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...

 Danny and Rolando pulled into the parking lot at the office then headed inside. As soon as they entered, they saw a man in a dark suit sitting down. Rolando walked over to him. “May I help you?”

The man pulled out his credentials. “I’m Special Agent Brian Douglas, F.B.I. I got your request for Curtis’ fingerprints so I decided to special deliver them.”

Danny walked over and stuck his hand out. “I’m Sheriff Danny Vasquez. I don’t think you made a special trip down here just to being us his fingerprints did you?”

The man handed Danny the envelope then shook his head. “No Sheriff I didn’t. I also have extradition papers on him.”

Chapter 76

Danny looked up but didn’t seem too surprised. “What charges do you have against him?”

“You really want the whole laundry list?”

Danny shook his head. “Not really but do you really think he’ll agree to be extradited back to the USA?”

Douglas shook his head. “Personally I don’t care one way or another. I’m willing to present our evidence in front of a judge here. Can I see him?”

Danny nodded his head then led the agent back towards the holding cells. The two men walked down the hall until they came to Rafael's cell. He appeared to be dozing on his cot when the agent kicked the cell door causing the man to roll out onto the floor. He sat up staring at the two men outside. “Who the hell is the suit Sheriff?”

“I’m with the F.B.I. and I’ll be looking to bring you back to the USA.”

Curtis’ face lost all his color. “Sheriff, he can’t do that can he? I mean, look you got me here.”

Just then the door opened and in walked Rolando with Inspector Franco. “What’s wrong Curtis, you afraid to face a trial in the U.S.?” Franco asked sarcastically.

He got cocky then. “They ain’t got shit on me there. Hell, you barely got anything on me here.”

Rolando stepped in front of the cell. “We don’t, how about accessory to attempted murder?”

He ran up to the bars. “Hey, I didn’t shoot anyone.”

Danny shook his head. “No, but you gave Peña the means to shoot Dr. Sanchez when you tossed him your weapon. That makes you just as guilty as Peña.”

Rolando took over. “That’s not counting what we’ll find in your place. You’ll be looking at some major prison time.”

Insp. Franco stuck his hand out and introduced himself to Agent Douglas. Douglas nodded then stared at Peña. “When the Asst. U.S. Attorney gets here, you’ll see all the charges we have against you. Sheriff, do you know who can hear this?”

The 4 officers left the holding cells returning to Danny’s office. As they sat Danny looked at the FBI agent. “Agent Douglas, I’ll call the City Attorney and Judge Romero and inform them of what is going on. It’s after 5 so their offices are closed for the day so that won’t be until the morning. Do you have a place to stay?”

The agent nodded his head. “I checked in at the hotel Sheriff. Someone from the U.S. Attorney’s office will be here in the morning. We’ll be over here around 9 or so.”

Inspector Franco shook the agent’s hand. “Sheriff, I’ll let my office know the U.S. is looking to extradite Peña. I’m sure the City Attorney will want to try him here first.”

Danny raised his hands. “I just arrest them then I let the lawyers battle over where the trial will be.”

The 2 suits left Danny’s office just as the phone rang. Danny answered it. “Hey Buddy, did you get Ruben settled into his new home?”

He laughed. “Hi Miguel, yeah I did and there is a new development.”

“Well, why don’t you come over here Danny? I need to talk with you about Chad.”

I heard his gasp. “There’s nothing wrong with him is there?”

“Not that I know of buddy. I’m hiding in my office right now so I can make a couple of calls before the kids see me.”

Danny laughed at my hiding comment. “Where are the kids?”

“They’re outside playing with their new things. I managed to get in without anyone seeing me. Are you free to come over?”

“Give me a few minutes to tie up some loose ends and then Rolando and I will be over.”

I hung up the phone, then adjusted my sling, I heard a knock on my door. I was about to get up when I saw Jay’s head pop in. “I can’t keep the kids busy much longer Dad.”

“OK son, I’m coming. Danny and Rolando are on their way over. I want to find out if he was serious about Chad.”

Jay came in closing the door behind him. “Dad, I think I know Danny well enough that he wouldn’t say anything he’s not prepared to back up.”

I nodded my head as I came from around my desk. “I know that son but it’s going to be hard enough to tell him his parents are dead. With Danny willing to step up and adopt him, it will make things a little easier.”

Jay opened the door then we headed down to my room. He helped me change my clothes then it was time to see the kids. I wasn’t totally sure what the reaction would be when they saw me in the sling so I prepared myself for everything I could think of. When we walked into the courtyard, they were busy playing. Then it was as if someone put things on freeze. I looked out and they were all just standing there looking at me. Well, that was until Mikey, Shane and Chad started running towards me. “Papa what happened? How did you get hurt? What’s wrong with your arm?”

Questions were now being fired fast and furious. I held my right arm out trying to stop the 3 before they got me in a group hug. Chad got to me first and hugged my right side. Just before Mikey and Shane hugged me, I saw arms reach out and lift them up. I stood with Chad in my arms as the others started gathering around. Once they were there, questions started coming again until Nita let out with a loud whistle, “Time out everyone, let Papa answer.”

Chad had managed to slap his hands over his ears in time but I wasn’t so lucky. I looked at Nita and she gave me a sheepish grin. My ears were ringing but everyone was quiet. I stood Chad back onto his feet then felt a chair being pushed against my legs. I turned around and there were my other grown children with Steven holding the chair. I sat down then everyone else sat down on the grass waiting for me to tell them what happened. I didn’t want to lie to them but I also didn’t know how much of the truth Joey could handle. “OK kids, here’s what happened. A boy was in trouble and…”

“And you helped didn’t you?” A voice said.

I scanned out and saw Joey on his knees so he could see over everyone. I nodded my head as I blushed a little. I was about to answer. “Yes he did Joey.”

Chad recognized the voice and ran over jumping into Danny’s arms. Joey eased closer. “Who was he Danny, do you know him?”

I held my arm out and Joey came over. “Yes son, we know who he was but what we don’t know is why.”

I could see tears welling up in his eyes as he looked towards the ground. “It was Uncle Ruben, wasn’t it?”

I lifted his chin up then wiped the tears with my good hand. “Yes it was Joey and before you say anything, this wasn’t your fault. We don’t know why he wanted to hurt that boy and I’m afraid we’ll never know the answer.”

Joey looked up at Danny. “Did you shoot him?”

I felt a hand on my shoulder then I looked up and there was Rolando. “No Joey, I did. He was holding a gun on Miguel and my Dad.”

Joey slowly stood up and slowly walked over to him. I stood and saw tears rolling down Rolando’s face. I knew there was no love lost between Joey and his Uncle but I wasn’t sure what he would do when Rolando admitted killing him. Joey reached up and tried to reach Rolando’s face but the Deputy leaned down and picked the teen up. Joey wiped the tears off his face then spoke softly. “Why are you crying?”

It took the man a few seconds to find his voice. “I…I shot your Uncle. He was your family.”

Joey put his finger over the man’s lips. “Uncle, yes; family no. I hated him, he beat me then he tried to come here and hurt me again. He even had me arrested. If he tried to hurt another child and then point a gun at Papa Miguel and your Papa, you did what you had to.”

I stood there and watched as Joey and Rolando talked quietly. I looked over at Danny and Chad has his ear. I was about to sit down when Nicky and Nita cornered me. “How’s Andrea?”

I sat down as they knelt down beside me. “She’s doing fine. She had a baby boy and named it Juan Luiz Rivera.”

The girls both had smiles on their faces with the news. “When can she get out of the hospital?”

“She’ll probably be able to come home the day after tomorrow barring any problems.”

The girls and I were talking when I heard a booming German voice. “Herr Sanchez, why are the children still out here and not getting cleaned up?”

I knew I was in for it until Casey and Guillermo intervened. The next thing I knew the children were heading inside and Hanna was starting to fuss over me. Once again I was rescued and this time by David. “Come on Miguel, I think you’re due for your medicine and I want to check your dressing.”

I stood up then gave Hanna a hug as she leaned close to my ear. “When will you learn to stay out of trouble?”

I eased my head back and she had that look of a mother on her face. “I try Hanna but sometimes it finds me.”

I turned to head inside when I felt a light pop on my butt. I turned and looked and she was wagging her finger with a smile on her face. My arm was beginning to ache so I was really going to have to take it easy. David and I walked to the clinic then we went inside. I sat on the table as David gently undid the sling. He helped me get my shirt off and I saw a look of concern on his face. “Miguel, you’re really draining. Lay back so I can remove this dressing.”

He was about to get some supplies when there was a knock on the door. “Come in.”

I looked up and there was Marco. “How’s the arm Pop?” He asked walking over then looking at it. “Man, you’re really draining.”

David looked over as Marco was still looking at me. “David, this is another of my boys. I’d like you to meet Marco Cortez. He just finished his first year of Medical School.”

David came over and shook his hand. “I could use another pair of hands, would you like to help?

David and Marco got the supplies then the two of them got my dressing changed. I was surprised at how much it had drained in a few hours. Marco helped me get my shirt back in the sling. After locking up the clinic, the 3 of us headed down to the dining room for dinner.

********

Inspector Franco had just returned to his office when he noticed a large envelope on his desk. He read the return address label and it was from the home office. He quickly opened it and pulled out 2 very thick files. 1 file was originally from the Sao Paulo office and the other was from the office in Rio.

He sat down then opened the one from Sao Paulo first and began reading. In it were reports about a variety of crimes to which they had no suspects. There were several reports of missing boys between the ages of 11 and 14. It seemed as if they all just disappeared. There were also reports of 3 alleged suicides. The investigating officer interviewed neighbors and friends and none of them believed the people were remotely depressed or despondent enough to take their own lives. The medical examiner’s reports however concluded there was insufficient evidence to say one way or another it was a suicide. Agents made an arrest in the case but the man was acquitted. The one thing that was missing was who the prosecutor was.

He closed that file then opened the other. After reading that for several minutes it was as if someone copied the information but made minor changes in the dates, times and locations. The man then opened both files and started making some notes. After writing for almost 30 minutes, he closed the files and put them into his briefcase. ‘I want to get to the bottom of this one way or another.’ Franco thought as he locked his office then left for the day.

********

After dinner, I needed to get cleaned up but doing this with one arm was a trick I really couldn’t quite handle. I finally managed to get my sling off but now my shoulder was throbbing worse then a toothache. I sat down on the bed and tried to figure out how to solve this little dilemma. I heard a knock on the door then a head appeared from around the door. “Hey Dad, you OK?”

I looked up and there was Ronnie and Jay. “Come on in guys.”

Jay came over and sat beside me. “Dad, what’s wrong?”

I shook my head and tried to blow it off as nothing but Ronnie came around. “Dad, don’t try and say there’s nothing wrong.”

I was surrounded and I knew I couldn’t fool them. “I need to get cleaned up.”

“And you can’t really do it with one arm, can you?” Jay asked interrupting.

I shook my head. Ronnie reached down and took my good arm and helped me stand. “Come on Dad.”

I froze in my tracks. “What do you two have in mind?”

Jay leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. “We’re going to help you Dad. You’ve helped us more times than we can remember now you need help.”

I knew saying no wasn’t an option but I didn’t feel all that comfortable about this. Ronnie led me into the bathroom as Jay got out some clean underwear. Ronnie then started the shower. “What are you doing?”

Jay came into the bathroom carrying my underwear. “Love, I don’t think a shower is advisable. We’ll get him washed here at the sink. Dad, I am going to Med School next year or have you forgotten?”

I shook my head. “I’ve not forgotten son. I guess I’m not used to my sons helping me get cleaned up.”

Ronnie helped me get my shirt off. “Dad, we’re your sons. You’ve nothing to be embarrassed about.”

He was right. I was a doctor and Jay was going to follow in my footsteps. “You’re right boys. I guess I should be thankful you’re here to help me.”

The boys got me undressed and for the first time, they saw their Dad naked. Each took turns washing and rinsing then drying my body. When Jay went to gently wash my left arm I closed my eyes and winced. “Dad, are you alright? That pill you took doesn’t seem to be working very well.”

He was right. I was beginning to think I should have stayed in the hospital over night but I don’t think any of the children would have slept a wink until they knew what had happened and why I wasn’t there. When I went to answer, I saw Ronnie heading out of the bathroom then heard the bedroom door close. “The oral pain medication isn’t that strong. I didn’t think I would really hurt this bad.”

Jay gently rinsed my left arm then dried it off before helping me into my underwear. “Dad, you’d never been shot before either.”

He had a valid point. As we came out of the bathroom Ronnie, Marco and David came in. David came over to me and looked at the dressing. “You don’t seem to be draining but Ronnie tells me you’re in a considerable amount of pain.”

I went over and sat on the bed and Ronnie fished around for my sweatpants. “I thought the lighter pain medication would be sufficient David but I guess I was wrong.”

David smiled. “I’d say it was the understatement of the year Miguel. When Ronnie came down and told me you were in pain, I called over to the hospital and talked with Dr. Cordero.”

He was about to continue when I heard the buzzer from the outside gate. Ronnie turned and left the room quickly. “I know who that is Dad.”

A few minutes later he returned with a small package then handed it to David. “As I was saying Miguel, I called Dr. Cordero and told him what was going on so he was nice enough to send over this pain medication for you.”

He opened the package and took out the multi dose vile handing it to me. I shook my head as I read the label. “This Demerol will have me loopy. I don’t want to be out of it during the day, the children need me and there are still things I need to attend to.”

David reached into the box and removed a bottle of tablets then handed them to me. “This is stronger than what you have now. It should do during the day until you begin to heal inside.”

My arm was throbbing but I had a few things I wanted to do before going to bed so I decided to take one of the Percocet to see if that made things bearable. I could get David to give me an injection before I went to sleep if my arm was still bothering me.

Jay went into the closet and took out a short sleeve button down shirt. “Try this Dad, I think it will be easier for you to get on and off.”

I managed to get that on then David helped me on with the sling. I couldn’t believe that little bit of movement had the shoulder throbbing so I sat still and let it ease off and let the pill kick in. A few minutes later there was another knock on the door then 3 little heads made an appearance. “Come on in guys.”

Chad, Mikey and Shane came running over but stopped short of giving me a hug. I reached out with my right hand and brought each in and gave them a kiss on their head. Mikey had a look on his face that told me something was on his mind. “What’s on your mind Mikey?”

He looked at Chad then back to me. “Papa, is Danny gonna adopt Chad?”

I looked at Chad and he had a blank expression on his face. “Mikey, why are you asking this?”

Shane nudged Chad over. “Papa Danny asked if I would like him to be my Daddy. Does he really want to?”

Jay motioned for the adults to follow him as they headed for the door then Danny stuck his head in. Chad saw him and started to go to him then stop. “Come on in Danny.”

Danny came in and I scooted over a little then nudged Chad gently on his butt. Chad got the message and went over to Danny. The big man knelt down as the little boy wrapped his arms around the man’s neck as I heard the damn of tears burst. He picked the crying boy up and sat down beside me. I had a look of confusion on my face then he leaned over to my ear. “He heard Rolando and me talking. Rolando asked when we were going to talk to Chad about his parents.”

“Papa Miguel, I don’t wanna go back to them. They left me alone with that woman and I had to go around naked and eat cold food.”

I reached over and rubbed the crying boy’s back and slowly his tears began to subside. Danny turned him around so he could look at me. “Son, you’re not going back to your Mommy and Daddy. There is something Danny and I need to tell you.”

Chad looked up as Danny was looking down then he looked back at me. “They’re not coming back, are they?”

Danny and I looked at each other trying to see who was going to answer the question when I saw him wink at me. “No son, you’re parent’s aren’t coming back.” Danny replied as the boy spun around on his lap.

Mikey looked at us. “Well why did they take off?”

Chad’s head started turning back and forth between Danny and me. Danny wrapped his arms around the boy and kissed him on the cheek. “Chad, they didn’t take off. Well, they did at first but I can tell you why they didn’t come back.”

“Did they die?” Chad asked in a soft voice.

Danny nodded his head. “Yes, they did. Do you want us to plan a funeral for them?”

Chad just sat there lost then he put his thumb in his mouth and leaned against Danny. “I want you to be my Daddy.”

I was so wrapped up in watching Danny and Chad I didn’t feel Mikey and Shane sit down beside me. Mikey tapped me gently. “Why would someone kill them?”

I shook my head. “I don’t know Mikey. There are a lot of people looking into it.”

I looked over and Chad was sound asleep on Danny’s lap. I knew Danny was going to have a busy day tomorrow. “Danny, can you stand with him in your arms?”

He turned Chad around and stood up holding him like a baby. Shane got down and hurried to the door opening it for Danny. “Follow me Danny, he can sleep with Mikey and me.”

Mikey and I followed Danny and Shane down to their room. Mikey took hold of my hand and gently tugged on it, getting my attention. “Shane and I will sit with him for a little while Papa Miguel.”

The two boys doted over him then Danny and I went down to my office. Danny got us each a cold drink. “Miguel, I’m a little worried about him now. He seemed to be totally un-phased when I told him of his parent’s death.”

I’d noticed that as well. “He’s been through so much Danny that I think this is just a coping mechanism. Once their bodies have been released by the medical examiner, I’ll have Pablo make arrangements for their funeral. I’ll have Jackie watch him closely for signs of depression.”

Danny took a big mouthful of his drink. “Good idea Miguel. I want to go ahead and adopt him. He needs a family now, more than ever but I do have a few concerns. He’s made a load of friends here and I know he’s going to hate saying goodbye to them also there is the matter of his education.”

I thought about that for a moment. “Well, I can talk with Casey about that, he’s 6 so I believe he’d be in the 1st grade. Also, I don’t think there will be a problem if he comes here for school.”

Danny seemed to cheer up at that. “Miguel, that would be perfect. He’d have his friends here and he’d be safe if I would have to work late.”

Just then, my door opened and Angel stuck her head in. “Daddy, everyone’s asking about you. Are you OK?”

Danny giggled. “Miguel, you’re a fixture around here and when you’re here and not around, you’re missed.”

I finished my drink then stood up. “I’m fine sweety. Danny and I were talking about Chad. Where are the others?”

“Jackie and Casey have them watching a movie but I can tell they’re not interested in it.”

She extended her hand out to me. “Alright darling, I’m coming.”

We went to the common room and as soon as I walked in, all eyes were on me. Chico stood then patted where he was sitting. “Come on Papa, sit with us.”

I went over and sat down then Chico wiggled in beside me. I started watching the movie when Mikey and Shane came in. “Is everything alright boys?”

Shane sat on the arm of the sofa. “Yep, Chad’s sleeping like a baby. We watched him and he never woke back up after Danny put him in bed.”

I leaned over and kissed him. “Thanks boys.”

Mikey moved over standing in front of me. “Papa, when Danny adopts Chad, will we see him again? He’s like our brother.”

I smiled as Chico looked up. “Chad is going to get adopted?”

As soon as that was heard, every ones eyes were now on me. “Yes, Chad is…”

At that point just about all the children were standing and talking at once. “I thought Danny was going to adopt him.”

This went on for several minutes until Nita whistled. “Hold it guys, let Papa finish what he was going to say.”

They were all staring at her but I don’t think anyone was willing to challenge her. “As I was saying Chad is going to be adopted.” I started saying then took a long pause before continuing. “He’s going to be adopted by Danny. For some reason the two of them really hit it off the first time they met and I can’t see separating them. Now, will you all see him after the adoption is final? The answer to that is also yes. I don’t think Chad is ready to be in public school. The individual attention given here is what I feel he needs.”

That information seemed to satisfy the children then they went back to watching the movie. I motioned for Guillermo, Danny, Jackie and Casey to come with me. On the way down to my office Casey spoke. “Miguel, isn’t Chad just 6?”

I nodded my head. “That’s right and if I’m right, he’d just be in the first grade. Jackie, tonight he learned about his parents and it seemed he shut down. He was sitting on Danny’s lap when he told him. After that he said he wanted Danny to adopt him then proceeded to stick his thumb into his mouth, lean against his Dad to be then fell asleep.”

I could see the wheels turning in Jackie’s head. “He’s had an awful lot happen to him in a short amount of time. That could be his way of coping right now. The question I have is this. Danny, how fast are you going to want to adopt him?”

He thought for a moment. “Well, as soon as possible. After learning about his parents, I don’t want him to think anyone else has abandoned him.”

I stepped in then. “Danny, you have a lot going on right now and I’m sure Judge Romero is going to have his hands full too. How about as soon as this stuff with Curtis is finished, then we’ll go and talk with him.”

Danny nodded his head. “OK, I think that might be the best way to go and this way Jackie can watch him to see if there are any underlying problems.”

“Danny, this might not show right away,” Jackie started. “Kids are all different and he’s just 6. Now, since he’ll be attending school here, I’ll be able to talk with him should a problem arise. Also, you can call me anytime if something happens when he’s with you.”

I don’t know how long we’d been talking when I heard a knock on the door. Danny opened it and there were Rolando and David each holding a sleeping boy. I stood up and my shoulder once again started aching. “I guess you two are trying to tell me it’s late and the children are getting sleepy.”

David nodded then laughed. “Yes and a few are already in bed thanks to the older ones but they’re also waiting for you to come and say good night.”

David and Rolando headed down into the boy’s wing while I made my rounds over in the girls’. After tucking in, hugs and kisses, I made my way over to the boys’ wing. The last room I went into was Joey and Robbie’s. I wanted to see how Joey was doing after he had time to really digest the fact his uncle was dead. I knocked on the door then opened it. When I stuck my head in, the boys were cuddled close then smiled as soon as they saw me. “Come on in Papa,” Joey said as he scooted closer to Robbie.

I sat down beside him then ran my fingers through his hair. “How are you doing son?”

Robbie rolled over and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend as Joey took my hand. “I’m fine Papa. Like I told Rolando, Uncle Ruben was my Uncle only because he was my Dad’s brother. He never treated me as if I was family only as if I was in his way.”

Robbie kissed him on the cheek. “Well love, you have a big family here now.”

Joey rolled over and returned the kiss but with a little more passion. As he did, the covers went with him exposing his bare backside. I covered him up just as he looked over his shoulder. Robbie giggled at his bare butt. I leaned down and kissed both of them goodnight. “Thanks Papa, it suddenly got chilly in here.”

I headed for the door then turned the light off. Guillermo was coming down the hall as I came out. “Miguel, you need to get some rest too. You’ve had a really busy day.”

“I am Guillermo. I’m not used to being a patient and having to be limited in what I can do.”

Just then I saw David coming out of Mikey, Shane and Chad’s room. I gave him a questioning look. “Just checking on them Miguel, they’re all sound asleep. Now, how’s that arm of yours?”

I looked at it and wiggled my fingers. “It’s still there.”

David saw the look of discomfort that came across my face when I did that. “I know it is and I also know you’re hurting again. Come on, let’s get you into bed. Say good night Miguel.”

David opened the door to my bedroom as I looked at Guillermo. “Good night Miguel.”

Guillermo broke out into giggles as David rolled his eyes then took my good hand leading me into my room. “Come along funny man.”

“I thought so.” I replied as I was led over to my bed.

I sat down as David undid my sling. I unbuttoned my shirt and managed to get it off with one hand. I was about to undo my sweatpants as I felt the urgent call from my bladder. After relieving myself, I went back to my bed where I saw David holding a syringe. “I think you’re going to need this tonight Miguel.”

I knew he was right so I removed my sweatpants then got into bed. I felt David tug on my shorts then the cold wetness of the alcohol pad as he cleaned my hip. I then felt David pinch some flesh then the jab as he popped then needle in. I knew what was coming so I tried to stay relaxed as much as possible. The burn from the medication was something that was unavoidable. As soon as he was through, he pulled the needle out then massaged my hip. “Damn, I’d forgotten just how much that stuff kicked.”

David put the cap back on the needle then walked towards the door. “I had it a couple times too after an operation. Get some sleep now Miguel.”

I reached out and turned off the light then got comfortable. I felt the medication begin to do its thing so I closed my eyes and allowed sleep to over take me.

To be continued...

Posted: 11/14/08