The Growing Years by Miguel Sanchez

Julio – The Growing Years

by: Miguel Sanchez

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Chapter 80

There was a knock on the door and in came my children. “Daddy, will you please take it easy now?”

“I will Angel. I’m not doing anything tomorrow or Sunday.”

They all sat down and we talked until the medication made that impossible. Each one of them came over and gave me a kiss then I closed my eyes and let sleep take over.

The next thing I remember was my bladder screaming at me to empty it so I heeded Mother Nature’s call. I got dressed then went to get a cup of coffee. When I opened my door I heard a number of voices coming from the community room so I decided to see what was going on. As soon as I entered I saw Andrea holding Juan Luiz in her arms with a gaggle of kids around her. “Let her have some air.”

Mikey almost jumped out of his skin. “We’re looking at her baby Papa.”

Chico came out of the group. “We just wanna see him Papa.”

“In your underwear,” I asked. “Every one of you go back to your rooms and get dressed then it’s time for breakfast.

There were a few moans and groans as they left the common room then I turned to Andrea. “How did you get here darling?”

She was about to answer when I heard a voice from the dining room. “Good morning Miguel, Brianna and I did. I have to return to Rio and I knew Andrea wouldn’t leave without coming here so she could say good bye to everyone.”

“Did you eat breakfast?”

She shook her head. “It hadn’t been served yet and besides, I wanted to have Hanna’s breakfast one more time.

We went into the dining room and the boys were already eating. Nicky took Juan from Andrea so she could get herself something to eat. “Come on Papa, I’ll help you.”

As we headed towards the serving line, we were joined by my kids. Marco took my tray from Andrea. “I’ll help him Andrea; you go on and get your food.”

Andrea got her food then went over to a seat reserved by Nicky. Marco got my food then I joined the adults and watched as everyone was trying to talk to Andrea at once.

After breakfast, she and Juan were surrounded by everyone. At 8:30 Carlos made the announcement everyone was dreading. “Andrea, it’s time we have to go sweetheart.”

Everyone moaned but understood she had to leave and begin her new life. Without being prompted to do so, the children all formed a line and they each gave her and Juan one final hug and kiss. I waited until last so I could hold Juan one last time. I was choked with emotion and found it hard to get the words out. “Don’t be a stranger darling. When you’re in town with your Dad, please come and visit us.”

Andrea went to hug me so I handed the baby to Guillermo. “Papa, I’ll never forget you nor will I forget my family here. You’ve all been so wonderful and kind. Never once did it matter that I was pregnant. I promise I’ll visit as much as I can.”

I wrapped my good arm around her as tears openly fell from us and all the children. “I feel like I’m losing a daughter but I know you will have a good life with your new parents.”

Just then I felt another pair of arms around my leg. I looked down and there was Felix looking up at me. I knelt down then he wrapped his little arms around my neck and kissed me on the cheek. “Thank you for giving me a new big sister and little brother.”

I knew I couldn’t explain that it wasn’t me who gave him Juan. “I want you to be a good big brother to Juan.”

He looked over a Juan then back to me. “I’ll be the bestest big brother in the world to him.”

I walked them outside then gave Andrea one more hug and kiss. Carlos and Brianna then joined me. Brianna was the first to hug me good bye. “Miguel, you have a wonderful place here. I can’t express in words what I’m feeling now nor can I ever thank you for allowing us to adopt Andrea.”

Carlos was standing beside her nodding his head in agreement. “Thank you for everything Miguel. I promise Andrea will not be a stranger.”

I held the door for Brianna then watched with sadness as Carlos and his family drove away.

Over at Danny’s place, he was cleaning up the dishes from the breakfast he’d prepared for Chad. He had just poured himself another cup of coffee when the phone rang. “Hello.”

It was the Duty Officer. “Sheriff, I hate to bother you but you need to sign off on Curtis’ transfer papers.”

In his haste to get me back to the home, Danny had forgotten to sign them. “Who’s taking him to the airport?”

“Deputy Barnes is,” the Deputy replied.

Danny didn’t like the fact that only one person was escorting Curtis. “I’ll have Rolando meet Barnes at the office then I’ll be at the airport so I can sign off on the transfer.”

“Thank you Sheriff.”

Danny hung up the phone as Rolando came into the room. “Did I hear my name mentioned?”

Danny nodded his head. “Yeah son you did. I’d like you to go with Barnes when he takes Curtis out to the airport. I’ll meet you out there because I forgot to sign off on the transfer papers.”

“No problem Dad. Would it be alright if I wore street clothes?”

Danny thought for a moment. “That’s fine son, just make sure you have your badge.”

Rolando stepped closer to Danny. “What about Chad?”

“What about him? He doesn’t know Curtis or anything about him. I can sign the form then they can take Curtis back to the States.”

Just then Chad came into the kitchen holding his arms out to Danny. He bent down and picked the little boy up. “Daddy can we get my bike?”

Danny kissed him on the nose. “Sure we can. We have to make a stop first then we’ll get it.”

“Yippee, thank you Daddy,” Chad squealed as he hugged Danny’s neck.

Danny set the boy back onto his feet. “Chad, go on and get dressed then we’ll be leaving.”

Chad scurried out of the kitchen. “We’ll get him on the plane then Agent Douglas can watch him.”

“Remember son, he has to stay in handcuffs and shackles until he’s on the plane.”

Rolando nodded his head. “I know Dad. I’ll see you at the airport soon.”

Rolando turned and left so he could get to the office. Danny finished his coffee then realized Chad hadn’t come back downstairs. He went upstairs to his room and noticed he wasn’t in there but the door to the bathroom was closed. Danny quietly opened the door and he heard a little voice singing.

Rubber Ducky, you're the one.
You make bath time lots of fun
Rubber Ducky, I'm awfully fond of you.
Rubber Ducky, joys of joys
When I squeak you, you make noise
Rubber Ducky, you're my very best friend, it's true!

Everyday when I make my way to the tubby
I find a little fella who's cute, yellow, and chubby.
(rub-a-dub-a-dubby)

Rubber Ducky you're so fine
And I'm lucky that you're mine
Rubber Ducky, I'm awfully fond of you.

Everyday when I make my way to the tubby
I find a little fella who's cute, yellow, and chubby.
(rub-a-dub-a-dubby)

Rubber Ducky, you're so fine
And I'm glad that you're mine
Rubber Ducky I'm awfully fond of...
Rubber Ducky I'd like a whole pond of . . .
Rubber Ducky I'm awfully fond of you.

Danny covered his mouth to keep from giggling but Chad heard him. “Are you laughing at me Daddy?

Danny stuck his head behind the shower curtain. “No son I’m not laughing at you.”

Chad stood up and raising his arms. Danny took the hint and got a towel wrapping his boy in it then lifted him out standing him on the floor. “Daddy, when you gonna dopt me?”

Danny closed the lid then sat on the toilet and began drying the boy. “I’ll call Paulo when we get back home and find out if he got the papers filed with the court. If they are, I’ll ask him to see if we can get a hearing scheduled as soon as possible.”

Chad started jumping up and down. “Yippie, then you’ll be my Daddy for ever and ever.”

Danny managed to hold on to the bouncing 5 year old so he could finish drying him. “OK son, go on and get dressed so we can leave.”

A few minutes later, they were on their way to the airport. Danny saw a Sheriff’s car which told him Rolando and Barnes were there so he parked next to the car. It was a hot day and didn’t like the idea of leaving Chad alone nor did he like the idea of leaving the car running without him in it so he had to bring him into the private terminal.

When they got inside, Curtis was giving the deputies a very hard time. “Look you bastards, I told you, I’m not going anywhere.”

Rolando thought something like this would happen so he had the man in leg shackles so he couldn’t run. Danny looked around and didn’t see Brian or Leon. Rolando had had more than enough of Rafael's mouth. He saw a roll of tape on the counter and grabbed it, tearing off a large piece then he put it over Curtis’ big mouth. Before he could do it, the man turned and saw Danny and Chad standing there. “Well, who’s the little cutie Sheriff?”

Rolando didn’t care for that comment so he slapped him behind the head. “Watch your mouth creep. You’re talking about my soon to be little brother.”

Curtis leaned forward towards Rolando’s ear. “I get it, you want him for yourselves.”

Barnes heard Curtis’ comment and punched him in the kidney. He started to fall so Rolando quickly grabbed him. “You make another comment like that and you’ll be making the trip back to the states in the cargo hold, you got it?”

Curtis stood up looking at Chad. “It’s a shame kid you managed to get away. I bet you got a real nice body.”

Just then Brian and Leon walked in. Barnes grabbed Curtis by the hair and held him as Rolando managed to tape his mouth shut. “What’s going on Danny?”

“Just keeping that slime from making comments about my boy.”

Brian looked over at Curtis then down to Chad who had tears starting to roll down his cheeks. He went over and knelt down taking Chad into his arms to comfort him. “Shhh now son, where he’s going he won’t bother you ever again.”

Chad managed to dry his tears then walked over towards Curtis. I remember you, you’re the man who was with my parents weren’t you?

Curtis tried to talk but with the tape Rolando put on it, it was just about impossible. Chad’s eyes filled with tears again. “Come on, answer me.

Curtis kept trying to talk but all that came out were muffled squeaks. What Chad said and did next surprised everyone. “Answer me you bastard.

Chad balled up his little fist and swung as hard as he could. He connected hitting Curtis in the balls causing him to sink to the floor moaning in pain. Then Chad began to kick him over and over so Rolando picked him up into his arms. “Don’t bro, he can’t hurt you now.”

“I DON’T CARE. HE KILLED MY MOMMY AND DADDY. WHY YOU BASTARD? WHY DID YOU KILL THEM?”

Danny hurried over and took him into his arms. “No one said he killed your parents son.”

Chad looked at him through his tears. “He was with them when Mommy took me to that lady so if he didn’t kill them, who did?”

Danny couldn’t hide the truth from him any longer. Before he could speak, Curtis managed to get the tape off his mouth and find his voice. “You little shit, I knew you were nothing but trouble just like your parents. It’s a shame you managed to get away. I know people who would have paid a fortune to see your sweet little ass.”

Brian grabbed the tape and tore off a big piece then wrapped it around his mouth. “Now maybe that will keep you quiet.”

Chad looked at Danny. “What does he mean Daddy?”

Danny shook his head. “Nothing son, he’s just shooting off his mouth.”

Rolando walked over to Curtis. “If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll make sure everyone knows what you’ve done. The only way you’ll be safe is in solitary.”

Curtis’ eyes got big and he started shaking his head. Brain pulled out a form. “Danny, you need to sign this so we can get on our way. Rolando, this guy will be front page news so I wouldn’t worry about a thing.

Brian then turned and looked Curtis right in the eyes. “Good luck with what’s left of your life and by the way, we are going to push for the death penalty.”

Brian extended his hand towards Danny. “Sheriff, thank you for all you and your men have done. You helped us close a case that’s been open for over 10 years.”

Danny held onto Chad then shook the man’s hand. “I’m glad we could help. This closes the book on a number of crimes here in Recife too.”

Brian reached over and took Chad from Danny. “I’m very sorry about your parents but it looks like you found someone very special to be your new Daddy.”

Chad looked over at Danny and smiled. “I knew Daddy was special the minute I met him. Is that man really gonna die for what he did to my parents?”

Brian shook his head. “No son and that’s because he did that in Brazil but he’s committed crimes in the US that he will pay for.”

“What did he mean people would pay to see me? Did he mean without my clothes on?”

Danny stepped over and took his boy. “That man was sick son.”

Chad gave him a look. “I’m not a little kid Daddy. Did he wanna see me naked?”

Everyone giggled when Chad said he wasn’t a little kid. “Yes, son, that man wanted to see you naked.”

Chad wrinkled his nose. “Eeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwww, no way Daddy. No one see me naked unless I say it’s OK.”

Brian went around and shook Rolando and Brian’s hand then had the two Deputies escort Curtis out to the plane.

Barnes and Rolando took Curtis by the arms and led him out to the private jet Brian and Leon arrived in. Once on board, he was put into leg shackles and hand cuffs provided by the US. Once the two Deputies were off plane, the steps were pulled back and the door closed. The pilot started the engines then taxied out onto the runway. Several minutes later, the plane slipped past taking off into the air heading back to the United States.

Danny took Rolando back to the Sheriff’s office so he could pick up his car then he and Chad came over to the home. When he arrived, I was sitting by the pool in a chaise lounge sipping on some iced tea. Mikey and Shane saw Chad. “Come on in Chad, the water’s nice.”

Before anyone could say a word, the boy was naked and in the water. I started laughing then looked up at Danny. “OK Daddy, time to be the heavy.”

Danny had to get his own giggles under control first. “By the way, do you know what his middle name is?”

I had to think for a minute. “It’s Allen.”

“Chad Allen Vasquez.”

Chad stopped what he was doing and looked at Danny. Danny was pointing so the boy slowly climbed out of the pool and walked over to him looking down. “Yes sir?”

“Is this how you go swimming young man?

Chad was still looking down at his feet then he shook his head. “Chad, look at me son.

He raised his head as he stuck his right thumb into his mouth and his left hand went down and absentmindedly fondled his penis. Danny knelt down so he could be close to Chad’s eye level then eased the boy’s thumb out of his mouth. “Is this how we swim son?”

He shook his head. “No Daddy, but all my friends were in there.”

“Is that a reason to strip naked?”

“I couldn’t get my clothes wet.” He said with an impish grin on his face.

It was all I could do to keep from laughing. Just then Angel came over and wrapped him in a towel. “Little boys don’t go naked around girls.”

He broke out with that impish grin of his. “OK Angel.”

Danny went over and dried him then Chad quickly got his clothes back on. “So what brings you two over here? I figured this would be the last place you’d be.”

As soon as Chad had put his tennis shoes back on he came over and sat beside me. “I asked Daddy if I could get my bike.”

I nodded my head then he was off like a shot. I got up and Danny followed me as I went inside stopping at the kitchen. After fixing each of us some iced tea we went and sat in the shade. I looked at Danny and could tell something was on his mind. Before I could ask, I heard the sound of Chad and Mikey squealing with delight as the two boys rode their bikes. “Miguel, how’s the arm today?”

“Not too bad but it’s still sore. Every time I venture too far away or I’m gone too long, someone comes looking for me.”

Danny giggled. “It’s only because they care about you.”

“I know,” I said as I sipped my tea. “Now my friend, what’s on your mind?”

Danny shook his head, “Nothing why.”

“I’ve known you too long my friend. I can read you almost as well as you can read me, now what gives?”

Danny sighed. “I had to go over to the airport this morning. I’d forgotten to sign the transfer papers on Curtis.”

I shrugged my shoulders. “OK, that should have been a mere formality.

The expression on Danny’s face changed almost instantly and I knew there was more to this than met the eye. “What more don’t I know buddy?”

He wiped his eyes then guzzled down his tea. “Rolando was called in to help Barnes with the transport so I had to bring Chad.

I got a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach. “By the time I arrived, I thought Curtis was already on the plane so Chad was standing beside me. I looked for Brian Douglas but they hadn’t arrived then I saw Rolando and Barnes escorting Curtis. I’m not sure who said what to whom but Curtis started mouthing then Chad charged over and nailed him in the groin.

That would have been something worth seeing. “Chad said a few strong words which I let slide but he gave Curtis a piece of his mind.”

“Are you saying he knows Curtis killed his parents?”

“Oh Yeah, he knows,” Danny replied.

Just then I saw a flash and Chad was in Danny’s arms. “Daddy, what’s wrong; why are you crying?”

He wiped his eyes then tried to smile. “Papa and Daddy were just talking.”

The boy finished wiping Danny’s wet cheeks, “About me?”

For being 5, Chad was observant, “Yeah son.”

“What about me Daddy?”

“The things Rafael Curtis said about you and your parents. I didn’t want you to find out he killed your parents like that. I wanted to sit down with you when you were ready.

I sat there is silence as Danny told Chad more of what Curtis hadn’t. “Son, you know that man killed them but…”

Chad put his finger over Danny’s lips and shook his head. “No Daddy, they’re gone and I know they’re not coming back.”

I saw Danny lost in thought. “Alright son, I understand. Now, your parents are going to be buried in a couple of days. Do you want to go?”

Chad was sitting there like he didn’t know what to say then started shaking his head. “I, I, I don’t know Daddy.”

Danny gently drew the boy into his chest. “That’s OK son. What ever you decide is alright.”

Chad closed his eyes as Danny continued to hold him for several minutes. The next thing I remember was Jackie touching me on my shoulder. “Miguel, are you alright?”

My eyes shot open. “Yeah, I’m fine. I guess I must have dozed off.”

My talking to Jackie woke Danny then Chad too began to stir. Chad hopped down of Danny’s lap and made a beeline into the building. Jackie sat down and saw some concern on Danny’s face. “What’s wrong?

Danny filled her in on the morning’s activities and how Chad reacted. “All things considered, he reacted quite normally Danny.”

Danny tried to smile. “Yeah, but Chad made light about the fact Curtis wanted to see him naked. I haven’t the heart or even a clue how to tell him what that bastard really had on his mind.”

“Maybe it’s best that since nothing happened, nothing more be said about it?” I asked looking at Jackie.

Jackie nodded. “I think that is the best idea. The matter hasn’t affected him here, he had no problems stripping in front of everyone then jumping into the pool.”

We both giggled at the sight of Chad’s white behind in the water as the little imp reappeared dressed in his swimming trunks. “Can I go swimming now Daddy, I’m not naked?”

Danny wrapped his arm around the boy then pulled him onto his lap running his fingers over the boy’s bare belly. This brought squeals of laughter from Chad. Danny looked at his watch. “Alright son but the others will be having lunch in about an hour.”

He frowned. “Aw Daddy, can’t we stay for lunch? I know Hanna’s made plenty.”

While Danny was thinking, Chad looked over towards me then Danny looked at me next. “OK son, we’ll stay.”

“Yippee.”

The next thing I heard was a splash and sound of children laughing. Jackie got serious. “Danny, how about Guillermo and I have a talk with Chad?”

I could tell he wasn’t sure about it. “What would you talk with him about?”

“Nothing in particular, we’d let him know he can talk to us if there is anything on his mind.”

I nodded in agreement. “I know you might not agree with me Danny but Chad needs to be at his parent’s funeral.”

“I know,” Danny started as he looked over watching Chad play with the others. “I just don’t know what to do for his parent’s. What kind of funeral should I give them? What do they like? I don’t know any of this. I don’t feel I can ask Chad these questions but he would be the only know who knows the answers.”

Jackie leaned over and patted his hand. “Then that’s what Guillermo and I will try and find out. We’ll have a talk with him after lunch.”

I turned around and watched the kids play then before I knew it; it was time for them to get ready for lunch.

Jackie and the teens got the girls ready as Danny, I and the older teens got the boys ready. While the boys were in their rooms changing, something hit me. “Danny, were there any personal belongings of Chad’s parents found?”

Danny had a blank look on his face. “Miguel, I really don’t know. Right after we found his parents, all hell started breaking loose. We’ve impounded the car but I don’t know if it’s ever been inventoried. Rolando took that case over before crap with Peña, Curtis and Victoria, then he started helping us with that. I’ll give him a call.”

Danny went to call Rolando while I went down to my room and got a pill for my shoulder. I’d taken it easy all morning but even with that, the shoulder was hurting now. Just as I got to my room David saw me. “How’s the shoulder?”

I went inside with David on my heels. “Sore but I’ve been down all morning.”

He opened my shirt and checked the dressing. “The dressing looks just a little wet which means you’re finally letting it heal.”

Danny and I were still in the dining room talking when Rolando walked in and sat down at our table. “Dad, there was a box of personal effects from the car in the evidence locker. In all the haste, no one ever did a proper inventory. I was handling that.”

Danny put his finger on Rolando’s lips. “Son, there was a lot happening then. Their killer has been caught, that’s all the matters. Did you look at what’s inside the box?”

Rolando shook his head. “Not yet Dad, I just wanted to get this over here because some of this might be important to Chad.”

I stood up and was about to lift the lid on the box when Jackie, Guillermo and Chad came in. Chad hopped up on Danny’s lap as Jackie and Guillermo sat down joining us. I held my breath not knowing how the talk with Chad went. “Daddy, what’s in the box?”

I saw Danny take a deep breath. “I don’t know son. What’s in this box was found in your parent’s car. With everything that had happened since we found you, no one has gone through it.”

Chad knelt on Danny’s lap and pulled the box to him then lifted the lid. Chad looked inside and pulled out a stuffed bear. “Oh man, I wondered where he went. Daddy I got my Pooh back.

He hugged the bear as Danny stood, sitting Chad on the table. He reached inside the box and pulled an envelope out then removed the contents. “Daddy, let me see those please.

Danny stood beside the boy as he looked at the photographs. Tears started to fall down their eyes as Chad handed Danny a picture. “That’s my Mommy and Daddy,” he said as he fell into Danny’s arms. “I miss them.”

Danny held the boy as his grief poured out of him. I scooted over towards Jackie. “How did your talk go?”

“That went well but I wasn’t expecting this.”

My heart was aching for Chad. “Had he made a decision about attending the funeral?”

She shook her head. “He still wasn’t sure.”

Chad finally managed to get his tears under control so Danny took the rest of the items out of the box. Chad’s eyes got big as Danny was holding a little rubber duck in one hand. Then he saw a tape. “Daddy lemme have that. That’s my special tape.”

“What is that son?” Danny asked trying to keep his voice upbeat.

“Do you have a tape player?”

I got up and headed towards the door. “One tape player coming right up.”

Chad looked at the other item in Danny’s hand. “Oh Daddy, I hope that’s not busted. That tape was of their favorite songs.”

“Do you know the titles?” Danny asked.

Chad shook his head. “No but the first song was their most favorite. Every time they heard it they got all mushy.”

Jackie was curious. “They got all mushy?”

“Yeah,” the boy said giggled. “They’d start hugging and kissing and getting all mushy.”

I came back into the dining room to the sound of giggles. I set the tape player beside Danny and he put Chad’s special tape in. Danny pushed play and we listened. On the tape were 2 voices and Chad was singing along to the song. When it was over he was smiling yet tears were rolling down his cheeks. “That was me and Mommy singing.”

I heard something in the background. “Chad, where were you and your Mommy singing that?”

He smiled then giggled. “In the bath tub, Mommy was giving me a bath.”

Chad took the photos and started looking through them again. “Daddy, can I go say good bye to Mommy and Daddy?”

Danny lifted the boy into his arms and kissed him on the nose. “I think that can be arranged.”

I sat there and watched as Chad snuggled against Danny for several minutes. I looked over at Jackie and smiled. “Well, what do you think now?”

“This should help him start to heal now.”

I watched them for several more minutes then Chad sat up. “Can we go home now Daddy?”

Danny was about to answer when Casey came in. “Danny there is a phone call for you, it’s your office.”

To be continued...

Posted: 05/01/09