Juan and his Patron
By:
Jon Stewart
(© 2019 by the author)
The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's
consent. Comments are appreciated at...
jstewart@tickiestories.us
Chapter 10
The storm huffed and puffed for another day but all were dry, warm and safe at the Patron’s shelter. Except for one Mr. De Carlo who only had a tarp to keep him dry.
It was decided that Maria, Theresa and Christina would share one bed room; Francisco and Rosa had the other bedroom, Juan, Eduardo, Tomas, Jose, Carlos, and many of the basket ball team took cots and sleeping bags around the house. Since the incident with Mr. De Carlo it was thought they should be prudent in protecting the Patron’s belongings. Patron objected saying,
“These are all good people we do not need to fear them.”
But Francisco said. “it will only take one to free De Carlo and together raise havoc.”
The Patron did not object to having so many of his favorite people around so there was little discussion.
The storm finally blew itself out of Portimao and was off to bring a little less devastation up north and into Spain. The sun of Portugal was again shining and was a most welcome site. The people came out of their tents and wanted to see to their houses and belongings. It was not to be; the flood water was receding painfully slowly. It would be another 2 days before they could get to see what if anything they could salvage.
The Patron got a call from Jorge Rodriguez. He was arranging his relief convoy and had been advised by the national police that the coast road was still impassable. “Patron what of the North Bridge; can we get to you that way?”
“Ohh Jorge, what a story I have to tell about the bridge; however to answer your question, NO Jorge you cannot get to us from the North Bridge. The only way over it; is to fly.”
“Ohh my, did Francisco use it, Jon?”
“Yes he did and a harrowing escape he had. When you get here I shall do, a show and tell, for you.”
“Really, anything else we can do for show and tell?”
“Jorge, what are you suggesting? Did I tell you I am gay?”
“Have you heard the saying, takes one to know one?”
“ Jorge, you are a sly one. I shall look forward to your relief column with much anticipation.”
“I too will look forward to meeting you again with much excitement.”
“Ohh my, my excitement. When the boys have excitement they have arousal.”
“Si Patron, until my relief column can get there, bye now.”
“Be safe my friend.”
Jon Dougherty had not had so much fun sparing back and forth for many a year.
The magistrate could not wait for the water to recede. He had to get out and survey the damage. He took the police chief and the fire chief with him. He was so fearful that they would also find one of his villagers lying face down in the terrible flood waters. Thankfully, that was not the case. As they rowed about the village, he made notes to give a report to those at the high school. The lowest portion of the village looked like it was completely destroyed. It was where Francisco and Maria lived. There were about 20 homes lost there. The business district didn’t look too bad. Certainly it had flooded, drywall with mildew would need to be replaced but the buildings looked structurally sound. He got to the Patron’s hill and walked the kilometer or up to his villa. At the gate he saw Mr. De Carlo. The Patron had given him a report on De Carlo to include what Francisco had said.
“Ahh, Mr. De Carlo, you are looking well, lost some weight have we?”
“Thank God magistrate, these people have no respect for their betters. Will you please free me magistrate?”
“Mr. De Carlo, are you saying these people do not recognize you to be their better?”
“Yes, magistrate.”
“And who Mr. De Carlo said you were better than these my villagers?”
Fearing the conversation not going his way De Carlo took one last try to convince the magistrate. “Magistrate, you know that people like us born to money and power are better than peasants and laborers. We deserve the respect of our heritage. Is this not so?”
“No De Carlo, I do not agree with you. All men are equal in the eyes of God. The cast system that you reference is hundreds of years old and has been outlawed for decades. It has no standing in our society. You are a fool to think you are better than another man because your father or his father made some money. We shall have formal hearing on your disorderly conduct, your assaults and the fraud you perpetuated against our village very shortly. Prepare your defense.”
“Magistrate how can I. This is not fair.”
“Really, what does that sign around your neck say? You were to take the food out of the mouths of babies. You fat piece of garbage, you talk to me about fair, I have the power to have you hanged if I choose, you despicable scum. Test me and I may just use it. Prepare, it will do you no good but it is the system.”
The magistrate was welcomed by the Patron. “Magistrate welcome, thank you for coming to our humble shelter. Can we assist you in any way?”
“Yes, Patron, I would like to dispose of that scum by your gate immediately. May I use your study to conduct his trial?”
“Of course, magistrate, it is a bit small for such a proceeding. But you are welcome to it.” The Patron had never seen the magistrate in such an agitated state.
“No matter it will be fine. Senior police chief you shall act as the court clerk. Understood?”
“Yes, magistrate.”
“Bring that scoundrel before me then.”
De Carlo was untied and brought forth.
“De Carlo you are charged with being a disorderly person and when confronted you are charged with assault on the person on Eduardo De Silva. How do you plea and do not attempt to waste this courts time.”
“Guilty with an explanation, magistrate.”
“No explanation can excuse your behavior, De Carlo. Your guilty plea is accepted and it was very wise on your part. It is easier to be merciful on a man who admits his guilt. Your sentence is jail time 60 days and a fine of 20,000 euro. Jail time is suspended with the provision that you never show your face in Portimao again. Should you come into our village you will be immediately jailed. Am I clear, do you understand?”
“Si magistrate; but how am I to leave with the flood water.”
“Yes that is a problem. You shall remain in the custody of the police chief until the flood water recedes.”
De Carlo went to leave with the police chief.
“Not so fast, De Carlo, we also have the issue of the fraud of your company upon Portimao with construction projects where you used substandard materials. How do you plea?”
“Not guilty, magistrate!!”
“Really, not guilty, Francisco De Silva please come as witness before the court.”
“Francisco, do you swear that your testimony is the truth and the whole truth so help you God?”
“Si magistrate.”
“Tell us what you know of the material used by De Carlo on the village projects.”
“The wood was specified as oak, pine was provided and used. The concrete mix was specified to be mortar, sand mix was used, the hardware was specified to be stainless steel, dull chrome plated was used. This was done over and over by De Carlo, it was not an honest mistake and laborers and tradesmen were cautioned to not say a word or lose their job and food for their families.”
“De Carlo what do you say.”
“Lies, lies by a disgruntled ex employee.”
“What is your worth De Carlo; your house, your investments, your accounts?”
“I am not sure magistrate.”
“Guess damn it, and do not lie for I shall send investigators.”
“I guess about one million euro or thereabouts .” a resigned De Carlo said.
“Do you have family De Carlo?”
“Yes magistrate, my wife, two sons and a daughter.”
“This court finds you guilty, sentence is two years of jail time, suspended and a fine of 300,000 euro payable one week after the flood water recedes and your release. If it were not for your family I would have taken more. Do not pay, cause an appeal or any other stupidity and I will have you jailed after the proceeding. Do not be stupid, we have but to inspect the materials to prove the case.”
“Do you understand the sentence, De Carlo?”
“Si magistrate.”
“ Good then, I hope you learn from this De Carlo. If you honor the fines all you will lose is money. You have family to care for; please do so and do not come into our village ever again. YOU ARE BANNED!! Police chief take De Carlo into your custody.”
WOW, the Patron thought. Justice swift and fairly put out. Nothing like this ever could be done in the states. He had to admit to himself It was fair and efficient and merciful.
De Carlo disposed of the magistrate became his normal jovial and caring self.”Patron, I understand that we have had some experiences here that were not so ordinary. Could you describe them to me?”
“I could but maybe better we go to what was the North Bridge, so you can see how perilous a situation was faced.”
“Yes, excellent, I need the sunshine to free me of the taste of De Carlo.”
Patron, gathered the group into his van. Francisco with Jose and Carlos, Rosa, Maria and Eduardo, Juan and Tomas wanted to see as did Theresa and, of course the magistrate.
The storm had done even more damage to the bridge. Many floor planks were loose or missing. The Bridge was now 10 meters from land and 10 meters below the level of the land. Francisco’s van was visible on the other side.
“Magistrate, the bridge was in better shape when somehow Francisco had gotten my van across, He had Eduardo with Jose and Carlo walked across as well. They came to the villa for help. He went back to off load his van. Rosa, Maria, Eduardo carried the tents and cots and sleeping bags to a point 2/3 down the bridge where the weakness was most evident. Little Jose fastened ropes and we pulled the cargo the last third to where you stand. Carlos worked at empting the van. When all the cargo was across, I feared the wind and the bridge would not hold so we had to get ropes first on Maria & Rosa, then on Eduardo & Carlos and finally Francisco and little Jose for them to cross. Courageous little Jose went back and forth several times carrying the safety ropes. There was not an issue for Maria & Rosa nor Eduardo and Carlos but it was when Jose and Francisco went to cross that the bridge gave way. They jumped for this side but fell short. It was most scary for Francisco as his weight was too much to pull him up. Rosa put them all to the test for she would not let her husband fall into the abyss. We got Jose on land and he ran to the rope of Francisco as we all did and bit by bit we got him up on land.”
“Oh my God, Oh my God, what an experience; what courage displayed by all of you; but especially little Jose.”
Francisco said, “Yes, he gave me courage. He told me he lost his papa to such a storm and as I became his adopted papa he was not going to lose me.”
Patron continued, “The story does not end here magistrate, when we all got back to the villa we received your call about the tidal waves. Francisco, Carlos and Jose went and helped many people to the hill. Jose went to help a little 2 year old girl when he was hit by one of the tidal waves. Carlos helping the grandmother turned and saw Jose get hit. The grandmother was safe in knee deep water so Carlos went to help his brother. He got him and the girl to the surface when another wave hit all of them. Francisco found all of them lifeless on the bottom. The boys were still holding the little girl. They probably could have left her and with 2 hands got to the surface for air. Francisco brought them to the surface, got them on a boat with the help of Miguel and Hector. Once on the hill, Tomas administered CPR to his brothers and Juan to the girl, Elizabeth. Only the determination and skill of Tomas saved them; for poor Juan only copied his friend. You see magistrate we have many heroes here at our shelter.”
The magistrate was in awe and he could not help but let tears fall from his eyes as he went from one to the other thanking them for what they did. “That terrible storm saw much of our village destroyed but thanks to your efforts not one life was taken. I and all of Portamao are in your debt for helping us all to survive. Yes, we have many heroes. Tomas how did you come to know this CPR?”
“My papa, he loved the healing and reading of the skills required and he always shared with me what he learned. It was his hope that he would be able to send me to University to be a real doctor. But alas with him gone that does not seem possible. The cost is too much for my family.”
“I want you to teach the CPR to the fire department and the police as soon as the flood waters recede. Maybe the village could help with the University. Would you want to practice your medicine here in Portamao?”
“There would be no better place magistrate. To be able to help family and friends is one of the greatest gifts you can receive.”
“I shall talk to the council. It would be good to have a doctor here in our village.”
Tomas was smiling from ear to ear. He never thought after his papa passed that such a thing could happen. He now had hope.
“And you Juan, I expect someday you would like to have my job?”
“Ohh no magistrate, I am not worthy of it although I see all the good that you do and I think yours in the best job in the whole world. To dispatch a scoundrel like De Carlo yet do it with mercy for his family. To be able to think of all the consequences of the action, well it is amazing. I would never in a hundred, in a thousand years be as you.”
“Ahh my boy, I think you too humble, if you were to go to University what would you study?”
“It is a dream but perhaps political science. To be able to see and understand about government and how to be of service to the people would be such an honor.”
“Very good, I think I would want you to take my job when I retire.”
Juan just hung his head he did not know what to say…then it came to him; words his father had said years ago. “Remember repay in kind a kindness or a compliment given and you’ll be better for it.”
“Thank you magistrate that is so kind of you to say but if I would be I’m afraid folks would come banging on your door for you to come back; for no one could take your place.”
Magistrate just smiled, then turned to Eduardo. “Quite strong Eduardo, if you were to go to University what would you study?”
‘I magistrate, you ask me, I am not worthy of such a thing.”
“Well humor me Eduard, leave others to decide your worthiness.”
“I guess, I would like to study architecture and engineering so I with my papa could fix that damn bridge once and for all.”
“Well Eduardo, a lofty piece of work. Would you be willing to do work for the village.”
“Si magistrate, if my skills could be helpful what better thing to do but to help your family, friends and community.”
“ A noble endeavor for sure Eduardo and what of Jose, if you could go to University what course of study would there be for you?”
Jose was stunned that the magistrate would even think of him. “Me??? Magistrate?? No one has ever asked such a question to me. I am the son of a poor fisherman, now gone to God how would I get to University…. I do dream though magistrate and in them of being a help to Tomas who is a great doctor, he would take all the terrible hard cases and alleviate the pain and keep death from the door. I might be able to apply a bandage or provide a medication. Tomas is a great healer I would be a fool to think I could do what he does but to be a help would make my heart happy.”
“Jose my courageous young friend, I think you do not see the strength that is in your heart. I predict that you like Tomas will be a great doctor. Does Carlos your bother share your love of medicine?”
Carlos spoke up, “No magistrate, medicine is not my dream. Besides Theresa, I love numbers and figuring ways to invest. I would love to help people invest and make a lot of money. Do they have a course at University for such a thing?”
“Yes, Carlos I think it is called accounting. Would you be willing to work for the village?”
“Ohh Si magistrate it would be a great honor to work for you.”
“ Let me see maybe the village can make scholarships to the University for young men like yourselves who will live and work in our village and help it to grow and prosper.”
A voice was heard in the back in the group. Rosa was saying, “Go on Theresa say it. Say what is in your heart.”
“Magistrate, is it only for boys that there could be scholarships. I would like to be a nurse would not the village need a nurse.”
“Oh my, oh my how stupid of me, I apologize Theresa, Rosa of course the scholarships would be for both boys and girls. Please forgive me and forgive my, not giving enough credit to the work of feeding so many. Thank you all so much.”
With that the magistrate concluded his visit. He stopped by the Patron and told of the 30 billion euro loan he received to rebuild the town and at a very favorable interest rate.
“Thank you for the heads up Patron.”
“ It was nothing, nothing at all just a thought, glad it bore fruit.”
Juan over heard the conversation and had to add his bit, “Magistrate does having that money mean you could suspend taxes on people without homes and businesses that cannot operate?”
“Ahh Juan what a wonderful magistrate you will make. I had not thought of that but of course how we can tax a home where none exists or a business that cannot function. Yes I shall provide a format to suspend taxes. Excellent Juan, excellent!!”
After two days time there was still a bit of water in the low spots of the streets; But. Jorge was able to get his relief convoy through and provided food, drinking water more tents, cots and sleeping bags. A camp was set up for those whose homes were completely destroyed. Jorge stayed overnight with the Patron and his many, many guests. Patron did offer Jorge the use of his bedroom and Jorge eagerly accepted. Diego found Miguel and together they inspected Miguel’s home, which was for the most part salvageable. Diego stayed with Miguel while helping with the relief effort. Emergency meetings were held daily at the town hall. As opposed to the many small houses in the area of Francisco’s house it was decided that condo’s raised with parking on the first floor would take their place. Francisco was given the contract without another bid. He hired almost all of the tradesmen and laborers who worked for De Carlo. He made it part of the contract that 60% of the profit would be given back to all the workers. The workers never having such an opportunity did all that was possible to bring the project in under budget, in the fastest time and with the best quality. Businesses reopened, the beach was restored, little Portamao was a very busy place. Tourists came again and each was welcomed by the magistrate, himself. He feared loss of tourists but all remarked on the progress made to the village.
There was one section of town where boys and girls sold themselves. The Patron upon hearing of this went straight to the magistrate.
“Magistrate, this cannot be, allowing children to prostitute themselves . Why for money to live. This must change magistrate.”
“Si, but how, Patron? They do it to feed themselves and often family. How do we provide for them? There are many.”
“Very simple magistrate, you provide housing and food and clothes and education so they can get real jobs and not be sex workers. I shall build the home for them. You magistrate get the council to pass funds for them, another tax on the wealthy if it must be. Magistrate this must be done. We cannot have children being sex workers.”
“If you build the building, to house them, I’ll get the town to provide their maintenance.”
“Also provide a law that anyone under 21 cannot be a sex worker.”
The Patron wanted to have a meeting with the children who sold himself. But how to gather them; he asked Juan and Tomas.
“Simple, Patron, offer food and or money. I know some of them from grammar school. It is so sad their mamas or papas die and with no money this is how they survive.” Juan replied.
“Patron, but for Juan and you, there would have been my fate.” Tomas added.
Notices were printed “All you can eat and 10 euro for the young sex workers. Only to listen to the American Patron.” Juan and Tomas got the team to help hand out the notices. The day of the meeting about 100 boys and girls came. The Patron had his little speech prepared.
“I don’t want to offend anyone but it is wrong for you guys to be selling your bodies for sex. Sex should be a physical and an emotional sharing of caring for another person. I know you do what you do to stay alive. I want to change that. I want you guys to go to school and get real jobs; to do that you have to have a place to live with decent meals and clothes. If you will work with me I think we can accomplish that. I have a builder who is my very good friend and he will put up a building where you can have your own bedrooms ( shared 4 to a room ) with common eating and lounging and of course bath and shower facilities. I’m asking for volunteers to act as laborers to help with the building. While it is under construction we will get a tent and cots and you all can stay here. We will provide food and showers and of course toilet facilities. Once the building is up the magistrate has promised to provide food and a clothing allowance for you. He also has promised to have a new law put in effect that will jail any sex worker under the age of 21. This is your chance to start a new and better life. I understand why you do what you do but now you don’t have to. Can I have a show of hands for those of you who think this is a fair idea.”
All put up their hands.
“Alright, now can I have a show of hands of those ready to volunteer to help with the building.”
About 75% put up their hands.
“Juan please pass out the volunteer forms.”
Juan did as he was asked handing out the forms with pencils for each to fill in there name, age and family circumstance. As he went around he saw some kids he knew from grammar school. They looked frail, lean and weak. He teared up on seeing them. He said to them, “Patron will help you now, you’ll see. Have faith.”
“Will those who cannot volunteer come over here and explain why.”
The rest of the kids, some as young as 11years old lined up. The reason everyone of them gave was because they had a baby brother or sister to take care of during the day and then they worked the streets at night.
The Patron was beside himself. These poor children were forced to be adults way too soon. He told all, it was ok, we will provide for your little ones or your older ones. Let them come here. They all agreed. In two days time he had the tents and the cots and sleeping bags. Two 6 person shower areas were established. Porta potties were brought in.
The Patron got with Francisco and the magistrate. Francisco was alerted that the building had to be ready ASAP. Eduardo was given the scope of the project and asked to draw up tentative plans, which would then be reviewed and corrected for any structural problems by a real architect. Eduardo was pleased beyond compare to be entrusted with such an important job. The plans he drew with his father’s help had almost no corrections by the architect. 30 - 4 bed rooms were encompassed around 4 lounging areas and a large cafeteria. In four months time it was up on land that was the squatters’ territory. Supervision was provided by Francisco, Rosa, Maria, Coach Garcia, Miguel’s papa, the fire and police chiefs and even the magistrate.
Epilog
So life went on, the storm was a thing of the past. The magistrate made good on his scholarships to many of the high school students as long as they brought their skills back to serve Portamao. Juan and Tomas won one more national championship but were beaten by Lisbon and Jorge Rodriguez, in the other. Francisco’s business grew beyond his capabilities. He longed for the day Eduard would be at his side full time.
Time sped forward, Juan and Tomas graduated University as did Carlos, Eduardo, Jose, and Theresa. Weddings were held for Juan and Tomas, Eduardo and Carla, Carlos and Theresa, and surprise Jose and Miguel. Juan and Tomas asked Carla and Theresa to be moms for their children. Carla took Juan’s seed and Theresa Tomas’s seed. Of course Eduardo and Carlos also did their share of baby making. Jose’s seed was shared by Miguel’s sister. Portamao prospered as did her children.
The police chief went to visit the Patron with a Senior Gomez.
“Chief to what do I owe this honor?” the Patron asked.
“The magistrate asked that I accompany senior Gomez, an artist who is commissioned to paint your portrait which will be hung in the great hall of honor in the village building.”
“Nonsense, this is a joke; you have no need of my ugly mug to be put on display. I’m sorry chief, I’ll not do it.”
“That is the reaction the magistrate thought you would have. You, Patron, are a great man and part of that greatness has always been your humility. Now I am under orders to have your portrait painted by your gate or to take you into custody and the artist will paint you in jail. This is my order Patron, which will it be? Please do not come to my jail it needs a good cleaning.”
“Well seems, I have little choice. I must admit here, seems the better place if you must do this.”
“Exactly, Patron now you are thinking as the great man you are.”
With little choice in the matter the Patron posed by his gate as requested similar to the day that he sheltered so many from the storm, shepparding, the survivors into his villa.
A little ceremony was held and the magistrate said a few kind words about the Patron’s generosity, humility and caring. Jorge came down from Lisbon and all his closest friends were there, all the De Silva’s and Cortez’s. It was all good and afterward the wine flowed as well as a good feast. That night Jorge and Jon made love again. They might be old but they had experience and passion.
It was now the routine for all the folks that the Patron had helped; stopped by during the day to check on him. Juan, Tomas, Jose, Carlos, Theresa, Eduardo, Miguel and even coach Garcia all took turns along with Francisco, Rosa and Maria. The Patron was 87 years old and nearing the end of his time.
It so happened that on a morning in the late fall, the task fell to Juan. As always he rang the bell before entering. When there was no answer, he had a key and let himself in. There in bed with the album of the basketball team pictures was the Patron. A half finished glass of Portugal port by his bedside. Juan thought him asleep and went to shake him. He was cold to the touch. Tears and terror over came the young man. He checked his breathing. He could not discern any. He quickly called Tomas.
“Tomas come to the Patron now, hurry please. I do not see a breath or movement of life. Hurry, Tomas, Hurry.”
“Pump his heart and breath into him the way you did little Elizabeth, years ago. I am leaving now.”
On his way out the door he yelled to Jose that he had to go to the Patron and to please pray.
Three minutes later, by car, Tomas was there. He found Juan, beating on the Patron’s chest and breathing into him. Tomas looked at his husband and his Patron. He knew it was too late. He hugged Juan who did not want to give up.
Through his tears he told Juan, “He had a good life, he gave much and benefited from it. He will always be remembered with love, surly by us and the entire village.”
Juan could only hold tight to Tomas, his friend, his lover, his husband. How strong he is; he thought to himself, My giant is very strong. Tomas got the word out, so arrangements could be made.
The Patron had left a letter and it was right where he said it would be. He wanted to go back to his family in the states to be cremated. Some of his ashes to be spread there and some to be brought back to Portamao. Contact information for his family was included. The undertaker was called and he prepared the body and the Patron was placed in a plain wooden casket as per his instructions. Juan and Tomas said they would go with the body. But others objected Francisco said all those who wanted to go, should. So all the Cortez’s and De Silva’s went. The magistrate asked if a small ceremony could be had before they left. The day after he passed all of Portamao came by the villa and paid their respects. The magistrate was so glad he had got his painting for the hall of honor. Under it was simply inscribed the American Patron who sheltered
Portamao from the storm. The next day the Patron was on a plane back to his family.
The End.
Posted: 06/11/2021