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...
The man slugged down the rest of his drink then refilled his glass. “No problem
boss, I know just how to handle it.”
Silk suit drank down the rest of his scotch. “You better because if you
disappoint me again, I will cut my losses, permanently.”
Chapter 73
*****
It was now getting late and some of the
children were starting to get restless. Andrea had fallen asleep so that told me
what to do as far as she was concerned and Laura even volunteered to stay back
with her room mate.
We got the others loaded into the vans but not before I had to give each of them
a big hug and kiss goodbye along with a promise that they would know when she
went into labor and had to go to the hospital if she left before they all
returned tomorrow afternoon. David and I stayed back so he could drive the
Blazer to the hospital.
After everyone left, I sat down with Rivera's in the common room then had a lap
full of little Felix. “Miguel, is Andwea gonna be alright? When will she have
the baby?”
I could see in his eyes he was fighting sleep. “I don’t know little one, it’s
all up to her now.”
Brianna was pacing back and forth. “Miguel, can’t they just take the baby?”
I shook my head. “I really don’t like doing that unless the baby’s head is to
big for her birth canal. I’ve spoken to her OB and he doesn’t seem overly
worried at this point in time. Once she goes into labor and is at the hospital,
we can do an ultrasound and see how big its head is.”
Carlos stood and took a now sleeping Felix off my lap. “Come on now love,
there’s nothing we can do tonight. We need to get our boy into bed. Miguel, if
she does go into labor tonight, please call us. One of us will get over to the
hospital.”
I went out with the Rivera's and watched as they drove away back to their hotel.
I went inside and checked on Andrea and Laura. I eased the door open and both
girls were sound asleep.
*****
Back on the other side of town, the man in
the worn clothes was driving around trying to decide how to handle his boss’
order. He wanted to handle it one sure way but that didn’t seem to be an option.
The more he drove the fewer answers he could come up with.
The next thing he new he was in front of a modest house. He wasn’t sure what led
him there but after having a few more belts of scotch, he got an idea. He made
his way up to the house then started to pick the lock. He heard a car coming so
he quickly hid in the bushes. Once the car passed, he quickly got the door open
then slipped inside. He let his eyes get used to the darkness then made his way
down the hall to the bedroom. The door was wide open and the room was empty.
‘Shit,’ He thought to himself. ‘Now what do it do?’
He stood there for a moment then decided he had to come back. He made his way
back outside then made sure the door was locked and drove away.
*****
Back at the home, I had finally managed to
fall asleep. The next thing I knew Laura was pushing on my shoulder. “Papa
Miguel, Andrea’s moaning. It sounds like she’s in pain.”
I struggled to open my eyes. “OK Laura, go wake David for me please and I’ll be
right down.”
I waited until she left then slid out from under the covers. I grabbed my shorts
but before I could leave, I had to use the bathroom. After that, I stopped at
the clinic and got some rubber gloves. I went into Andrea and Laura’s room and I
could tell, Andrea was having some major contractions. I put my gloves on just
as David arrived. “Is it time Miguel?”
“It seems so buddy. Laura, can you help me? David, call the hospital and have
them get an ambulance here.”
Laura helped me get Andrea’s legs set then I did a quick pelvic exam. She was
about 4cm dilated. I took my gloves off then cleaned Andrea. Just then David
came back in. “It’s on its way.”
I had David stay with Andrea while I went and called Dean. He told me he’d meet
us at the hospital then I went back with my patient. As I was coming out of my
office, the ambulance arrived. I held the door for them then led them to
Andrea’s room. They quickly got her onto the stretcher then took her to the out
to the unit. “Are you coming along Dr. Sanchez?”
I nodded my head. “David, here are the keys to the Blazer, bring it over to the
hospital after Laura wakes up.”
He took the keys then I climbed into the ambulance. It took about 20 minutes to
make the trip and as soon as we entered, Dr. Miles was walking with us. “How far
along are her contractions?”
In my haste, I’d forgotten to time them. “I’m not really sure Dean, I haven’t
sat down with her and timed them. I don’t think they’re all that close, to be
honest.”
He nodded his head. “OK, we can take care of that. I have her room waiting.”
Just then we heard a voice. “Just where are you taking her?”
I looked at my pocket to make sure I’d put my ID on and it was. I turned around
and saw someone I didn’t recognize. “And who wants to know?”
He walked up then folded his arms across his chest. “I’m David Perez, head of
the billing department.”
His name didn’t ring a bell in my memory. “She’s going to the children’s wing so
it’s of no concern of yours.”
“It doesn’t matter doctor where she’s going.”
Just then the last did ring a bell. “Are you related to Hector Perez?”
He got a smug look on his face. “He’s my brother, why?”
I started to laugh. “I think he forget to tell you just who’s who around here.”
“And just what is that supposed to mean?”
I just shook my head. “Maybe when I have time I’ll explain it but right now this
patient needs to go to her room.”
He ran around and stood in front of the gurney. “She’s not going anywhere unless
I say so.”
“If you don’t move out of the way you’ll be looking for a new job.”
“Just who do you think you are talking to me like that?”
I was quickly losing my temper. “I’m on the Board of Directors so that’s who I
am now get out of our way.”
He finally stepped aside. “This isn’t over Dr. Sanchez.”
Dean and I got Andrea into her bed in labor and delivery. “Dean, when was her
last ultrasound?”
He thought for a moment, “At the start of her last trimester, why?”
“Do you think she can deliver naturally or will she need a C-section?”
He shook his head. “I think you’re right, let’s get an updated one.”
Dean wrote the orders for the ultrasound then had anesthesiology paged so they
could start the line for her epidural.
*****
Back over on the other side of town the man
in the worn clothes tried one last time to pay a visit to the boss’ problem.
When he pulled up there was a car in the driveway so he knew they were home. He
parked across the street then quickly had the lock picked and was now inside the
house.
He remembered where the bedroom was so he silently made his way down the hall.
The door was still open but there was a lone body in the bed. He reached his
hand into his back pocket and removed a pair of brass knuckles and slipped them
onto his right hand.
He hopped up on the bed then delivered one blow with his right hand.
*****
It was now 6:30 in the morning and I was
sitting in Dean’s office having a cup of coffee. I was about to refill my cup
when there was a knock on the door. I opened it and the ultrasound tech was
standing there. “Here are the ultrasound photos Dr. Sanchez.”
I took them and shook his hand. “Thank you.”
I showed them to Dean. “She might be able to deliver naturally Miguel but I’m
going to have an OR on standby just in case. Looking at these, I’d guess her boy
will weigh in over 8 pounds.”
I was getting hungry so I went to check on Andrea then head down to the
cafeteria. I got myself a big breakfast and found a quiet place to eat. I had
just finished eating when I got a page, “Dr. Sanchez here.”
“Hi Miguel, Laura is awake. Ronnie and Hanna are making breakfast to take over
to your place.”
“Not bad timing David. Why don’t you stay there and help Ronnie and Hanna if
they need it then you can bring the Blazer over after you eat and drop Laura at
my place.”
“That will work Miguel. Do you know when the kids are coming back here?”
“Some time before lunch, I think.”
After we finished talking, I called the Rivera’s then went back to the OB wing
to check on Andrea. When I went in, she was sitting up. “Hi darling, how are you
feeling?”
She looked at me and smiled, “Like I’m ready to get him out now.”
Just then, something dawned on me. “Have you thought of name for him yet?”
Nodding her head, she held her hand out to me. I came over and sat on the edge
of the bed and took her hand. “What was your Papa’s name?”
“My Papa’s name was Juan.”
I saw her thinking. “Was there another important person in your life?”
I smiled broadly. “Luiz, he was my uncle who raised me and helped raise my
boys.”
“How does Juan Luiz Rivera sound to you?”
Tears started to fall at that. “Andrea that sounds lovely.”
“Your parents brought the most wonderful person into this world. I wish I could
have met them.”
“I never knew my Mama, my Papa told me she died giving birth to me. My Uncle and
his wife played as big role in raising me as did my Papa. I was very fortunate.”
“They all should be very proud of you. I hope my boy turns out half as well as
you did.”
I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Considering who his Mother is and
his grandparents, I’m sure he’ll turn out just fine.”
“You better not forget who his Godfather will be either.”
I turned several shades of red. “I’m truly honored.”
Just then the door opened and in came Brianna. “How are you feeling sweety?”
I decided to leave Mother and daughter alone. I went down to Dean’s office and
called my house hoping to catch Guillermo.
I spoke with him for a few minutes then David found me bringing me my keys.
“Thanks David, I’m glad you’re here. I need to run back to the home so I can get
a shower.”
I told Dean I was taking off for a little while then I’d be back. David and I
headed over to the home where I took a well needed shower and grabbed a shave.
*****
Down stairs in the main hospital the on
duty emergency room doctor is busy working on an unknown patient. An unknown
female was dropped out in the middle of the parking lot and left for dead. A
staff worker coming on duty found her and notified the ER. Doctors were busy
going over her injuries.
*****
“Miguel, can you drop me at your house so I
can help the others with the children?”
“David, if you’re like me you’re ready for a few hours of sleep too.”
I called Guillermo back and let him know that there had been a small change in
plans and that David and I were going to grab a few hours sleep. I got my shower
then opened my door in case the phone rang. I stretched out on the bed and
quickly fell asleep.
I next thing I remembered was getting awakened by the phone. I glanced at the
clock and it was now 12:30. I pulled my shorts on and trotted down the hall to
my office to answer the phone, “Miguel Sanchez here.”
“Miguel, Dean Miles here. Andrea’s contractions are now about 5 minutes apart.
She’s 8cm dilated and almost totally effaced.”
“Do you think she can handle a vaginal birth?”
Dean paused for a moment. “I don’t know, I can’t tell. When the baby totally
presents itself I should.”
“OK, I’m on my way.”
I left a note for David then hurried back to the hospital.
*****
Over at my house, Guillermo and the other
adults were busy helping the children pack their clothes and toys in their
laundry bags. The teens pitched in helping the younger ones and soon, everything
had been packed and they were ready to return to the home.
José went up to Jackie. “How are our bikes going to get back?”
Guillermo heard the question but Sammy said, “Don’t worry José, Victor and I
will get the large van and bring them all back.”
With that question answered, everyone was ready to leave.
*****
I was standing beside Andrea and Brianna as
another contraction hit. “Breathe sweety,” I said as she took in a deep breath
and let it out as it passed.
Her contractions were now about 10 minutes apart so I pushed the call button and
had them page Dean. When he arrived he examined her. “She’s 6cm dilated and
partially afaced but I still don’t know if she’ll deliver naturally.”
He called the OR and told then he was coming up with Andrea to do a C-section.
Two nurses came in and released the brakes on the bed and pushed her out the
door. I was talking with Brianna when I heard him cough. “Do you want me there
too?”
I heard Andrea’s voice. “Papa Miguel, please come.”
Brianna and I followed the others and soon, I was back in scrubs.
*****
Back in the ER, the unknown woman was
getting a scan of her head neck, spine and abdomen. Once that was finished, she
was examined for signs of rape. The doctor was waiting on the scan results when
a nurse brought someone back to see the doctor. “I’m Inspector Ernesto Diaz with
the Federal Police. We received a tip that a woman had been assaulted.”
The doctor looked at him. “That’s an understatement sir. What’s the Federal
Police doing investigating something our Sheriff’s Department normally does?”
“We got the call so we’re going to look into it. If it’s really a local case,
they’ll get it. Can I see the victim?”
“She’s undergoing a CT scan right now.” The doctor replied.
The cop thought for a moment. “Can you tell me what injuries she’s sustained?”
The doctor picked up the chart and looked at it. “A number of facial bones have
been broken and untold ribs have been fractured. That’s one of the reasons we’re
doing the CT scan.”
The cop was busy taking notes as the doctor spoke. “Can I see her?”
The doctor walked out of his office and headed back into the ER. He saw the
woman being wheeled back towards her cubicle. They waited until her leads were
reconnected to the monitors then they walked in. The doctor was about to say
something when she opened her eyes. “Ooooo where am I?”
The doctor looked at her. “You’re in the hospital. Can you remember what
happened to you?”
She closed her eyes for a moment. “Yeah,” she replied in a raspy voice. Can I
get some water?”
The doctor handed her a cup with a straw in it. “Take a few small sips.”
She did as instructed. “Yeah, I remember what happened.”
*****
Back in the Children’s Hospital Andrea was
in a lot of pain. I looked at Dean. “Can you start her pain medication now?”
Dean went out and came back with a syringe and I helped Andrea turn onto her
side. He inserted the needle into the catheter then put his hand on her back.
“Andrea, I’m going to slowly start to give you this medicine. I want you to tell
me when the pain lowers to a more comfortable level.”
She nodded her head then Dean began to slowly inject the morphine. After a
minute, Andrea was nodding her head again. “OK Papa Miguel, that’s a lot
better.”
Dean removed the needle and I saw there was still about a full CC left.
*****
Over at the home, Steven and Victor had
returned from picking up the children’s bikes. Cheers, whoops and whistles were
heard as each child took them and rode around back.
After lunch, the kids were ready to go swimming. Guillermo was about to get into
his trunks when he saw a strange man walking around looking into the offices.
“Can I help you sir?”
Guillermo closed the door to my office then closed the door to his. “I’m
Inspector Ernesto Diaz with the Brazilian Federal Police.”
Guillermo looked at the man’s credentials. “What can I do for you?”
“I need to see a Joey Peña.”
Guillermo was curious and concerned. “Why?”
He shook his head. “That’s between me and him.”
“Do you have any idea who lives here?”
He nodded his head. “Yeah, it’s a children’s home, so what?”
Just then Steven came up. “What’s going on?”
The cop looked at Steven. “Who are you?”
“That’s none of your business,” Steven replied.
Guillermo turned looking at him. “He wants to talk to Joey.”
Steven looked back at the officer, “Not on your life.”
“Would you like to be…”
Steven crossed his arms. “Guillermo, call Paulo and then call Dad. Don’t think
for a minute you scare me bud.”
Guillermo started for his office. “Your Dad is with Andrea.”
“Then call Danny, he’ll know what to do.” Steven then said.
Just then, Chad came running in and jumped into Steven’s arms. “I had fun last
night Steven. I slept with Danny.”
He tickled the boy as Danny and Rolando came in. “I bet you did Chad. Hi Danny,
I’m glad you’re here.”
“What’s going on?” Danny asked as he took Chad from Steven’s arms.
Steven looked at the cop then back to Danny. “This guy thinks he can just waltz
in here and talk to one of the residents.”
Danny glared at the cop. “Oh yeah, is that so?”
The cop was now glaring at Danny. Danny had the day off so he and Rolando were
in street clothes. “And just who in the hell do you think you are?”
“I’d watch my mouth if I were you.” Rolando jumped in. “Now who the hell are
you?”
“I’ll ask the questions,” he said opening his ID case. “I’m Inspector Diaz now
who are you two?”
Danny reached for his ID. “I’m Sheriff Vasquez and this is my son, Deputy
Vasquez. What the hell is a Federal cop doing here, wanting to speak to one of
the residents? Has one of them broken a Federal Law?”
He shook his head. “That’s none of your business.”
Danny stood toe to toe with him, “None of MY business? You come into my city and
you don’t have the decency to inform me you’re here? You have a lot of nerve;
now answer my question. Has one of the residents here broken Federal law?”
He looked down. “No, no one has broken federal law.”
Rolando was getting madder by the minute. “Then why do you want to speak to a
resident?”
He shook his head again. “That’s none…”
Danny interrupted him. “You’re in MY city so it is MY business. You know the law
inspector; a minor has to have an adult with him during questioning. You come in
here and try to throw your weight around but it’s not going to work. Now, who
and why do you want to speak with a resident?”
Again he shook his head then Rolando popped his cork. “Since you’re not willing
to tell us, you have exactly 1 minute to get off of The Foundation’s property.
You’re now on notice. If you return and fail to give a valid reason for being
here you will be arrested and charged with trespassing. If you really piss me
off, I might add 1 count of attempted kidnapping for each of the children here.”
The cop turned to leave but stopped. “Who is the owner?”
Steven opened the door. “That would be my father, Dr. Miguel Sanchez. You can
find him at the hospital but he’s busy with a patient.”
To be continued...
Posted: 09/12/08