Julio – The Growing Years

 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2006-2009 by the author

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Chapter 81

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.”

Chad hopped down so Danny could stand up. Just then Rolando tapped him on the shoulder. “Dad, I got to talk to you for a minute.”

I didn’t know what was going on but I was getting the feeling this was also involving Chad. Just then Chico came in. “Chad, come on, we’re going out back to skateboard.”

Danny and Rolando were talking and Chad was getting antsy. “Chad, you can go ride your skateboard but you have to wear your helmet. That goes for every one, do you understand me?”

Chad took off with Chico and I went over to Casey. “Tell who ever is on the phone, Danny will call them back.”

Once the room was clear of children I looked at Rolando. “Dad, I found these in their effects too.”

Rolando handed Danny 3 passports. “Oh God,” Danny gasped as he leaned against the table. This is going to tear Chad up.”

I looked at Jackie and Guillermo. “Did Chad ever mention he was American to either of you?

They both shook their head. “Danny, call your office.”

He started to leave then looked at me. “Call Paulo, I’m going to need his help.”

I walked over to Danny and together we went down the hall. “You call the office and I’ll call Paulo.”

I called Paulo and was filling him in when Danny stuck his head in the office. “Miguel, tell Paulo to meet us at the office. There is a woman with some man there asking about Chad’s parents.”

Paulo heard what Danny said and told me he’d be there. “Give me a minute Danny; I want to talk to Jackie.

I hurried down the hall and found Jackie. “I need you to talk to Chad. There is a woman at the Sheriff’s Office asking about the boy’s parents.”

I was about to leave when a voice made me freeze. “Gramma is here?”

“We’re not sure who it is son. All we know is that is someone asking about your parents.”

Chad just froze and started shaking his head. “No it can’t be. She hates me.”

I knelt down in front of him. “Chad, do you have any other relatives?”

He shook his head, “No, just Gramma.”

I rubbed his head and gave him a hug. “Don’t you worry now; your Daddy and I will sort through this.

He kissed me on the cheek then I joined Danny at the front door. “I had a little talk with Chad. This woman he thinks is his Grandmother. He kept saying she hates him. I don’t understand that.”

Danny shook his head. “I don’t either Miguel. I guess we’ll soon find out.”

We pulled into the parking lot and entered through the back door. The duty deputy heard us come in and met is in the hall. “I’m glad you’re here. This woman’s been making some wild accusations.”

“You said there was a man with her?”

The Deputy nodded his head. “Yeah, he’s some lawyer and by the way he’s acting, he thinks he has some power here.”

I laughed out loud. “He doesn’t know us very well, does he?”

Danny lost it. “Let’s go out there and see what she wants. Is Paulo coming?”

“He said he’d be here as quick as he could.”

We walked out and the deputy made the introductions. “Sheriff Vasquez this is Ms. Grace Barnes.”

Danny extended his hand to her. “Ms. Barnes, I’m pleased to meet you. I understand you’re making some enquires about your son?”

“Yes but I’ve been told I needed to talk with you.”

Danny went to the rail and opened it. “I think you should come with us.”

They reluctantly came through and Danny led us to the conference room. Ms. Barnes and the unknown man sat together. “Well ma’am, I have some very bad news regarding your son and daughter in law. A few days ago they were killed.”

She took a deep breath. “And what of their son?”

“He’s fine. Right now, he’s in the custody of Recife. He’s staying at the Children’s Home run by this man’s foundation.”

Her face remained expressionless as Danny spoke. “You are sir?”

I extended my hand. “I’m Miguel Sanchez. My father started the foundation and I continued running it after his death. I can assure you, your grandson has received the best of care.

The man spoke for the first time. “Was that really necessary?”

I nodded my head. “Since we had no idea weather or not he had relatives here, it was the only thing we could do. He was one scared child but he’s really come out of his shell now.”

She was about to speak again when there was another knock on the door. The deputy once again stuck his head in. “Excuse me but Paulo Cortez is here.”

Danny motioned with his hand. “Show him in please.”

Paulo came in and sat beside me leaning close to my ear. “Sorry Miguel, I was detained. So what’s going on?”

“We’re just finding that out but that woman is Chad’s grandmother. I whispered to Paulo then looked at the man. “Excuse me sir, but I didn’t get your name?”

He reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a card handing it to me. “I’m Andrew Stein; I’m an attorney representing Ms. Barnes.”

I was really confused now as I looked at Paulo then to Danny. “Ms. Barnes, you’re not in any legal trouble here, I can assure you.” Danny said smiling.

The two of them sat and looked at each other for several minutes then Ms. Barnes spoke. “We have a rather sensitive problem here.”

“Sensitive problem,” I asked.

The woman started stammering. “Well, it’s like this. Chad’s parents weren’t well, how can I say this? They weren’t really all there.”

I interrupted at that point. “Are you saying they were mentally handicapped?”

I was looking right at the lawyer. “Well no, not in that sense of the word.”

Paulo looked at him. “Then in what sense are you saying they weren’t all there?”

“Well sir,” Mr. Stein started. “Let’s say they didn’t exercise good judgment in certain things.”

“Such as,” Paulo asked.

This time Ms. Barnes jumped in. “Them adopting a boy from here.”

“Excuse me?” I asked trying to keep my temper under control. “Is there something wrong with adopting a child?”

“Well no,” She started. “They just didn’t know what they were getting into. We told them this was a bad idea but they refused to listen to us.”

Paulo waived his hand. “Excuse me but if I may. Adoptive parents are screened very carefully and their backgrounds and their mental capabilities are checked thoroughly. When was the adoption completed?”

The lawyer reached into his briefcase and pulled out an envelope. “May I ask why you’re here?”

Paulo nodded his head. “I’m Paulo Cortez. I’m the lawyer for The Foundation and Chad’s Guardian Ad Litem. Are those the adoption papers?

The lawyer nodded his head as Paulo looked at them. “Chad was 2 when he was adopted and he’s 5 now. This adoption is final.”

I could tell Ms. Barnes didn’t like what she was hearing. “I’m prepared to have the adoption over turned.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Chad’s only relative didn’t want him. I was about to pop my cork when there was a knock at the door then the deputy stuck his head in. “Paulo, Miguel, Sheriff, you’re all needed out here.”

We got up and headed outside. I looked at Paulo and shook my head. “Can you believe some people?”

“Well, I could ask Judge Romero to set aside the adoption. That way Danny would be free to adopt Chad.”

Danny came out of his office. “Now I know why this woman is trying to get the adoption overturned.”

We looked at him. “What have you got there?”

“It’s a teletype reply to an inquiry that Deputy Baker sent out. It seems there is a sizable estate that would go to Chad but Ms. Baker doesn’t like that idea.”

Paulo shook his head. “We still have a problem. She’s Chad’s direct next of kin and Judge Romero can’t change that.”

“Paulo, she doesn’t want the boy. All she wants is the inheritance and I’m not going to stand by and let that happen.”

Danny waved his hand. “Hold on, we do have an ace here.”

“What are you talking about?”

Danny handed Paulo the paper. “The Department of State sent us all the information they had on Chad and his parents and that included their last known home address.”

I was seething. “Danny, I’m ready to march in there and confront her with what we know.”

Paulo laughed. “Miguel, you know that’s not your style but I do have an idea. We have information that they don’t know we have. I can try and have a private meeting with Judge Romero and let him know what’s going on.”

I shook my head. “I don’t see him bending this much Paulo.”

“A woman trying to disown her adopted grandchild just to get her hands on their inheritance seems really low to me. I can get all the papers I need and then file them with the local probate court on Chad’s behalf. Since you’re an American citizen Miguel, you’ll have to be his Guardian Ad Litem.”

I nodded my head. “OK, I’ll do that but wouldn’t it be better in the long run to liquidate the estate and add it to the trust I’m going to set up for him?”

I could see Danny doing a slow boil too. “Come on, I’m going to try something.”

We followed Danny back into the conference room. “Ms. Barnes, why would you be seeking to over turn the adoption of your grandson?”

I was watching her body language very closely and I could tell she was having a hard time coming up with a suitable answer. “As I said earlier, my son didn’t exercise good judgment in this matter. He didn’t plan for the future. What would happen if he…”

She stopped in midsentence. I was going to finish the sentence but looked at Danny. “Go on ma’am; please finish what you were saying.”

She sat there dumfounded then looked at her lawyer. Neither of them seemed willing to speak so I did. “You mean, what would happen to Chad if something happened to them before he turned 18?”

“Um well,” She started. “Unfortunately yes, my health is such I don’t feel capable of raising Chad properly.”

“How old are you if I might ask?” I asked not standing on ceremony.

“I’ll be 58 next month.” She quietly replied.

Paulo was the next to speak. “Do you remember what I told you previously, that the adoption was final?”

She nodded her head then Mr. Stein stepped in. “We’re aware of that but we’re also prepared to have that order vacated.”

I looked at Danny and he knew what I was thinking but he shook his head softly. I still couldn’t believe this woman never raised the question about how her son and daughter in law died. Paulo was looking at the adoption papers. “Since Chad is in Miguel’s care and custody, you’ll have to present your case in front of Judge Romero. He is head of the family court here.”

Mr. Stein nodded his head. “How soon do you think this could get on his docket?”

Paulo looked at me and he was boiling now. “I can contact his clerk on Monday and see if he has a slot open.”

Mr. Stein tried getting cute. “I can be there when the court opens bright and early. I’m going to be requesting an expedited hearing. I have cases pending back in the US.”

‘I’m sure you do.’ I thought to myself.

The 3 of us wanted to get away from these people as fast as possible. “Very well and just so you know, I will be representing Chad in this matter.”

Ms. Barnes almost choked. “Umm, will he be in court?”

Paulo shook his head. “That won’t be necessary. Besides, the less he knows about this the better. Mr. Stein, is there a local number where you can be reached?”

“We’re staying in the hotel here in town.”

Paulo handed him one of his business cards. “Here is my card. It has my office and home number if you need to contact me.”

The man put the card into his briefcase then closed it. “I guess that concludes our business here. Thank you Sheriff for meeting with us and we’ll be in touch.”

I just stayed put while Danny escorted the two out to the front door. As soon as I was sure they couldn’t hear me I exploded. “That has to be the coldest woman I’ve met in my life. I can’t believe her.”

I was so angry I was shaking. “Calm down Miguel. Now it’s time to let us lawyers handle things.”

Paulo was right. “Buddy, what have you got planned for this afternoon?”

He looked at me then giggled, “Nothing now.”

“When we get back to the home, I’m going to put a call into my lawyer in the states. I’ll let you two work the details out on how to keep this woman from getting her hands on her son’s estate.”

“Not a problem Miguel,” Paulo said as we walked into the main office. “Besides, she can’t do a thing without death certificates and those are only given to the immediate next of kin. Since Chad is a minor, they would be given out to his guardian and right now, that’s The Foundation.”

“I hadn’t thought of that so right now we do have the upper hand.”

Paulo nodded as Danny joined us. “I don’t think that lawyer will try something stupid.”

Danny had an inquisitive look on his face. “I don’t know about him but I wouldn’t place bets on that woman. Danny, are you done here? There is a boy I’m sure is missing you.”

Danny nodded his head then we headed out to his car. “Miguel, I’ll follow you over to the home.”

Danny and I got into his car and headed back to the home. I filled him in on what Paulo and I were planning. “I think you should take Chad home because there is going to be a lot of talk going on and I don’t want him hearing it.”

When we returned, Chad was the first to greet us. “Daddy, was Gramma there?”

I knew that question was coming and didn’t know how to answer it without creating more questions. “Yes son she was.”

Chad hung his head. “Daddy is she gonna make me leave here?”

Danny looked at me then Paulo came to our rescue. “I’m not going to let you get taken away from your new family.”

Chad’s eyes lit up. “Really? Do you really mean that?”

Paulo knelt down. “Yes son, I really mean that.”

Chad jumped into Danny’s arms. “Can we go home now?

That was easier than I thought. Chad turned holding out his arms. I leaned in and gave him a hug and a kiss on the head. “Thanks Papa Miguel. Come on Daddy.”

“Hey son, don’t forget your bike. Isn’t that what you came over for to begin with?”

Chad started wiggling so Danny set him onto his feet then took off down the hall. A few minutes later, Chad was walking his bike towards the front door. Danny and Chad left, Paulo and I went inside my office. I was about to make a phone call when Guillermo knocked then stuck his head in. “Miguel, David wants to see you in the clinic.”

“Why does he want to see me in the clinic?”

The door opened and there stood Angel and Marco. I rolled my eyes. “I might have thought.”

“Daddy you said you were going to take it easy today. The next thing I know, you’re gone.”

“Calm down Angel,” I said. “Danny and I had to go over to his office.”

“Daddy, you need your rest. Danny’s the Sheriff, he can handle anything at his office.”

Paulo came to my rescues. “Angel, Miguel was needed there. Chad has a relative that lives in the USA but she doesn’t want him. She’s down here to have the adoption of Chad by her son and daughter in law over turned.”

Angel covered her mouth with her hand as Marco started staring at her. “Angel, you need to loosen up being the mother hen with Pop here.”

She was now a few shades of red. “I’m sorry Daddy. What are you going to do?”

I smiled. “What I do best and that’s let the people who work for me earn what I pay them. I’m going to have Paulo talk with my lawyer in the US.”

“But Daddy,” she started as Marco took her by the arm.

“Come on Angel, let’s let Pop and Paulo work. Pop will take it easy but Chad is important.”

He spun her around and led her out just as David stuck his head in. “Are you coming Miguel?”

“Yes David,” I replied as I picked up the phone. “I have to place a call to the US first.”

I got my attorney on the phone then let him and Paulo talk while David looked at my shoulder in the clinic. “What’s going on Miguel? Is there something with Chad?”

“Nothing we can’t handle David.” I said glancing down at the gauze on my shoulder. “How’s the shoulder looking?”

He eased the gauze off my shoulder and I winced. “You’re not draining near as much as you were. If you keep resting this, it will continue to heal nicely. When are you supposed to see the doctor again?”

I hadn’t thought about that with all that had been happening. “I’ll get in to see him this week.”

 

“How about you see him on Monday?” David asked.

“Man, if I didn’t know better I’d swear Angel’s been bending your ear.” I said smiling. “Monday is booked already, I just don’t know what times.

David shook his head and tried to speak but I held up my hand. “Look, this involves Chad and there is no way in hell I’m going to let that boy down. You should know me by now David.”

He knew I was right. “OK Miguel, when it comes to the children here, they take priority over anything else. Just please try and keep the movement of your arm to a minimum.”

He put a clean dressing on the wound then helped me get my shirt and sling on. “I’m trying to David. I know the less it moves, the less it hurts also.”

David and I walked down the hall towards my office but I got intercepted by Marco. “Pop, I only have a couple days left before I have to head back to school.”

I looked at him. “You want to spend a little alone time with your Dad, don’t you?

He smiled but looked down. “Marco, I don’t need an explanation son. Go, he is your Dad. You’ll be home during the summer.”

He blushed. “Umm Pop, I’m taking summer courses.”

I knew what he was doing. I only hoped he could handle the load. “You’re looking to graduate in 3 years, aren’t you?”

“Yeah I am Pop,” Marco smiled. “I want to be a neurosurgeon and the Army has a great program. They’ll pay for that training while I give them 8 years and I’ll still be young enough to have a practice.”

He seemed to have thought that through. “I could use a good pediatric neurosurgeon.”

Marco just smiled and patted my good shoulder. “I’ll keep that in mind Pop. Tell Dad I’m going to pack.”

I nodded my head then went into my office. “Miguel, I had a nice chat with John. He’ll do some digging with the probate court in Kitty Hawk.”

“Did you give him all the particulars?”

Paulo nodded his head. “Sure did. I also called Judge Romero.”

I gasped. “You bothered him at home on a Saturday?”

He giggled. “I didn’t bother him Miguel. I got the case on the docket for Monday morning at 10 AM.”

‘Gotta love him,’ I thought.

“Good job buddy.”

“John has a buddy in Manteo and he said he’d call him today. He said he would be back in touch as soon as he had something.”

“OK thanks. Oh, before I forget. You have a border coming.”

He looked at me funny, “A border?”

I giggled. “Yeah buddy, it’s Marco.”

He broke out into a deep belly laugh. “Oh god Miguel, I should have known.”

Just then Marco stuck his head in. “Are you done here Dad?”

“I am son. I have to be in court on Monday but you’re welcome to come along.”

Marco looked at me. “Is this about Chad?”

I nodded. “That it is son.”

“I wouldn’t miss that for the world.

Marco hugged me gently. “I expect you to take it easy tonight and tomorrow Pop.”

I kissed him on the head. “I will son. You know I’ll have Mother Angel here looking out for me.”

“So true Pop. I told her to take it easy on you.”

I walked Paulo and Marco out to their car then watched as they drove away. As soon as I stepped back inside, Angel was standing there. “When are you going to rest?”

I was about to answer when Steven came up. “Come on love, give Dad a break. He’s taken it easy today.”

“Yeah but look at him now, in his office, on the phone, up and down. Do you call that resting?”

Steven smiled and winked at me. “OK Dad, she’s right. I’ll call Danny and tell him any problem with Chad will have to wait. Also any kid we find or one who needs help, they’ll have to wait.”

Angel put her hands on her hips. “Very funny Steven, you know that’s not what I meant.”

“Then take it easy darling. Dad does what he has to and you know it.”

Angel looked at me with a smile. “I’m sorry Daddy.”

“I know you mean well sweetie. Now let’s go eat dinner.”

After dinner I spent the evening with all the children watching movies. After the first one, I told the older ones to get the ice cream out and we’d have a treat in here.

After the last movie was over, everyone pitched in and got the community room cleaned up and the dishes taken back into the kitchen. I made the rounds to the girl’s side gave hugs and kisses then went to the boy’s side. My last stop was to Mikey and Shane’s room. I knocked on the door but didn’t hear anyone say come in. I looked inside and it was empty. I thought for a moment then I thought I saw the door to my room open then close. I walked down the hall to my room then quietly opened it and I found the two missing boys. Mikey was standing by my bed then shucked his underpants then Shane came out of the bathroom in the buff. I eased the door closed then walked in as if no one was in there. “Well, hello there, I wasn’t expecting company.”

Both boys ran over and gave me a gentle hug. Mikey looked up at me. “We miss Chad Papa.”

“He’ll be back boys,” I said as they scurried over to the bed.

I tried to get the sling undone but my arm was aching a little so Shane hopped up on the bed. “Come over here Papa, I’ll help you.”

Shane gently undid the sling then unbuttoned my shirt. I felt nature calling so I hurried into the bathroom and managed to get my shorts down quickly. After brushing my teeth, I crawled into bed and became sandwiched in between Mikey and Shane.

Sunday was a fairly quiet day for me. I was having a cup of coffee when my children came in and joined me. Jay was the spokesperson for the group. “Dad, when will you be able to travel?”

I thought for a moment. “Well, I need to see the doctor this week. Monday and Tuesday are already taken so I’ll probably go on Wednesday. What’s on your mind son?”

“Dad, Ronnie needs to get back to the restaurant and I have classes starting after New Years Day.

I’d forgotten about Ronnie needing to get back to the restaurant. “When do you all want to leave so you’re not rushed?”

“We all want to be here for Chad Daddy.”

“That’s fine Angel,” I said finishing my coffee. I can have the plane here Wednesday, how does that sound?” They all agreed then went back out with the children.

Monday morning came and I was finishing breakfast when Paulo came in. “That lawyer isn’t happy Miguel.”

I set my cup down and smiled. “I guess we’re really going to make his day in court then, aren’t we?”

“He won’t know what hit him.” Paulo said laughing as he took my coffee cup and got me a refill. “Judge Romero might toss them in jail by the time everything comes out.”

I finished my coffee then we headed towards my office. I heard the phone start ringing so I hurried and answered it, “Miguel Sanchez here.”

“Hi Miguel, John Connors here.”

“Hi John, Paulo is right here. I’m guessing that’s why you called.”

I motioned Paulo in. “Yes it is.”

I handed Paulo the phone then went down to my room. I took a pain pill then heard a knock on the door. I looked and David was standing there. “What can I do for you buddy?”

“How’s the arm? Is the bandage wet? He asked as he came over and loosened the sling then looked inside my shirt. “It’s dry which is a good sign but you need to keep your arm still.”

“I’ll do my best David. I’ll be sitting down so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

I hurried out and met back up with Paulo for the trip to the courthouse. He had a coy look on his face so I was really wondering what he and John talked about. When we arrived, we still had 15 minutes before the case was to be heard so we went inside and sat down in the back of the courtroom as Judge Romero was still hearing a case.

We only had to wait a few minutes then the case was over. After everyone left, Paulo and I went and took our seats. A few minutes later Grace Barnes and her mouth piece walked in. She had a smug look on her face and didn’t say a word to us and now I was really wondering what John talked to Paulo about.

Just then the courtroom door opened and in walked Jay and the crew. When they took their seats, I leaned over towards Steven. “Now don’t go and interrupt things today son, Judge Romero let you off the hook the last time but he might no be so forgiving again.”

Steven turned several shades of red. “I promise Dad.”

“All rise,” The Bailiff shouted as the door to Javier’s chambers opened and he walked out.

“Be seated,” He said. “This is a hearing to set aside the adoption of Chad Barnes. Who’s representing the petitioner?”

Grace’s lawyer stood. “Andrew Stein representing the petitioner Grace Barnes.”

“I don’t suppose you’re licensed to practice here in Brazil?”

“Yes Your Honor, I am.”

I could tell he was thinking. “Very well. Since she’s bringing this action, you have the burden of proving your case.”

The man nodded his head. “Yes Your Honor and thank you for allowing me to represent Ms. Barnes.”

“Call your first witness.”

“I call Grace Barnes.”

Grace approached the stand as the Bailiff met her. “Place your right hand on the bible. In the matter now pending before this court, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?”

She nodded her head, “I do.”

She took her seat as John approached. “Please state your name for the court.”

“My name is Grace Barns.”

“Please tell is why you’re asking the adoption of Chad be set aside?”

She took a deep breath. “I’m a single woman and my health isn’t what it was a few years ago.”

Paulo was busy scribbling notes onto his pad. “I see,” John said looking at his notes. “Can you elaborate as to how your health has deteriorated?”

“I have high blood pressure and just before Thanksgiving I had what my doctor said was a TIA.”

I looked at Paulo. “I wish we were in the States. I’d love to have her medical records in front of me.”

“Grace, other than this are there other reasons you’re wishing to have the adoption overturned?”

I whispered to Paulo, “Here is comes now.”

She looked up at Judge Romero then to her lawyer. “That’s not my grandson.”

I looked at Paulo with a totally stunned look on my face. “Come again,” John asked like he’d been blind sided.

“That’s not my grandson,” She said again.

John had quickly composed himself. “By blood, we know this.”

She shook her head. “That’s not what I mean. That boy is no relation to me.”

Paulo was confused. “Side bar Your Honor?”

I could tell Javier wasn’t pleased. Judge Romero motioned Paulo and Stein to approach. Judge Romero then looked at Stein. “What is she talking about?”

John shook his head. “Your Honor, I haven’t a clue.”

“The adoption is final sir,” Paulo said. “I told you both this on Saturday.”

“I told you the burden of proof is on you counselor and I meant what I said.

Stein nodded his head. “Yes Your Honor.”

He motioned them back to their places. “Proceed Mr. Stein.”

“Ms. Barnes, please elaborate on what you mean.”

“Adoption or not, Chad is not my grandson. You see, Dennis isn’t my son.”

Paulo stood. “You’re Honor then this is all moot. She has no legal standing to request this adoption be overturned.”

Andrew Stein was not happy. He knew he would soon be sanctioned by Judge Romero. “Your Honor, I had absolutely no idea what she was planning. I was informed she was unable to care for the child based on health issues, now she pulls this.”

I tapped Paulo on the arm. “What did John want this morning?”

He leaned over to me as John approached the witness. “Grace, what is going on here?”

She has a smirk on her face. “Andrew, you know I learned how to win. You’re the best international lawyer. My husband’s lawyer knew this. He’s the best corporate and estate lawyer there is. We only have the best.”

Paulo and I could tell Andrew was confused at all this. “We Grace,” Andrew asked.

She smiled. “Well, my late husband and me.”

Andrew grabbed the bull by the horns. “Grace, why are you’re claiming now that Dennis isn’t your son.”

She smiled. “Because he isn’t. I didn’t learn of this until after his death.”

Judge Romero interrupted at this point. “Ma’am, you raised that child as if he was your own, correct?”

Again she nodded. “That I did and I loved him as if I’d given birth to him.”

“So you and your husband adopted Dennis?”

“So I thought,” Grace replied.

Paulo interrupted. “Your Honor, this just adds more to the fact she has no standing to request the adoption of Chad be set aside.”

Judge Romero listened intently. “I have to agree Mr. Cortez, she has no standing here.”

The judge was about to bang his gavel when Paulo stopped him. “Your Honor, before you make your ruling, I would like to ask a question or two.”

“I don’t see the reason counselor but go ahead.”

Paulo picked up his notes. “While you were raising Dennis, you and your husband gave him gifts, correct?”

“Of course,” Grace replied. “He was our son.”

“Did you send him to college?”

“Yes we did,” Grace answered.

“When he got married, were there wedding gifts?”

“Yes,” Grace snapped. “What does this have to do…”

“Isn’t it true the house Dennis and his family were living in was a gift from you and your husband?”

Grace was getting flustered. “That’s none of…”

Paulo raised his hand. “Your Honor, please instruct the witness to answer the question.”

Judge Romero was puzzled. “I’m not sure where you’re going here.”

Paulo nodded his head. “It will all become crystal clear shortly.”

“Very well, answer the question.”

Grace glared at Javier but decided not to anger the jurist. “Yes, he received the house as a gift.”

“I just have 2 more questions Your Honor. What did your son do for a living?”

Grace was clearly frustrated. “He was in real estate.”

Paulo nodded his head. “Now, Dennis has received a house, had a good living in real estate and adopted a child. Tell us again why you’re here trying to have the adoption overturned?”

“I don’t think I like what you’re implying sir.”

Paulo stepped closer. “You want this court to rule that Chad isn’t your grandson so you can try and claim your son’s estate.”

“Well I…”

“Oh wait,” Paulo stepped in quickly. “Dennis isn’t your real son either, is he?

Andrew stood. “Objection Your Honor, this is all speculation.”

Javier looked at Paulo. “I hope you have proof of this Mr. Cortez.”

Paulo went over to his briefcase. “I do Your Honor. I spoke this morning with John Connors. He’s Miguel’s corporate attorney in the US. He spoke to a clerk with the Dare County Probate Court. It seems there is a claim pending filed by Grace Barnes seeking to be named executrix of the estate of Dennis and Leslie Barnes.”

Judge Romero looked sternly at Grace. “Is this true Ms. Barnes?”

She got a smirk on her face. “I’ve won.”

Paulo’s head snapped looking at Grace. “No you haven’t. There are two things the court needs and you don’t have them. You have to prove to the court Dennis and Leslie are dead and that means you have to provide death certificates.”

Her face sunk. Andrew looked at her. “How could you Grace? Dennis and Leslie adopted Chad. He was their life. Their estate rightfully belongs to him.”

Grace snapped. “Their estate, don’t you mean our money? My husband and I bought them that house. We put Dennis through school. That’s MINE damn it.”

Paulo looked at Judge Romero. “We move this case be dismissed.”

Judge Romero nodded his head and wrote something in the file on the bench. “This case is hereby dismissed. Ms. Barnes, you’ve attempted to perpetrate a fraud on this court. This is something I don’t take lightly. A copy of the transcripts will be sent to the proper authorities in the United States. You’ll be held pending a call to the US Consulate. I’m requesting you be sent back to the United States.”

Mr. Stein stood. “Your Honor, if I may?

Judge Romero nodded his head. “First off, I had no idea what was going on here. If it would please the court, I would be happy to handle the arrangements regarding Mr. and Mrs. Barnes estate. All I’ll need is death certificates and who to set up as executor of the estate.”

Paulo looked at me then to Andrew. “Follow us to the home and we’ll get you all the documents you’ll need.”

Judge Romero looked at his Bailiff. “Bailiff, please escort Ms. Barnes to a holding cell then call the US Consulate’s Office. After that, please put a call into Sheriff Vasquez. There is a little boy who needs a Daddy. Ms. Barnes, I’ve met Chad. All I can say is you’re missing out on a fine little boy who anyone would be proud to have as a grandson. This case is adjourned.”

To be continued...

Posted: 06/26/09