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 breathed a sigh of relief. “I’ll write the admission orders and get him started on antibiotics. Thank you for taking him Kevin.”

“Glad to help Miguel. Good bye.”

I hung up the phone then wrote the admission orders on Kareem Douglas. I slid the chart over to Francis. “I can’t believe it Dr. Sanchez; you managed to talk Dr. Miles into taking a patient on his day off and get him to come in to see him.”

I just smiled then headed down to Billy’s office.

Chapter 60

“Come on in Miguel,” Billy said as soon as he saw me.

I’d arrived as the tape was playing and Dr. Dole was looking a little green around the gills. I listened intently. “I don’t know who this Dr. Sanchez thinks he is but he’ll not come in upsetting the good order of things. No sirreebob, it just won’t happen. He probably went to some third rate school down in Mexico or where ever. I’ll bet you he didn’t even go to Medical School. I’ve heard there are places where you can have someone forge diplomas. I’ll bet you that’s just what he did. What do you say Nurse Kramer?”

Billy cut the tape off then glared at the man but I was about to explode. “So, I upset the good order of things, do I? I’m a wet back spick? I BOUGHT MY DEGREES?”

I was so angry I felt like punching him. Then he got pompous. “I bet you did and you’re probably in this country illegally.”

Billy slammed his fist down on his desk. “Shut up Dole.”

Billy got up and slammed his door closed. As we went back over to his desk, he snatched his ID tag right off Dole’s pocket. “Give me that back this instant.”

Billy shook his head. “No because as of right now you’re suspended pending a full internal investigation into your practices at the clinic. I heard about you billing Medicaid for telephone consultations.”

He shook his head. “I’ve never done that.”

Billy pushed the button on the tape recorder again. “There you go nurse. No damn spick phony doctor will come in here telling me how to run MY clinic. I know them niggers get free Medicaid because they’re too busy spitting out babies at the drop of a hat. When they come in, I’ll listen to them whine and complain then tell them their kid has a virus and send them on their merry way. When they call the clinic, I bill Medicaid for an office visit.”

He turned but I was standing there. “Now, I’d sit my ass down if I were you.”

He tried to get a little physical and push by me but I remembered something I’d seen Danny use. As soon as he put his arm on me I quickly grabbed it and brought it around his back. “I think you should call security Billy, also you might want to have maintenance change the locks on the doors to the clinic.”

Dole tried to stand when security came in. “That’s MY clinic. I’ve ran that since the day it opened.”

I shook my head. “Billy, you have your work cut out for you. What are you going to do with this piece of work?”

He shook his head but I waited until he got off the phone. “I just called maintenance and they’re on their way over to change the locks. As for Mr. Dole here, we’ll start with the audit of the clinic’s books going back to day 1 on Monday. This is going to be a massive job but Duke University Hospital will not be a part of anything illegal. I just wonder what we’re going to do with all the patients the clinic was serving, or should I say, was supposed to be serving.”

Dole started laughing. “It looks like them lazy ass niggers will have to sponge off another hospital or go out and get a job.”

I wanted to hit him so bad but all that would do was lower myself to his level and I’d never do that. “I have an idea Billy but first, how long do you think it would take for the auditor’s to go through the books?”

Billy shook his head. “I really don’t know Miguel. I’m going to have to notify the state and Feds about this letting them know we’ve uncovered massive fraud by Mr. Dole.”

“THAT’S DR. DOLE,” he screamed.

Now it was Billy’s turn to laugh. “Not when the State Board of Medicine gets though with you. By the time they’re done, you won’t be able to sweep the floors here or in any other hospital for that matter. Security, would you kindly escort this person to his car and one more thing, get a scraper and remove his parking decal from his vehicle. Those are only for Duke University staff.”

I thought for a minute. “Do you think it would take more than a year? Wait a minute before you escort Mr. Dole out of here, please.”

Billy’s eyes got wide. “Oh god I hope not.”

One last question now, “How much would it take to run the clinic for a year?”

He shook his head. “I’m not sure Miguel but I can find out for you.”

I was about to answer when Billy picked up the phone and started punching numbers. I could tell he was talking to an accountant and several minutes later he hung up the phone. “The clinic wasn’t really self sufficient and there was $1.5 million earmarked for it.”

“That’s reasonable Billy,” I said walking over towards his desk. “Can I borrow your phone; it’s for a long distance call?”

He handed me the phone and smiled, “Sure Miguel.”

I made my call and they could hear my side. I called my accountant here in the states. “Hi Gene, Miguel Sanchez here; I’m sorry to bother you on Saturday. I need a check cut and mailed to Duke University. I know this is a holiday weekend but it still should be here by Wednesday or Thursday. How much, umm make it for $2 million. Thanks Gene and put a notation in the checkbook. Make it Endowment for Duke University Hospital Pediatric Clinic.”

Dole got very flippant. “I wouldn’t accept that fucking check; it’ll probably bounce all the way to the moon.”

Billy lost it then, he went over and grabbed Dole by the shirt snatching him up out of his chair. “Look smart ass, I happen to know if Miguel wanted to, he could buy this hospital so I’d shut my mouth right now. Security, get him the hell out of here. The stench is making me sick.”

“Come on Billy, I need to check on Jay and the Douglas’”

We watched as Dole was led down the hall. “I can’t thank you enough for helping us out like that Miguel.”

Francis saw us at the desk as we walked up. “Everything’s been done Dr. Sanchez. Transport should be here shortly to take him up to the pediatric unit.”

I nodded my head. “How’s my son doing? He didn’t get sick when you started the IV did he?”

She shook her head. “He did quite well doctor. It seems he has a way with kids.”

I wasn’t too surprised with that then I heard a voice behind me. “Nurse, can you tell me where I can find Dr. Sanchez?”

I turned around and extended my hand. “I’m Dr. Sanchez.”

The man shook my hand with a warm smile. “I’m Dr. Miles. Can you take me to where my patient is?”

I nodded my head. “Follow me doctor. I’ve had Respiratory give him a breathing treatment to loosen the congestion in his lungs.”

On the way, I grabbed Kareem’s films. We entered and I was amazed by what I saw. Jay was sitting down holding the sleeping baby. “Ms. Douglas, this is Dr. Miles and he’ll be taking care of Kareem while he’s in the hospital.”

She took the man’s hand and started shaking it. “Thank you Doctor, thank you. Dr. Sanchez, what’s going to happen when my boy’s outta the hospital?”

Billy looked at her. “That’s being taken care of. By the time Kareem’s healthy, the clinic will be back open with a new director and no one will have a thing to worry about.”

There was a knock on the door and a woman walked in. “I’m here to take Kareem Douglas to the pediatric unit.”

Jay stood up and started to carry the boy over to the little crib. I got his IV and hung it on the hook that was attached to the bed. “Ms. Douglas, you can go with Kareem. If you wish to stay with him at night, let one of the nurses know and they can get you a reclining chair.”

Dr. Miles watched as Jay carried him out and set him into the crib. He looked at me smiling. “Is that the father?”

Jay came back in. “Dad, would there be a problem if I visited him while he’s here?”

Kevin scratched his head. “Dad?”

I giggled. “Kevin, this is my oldest son Jay. He’s a rising senior here at Duke and then will be continuing on here at the medical school.”

Kevin turned several shades of red from embarrassment. “Guess I really stuck my foot in it.”

Jay smiled. “Nah, don’t worry about it doctor. I guess I should be asking you if it would be alright if I visited him.”

Kevin shook his head. “I don’t have a problem with it Jay. I’ll let the nurse’s station know he’ll have a visitor outside of his mother.”

I looked at my watch and it was almost one. “Jay, we better get back home. I wonder what the boys have been up to while we’ve been gone.”

We said out goodbyes then Jay and I managed to find our way out to the parking lot. When we got into the Blazer I could see the wheels turning in Jay’s head. “I bet they had fun what ever they did.”

When Jay and I got home we heard the TV. When we entered the living room the boys were cuddled together in the buff sound asleep. I covered my lips with my finger then headed down the hall to their bedroom. I found a blanket then came out and covered them. Jay and I went into the kitchen and fixed us some lunch. “It’s nice to see you don’t always eat out.”

Jay tossed a loaf of bread at me. “Hey Dad, I’ve learned how to cook.”

I loved ribbing my eldest. “How many pots and pans did you go through?”

Jay just stood there with his mouth open until he realized I was just playing. “None Dad but I do remember the time Ronnie ruined one of Uncle Luiz’s.”

I’d forgotten about that. “I do remember that son and Luiz never let on to your brother that he was upset.”

Jay and I fixed some sandwiches then sat down and had an enjoyable lunch. “I have some ribs in the freezer that I was thinking about fixing for dinner. Do you think the boys would enjoy them?”

I giggled as I chewed my bite of food. “I don’t think there isn’t much those two wouldn’t enjoy son. You better get them out if you want them defrosted in time.”

Jay went over to the sink and filled it with hot water then took the ribs out and got them soaking. “Do you think 10 pounds will be enough?”

“I guess that all depends on what else you’re going to have son?”

Jay came back over and sat down. “I have some of Ronnie’s potato salad or I can fix corn on the cob.”

I smiled at him. “I think you know the answer to that already son.”

Out in the living room Matt woke up from his nap. He gently nudged Darren. “Hey man, wake up.”

Darren woke up then realized he and Matt were covered. “Damn, Jay and your Pop must be home. We’re really gonna catch it.”

Matt leaned over and kissed Darren. “I don’t think so, you know Jay and Ronnie are cool and I know Pop is.”

“Are you sure,” Darren asked as he stood up to stretch. “I know some people say one thing but then mean something else.”

Matt saw Darren’s wood and couldn’t help reaching out to rub it. “Would you like to go back to our room where we have some privacy?”

Darren let out a soft moan. “I’d love to but I think we should wait until tonight maybe, besides I really need to pee.”

Darren was about to head to the bathroom when I came in. “I see you kept yourselves occupied while Jay and I were at the hospital.”

Darren turned around and looked like a deer in headlights. “Uh hi Miguel. Yeah, Matt and I were fine while you guys were out.”

Matt stood up and put his arm around Darren. “Relax Dar, I told you Pop’s cool.”

I walked over and took both boys in my arms kissing each of them on the head. “Boys, I trust you two. As long as you both agree to something and no one gets hurt, I don’t mind you both fooling around.”

Matt smiled then looked Darren into the eyes. “See Dar, what’d I tell ya?”

I felt Darren relax in my arms. “OK Matt, sorry Miguel. I guess I’m still a little self conscious and I know my Mom would have a fit if she came home and saw me in the living room in the nude.”

Matt got the giggles, “Yeah and with a boner too.”

Darren turned a deep red. “She’d really flip I think.”

Darren then hurried down the hall to the bathroom and Matt gave me a quick hug. “Thanks Pop, you seem to always know what to say.”

Matt scurried down the hall as I returned to the kitchen. I looked at Jay who was changing the water on the ribs. “Did I hear the boys?”

I nodded my head. “Yeah you did son, they’re getting dressed.”

A few minutes later, the boys came into the kitchen. We sat and talked as the ribs were defrosting. It took a little over an hour for them to defrost then Jay popped them into the oven to slowly cook. “I don’t have a way to smoke them properly so I hope they come out OK.”

Matt watched as Jay got the ribs into the oven. “I’ve never had them smoked before. Mom just cooks them like that and Dad puts them on the grill to finish cooking them while he covers them in sauce.”

It took several hours for the ribs to cook between being in the oven and on the grill but they turned out delicious and the only thing left were 2 very messy boys and 2 equally messy adults. After everything and everyone were cleaned, we relaxed in front of the TV. When Ronnie came home from work he told us he was taking Sunday off so he could spend some time with us.

The rest of the weekend flew by and all too soon, it was time for Matt and me to return to Virginia. Matt and Darren had a slightly tearful farewell as the two of them had become very close.

When Matt and I returned home, there was a message from Barbara on the machine. When I played the message, the time stamp indicated I’d just missed the call. “Miguel, I need to speak with you and Matt as soon as you get home. It’s very important.”

I immediately called her back. “Hi Barbara, Matt and I just got in. What’s wrong, your call sounded urgent.”

“Oh Miguel,” she started. “Is Matt there?

Matt was standing beside me. “Yes he is; he’s right here.”

I’d never heard her like this before. “Have him pick up the extension. I need to be able to speak with you both.”

Matt ran to the kitchen and pick up the extension. “I’m here Mom, what’s up?”

I could hear her breathing in the background but it took her almost a minute before she spoke. “Matt, I don’t know how to say this but do you remember Gerald Flemming?”

Matt was sitting at the dining room table and I saw him cover his mouth with his hand. “Yes Mom, I know him. He’s a good friend of mine from school.”

“Son, I have to ask you a question. I’m not passing any judgments or anything like that but how well do you know him?”

I could see Matt trying to fight back tears so I had a pretty good idea that he was Matt’s boyfriend. “I know him very well Mom. I’ve spent the night with him a couple of times before I came to live with you. What’s going on?”

“Matt, have you and him ever umm well.”

I had to intercede as Matt had lost the battle in fighting back the tears. “Barbara, I can answer that if Matt will let me.”

Matt was nodding his head. “Miguel, what do you know about all this?”

“Calm down Barbara,” I said right off. “What is going on?”

“Miguel, don’t tell me to calm down.” She said rather sternly. “Mr. Flemming called the police when he found a note from Matt to Gerald.”

“What?” Matt shouted. “I haven’t seen him since last year in school. That note has to be several months old. The last one I wrote him was about when we spent the night together for the last time.”

I tried to calm things down. “Barbara, I think you’d better come over so we can all sit down and talk about this. I can tell you this that nothing serious happened between the two of them.”

“Just what do you mean by serious Miguel?”

I took a deep breath, “Nothing more than boyish curiosity.”

I could hear her relax a little. “Miguel, I trust you here but we do need to talk. Mr. Flemming is making some strong accusations.”

Barbara said she’d be right over and that gave me time to calm Matt down. As soon as he hung up the phone, he was sobbing uncontrollably in my arms. “Papa, we didn’t do anything more than jack off, I swear.”

I rubbed his back and tried to calm him down. “Matt, you don’t have to convince me of that.”

Just then the doorbell started ringing. I opened the door and there was Barbara and it looked like she had been crying too. Matt ran over to her and started crying again. “Mom, nothing happened like Gerald’s Dad is thinking.”

I went into the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee then joined Matt and Barbara in the living room. I sat beside Matt and tried to get his tears under control. “Now Barbara, tell me what accusations Gerald’s Dad is making.”

She dug into her purse and pulled out a small cassette recorder and played it. I listened to the recording and even I was shocked by what I heard. To sum it up, he was accusing Matt of seducing Gerald into lord knows what. Just then the phone rang again and it was big Matt. “Papa Miguel, is my Mom still there?”

“Yes son she is,” I replied and quickly handed her the phone.

I couldn’t hear what Matt was saying but Barbara was livid. “Did he leave a phone number?”

I put a piece of paper in front of her and she scribbled a phone number down on it. “Thanks son and don’t worry, you’re brother will be fine.”

She hung up and quickly dialed Mr. Flemming. “Mr. Flemming, this is Barbara Miller with Social Services. I just got an urgent call from my son telling me you’re trying to make Gerald strip in front of you?”

I went into the kitchen and quietly picked up the extension. “Lady, he’s my son and I’ll do as I like. I’ll tie him to the bed if I have to.”

“I would strongly advise against that,” she exclaimed. “If I find out that is what you did, I will bring charges against you.”

“Don’t threaten me lady. Your pervert of a kid has done God knows what to him and one way or another I’m going to find out, even if I have to beat it out of him.”

I’d heard enough. “Sir, this is Dr. Miguel Sanchez. I just heard you make a threat of child abuse against your son and I will testify to that if anything should happen to him. If you feel he’s been abused, bring him to Children’s Hospital. I perform examinations on children suspected of being abused for Social Services and if your son has, I will have no choice but to report it. But know this sir, if there is 1 single bruise on him, I’ll hold you personally responsible.”

I could hear him breathing very hard into the receiver. “Fine Doc, have it your way. I’ll be at the hospital in about 45 minutes.”

I heard him slam the phone down then I looked at Matt and Barbara. “He’s going to have Gerald at the hospital in about 45 minutes.”

Matt was all excited. “That’s great Papa, I haven’t seen him in months.”

I started shaking my head. “I’m sorry son but you can’t go.”

He started crying as he heard my words. “But why Papa, I didn’t do anything.”

I pulled him into my chest and started rubbing his back. “I know that son but if you were there, a huge fight would happen and I know neither you nor Gerald need that right now. I do have one question and that is how did Gerald’s father know how to find you.”

Barbara was scratching her head. “I haven’t a clue Miguel. All this with Matt happened when school was closed.”

I got Matt’s bag and started to head towards the door. “Papa, can’t I stay here with you tonight? I’ll behave, I promise.”

I had no doubts that Matt would be good, he always was. “OK son, you can stay tonight if it’s alright with your Mom but while we’re at the hospital, you’re going to have to stay with your brothers.”

I could see the look of dejection on his face. “Alright Papa, Mom can I still stay with Miguel tonight?”

She smiled and drew him into a hug. “Alright son but you better be good while we’re at the hospital.”

He pulled her down then kissed her on the cheek. “I will Mom, I promise.”

I followed Barbara over to her house and dropped Matt off then the two of us headed over to Children’s Hospital.

To be continued...

Posted: 07/18/08