3 Cats and a Boy

 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2005-2008 by the author

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Saturday morning the boys surprised me with breakfast. After we got the kitchen cleaned I did the Saturday house cleaning and laundry while the boys were outside in the pool. I was taking the laundry out of the dryer when Rajah came inside and was acting quite antsy. I was about to speak to him when he took me by the arm. “Ok boy, I’m coming.”
 

Chapter 16

I folded the pair of undies I was holding then followed Rajah. As we got to the door, he started in with a low throaty growl and I knew right away something wasn’t right. I opened the screen door and walked out to the edge of the porch and was scared shitless by what I saw. Standing by the deep end of the pool was a man holding a knife and he was shouting at the boys, more to the point Caleb. “Come on you little shit, get your ass out of that pool now.”

He stayed put, which was the smart thing to do. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Look kid, I’m not here by choice,” he said as he started pacing. “It seems that no good old man of yours was good for something after all.”

I was wondering what he was talking about then I saw a woman. “That’s right son that bastard of a father had a life insurance policy on his sorry life but he left it to you.”

I looked around and there was no way I could surprise either of them but the boys were safe as long as they stayed in the pool. Caleb turned around and saw his mother standing there but also spotted me peeking around from the corner of the house. “So what does that have to do with me?”

The woman stepped closer to the shallow end of the pool. “God, you’re stupider than I thought. I got these papers in the mail but they have to be signed by you then notarized.”

“Too bad mother dear cause I ain’t signing shit.”

I watched as the man started taking off his shoes and socks. “That’s too bad kid cause one way or another you will sign that paper.”

Dale was getting pissed. “If it’s got to be notarized, what are you going to do?”

Just then Rajah took off around the back of the house. I hadn’t a clue where he was going so I just kept my eyes on that man and woman. “Look brat, I don’t need nothin outta you so you just stand there and keep your trap shut. As for that other snot, are you gonna get your ass out of that pool or do I have to come in after you?”

The woman started looking around and I heard the sounds of Shika and Sahib. She looked over her shoulder and saw the cubs. “Hey Caleb, what nice looking kittens you have there. I wonder if they can swim like you.”

Caleb started to head for the side of the pool. “Don’t you touch them you fucking bitch.”

She turned towards the cage. “Such foul language.”

Just then the man eased closer to the edge of the pool. “Well, well dear look here. The boys are naked.”

She stopped and went back. “You’re right Abe; I always knew he was a little faggot. Isn’t that right Caleb? You like sucking cocks don’t you?”

Dale decided to get in on the action. “Nah, he wouldn’t want to take away all your fun.”

Caleb started to giggle. “Nah, she likes dildos.”

She started to walk forward then almost fell in. “Why you little cock sucker. Get your sorry ass outta there now, you’re coming with us.”

Caleb splashed water on her. “I ain’t goin nowhere with you bitch so you better just carry your ass the hell outta here.”

Caleb got her good with the water. She turned towards the cage. “Now you little faggot, you can watch and see if those kittens can swim.”

Abe was taking his shirt off and Dale saw it. “Hey Caleb, your old man is stripping for us.”

Caleb turned and looked. “Oh shit, put it back on. Dale, have you ever heard of getting hit with an ugly stick?”

Dale started laughing. “Yeah, I’ve heard of that.”

Caleb had to get his laughter under control before he could continue. “Well, in his case, he got hit with the whole damn tree.”

I had to slap my hand over my mouth to keep from busting out then Abe took his shorts off. Dale saw this. “Holy shit Caleb, he’s gonna take it all off.”

“Argh,” Caleb moaned slapping his hands over his eyes. “We’re just kids. We’ll be scared for life.”

I looked and I saw Rajah making his way around behind Abe. He was crouched down about 20 feet behind the man. Just then the woman opened the cage and reached down for the cubs. Shika let out with a hiss and Sahib backed up. She reached down and grabbed Shika by the scruff of the neck then had to step inside the cage to get Sahib. She turned to leave then was standing face to face with Chaka. I could see she was frozen with fright. “Abe, get your ass over here.”

I stepped out from where I was standing. “Abe, if I were you I wouldn’t move from that spot. About 20 feet behind you is another tiger and you’d make an excellent snack for him.

He laughed. “I’m not falling for that old trick.”

He turned around just as Raj stood up and I laughed. “I told you, don’t move.”

He decided he could kill Rajah so he leaned down to pick up his knife, which was a very big mistake. Before he could stand, Rajah had charged. “Rajah no,” I shouted but it was too late.

The big cat launched himself at Abe. Abe dropped his knife and tried to run to the pool but the white cat landed on top of him. I ran to get Rajah off before he killed the man. It would be fitting but I didn’t want to have to deal with all the associated bull shit. I looked and Chaka had the woman cornered so I wasn’t concerned about her. As I got closer, I noticed Rajah was standing over the man but not making any attempt to injure him. I came around then looked at him. “Now, if you lay there nice and still, that cat won’t make you an appetizer.”

I looked down and his boxers were soaked. “Hey help me mister.”

I reached down and patted the big cat. “Don’t worry man I will now just lay still.”

I walked over to the lounges and got the boys’ underwear then tossed them out into the pool. They put them on while I went over to the woman. “Here mister, take the cubs.”

I looked at her and saw some papers sticking out of her back pocket. I walked into the cage and relieved her of them. “They look quite comfy. You just hold them for a few more minutes.”

I looked at the papers. “Those are mine so give them back right now.”

I stood there reading them as Caleb and Dale walked up. “Actually lady and I use that term VERY loosely, they belong to Caleb.

The woman dropped Sahib on the ground then put her hand around the cub’s throat. “If you do that, there will be nothing I can do to stop those 2 cats from tearing you into shreds. Now, I don’t think you’re really that stupid.”

She just stood there petrified. “Here take this cat.”

I smiled then put my arms around the boys. “No, you just stand there and hold her. We’ll be right back.”

We turned and walked into the house. Caleb looked at me with a serious look on his face. “What are you going to do Dad?”

I picked up the cordless phone. “I’m going to call the Sheriff’s Department and I want you two to go and get some dry clothes on.”

The boys disappeared then I punched out 911. When the dispatcher answered, I told her what I needed and she said she’d have someone here right away. I opened the front gate then waited for the Sheriff’s Deputies to arrive. I went back outside then walked over to the cage and took Shika from the woman’s hands. She breathed a sigh of relief then tried to step past Chaka. “Thank you sir. I’ll get my husband and we’ll be on our way.”

Chaka let out a soft growl. “You’ll be on your way alright but you’re not heading home. The Sheriff is on his way and the only place you two are going is to jail.”

She tried to step forward but Sultan stood up and put his front paws on her shoulders. I shook my head then he jumped down. The woman remained frozen. A few minutes later 2 patrol cars arrived. The first officer out of his car I knew right away. He got his K9 out of the back and walked up. “Hiya Doc, what have we here?”

The woman started yelling. “This man is holding me hostage.”

The other deputy came up and pulled his pistol from his holster. Don saw this and put his hand on the man’s gun. “Put that thing away.”

He did like he was asked then pulled out his cuffs. He stepped over behind me. “I have this man Don.”

He shook his head. “Not him you idiot. Doc, call off the cats and we’ll get her out of there.”

I walked inside the cage and took Chaka with me. “Come on Sultan.”

Don reached inside the cage and led the still petrified woman out. As soon as she was safe, she started running off at the mouth. “Arrest that man, he had me hostage in there and he kidnapped my son.”

Just then Caleb and Dale walked out of the house. “Arrest who?”

She tried to get away. “That’s my son and he’s being held here against his will.”

Caleb looked at her then laughed, “Oh yeah right. Don’t you mean I’m living here and being treated like a person AFTER YOU KICKED ME OUT OF THE HOUSE; you and that bastard boyfriend of yours? By the way, he’s over there, the one Rajah’s sitting on.”

Don looked at Caleb then back to her. “Are you sure of that lady?”

She nodded her head faster than a bobble head doll. “That’s right Sheriff, that man kidnapped my son. He’s done lord knows what to him. He made those boys go nude around here; that pervert.”

Don looked at her. “I see, now how long has he been missing?”

I could see her trying to come up with something good. “He’s been gone for only 24 hours. I called the Sheriff’s Department and they said I had to wait for 2 days.”

Caleb tapped the other Deputy on his arm then motioned for him to follow. He and Dale walked over towards the pool. “That’s a crock and that Deputy knows it. I was here when he brought his dog in after he cut his paw.”

Caleb took Rajah off Abe. “Alright buddy, get your clothes on and don’t even think of trying to run. If the cat won’t get you, that K9 will.”

Abe was cuffed and led back over towards us. Don was listening intently to the woman’s rendition of the events then it was his turn to talk. “Are you sure of everything you just said?”

She nodded her head. “That is the gospel truth.”

He thought for a minute then pulled his tape recorder out of his pocket. “Your statement has been recorded and I’m going to ask you once more, is what you’ve said the truth?”

“God damn it, I said it was the truth.”

Caleb laughed. “That’s my Mom, Ms. Potty Mouth.”

Don shook his head. “Lady, you just put out the biggest load of crap I’ve ever heard. I know how long your son has been here and it’s been longer than 24 hours. When a child is missing, we don’t make anyone wait 24 hours before we take a report so that’s a lie.”

She started screaming. “That’s what they told me. He’s been gone 24 hours.”

I shook my head. “Lady, why don’t you stuff a sock in it? Now, if you want to get out of some of this trouble you’re in, I’ll talk with the DA.”

Now it was Abe’s turn to mouth off. “Shut up Liz, you’re not making any deals with anyone.”

I looked at him. “If that’s what you want.”

Don led the woman out to his car. “Lady, I know for a fact that your son has been here for several months now. He gave me a statement and we have that on file. Now that you decided to show up here, you’ve made our job that much easier. There are warrants out for your arrest charging you with child abandonment. Based on some additional investigation, you could be facing additional charges.”

I walked over to the car. “Don, she came here with the intent of forcing Caleb into signing this document so she could get her hands on what seems to be his natural father’s life insurance policy. He was named beneficiary.”

He looked at her. “Lady, you just made it to the big time. I bet a case could be made for attempted capital murder.”

The cops took dumb and dumber away then Caleb was in my arms. “Dad, what was that about life insurance?”

I set him down and looked at the papers. There was a cover letter from the insurance company. “I’m not sure son but let’s go inside and I’ll give them a call.”

The three of us went inside and into the kitchen. I got the phone and dialed the number on the cover letter. I spoke with a gentleman who was very helpful. “Mr. Hollander, Mr. Jonathan Meyers had a life insurance policy that had a face value of $1.5 million dollars with a double indemnity clause. Mr. Meyers was killed in an accident so the value of the policy is doubled. Do I understand the beneficiary is still a minor?”

“That’s correct but my attorney will be handling the arrangements on Caleb’s behalf. I will instruct him to set a trust fund up for him.”

The man was most polite. “That’s perfect Mr. Hollander. I’ll be waiting for your lawyer’s call. You’ll need to have Caleb’s signature notarized so don’t forget that.”

After getting all the information I had two boys chomping at the bit wanting to know what was going on. “Dad did I hear correctly?”

I giggled because someone was eves dropping. “You seem to know everything now kiddo.”

“Aww Dad, come on.”

He sat down on my lap and looked at me with those puppy dog eyes of his. “OK son, your real Dad had an insurance policy that was worth quite a bit of money.”

Caleb’s eyes got huge. “How much Dad?”

“Well son, you’ll have enough to live comfortably for the rest of your life if it’s invested wisely. The policy is worth $3 million.”

His eyes got big and I could see him thinking. “Dad, I trust you completely. I want you and your lawyer to put it some place where it will be safe and make money for us.”

I looked at him. “Son, that’s yours. I have more then enough money for us. You will inherit all this after I die.”

His eyes started to water. “Dad don’t talk like that. You’re not gonna die.”

I wrapped my arms around him. “I know I’m not going to die now son but one day I will.”

Dale came over and hugged him. “Baby we all will one day. Mike’s just saying you’re set for life.”

I held Caleb while he got his composure back. The rest of the afternoon we just took it easy. The boys played with the cubs while I finished my Saturday cleaning. I didn’t feel like cooking so we ordered pizza then chilled out in front of the tube. I saw the boys start to head down the hall then Caleb looked at me. “Stay there Dad, please.”

I wondered what they were up to then about 20 minutes later Dale came out and got me. “Come on Mike.”

Dale took me by the hand then led me down the hall and into my room. They had turned the lights off and the only light in the room was coming in from the bathroom. Once in the room, Dale stopped then undressed me. He led me over to the bed and lifted the covers where Caleb was lying already naked. “Go on Mike.”

I slid in and Caleb rolled over into my arms. He kissed me gently then pulled his legs up. He took my hand then brought it down in between his legs. I got the message and gently felt in between his cheeks. I ran a finger over his hole then looked at my lover. He smiled coyly then kissed me by my ear. “Make love to me Dad.”

I kissed my lover then caressed his body with my fingertips paying special attention to his nipples. I started bathing his chest with my tongue then worked my way down towards his navel. I dug my tongue in his precious inny then dove on to his dick. He took my hand and pushed it towards his hole and I took the hint inserting a finger all the way inside. He had been loosened so I added another finger then began massaging his love nut. He didn’t last long and he blasted his load into my waiting mouth.

The next thing I felt was a hand lubing my dick. Dale had a pillow ready as Caleb pulled his legs up. The pillow was placed under his back as I got ready to enter my boy. I placed my dick at the entrance to his love tunnel and gently pushed. I felt his hole expand and the head slip inside. I stopped and waited as I watched his facial expressions. “Are you alright baby?”

He smiled then kissed me. “God yes Mike, I’m fine. Slide in a little further.”

I slowly slid in an inch at a time. Soon I felt his cheeks against my pubes and I knew I was in all the way. I began a slow gentle rocking motion so he could get used to my dick. I didn’t want this to ever end so I just took my time loving my baby. All too soon I felt my balls start to churn letting me know the end was near. “I’m getting close love.”

Caleb locked his legs around my waist. “Come on Mike, make love to me.”

I picked the pace up but made sure I didn’t hurt him. I was really thrusting in and out then I felt my first volley leave my dick. Caleb seemed to melt when he felt my juice coat the walls of his bowels. He lifted his hips causing me to go in all the way to the hilt. I fired several more rounds then I brought my arms along side Caleb as I came back down to Earth. I felt my dick begin to soften then it came out of my lover’s ass. I quickly rolled over and had my boy now on my chest. I grabbed his cheeks and brought them together so my load wouldn’t leak out. I felt Dale kneel on the bed and put his hands on mine. I held my boy as Dale cleaned his ass then the 3 of us cuddled together. Caleb had a smile on his face that said everything. “That was so special Mike. Now I feel the bond between us like I do with Dale.”

I knew what he meant by that statement. Dale then leaned over and kissed me gently. “Mike, I feel a permanent attachment to you both. For the first time I know what love is really all about.”

I drew my boys close to me and we drifted off to sleep. Sunday flew by and Dale soon had to go back home. Just as Caleb and I were sitting down to dinner the phone rang and Caleb answered it. He had a strange look on his face as he handed me the phone. “It’s the District Attorney’s office.”

I was confused too wondering why they’d be calling at this hour. “This is Mike Hollander, how may I help you?”

The man was very courteous. “This is Bret Givens speaking and I’m sorry to bother you at this hour on a Sunday Mr. Hollander. The reason I’m calling is to inform you that Abe Franklin and Elizabeth Ann Myers are being arraigned Monday morning at 10:30AM in Circuit Court, Courtroom 10.”

I wouldn’t miss this for the world. “Will Caleb need to be there too?”

“Yes sir, we will need his testimony. If you can be there at 9, that will give me plenty of time to depose him.”

“We’ll be there Mr. Givens,” I said taking my plate from Caleb. “Thank you for calling.”

I hung the phone up then sat down with Caleb. “Who was that Dad?”

I took a sip of my soda. “That was Mr. Givens from the DA’s office. Your Mom and step father are being arraigned Monday and he wants us there for the hearing.”

Caleb swallowed his mouth full of food. “Cool, I hope they throw the book at them both.”

We spent a relaxing evening watching TV then I put some music on in the bedroom. As we were coming out of the bathroom a song came on that I knew very well. “Son, sit down and listen closely to the words to this song.”

We sat on the bed together and listened to the music. The song they were playing was A Father’s Love by Randy Travis.

I got sent home from school one day with a shiner on my eye.
Fightin’ was against the rules and it didn’t matter why.
When dad got home I told that story just like I’d rehearsed.
And then stood there on those tremblin’ knees and waited for the worst.

Chorus:
And he said, let me tell you a secret about a father’s love,
A secret that my daddy said was just between us.
He said, daddies don’t just love their children every now and then.
It’s a love without end, amen,
It’s a love without end, amen.

When I became a father in the spring of ’81
There was no doubt that stubborn boy was just like my father’s son.
And when I thought my patience had been tested to the end,
I took my daddy’s secret and I passed it on to him.

And he said, let me tell you a secret about a father’s love,
A secret that my daddy said was just between us.
He said, daddies don’t just love their children every now and then.
It’s a love without end, amen,
It’s a love without end, amen.

Last night I dreamed I died and stood outside those pearly gates.
When suddenly I realized there must be some mistake.
If they know half the things I’ve done, they’ll never let me in.
And then somewhere from the other side I heard these words again.

And he said, let me tell you a secret about a father’s love,
A secret that my daddy said was just between us.
He said, daddies don’t just love their children every now and then.
It’s a love without end, amen,
It’s a love without end, amen.

By the time the song had ended, Caleb was in tears. “I know that’s how you love me Mike.”

I held him while he got his emotions under control. “That’s right son, I love you totally and unconditionally. It’s the way it should be.”

I turned the radio off then we cuddled together and drifted off to sleep. Monday morning came and Caleb was chomping at the bit to get to court. We left the house at 8 for the drive into the city. After finding a place to park we headed inside the courthouse. We got off the elevator and found courtroom 10. I was about to open the door when I heard a voice. “Excuse me but are you Mike Hollander?”

I turned around and there was a young man walking up to us. He was carrying a briefcase so I guessed he was Bret Givens. “I’m Mike Hollander, are you Mr. Givens?”

He extended his hand so I shook it. “That’s correct sir and I take it this is Caleb?”

Caleb shook his hand then we went into a conference room. A couple of minutes later, another lawyer came in then we got down to business. After we were done, the lawyer looked at the ADA. “Don’t suppose we could work out a deal?”

Caleb glared at the man. “Why should we make a deal with them? That bitch wanted to get her hands on the life insurance money from my father.”

The ADA looked at the lawyer. “If Ms. Myers agrees to give up her parental rights and lets Mr. Hollander adopt Caleb, we’ll pull attempted capital murder off the table.”

He thought for a minute. “What about Mr. Franklin?”

He looked at Caleb then over to me. I shrugged my shoulders then looked at Caleb. “I don’t owe him shit.”

The lawyer sighed. “Very well, I’ll take this to Ms. Myers.”

It was 9:30 so Caleb and I made a trip to the bathroom then went down to the first floor to get us a snack. After we ate, we returned to the courtroom and took our seats. “All rise; this court is now in session. The Honorable Judge Vincent Wells presiding.”

The Bailiff read the case and Abe Franklin was led in. “Mr. Franklin you’re charged with 1 count of attempted capital murder, 1 count of child endangerment and 1 count of child abandonment. How do you plead sir?”

He looked at the Judge then at his attorney. “I’m being charged with trying to kill that little fag? The world would be a better place without the likes of people like him.”

BANG “That’s just enough out of you sir. I’ll enter a plea of not guilty.”

Franklin really shot his mouth off after that. “Fuck you, I’m guilty and I’m just sorry that I couldn’t kill that little bastard.”

BANG, BANG, BANG “Sir, control your client. Mr. Franklin, I advise you to confer with your attorney.”

“I don’t need this pussy to tell me what to say. I did it and I’m damn glad of it.”

The Judge let him rant. “Very well sir, I hereby accept your plea. You will be returned to this courtroom in 2 weeks time where you’ll be sentenced. This court is adjourned. Bailiff, return this man to the holding cell and bring in the next defendant.”

A few minutes later the Bailiff was leading Caleb’s mother into the courtroom. The judge looked at her then at a file then over to her lawyer. “I understand a plea agreement has been worked out?”

Bret stood up. “Yes Your Honor, may I approach the bench?”

The Judge nodded his head and he brought the agreement to him. The Judge looked it over. “Ms. Myers, according to the terms of the plea, you agree to the termination of your parental rights and also agree to the adoption of your son Caleb Myers by Mr. Michael Hollander?”

She looked over at Caleb then back to the judge. “Yes Your Honor.”

The Judge made a notation on the file. “Then in accordance of the plea, Elizabeth Ann Myers you are hereby charged with 1 count of child endangerment and 1 count of child abandonment. How do you plead?”

She looked once again at Celeb. “Guilty Your Honor.”

The Judge entered the plea on the file. “In accordance with the terms of the plea agreement I hereby sentence you to a term of 3 to 5 years in the State Prison for Women for child endangerment. I also sentence you to a term of 5 to 7 years in the State Prison for Women for child abandonment to be served concurrently.”

She nodded her head then the Bailiff led her back to the holding cells. “Mr. Hollander, is it your wish that you become the legal parent of Caleb Myers?”

I stood then smiled at Caleb. “Yes it is Your Honor.”

The Judge then looked at Caleb and before he could say anything Caleb beat him to the punch. “Yes sir, I want Mike to be my father.”

The Jurist laughed. “Very well, it is the order of this court the Michael Hollander is the legal adoptive parent to Caleb Myers. Caleb, do you wish to have Mr. Hollander’s sir name?”

Caleb looked up at me and had that smile of his. “Oh yes sir, I’d love to be a Hollander.”

The Judge giggled at Caleb’s statement. “Very well, as of this day you shall be known as Caleb Hollander. This court is hereby adjourned.”

The Judge banged his gavel. “All rise.”

We stood and watched as the Judge left the bench and returned to his chambers. Caleb jumped into my arms and kissed me on the cheek. “I love you Dad.”

I kissed him then set him down onto his feet. We walked out of the courtroom then headed outside. As soon as we were outside, my cell phone went off. I looked at the caller ID and it was Dale. I handed Caleb the phone. “Your boyfriend is calling son.”

He flipped it open. “Hi baby.”

I could only hear one side of the conversation but I could tell Caleb was in a little trouble. “I’m sorry baby, I should have called you.”

They patched things up then Caleb filled him in on what happened. One the way home, we stopped at Jeffery Morris’ office where Caleb signed the insurance papers and his signature was notarized. On the way out to the car I looked at Caleb. “Do you want to go to school or spend the rest of the day home?”

He smiled at me. “I’ll go back to school tomorrow Dad.”

We got in the car and headed back home. On the way home I began thinking about the last several months. I started out deep in debt, a struggling vet trying to make ends meet. I get a letter from a man I didn’t know but he then mentions a man I knew as a boy. I drive to Florida, meet a lawyer and he hands me a letter that changes my life. Of course, hitting the lottery didn’t hurt either. I rescued my cats from a jerk who couldn’t have cared less about them. To him, they were disposable property.

We turned off the main road and finished heading to the house. As Caleb and I got out, I stood there admiring the place and all it’s become. Caleb came around putting his hand in mine as we stood there together. We walked towards the porch then I stopped, looking at the enclosure where Chaka was nursing Shika and Sahib. I remembered back to when I crawled inside their enclosure and saw my son for the first time. I let go of his hand and wrapped my arms around him pulling him close. He looked up at me and had the million dollar smile on his face. I leaned down kissing him on top of the head. I smiled back remembering how rich my life has become because of 3 cats and a boy.

The End.

Note: A Father’s Love was written by Aaron Barker

Posted: 07/11/08