse Sarah, she's been looking after you,
she's kewl."

"Hi and thank you." Cory whispered a bit louder this time.

"Well Cory, looks like you're doing great. I am going to call the doctor
and he will come and look at you, then maybe we can remove some of these
wires and things." Nurse Sarah spoke a big smile on her face.

"That would be okay, just no more needles please." Cory said with an almost
pleading look in his eyes.

"Well I can't promise you that, but I can promise you some chocolate ice
cream if you like."

"Uh huh." Cory nodded his head smiling. "Um how long do I gotta be here?"

"That is up to your doctor, but I would say maybe a day or two."

"Oh man we'll miss the car races." Cory cried.

"I don't care bro, just as long as you get better." Michael started. "When
they let you go we will have to go home, and you can finish getting better
there, beside I bet your missing Scott and the others."

"Kinda, but I really wanted to see the races."

"Well we can do that next year maybe even get tickets for the Indy 500?"

"Oh man that would be so wicked." Cory said starting to get excited then
sat up.

"Now calm down Cory." Nurse Sarah said as she placed her hand on Cory's
shoulder.

With the nurse and doctor checking Cory over, Michael sat back watching
thinking on how to get his brother home without to many hassles. He was
still thinking about this when they brought in dinner for him and some soup
for Cory, the doctor had ordered it not wanting anything heavy on Cory's
stomach so soon after waking. As Promised Nurse Sarah had gone down and
gotten Cory a large bowl of chocolate ice cream.

"Here you go little man." She said as she placed the bowl in front of him.

"Thanks, you're the best nurse around."

"I try to be, but we all make mistakes even me." Sarah laughed as she
walked away.

Just after Cory had finished eating he fell asleep, this gave Michael time
to go outside and Call Scott and his family. The phone hadn't even rang
once before it was picked up. "Hey it's your nickel place your bet and I'll
take it." Richie answered.

"You're one wacked out dude, Richie, is Scott around." Michael asked when
he had a chance.

"Michael, what the hell, Scott's been trying to call you all day. What is
going on?" Richie said, almost shouting into the phone.

"I knew someone was trying, but I didn't want to leave Cory, now that he is
awake, well sleeping now since he ate, I thought I would come outside and
call."

"Man you had us all so worried, how is the little guy, is everything
alright?"

"He's doing better, he,, oh god, his appendix burst and well when his
temperature spiked he went into a coma, now that his temperature is back to
normal he's awake, I don't now when we'll get out of here, but I am hoping
it will be in a couple days." Michael said fighting to hold back tears as
he related Cory's tale of woe.

"Oh man I am sorry, you tell Cory we miss him and he had better get well
soon."

"I will, and can you tell Scott and your mother for me, let them know I
will phone tomorrow when I know more."

"Sure dude, and hey you take it easy, Scott said you were on edge."

"How would you be if this happened to you?" Michael snapped.

"Honestly I don't know, but I do know you've been through hell these last
three years."

"Sorry Richie, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that and yeah I have. I
just wish it would end."

"It's okay bro, you under a lot of stress; I think if I was in your shoes I
would be flipping out on every one."

"Well with everything that is going on I had hoped that this vacation would
ease things, but then we didn't plan on this happening."

"True. Now how are you guys getting home?" Richie said.

"Well I have been thinking that I might charter a plane, that way we get
there faster, but it would be better for Cory."

"Yeah it would be faster, but why better for Cory?"

"Well he still has stitches and if some one bumped into him and he fell
they could break open and then we are right back in the hospital."

"Good point, you call and tell us when you're flying home and we'll come
and pick you two up."

"I'll do that, as I said it could be a couple days. I better go back in I
don't want Cory waking and me not being there."

"Sure and bro take it easy, remember we're here for you."

"I know buddy, give Scott a hug for me would you?"

"Hmmm sure, but you know I don't normally hug my bro."

"Just tell him it's from me. Talk you soon."

The most of the night Michael sat beside Cory's bed until a nurse came in
and told him he needed to sleep. Curling up beside Cory, Michael gently
draped his arm over his brother and soon was sleeping also.

Then next morning when Nurse Sarah came in and woke them, she smiled and
told the two that breakfast would soon be here and then the doctor would
let them know if Cory could go home. Hearing that Michael quickly used the
bathroom then told Cory that he had to make a phone call, but that he would
be back in about ten minutes. "I'll stay with the little guy." Sarah said
knowing that Michael hated leaving Cory alone.

"Thanks, I'll try to make it fast."

Quickly going outside Michael called a charter company and arranged for a
flight home, He knew that it was going to be costly, but when he was told
the price he almost dropped his phone. Thanking the lady he hung up and
stood there. "Oh well I guess I will just have to borrow a wheel chair,'
Thought Michael as he headed back inside.

Once back in Cory's room and eating breakfast the two boys were talking
when the young doctor that had first seen Cory walked in. "Good morning
boys." The doctor said as he walked over. "How are you two doing?"

"Okay, when can I go home?" Cory asked.

"Well let me look at you and then I can tell you, but if everything is good
how would tomorrow sound?"

"Ungh," Michael said frowning "I'll just have to get a wheel chair for when
we are at the airport."

"I am sure they can get him one." The young doctor said smiling. "I will
even give you a note so that they know it is doctor's orders."

"Thanks, we'll just have to go pack our bags and sign out of the hotel
first, but that shouldn't be a problem."

After breakfast, Michael called a cab then went over to the McDonald Hotel
so he could pack their clothes and check out. Since he was staying at the
hospital there was no need to pay for a room no one was using. He had the
driver wait on him then he went to his room and packed Cory and his
clothes. He had a bellman bring his things down and put them into the
waiting taxi. When he went to the desk, the clerk smiled. "How may I help
you?"

"I'm checking out." Michael said as he put the two key cards on the
counter.

"What's the name sir?" The desk clerk asked.

"Michael Caine."

The clerk typed the name into the computer. "I see you're booked here for
two weeks."

"Yes that's correct." Mike said.

"Well, we're going to have to charge you for the full two weeks." The clerk
said rather rudely.

"What, WHY?" Mike said almost shouting.

"The clerk was giggling. "Because I said so and if you don't you'll be
arrested for defrauding an innkeeper."

"That's blackmail," Michael screamed raising holy hell in the lobby.

The desk clerk started typing into the computer. A few minutes later, he
presented Michael a bill for $4,578. 41. "Shall I put this on the card you
presented at the time of check in?"

Michael was livid. He snatched the bill out of the clerk's hand and the key
cards off the desk then stomped over to the elevator. He saw the cart with
their luggage on it and pulled it into the now open elevator. "I'll be
back." He said then pushed the button for his floor.

`Yeah and your bill will be even higher when you return.' The clerk
thought.

A few seconds later the doors opened and Michael wheeled his luggage down
the hall. He opened the door to his room then went inside and made a phone
call to his friend, Judge Alonzo Montoya. "Hello Your Honor."

"Michael, what a pleasant surprise, how are you and better yet, how is
Cory?

When Mike heard his brother's name, he broke down completely. "Oh Judge
Montoya, I almost lost another one."

"WHAT?" The jurist almost shouted. "Michael, calm down now, everything will
be alright, I promise."

Michael told his friend everything that had happened to Cory and how he
felt he almost lost his brother when he slipped into the coma. Michael was
still crying then he told this Judge what the hotel was trying to
pull. Judge Montoya was furious at the thought of a business trying to
extort money from a teenager. "Your Honor, what am I going to do? I can
well afford to pay the bill but it's..."

"That's not the point Michael." Alonzo said firmly. "He's basically trying
to extort money from you and that's a felony. Now, please call me Alonzo."

"Yes Sir," Michael answered the jurist. "So what do I do Sir?" Michael said
wiping his eyes and blowing his nose.

"Can you send me a copy of the bill?" Alonzo asked.

Michael took a photo of the bill with his smart phone then emailed to the
judge. "It's on its way. You should have it in your email."

The judge opened his email and saw the bill. "Good God Mike, did you have
luxury food every night along with champagne?"

Michael broke down crying again. "N...no Sir. Honest." Mike managed to get
out through his sobs.

The jurist had his work cut out for him. "Mike my friend, calm down now. I
believe you."

It took several minutes but Michael finally got his emotions under
control. "Yes Sir," Mike said through the hic cups.

Michael calmed down and told Alonzo that from the second day they were
there, no one had been in the room and he could prove it. "Michael, I want
you to relax and let me handle this now. Do you understand me?"

"Alright Alonzo," Michael said then the judge ended the call.

He made a phone call to a friend of his. "Judge Romero's court." A voice
said.

"May I please speak to Judge Romero please, this is Judge Alonzo Montoya."

"One moment Your Honor." The voice said then a minute later he
hears. "Alonzo, this is indeed a surprise. How are things south of the
border?"

"Not bad my friend, but I'm sad to say this isn't a social call."

"Oh oh, how may I help you, my friend?" Judge Romero asked.

"I have a friend who is staying at the McDonald Hotel." I started.

"Alonzo that is a very fine hotel." Albert said.

"After you hear what I have to say, you might not think like that." Alonzo
replied. "As I was saying, I have a young man who is staying there and his
adopted son was admitted to the hospital there. He had made a reservation
and booked the room for two weeks but with what's happened, he decided to
check out because he couldn't see it necessary to pay for a room that
wasn't being utilized. Albert, please check your email and you'll see a
list of charges that according to Michael, are false as he was not even
there. His son was in the hospital in surgery at the time those charges
allegedly were made."

"Hummm," Albert said. "That's fraud and falsification of a bill which is a
crime here. I will issue a warrant for his arrest."

"Thank you my friend," Alonzo said. "Here is his phone number. Give me a
minute to call him and explain things to him so you he won't freak out when
you call him."

"You're welcome my friend. I hope we can see each other soon." Albert said.

Alonzo ended the call then quickly called Michael and filled him in. A few
minutes later Michael received a call from Judge Romero. Michael and Judge
Romero talked and agree to be in the lobby in thirty minutes and check
out. At the appointed time, Michael went down to the lobby and once again
he met the desk clerk. "I'll be checking out now."

The clerk printed out another bill. "Do you want this on your credit card
Mr. Caine?"

Michael looked at the bill. In the time he was upstairs his bill jumped
from $4,578. 41 to $5,257. 96. "Would you like to tell me what these
charges are?

"Well let's see here," The desk clerk said. "We have today's room fee, the
room service charge, meal fee, meal taxes, gratuities, and service
charges."

"I'll take that, if you please," A well dressed man said as he took the
papers from Michael.

"Excuse me Sir, who are you and why are you looking at this man's private
bill?" The clerk said.

The man reached into his pocket and removed a badge case. "I'm Officer Eric
Holbrook from the Edmonton Police Department. I'm with the fraud squad and
I'd like for you to explain all of these charges." Holbrook stated.

"Uh, well, these are all usual and customary charges for services here at
the McDonald Hotel."

"Is that so," The officer asked. "Do you charge these when the guest isn't
even in here?"

"Of course not," The clerk said. "That would be illegal."

"Yes it would and it just so happens that Mr. Caine wasn't even here for
the last two days yet you've billed him for meals and things he never had."

"Of course they were." The clerk said.

"Then let me see the signed receipt authorizing the meal to his room." The
constable said.

"Ah let me see if I can find it." The clerk said then started looking for
something he knew wasn't there. "There seems to be a problem. Those
receipts are missing. I'll fix his statement right away."

Just then the manager came out. "Is there a problem?"

The officer reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. "I
have a warrant for your desk clerk charging him with fraud."

The clerk looked at his boss. "There's been a mistake Sir, I'm correcting
his bill now."

The manager heard enough. "You deliberately did this Adam."

"It was a mistake, pure and simple." Adam fired back.

The officer pulled out another piece of paper. "Sir, if you look at this,
it will verify Mr. Caine wasn't even here but at the hospital with his
brother who was undergoing emergency surgery."

The manager looked at the clerk, "An accident huh?"

"Yes Sir," Adam said.

"Bullshit, you're fired." The manager said. "Officer, he's all
yours. Mr. Caine, please accept my deepest apologies for what our employee
tried to do to you. Your stay is on the house and the next time you're in
Edmonton, you have a free room and meals for you and your brother for two
weeks."

The constable went around and cuffed the desk clerk as Michael stood there
not knowing what to say. "I ah thank you." Michael stammered.

"No Mr. Caine, we thank you for calling this to our attention so we can
continue to live up to everyone's expectations. I'm sorry about your
brother. I hope he'll be alright."

The manager extended his hand and Michael shook it. "Yes, he'll be
fine. We're heading home tomorrow so he can finish recovering."

"Well, that's good news. Remember, you have a standing reservation here at
the McDonald Hotel anytime you're in Edmonton."

The manager took Michael's luggage out to the cab personally and put them
into the trunk. "Have a safe trip home Mr. Caine."

The cab took Michael back to the hospital where he could be with his
brother Cory.



To be continued.



A lot more to come. Your comments welcome at

thewriter1@live.ca flames ignored.