You Can Run
but
 You Can’t Hide
 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2007 by the author

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

We were still eating our lunch as Tom and Dr. Nash chatted. “Hans, when I finish filling out this application, could we go and see your house? This way, I could file everything and maybe get an answer back tomorrow?”

I looked over to my love. “That’s great. Hans do you have your keys?”

He stood up and reached into his pocket and pulled them out. He finished his lunch as Tom finished doing the foster parent application. “Hans, can we go now?”

He looked at me and I nodded. “Go on baby. I’m kinda tired so I think I’m just going to take a nap.”

Chapter 12

The next thing I remember was Hans kissing me as I slowly opened my eyes. I felt two bodies spooned against me and wondered if there would be enough room in the king size bed at the house. “Hi sweetie, how long have you been back?”

Hans pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed. “About an hour. Tom looked at the house and said there was plenty of room for the boys. He also said that between our schedules, we could give the boys the time they would need.”

Just then Kevin rolled and lifted himself onto his elbow. “You really think you’ll be our foster parents?”

I kissed the little guy on the head. “If Dr. Nash has his way about it, I’d pretty much bet the bank.”

Kevin hopped out of the bed and scurried into the bathroom. Jamie woke up and joined his boyfriend as Dr. Nash came in. “Where are the boys?”

The toilet flushed and they returned. “Hi Dr. Nash.”

Dr. Nash came over and put his hands on their shoulders. “Now that you’ve had a little nap, I’d like to talk with the two of you, if that’s ok?”

Jamie froze as he looked over to Hans and me. I looked at Hans then back to the boys. I knew they had to talk with the Doc but I hoped it wouldn’t be too traumatic on them. “Boys, it’s OK. He just wants to talk with you.”

I had been through enough that day and didn’t know if I could handle any more. I just felt totally drained. Hans held out his arms and the boys came right over to him. “How about if I come with you?”

They looked over to Dr. Nash and he just smiled and nodded his head. The three of them left with Greg and I dozed off back to sleep.

I’m not sure how long they were gone but my bladder woke me letting me know it had to be emptied. As I was coming out of the bathroom, I heard the door open and Hans and the boys returned. The boys seemed to be in good spirits but I noted their eyes were a little red so I knew some tears had fallen.  Kevin came over and hugged me. “Lee, Dr. Nash says as soon as you’re approved to be our foster parents we can leave.”

I was glad to hear that. “Are you guys OK?”

I got a hug from Jamie next. “Yeah, we’re fine now but it was hard telling Dr. Nash about that night. Lee, I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you and go into the house.”

I leaned down and picked him up. “Oh Jamie, it’s OK. I’m not mad at you. I know I was yelling a lot that night but it wasn’t out of anger.”

I put my arms under his butt so he could sit and look at me. “I know that now. You were trying to get me out of there so I wouldn’t be hurt.”

I nodded my head has he rested his on my shoulder. “I also didn’t want you to have to see any more that you already had kiddo.”

I set him back onto his feet then the dinner trays arrived. After we ate, there was a good comedy on TV so we watched it and laughed ourselves silly. It was something we all needed then we paired off and called it a night.

The next day, the boys had two sessions with Dr. Nash. In the morning, they had and individual session with him and in the afternoon, they had a joint one. After the boys came back in the afternoon, I got Dr. Nash and herded him outside. “Doc, we need to talk. There is something coming up in the near future and I think it’s going to really impact the boys.”

We went down to a conference room to talk. “What is it Lee?”

I sat down and got my thoughts together. “Well, I’m not 100% sure but I’d say there is a very good chance the boys will be needed to identify their fathers. There aren’t any relatives that we know of and even though I knew them, I don’t think they would let me do it.”

Dr. Nash shook his head. “No Lee, they wouldn’t need that. There are other ways they can do that. You said they’d just gotten home from a night out so they would each have their wallets in their pockets. There would be identification in there. Plus there are other ways and in a last resort they would ask you because you had met them. The boys just would not be strong enough for that.”

I really hadn’t thought of that because I’d never handled anything like that in my 20 years as an MP. “Well, we’re going to need to get their personal belongings out of the house and I’m not sure how to get everything they’re going to want out of there without getting them back inside.”

I could see Dr. Nash rubbing his chin lost in thought. “How’d you get them out?”

“We got them out the back door but it was at night. I don’t know if they have a key to the house or not.”

Dr. Nash smiled at that point. “Well, the morgue would have them in their personal effects. Whose house is it?”

I had to think for a minute. “It was James’ house I think, why?”

“Because Lee, he’s going to inherit that along with everything else that his father had. You’ll need to find out if he’s going to want to keep the house but I really doubt he will. As his guardian, you can have the trustee sell it and the proceeds would go into the trust fund. What we can do, is talk with them now because they’re going to need some clothes but you and Hans could always get a few but the other things, they should decide on what they want to keep and not.”

I stood up stopping at the door. “Right now I don’t know who’s in control of the boys. I know we’ll probably be able to do some things when Hans and I are made their foster parents. I’m just wondering if there has been a trustee appointed. I’m so new at this. I wonder if I shouldn’t get an attorney.”

Dr. Nash reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. “Here is an attorney I use. He’s a good family lawyer and has helped a number of gay couples. Give him a call and tell him I referred you.”

We headed back into the room and the boys were cuddled together watching cartoons. I motioned for Hans to come out into the hall. I told him about my talk with Dr. Nash and he thought asking the boys about getting their clothes would probably be best done here with Dr. Nash present. When we all went back inside, Jamie had turned the TV off. I sat on the edge of the bed and looked at them. “Boys, there’s something I need to talk with you about and I know it’s going to be a little painful.”

Kevin looked over Jamie. “Is this about our Dads?”

I shook my head. “Um, no not directly. You guys are going to need some clothes and the ones you have were good enough to get you to our house in but you can’t live in them.”

Jamie looked around the room. “I hadn’t thought of that and those shorts are a little dirty. What do we do? I don’t think I can handle looking at the front yard Lee.”

“Me either,” Kevin echoed.

I ruffled their hair. “I kinda thought so but how about if we get you back inside, the way we got you out?”

I could see Jamie thinking. “Well, that would work and the curtains should still be closed in the living room.”

Hans patted the boys on the leg. “We can make sure all the curtains are closed that look out to the front.”

I was nodding my head in agreement. “Now, just one question remains. “Do either of you have a key to the back door to your house?”

Jamie hopped off the bed and went to the closet as Kevin whistled at him. “Oooo nice view baby.”

Jamie opened the closet door and got his shorts then stuffed his hand into the pocket. He turned around then shook his butt towards Kevin. “That’s all you love me for huh, my butt?”

We all giggled at that. Jamie handed me a key and said it went to both the front and back doors to the house. “OK, that problem is solved.”

Just then there was a knock on the door. I was about to answer it when it opened and in came Tom followed by a uniformed police officer I remembered from the shooting and another man in a suit. “Hi Lee, Hans, I have good news. You and Hans have been approved as foster parents. Hans, you are Jamie's foster Dad and Lee, you’re Kevin’s.”

The boys were out of the bed and into our arms like a flash. Hans wrapped Jamie’s gown around him so he wasn’t flashing our guests and Kevin jumped right into my arms. I’m glad I saw it so I was prepared for the incoming boy. The boys were crying tears of happiness as they no longer had to worry where they would live.

I set Kevin down and he hopped back in bed with Jamie as the uniformed officer came over. “Lee, this is our District Attorney, Mark Williams. After going over the scene, the boys’ statements and what you gave me when I first got out there, in the eyes of the police department, the shooting was justifiable.”

I felt a little weak so I quickly sat down on my bed. “Trust me, if I could have taken him alive, I would have. I really wanted him to serve time in prison before his execution.”

The DA came over and stood beside me. “I believe that Mr. Jennings and I’m sure he would have been executed. My office received the DNA results from Mr. Arbuckle and they matched those recovered from the two boys. He was the one who raped them. I’m here to tell you that the DA’s office will not be filing any charges against you. I’ve been in a meeting with Mr. Roberts and he tells me that there are no other living direct relatives so I’ve appointed a trustee to look into both your parent’s financial matters and get trust funds started. Mr. Jennings, Mr. Johansen, since you’re their legal guardians, you’ll have access to the trust but it will be closely monitored by the trustee.”

I looked at the DA then shook his hand. “I think we should be able to support the boys just fine. That money is for their future. Now Doc, when can we get out of this funny farm? It’s a nice place to visit but I’d like to get back to my home.”

Just then the officer handed came over. “Your friend has a receipt for your rifle. We’re finished with it so you can come claim it any time you wish.”

Dr. Nash got up and headed for the door. “Since you’ve been officially approved as the boys’ foster parents, there is no reason you can’t go home. I’ll write up a schedule for when I want to see the boys here for some sessions but that will be based on how they’re doing at home.”

Tom set his briefcase on the table and pulled out some papers for me and Hans. “These are your foster parent certificates and cards for you to carry. If the boys need to see a doctor or a dentist, show that card and we’ll pick up the tab. Also, their stay here is being taken care of by the city. Boys, I wish you both the best of luck with your new family but I think you’ll do just fine. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call. Here is my card.”

Everyone left then we got ready to leave. Jamie and Kevin threw their gowns off and went to their closet in their birthday suits. Hans and I were looking at each other then over to them when Jamie smiled. “Hey, you’re our Dads now. We don’t care if you see us naked.”

I guess there would be a couple more naturists in the house as Hans a strolled around the house nude on several occasions. I got my clothes out and started changing then Hans decided he needed to put on some clean clothes too. The boys smiled when they saw my beautiful boyfriend. Kevin went over and rubbed Hans’ hip. “Hans, no wonder Lee loves you, you’re gorgeous and your skin is so soft.”

I saw my lover blush at the compliment. “Thank you Kevin. I’ve always preferred to be like this.”

We finished getting changed when Dr. Nash came back in. “Your discharge is all ready. I want to see the boys in 3 days then I’ll decide on how often they’ll need to come in. Here is a prescription for some mild sleeping pills in case you need them but I really don’t think you will. The staff has checked on you at nights and you’ve all been sleeping soundly.”

It just dawned on me. “Hans, what vehicle do you have?”

He giggled and held the keys in his hand. “You stinker, so how do you like it?”

He smiled at me then came over kissing me passionately. “I want one next time.”

He was trying to grind himself into me but I arched my back a little “I’ll see what I can do. Are you boys ready?”

Hans headed for the door. “I’ll get the car and bring it to the front.”

A few minutes later three aids came in pushing wheelchairs. The boys didn’t like the idea but it was that or nothing. We had to wait on the elevator so it took several minutes to get down to the first floor. When we came out of the elevator, I saw Hans standing by the front door. We were pushed to the front door and the boys let out a yell when they caught sight of the Hummer. “Is that yours Lee?”

I get out of my wheelchair and opened the back door. “Yep, it’s all mine now hop in and don’t forget your seatbelts.”

We took off and the first stop is Jamie and Kevin's house. We were all chatting away but as soon as I turned onto the street, the boys got quiet. “Ok guys, here’s the plan. I’m going to park around the curve. I’m going to want you to close your eyes and put your faces into our shoulders. We’re going to go into the back yard then go into the house through the back door. Jamie, I’ll set you down then make sure all the curtains in the living room are closed, and then we’ll go upstairs. Is that OK?”

The boys thought about it for a few moments then Kevin leaned forward. “Yeah, that’ll be ok.”

I parked the Hummer then Hans and I got out. Hans took Kevin and he shut his eyes tight and buried his face into Hans’ shoulder. I held my arms out and Jamie slowly scooted over then shut his eyes tight. I picked him up closing the door with my foot as he hugged me tight burying his face. Hans and I ran to the fence and I opened it as Hans ran through. Once it was closed, we set the boys down as they couldn’t see around the high privacy fence. I got Jamie's key out of my pocket and opened the back door. I did a quick check to see if the drapes were closed then had everyone come in. Hans walked into the living room and looked around. “Boys, this is a very nice house. Now, where is your room?”

Jamie went over to my lover and took his hand. “It’s up here Dad, I mean Hans.”

Hans stopped and knelt in front of his foster son. “Son, I would be honored for you to call me that but only if you really want to. I know how close you and your Dad were and like I said earlier, I can’t take his place. My grandfather and I were really close and rather than call him granddad, I called him Pop.”

I stood there and watched as Hans and Jamie crossed a major hurdle. Jamie slowly went over and hugged Hans. You know, I like Pop. It fits you.”

Kevin looked up at me. “Lee, I think you look like a Pop too.”

I giggled at the say he said it then squatted down and tickled my little boy. Jamie led Hans up the stairs then stopped near the top of the stairs. “Our room is the first door on the right. The window and curtain is open. We had it like that so we could hear our Dads when they came home.”

Hans sat down and held Jamie as the boy broke into tears. I brought Kevin up the stairs with me and left him with Jamie and Hans while I went down to the room and closed the blinds. I made sure all the other doors were closed then went back to them. Kevin looked up at me and smiled. “Everything ready Pop?”

He had a huge grin on his face. “Sure is squirt, come on.”

Kevin ran up the stairs charging me. He managed to find my one and only ticklish spot and he had me in a fit of laughter. “Who are you calling squirt?”

I was on the floor trying to protect my stomach when I managed to wrap my arms around Kevin and roll him off me. Meanwhile Hans and Jamie were just watching our shenanigans. I leaned down and kissed my boy on the nose then got to my feet, helping him up in the process. “Do you have a bag or something you can pack some clothes in or do I need to hunt for a suitcase?”

Jamie hopped up and went into their bedroom with Kevin hot on his heels. “We got the barrel bags and they hold quite a bit. Come on Kev, let’s get packing.”

While we were there, I took the liberty of going back down stairs. There were loads of framed pictures of the boys and their Dads. I spotted two pictures in particular in engraved frames. Each was a photo of father and son and it was engraved with, “Worlds Best Dad.”

I knew the boys would want these so I set them on the table near the back door. I found a few large bags and brought them upstairs. “Boys, if there are any games or things like that you want to bring with you, you can pack them in these.”

I looked at the TV and there was a teen’s favorite pastime, a video game. From the looks of it, there were loads of games to go with it. I also noticed 2 laptop computers sitting on their desks. I made a mental note that Hans and the boys would have to shift rooms because his was much bigger. The boys would need room for desks so they could do their homework, once they were back in school. I didn’t see Ethernet net cables running to them. “Boys, are your laptops set up wireless?”

Kevin turned around and grabbed a backpack and put his laptop in it. “Yeah Pop, our Dads got a wireless modem so we use these anywhere in the house.”

I’m glad I’d gotten one for the house already. Hans had his PC and I had my laptop so the boys should be able to get on fairly easy.”

We’re going to have to change the rooms you use too. Right now, you guys are set up in the 3^rd bedroom but seeing the stuff you have here, that will be too small for you. We’ll get that sorted for you. Now, I pretty much know the answer to this question but are there any mementos you guys are going to want to take with you today.”

I could see the boys thinking then Jamie got a little misty eyed as he went over to Hans. “Yeah, there is. There is a special picture of my Dad and me. There is even one of Kevin and his Dad.”

I nodded my head. “I saw them. I kinda figured you would want those, even if not right now. They’re sitting on the table by the back door. Are there any other things you can think of?”

Kevin stood up on the bed then held his arms out. “Pop, do you think we could bring this TV with us?”

I had a huge plasma TV in the living room and one in my room. Since Hans slept with me, I hadn’t gotten one for his room. I’m glad there was a good bit of room in the back of the Hummer. “Sure guys, that’s a nice size TV but we’ll need to bring the cart for it too as there isn’t a place to put a TV that big. You all wait here and I’ll back the Hummer to back gate.”

I backed the Hummer up to the gate and we started loading the stuff into it. Hans and I were about to head back upstairs when there was a knock on the front door. I hadn’t a clue who would be coming over then it hit me that a neighbor might think the house was being ripped off. I opened the front door and sure enough there were two police officers standing there. “Come on in officers.”

They came in and I closed the door. I turned and saw the boys standing there on the steps. As soon as they knew they couldn’t see outside, they came down. “We got a report there was a breakin here.”

I shook my head. “No officers, nothing like that. I’m Lee Jennings, this is Hans Johansen. These two boys live here, well did until last week.”

One officer piped up. “What do you mean did until last week?”

I tried to think of a way to gently say it without causing the boys any more pain. “Um well, their Dads were.”

Jamie came up to us. “Hey, our Dads were just murdered. We’re getting some of our things out of here to take to our new home. You got a problem with that?”

I didn’t quite expect Jamie’s outburst but given the circumstances, it was understandable. The other officer stepped in and knelt down in from of Jamie. “I remember that son and I’m very sorry for your loss. Please, take all the time you need here.”

I looked at the officer as he stood up. “I know you guys are just doing your job and I apologise for his outburst.”

The other officer looked at Jamie. “Son, I’m sorry for the way I acted too. I’m new in this sector and I didn’t know about what happened here.”

Jamie looked at me and then to the officers. “I’m sorry I was rude Officers. My Dad would be giving me a talking to for that.”

We all shook hands then Jamie turned around as the officers left the house. We finished loading the Hummer then made sure the house was secured before we left. The boys got into the back seat and slid down so they couldn’t look out the windows until we were well away from the house. Kevin stuck his head in between the seats. “Pop, I’m hungry.”

Hans looked at me and nodded, agreeing with Kevin’s statement. Jamie chimed in and then my stomach growled making it unanimous. “How about pizza? I know a great carryout place that has a killer 24” meat lovers.”

Hans called the restaurant and placed the pick up order. We took our time getting there so it would be ready when we arrived. I didn’t have a whole lot to drink at the house so I got a few 2 liter bottles of soda with the pizza. We picked up the food then headed for home. When we arrived, I backed into the driveway. Hans got his key out while the boys carried the food and drinks. I got the TV cart and set in the boys’ new room then it was time to eat. We would bring the other things later.

To be continued...

Posted: 05/23/08