Julio – The Growing Years
 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2006-2008 by the author

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

I leaned down and kissed her then tucked her in and turned the light off. I went over and checked on Steven and he was out cold. Jay didn’t wake him before he got him into the bed. I came back out and saw my son sitting in my recliner like he owned it. I walked over and popped him on the bottom if his feet and he slid over allowing me room to join him. Once I got comfortable he sat on my lap like he did when he was younger.

After the program was over it was time for Jay to head off to bed because he still had one more day of school before the weekend. I watched the late news then called it a night. I had to remember to call Judge Romero in the morning. For the life of me I couldn’t figure out what it was he could be wanting.

Chapter 4

I finally managed to fall asleep around midnight. I tossed and turned most of the night until I finally saw daylight come through the curtains. I got up and did my morning rituals then went out for my morning coffee. I spoke with Ronnie’s nurse and his latest lab reports were back. I was pleased his kidney functions were finally in the normal range. I wanted to talk with the nephrologists about Ronnie coming home to finish recovering when Luiz said, “Don’t forget to call Judge Romero.”

“Si Papa,” I shouted to him.

“Very funny Miguel,” Luiz hollered back as he set my second cup of coffee beside me.

I looked at him saying, “I haven’t forgotten my friend. I’m taking care of Ronnie first. I want him home before I have to go traipsing around Receife again for Lord knows what.”

“Understood,” Luiz said. “Are you sure someone isn’t going to want to go with you if that should happen?”

“No way,” I said writing some information down into a note pad. “School is still in session and there is too much time until a break for Jay to miss that many days.”

“You really think they’ll let you take off without them?” Luiz asked.

“As soon as I know all the details I will let you know,” I said sipping my coffee. “Now, why don’t you get the kids ready for school so I can drop them off on my way to the hospital?”

“Don’t forget to call Judge Romero,” Luiz said again.

“Got get out of here,” I said laughing at him.

I took the kids to school then went in and picked up Ronnie from the hospital. Paul had talked with John Carr, the nephrologist, and decided he could be cared for at home. They took his catheter and IV out and he was ready to go when I got there. “Hi Dad,” he said trying to walk without showing me how much his ribs still hurt him.

I smiled at him and kissed the top of his head as he tried to hug me without much success. “Are you ready to get out of here?” I said fixing his shirt.

“Yeah Dad,” he said sitting back down on his bed.

A nurse brought in a wheelchair and Ronnie was taken to the front door while I brought the car around. I helped him get inside and buckled in then we headed for home. We got home just before noon and Luiz had lunch ready for us. We had fresh chicken salad sandwiches and iced tea. After eating, I got Ronnie settled on the couch then gave him a pain pill and let him watch some television.

I went into my office and made the phone call I was dreading. I got Judge Romero on the line and said, “Your Honor, Miguel Sanchez here. How are you doing?”

“Hi Miguel,” he replied solemnly. “I wish this was a social call but unfortunately it isn’t.”

“What is it Judge? Is there someone in trouble?”

“Afraid so Miguel,” he said.

“Who is it and what can I do to help?”

He took a deep breath and said, “Do you remember a young man named Marco?”

I had to stop and think for a couple of minutes. “Marco? Wait a minute, do you mean Marco Juarez?”

“That’s him,” the Judge said.

“What happened?” I asked. “I had him placed with a good family and I thought everything was going great for him.”

“I’m not really sure Miguel,” the judge started saying. “He’s been seen back on the streets, and right now one of our Deputies has him, but he says the boy is really getting out of control again.”

“So what are you asking?” I asked.

“I’d like you to talk with him and see if you can find out what happened and what made him go back to the streets,” he started saying. “I’ve seen his work when he was in school Miguel. He has brains and he was showing potential.”

Now for Judge Romero to get this involved for a kid there really had to be something there. I thought for a few minutes then said, “Look Judge, I just brought Ronnie home from the hospital today and he needs another couple of days rest under supervision before I feel comfortable leaving him here with just Luiz.”

“I understand,” he said. “I’ll do what I can to try to keep him out of trouble until you get here.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Look, when you see him tell him I’m really disappointed in his behavior now. I don’t want him locked up, but if it comes to keeping him safe from the locals, do it.”

“All right Miguel,” the judge said. “If I have to I will and I will try to have a talk with him too.”

I couldn’t believe it. Here was a kid that showed more promise than Jay and had a great home, and now has tried to toss it down the sewer. I couldn’t understand why and what happened but I was going to find out.

The boys new Marco a little but hadn’t really gotten to know him before I got him placed with his family. I knew when I mentioned this to Jay he was going to be upset because he really hated seeing kids on the street especially with what Steven had gone through.

I went out into the kitchen and found Luiz hard at work fixing dinner. I poured a cup of coffee and sat down lost in thought. He looked over at me then asked, “I take it you made the call to Receife?”

I nodded my head and continued drinking my coffee. I knew I wasn’t going to get away with just that for an answer. “Yeah I did and now I wish to hell I hadn’t.”

“Is there someone in trouble?” he asked sitting down across the table from me.

I nodded my head again. “Yeah Luiz there is. Someone I placed with a good family and now he’s back out running the streets again.”

“Who?” Luiz asked.

“A boy not much older than Jay and Ronnie,” I started. “His name is Marco. I don’t remember what his last name was but now it’s Juarez. You remember him?”

“Oh yeah Miguel,” Luiz said. “That all happened very quickly while Jay was in the hospital.”

“Yep,” I said. “He used to come over and play with the boys once in a while before we left and moved here. It looks like I’m going to have to go back down there and find out what’s going on. He’s got too much going for him to just throw it all away.”

“When are you looking to go?” he asked looking somewhat serious.

I killed that cup then went for another. “Monday maybe, it depends on how Ronnie is doing. I want to make sure that his kidneys are stronger so I won’t have to worry too much about him. I will call Paul and let him know I have to go out of town and that if something should happen to Ronnie you’ll be the one bringing him in.”

“You know Jay is going to want to go with you,” Luiz said while kneading some bread dough.

“I’m sure he will,” I said taking a mouthful of fresh coffee. “But he has school.”

“But that’s not going to matter to him Miguel,” Luiz countered.

“I know it doesn’t,” I replied. “But Ronnie is nowhere near ready to travel and I need him to take it easy before he goes back to school the following week.”

“Very well,” Luiz said. “He’s just not going to like it.”

I finished my coffee then set the cup in the sink. I had to get the kids from school so on my way out of the kitchen I said, “He’s a big boy and he will just have to get over it Luiz. If it was summer time it would be a different story.”

I went out to the garage and got into my car then went to pick the kids up from school. On the way home I explained to them that I had to go out of town on business and Jay asked, “Where to Dad?”

“Receife,” I said. “A boy I helped when you were in the hospital is back on the streets again.”

“Wait a minute,” he said. “You mean that kid Marco from a couple of years ago?”

 

“Yeah that’s the one,” I said looking at him.

“Can I go?” he asked.

“Wish you could son, but Ronnie can’t travel yet and he needs his rest,” I started saying. “Also it’s not the safest place there and I might end up having my hands full. I’m not risking having you get hurt.”

“Aw Dad,” Jay started. “I can take care of myself.”

Steven said, “Dad’s right Jay. I don’t ever want to go back there. Dad, think it might help if Marco comes here for a while?”

“That is an option,” I said. “I will have to see what is going on and why he took off before I can make any decision son.”

It took about twenty minutes to get home and all three went to see how their brother was doing. He had just woken up from a nap courtesy of the pain pill I gave him. They decided to watch some television with him before doing their homework and I didn’t have a problem with that.

We had a nice dinner and relaxed before retiring for the evening. Friday and Saturday were uneventful but Sunday evening was something different. Jay and Ronnie were in taking their shower and once again I lost Steven and Angel. Angel had a bathroom off her room but I had never seen Steven go in there, but the one off the hall was empty. I went into Angel’s room and went to the bathroom door and stuck my head into the bathroom. I heard the water going along with several giggles. I looked through the shower door and saw them just washing each other and having quite a good time with it. I couldn’t see anything really sexual so I just let it go and trusted my two kids. When they came out I looked at them and asked, “You two behaving yourselves?”

Angel looked at me and said, “Yes Daddy. You know we don’t shower together all that often.”

This is really something I was still having problems adjusting too. It’s so easy with boys because they can’t get pregnant but having a girl really worries me. I’d talked with Angel before, now I guess I’m just going to have to trust her.

Over the weekend, Ronnie continued to improve to the point I felt comfortable in leaving them while I went to Receife. Sunday I booked a charter flight to Receife and told the company I would need them to remain for three days. That night I packed a bag so I could be up to see the kids before I left.

Monday morning I was having my coffee when Jay came into the kitchen and asked, “Why can’t I go with you Dad? I can make up a few days of school and I still know the area.”

I hugged my eldest then said, “I need you to help Luiz with your brothers and sister, plus you know Ronnie still isn’t feeling all that well. He’s going to need you too and I think that is more important than coming with me.”

“You’re right Dad,” Jay said still looking a little dejected. “I wanted to go with you so I could see Marco again. Do you think he could come for a visit maybe over summer vacation?”

I thought about that question for a minute then said, “Once we get things sorted out I will see what can be arranged.”

That seemed to appease Jay and he was in better spirits. I was talking with Jay when the others came into the kitchen and gave me my usual morning hugs. Ronnie was moving slowly this morning so I looked at his ribs and he still had some bruises showing. Ronnie scooted on to my lap and I held my middle boy. “Dad, I’m sore. When will it stop?”

He leaned against my chest and I had Luiz bring Ronnie’s bottle of pain medicine. I gave him one of the pills then Luiz set breakfast on the table. I had a little bit to eat with the kids then I had to leave for the airport. I talked with Luiz for a couple of minutes then was attacked by my kids once more. I gave each a big hug and kiss and told them I would be home as quickly as I could. I got into my car and left out for the airport. It took almost an hour to fight the traffic into Norfolk and the airport. I weaved my way over to the private terminal and found a place to park. It took several minutes to get checked in then I was escorted to the plane. A flight attendant took my bag and stowed it for take off. She closed the door then the pilot started the engines and then we were headed out towards the runway. The next thing I knew we were jetting down the runway and into the sky with the next stop being Receife, Brazil.

It took over 6 hours to get to Receife and I called Luiz to see how the kids were. The phone rang and Luiz answered it saying, “Sanchez residence.”

“Hi Luiz, how are the kids?”

“They’re fine,” he said. “Right now they are in the pool. The warm water seems to be helping Ronnie’s sore ribs.”

“Sounds good, just don’t let him be out there for more than an hour. I don’t want him straining anything right now.”

Luiz said he would take care of things so I hung up. I leaned back and thought about what was going on with Marco and why he would suddenly take off. He seemed happy when I placed him with his family. I couldn’t understand this change and I wanted to talk with him as soon as possible. I must have dozed off because the next thing I remember was the flight attendant waking me telling me we were about to land.

We landed and the plane taxied to the private terminal. As we were taxiing over I noticed a limo parked by the terminal. The pilot shut down the engines and the attendant opened the door and I saw Judge Romero sitting in the limousine. I got my bag and he started waving at me as soon as I started coming down the steps. I walked over to his car and the driver took my bag and put it in the trunk. I got inside and shook the Judge’s hand and he started filling me in on what he knew.

We talked as we headed to my villa. After I’d sold it, the owner couldn’t make the payments so I was able to buy it back for a fraction of what I sold it for. Judge Romero had some work waiting for him back at his office so we said our good-byes and I promised him I would see him once I’d spoken to Marco. I unlocked the front door and went inside and checked the old place out. I put my bags in my bedroom then headed out to find Marco.

My first stop is the Sheriff’s Department. Judge Romero said Marco was with one of the Deputies. I spoke with him and found out the Marco had taken off again and was last seen near the shopping district. I headed over to where I knew street kids used to hang out and spotted a few huffing paint. I parked my Blazer and walked up to them. One of the boys I saw looked familiar but I wasn’t sure. The boys weren’t totally out of it so I snatched the bag out of one of the boy’s hand and said, “This shit will fry your brains. Why don’t you guys get off the streets? There are places you can go and get help.”

“Yeah, right mister,” one boys said. “They’re going to take homeless hustlers like us in and find us homes?”

“That’s right,” I said. “All you guys have to do is WANT to make something of yourselves.”

“Are you for real?” The young boy asked.

“Yes I am,” I said. “If you give me a chance, I‘ll prove it.”

“We’re starving mister,” the same small boy said. “We haven’t eaten in at least three days.”

“Alright,” I said. “Maybe you can help me.”

The older boy stood up and said, “I knew there was a catch. Which one of us do you want, or do you want all three of us?”

“I didn’t mean help me like that,” I said drawing them into my arms. “I’m looking for a boy that ran away from his home. A Deputy Sheriff had him at his place and he took off again. The boy is almost 15 and his name is Marco. Have you guys seen him?”

“What you going to do to him when you find him?” The middle boy asked.

“I want to talk with him,” I said. “I had him placed in a nice home and I thought he was happy there. Now I find out he’s run away and I want to know what happened.”

“Wow mister,” the little one said. “You really did that?”

“Yeah I did,” I said. “My name is Miguel, so you can stop calling me mister.”

The older boy looked up at me and said, “I know Marco. He likes to hang out by the bakery. I’ve seen him with a few other boys too. There is one big guy that watched the shops and he hates us kids. He’s hurt a couple of boys pretty bad Miguel. I’ve been trying to get Marco to stay with us but he wouldn’t.”

“OK boys,” I said. “My car is over there. Let’s go find Marco then get something to eat. How does that sound?”

They didn’t say anything but I felt them hug me tighter. I led them over to the Blazer then got them inside and put their seat belts on. I was about to leave when Deputy Danny Vasquez pulled up and said, “Hi Miguel, what’s going on?”

“Not much,” I said. “I got a lead where Marco is thanks to these three guys.”

Danny got out of his car and looked inside at the boys. I saw them start to cringe as the saw the Deputy so I said, “Take it easy guys, he’s not going to hurt you. This is Danny and he looks out for the street kids.”

Danny smiled at them and said, “How would you three like a decent place to live? There will be a few rules you’ll have to follow but it won’t be that bad.”

“What will we have to do?” The older boy asked. “You gonna want us to take care of you?”

“NO,” Danny said firmly. “You boys won’t have to do that stuff any more. The biggest thing is no huffing. I want to see you boys grow up and make something of yourselves. The next thing is no stealing. You’ll have everything you’ll need. You’ll have decent clothes to wear, food to eat and things to play with. The last thing is going to school. You will all have to go and I will expect you to do your best. Do you think you guys would like to get off the streets?”

I could see the youngest boy’s eyes light up. “Yeah, I would,” he said. “I want to get off the street guys. I’m tired of being hungry all the time and I hate the things we have to do to survive.”

“You’re not gonna go back on your word once we agree to come live with you, are you?” The middle boy said.

I stepped in and said, “I can guarantee you he won’t go back on his word. Danny here has wanted to be a father for a long time but since he never married, he thought this was something that would never happen.”

The boys looked at each other then the oldest boy said, “Alright Danny, you have a deal. Just so you know we never stole from anyone. That’s why we’re so hungry. We wouldn’t steal to eat.”

Danny was happy and we then took off to find Marco. We parked our vehicles a safe distance away then went to find Marco. The boys ran ahead to see if they could stop Marco. Danny and I walked a ways behind them so we wouldn’t be spotted. Danny and I got wrapped up in a conversation when the little boy came running back to us saying, “Miguel, Danny someone is trying to hurt Marco.”

We took off running and we saw one of the vigilantes holding a naked and kicking Marco. The other boys were trying to get him to put Marco down. When we got a few feet from him Danny yelled, “Put that boy down.”

“Yeah asshole,” Marco said swearing at the man. “Put me down.”

“I’m glad you’re here Deputy,” the vigilante said. “I caught this punk stealing.”

“Really,” Danny asked rather skeptically. “Why is he naked then?”

“He came into the store naked,” the man said. “That’s what first caught my attention.”

The middle boy went looking around the area then came back holding what looked like rags then said, “Hey mister, whose clothes are these then?”

“Just some old rags,” he said trying to sound convincing as he set Marco back on his feet.

“Rags my ass you bastard,” Marco said. “Those are my clothes. You said you were gonna fuck my ass good because you couldn’t get the other boys who took some bread. Let’s see you talk your way out of that.”

Danny went over to the vigilante and said, “I’m placing you under arrest.”

Danny put his handcuffs on the man then hooked the other cuff around a piece of pipe so he couldn’t take off. Marco got his clothes back on then looked at me and said, “What are you doing here, Miguel?”

“I might ask you the same question son,” I replied as he came over and hugged me. “I had you placed with a nice family and you seemed to be happy. What happened?”

Marco was about to answer my question when Danny yelled saying, “Miguel, come over here quick.”

Marco and I went around to the back of the store and found where Danny was. “Where are you dude?” I hollered.

He was about to speak when Marco and I saw him. Marco gasped then said, “Holy shit.”

Danny turned around and said, “I can’t believe the store owner didn’t know about this.”

I walked around and looked at things that had been put in this room. This truly was a room meant to hurt, torture and injure someone. “With all that’s in here, he had to know about it,” I said holding Marco close to me.

Just then the owner came in and said, “What are you all doing in here?”

Danny looked at the man and said, “Does this belong to you?”

“Yes,” the store owner said. “This is all my property.”

“Good,” Danny said walking over to the man, “Because you’re under arrest.”

He put another pair of handcuffs on the man then we left the store. I helped Danny escort the two men to his car then I said, “I’m going to take the boys to lunch then we will see you back at the station.”

To be continued...

Posted: 06/13/08