Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 23:17:22 EST
From: Bwstories8@aol.com
Subject: The Castaway Hotel - book 6, chapter 10

Legal Notice:
The following story contains descriptions of graphic sexual acts.
The story is a work of fiction and has no basis in reality.

Don't read this story if:
**You're not 18 or over,
**If it is illegal to read this type of material where you live,
**Or if you don't want to read about gay/bi people in love or having sex.

The author retains copyright to this story.  Placing this story on a
website or reproducing this story for distribution without the author's
permission is a violation of that copyright.  Legal action will be taken
against violators.

I wish to extend my thank you to Ed for his editorial assistance with this
chapter, and to Art for proofreading it for me.

E-mail responses to the stories, story suggestions, or other 'constructive'
comments or advice may be sent to: bwstories8@aol.com.

                *    *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Although the boys in these stories have unprotected sex, I strongly urge
all of you out there to be smart and protect yourselves from various
sexually transmitted diseases by using condoms when having intercourse.

                *    *     *     *     *     *     *     *

The Castaway Hotel-Book 6-by BW (Young-Friends).  Copyright 2000 by billwstories
Chapter 10 - Journeys and investigations.         October 2002

School restarted after the Christmas break, and immediately things began to
happen.  The first was something nice, and something that made me quite
proud.  I hadn't thought much of it at the time, because I thought I was
just a proud parent making more of his child's accomplishments than was
actually called for, but in this case, it was over Dion.  He had
participated in the high school's holiday concert, before the holiday
break, as a member of the chorus.  It wasn't just that he was part of the
chorus, but he had even been selected to do a solo, and I thought he had
done an excellent job.  I was very impressed with his voice and his
presence in front of the audience, but I wondered if this was just due to
my fatherly pride, or Dion's actual talent.  I had even considered this
question throughout the holiday break, as Dion expressed to me several
times how he hoped to sing in a group some day.  Now that we were back at
school, however, his music teacher shared some messages with us, notes she
had received about the concert from friends, faculty members, and parents.
Many of the writers had actually mentioned Dion specifically, commenting on
the song he sang, and the range and quality of his voice.  Dion and I were
both flattered and impressed by the comments, and we thanked the teacher
for sharing them with us.

We thought it would end there, but it didn't.  Dion's music teacher had
other things to tell us before we left, and the next item was that she
wanted to feature him in the end of the year concert as well.  Dion thanked
her for the offer, and told her that he would consider it, but that's when
she sprang her next surprise on us.  She now recommended that we enroll
Dion with a voice instructor, who would give Dion private lessons, to
polish the natural talent that he possessed.  I told her we'd have to
discuss that between ourselves, before we made any commitments, but we
asked her if she would be willing to help us find someone, if we determined
that was the course of action we wished to follow.  She said she would, and
we told her we'd get back to her about our decision.

When we got home, Dion and I talked about this in more detail, and Dion was
very psyched about doing just that, and possibly improving his vocal skills
to the point where he might even be able to sing professionally.  Although
I was sure he was thinking about becoming lead singer in a rock group, I
also indicated to him that this could also mean singing popular music or
another musical genre, including opera.  I'm not sure he would be
interested in going to those extremes, but he did seem adamant about the
vocal lessons, and I agreed that it would be a good idea.  At this point, I
got another slight surprise, when Dion told me that he'd prefer to have his
music teacher be his vocal coach, instead of having her find someone else.
I told him to discuss that with her, and see if she might be interested
first, and he said he would.

The next issue I had to deal with wasn't quite as pleasant.  This had to do
with Cole's continuing difficulty with academics.  Although we have had to
deal with Cole's learning problems for a number of years, he had been able
to make adjustments or use tutors to get him through the rough times.
However, as the years progressed, it became more and more difficult for
Cole to keep up with the workload.  Now he was midway through his junior
year of high school, and his grades were borderline, if not in dire
distress, and I think we all began to accept the fact that Cole wouldn't be
college material.  Now I sat down with Cole, to discuss his options and see
where his interests lay.  I knew he was good with his hands, as he had
always enjoyed fixing things, like his or his brother's bikes, and recently
he had expressed an interest to learn how to work on our vehicles.  After
discussing this with him at length, we decided to switch him over to a
technical program, where he would take courses in automotive repair and
machine and tool shop.  He seemed pleased with those choices, relieved that
he wouldn't have to struggle with the academic subjects that were
overwhelming him, and he thanked me for being understanding about his
difficulties.  I told him that was the least I could do, and that I long
ago realized that all of my boys had their own strengths and weaknesses,
but that didn't mean that any of them were less important or less worthy
than any of the rest.  I explained that it was time that we began to focus
on his strengths, and establish a future for him where he could be
successful and prove that he was just as vital a cog to this family as
everyone else.  I told him I would meet with his guidance counselors to set
this up for him, if that's what he wanted.  He enthusiastically said he
did, and he thanked me again for being so understanding and helping him to
do what was best for him.

As the days of January flew past, we heard several times from Ricky, as he
made his way around Australia, including a quick visit to New Zealand.  We
told him to make sure he took plenty of pictures and videos of every place
he went, so he could share them with us when he returned, and he promised
us he would.  His phone calls let us know where he was and what he was up
to, and we also got the low-down on how Kylie reacted, during their last
few days together.  He told us how she cried and carried on, asking him to
spend the last month with her, instead on traveling on his own, but he knew
this would probably be his only chance to do this, so he told her he
couldn't do that.  She got upset with him, and told him to leave, telling
him that she didn't want to see him ever again.  In a way, I was glad that
it was over, as I knew it would only muddy the waters of Ricky's future,
but I felt his pain and told him so.  I commiserated with him about that
rejection for nearly an hour, during the phone call right after that
happened, but finally he said simply, 'Well, it's over, but it was fun
while it lasted.'  Although I thought he was being too cavalier about this,
I decided not to comment on the situation further, so that's where we left
it.

Around mid-month, Mark also came back to live with us, as he was going to
work at the bank full-time now, and continue to handle my personal
portfolio, as well as dealing with parts of the Castaway Foundation's
portfolio.  He had finished all his coursework at college, and for all
intents and purposes he was now a college graduate, but his school didn't
hold a December graduation.  If he wanted to attend a graduation ceremony,
he would have to go back in May and go through the baccalaureate services
with the entire class.  At first he said he was going to skip it, because
it wasn't that important, but I finally convinced him that this was a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and that he shouldn't pass it up that
easily.  I also reminded him that his mother would probably enjoy attending
his graduation too, and that would probably also make her very proud.
After considering my comments further, he agreed to attend his graduation
ceremony, if only for his mother's sake.  I told him that was a wise
decision, and I'd make sure we all flew back to see him graduate, and I'd
send his mother a ticket too.  I also suggested that he talk with her about
moving here, so they could be together again, and he thought that was a
good idea too.  He said he'd bring it up the next time they spoke.

Near the end of the month, Cody had finished going through his chemotherapy
treatments, and the doctor was ready to re-inject the good cells back into
his body.  The doctor had taken these cells from Cody's body before he
began the chemotherapy treatments, frozen them, until it was time to use
them again, and it was now that time.  The doctor assured me, that from
what he could tell, the diseased cells in Cody's body had been totally
destroyed, and now we had to reintroduce the good cells, so they could
duplicate and get his body back, to its normal, healthy state.  The
procedure went smoothly, and we were told the doctor wanted to see Cody
again, in a couple of weeks, to make sure everything was going smoothly.
We left his office, confident that things were going to be all right now.

Next, we had two more matters to occupy our mind, one concerning Nick, and
the other involving Ricky.  First, Nick got a letter at the end of January,
notifying that he had been accepted as an exchange student, and informing
him that he would be going to a small village, an hour or so away from Sao
Paulo, Brazil.  Nick was thrilled to learn about his acceptance, even more
excited to know that he would be going to Brazil, but, as he guessed, he
would be leaving a couple of weeks after his own school year ended.  This
was what happened to Ricky too, in that he had to give up his own summer
vacation to begin his exchange program, but this didn't seem to be a b ig
deal to Nick.  There was one major difference between their experiences,
however, and that was Ricky had been heading in his senior year when he
left, but Nick was only going to be a junior.  This meant Nick would still
have his senior year at home, once his year away had ended, where Ricky
would only be back for the final few months of his senior year.

Speaking of Ricky, that was the other thing on our agenda.  Ricky had now
finished his month of independent travel, and he was coming home soon.  We
were going to pick him up at Kennedy airport, and I think we were all
excited about seeing him again.  Of course, we had to take two vehicles to
do this, as the family could no longer squeeze into just one, so Jake drove
the Suburban and I drove the van, and we headed off for the Big Apple, to
rescue our prodigal son.  I had received numerous emails from Ricky, and
spoken with him on the phone several times during this period, so I was
very familiar with what he had done and what his return plans were.  What
Ricky didn't know was that I had made a few plans of my own, for his
return.

We had driven to the airport and were waiting near the baggage claim area
when Ricky appeared.  He spotted us immediately, and sprinted toward us,
before he embraced me in an enormous bear hug, nearly squeezing all the air
from my lungs.  After I kissed his forehead and welcomed him home, he
performed a similar ritual with Jake, and then with all his brothers,
including giving a special hello and welcome to his newest brother.  As I
introduced Cody to him, Ricky wrapped his arms around him, lifted the
smaller boy into the air, and then he spun him around in a circle, making
the rest of us jump back, so we didn't get nailed by Cody's wildly swinging
feet and legs.  Cody was enjoying the attention that Ricky was giving him,
and when Ricky put him back on the ground, Ricky kissed Cody on the
forehead, put his arm over and around Cody's shoulder, and said, "Hey,
little bro, would you like to help me carry my bags?"

Cody nodded vigorously, pleased to do anything for this special guy, who
had just endeared himself to him, as no one else could have done.  The rest
of us merely stood there and watched, as all of this took place, giving the
pair even more time to bond.  I had concluded long before they met, that
Ricky and Cody would hit it off, as they were much alike.  The only
difference was, I didn't foresee that it would happen this quickly, or in
such a dramatic way.  It was a pleasure to observe, however, and I knew we
all beamed as those two got to know each other better.  From that point on,
those two walked side-by-side, carrying most of Ricky's things, and they
talked and got to know each other better, as they went.  I overheard Ricky
grilling Cody about many areas of his background, things he was interested
in, and how he liked it at our house so far, and Cody seemed pleased to
answer every one of his questions.  This appeared to bother Graham at
first, as he kind of felt that he was the one Cody needed right now, but I
quickly spoke to him, telling him that what Cody really needed was to know
everyone in the family now, not just him.  After we discussed this topic
further, he finally gave in, agreeing to leave those two alone, to continue
on without him butting in.

When the topic moved to Cody's illness, Ricky wanted to know all about it,
and he also wanted to know if there was anything he could do to help.  Cody
thanked Ricky for his offer, but told him things were going well, and he
hoped to be completely cured before long.  Ricky told him he was glad to
hear that, but he let Cody know that he'd be there for him, just the same,
and I could tell these two were just like two peas in a pod, except for the
age difference.  They also sat beside each other on the way home, with
Graham sitting on the other side of Cody, and Ricky told them about his
time in Australia, and about some of the souvenirs he had brought home with
him.  These were things everyone could enjoy, beginning with a couple of
boomerangs, and a didjeridu, an aboriginal musical instrument, which he had
been shown how to play.  The mention of the boomerangs had seemed to
interest more than just Cody and Graham, and I could just see these things
whizzing around our yard, possibly taking out a few windows, or skulls, in
the process.  I'd have to issue a few warnings, before those little gadgets
were unleashed on the old homestead.

Ricky also told them about some of the things he had on video, things he
knew we'd all appreciate, including some footage of a short tour he'd taken
in the Outback.  He told us that experience was kind of wild and freaky,
and he was sure that aspect of it would also be apparent in the video too.
He told the boys that he felt a little like Crocodile Dundee on this trip,
though he didn't really do or get near anything dangerous, but it was just
the feeling he had while he was out there.  This seemed to intrigue the
boys, and they couldn't want to see those videos, but we all knew that
would have to wait.

As we pulled into the driveway, Ricky looked out the window and noticed the
huge banner we had hanging from the roof over the porch, welcoming him back
home, and then our front door burst open, as Jay came charging out to
welcome his best friend back home.  Jay had probably missed Ricky as much,
if not more, than the rest of us, just because the pair had also been so
close.  Even though Ricky had emailed him, sent him post cards, and spoken
to him a few times on the phone, it was being around Ricky that Jay had
missed the most.  Typical of the old Jay, but most likely caused by his
great excitement, he tripped as he raced down the sidewalk, and did a
header beside the van, just as Ricky was getting out.

"Still a major klutz, I see," Ricky told him, grinning.

Jay was embarrassed by this seeming regression into his uncoordinated past,
but he knew how to respond to Ricky.  "I just wanted to make you feel at
home, and show you that nothing had changed," he retorted, flashing a
toothy grin.

"Well, you knew exactly what to do then," Ricky teased back.  The two boys
laughed and then hugged each other, and now Jay and Cody helped Ricky
gather all his things and take them into the house.  As he entered, Ricky
got another momentary shock, as voices screamed out, "Surprise!"  Now,
bodies began to flood the room from all directions, as they came out from
hiding, and Ricky was amazed that everyone seemed to be there.  Among his
'greeters' were the Spences, the Shays, Aunt Sally, and the Beckers.  From
out of that pack, Little Ricky came tearing up to him, to welcome his idol
back home.  In addition to those guests, Mark was there as well, along with
several of his school friends, including his old girl friend, who had a
very warm welcome back kiss to plant on him.  It was one of the few times I
have actually seen Ricky blush.

Now all of his brothers began to tease him, not willing to pass up this
opportunity to give Ricky a bit of his own medicine, but Ricky handled it
well, knowing he had to be able to take it, as well as dish it out.  Ricky
endured a few minutes of good-natured ribbing, including some mimicking of
the kiss he had just received, and even Mr. Spence got into the mood,
telling Ricky he didn't realize he was such a lady's man and a good
'smoocher'.  Everyone got a chuckle out of that comment.

There was also a little surprise for me too, as there was a big meal ready
for all of us to enjoy, before we cut into the humongous cake I had
ordered, to welcome Ricky back home.  I should have realized that our close
friends, really more like extended family, wouldn't have passed up this
opportunity to do something special.  It was a very nice gesture, and one
that Ricky made sure he acknowledged in his inimitable Ricky fashion, by
kissing and dancing with all the women, and giving all the men 'Dutch rubs'
in appreciation. That's where he wraps one arm around the guy's neck,
rubbing the knuckles of his other hand across the top of the guy's head,
and through his hair, if he had any, kind of simulating a rug burn.
Everyone seemed to accept this as just being a part of Ricky's style,
although I'm not so sure they would have been so gracious if anyone else
had done the same thing to them.  It's just that they all knew Ricky so
well, and they realized this was just his method of showing he cared about
someone.

After we finished eating, Ricky interacted with our guests for a couple of
hours, paying particular attention to Little Ricky and Cody.  After that,
he asked if he could take off with his friends for a while, and I told him
he could, as I figured there might be a certain young lady he wanted to get
reacquainted with.  I thought this might help him get over having had to
leave Kylie behind, and possibly get him past his grief over their
separation.  I told him I'd explain his departure to everyone else, so he
gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek, even in front of his friends, but I
think they understood this was just part of Ricky's nature.  Once they had
left, I told the others that he had some catching up to do, and I think
they all got my drift, so no one had any negative comments about his
disappearance.

I understand the group only remained together for less than an hour, before
Ricky and the girl went off on their own, though we were sure the others
had expected that to happen all along.  Ricky used that time to inform his
old girlfriend about Kylie, explaining to her how difficult it had been for
him to leave her, and how she had reacted, just before he left.  The girl
was sympathetic and comforting, concerning Ricky's pain, and she soon had
Ricky wrapped in her arms, in an effort to console him.  At first she was
only concerned with making him feel better, but soon it evolved into
something a little more passionate, with her kissing Ricky, complete with
probing tongue.  Soon they were aggressively making out, like they had done
in the past, though it never escalated into sex.  I think that night she
helped Ricky put Kylie completely behind him, and now he was ready to move
on with the rest of his life.

The next day, Sunday, was reserved to be a 'family only' day.  Of course
Jay was included in that, as he had spent the night with us, but hey, he is
family too.  The first thing we did was to go to church, as a family,
something we did on a fairly regular basis.  Today we would acknowledge our
sincere thanks for Ricky's safe return, for Nick's being selected as an
exchange student, and for Cody's medical progress, thus far.  Of course
there was much more than that which we were also thankful for, but those
items were the ones currently at the top of our list, and therefore the
ones that seemed to take priority.  In addition to this, we also wanted to
ask God to continue to watch over Cody, and guide his future recovery, as
this was definitely the most important issue that concerned us.

During the service, I noticed Cody was sitting between Ricky and Graham
again, but I knew his fascination with Ricky would probably be short lived,
as Ricky got back into his schoolwork and back together with his friends.
It wasn't that Ricky would ignore Cody completely after that, but I knew
the age difference would impact it, plus the current infatuation would soon
lessen, and they'd each go their separate way.  I knew it was Cody and
Graham who would be most like to depend on one another, and that Ricky was
just a temporary distraction, or the 'novelty de jour'.

The church service was fairly short, considering how long they generally
take, and afterward we were barraged by people who wanted to either speak
with Ricky, or were curious to discover how Cody was making out with his
treatments.  That just made me realize that it's nice to be part of a
larger family too, like your church or your community.  After we left the
church, I took everyone out to brunch, and this gave us more time to talk
and enjoy each other's company.  I loved to do this, because I was always
so proud of my boys when we were out in public, not only because they were
such a great group, but also because I never had to worry about them doing
anything seriously wrong or inappropriate.  Then again, there was also the
fact that I was used to getting compliments about them, from total
strangers, and that always made me feel great too.

The boys spent the rest of Sunday afternoon playing games, and after
dinner, we got our first look at some of the videos Ricky had taken on his
trip.  The first video showed Ricky's host family, their home, the school
he had attended, and we even got our first glimpse at Kylie.  I could
immediately see why Ricky was so taken with her, as she was quite a looker,
and I could tell as he told us about her, that he still had some feelings
for her, including a little remorse that they had to split up.  I also
realized there probably wasn't anything I could do to make this situation
any easier for him, so I kept my mouth shut, and I also refused to consider
broaching this topic with him later.

The second video was of Ricky, his host brother, Peter, and some of their
friends playing soccer.  I was told Kylie taped all of this, as it was
quite jerky and focused mostly on Ricky, but the remainder of that tape
included one of the day trips he had taken with his family.  The next tape
contained another trip they had taken together, but the end of that video
contained a lengthy view of Ricky and Peter skinny-dipping in the host
family's pool.  Ricky quickly explained that this took place in December,
between Christmas and New Year's, which is summertime in Australia.  He
explained that only the two of them were home, and he had talked Peter into
trying this, and that he flicked the camcorder on, when Peter wasn't
looking.  It had been sitting on the patio table, so no one actually took
these shots, and that Peter had no idea he had taken them.  Ricky was
planning on sending Peter an email later, telling him about what he had
done, now that he was back home.  He was pretty sure Peter wouldn't mind,
but he wanted to make sure we all got to 'see' the real Peter, as he knew
some of his brothers would be particularly interested in this cute guy.  He
was right on that point, as there were numerous comments about Peter's body
and vital areas, and I could see the wheels spinning in some of my boys'
heads, as they ogled this young hunk.

Another video contained the visual record of a portion of Ricky's solo
trip.  This tape contained some great shots of some of Australia's native
inhabitants, both animal and human, and we were amazed by what we saw.
Ricky had zoomed in on some kangaroos, hopping nonchalantly in the Outback,
got a good view of a pack of dingoes (wild dogs), and he even had some
close-ups of crocodiles sunning themselves, on a bank, while others we
lurking just below the surface of the water.  It was a real eye-opener, as
to how close he must have been at that point, though he insisted there was
a good distance between them,.  He also insisted that he had never placed
himself in any danger, and the zoom lens made it appear that he was closer
than he actually was.

Also on that video, there was a portion that showed him with some Bushmen,
but this was an unusual group, one that didn't cling to all the old ways.
These people made money allowing themselves to be photographed with
tourists, thus enabling them to purchase things they would not otherwise
have access to.  This group was clothed more than we would normally have
expected, possibly because it was partially staged not to offend the
sensibilities of the tourists, but they were still an interesting group.
They even performed a couple of ceremonies, unique to their kind, and they
also demonstrated a few ancient survival skills, which had been passed down
through the ages.  It was quite enlightening, and everyone seemed to enjoy
sharing some of Ricky's experiences.

We stopped after that last video, leaving something for another day,
besides I knew some of the boys still had homework to finish, and most
still had other things to do, to be ready for classes on Monday.  Ricky
would be rejoining his class at that time, and I could tell he was looking
forward to it, or maybe just looking forward to seeing a certain young girl
again.  Whatever the reason, he was in high spirits.  This was also
partially due to the fact he and Jay were back together again, as well as
the fact that he was bonding quickly with his newest brother.  All in all,
I'd say it had been a very successful homecoming.

Ricky's adjustment in returning to school went smoothly as well, and he was
glad to be back for the end of his senior year.  Now he'd be able to attend
the prom, the end of year parties, and take part in his graduation
ceremony.  He would also be able to finish up those last couple of credits
he needed to graduate, though he'd be taking double sessions in each
subject, to make up for the semester he had already missed.  He knew it
wasn't going to be easy, but he wanted to do it this way, and I knew he'd
hold up his end of the bargain.

Tuesday, Cody had another appointment with the oncologist, and I was
anxious to learn how he was doing.  After we were called in, one of the
staff drew some blood from Cody's arm, and then she took it to the lab, to
be analyzed.  We were left sitting in the examination room, while this was
being done, and twenty minutes later the doctor came into the room.
Unfortunately, he wasn't smiling, and I hoped that was just because he was
either busy or tired.  He shut the door to the examination room, turned
toward us, and spoke.  "I'm afraid things aren't going as well as I'd
hoped."

"What do you mean?" I asked him.

"The reintroduction of Cody's cells into his system hasn't worked like I
hoped.  From what I can tell, his body isn't producing more healthy cells,
as it was supposed to do.  It is possible that his cells weren't quite as
healthy or strong as we had hoped."

"Does that mean his body is producing more diseased cells?"

"No, not that I can detect.  However, we have to get his body producing the
healthy cells again, and in order to do that, it looks like we'll need an
outside donor."

"That's no problem.  My family has wanted to be tested, to see if they
could donate cells to Cody, so all you'll have to do is tell us is where to
go and when."

"I'm pleased to know that, but Cody is not biologically related to any of
the family, is he?"

"No.  Is that a problem?"

"Not a problem, exactly, but when the patient's own cells don't take, we'd
prefer to use someone biologically connected to the patient.  It has a
better chance of taking that way."

I wanted to talk honest and openly with the doctor, but Cody was in the
room and I wanted to spare him having to listen to me explaining to the
doctor that he had no living relatives, and the circumstances surrounding
his situation.  I hesitated slightly, and then I spoke to the doctor.  "I
think we should speak in private about this, doctor."

"No way," Cody blurted out.  "This is about me, and I have a right to hear
what's going on."  He had this very determined look on his face, as he said
this.

"Cody," I began, as I tried to smooth his ruffled feathers, "sometimes it's
better if we don't have to relive some of the bad parts of our life."

"You mean because my mother's dead and I still don't know who my father
is?"  His saying this openly shocked me, but he was right.

"Yes, that's partly it.  I know things like that can bring back many
unpleasant memories."

"I don't care.  I want to be here, so I can listen to what's going on."

"Are you sure about this?" I asked him, not wanting him to get hurt any
more than he already was.  However, I could tell he was not about to give
in on this one.

"Yes, Dad, I'm sure."  Now he smiled at me, and I knew this was because he
had called me dad, maybe as an incentive to get me to give in to him.

"Okay, if you're determined about this."  I turned to the doctor and
continued.  "Cody's mother passed away, and as far as I know, she didn't
know for sure who Cody's father was."

"That's not right," Cody interrupted.  "She told me it was one of two guys,
she just didn't know which one.  She gave me their names, in case I ever
wanted to look them up."

"Do you have those names?" the doctor asked him.

"Yes.  I keep that paper in with my other things."

"Do you think we could try to find them, to see if one of them is a match?
That would actually be Cody's best chance at beating this."

"If it will help Cody get better, I'd fly to the moon to find them."  Cody
looked over and gave me the most loving look you could ever imagine.  I
think it was because he knew I'd do just about anything, if it would help
him get better.

"Good," the doctor replied, breaking the connection Cody and I had
established.  Now we both looked back at the doctor.  "I'll need to have
them tested as soon as possible, to see if either of them is a match."

"And what if they're not?" I asked him.

"In that case, we'll test your family, and if none of them is a match, then
we'll search the National Marrow Donor Program registry."

We thanked the doctor, finished up at the office, and then I took Cody
home.  I wanted to get started on trying to find his father, as quickly as
was humanly possible.  When we reached the house, Cody raced up to his
room, and soon returned holding a folded, yet crumpled, piece of paper.  As
he handed it to me, he spoke.  "I already know that neither of these men is
very nice, so you don't have to worry about saying anything that might hurt
my feelings."

"Cody, who they are, or were, has nothing to do with whom you are now.  You
are one of the finest young men I have ever had the pleasure to meet, and
just because one of your parents might not have been one of the most
upstanding citizens around, it certainly has no reflection on you.  You
have nothing to prove, or nothing to be ashamed of."

"Thanks, Dad.  I appreciate that, and the boys have all told me that you're
great when they need you most.  I sure am glad that I got to come here to
live."

"Hey, I'm only taking care of my boys, the way a father should do, and
they're the finest group of young men a man could ever hope to be able to
call his sons.  Now, why don't you go do something fun, while I make some
calls, to see if we can locate these two fellows."  He smiled, hugged me,
and gave me a kiss, and then he ran off, to find something to do.

I now looked at the two names on the paper, appreciating the fact that
Cody's mother had been smart enough to do this for him, but I also wondered
who had been her pimp and who had been the John.  I guess it didn't really
matter, but if one of the two had to be the father, I was hoping it was the
John.  Maybe he was a nice guy in real life, who was unlucky at love, and
he just needed a sexual release from time to time. I felt this way because
I knew the other was not only a pimp, but also a drug pusher to boot, and I
didn't want Cody to have to bear that burden now too.  However, I guess
we'll have to cross that bridge when we come to it.

Being uncertain as to how to go about finding these two men, I contacted my
best friend and legal advisor, Steven Shay.  I described the situation to
him, and asked for his advice, as to what my next move should be.  He
quickly explained to me that he had a private investigator, whom he used
from time to time, and he gave me the guy's name and phone number, telling
me to get in touch with him and tell him that he had referred me.  I
thanked him, once more in debt to him for his assistance, and I called the
private investigator.  He picked the phone up on the third ring.

"John Stokes Investigations," the voice answered.

"Hi, Mr. Stokes.  My name is Josh Currie, and Judge Steven Shay referred me
to you."

"Ah, yes, Steve.  He's a good man, and an even better client.  Do you know
him well?'

"Yes, he is my best friend.  We have been close for a very long time, and
he is honorary Uncle to all my boys."

"All your boys?  I take it you have a large family then?"

"You might say that, and I'm coming to you, because I need your assistance
to help one of them."  I went on to explain the situation to him, telling
him about Cody's illness and emphasizing the urgency in finding the two
gentlemen as quickly as we could.  I also gave him information about
myself, explaining to him how this was going to affect all of us, as well.
He listened carefully, and then he spoke.

"What information do you have, to help me find these guys?"

"The boy's mother left him with a piece of paper, giving him their full
names, nicknames, and a third item, which I assume to be their date of
birth.  I hope this information is sufficient and accurate, but I can't
vouch for that."

"Well, let me copy this information down, and then I'll do some preliminary
investigation work.  Before you hang up, I'll try to give you an idea of
how difficult this might be.  Did Steve also explain to you how I bill my
clients?"

"Yes, and that's perfectly fine with me.  I'll even pay you a bonus, if you
can come up with this information quickly."

"Then I'll start as soon as we hang up, but before I do, you have to
realize this might not be easy.  I'll begin by seeing if they have any
criminal history, and also try to determine if they've paid taxes anytime
during the past ten years.  Either of these sources would give me their
last known address and their social security number.  If I can't locate
them that way, I'll check drivers' records, beginning in their last known
state of residency, and then spreading out to adjoining states, if that is
unsuccessful.  I will also check the Internet, scanning phone listings and
such, and I hope that one of those will do the trick.  If not, I'll resort
to plan B.  I'll get in touch with you, just as soon as I learn anything."

I thanked him, hung up, and then just sat and wondered how long this might
take.  Cody couldn't afford for this to be a long and dragged out process,
so I hoped my offering the bonus would encourage the P.I. to come up with
results more quickly than he otherwise would.

                  *    *     *     *     *     *     *     *

If you have enjoyed reading this story, you will find other stories by me
by clicking on the Nifty author link and scrolling down to "BW".  This will
give you the links for everything I have posted there.

E-mails may be sent to: bwstories8@aol.com.