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...

Before they left I put my hands on their shoulders. “I’ll leave you to be with your daughter now. Tomorrow, I’ll have a female officer from my division come over to finish talking with you and talk with Evelyn. She is very good and will be easy on your daughter. I know it will be a little hard on her but the questions need to be asked.”

Mr. Conreese took my hand. “Thank you Lt. Jennings. You saved our baby’s life.”

Chapter 28

I watched as the parents went into the exam room then looked at the young officer. "Officer Brandford, you are one great officer. You did all the right things at the right time without skipping a beat. You're going to go far in your law enforcement career. You did a great job of watching my back. Thank you and I'd be happy to work with a man of your caliber any time."

Officer Brandford shook my hand then we headed out to the waiting room. Jamie and Kevin were stretched out on rows of seats with their heads against Han’s legs and Sonny was snuggled in his lap. I walked up quietly and rubbed Hans’ cheek causing him to move his head suddenly waking Sonny. “Dad, how is she?”

Jamie and Kevin woke with a start and quickly sat up. “She’s bruised and swollen but the doctor doesn’t think there is any permanent damage.”

Kevin got up and raised his arms wanting me to pick him up. “Can we see her?”

I shook my head. “Not tonight son. The doctor gave her something to help her rest. She’s sleeping now and her parents are with her. Besides, it’s late and you three look like you’re ready for bed.”

Bradford was standing there watching our interaction. Kevin turned his head and saw the young officer. “Thanks for watching out for Dad.”

He stepped up and ruffled his hair. “I couldn’t let anything happen to him now could I? He’s a good cop and he has a great family.”

I heard what he said as I turned around. “Thanks Bradford, you have a fine career ahead of you too. You should get back to the station as your shift is over now.”

Bradford nodded his head. “Thanks Lieutenant. You did a good job out there. I hope to work with you again sometime.”

I gathered my family and headed out to the parking lot. After the boys got buckled in we were off headed for home. Traffic was very light and in no time at all we were home. Kevin and Sonny were out like a light while Jamie was barely awake. He managed to get himself inside but the other two had to be carried. As soon as we were inside, Jamie looked at Hans and me. “Can we sleep with you tonight?”

I looked at Hans and he just smiled. Jamie saw this and was heading down the hall turning our bedroom light on. Hans and I got Kevin and Sonny on the bed then Jamie got them undressed. I looked at Hans then hugged him tightly. “God this was a day I never thought I’d have again. I have to do my report and send it in. With court coming up, I’m going to have to hand this case off.”

Hans frowned a little. “How long will you be baby?”

I took him by the hand and led him to the office. “I’ve learned the program and I’ve gotten really fast on it. It shouldn’t take me more than 30 minutes. Can you get me the camera so I can attach those photos?”

I started on my report and the longest thing I had to type was my statement of what happened. I was going to town when Hans came back in. “Here is the camera love.”

I took it from him and set it down. “Thanks babes, I’m almost done here.”

I went back to work then added the photos. After proof reading my statement, I submitted the report then shut the laptop down. I turned the light off then headed for the bedroom. Hans was on his side with 3 boys in the middle. 5 in a king size bed would make for an interesting night’s sleep. I used the bathroom then crawled into bed. No sooner was the light off then Sonny was spooning against me. I put my arm across his chest then drifted off to sleep.

I don’t remember ever sleeping so sound because the next thing I remember was Sonny shaking my shoulder. “Dad wake up, Hans says breakfast is ready.”

I moaned then cocked one eye open. I had Sonny’s face like 6” from mine. “OK son, I’m awake. Tell Hans I’ll be there as soon as I use the bathroom.”

Sonny was up to his old self. He grabbed the covers and yanked them down then ran out of the room. Note to self, stuff 1 kid in the toilet. I quickly did my business then went out to the kitchen. Hans handed me a cup of coffee then pointed to the table. “Breakfast is served love.”

I looked at the clock and it was almost 11. “What time did you boys get up?”

Jamie was stuffing eggs into his mouth but he did wait to swallow. “It was about an hour ago. We were all pretty tired Pop. Can we see the girl today?”

I did want to see her and find out how she’s feeling. “Sure son, she should be awake by the time we get there.”

We finished eating then while we were cleaning up the kitchen, the phone rang. Sonny answered it then handed it to me. “It’s your office.”

“Lt. Jennings here.”

I recognized the voice right away. “Hi Lee, I just read your report. This has to be one of the worst cases since Syd killed your boys’ fathers.”

I took the phone and went into the living room. It was Captain Blair. “Look, with the adoption hearings starting tomorrow, I’m going to have to hand this off. I was thinking of Julia Long.”

“Good choice Lee. She relates well to children and I’ve seen her talk with them. I’ll give her the file.”

Hans brought me my coffee and set it on the coffee table. “I’m going over to the hospital. I want to see how she’s doing and the boys would like to see her too.”

“I’ll let you be the judge of that Lee. I’ll see you in court on Wednesday.”

I hung up the phone then finished my coffee. I went down to our bedroom and Hans was heading for the shower. We quickly got cleaned then I grabbed a quick shave. After getting dressed, we all headed over to the hospital. We went to the information desk. “What room is Evelyn Conreese in?”

She looked at me then I showed her my ID. “She’s in room 422 Lieutenant.”

We caught the first elevator then got off on the 4^th floor. We quietly walked down the hall. When we got to the room, I knocked quietly then poked my head in. Mrs. Conreese saw me and waved me in. “Is it alright if my family comes in too?”

She smiled then nodded. “Yes, yes they can come in.”

As soon as I stepped in I heard Evelyn whisper to her Mom. “That’s the man that saved me, isn’t it?”

Mrs. Conreese nodded. “Yes it is darling.”

I smiled at her. “How are you feeling sweetheart?”

I stopped at the side of her bed and was reluctant to offer her a hug but that was quickly put to rest when she held her arms out to me. I bent down and got a hug that would rival any of the boys. “Thank you sir for saving me yesterday, I’m a little sore but OK. Are they all your boys?”

Hans turned red as this little angel thought he was just a teen. “I live with Lee little one. This boy here is mine.”

Evelyn covered her mouth then giggled. “I’m sorry, I thought you were much younger.”

The boys went around and I made the introductions. I looked at Mrs. Conreese. “How about we get some coffee?”

She looked at her daughter who was the center of attention of 3 boys. Sonny looked at me. “Dad, can you bring us a milkshake?”

Evelyn’s eyes got big. “Please mommy, can I have one too?”

Mrs. Conreese smiled. “I’ll check with your nurse but I think that can be arranged”

Hans and I went to whisper to the boys but Jamie just looked at us. I gave him a nod then headed for the door. We stopped at the nurse’s station and Evelyn was cleared for a milkshake as she was on a regular diet. As soon as we were in the elevator Hans put his hand on her shoulder. “How is she and how are you holding up?”

She leaned against my lover and started to cry. “She is confused. She’s thinking she did something wrong and that this is her fault.”

Hans wrapped his arm around her. “That’s not unusual. Jamie and Kevin were blaming themselves when they saw their Dads get killed.”

She looked up at him then I stepped over. “Sonny was beaten with a belt by his father for doing something all boys do. He honestly thought after that he couldn’t even touch it.”

She covered her mouth. “My God, have they gotten over it?”

I nodded my head. “Yes they did. Jamie and Kevin saw a shrink for a while but what I think really got them past things was when they finally wanted to go back to their house and see the front yard. They both got their feelings out.”

We got off the elevator and walked to the cafeteria. Hans took Mrs. Conreese to a table while I got the coffee. I brought milk and sugar over to the table. Mrs. Conreese was looking at Hans. “Do you think Evelyn will get over this?”

“Children are resilient. I think she might need someone to talk to but I wouldn’t be surprised if the boys aren’t giving her shoulders to cry on too.”

I sat down and handed out the drinks. “One thing I’ve learned is never under estimate kids. They can be mean as hell at times but they can also be the most compassionate and understanding too.”

We had our coffee and talked a little longer then I got up and ordered 4 milkshakes. We quickly got them up to the room before they melted and when we went in I was surprised at what I saw. Three boys were cuddled around a little girl and they were laughing up a storm at the cartoons on TV. Mrs. Conreese stood there for a moment when Evelyn giggled. “Hi Mommy, did you get me a milkshake?”

I looked at my crew and shook my head. “I think you might want to give her her bed back now.”

They quickly vacated the bed and took their seats. Sonny came over and took his shake then smiled. “We had a nice talk with her Dad.”

Evelyn gave her Mom a hug then I heard her whisper in her ear. “Mommy, I think I might need someone to talk with. Jamie and Kevin said it helped them.”

She leaned down and kissed her daughter on the cheek. “I think that might be a good idea too.”

Hans wrapped his arm around his son and I could see the pride in him. He leaned down and kissed him on the head. “You never cease to amaze me son.”

It was getting late and we needed to get dinner going. Mrs. Conreese came over and hugged the boys. “Thank you so much. I don’t think I could have persuaded her to see someone on my own.”

Jamie kissed Mrs. Conreese on the cheek. “She’s a tough little girl. It’ll take some time like it did with us but she’ll be OK.”

We got ready to go then the door opened and in walked a woman. “Mrs. Conreese, I’m Det. Long.”

She shook the detective’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

The young officer looked over at me. “I read your report sir. I’ll take good care of her.”

I patted her shoulder and smiled. “Thanks Detective.”

We left the room then headed home for a quiet evening. After dinner, we relaxed and then tomorrow came to mind. I didn’t know about Hans, but I wasn’t looking forward to it. By 11, the boys were in bed and I knew it was time to call it a day. Wednesday morning came and I was a nervous wreck and Hans didn’t appear to be much better. “Couldn’t sleep either baby?”

Hans took his morning piss then wrapped his arms around me. “If I got 3 hours that was a lot. I’m not looking forward to this love. I have a feeling my parents are going to be there and they’ll liable to ruin everything.”

I held my lover in my arms and rubbed his baby soft skin. “Sweetheart, David said this was going to be a fight and anyone that got in our way would get trampled. We just have to have faith in him.”

“I guess so love,” Hans said kissing me.

We got our showers then got the boys up, showered, fed then dressed. It took over 30 minutes to drive downtown to the courthouse. When we entered the building, we all looked around for someone we recognized. The first person we saw was Tom. He waved to us as he started coming forward. “Hi guys. We’re in Courtroom 6, Judge Newman’s court. I’ve had cases before him before and he’s a no nonsense Judge.”

Just then David came in. “Come with me guys.”

David had a look on his face that said he was all business. We followed him to a conference room then he waited for everyone to come inside before closing the door. “What’s up David?”

He put his briefcase on the table then opened it. “This is not going to be a walk in the park. When Tom filed the petition for adoption, by law he had to send in the medical and home study reports. We know these are bogus and nothing more than total fabrications but the Judge will raise some serious issues.”

I reached into my pocket. “Here David, these are reports done on the boys by Dr. Tim Butler. He was the physician who was originally supposed to have done them in the first place.”

He took the reports and looked them over. “Thanks Lee but he could say these were bought and paid for. I couldn’t find much out on Dr. Nesbit.”

I dropped the folder of papers Capt. Blair sent over on the table. “Maybe not, but my boss did. The good doctor had his license suspended for inappropriate conduct. Dr. Butler said he had no business in his office. He used to share space with him several years ago but he revoked that right after his license to practice was suspended. And if you look, his license is still under suspension.”

David started going over the papers. “This will help a lot Lee.”

We all left the conference room and we were about to enter the courtroom when I saw the back of Nelson’s head. I was about to call Terry Gimball when I saw Capt. Blair. I hurried over to him. “Nelson’s here sir. Isn’t he under suspension?”

He nodded his head. “Yeah he is. I double checked on that this morning.”

“If he makes any reference to him being a police officer, I’m going to arrest him.”

David over heard the Captain’s and my conversation. “Don’t Lee, we’ll just use that information to our advantage.”

I nodded my head then we entered the courtroom. I couldn’t believe it; it was damn near standing room only. Our case was to be called at 9 and there was still 15 minutes before the session. We found a place to sit then I saw David’s eyes get big. “What is it David?”

“Shit, someone’s planning a fight Lee. That guy over there is a high priced lawyer and a bigot to boot.”

Hans leaned over. “But isn’t it supposed to be Social Services who contests adoptions?”

Tom looked at us. “Yes and my boss is on vacation. I’ve kept him apprised of all this and he’s never said anything against the adoption.”

David looked over to him. “So Social Services’ stance is they’re in favor of the adoption?”

Tom nodded his head as a voice boomed out. “All rise. This court is now in session, The Honorable Judge Thurmond E. Newman presiding.”

We stood and watched as the elderly man came out of his chambers then climbed the stairs and take his seat. “Be seated. Alright Mr. Bailiff, what is our first case today?”

“We have a combined case Your Honor. The first is an uncontested case, Mr. Lee Jennings is petitioning the court to adopt Sonny Bates as per the declaration of his Mother Gloria Flowers.”

The Judge took the file then looked out into the gallery. “Is Mr. Jennings in the courtroom?”

I stood and nodded my head. “Yes Your Honor, I’m Lee Jennings.”

“Good morning sir,” The Judge said smiling. “Is the minor Sonny Bates in court too?”

Sonny stood a little nervous. “Yes Your Honor, I’m Sonny.”

“Nice to meet you too young man,” Judge Newman said smiling. “Does Social Services have any objections here although the child’s mother has made her wishes quite clear.”

David kept his eyes on the mouth piece sitting in the back of the courtroom as Tom stood. “Tom Roberts representing the Department of Social Services and we have no objections Your Honor.”

The Judge made some notations on the chart then looked out at Sonny. “Very well then, Sonny would you mind coming with me into my chambers so we can have a little talk?”

Sonny inched into my side at the Judges question then looked up at me. David nodded his head then I looked down to him. “It’s alright son. He just wants to talk with you son. You’ll be fine.”

He slowly stepped out and shuffled towards the rail. “Yes Your Honor, I’ll talk with you sir.”

The bailiff met him at the rail then took his hand as they walked towards the Judge’s Chambers. “All rise, this court is now in recess.”

We stood and watched as Sonny went inside followed by Judge Newman. I looked over at David. “I thought that other guy would have objected.”

“This is really cut and dry Lee. Since Sonny’s Mom made her intentions clear, he’s really got no grounds.”

A few minutes later the door opened. “All rise, this court is once again in session.”

The Judge came out holding Sonny’s hand then they walked up to his chair. “Be seated. Mr. Jennings, you have a delightful son here. I’m saddened by what he had to endure at the hands of his father. Sonny tells me of a loving and happy home and how you all make him feel safe. I can find no reason to go against the wishes of his Mother therefore I am granting your petition for adoption. It is the order of this court that Sonny Bates is now the son of Lee Jennings and shall be known as Sonny Jennings. This case is closed.”

He handed Sonny the gavel then nodded his head. Sonny raised the wooden hammed up and banged it once then ran down the stairs to the rail. I hurried out and met him picking him up into my arms. “Daddy, you’re really my Daddy now.”

I hugged him close looking at the Judge. “Thank you Your Honor. Yes son, I’m your Daddy now.”

I set him down then returned with the others. I looked at Hans as Sonny gave everyone a hug as he made his way back to where he was sitting. The Bailiff pulled out another file. Your Honor, our next case is a consolidated adoption case. Mr. Lee Jennings is petitioning the court to adopt Kevin Pruitt and Hans Johansen is petitioning to adopt James Fisher.”

The judge looked at the file. “I know Mr. Jennings is in the courtroom. Are all the other parties present?”

Hans and the boys stood then Judge Newman acknowledged them. “Mr. Roberts, does Social Services contest this adoption?”

Tom stood and shook his head. “No Your Honor, we do not.”

He looked out and started to speak when the mouth piece stood. “Your Honor, if it may please the court?”

Judge Newman looked out into the gallery. “May I ask why you are interrupting MY proceedings?”

The man stepped out and walked towards the rail. “I’m the Rev. Dr. Jessie Schuler.”

The judge interrupted him at that point. “I know who you are sir. I asked just why you’re here interrupting my court.”

“I’m here to see that two young and impressionable children not end up in the clutches of heathens.”

Judge Newman banged his gavel. “You sir have no standing here whatsoever unless you represent Social Services. Do you?”

The man shook his head. “Well no Your Honor, I don’t but I do represent the good righteous taxpayers of San Antonio.”

The Judge just stared at the man then started reading the file. As he thumbed through the file David stood. “Your Honor, I’m David Weinstein. I’m representing Mr. Jennings and Mr. Johansen.”

He looked up and stared at me. “I think your counsel might be needed.”

David swallowed hard. “Side bar Your Honor?”

He set the file down and motioned David over. He came through the rail then Schuler ran through. “Mr. Schuler I did not say you could come in here.”

“Are the righteous taxpayers to be denied their rights? Are impressionable children going to be placed with heathen homersexuals to be used as the devil’s play toys?”

“Silence Mr. Schuler,” Judge Newman bellowed as David approached the bench. “Mr. Weinstein, I’m about to rescind my adoption order. Are these reports correct?”

David shook his head. “No Your Honor, they’re not and we can prove it. It’s nothing less than perjury. Everyone involved in this case better have a lawyer because when I’m done, they’re going to need one.”

Judge Newman looked over to the rail. “Mr. Schuler you wanted in on this case, are you prepared to represent all the people?”

The loud mouth puffed his chest out and walked through the gate. “Yes Your Honor, I am.”

“I assume you are licensed to practice in Texas?”

“Yes I am,” he said setting his briefcase down on the table.”

“Very well then,” Judge Newman said as David went to get his briefcase. “I have some serious reservations here. Before I rule, there are some serious issues that need to be resolved. Is Gerald Manning in the court?”

The man stood and walked forward as Sonny leaned over to Jamie and Kevin. “That’s the guy that likes your undies Jamie.”

I had to quickly cover their mouths with my hands so they wouldn’t laugh out loud in the courtroom. I glared at Sonny who had both his hands over his mouth. Mr. Manning came inside the rail then the Bailiff stepped forward holding the Bible. “Do you solemnly swear that the evidence you are about to present in the case now pending before this court shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you god?”

Mr. Manning looked over to us and smirked. “I do.”

He stepped up into the witness box and took his seat as Mr. Schuler came forward. “Please state your name for the record and your current employer.”

“My name is Gerald Manning and I own an independent home study business. I go in and inspect people’s homes and give my report to adoption agencies or to various Social Service agencies.”

Mr. Schuler thought for a moment. “Do you have any firsthand knowledge about this case?”

Manning sat up and began his testimony. “I was sent to Mr. Jennings and Mr. Johansen’s residence by Mr. Tom Roberts, a social worker with the San Antonio Department of Social Services. When I arrived, Mr. Jennings met me wearing a wraparound sarong. He explained that he felt comfortable in that. He began showing me the house and several times while I was looking at the kitchen, his sarong opened showing me his privates. I hurried out and went to look at the upstairs so I could get out of there.”

Mr. Schuler stopped him at that point. “Why was that Mr. Manning?”

He took a sip of water then continued. “He started making sexual advances towards me. I felt if I concentrated on my duties, he would stop. My first stop upstairs was the master bedroom where there was a king size water bed.”

Mr. Schuler stopped him there. “Mr. Manning, water beds are quite popular. Why are you making a point at that?”

Manning shook his head. “That in and of itself I’m not but it was what else was in the room. On the wall there were several paintings of nude men and on the night stand there were several sex toys. I went over to the boy’s room and there was one huge bed with several paintings of boys wearing not much more than thongs.”

Schuler reached for the photos from Judge Newman. “Are these the photos?”

Manning looked through them nodding his head. “Yes sir, they are.”

Schuler took the photos back and handed them to Judge Newman. “No further questions.”

Manning jumped as if his ass was on fire until the Judge spoke. “Hold on Mr. Manning, you’re not through just yet.”

“W, what do you mean?” Manning started stuttering. “I’ve told you what happened.”

David turned to me. “Lee, I think he’s going to bolt but I want to meet with the Judge in chambers.”

I turned around to Capt. Blair. “Captain, can you get to the back of the courtroom? Mr. Weinstein wants to meet with the judge in chambers but he thinks Manning’s going to bolt.”

He nodded his head the slipped out and went to the back of the courtroom. Judge Newman looked at David. “Your witness Mr. Weinstein.”

David approached the bench. “Chambers please Your Honor?”

The judge looked at Schuler who shrugged his shoulders. “Very well, this court’s in recess for 15 minutes.”

We stood and watched as the Judge headed to his chambers then David and Schuler entered. As soon the door to Judge Newman’s chambers closed, Manning bolted to the back of the courtroom but was met by Capt. Blair. “Going somewhere?”

Capt Blair quickly handcuffed Manning then led him over to us. I turned around and looked at him. “You do realize you’re toast don’t you?”

“Don’t talk to me you heathen faggot.”

Kevin coughed as Manning doubled over. Hans looked at Kevin and he just grinned. “Sorry, I have bad reflexes.”

We all just giggled at Kevin’s declaration. Inside the Judges chambers Schuler was full of himself. “Your Honor, are you going to continue with this case? We’ve proven that man has no business raising children. He’s a heathen homersexual.”

Judge Newman was not in a good mood. “Watch your mouth Mr. Schuler, there’s been no proof that either Mr. Jennings or Mr. Johansen is a homosexual. That burden of proof rests with you. Now, Mr. Weinstein, this doctor’s report concerns me.”

David reached into the stack of papers and pulled one out. “I think you should look at this.”

The judge looked at the paper then handed it to Schuler. “What do you have to say about this?”

He tossed it back on the Judges desk. “This is an obvious fabrication to discredit the good doctor’s name.”

David pulled out a few more papers. “This information was gathered by the San Antonio Police Department so I’d be careful about what I said if I were you.”

Schuler started turning green then Judge Newman looked at the papers. “Very well David, the physical he did on the boys is out but this means you can’t go forward because they don’t have current medical exams.”

David pulled out Dr. Butler’s report. “It just so happens, they do Your Honor. Dr. Butler saw them yesterday and here are the reports and he’s also in the courtroom prepared to testify if he’s needed.”

Judge Newman looked at the reports. “Very well David, I’ll admit them but I will need to question him.”

“Your Honor I object,” Schuler cried out. “This is prejudicial.”

“Based on what Jessie?” Judge Newman asked. “Dr. Nesbit had no business touching those boys. Is he in the courtroom?”

“Yes Your Honor, he is.”

The judge reached into his desk and pulled out a form and started filling it out. “Good because I’m issuing a bench warrant for his arrest charging him with practicing medicine without a license.”

Jessie started to sweat. “How do we know this?”

Judge Newman was really getting angry. “We have a report here from the State Board of Medicine. Now, if I find out you knew any of this, I’ll have you disbarred.”

David looked over at the lawyer. “What do you have to say now?”

Jessie was sweating bullets. “I wasn’t retained by either of these two individuals Your Honor.”

“Oh,” Judge Newman said not looking pleased. “Who did hire you?”

“Ah, I’m not at liberty to say sir,” he said.

Newman slammed the papers he was reading down onto the desk. “Unless you want to be held in contempt you’ll answer my question right now.”

Schuler was really sweating now. “This is under duress Judge but Sgt. Gary Nelson retained my services.”

David looked over to the lawyer. “What? Why, he has no standing here.”

Jessie shook his head. “He said he had rock solid proof Lee Jennings and Hans Johansen were homersexuals.”

“Is this man in the courtroom?”

Schuler nodded his head. “Yes Your Honor.”

“Very well,” he said standing up putting his robe back on. “I hope you’re prepared to call him because if you don’t I will. Let’s get back inside.”

To be continued...

Posted: 05/30/08