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...

“That’s enough,” Judge Romero said. “Although I’ve heard mitigating circumstances here, I do find there is probable cause to sustain the petition of the District Attorney’s office. I remand the minor child, Joey Peña, back to the care and custody of the Miguel Sanchez Foundation Children’s Home. I’ll see everyone back here in ten days for trial. This court is adjourned.”

Chapter 26

I could see Danny was steamed as he walked over to the ADA. “Lady, what’s gotten into you? You know damn good and well kids aren’t remanded and then to take pot shots at someone of Miguel Sanchez’s reputation. I suggest if you’re going to work in this city, you better learn who’s who here.”

“We’ll see Sheriff,” she said as she spun on her heels and headed for the back of the courtroom.

“What’s with her?” I asked as I tried to make up my mind weather or not I wanted to see Judge Romero. “Come on, I’m going to see the Judge.”

“Are you crazy?” Danny asked looking at me like I’d lost my mind.

“Not at all,” I replied as I headed for his chamber’s door.

I knocked on the door then stuck my head in. “Got a minute?”

“Sure Miguel, come on in.”

I pulled up a chair and sat down. “You really let that ADA get to you Javier.”

Javier signed some papers then set his pen down. “Yes I did and I really take exception when new people come in and try to bully our judicial system.”

“I wonder if I should be expecting a visit from her anytime over the next ten days.”

He put the papers in his desk then looked at me seriously. “She just might but I wouldn’t worry about it though. The Home has the full backing of the city.”

“Our numbers are still rather low, which in itself isn’t such a bad thing. We have 3 girls at the home now and a female social worker.”

Javier was shaking his head when I mentioned the girls. “You don’t have to worry about people moving at night?”

I giggled at his question but it did make sense. “No, not that I know about, but when we get a few more girls, I’ll hire someone to live in on the girls side.”

“I was worried about that,” Javier said as he stood and put his jacket on. “I just don’t need her trying to start anything. There are still a lot of kids on the street Miguel. I’ve talked with Danny and his men about getting them off the streets on their own but it might take a little more persuasion.”

I thought about what Javier was saying. “Maybe 1 of the older boys could go out with a couple of the Deputies and that way they could talk with the kids. I’ll talk that over with Danny.”

I stood and shook my friends hand and went back out with Danny and Joey. “I see he didn’t have you for an early dinner.”

I walked over to Joey and gave him a hug and led him towards the door. “Why would he do that? He was fine, now that court was over. He was just pissed at the ADA.”

I felt Joey pull in tight against my waist. “Papa Miguel, why was that lady trying to put me in jail?”

His question was one I should have been prepared for but wasn’t. “I don’t know son. I don’t know if she’s trying to make a name for herself or what.”

We walked out of the courtroom and made the trek to the front doors. “Is she gonna try to put me there when we have to come back?”

“That’s what Mr. Cortez is going to try to prevent.” We reached our vehicles as I saw Danny hurry to his car. “Joey, Mr. Cortez is going to meet with her and see if an agreement can be reached so that doesn’t happen.”

I was about to unlock the door to the Blazer when Joey wrapped his arms around me like I was a life line. “I know I shouldn’t have hit him Miguel but he made me so mad when he was talking about wanting to beat me again.”

I stroked his back a couple of times and felt him relax. I got him in the Blazer and we headed back for the home. “I think when everything comes out Joey, Mr. Cortez and the ADA can come to an agreement.”

Guillermo was pacing outside when we pulled into the Home’s parking lot. Guillermo was standing at my side of the Blazer when I opened the door. “Thank God he’s back Miguel. Everyone here has been so worried.”

Joey came around and gave Guillermo a hug then we went inside to meet the onslaught of questions. As soon as we were in the door, Robbie grabbed Joey and hugged him tight. “Oh man Joey; I was so worried about you.”

Joey now was the one offering the comfort. “It’s alright Robbie. Papa Miguel had a lawyer there for me and he’s going to work real hard for me.”

Guillermo steered us down the hall towards the dining area. “Joey, you and Robbie go wash up. Dinner is almost ready.”

As we got into the dining area, the other kids were there as if they knew Joey and I were back. “OK kids, I know you all have questions. Here’s what happened. Last night there was an incident here that involved Joey’s Uncle. He was arrested but then he said some things to Joey that weren’t very nice.”

I fixed myself some coffee and sat down waiting for the questions when José climbed onto my lap. “Did Joey hit his Uncle, Papa Miguel?”

I wrapped my arm around him as he looked up at me. “Yes he did José.”

“But it wasn’t the right thing to do,” Joey said as he and Robbie came into the dining area.

José hopped off my lap and ran over to hug his friend. “But he was saying bad things about you.”

“That’s right José,” replied Joey as he picked the little boy up. “But just because he was wrong doesn’t mean I can be wrong too. I shouldn’t have hit him.”

Hanna and her staff brought in one of Joey’s favorite foods, pizza. Joey had the honors of getting the first piece then the others dug in. On this evening, Guillermo and I were surrounded by the kids and I had to admit, I really enjoyed it. When dinner was over, we all pitched in and cleared the table and brought the dishes into the kitchen.

We got the kids into their respective showers then had a big family night in the common room. The kids put their heads together and came up with 2 movies they all wanted to see. After the first movie, I made my way down to the kitchen to see if Hanna had anything I could give the kids as a treat. I looked in one of the big freezers and sure enough, she had ice cream. I dug out some bowls and spoons, some chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream, loaded it onto a rolling cart then headed back to the community room. I was taking my life into my own hands but with everything that had transpired today, the kids needed something special. As soon as I went into the room I was mobbed. “Ice cream, Papa Miguel has ice cream.”

The kids lined up and started pointing and telling me what flavor they wanted. José was first but he turned and looked at Joey. “Come on Joey, you go first.”

He shook his head and stayed where he was. “You’re there José, go on and get yours.”

I dished up the ice cream then we watched the other movie. When that was over, we all pitched in and cleaned up the mess we made with the ice cream. The older kids washed up the bowls and spoons while the younger ones dried them.

I herded the kids towards their rooms as I was totally exhausted. Lisa came up and put her arm around me. “Can you tuck us into bed Papa Miguel?”

I wrapped my arm around her and drew her sister Laura and went over to the girl’s side. “Go on in and use the bathroom and stuff, then I’ll be in.”

Christine stuck her head out and smiled. “Miguel.”

She got into her bed and I tucked her in then kissed her on her head. “Sleep well sweetie, I’ll see you in the morning.”

I turned her light off then closed he door. I saw Lisa and Laura come out of the bathroom so I want in their room and tucked them in. Next stop the boy’s side and another tuck and kiss. After tucking and kissing 7 boys, I was starting to wonder who was going to tuck me in but when my head hit the pillow that was all I remember.

The next morning everything seemed to be back to normal around the home. The kids were getting back into their routine of Jackie having daily lessons to bring the child up to their proper grade level. I was sitting in my office wondering what the state of my house was like when Jackie came in. “Miguel, I think it might be a good idea if the children started getting a more formal education. From what I can see, they’re pretty much on par for their ages.”

I sat up and thought about what she had just said. “How do you think they would take to going to public school? These kids were on the streets for some time and it could get around that they are orphans and living here in the home.”

“I agree that it might be a problem,” Jackie said. “It might be something to ask the kids. Another idea would be to hire a certified teacher and they could be schooled here.”

“That might be the best way to go,” I replied. “When we get more children here, it could take several busses to transport all the children to the different schools. Would you happen to know anyone?”

Jackie thought for a few seconds. “I might know just the person. She had a bit of a rough childhood herself and knows what it’s like to be picked on. She was determined not to be a statistic of someone who couldn’t or wouldn’t make something out of their life.”

“That sounds good Jackie. If she thinks she’d like the position, have her come here and talk with Guillermo.”

That afternoon, I went back over to the house to see how they were coming along. When I arrived at the house, I saw Bill yelling at someone in Portuguese. My Portuguese was somewhat rusty but the jist of what I was hearing was Bill, my contractor, was tired of excuses as to why the trim work had yet to be completed and why the rooms had not been painted.

This was something I didn’t need to hear. I was only going to be here another 12 days and I wanted to have the chance to spend a couple of them in Papa’s house. Bill was still shaking his head when I walked up to him. “Don’t tell me, it’s not going to be ready before I leave.”

Bill was surprised by my question because he knew I had over heard his tirade with the other person. “Oh yes sir, Mr. Sanchez. The house will be ready in a week. You have my word on it.”

Somehow that didn’t give me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. “All right Bill, I’ll give you another week. If it’s not ready as promised, I’ll start deducting 1% of the total cost for each day it’s late. Do we understand each other?”

When he heard I was going to be deducting money off of the balance I owed him he became more reasonable. “Yes sir, Mr. Sanchez.”

I walked around and met up with Dave Montes to see how the new pool was coming. “Hi Miguel, how do the kids like the pool?”

I shook his hand and looked at the finished pool. “They love it. I think they’ve all grown gills. I love what you’ve done here also.”

Dave set his papers into his briefcase then took me to the poolroom. “Here is the new pump and filtration system. Everything is installed. All I need is the final on the electrical installation then I can start filling it. Everything should be finished by the end of the week.”

We shook hands and I bid him farewell. I figured the pool would be the last thing finished but such was not the case. I got back in the Blazer and returned to the home.  

Meanwhile Paulo was trying to make sense out of the ADA’s reasoning for believing Ruben Peña. Paulo took a chance and decided to talk with the man himself. He drove over to the Sheriff’s office to see what he might have to say. Paulo walked into the office and saw Danny at a computer terminal. “Hi Danny, I’d like to see Ruben Peña if I could.”

Danny stopped what he was doing and looked up. “Sure, the Deputy back there will bring him to a visiting cell. I don’t know what you’ll get out of him though.”

Paulo walked over to the door leading back to the prisoner’s area and told the guard he needed to talk with Ruben Peña. Paulo went into the visitor’s cell and the guard went to get him. “Who the hell are you?”

Paulo kicked the chair back for the man. “I’m Paulo Cortez. I’m a lawyer representing your nephew Joey Peña.”

“Yeah, what of it?” Peña barked as he came in.

Paulo was taken aback by the man’s attitude. “What’s with you? Why are you pressing charges against your nephew? You made the stupid mistake of admitting you beat him and now this?”

“Listen counselor,” Peña growled. “That little shit’s nothing. I took him in when my brother and his wife got killed. Gave him a home and he became a little pervert. I beat his ass, so what!”

“So why did you dress up like a Deputy Sheriff and try to con your way into the Children’s Home?”

“I saw the shit there,” he said smugly.

Paulo was totally disgusted. He stood up and walked towards the cell door. “Guard.”

The guard opened the door and Paulo walked out and headed back towards the front. Danny saw him come out and he could tell he wasn’t happy. “What’s wrong Paulo?”

Paulo slammed his briefcase on the counter. “I don’t understand that jerk and what’s more, I’ll be damned if I understand that ADA. It’s late but tomorrow, I’m going over to her office and have a talk with her. I’ll see you later Danny.”

The next day, Paulo was at the DA’s office bright and early. He walked inside and stopped at the receptionist. “May I help you sir?”

Paulo handed to woman one of his cards. “Paulo Cortez to see ADA Victoria Ruiz.”

“One moment sir,” the receptionist said as she picked up the phone.

Paulo had to wait a couple minutes then a young man came out. “Mr. Cortez, would you follow me please?”

The young man led Paulo to an office then opened the door. “Ms. Ruiz, Paulo Cortez is here to see you.”

Ms. Ruiz spun around and Paulo could tell she wasn’t expecting him. The young man left closing the door and Paulo stared at the ADA. “I’d like to have a word with you Ms. Ruiz.”

“I really don’t have anything to say to you Mr. Cortez. That brat hit a defenseless man and I plan on prosecuting him to the fullest extent of the law.”

Paulo was totally taken aback by her reference to Joey and he lost his professional cool also. “Lady, what the hell is with you? You take the word of an admitted child abuser who beat his son and when he curses him, the boy strikes back.”

The ADA smirked at Paulo. “I guess he should have learned to control his temper.”

“Alright,” Paulo started. “What are you offering?”

“Offering?” Ruiz countered. “Counselor, I’m not offering anything. In fact, I’m going to move that he be tried as an adult, and then I’m going for the max of 5 years.”

“You’ve lost your mind,” Paulo spat back. “Judge Romero will never certify him an adult.”

“I’ll get it counselor,” She replied. “I’m going to make that motion before Superior Court.”

“You can’t do that,” a voice said.

Paulo recognized the voice and so did Ms. Ruiz. She turned and saw the DA standing in her door. “Oh, and just why can’t I?”

The DA came in and sat on the corner of her desk. “How you doing Paulo, I haven’t seen you in court here for some time now. As to why you can’t take it before Superior Court, Ms. Ruiz is because only a Juvenile Judge can certify a minor as an adult and Mr. Cortez is right. Judge Romero will never do that.”

Ruiz had to think quickly because her boss was shooting her down. “Very well, he adjudicates to his crime and he does three years in a Juvenile facility.”

“Three years,” Paulo shouted. “Lady what have you been drinking. I was looking more like 6 months probation and good behavior for 12 months.”

“No way,” she spat. “Juveniles here are going to learn they can’t break the law and get a slap on the wrist.”

Paulo was steamed. “I’ll see you in court counselor.”

Paulo turned and headed out of the DA’s office and took a long walk to clear his head. Back in Ms. Ruiz’s office, the DA was not happy. “I wasn’t going to say anything while Paulo was here because I didn’t want to come across that I wasn’t supporting my staff but I do have to ask, what are you doing here?”

Ruiz didn’t like being questioned about her prosecuting abilities. “I’m doing my job. I’ve prosecuted hundreds of juvenile cases before and I know what I’m doing.”

The DA wasn’t in the mood for her smart answers. “That maybe true Victoria, but things are done a lot differently here.”

“Well it’s a new day Mr. Moreno,” Ruiz said smiling. “There’s a new ADA in town.”

That didn’t go over well with Moreno. “Yeah and you’re going against a judge that’s an icon in this city. We’ve had a problem with street children being killed, there is a sheriff that’s cleaning that up and we’ve just had a new Children’s Home open and taking care of the street kids.”

“Oh yeah,” Ruiz said bitterly. “I’ve seen that guy. I’m going to investigate him too.”

“Oh no you’re not,” Moreno said. “The city knows all there is to know about Miguel Sanchez. His father’s foundation built the children’s wing on the hospital. When he died, Miguel took over the Foundation and he’s continued on with his father’s work.”

Moreno headed towards the door. “I hope you win this case.”

“Oh don’t worry sir, I will,” Ruiz said. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to file a brief in court.” 

Back at the home, I was helping Jackie with the kids with their classes when Guillermo came down to the dining area. “Miguel, can you and Jackie come here. There is someone I’d like you to meet.”

We let the kids go play and followed Guillermo back to his office. As Jackie entered she stopped short, “Casey you came in. This is the owner Miguel Sanchez and the Director, Guillermo Fernandez.”

Casey went over and hugged her old friend. “I know Guillermo, we’ve been talking and he’s offered me the position.”

Casey knew her friend and something wasn’t right considering she had a new job. “What’s wrong Casey? I know you and you’re not the bubbly person I knew.”

Casey started at Jackie. “Ah, it’s nothing girlfriend. I’m fine, just surprised I got the job here.”

Jackie never knew her to be surprised about getting hired when she was more than qualified. “That’s crazy Casey. I know you better than that, now what gives?”

Casey’s bottom lip started to quiver. “It’s just . . . well Jackie, I’ve fallen on a little hard times. I haven’t worked in a while and I’m about to lose my small apartment.”

I put my arm around Casey. “I think I might have a way to solve your problem Casey.”

Casey looked at me like I’d said something wrong. “Mr. Sanchez, I’m not looking for charity.”

“I’m not giving any either Casey,” I replied. “We have girls here now. This home will house almost 200 boys and girls. Guillermo stays here on the boy’s side and so far, there hasn’t been an emergency involving the girls and if there was, I’m sure they would trust Guillermo. When more girls arrive, I’m going to want a woman in their wing. I’m offering you a live in position. You’ll have your own room and have your meals here with the children. You’ll have off time and that is your time. What do you think?”

We stood there waiting for Casey’s answer as she thought about it. “Well, I have a few days left at my place. Let me meet the girls and I’ll let you know.”

That made good sense. “That works for me. Guillermo will get you your Staff ID card made then you can meet the kids over lunch.

I was about to head into my office when José came running in. “Papa Miguel, Mikey fell down. He skinned his knees pretty bad.”

I headed for the boy’s wing and down to the back door. I didn’t get very far when I saw Joey carrying Mikey. I walked towards him so I could see how badly he skinned his knees when a voice said, “What’s he doing holding that boy?”

I turned around and there was that damn ADA coming down the hall. “Authorized personnel only allowed down here.”

When I got to Joey and Mikey, I looked at Mikey’s knees. “You did a number on them little guy.”

I steered Joey into Mikey’s room then closed the door. This ADA was really starting to get on my nerves. “I asked you a question. What was that boy doing carrying the other one.”

I took her by the arm and led her back to the front of the home then faced her to the posted sign. “Can you read that sign? It says Authorized Personnel Only Beyond This Point.”

“I have a right,” she started when I interrupted her.

“You have no right to be in an unauthorized area without permission or an escort,” I shot back. “You will not interfere with the running of this Home.”

“That boy is a criminal,” she fired back. “What is he doing in there with that boy?”

I walked into my office and got the first aid kit. I knew one phone call I was making once this problem was taken care of and that was to the medical supply house. I wanted more things here than just this first aid kit when the kids got hurt. I walked out of the office then stopped to look at the ADA. “I don’t know right at this very moment. I might suppose he’s trying to calm the little one down and then maybe clean his knees. Now, if you’ll excuse me and let me remind you again, you are not to come into this wing.”

I walked down the hall then went into Mikey and Chico’s room. Joey had Mikey lying on his bed and was cleaning his knees. Once they were cleaned up, I could better see how badly they were skinned. “How’d you do this son?”

Joey sat up so he could see what I was doing. “I was playing football with the others and Alex tried to make a tackle and missed the ball. I fell down on my knees and messed them up.”

I put some antibiotic ointment on them and dressed the wounds. “You’ll be good as new in no time Mikey. You might need to stop playing football for a few days though.”

Mikey stood up on the bed and hopped into my arms. “Thanks Papa Miguel.”

I put Mikey down then headed for the door. He and Joey went back out to play while I dealt with Ms. Ruiz. I went into my office and saw her on the phone. I waited until she had hung up before asking her just was her major malfunction was but I didn’t get the chance. “Mr. Sanchez, the Sheriff is on his way over. I’m having you and that criminal boy arrested.”

At this point I totally lost it. “Lady, have you taken total leave of your senses?”

To be continued...

Posted: 06/27/08