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...

I looked at Hans and he too was crying happy tears. We held our boys for a few more minutes then we put them back in bed. Kevin reached his arms up and hugged me one more time then gave me another kiss. “Good night Dad. I love you.”

I kissed his cheek. “Sleep well son, I love you too.”

I heard Jamie tell Hans the same thing Kevin did. We looked at our boys then watched as they cuddled close then closed their eyes. We left the room turning off the light then closing the door.

Chapter 17

The rest of the week seemed to fly by with Hans going to school 3 days a week and the boys in school and having to make up the work they’d missed. I was out every morning after the boys left for school heading over to Ft. Sam. I got myself into a workout routine like I did when I was in the Army. I started back swimming laps at the pool then hit the weight room for a little workout. On Thursday I decided to go to the track and see how far out of shape I’d gotten with my running. I could push hard and do a mile in just over 4 and a half minutes or I could do it at a steady pace and be in around 5 minutes and 45 seconds. After my first run, I looked at my stop watch and it read 6 minutes 20 seconds. Not a bad time all things considering as I took 2 additional laps walking to cool down.

Friday night was took the boys out for dinner and then a movie. When we got back home, the boys came over and sat in front of us. I looked at Hans as if he knew what might be going on but he shrugged his shoulders. “What’s up guys?”

They looked at each other as if to decide who was going to be the spokesperson then I heard Kevin clear his throat. “Umm, we’d like to know if it would be alright to go back over to the house.”

I was surprised as there would be a need to go back there and go through their Dad’s room. Hans looked at his boy. “Are you guys sure?”

They both nodded their heads as I patted their knees. “Well boys, there is still 1 room you need to go through.”

Jamie smiled when I said that. “Yeah we know and we’ve talked about it. There are a few things in our Dads’ room we both would like to have.”

I guess it was time to ask the magic question. “Ok boys, we’ll go there and you can get what ever you want of your Dads. Now, here is a question you both need to think about together and the answer needs to be the same from both of you. What do you want to do with the house? Mr. Goodson says you can sell it and half of the money will go into each of your trust funds or you can rent it.”

They looked at each other for several minutes then they each were thinking about the question. It was Jamie who spoke. “I think maybe we should rent it. Personally I don’t know if I could ever live there but I don’t want to sell it just yet either. What about you Kev?”

“I think the same thing. Maybe when we’re older we could live there but right now, I’d rather be here.”

I nodded my head as did Hans. “OK then, on Monday I’ll call Mr. Goodson and have him make those arrangements. Now, I have all new furniture here but is there anything as far as furniture you’d like to keep?”

Once again the boys looked at each other as if they were reconnecting a psychic link between them then they thought on their own for a moment. I looked and Kevin was shaking his head. “Umm no not really Dad, our bed was getting old and the mattress was just about worn out.”

Jamie got a wild grin on his face at that. “That’s because someone wanted to do certain exercises on it.”

Hans and I broke up at that as Kevin’s head snapped over. “Well, I didn’t hear you complaining any.”

That caused all four of us to break out into laughter. Once I managed to get my giggles under control I just smiled at them. “OK then what you don’t want we can sell and have that money split and put into your trusts.”

The boys were all smiles then ran upstairs to their room. Hans and I headed to our room and got a quick shower so we could start our Star Wars Weekend. The boys only saw episode 1 and the last 3 but had not seen episodes 2 and 3 so we decided to make it a nice family weekend. Hans hurried back down stairs and got the popcorn going in the microwave while he waited on the boys.

Hans had turned me into a naturist and I really didn’t mind because I got to look at his gorgeous body. As we were coming into the living room, I heard the thunder or our boys coming down the stairs. “Yummy, popcorn.”

We got comfortable then started the first DVD. The boys loved the plasma TV on the wall as it made the special effects seem much more real like in the theater. It was after midnight when we finished watching the first two movies and much to my surprise, the boys were still awake. Kevin came over and hopped on my lap. “Wow Dad, those were cool.”

“Yeah Pop Lee,” Jamie said grinning. “It was like being at the movies.”

We got the popcorn bowls and crumbs off the floor then went into the kitchen. After that, we secured the house and headed off to bed.

The next morning, Hans and I were awakened by two hungry teens. We managed to get up then head to the bathroom to empty our bladders then we had to feed the two starving underfed waifs.

After breakfast, I helped Hans get the laundry going then once that was finished; it was time to head over to the boys’ house. On the way there, we stopped and got some lunch at the BK. We decided to have it at their house so we went through the drive-thru. After I pulled out, Jamie stuck his head in between Hans and me. “Pop Lee, can you stop on the street? Kevin and I want to see the front yard.”

Hans threw his head around so fast I thought he’d give himself whiplash. “Are you sure son?”

I could see in the mirror both boys were nodding their heads in agreement. As I drove down their street, I went slowly, in case either of them decided at the last minute they’d changed their mind. I pulled in front of the house and cut the engine off. We undid our seatbelts then the boys got out and held each other’s hands as they walked to the spot where the carnage took place. Kevin let go of Jamie’s hand then went to the spot where his Dad had died. He stood there silently as Jamie went to where his Dad was killed. He too, stood there silently as tears fell down both boys’ faces. Hans and I stood back yet close enough to reach them if they totally broke down. After a few minutes, Jamie went over and took Kevin’s hand and together they walked to the spot when I’d shot Ed Arbuckle. They stood there together for a moment then they each spit on the ground where he died. They were about to leave when Jamie stopped and looked back. “You killed our Dads you son of a bitch but you got just what you deserved too. May you rot in hell!”

They turned and saw us standing there then they ran into our arms. Hans and I held them until they got their emotions under control. When Kevin finally managed to stop crying I looked lovingly at him. “Are you both alright now?”

I could see Hans looking at Jamie too. Both boys were looking at each other then Jamie gave me a hug. “Yeah we are. I’m sorry for cussing but I had to get that out.”

This time, I was not mad at the language as I fully understood the need to get the anger out that he felt towards the man that killed their Fathers. “No son, neither Hans nor I are mad. We’re both glad you had the chance to get it out.”

We stood up then walked to the front door. I got the key out then we went inside to get the things the boys wanted. The first stop was a small study. The boys looked around and in a closet they found some photo albums. They looked through them for a few minutes as smiles and tears came to their faces. They handed us the albums then they headed to the bedroom. I set the albums on the coffee table the joined the boys. They were carefully looking through the dressers when Kevin gasped. He took out a small stack of what looked like cards. “Look, my old report cards.”

Jamie found his also in the bottom of his Dad’s dresser. They handed them to us then started going through their things again. They found several pieces of jewelry then they took them out to put with the albums. Hans and I sat on the bed to wait for the boys when we heard a loud scream. “HEY, STOP, DAD!!”

I reached for my pistol then carefully eased out towards the living room. I heard a voice. “So, what the hell are you doing back here? No matter, now, you WILL answer the questions I have.”

I managed to get near the edge of the hall and saw a man I recognized. He was holding onto the boys’ arms then he shoved them onto a love seat. As soon as the boys were clear I came out. “Freeze, don’t move.”

He looked at me and tried to reach for something.  “Ah, ah, ah, step back away from the boys and keep your hands where I can see them.”

“I’m a cop you dumb ass,” he spat. “I’m from the shooting team and I’m going to talk to these boys.”

Now I knew this case was closed and had been for a couple of weeks. He moved to the other side of the room as I kept my eyes on him. “Boys, go back to the bedroom. As for you, ease the weapon out of the holster and toss it on the love seat.”

He did was he was told. “You’re so going to pay for this. You’re under arrest.”

“Lift your pants legs,” I ordered.

He did and I was really surprised he didn’t have a second gun on him. “Now, take your cuffs out and put one on your right wrist then put your hands behind your back.”

He did as instructed then I walked over and locked the other cuff on his left wrist. “Do you know what the hell you’re doing?”

I turned him around then took my ID out of my pocket. “I know exactly what I’m doing. You don’t walk in to someone’s house, unannounced then grab two children. Take a good look at this. If, and I say if, you are still an officer; you won’t be when I get finished with you.”

I searched him and he did have his SAPD ID in his pocket but I was wondering just where he was assigned. I got my cell phone out and called for a unit to come and get this jerk out of the house. I had to giggle at who showed up. The two officers who were at my house took the call and Mr. 2 Left Feet was shocked when he saw my credentials hanging from my pocket. He walked up to me and stared. “Uh, what do you want him charged with Lieutenant?”

I had to stop and think for a moment. “Illegal entry into an occupied dwelling, 1 count and battery on a minor, 2 counts.”

Just then there was a knock on the door and Bryce and Oliver came in. “Lee, what is this guy doing here?”

I turned around and he saw my badge but I really was off duty. I put it back into my pocket then walked over to them. “I haven’t a clue since the case is OFFICIALLY closed.”

I made it a point to say officially quite firm so this goof got the point. I saw Oliver on the phone then he went over to one of the other officers. “Don’t take him out of here yet.”

I walked over and picked up his weapon, removed the magazine then cleared it. A few minutes later the Lieutenant from the shooting team came out. He saw who was in custody and shook his head. “This will cost you your job and it might cost you some time in jail. Get him out of here.”

I handed the officer his weapon then watched as he was led out. “OK guys, you can come out now.”

Bryce and Oliver were still there and when the boys saw them they were over to them like a shot. Hans and I watched as the boys got reacquainted with their friends. Kevin looked up at them and smiled. “Do you know Dad is a Police Officer now?”

Oliver knelt down in front of him. “Yes we do and he will be a good one too.”

They talked for a few more minutes then they went back to their Dad’s room and finished getting the things they wanted. Hans and I talked with Oliver and Bryce while they were doing that then they had to get back on patrol. I thought it might be best if we removed the rest of the jewelry from the house and bring it home so it couldn’t get stolen. We went back into the bedroom and packed their remaining jewelry then secured the house and went home.

That night after dinner and a shower, it was back to the couch and episodes 3 and 4 of Star Wars. Sunday, I took the guys to the pool and we spent about 5 hours there. We had an early dinner then watched the last 2 episodes of Star Wars. At 10 we said good night to the boys and we relaxed and cuddled for another hour.

On Tuesday while the boys were in school, Hans and I were back over at the house going through papers. Important documents were sorted so they could be taken to Mr. Goodson and things that were of no use, were shredded then trashed. The last thing was to get someone who would buy the furnishings.

On Wednesday, I took the documents Hans and I found to Mr. Goodson’s office. I also told him what the boys said about wanting to rent it. He gave me a few names of reputable people who bought furniture and furnishings. When I got home, I made some phone calls and there was 1 person who seemed like I wasn’t disturbing him. He said I should donate all the clothes to a good charity and I knew exactly who I would use. He said he could be out Friday afternoon, so we set up the appointment.

Thursday I contacted Purple Heart and told them I had a lot of clothes and things. They said they could be out Friday morning and that was fine. That evening while the boys were doing their homework, I talked with Hans about taking the boys to 6 Flags. “Damn baby, I was there when I was their age and I had such fun. I know they’d love it”

“Let’s go look online and see about flights, a car rental and park information.”

We went to Hans’ computer and found the information. It would take a couple hours to drive from Dallas to the park so in order to get there at a somewhat decent hour; I would pick the boys up from school and then leave right for the airport. We couldn’t really make it a surprise but we just wouldn’t say where we’re taking off to. Just as we finished making all the reservations, the boys came downstairs. “Hey boys, I want you to go back to your room . . .”

Kevin was the first to whine interrupting me. “Why Dad, what did we do?”

“Can I finish what I was going to say?”

Jamie slapped him lightly on the rump. “Go on Papa Lee.”

“Thanks son. I want you to go to your room and pack some clothes for the weekend. We’re going off but the rest is a surprise. Bring down your dirty clothes so we can do the laundry now.”

The boys were up the stairs like they’d been fired out of a cannon. We got all the laundry sorted and there were only two loads to do. We took their clean clothes up to their room and Hans and I looked to see what they’d packed. Hans looked at his boy. “Don’t you have swimming trunks?”

The boys both shook their heads. “No Dad, we’d out grown them last year.”

I thought for a minute. “Come on, let’s go to Wally World and see what they have.”

We made a quick trip to the store and got them new board trunks and some sandals. Hans and I even needed new pool attire and we found some nice things. Hans and I got our things packed then we relaxed and watched TV. “By the way boys, I’ll send a note with you to school tomorrow telling the Headmaster we’ll be picking you up, so don’t get on the bus.”

Friday’s were a casual day at school and the boys didn’t have to wear their usual uniforms. The boys came down wearing nice shorts and pull over shirts. I gave the boys their money for lunch after breakfast then they were out the door. Hans and I left at the same time as I had to meet the truck from Purple Heart to give them the clothes.

They didn’t get there until almost 10 so I had the chance to get almost everything taken down off the hangers and packed in some large plastic garbage bags. The driver collected the things then handed me a receipt. I thought about all that was there then wrote a fair value on it. The furniture truck was arriving just as the guy from Purple Heart was leaving. He’d brought a full crew with him so after looking the things over and us agreeing on a price, they had the house emptied in no time.

It was now almost 1 and I was both hot and hungry. I went home and got a shower then pulled out some fixings for a sandwich. I was about to dive in when Hans came in. “That looks good baby.”

I could take the hint. “Here you go love, I’ll make another.”

After we ate lunch, Hans had a few things he needed to get done for school so he knocked them out while I contacted the airlines to confirm our reservations. I found out the flight was going to be delayed taking off so I did breathe a little easier but I still wanted to be there on time according to the schedule. The boys didn’t get out of school until 3 and that would be pushing things a little so I called the school and made arrangements for us to pick them up at 2:30.

At 2, we took the bags and tossed them into Hans’ car for the trip to the airport. We signed the boys out then made our way to the San Antonio International Airport. We took our bags inside then went to an open ticket agent. I showed the agent my SAPD credentials and he made a note on my ticket that I was a Law Enforcement Officer.

We went to the security area and I showed the TSA screener my ID. He quickly patted me down then I waited for Hans and the boys. As Jamie went through, I noticed the screener look around then lead him over to a secluded area. I had Hans get a supervisor then he and I quietly followed while Hans stayed with Kevin. We looked down a hall and saw a door closing. “Do you have the key to that room?”

He nodded his head just was we heard Jamie. “Hey, get your hands away from there.”

The TSA supervisor had his key out then the man’s voice was heard. “Shut up kid or you’ll be in jail.”

“Just wait until I tell my Dad!”

“No you won’t, you ain’t gonna say anything unless he wants to find out you got dope on you.”

The supervisor inserted his key and slowly turned the handle and pushed the door open. The man had his hand down the front of Jamie’s shorts. “Dad!”

The supervisor walked and I was right behind him. “Just what the hell are you doing?”

The man froze then reached into his pocket. “I’m glad you’re here sir. I felt something on him then brought him in for a search.”

I was seeing red. “Then why is your hand STILL in his shorts AND around his privates?”

The supervisor got on his radio. “Send two SAPD officers to the departure security area ASAP. Why didn’t you get this boy’s parents? You know the rules and get your hand out of his shorts.”

“I was afraid he’d ditch these,” he said holding up a bag of what appeared to be marijuana cigarettes.

“Come here son,” I said holding out my arms.

“I’m sorry sir,” the man said. “He’s being detained.”

I tool out my ID and opened it as I stepped towards him. “I SAID, let him go.”

Jamie looked at me with pleading eyes. “Dad, that’s not my stuff.

The man’s eyes got big then he tried to cover his ass. “And I said he’s being detained.”

The supervisor stepped in. “You had no right to search a minor without a Supervisor AND his parents.”

Just then two SAPD officers came in. “What’s the problem,” the Sergeant asked.”

I turned around holding my ID and saw his name plate. “Sgt. Jacobs, arrest him. The charges are, Sexual Assault on a minor, kidnapping and false imprisonment. You can add possession of marijuana after you test these.”

The man started yelling. “I found these on this kid. I’m filing charges.”

The supervisor looked at him. “You aren’t filing anything. You’re suspended pending a hearing AND the disposition of these criminal charges.”

The officer was starting to head towards the man when I held out my hand. “Allow me officer.”

“Those are his,” he protested as I came up behind him.

I took his hand then brought his arm behind his back cuffing it and then did the other. “You better shut up right now before I added attempted rape to the list of charges. If you’ve made my family miss my flight, I will.”

The TSA Supervisor looked at me. “I’ll handle the paperwork Lt. Jennings. You flight is late so you’ve not missed it. I wish to apologise to you and your son for the actions of this man and you’ll be well within your rights to file suit against us.”

I shook his hand as the uniformed officers led the man out. I knelt down and looked at Jamie. “Did you hurt you son?”

He wrapped his arms tight around my neck. “No Dad, all the perv did was cop a feel.” In a soft voice he said, “Hell, he didn’t even make me hard.”

I kissed his cheek then winked at him. The three of us left the room and as soon as Kevin saw his boyfriend he was in his arms. “Baby, are you alright?”

The TSA Supervisor looked at the boys and to me. “I take it you know about this?”

I looked at him. “Is there a problem with it?”

He just smiled and shook his head. “My partner is home right now. We don’t work together because we don’t need any hassles.”

Jamie let go of Kevin then jumped into Hans’ arms. “Dad.”
 

The four of us talked for a couple of minutes then we heard another commotion. I looked up and there was a woman yelling at the top of her lungs. “Why are you arresting my husband?”

Jamie got down then calmly walked over to her as I followed. “Ma’am, you husband had me in a back room and had his hand in my pants feeling me up.”

She looked at him. “You’re a liar.”

Just then a boy about Jamie’s age walked over to him. “Did he really do that to you?”

Jamie nodded his head. “Yeah man, he did. Is that your Dad?”

The boy nodded his head then walked over to his father and looked at his mother. “That boy’s not a liar is he DAD. You told me men and boys did that all the time. You said it was a special thing they did to show how they felt about each other. I HATE YOU! Mom, he’s been doing that to me for years and the reason I didn’t say anything was he said it was how Fathers and Sons showed love to each other.”

She took her son by the hand and slapped her husband in the face. “I never want to see you again. Your shit will be on the street and if it gets stolen, too bad.”

The boy let go of his mother’s hand then ran back over to Jamie and hugged him. “I’m sorry man. I hope he didn’t hurt you.”

Jamie returned his hug then the boy ran back over to his mother. The four of us got our carry on things then headed to the plane. Hans looked down at Jamie. “Are you OK son?”

He was walking hand in hand with Kevin as he looked up. “Yeah Dad, I’m cool. No matter how hard he tried, I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of getting hard.”

Kevin giggled at that. “I bet I can do it though.”

To be continued...

Posted: 05/30/08