Date: Wed, 27 May 2015 11:12:48 -0600
From: Michael King <thewriter1@live.ca>
Subject: Lives Changed: 9-b

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Lives Changed
9-B

	Malcolm was sitting at his desk when he heard Tony leaving. He was
trying to finish his latest chapter in his new book, but with Tony gone he
felt lost. Malcolm was just staring at his computer screen when Zeke walked
in and sat on his knee. Hugging his little brother Malcolm just sat with
him neither saying a word for a while. "Malcolm, is something wrong?" Zeke
asked in a low voice."

"No Zeke, I was just thinking." Malcolm lied. He hated lying to his
brother, but this was something he had to figure out by himself.

"Okay, can we play a game?"

"Sure we can play for a bit, then it will be shower and bed time. Did Aaron
take Midnight outside?"

"Uh huh, he really love that puppy, I am glad Mr. Hawks gave it to him."

"So am I little guy, but you love him just as much."

"Uh-huh. Now let's play."



	With Zeke beside him Malcolm slowly lost the funk that he was in
and soon forgot, at least for a while the feeling of something wrong. For
the rest of the night and all day Sunday Malcolm stayed close to home and
his security people. He spent a lot of time with his brothers, either
watching movies or playing games. He called Patrick Sunday night and the
two spoke for a while about everything and yet nothing, just two boys
rambling on.

	Monday morning as Malcolm lay in bed his eyes closed, but not
sleeping, just lost in thought when he was jarred from his rest by two
little boys bouncing on his bed. Looking at the clock beside him Malcolm
saw that it was eight and time to get up.

	Elizabeth Daniels on the other hand had been awake since five, the
sound of slamming cell doors and the heavy footsteps of the female guards
made it impossible to sleep much past that time. Elizabeth hated her son
Malcolm more than ever. When she had heard that the Robertson brothers had
been found guilty, she was adamant that she would make a deal with the DA's
office, but so far Masters had been stalling her. Today was her last
hope. She went on trial tomorrow for not just child abuse, but for
everything else also, including conspiracy to commit murder, and that was
her brother-in-law Marcus.

	Why couldn't he have made it easier for everyone and just given up
the designs for his box. Her brat Malcolm was just about to make billions
if the armed forces could get their hands on it. Elizabeth didn't
understand how the box worked, or for that matter even if it did.

	When Sam Morrison had mentioned the idea over fifteen years ago, it
seemed too farfetched to have a box that could hide not just a plane, but
the pilot as well. Not only that, but apparently it worked on the uniforms
of the ordinary solider. If the box worked like Morrison thought it would,
then the men and woman of the military would no long die.

	How Marcus came to know of Sam's idea no one knew, but all of a
sudden Marcus had millions pouring into his little crap company, and now
was one of the top R&D businesses around.

When her little group of friends tried to get Marcus to go public, or even
share with his friends, he refused. Sure he had paid back his loans, but
damn it they all wanted more.

	Elizabeth was jolted from her thoughts when she heard her cell door
click open. "Daniels, get your butt out here, you have a visitor." One
female guard yelled. "Great, not even eight thirty and my day has gone to
hell." Elizabeth thought as she stepped out of her cell.

	Stepping out Elizabeth waited for the door to close and the guards
to tell her to walk. With one in front and another behind Elizabeth didn't
have a chance to say hi to anyone. Not that they would have answered
her. Everyone knew she had beat her kid, and even though some of the women
were in on similar charges they didn't like her.

	Taking her to the outer area, they told her to sit in one of the
rooms that had nothing but a table and two chairs, one bolted to the floor
that was the one she was told to take and not move. Elizabeth sat for about
ten minutes when her lawyer Mr. Jefferies walked in followed by Dylan
Masters. The two men took the seats facing her and sorted through their
briefcases before even looking at her. When Dylan placed a pad and pen on
the table, Elizabeth flinched. "Mrs. Daniels, this is how it is going to
work. First off I am going to read you your rights again and if you agree
to them and agree to talk with me then I will have you sign a paper stating
to that fact. I will then have Mr. Jefferies here sign it and so will I. do
you agree to this part?" Dylan asked.

"Yes, let's just get this over with." Elizabeth spat out.

"That is the second condition, and that is you keep a civil tongue in your
head, the first time you spout off any and all deals are off." Dylan stated
forcefully.

"Fine."

"Mrs. Daniels, you have the right to remain silent. If you give up that
right, anything you say can be use against you in a court of law. You have
the right to speak with an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney one
will be appointed for you. If you choose to answer questions without an
attorney you can stop at any time and an attorney will be appointed for
you. Knowing and understanding your rights as I have explained them to you,
are you willing to answer my questions without an attorney present?" Dylan
read.

"Yes I understand them, and since my lawyer is here, can we please
proceed."

"Very well, here is the deal. You plead guilty to child abuse, disturbing
the peace and conspiracy to commit murder and I will have you sentenced to
five years in prison, with ten years of probation. For that to happen you
must also tell me everything you know about the murder of one Marcus
Daniels, and the attempted theft of the Daniels' company along with the
attempted theft from your son Malcolm."

"You don't want much do you, but I agree to tell you all I can, but I don't
agree to the guilty plea on child abuse, you remove that and the disturbing
the peace and we can talk. Remember I go on trial tomorrow so make it
fast." Elizabeth stated, thinking she had the upper hand.

Dylan hearing what Elizabeth wanted, packed up his briefcase and
stood. "Mrs. Daniels you heard the deal, I am not going to change it. Now
either we have a deal as I stated, or we don't. You make your choice right
now or I walk out of here."

"I guess I will take my chances with the Judge then, because I am not
taking your deal."

Walking out of the room Dylan smiled to himself as he thought of the time
that Elizabeth now faced. When Dylan had walked out of the interview room,
Elizabeth exploded. "Just who the hell does he think he is, I thought you
told him that those charges were to be dropped, if we were going to have
any sort of deal?"

"I did tell him, but it seems that you like to demand things and have
everything going your way, when sometimes it is best to take what you are
given. Now all I can see happening is you going to jail for the rest of
your natural life."

"You can't be serious?"

"I am very serious, now I have to get your case ready for the morning. Oh
and you better believe that your son Malcolm will be there watching."

"Can't you have the courtroom sealed?"

"Only to those who have nothing to do with your case, or have any dealings
with the court itself."

"Then ask the judge to make sure that Malcolm is not allowed in the
courtroom."

"I can ask, but this guy doesn't play games, if he thinks that your son has
the right to be there then he will tell us that, and then there is nothing
that we can do or say to change that."

"Well I don't want him in there, and that is final."

	The rest of the day Elizabeth, either sat in her cell or was in the
library reading, though she couldn't tell you what she had read as her mind
was overwhelmed with what was going to happen the following day. Dinner and
a shower soon followed her reading, and the dried hamburger and soggy
potatoes left her feeling like she could tear some one's head off. Laying
on her bunk Elizabeth found that she couldn't sleep, she tossed and turned
all night and when the guards came to get her at seven the next morning she
snarled and cursed them more than she did her own son.

	The holding cell where she was place while waiting to be
transported to the courthouse was cold and crowded. She was given and warm
cup of coffee, a muffin and an orange for breakfast. Elizabeth could feel
the eyes of the other inmates watching her as she ate her muffin, but when
she went to eat her orange it was taken from her. "This is mine bitch." The
inmate whispered.

"Whatever, it is soft anyways, which means that it is old. So go ahead and
eat it." Elizabeth snapped back.

	The trip to the courthouse was quick and cold. The Marshal's didn't
bother turning the heat on in the back so now all the inmates were short
tempered and ready to fight. At the courthouse the inmates were taken into
the holding area and Elizabeth was place in a separate cell away from
everyone. The Marshal's knew that something was up and that Elizabeth was
the target, how they knew that was thanks to one of the other female
inmates that curried favors by snitching on others. This bit of information
got the snitch another cup of coffee that was hotter than what she had been
served at the remand centre.

"Daniels, don't get to comfortable, you will be going upstairs in a few
minutes. Your lawyer wants to talk to you before you enter the courtroom."
One female Marshal stated.

"Yeah okay." Elizabeth snarled.

	Twenty minutes later she was led upstairs to a room just outside of
Judge Graham's courtroom. Marsha, the female marshal that had been with
Elizabeth when she was arrested just smiled and told her to sit. When
Mr. Jefferies, her lawyer showed up he was smiling. "Elizabeth, Dylan
Masters is going to give you one last chance. If I was in your position I
would take it."

"Tell him to go to hell, he had his chance yesterday and he walked away."

"Okay, but don't say I didn't give you a chance."

	When Marsha led Elizabeth into the courtroom it was empty except
for Malcolm, Richard, Patrick and the bodyguards. "What is that piece of
trash Jacobs doing here, he has nothing to do with this case?" Elizabeth
whispered in anger.

"He has a right to be here since he too is a victim of your abuse, so keep
you tongue still. Judge Graham will not hesitate to gag you." Jefferies
whispered back.

	Adam was already sitting behind the bench when Elizabeth was
escorted in. He watched as Elizabeth was guided to the prisoner's box, a
frown on his face as he stared at the woman. "Mr. Jefferies I hope that
your client remembers not to spout off." Adam remarked.

"I did warn her that you would gag her if she did, your honor." Jefferies
replied.

"Good. Now Mr. Masters are you ready to proceed?" Adam asked hopefully.

"We are your honor, and please be advised that Mrs. Daniels turned down a
deal with the DA's office."

"I see, very well please proceed. Bailiff please read the charges."

"Yes sir. Mrs. Daniels you are hereby charged with one count of disturbing
the peace. One count of child abuse in that you did strike your son Malcolm
Daniels. Three counts of conspiracy to commit murder in that of your son
Malcolm Daniels. You are further charged with one count of conspiracy to
commit murder in that of one Marcus Daniels. You are further charged with
eighteen counts of conspiracy to commit theft and one count of theft from
the state government." The bailiff intoned in a dead voice.

"Mrs. Daniels, how do you plead?" Judge Graham asked.

"My client pleads not guilty your honor." Mr. Jefferies stated.

"Let the records show that a not guilty pleas has been entered. Mr. Masters
please proceed."

"Yes sir.

"No." Elizabeth yelled. "I plead guilty to all but the first two charges."

"Mrs. Daniels, please make sure that you know what you are saying, because
if I change your plea there is no changing it back." Adam stated.

"I know that. I am willing to accept whatever the court decides."

"Your honor. If Mrs. Daniels is willing to change her plea, then the DA's
office is willing to drop the disturbing the peace and child abuse
charges." Masters spoke from his table before continuing. "However your
honor, under these circumstances I would like a chance to speak with the
two that she abused."

"Mr. Jefferies, do you have a problem with Mr. Masters' application?"

"No your honor, in fact I was going to ask the same question."

"Very well then court is in recess for fifteen minutes." Adam stated with a
grin.

	Out in the hallway Patrick and Malcolm stood close together, both
quietly talking to each other when Jefferies and Masters walked
up. "Mr. Daniels, Jacobs," Jefferies started. "Do either of you have a
problem with what Mrs. Daniels said in there?"

"No sir I don't." Patrick answered.

"What about you Mr. Daniels?"

"Well, if she wants to think she can get away with abusing people, whether
it is physically or verbally, she had better think again. So yes I have a
problem with it. I think she should be charged with everything that was
read out this morning."

"Isn't that being a bit vindictive?" Jefferies asked.

"Not at all, she has to learn that everyone is human and that no one should
be treated as trash or dirt like she has done in the past."

"Very well then I have nothing more to ask you. I had hoped you could
forgive her, but I see that you can't."

"That is where you are wrong sir, I can forgive her, but only when her
attitude changes. You can tell her that if you wish."

"Oh not to worry there, I shall be telling her just how you feel."

"Mr. Daniels, may I have a word with you in Private?" Dylan asked as he
watched Jefferies walk away.

"Mr. Masters, Dylan, whatever you have to say to me you can say also in
front of Patrick here. I don't keep secrets from him." Malcolm said with a
grin.

"Okay, Patrick, Malcolm, I know you stated what was on your mind, so I am
going to be up front with you both. I am going to drop the two
charges. However I am going to ask for the maximum penalty for the other
charges. That means that your mother will never see the outside of a prison
again."

"Do you think that is fair?" Patrick asked.

"It's okay Patrick, Mr. Masters here knows what he is doing."

"Yeah, but life in jail, I mean think about how you felt when you were in
Juvy?"

"I have, and honestly Patrick I think everyone is going to be surprised."

"Oh, this I have to see." Patrick giggled.

	The fifteen minutes had been used up and as everyone walked back
into the courtroom, Malcolm was still whispering to Patrick. "Dad and I had
a good talk last night, and since I am allowed to make and Impact statement
before mother is sentenced, I am going to ask for something wacked out."

"Do you think the judge will sentence her today, or take a day or two to
think things over?" Patrick asked.

"I have no idea. I hope it is today that way we can put this all behind us
and just concentrate on Thursday."

"I can't wait to see Bennie again, and my brother Robert wants to meet him
if he has the chance."

	When everyone was seated again, Malcolm looked over at his mother
and gave her a small smile. Closing his eyes he thought back over the last
eleven years and how his mother was so snobby. Looking at her now he came
to realize that she was just an insecure person. That she wanted what was
best for her, and try as hard as she did, she just ended up alienating
those that loved her the most.

	The banging of a door startled Malcolm from his thoughts and
sitting up straighter he watched as Adam took his seat. "Gentlemen, I do
hope that you have everything worked out and that there will be no more
delays." Adam spoke from his bench.

"Not from the DA's office." Dylan spoke up.

"Nor from the defence your honor." Jefferies stated.

"Good. Mr. Masters please begin."

"Your honor, since Mrs. Daniels has decided to plead guilty to the more
serious offenses, we are willing to drop the abuse charge and the
disturbing the peace."

"So noted. Are you going to want to go through all the evidence that you
have for these other charges or can we dispense with that and move to your
sentencing submissions?"

"That is up to Mr. Jefferies, your honor." Dylan stated, looking over at
the defence table.

"Your honor, I don't think we need to hear anything, though that is up to
my client." Jefferies said.

"Mrs. Daniels, do you want to hear everything?" Adam asked.

"No sir, I just want this over with." Elizabeth answered.

"Very well, then Mr. Masters please state what the DA's office has for a
sentence."

"Sir, the state is asking that Mrs. Daniels be sentenced to no less than
life in prison without the possibility of parole."

"Your honor, the state is asking too much. We ask that Mrs. Daniels be
given no more than fifteen years with every chance at parole for good
behavior." Jefferies argued.

"Your honor, Mrs. Daniels conspired to kill her brother-in-law, then
proceeded to conspire to have her own son murdered. I do believe that what
we are asking is fair and just." Dylan argued back.

"Gentlemen, both your arguments are valid, however I wish to think this
over, but first I know that Mr. Daniels has something he wishes to say to
the courts and to his mother. So Mr. Daniels please come forward." Adam
spoke with a slight smile.

"Thank you sir. Gentlemen, Mother, it is my wish that justice be served,
however, Mr. Masters, I have to agree with the defence in this case. Your
honor I feel that Elizabeth Daniels should serve some time, and I hope and
pray that what I am asking is justified.

	People, sending Mrs. Daniels to jail for life isn't justice, so I
recommend a sentence of fifteen years, but she only serve five in prison,
with the remainder on probation. The main condition of her probation being,
that she work as a volunteer at a homeless shelter, doing twenty hours a
week for a period of five years and then as a volunteer working in a youth
shelter. I feel that by doing this she might learn about people. That she
might learn that those who don't have money are still human, and should be
treated as such.

	If the court feels that I am asking too much, then that is for them
to decide. I feel that what I am asking not only serves justice, but
teaches Mrs. Daniels a lesson. Thank you for the time and chance to speak."
Malcolm stated before turning and sitting back down.

"Mr. Daniels, not many people would ask the courts to do what you have
asked. I truly believe that sending Mrs. Daniels to prison for life is more
than justified. We in the DA's office feel that she is a threat to society
and more so to your family." Dylan said as he stared at Malcolm.

"That sir, is your opinion and sometimes we make assumptions based on
those. I however, feel that what I asked is in a way giving my mother a
second chance to change." Malcolm argued.

"Mr. Daniels I am glad you are not a lawyer, I feel that if I went up
against you in a courtroom I would lose, but now it is for the judge to
decide Mrs. Daniels fate."

"Gentlemen, Mrs. Daniels, I am going to need time to think this over. I do
hope that I can have a decision by the morning, if however I don't I shall
phone you both and let you know. Court is adjourned until ten am tomorrow
morning." Adam stated as he rose from his seat.

	Leaving the courthouse with his security Malcolm walked over to the
park and sat on one of the benches. Patrick sensing that Malcolm need some
time alone told everyone that he was going to head home and that he would
be back in the morning to be with Malcolm. Donnie sent Real and Morrison
with Patrick, since orders were that he have security also, at least until
the strike was over, after that it was up to the President what happened.

	Sitting with Malcolm, Donnie remained quiet for a bit then turning
looked at the young man. "Is something bothering you Malcolm? These past
few days you seemed to be withdrawing from everyone." Donnie asked.

"Not really, I just wish this was over. I have been thinking of this day
and I feel that mother isn't going to learn, but I at least tried to help
her. I hope she sees that."

"I am sure she does. Just don't let it get you down."

"How can I not, she is my mother, I love her, I just don't respect her, and
I'm guessing that is saying a lot in itself."

"Yes, but the respect she lost a long time ago, now she has to earn it back
and that could take forever."

"Well I am willing to try if she is."

"That is the spirit. I think you are a special young man. Right now though
you have too much on your plate, so to speak. When this is all over you can
relax and just be the teen you are supposed to be."

"You and I both know that won't happen. Both Patrick and I have become too
famous. You watch, soon you will see schools and other committees sending
us letters of invitations to speak. Our days are no longer ours.

"You have a point there, but you both have the right to say no, and in some
cases I think that might be a good thing. You both need to get out of the
spot light."

"Well the spot light is something I never wanted, even as a writer I kept
myself secluded."

"That was a smart idea. Now what do you say I treat you to a smoothie and
banana split."

Laughing Malcolm stood. "You're a bad man Donnie. Besides I was always
taught not to take candies from a stranger, in this case, sweets." Having
said that Malcolm laughed even harder as he tried to stumble away.

"Oh you're funny." Donnie said as he tackled Malcolm and started to tickle
him.

	The two were still horsing around when Marsten hollered at
them. Quickly looking up Donnie could see a couple of police running there
way, both had their batons out and were about to strike when Real stopped
them. "I wouldn't do that officers, he is a Secret Service agent."

"Then why did he attack this boy?" One officer asked.

"First off he didn't attack me, we were horsing around, and secondly he is
one of my protectors. So mind your own business." Malcolm spat out.

"Malcolm, calm down." Donnie started. "They are just doing their job and
that is protecting the citizens of this city."

"Well he doesn't have to be arrogant about it."

"Sorry kid, but the man is right, from where we were it looked like an
attack to us."

"So you always run at people with your sticks drawn?"

"What can I say, I thought you might be in danger."

"I am only in danger from people like you that think they can butt in
whenever they want, so now leave us alone."

"Kid I could take you in for being offensive to an officer."

"Try it, and see how you like counting manhole covers in the Antarctic."

"You got a mouth on you kid." The two officers said.

"Yup it is the only way I can eat." Malcolm laughed, before turning and
walking away. "You still gonna get me that split and smoothie Donnie?"

"Yes." Looking at the officers Donnie shrugged his shoulders. "He is right,
and he does have a sense of humor. I also know that right now he has the
power to do what he says. So I would forget you even thought of arresting
him."

"Who is the kid, and how does he have that power." The second officer
asked.

"That is Malcolm Daniels and he is a personal friend to the President and
the ADA of the Secret Service, so be careful." Marsten stated as he watched
Donnie and Malcolm walking away. "Now I have to join them so have a good
day."

	Malcolm's little group went to the closest dairy queen and while
Donnie was inside getting everything Malcolm had gone and sat down at an
outside table. Real and Marsten were close by watching. Malcolm was staring
off into space when a shadow covered his eyes. Squinting Malcolm leaned
back and gaze up into the face of a stranger. "Malcolm Daniels I am Arthur
Danvers and I am wondering if you could come with me please?"

"Not a hope sir, first I know who you are related to and I am sorry that he
is dead. I also know you son Ryan and he has told me what you believe, and
right now I feel that you are determined to cause me problems. Problems
that I don't need."

"Listen carefully punk. I have it on good authority that you are the one
the shot and killed Collin, I don't need to hear garbage from some stupid
secret service agent. Now I am asking you again to come with me." Danvers
stated.

"Again I say not a hope, now please leave."

"You don't get it do you, I am the one that gives the orders here not you
now get your butt up and get moving."

"Sir, I do hope that you understand the word no."

Danvers was going to say something more when Donnie came out and seeing the
two sitting at the table almost ran over. Setting everything down Donnie
gazed at Malcolm then at Danvers. "Excuse me, but who are you and what are
you doing sitting here bothering this young man?" Donnie asked.

"I am Arthur Danvers and I want to speak with Mr. Daniels alone. Who are
you?" Danvers asked angrily.

"Secret Service, Donnie Osbourne, now I must ask you to leave."

"I don't think so, not until this punk answers my question."

"What question was that? All I heard was you making accusations that I
killed your brother." Malcolm stated.

"Well you did it, I know that much, a police officer doesn't lie."

"Oh really. Which officer told you this?" Malcolm spat out.

"Officer Rosetti, he is looking into my brothers murder and he has shown me
the proof that you did it."

	Hearing this Donnie froze for a second. "When and where did Rosetti
tell you this Mr. Danvers?"

"Just before we moved down here three weeks ago. Why?"

"Because I find it strange that he even knew of the case let alone was
working it. You see I happen to know the officer that was given the case
and I also have seen the reports. All which show that there isn't a hope in
hell that Malcolm here committed the crime. I also know that at the time of
your brother's death Malcolm was roughly five hundred miles away."

"That is bull. You can't prove that he didn't do it."

"Actually I can, you see we do have all the receipts for Malcolm's where
abouts, further more I doubt that you would call twelve state troopers
liars, then there are the eight secret service agents that were with
Malcolm when Danvers was killed."

"Now who are you going to believe and disgraced police officer or the
evidence that say the truth. Furthermore didn't your son Ryan give you our
cards and tell you to call us?"

"Yes he did, I thought he was lieing."

"Well it looks like you owe your son and apology."

"I owe him nothing. He wasn't even supposed to leave the house."

	As Donnie and Danvers were talking Malcolm's phone buzzed,
signalling a text message. Reading it Malcolm's face went from calm too
angry in a flash.

"Malcolm, if you're a friend I need help. He beat me when I got home, said
I was a liar and that I was nothing more than a pain in the ass. I had to
wait until I was alone to send you everything I could. I don't know where
he went and mom is out getting her hair done. Please if you can help I am
begging you. Ryan."

"Is that why you beat him?" Malcolm asked, surprising both Donnie and
Danvers.

"I did not such thing?' Danvers snapped back.

"So the text and pictures I just got from Ryan are fakes?"

"Let me see them Malcolm." Donnie ordered.

	Handing Donnie his phone Malcolm stared at Danvers. "I don't know
about Canadian law, but I know down here in Florida you are looking at
maybe five years." Malcolm snarled. "I also know that when Ryan left us on
Saturday there wasn't a mark on him, so I say bull to your story. You sir
are a bully and a child beater. It is people like you that I am fighting
against. Donnie I want him arrested right now."

"Kid you can't be serious, all you have is the word of a spoiled kid."

"No sir I have the pictures and I will hope that the police talk to him and
his mother, but right now you are going to jail."

"Not likely kid." Danvers said as he stood and started to walk away, only
to be confronted by Real and Morrison and the two officers that had been at
the park.

	After Danvers had been taken away. Donnie asked the two officers to
go to the Danvers home and check up on his son Ryan. "We will need those
photos and the text message for our report." The officer stated.

"You will get them, I can forward them to your phone or e-mail them to you
if you wish." Donnie said as he waited for their answer.

"Send them to our e-mail. We can print them off, but if we need the one
there we will ask you for them."

"Don't worry when we get home I shall burn them to a disc, not just for
you, but for my boss as well. Now go talk to the young man. Malcolm can you
send Ryan a text telling two officers are coming to talk to him." Donnie
asked.

"Well duh, he did ask for help. Got to let him know they are coming."
Malcolm giggled and grinned.

"Smart ass. "Donnie said before standing. "Come on brat let's get you home
and into bed."

"What, are you kidding it is like two in the afternoon?" Malcolm said in
surprise.

"Well little man you need a nap. You're getting to witty."

"I'll witty you." Malcolm grinned then ran off.

	The next morning the court house seemed ghostly, voices were
subdued, people staring off into space every one avoided looking at others
if they could. The smell of coffee hit Malcolm when he stopped at the
cafeteria for a Danish and while there he bought a small coffee and loaded
it with sugar and whitener almost killing that coffee taste.

	Malcolm was sitting out in the foyer when Patrick walked
in. Smiling Malcolm stood and gave his boyfriend a hug, then let him have a
sip of his coffee. "How are you feeling this morning, I hope you got things
worked out okay yesterday." Patrick whispered.

"Sort of, Ryan's Dad showed up and tried to play the bully, then I got a
text and pictures from Ryan so now his dad is meeting with a judge this
morning."

"Dang, dude you attract everyone don't you. Is Ryan okay?"

"Yeah I think so, his dad beat him Saturday after he left us, so he is a
bit black and blue, but I am hoping he can text me back and we can all meet
either for a soda or he can come over to the house and have dinner with
us."

"That would be cool. What's his mom like do you know, has he said anything
about her?"

"No.."

"Mr. Daniels, the courtroom is open now if you want to go inside and have a
seat." Casey Watkins said with a smile. "Don't worry boys, this will all be
over before you know it. Then you can both go home and be kids."

"Thanks Casey, I am glad you're still with us." Malcolm said with a smile
as he stood and walked into the courtroom.

	Inside the seats were packed, mostly taken up by one news group or
another. Making their way to the front the two boys sat in the seats that
had been reserved for them by Dylan. Glancing at the clock, Malcolm saw
that it was three minutes to ten. He was still looking at it when he felt a
small hand slip into his. Smiling he gave Patrick's hand a squeeze and then
just held it. Leaning over he blew on Patrick's neck then whispered. "I
love you silly boy."

Blushing Patrick turned his head away smiling, then turning back whisper
back to Malcolm. "I love you too big guy, now and forever."

	The two were still whispering to each other when the bailiff called
the courtroom to order, making Malcolm and Patrick let go of each other and
stand. Be seated." Judge Graham intoned. "Do either of you gentlemen have
anything further to add to this case?"

"No your honor." Both men replied.

"Then let's get this over and done with. Mrs. Daniels please stand."

	Both Jefferies and Elizabeth stood. The judge saw the marshal step
closer to the accused and frowned a bit. "Mrs. Daniels life is a strange
and yet wonderful gift that we all share.

We are given many chances to mess it up and in some cases we do, but we are
also given the chance to improve on one's life and those are the chances we
should take. I have read everything I could and everything I was given on
these charges against you and I can say that you were given quite a few
chances to change your attitude and that you didn't.

	Yesterday in this courtroom I was asked to give you another chance,
though I must admit a very strange chance. I took the evening to go over it
all in my mind and I can tell you that if I had a son like Mr. Daniels
there I would love him and cherish him for not just his ability to help
others, but for the fact that even after everything that you have done he
is still willing to give you a chance. That ma'am is the true love of a
child. A love that you do not seem to care for or to even want.

	Murder, attempted murder or even conspiracy to commit murder always
in my books deserves nothing less than a life sentence. However, I am not
going to give you that, what I am going to do is sentence you to five years
in prison and ten years- probation. Once release you will have the
following conditions.

You will keep the peace and be of good behavior.

You will report when and as directed by your probation officer.

You will work as a volunteer at a youth shelter for a period of five years
working no less than thirty hours a week.

You will work as a volunteer with the homeless for a period of five years
working no less than thirty hours a week.

You shall have no contact with Malcolm Daniels, Patrick Jacobs or the
Daniels family during your time in prison or while on probation.

Should you breach any one of these conditions you shall be sent back to
prison where you shall serve out the remaining time of your sentence?

	It is the hope of your son and that of the court that while you are
incarcerated and while working with the homeless and the youth that you
have a change of attitude towards your fellow man. It is my hope
Mrs. Daniels that you see and learn from your son, that no matter what he
still loves you and only wants what is truly best for you. Do you have
anything to say to this court Mrs. Daniels?" Judge Graham asked.

"No sir, I don't." Elizabeth answered.

"Very well your sentence will include the time that you have been in
remand. Mrs. Daniels I do believe that this is your last chance, use it
wisely. Case dismissed."

	Hearing everything Malcolm and Patrick stood and walked out of the
court house. Malcolm rapidly blinking his eyes as he tried to hold back the
tears he felt at the joy and sadness of ending the threats to his life.

When the two boys walked into the park they both stopped, Malcolm turned to
Patrick and kissed him right there out in the open.



More to come:

Comments welcome e-mail me at thewriter1@live.ca.