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...

Raul and I left the site and got into the Blazer and went to eat. We got back a couple hours later and Raul’s boss had a very different attitude. He showed me around and I was impressed with the progress being made. I was informed that if the weather stayed good, in about 2 months they could be ahead of schedule. It was quite warm that day so I decided to head back to the home and cool off.

Chapter 24

It took about 20 minutes to return to the home and when I got there, I was greeted by 7 shirtless and sweaty boys. “Papa Miguel we need a pool or something,” Mikey said as he tried to climb into my arms.

I carried the little one inside with the others right on my heels. It felt good in the air conditioning and I was glad I had that upgraded. Mikey was right, they needed a pool so they could keep cool. I set Mikey down and headed for my room. “Get something to drink and I’ll try to think of something.”

I quickly changed into some cooler attire then found the boys at the table drinking some kool-aid. I went out back into the play area and looked around for what might be a good place for a pool. I was a little lost in thought when Joey asked, “What’s in here Miguel?”

I looked up and replied, “That’s the back gate.”

At least I thought it was as I was walking over. I noticed a lock on it but didn’t remember getting a key. About that time I saw Robbie hop up on Joey’s shoulders. “Whoa guys, you gotta check this out. Miguel, there’s a pool in there. It’s covered up and may need some cleaning.”

This place used to be a hotel and what would a hotel be without a pool. I just never knew it was here until just now. I thought for a moment then turned and headed back inside. “Don’t do anything. I’ll be right back.”

I had bought some padlocks just in case and put them in my desk. I went into my office and started rummaging through the drawers. I wasn’t quiet about it when I heard a voice say, “Looking for something Miguel?”

“Yeah, I put some padlocks in my desk and I can’t remember which drawer I put them.”

I looked up after speaking and there stood Guillermo with a smirk on his face. “Bottom right hand drawer, it’s where you seem to put everything.”

I opened the drawer and sure enough, there were the locks. “Come on, I’m going to need your help. The boys just found a swimming pool I didn’t know was here.”

The next stop was to the maintenance shed to see if I could find a hacksaw to cut the old lock off the gate. The foreman I hired had done a good job of cleaning this place up and I quickly found what I needed. When we went back outside, Mikey was standing on Joey’s shoulders and I could tell he was trying to figure out how to get over the fence. I reached up and popped him lightly on the bottom getting a loud squeal in return.

It took me about 5 minutes to cut through the steel shank on the lock. Once it was removed, I lifted the latch and pushed on the gate. It took a good amount of push so I knew the little ones weren’t going to open this by themselves. I stepped inside and was amazed at what I saw. There was a good sized pool with a like new pool cover in place. Guillermo and I walked over and started to remove the cover and it was still full of water. I saw the boys starting to whoop it up but Guillermo quickly calmed them down. “It will be a few days before the pool will be ready boys.”

This brought out the usual moans and groans. “Look guys, I have a pool company over at my house putting in a new pool for me. I’ll call them and see if they can get someone over here to get this one up and running. If they can, maybe by tomorrow afternoon, you all will be able to go swimming.”

With all the cheers going on you’d have thought they just struck gold. Guillermo looked at me saying, “I think you should have a lifeguard here in case.”

“Good point,” I said wondering what to do now.

Just then Samuel and Victor came walking in. “What’s this Miguel?” Victor asked.

“Seems we have a pool here on the property and I never knew it. I always thought it was the back gate.”

“Nice pool,” Samuel said. “I spent many a summer at my local pool. Even became a lifeguard right before I left for college. I even worked at the college’s pool part time for some extra money.”

“I think we’ll be able to put your talents to good use Samuel. I need to get hold of the pool company that’s installing mine at my house and have them come out and check everything out before I let anyone use it.”

I saw Guillermo looking around another building. I can’t believe I didn’t fully check the place out but I was looking at getting the home open. I figured I could get other things settled later. “Miguel, come in here. I think this is the filter for the pool.”

I walked over to see what Guillermo was talking about and soon all the boys were following. I found a switch and flipped it turning the lights on. I looked around and sure enough, there was the equipment for the pool. “I think I’ll take a run over to the house and talk with the pool men. I’ll need this checked out completely and want the water tested and cleaned. I hope we can have this open in a day or two.”

I closed the door on the pump room, making a mental note to install a hasp and lock on it before the pool opened. Guillermo and I rounded up the boys, making sure all bodies were present and accounted for, then closed and locked the gate. The boys followed me inside as I stopped by my room and grabbed my keys. As I headed for the door, I saw the kids heading for the dining area as Hanna was bringing out a snack.

I went out to the Blazer and headed for my house. It didn’t take me long to get there and I was hoping the pool guys were still working. I parked behind the contractor’s truck then quickly walked around back where I saw a group of workers standing around the new pool. There was a guy holding some plans in his hand so I decided to take a chance with him. “Excuse me, I’m Miguel Sanchez.”

The man turned quickly and extended his hand. “Hi Mr. Sanchez, I’m David Montes. We’re about finished with your pool. It will be another week until it’s ready for people to swim in it.”

I looked at the new pool and I knew it could hold my kids and any party I wanted to host here. “Thanks David but that’s not what I want to talk with you about. I have a children’s home and just found an in ground pool on the property. It looks in good condition but I want it checked out and cleaned before I let the kids swim in it.”

“Where’s the pool?” He asked as he reached into his pocket pulling out a small calendar.

“It’s the old hotel that’s been empty for almost a year,” I replied describing where the home was.

“Small world,” David replied. “I installed that pool. I know it very well. I’ll get a couple of men out there in the morning. If everything is as I think it is, a quick cleaning, some chemicals and it will be ready to do.”

I would have to get Samuel to get some trunks because it would be impossible to keep the kids away from it when they knew it was clean. “What time will they be there so I can make sure I’m free?”

“I’ll have the guys there by 9. If all goes well, they can be swimming by noon, 1 at the latest.” David told me as he wrote the appointment in his book.

I took a look around in the house and they were making real progress. Everything was done except the painting and little things so I was hoping I would be able to spend a little time in the house before I had to return home.

I walked out the front door and saw a Sheriff’s car coming up the driveway. At first I didn’t recognize the driver but as it got closer, I could see who it was. “Danny, how are you my friend? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”

Danny was laughing when he got out of his car. “Miguel, the boys told me you were here. I tried calling here but never got an answer. That’s why I decided come out.”

We hugged then I took him for a little tour of the house and explained the renovations. “So how do you like it?”

We went out back and I showed Danny the pool. “This is wonderful place Miguel; I think your Dad would be impressed. Before I forget, you’re invited over to the house tonight for dinner.”

I was surprised at the fast invitation. “I better get back to the home and let Hanna and the others know. I also need to tell Guillermo the pool people will be out tomorrow morning.”

I headed to the Blazer and Danny got into his car. I left the house and headed towards the Children’s Home and thought Danny would be going back to work until I looked in my rear view mirror and saw him following me. I pulled into the home’s parking lot followed by Danny and when some of the boys came out to greet me they all froze when they spotted Danny’s car. Mikey and Chico cautiously came over and I gave each of them a hug. “W What’s he d doing here Papa Miguel?” Mikey asked softly so Danny couldn’t hear him.

I was about to answer him when Victor came out and went over to Danny and gave him a hug. “Hi Papa, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

The boys were looking at Danny and Victor trying to figure out what was going on. “Boys, this is Sheriff Danny Vasquez. He’s Victor’s Papa. He took Victor and his two other brothers off the street and raised them.”

“That’s right,” Victor said. “If it wasn’t for him, my brothers and I might not be here today.”

I walked over to Danny and the others slowly followed me. They watched Victor hug his Dad again. Since the boys knew and thought Victor was cool, they finally realized Danny was alright and they started shaking his hand. Once Chico, Mikey, Billy and José gave Danny their official welcome, we went inside so I could speak with Hanna and Guillermo.

The first person I ran into was Guillermo as he came out of his office. I made the introductions and told him I would be having dinner with Danny and Victor. I went into Guillermo’s office, wrote Danny’s phone number down on a piece of paper and handed it to Guillermo saying, “This is Danny’s number. Call me if there are any problems. Victor will be eating there and I’ll bring him back with me.”

The next stop was the kitchen to let Hanna know I would not be joining them here for dinner. As I walked down the hall, Joey and Robbie came out of their room. Joey saw me talking with Danny and he froze in his tracks. He looked like a deer trapped in headlights. “Hi boys, come here a minute. There is someone I’d like you both to meet.”

Robbie stopped then came towards us. “Hi Miguel, who’s the Deputy?

Joey was still standing by the door to their room so we continued walking to him. “Boys this is Victor’s Dad, Sheriff Danny Vasquez.”

“I take it you’re not like those other cops are you,” Robbie asked while Joey was still staring at us.

Danny smiled at the boys. He too, noticed Joey seemed quite scared by his presence. “No boys, not at all. I’ve heard a lot of stories about a Sheriff here who did his best to hurt the street kids. Victor was a street child, as were his two brothers, but when Miguel introduced me to them, I fell in love with them right away. It’s not your fault you don’t have a place to live. That’s why Miguel opened this home.”

I was about to comment on what Danny had just said when a voice said weakly “Well, it WAS my fault I was.”

I looked up and saw Joey hanging his head fighting back tears. “What was your fault?” Robbie asked.

“Why I don’t have a home.” Joey said as tears started falling.

I went over and put my arms around him and held him as he cried. It took several minutes but he finally calmed down. “Why don’t you have a home Robbie?”

“My Uncle caught me playing with myself and he said it was wrong. Well, I thought I was being careful and one night I was jacking off and he came in and started hitting me with his belt. He told me to get dressed and get out.”

Danny was shaking his head as he heard Joey’s account. “Joey, I’m very sorry. You’re safe now and I can tell you what you did, every boy does. You’re not a bad boy.”

Danny came over and gave a Joey a hug. When he let him go, Joey had a huge smile on his face. The four of us walked towards the dining area then I went into the kitchen to speak with Hanna. I graciously told her I’d been invited out for the evening and she just told me to have a good time.

I hurried down to my room and grabbed a quick shower and a shave. When I came out, Joey was standing there and opened his arms letting me know what he needed. I have him a big hug and whispered, “You’re home now son. No one will ever make you leave.”

He gave me a kiss on the cheek then went to play with the others. I followed Danny and Victor to Danny’s house and was greeted by Raul when we arrived. Danny fixed me a Bailey’s on the rocks and I talked with the boys as Danny fixed dinner. While waiting, the phone rang and Raul screamed when he heard the person’s voice on the other end.

Danny ran over to see what was wrong when Raul said, “It’s Rolando Papa.”

Danny and the boys talked with him for a short while when I heard Raul say, “Hold on Rolando, there is someone here who’d like to say hi to you.”

I took the phone from Raul. “Hi Rolando, how’s school going?”

There was silence for a few seconds while my voice sank in. “Papa Miguel, is that you? Oh wow man, I wish I was home.”

“Don’t worry Rolando, there will be time for us to see each other. Don’t forget, I live in the US so you can always come for a visit. I know the kids would love to meet you. You’ve only met Marco and that was a long time ago. Marco is going to be starting Medical School in a few months.”

“Medical School,” Rolando asked in amazement. “He must really be smart.”

“Don’t sell yourself short now son, you’re not lacking in the brains department either. All you boys are very smart.”

“Oh I know, Papa Miguel,” Rolando replied. “I want to come home and work with Papa and maybe even become Sheriff.”

“That’s a great goal to work for son. I’m sure you’ll make just as fine a Sheriff as your Papa is.”

I saw Danny bringing dinner in so I ended the call with Rolando. I was as surprised as he was to hear his voice. Danny fixed a light dinner consisting of chicken breasts, vegetables and a salad. I helped Raul with the dishes then we all went into the living room to relax and talk. It was almost 10 and I was getting tired so I was about ready to leave when the phone rang. Raul handed me the phone saying, “It’s the home Miguel.”

I was wondering what was happening that Guillermo would need me for at this hour. “Hi Guillermo, what’s going on?”

“Miguel, there are some men out at the gate claiming to be Deputies,” he said sounding a little worried.

I covered the mouth piece and asked Danny if there was a reason Deputies would be at the home. I knew of anyone tried to climb over the wall it would be a mistake. Danny thought for a minute and shook his head no. I handed the phone over to Danny. “Guillermo, I need to call my office and get some men and find out a few things. Don’t go outside. Miguel has keys so we can get inside when we need to.”

Danny and Guillermo hung up then he called his office. He was asking the duty officer all kinds of questions and wasn’t happy. Danny handed me the phone then I saw him putting his gun belt back on. The voice was saying, “I assure you Sheriff, we haven’t sent anyone over to the Children’s Home.”

Danny took the phone back and I heard him say, “I want 4 Deputies in 2 unmarked vehicles to meet us on the way to the Children’s Home. I’ll be on Channel 3”

Danny went back into his room then came out with 2 pistols. “You might need these,” he said handing them to Victor and me.

It had been a very long time since I’d carried a gun and I really didn’t want to have to but I wasn’t about to let anyone try to hurt the kids at the home. We headed to the door and Raul said, “Be careful guys.”

Danny stopped and we all gave him a hug then went out to our vehicles. We all got into Danny’s Sheriff’s car and headed to the home. He got on the radio and found out who was meeting us there. The men were already in position and were watching the men. I was glad I had my seatbelt on because I wasn’t used to going over 70 on some of these roads. There was a bend in the road about a half mile from the home and that’s where Danny slowed down. He got back on his radio and told the Deputies to move in. Danny turned his blue lights on and stopped about 100 feet from the men. He turned his PA speaker saying, “Freeze and put your hands up in the air.”

The men turned around and they looked like they were wearing Sheriff’s uniforms. The 4 Deputies pulled up and got out using the doors as a shield. All four of them had their weapons drawn then one of the three said, “Easy guys, we’re police officers.”

Danny got out of his car and pulled his weapon. “I’m the Sheriff and I don’t remember giving orders sending anyone here.”

The four uniformed Deputies started moving in. The three men didn’t move as they were searched and cuffed. I looked through the gate and saw Guillermo walking out followed by some of the boys. I unlocked the gate and pushed it open and then was surrounded by Joey and Robbie.

Danny went over and turned the men around so he could see who they were. “What do you three want here?

As soon as Danny said that, we all moved so we could see them better. “OH MY GOD!! What are you doing here?”

My head was turning back and forth between the boys and the men. I was trying to figure out which adult the voice was talking about and which boy said it. I soon figured out which boy because Joey was standing there with his hand over his mouth. Now I just needed to figure out which adult he was referring to. “I knew you had to be here,” an adult voice said as I quickly turned to see who said it.

“Haven’t you done enough you bastard,” the young voice said and it was then I realized it was Joey’s uncle he was talking about. “You beat the hell out of me twice then threw me out of the house and for what? Doing what other kids do? I hope they put you away for a long time.”

Danny stepped over at that point. “Who is this man Joey?”

“That sorry bastard is my uncle. That’s Ruben Peña. He took a belt to me two different times because I was masturbating.”

I was watching the other two men who were caught with Mr. Peña and it was appearing that they were hearing something totally different. “Hey man, what is it?” One of the men asked. “You said this boy was being held here against his will. You said they were doing sick things to him.”

Danny had to step in between Peña and the other man so a fight wouldn’t start. “For your information, this is a Children’s Home run by this man.”

The other man had heard enough and tried to lunge at Peña even though he was in handcuffs. “Why you sick bastard.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Peña said with a smirk on his face. “The little fruit deserved more if I could have got my hands on him.”

The deputies held on to the other men while Peña continued to spout off at the mouth. I looked at Joey and I could tell he was really angry. I saw him turn like he was going to go back inside the home then suddenly he turned and let his uncle have it right in the mouth. It happened so fast I couldn’t grab Joey but inside I felt Peña deserved that and maybe a lot more. I quickly got my arms around Joey and pulled him back. “Calm down son. You were right when you said he would be going to jail for a long time.”

The Deputies started taking the other two men over to their vehicles when one of the men said, “We’re sorry son. We didn’t know your Uncle was so heartless. Had we known the truth, he would have been here on his own.”

Danny was helping Joey’s Uncle to his feet when he started blabbering, “Go on the two losers. I never should have counted on any one but myself.”

Danny spun him around and started heading for his car. “You have the right to remain silent and I advise you to heed that and shut up.”

“What about him?” Peña shouted as I looked between him and Joey.

“What about him?” I asked walking towards him.

“That little shit hit me and I couldn’t even defend myself,” Peña shouted.

I thought for a moment and he was right. “Just like the two times you took a belt to him and he couldn’t defend himself? One might argue that that was justifiable after what you did to him. You don’t press charges on Joey and maybe Danny here might not bring charges on you for child abuse.”

I could see the gears working in Peña’s head and he thought over what I said. “Oh alright, I won’t press charges.”

I felt better when I heard that as I watched Danny put him in the back of his car. “I’ll have Raul bring your car over in the morning and take him to work Miguel.”

I led Joey and Robbie towards the building then waved to Danny. “Thanks Danny and tell Raul thank you too.”

To be continued...

Posted: 06/27/08