Love Comes to Stacy II

 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2008 by the author

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

Chapter 4

Logan shuffled his feet on the floor but then went up to his room and got dressed. Ed had already fixed the bacon and was now cooking eggs for everyone. “How do you like your eggs Logan?” He asked picking up a raw egg.

He looked up at the big man and said, “Scrambled please.”

Ed fixed Logan’s eggs then fried up a batch for Stacy, Anthony and himself. Once everyone had been fed and the kitchen cleaned they left for court.

Mike wanted to get there early so he could speak with the ADA handling the case. As they walked down the hall he saw a group of people coming out of an office and recognized Tom Wilkins in with them. Mike had his boys stay there while he approached Tom and said, “We need to talk with you. Do you think Logan could give his testimony in the Judges chambers without him having to see his stepfather?”

Tom thought about the question then said, “I’ll raise that issue with the Judge. I think he’ll go for it.”

Everyone started heading for the courtroom then Mike looked at Logan and said, “You’ll have to wait out here buddy. Ed and I will stay with you.”

Tom came back out of the courtroom then said, “Mike, I need you to follow me. You’ll have to wait in a room designed for witnesses.”

Mike brought Logan and sat down with him. Mike found the remote for the television and found some cartoons to keep Logan occupied when Ed came in from using the men’s room.

Stacy and Anthony found seats near the front of the room so they could hear everything that was said. Tom was sitting at his table going over things then a door opened and a man entered wearing handcuffs. Stacy leaned over and said, “That’s Logan’s stepfather.”

Anthony looked at the man then said, “God he’s ugly. Glad he’s just his stepfather.”

The next thing they heard was a voice saying, “All rise, this court is now in session. The Honorable Judge Marcus Raines presiding.”

Everyone stood as the middle aged man came in and went to his chair. “Be seated,” the man said. “Alright, what is our fist case on the docket?”

The bailiff said, “This is the State of South Carolina vs. James Williams on the charges of attempted murder, assault on a minor and child neglect.”

The judge looked at the defendant then said, “Is the prosecution ready to proceed?”

Tom stood up and said, “Yes Your Honor, Tom Wilkins for the State.”

“Is the defense ready?” The judge then asked.

“Yes Your Honor,” a man said standing. “William Smith for the defense.”

The judge then said, “Since all parties are present we’ll proceed. The defendant has requested a trial by judge. Does the State wish to make an opening statement?”

“Yes Your Honor,” Tom said standing. “The State will prove beyond all doubt that the defendant did willfully and maliciously attempt to kill his stepson Logan Williams.”

The judge looked at the docket then said, “Stepson? They aren’t father and son?”

“No Your Honor,” Tom said. “It just so happens they have the same last name.”

“Thank you,” the Judge said. “Mr. Smith, does the defense wish to make an opening statement?”

“Yes Your Honor,” he said standing. “Your Honor, I don’t know why we’re here today. This is nothing more than a terrible accident. My client’s stepson was tragically run down by a hit and run driver. The police have chosen to take the easy way out and say there was no car. We can’t find it. They need to do their job and find the driver.”

“Thank you Mr. Smith,” the Judge said. “Mr. Wilkins, call your first witness.”

Tom stood and said, “The State calls Officer Debbie Green.”

The policewoman can into the room then was sworn in. She took the stand then Tom asked for her name and where she worked. He asked Officer Green how she came to meet Logan and about her past meetings with him and the number of times she had to take him home. He asked her about the last time she met Logan and she replied that it was when Mike Mullins called and reported that he had found a boy that was apparently abandoned.

She stated that she talked with the residents and spoke with the child, Logan. She determined that there wasn’t enough probable cause to remove the child at that time. After filling out her report it was decided that DSS should intervene and the next day she went with a social worker back over to the Williams’ home. She said they knocked on the door and Mr. Williams opened it and said Logan had been hit by a car.

She had to stop for a moment so she could take a drink of water then she continued with her testimony. She stated that when she and the social worker entered the house they saw the child lying on the floor not moving. The stepfather told them that he was going outside when he saw the child struck by a car then continued on not stopping. She said the stepfather then told them that he carried the child into the house and was about to call for help when we arrived. The stepfather then said he was in shock and just picked the child up bringing him inside not thinking about his injuries.

After she finished speaking Tom asked, “What did you do at that point?”

Officer Green said, “I contacted the dispatcher and requested an ambulance and Accident Investigation Team.”

“Thank you very much Officer Green,” Tom said. “No further questions at this time.”

The judge looked at the defense table then said, “Do you have any questions for this witness, Mr. Smith?”

“Yes Your Honor,” he said standing. “Did you ever see my client hit or abuse the child?”

“No sir,” Officer Green said.

“Did you ever hear him verbally abuse the boy?” He asked.

“No,” she said.

“So how can you be so sure he wasn’t hit by a car?” He asked.

“She took a sip of water then said, “By looking at the bruises on his body. He had bruises consistent with being hit by a fist and not an automobile.”

“What bruises did he have?” Mr. Smith asked.

The officer reached into her uniform pocket and said, “These bruises. Your Honor, these photographs were taken the day Logan Williams was brought to the hospital.”

The judge looked at the photographs then handed them to Mr. Smith. The lawyer looked at them and said, “How do we know this is actually the child?”

Tom Wilkins stood and said, “If it pleases the court, here is a photograph of Logan Williams. You can see that the child on that hospital bed is Logan.”

Tom handed the photograph to Mr. Smith and he looked at it. Tom could tell that he wasn’t pleased by what he saw. He looked up and thought for a minute then said, “I have no further questions for this witness.”

“Any re-direct Mr. Wilkins?” The judge asked.

“No Your Honor,” Tom said. “The State calls Officer John Marks.”

The officer was sworn in and he gave his name and where he worked. Tom stood up and said, “Did you investigate a reported hit and run in front of the defendant’s home?”

“Yes sir I did,” the officer replied.

“Will you please tell the court what you found?”

The Officer said, “When we arrived we got some basic information from Officer Green then went out to the street to see where the alleged accident took place. We looked around where the accident was supposed to have happened but it was the absence of things that really got our attention.”

“What was that,” Tom asked.

The Officer said, “When we looked at the roadway there was the absence of skid marks. The speed limit on the street is 25 miles per hour and if a vehicle hits a child at that speed, there would be signs of it. We found nothing. There were no pieces of plastic from any automobile in the street and if a child were to be hit at that speed, there would also be blood in the street. We saw nothing.”

“Were you able to draw any conclusions from your investigation?” Tom asked.

“Yes we were,” the Officer said. “After extensive interviewing of neighbors and looking at the scene and the photographs we determined this was not a hit and run accident.”

“Thank you Officer Marks,” Tom said. “No further questions at this time.”

“Your witness Mr. Smith,” the Judge said.

“Why haven’t you continued to look for any one?” Mr. Smith asked.

“It’s clear this is not a hit and run,” Officer Marks said.

“Clear to you maybe,” Smith said.

“Objection,” Tom said.

“Sustained,” the Judge said. “Ask relevant questions sir, don’t make snide comments.”

“No further questions,” Smith said.

The next person Tom called was Dr. Moore, the Emergency Room Physician. He testified that Logan was admitted with severe bruising, 7 fractured ribs and a fractured skull. The marks on his body were consistent with that of a beating. An ultrasound revealed no internal injuries or anything that would require surgery.”

Mr. Smith had no questions of him. Tom didn’t know if he had put on a strong enough case without having to call Logan to the stand. The judge looked at him and said, “Call your next witness Mr. Wilkes.”

“Side bar,” Tom said as he stood.

The judge motioned the lawyers to the bench and said, “What is it Mr. Wilkes.”

“We would like you to hear Logan’s testimony in chambers,” Tom said. “The child is still traumatized from what he went through at the hands of his stepfather.”

“We object,” Mr. Smith said. “My client has the right to face his accusers in court.”

Tom looked at him and said, “He is Judge. The state itself is bringing these charges against him, not the child.”

The judge was about to rule when the bailiff handed Tom a note. He opened it then said, “We won’t need to call the boy yet.”

The Judge looked at Tom and said, “Very well, you may step back.”

Tom looked at the Judge and said, “The State calls Matthew Williams to the stand.”

Mr. Smith stood and said, “Objection Your Honor, this person isn’t on our witness list.”

“Your Honor,” Tom started saying. “This person just came forward. The State was unaware of his existence. This was what that note was about a moment ago. We haven’t had the chance to depose him but he claims to be an eye witness to all this.”

The Judge thought for a moment then said, “This is irregular but I would like to hear what this person has to say, especially since he claims to be an eye witness. After he testifies, I’ll call a recess so you can plan your cross, if you want.”

“Very well,” Mr. Smith said.

“Bring the witness in,” the Judge said.

Mr. Smith looked over at his client and said, “Do you know who this person is?”

“He’s my son,” James Williams said.

“Your son,” Mr. Smith whispered in shock. “Are there any other surprises you haven’t told me about?”

The defendant just sat there as door of the courtroom opened and in walked a 15 year old boy. He went through the railing and the clerk administered the oath then he took his seat. Tom stood and looked at the child and said, “Please state your name for the record.”

“My name is Matthew Williams,” the boy said.

“And where do you live Matt,” Tom asked.

“I live with my father, stepmother and stepbrother,” he said.

“Do you know the man seated at the defendant’s table?” Tom asked.

“That’s my father, James Williams,” Matt said staring at him.

“Do you know what happened to Logan?” Tom asked.

“Yes sir,” Matt said.

“Will you tell us what happened?” Tom asked.

“My father beat him,” Matt said.

“Why did he do this?” Tom asked.

Matt wiped his eyes then said, “Because the police had to bring Logan home after he dumped him like he’s done many times before. My father was always dong that but Logan could always find his way back. This time was different though. We had just moved into our new house and none of us knew the area. Dad took him out for ice cream and soon he was back without him. I was worried about him this time. I knew he didn’t know his way around. About 11, I heard the phone ring and I could tell my father was really mad. I think it was about 11:30 when someone came to the door and it was the police. They found Logan and my Dad was telling her that Logan ran away. She was there for about 15 minutes then went on her way. I heard him tell Logan to get his ass to his room and he would deal with him later. I heard my Dad slam his door closed and I knew he was going to bed. I waited up to see if I could hear anything but I didn’t so I guess I fell asleep. The next thing I remember was hearing my father yelling at Logan and him hitting him. Logan was crying begging him not to beat him any more and that he would be a good boy but my father didn’t stop. He dragged Logan out of his room and then punched him in the stomach.”

Tom had to stop Matt’s testimony to ask, “Matt, how do you know it was your father hitting him?”

“Two reasons,” Matt said. “First we were the only people in the house. And the other reason is I saw him when he had Logan in the living room.”

“Where was your stepmother?” Tom asked.

“Working as always,” Matt said. My father is so lazy he won’t even try to find a job. Logan’s Mom is working 16 hours a day just because of him.”

“What else did your father do to Logan in the living room?” Tom asked.

Matt took a sip of water then said, “Logan rolled into a ball to try to protect himself then my father pulled him up and just hit him as hard as he could in the jaw. After that Logan didn’t move any more. Right after that the police showed up.”

“Didn’t your father know you were in the house?” Tom asked.

“Nope,” Matt said. “He thought I was next door at my new friend’s house but he had to go off at the last minute. When I got back home, they had already left so I just stayed in my room.”

“What did you do when Logan and your father left?” Tom asked.

“Not much to do,” Matt said. I hoped Logan was going to be alright and that bastard got arrested.”

“What did you stepmother say when you told her?” Tom asked.

“She just shook her head as if to say oh well,” Matt said.

“If you father is convicted, what do you want to happen to you?” Tom asked.

“I really haven’t given that much thought,” Matt said. “I don’t want to stay with her because she just didn’t seem to care about her own kid. I would like to live with Logan. I’m sorry I didn’t do anything to help him. I just want to let him know that he is my brother and I love him.”

“Thank you Matt for coming forward,” Tom said. “It took a lot to testify.”

James and Mr. Smith were quietly arguing between themselves. James said, “Look, you go after him. Make the judge believe he beat Logan.”

“Wait a minute,” Mr. Smith said. “You told me it was a hit and run now you’re telling me to go after him. Which is it?”

“Look, just go after him,” James said.

The Judge was watching the goings on over at the defense table. He said, “Do you have any questions for the witness?”

Mr. Smith thought for a minute and said, “Yes Your Honor. That was a very moving story young man. Isn’t it true that you were the one that beat Logan senseless?”

“No, it wasn’t,” Matt said. “I can’t hit as hard as my father. I should know; I’ve been on the receiving end of his temper a few times myself.”

“All that means is that you’d want to take your frustration out on Logan,” Mr. Smith said. “Isn’t that what really happened?”

“No,” Matt said stronger. “Look at his hands compared to mine. His are twice as big. Where’d you get those cuts on your knuckles Dad?”

Mr. Smith wasn’t going to be able to shake the kid’s testimony. He went over to his client and said, “The only chance I have to clear you is for you to take the stand. He killed you.”

James shook his head no then Mr. Smith said, “No further questions.”

Tom stood up and then said, “The prosecution rests Your Honor.”

Mr. Smith wasn’t given anything to work with. His client kept saying it was an accident then Matt did it. James refused to take the stand so he said, “The defense rests.”

The Judge looked up and said, “The court will stand in recess while I consider my verdict.”

Stacy and Anthony headed to the back of the courtroom so they could find Mike. Anthony found Matt and said, “Come with me.”

The boy looked shocked as the man spoke to him. “Who are you?” Matt asked.

“Logan’s foster brother,” Anthony said.

Matt followed Anthony as Anthony looked for Stacy. Anthony was looking around when Stacy yelled, “In here Anthony.”

Anthony walked in followed by Matt. As soon as Logan saw his stepbrother he ran over to him and hugged him. “I thought I’d never see you again,” Logan said crying.

Matt caressed his face and said, “I couldn’t let anything happen to you, could I?”

Mike stepped up and said, “I’m Mike Mullins, Logan’s foster father. It’s nice to meet you.”

Just as Matt was about to speak Stacy said, “Dad, you should have seen it. Matt really did it. He put the guy away.”

Matt blushed and said, “It’s nice to meet you Sir. Yeah, I knew what happened and I wasn’t about to let him get away with it.”

“Pop,” Anthony said, “Matt said he would like to come live with us. Can he?”

“We can talk about that,” Mike said. “Is court over?”

Anthony answered saying, “The Judge is deciding if he’s guilty or not.”

Mike looked at Logan and said, “Would you like to go in to see that?”

 

“I don’t want to see him Dad,” Logan said softly.

I’m going to be there bro,” Matt said smiling at him. “I know I’ve never said this to you Logan but I love you. My Dad gave you so much shit and yet you came back. That took a lot of guts. I’m so sorry I never did anything to help you. I didn’t tell the judge every thing he did to you but I think he’s ass his toast.”

“You . . . you love me?” Logan said.

“Yeah bro,” Matt said pulling him into a hug. “I love you. “You’re the strongest person I know. Will you come with me back inside?”

Logan looked up at Mike and nodded his head. All six went back into the courtroom and took a seat waiting for the Judge to return. Logan gasped softly as he saw James sitting at the defense table.

He turned around and looked the he saw Logan. He just started at the boy and Matt said to him, “You can’t hurt him any more you asshole.”

Just then the Judge came in and the Bailiff said, “All rise, this court is once again in session.”

The Judge took his seat and said, “Will the defendant please rise. I have carefully listened to all the testimony and it most compelling. The most damaging testimony was that of Officer Green and of Matthew Williams. Mr. Williams, I was not convinced that the injuries to Logan were caused by a hit and run driver or that of Matthew Williams. Therefore, James Williams this court finds you guilty on all counts. Sentencing will be held two weeks from today. The court in adjourned.”

Two bailiffs came over and took Matt’s father back to jail as Logan and Matt embraced. Mike saw tears coming from both boys so he just let them hug. After a few minutes he rubbed both boys’ backs then said, “Come on boys, let’s go home.”

Matt looked up at me and asked, “I’m going too?”

Mike looked at the astonished boy and said, “Of course, unless you don’t want to.”

“Ah yeah,” Matt said. “I’d love to. I know no one is home, do you think we could stop by so I can get some clothes. I can get some for Logan too.”

Logan looked at Matt and said, “Dad got me new clothes when I came home from the hospital.”

“Cool,” Matt said. “But I have a number of things that I would like to get if it’s alright.”

“We can drive by,” Mike said. “If it looks like someone is home we won’t until you can talk with Logan’s Mom.”

When Logan heard mention of his mother he looked at Matt and said, “Why didn’t she come see me when I was in the hospital Matt?”

Matt pulled Logan close and said, “I don’t know buddy. Even after all this time she hasn’t asked about you.”

Mike was carefully listening to the boys talk as they all went out to the van. Logan sat beside Matt and Stacy sat beside them. Logan looked at Matt and said, “I guess she doesn’t want me.”

Matt could see the sadness in Logan’s eyes so he said, “Well bro, it’s her loss. You’re a great little brother, even if we aren’t related by blood.”

Logan got quiet the rest of the ride home. He was wet from all the stress so he whispered to Mike, “I need a change Dad.”

Stacy and Anthony were busy talking with Matt as Ed started fixing dinner. Mike took Logan to his room and got him ready for a change. Logan took off his good clothes and stretched out on the bed and waited on Mike. Mike came in a started cleaning Logan’s skin then he rubbed lotion on so he wouldn’t chafe. He slipped a clean diaper under him then powdered his crotch before pulling it up tight and securing it.

Matt was looking for his brother so he went upstairs to see is here was there. He saw the light in Logan’s room on so he opened the door and said, “Hey bro, are you in here.”

Matt froze as he saw Logan standing in the middle of the room in his diaper. Logan’s eyes got big and he ran into the closet. “Matt, you weren’t supposed to see this,” he said crying.

Matt went into the closet and said, “It’s no biggie bro. I love you and if you come wearing a diaper then so be it. I haven’t changed a diaper in a while, I just wonder if I still can.”

Logan looked up at his brother and said, “You don’t think I’m a baby?”

“Yeah,” Matt said. “You’re MY baby brother and I love you.”

Mike watched the brothers talk so he quietly left the room. Matt and Logan came out of the closet and Logan got dressed. Logan was sitting on the bed when he said, “Matt, I need to tell you something.”

Matt came over and sat on the bed beside him and said, “I’m all ears Logan.”

“I don’t know how you’re going to take this but I think I like boys,” he said watching his brother for his reaction.

“So,” he said. “I like boys too.”

Logan looked at him again, “I don’t think you understand Matt. I like girls too but not as to have a girlfriend.”

“Logan, we’ve been step brothers for 5 years now,” Matt said. “I kinda figured that out especially when you didn’t give that cute number the time of day last year.”

“It doesn’t bother you?” Logan asked.

“Hell no dude,” Matt said. “In fact I’m glad you told me.”

Logan was confused by what Matt was saying. “Why are you glad I told you?”

Matt took Logan’s hand and said, “Because I can tell you how I really feel. I’ve known I was gay for 2 years now and I’ve fallen in love with you. I didn’t know for sure if you were.”

Logan was sitting there absorbing everything Matt said. He was brought back to earth when Matt leaned over and kissed him gently on the lips. “Oh Matt,” Logan said. “I never thought anyone would ever love me.”

“You’re the sweetest boy I’ve ever known,” Matt said. “You’re also the cutest too. Would you mind it I changed you the next time you needed it?”

Logan had only let his new family see him naked and he blushed when Matt asked him. “I guess so,” Logan said.

Matt smiled and said, “Let go downstairs bro. I’m getting hungry.”

When the boys got downstairs Matt saw Stacy run across the hall in just his diaper. Logan said, “I’m not the only one who wears them. Stacy has a weak bladder and wears them as does Anthony. His father tried to stab him to death when he was our age.”

Matt looked at his brother and asked, “Are they boyfriends?”

Mike heard the question and said, “Yes Matt they are. Does that bother you?”

Matt smiled and said, “Not at all. I have a boyfriend too.”

Mike’s eyes got big and said, “That’s wonderful. Who is the lucky boy?”

Matt wrapped his arms around Logan and said smiling, “He is.”

Mike wrapped his arms around both boys and said, “That’s wonderful. I hope you’ll both be very happy.”

“Thanks Dad,” Logan said. “I’m gonna let Matt change me next time. Is that ok with you?”

“Sure son,” Mike said. “It’s good to have another changer.”

Logan took a deep breath and said, “Dad, I love you, you know that. With my stepfather going to jail and my own mother not caring about me any more, I was wondering if Stacy would want to adopt me.”

Mike smiled and said, “I think you should ask him that son.”

“Ask me what?” Stacy asked.

Logan himmed and hawed then asked, “Would you like to adopt me?”

Stacy smiled at Logan’s request and said, “Are you sure this is what you want?”

Logan nodded his head then Matt said, “I know my mom won’t let me be adopted but I don’t care as long as I can stay with Logan. Will you be my Dad Mike?”

Matt moved close to Mike and hugged him. Mike rubbed his hair and said, “I’ll contact DSS and have them start the paperwork. It shouldn’t take long.”

“Come and get it guys,” Ed said.

Matt and Logan walked hand in hand to the kitchen as Anthony said, “Do we have another couple here?”

Logan said, “Matt said he really loved me and wanted to be my boyfriend.”

“I think that is very sweet,” Ed said fixing everyone’s plates.

“Dad, will you call Ms. Buckley tomorrow?” Stacy asked.

“I’ll do that first thing,” Mike said.

Mike’s family was growing and he felt that Logan’s life was finally turning around for the better. The gang had a quiet evening at home and Matt slept with Logan.

The next morning Mike called Social Services and had Matt put into his care. Ms. Buckley came out and talked with Logan, Mike and Stacy about Logan wanting to be adopted. Ms. Buckley stated that Logan’s mother would have to agree to give Logan up or the court would have to decide what would be in the boy’s best interest.

Matt told Ms. Buckley that his Mom lived on the West Coast and didn’t want him after the divorce. He didn’t think his mom would give up custody but wouldn’t want him either.

Ms. Buckley thought it best if he remained in foster care and Matt readily agreed since he would be able to stay with Logan.

The next thing the family knew it was time to head back to court. Logan and Matt decided that they had had enough of James Williams and told Mike they didn’t want to go back to hear what the Judge says. Mike understood how the boys felt and agreed with their decision.

The summer was fleeting fast and Mike got the boys transferred to the high school in their area. Logan started his freshman year and Matt started his sophomore. The boys quickly got into their routine of being students and were making above average grades. Time was really flying and just before Christmas Stacy got an early Christmas present.

He received a letter asking if he was still interested in adopting Logan because the court terminated Logan’s mother’s parental rights. Two days later the Mullins family was in Juvenile Court. The Judge read the adoption petition and listened to Ms. Buckley from Social Services. The Judge talked with Logan and then said, “Dr. Mullins, it is with great pleasure I hereby grant your petition to adopt Logan Williams. As of this day you are his father. I have no doubt that you will raise him to be a productive member of society. I also grant Logan’s request to change his name to Logan Mullins. Congratulations and this court is adjourned.”

Logan immediately hugged his new father. After everyone got hugged, Mike took his family out for a great celebration. As Logan’s life continued to get better, he still would have night time accidents. This didn’t bother anyone and he was used to being changed.

Logan and Matt were still sleeping together in a double bed so Mike decided to get them a queen size so they could each get a better night’s sleep. Mike went in to give Matt and Logan their good night kisses then turned out the light. He turned to head downstairs and thought about his life ever since love came to Stacy.

The End.

Posted: 08/01/08