The Ranch
 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2006-2008 by the author

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

Jay came over and hugged me tightly just like we used to do when we were kids. This was the hug I really wanted. I loved seeing Ronnie and Steven, but Jay was the brother I had missed the most. We took our showers and dressed, then headed into the recovery room to check on Tito.

Chapter 4

 A Mission in Diplomacy

When we reached the recovery area, I had to stop so I could make out what I was hearing. Jay came in behind me so I put my arm out and he stopped also. Coming from inside the recovery room was the sound of a prepubescent angel. It seems he has found his voice again and was using it quite well.

We walked over to the cubicle Tito was in and he was sitting up a little, surrounded by two nurses. The one thing that was immediately noticeable was that Tito was smiling. Both sides of his face now moved and this little boy had a smile that would have melted the iceberg that sunk the Titanic.

Jay looked over at me and said, "He is a real cute one isn't he? My heart went out to him when my Dad told me what happened to him. I couldn't wait to get here to see if there was anything I could do for him. I'm sure glad there was."

I only heard part of what Jay was saying because I was lost in my own world. I didn't know how or why, but this child had taken a hold of my heart. I knew that Miguel was right and that we had to get him back so he could have a new and happier life at the ranch.

Jay nudged me with his elbow. I turned my head and he just smiled. "The kid's gotten to you huh? I kind of thought he would. It was that same thing the first time I met Ruben and Eduardo. It was like love at first sight. Now come on and let's see how the rest of him is doing."

We went into Tito's cubicle and it took him about thirty seconds to realize we were standing there. He looked up at the two of us standing there and he just went silent. I looked over at Jay and I couldn't hold it back any longer. I started laughing. I laughed so hard tears began to roll down my cheeks. It took several minutes to bring myself back under control and when I did I said to Tito, "Son, you don't have to be quiet now. We have been standing out there for about 5 minutes. We've seen you smile and heard you laugh and talk. It's wonderful. Please don't stop."

Tito looked up at me and smiled and asked, "What was your name again Doctor?"

My heart melted again when I saw that now perfect smile thanks to Jay's handy work. I smiled back and said, "My name is Marco Cortez. But please just call me Marco. How do you feel son?"

Jay stepped around to his other side so he could take a look at the incision he made a couple of hours ago. The area was only slightly swollen and judging by the way he was chattering that didn't seem to bother him at all. He decided to let me look at his arm because he seemed to sense a trust forming between us.

Tito looked around as Jay and I began to check him out. Jay was satisfied with the work done on the child's face. He knew in about a month that no one would ever be able to tell he ever had surgery there. The boy looked down as I gently felt each finger to make sure they were all nice and warm. I sat beside the boy and with a gentle smile of reassurance said, "Try to move each finger a little."

Tito started with his thumb and cautiously moved it. I saw a little sign of pain register on his face but he didn't say anything and moved on to the next finger then the next until he was at his little finger. He moved that one just as he did the others.

Jay and I knew this would be the crucial test. This nerve had been totally severed. Jay carefully attached both ends back together and I did something I don't ever do following a fresh reattachment and that was electrically stimulate it, using only the tiniest amount of current, I saw what I needed. His little finger twitched and I was satisfied.

I was pleased but I knew it would take several weeks before his shoulder would be back to normal. I had a nurse fit him for a sling while Jay and I went and wrote our notes. This took about twenty minutes or so considering this was a unique procedure.

We had finished the notes and Jay was dictating them along with the discharge summary when one of the nurses came and told us Tito was in pain. Jay and I discussed this and it was decided that I would look at him and then decide how to handle the situation while he finished in here.

I went to his cubicle and noticed that our once talkative young man was somewhat sullen and withdrawn. I walked in and sat down beside him. He lifted his head and simply said, "Arm hurts bad."

I was hoping Jay and I could get Tito to Miguel's house before he really started hurting but it seems that this would not be that case. I decided to see how bad he was in pain. I wanted him to be awake while we went to the Hummer in case there was a problem so Jay wouldn't have to be carrying him. I called Jay and found out it would still be another thirty minutes or so before we left so I decided to try an oral pain medication on him. I had the nurse bring me one and I handed it to Tito with a glass of water. He quickly took the pill and I informed him I would check on him in a few minutes.

I told Jay what I had done and he made a notation on Tito's chart and I went ahead and signed off on the order. I needed to use the bathroom and while doing so I thought I should get myself acquainted to my surroundings. I saw Jay heading towards the same door I was coming out of so I let him know what I was going to.

I went down to the first floor and headed towards the entrance. While I was going I quickly checked the lobby area to get accustomed to it.

I went through the sliding door and walked to the Hummer. I went into the back and grabbed the two small bags then went and sat in the back seat and closed the doors. I changed my clothes and put on a pair of cargo pants and harder soled shoes rather than wear the slip on shoes I had been wearing. I tucked the phone Miguel gave me into one of the pockets and a few other odds and ends I thought I might need and went back up to the second flood.

When I came out of the elevator I saw someone standing near a telephone and quickly dismissed it as someone waiting on his family member in the operating room. I continued down the hall and went into the doctor's area. I turned around and looked at the man and he decided just to leave so I didn't really give it much further thought.

I saw Jay sitting at the desk semi lost in thought. "Hey, what's on your mind? Is there something wrong with Tito?"

At first, Jay didn't act like he heard me then he turned and looked at me. "Huh? Oh sorry Marco, I guess I was a little distracted. Tito seems fine and his arm has stopped hurting. He's dozing at the moment but he should be fine. His clothes are under his bed so why don't you get him ready while I sign for the medication and things we're going to need to take care of him."

While he was doing that, I got a wheelchair and took it into his cubicle. I had to open the curtain a little so there was room for the wheelchair and I saw Tito's eyes looking right at me. "Hi there," I smiled and said to him. "Did you enjoy your little nap? Is your arm feeling better since you took the pill I gave you?

His dark eyes followed me as I moved around the room. I reached under the bed and sat his clothes beside him. He looked and said, "Marco thank you for the pill. My arm is feeling better but is still a little sore. I can't dress myself with one arm. Will you please help me?"

I looked at this little charmer and I knew my heart was melting. I reached my hand towards his good hand and they touched as he wrapped it around my fingers. I tightened my arm and he pulled himself into a sitting position swinging his legs over the side of the bed. I looked through his clothes and it was a good thing he had muscle shirt. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get him into a regular tee shirt. Getting the hospital surgical gown was easy. It has snaps that run across from the shoulder to the neck on both sides. I gently unsnapped the gown and let it fall down to his lap. I removed the sling and helped him into he's shirt then reapplied his appliance. I sat down in a chair and faced the child. I took the gown and set it out of the way. This was the first time I'd seen him totally naked and I was in awe. He looked up at me and smiled while he scratched his little package. As he did he became erect. "I gotta pee Marco."

As I handed him the urinal I suddenly realized he needed two hands for this operation. I sat the jug down and lifted him off the bed setting him on his feet. I turned him around and handed him the jug so I could put his penis inside. No sooner did I get it in the hole when he cut loose with a hard stream of urine. He stood there for what seemed like an hour but it was only about a minute and when he was finished his little three-inch erection was reduced to a one-inch flaccid penis. When he was finished he turned around and hugged me giggling. "Marco, I had to do that for a long time."

I was laughing a little too as I reached under his butt and set him on my lap. I returned his hug then helped him put his underwear and shorts on. I lifted him onto the bed and put on the new pair of sneakers I had bought for him then he looked up at me. "Marco, are you going to be my Daddy?"

That question took me totally by surprise. I had always wanted to become a father but considering the type of life I led; I really didn't want to try to raise a child. Miguel was giving me the chance to settle down and help children so maybe I could have a child of my own. I picked Tito up in my arms. "I don't know buddy, would you want me to be your Dad?"

Tito hugged me around the neck and gave me one of his patented kisses. "Marco, the minute I saw you I knew I wanted you for my daddy. You look so much like me we could be father and son." Tito saw Jay standing there and almost started crying. He said, "Jay please, don't be mad at me. I know you put in a lot of work to help me but I know you have two boys of your own and Marco here doesn't have a son. Please don't hate me. I'll pay you for the operations." Then Tito kicked his shoes off, took his pants and underwear off and rolled over onto his stomach then spread his little butt cheeks apart offering himself to Jay. "Here Jay, take me."

Jay quickly picked him up into his arms and with tears rolling down his face. "Tito, you don't have to do that. I didn't come here to operate on you for money. You deserve a chance to be a happy little boy. I don't hate you. I think Marco would be a good daddy for you. You will never have to sell yourself again. Are we clear about that?"

Tito smiled at Jay and kissed him on the cheek. While this was going on I got his underpants and shorts back on. Tito said, "I love you Jay. I just didn't want you to be mad because I thought you wanted me for your little boy too. As for you taking me, I would let you. A man from town made me do that so I can eat. He told me I would have to do it any time he wants. What day is today?"

I looked at Tito and said, "Today is Thursday son. Why do you ask?"

Tito looked at me with a fearful look on his face. "Thursday is the day he would always collect. He knows where to find me. It doesn't matter where I am Marco, he'll find me and he'll hurt you. You and Jay can't stop him. Just let me go and he can take me and do what he wants."

I was getting choked up when he was saying this. I'd never had someone get to me this way before. I took the tissues and dried his eyes then kissed his cheek. "Son, no one is going to hurt you. I'll be damned if I'm just going to hand you over to some pervert so they can do what they want to with my son."

Tito was still crying when Jay brought the wheel chair in and as soon as I sat him in it he said, "Marco! Did you call me your son? Jay, Marco called me his son. I'm going to have a daddy."

Well, Tito didn't stay in that chair for long. He was right back in my arms again hugging me as if he had just met me. Jay was standing there with a smile on his face from ear to ear when Tito launched himself over into his arms.

After a few minutes of hugging again, we finally got him calmed down enough so he would stay put in the chair. We exited out of the recovery room and into the hall. I saw that man that was by the phones earlier leaning against the wall now talking on a cell phone. I knew this wasn't allowed so I immediately went on guard for trouble.

We headed down a glass-enclosed corridor when I heard Tito gasp. I looked out the glass window and saw several local vigilantes milling around the main exit. I had Jay take charge of Tito in the wheel chair while I quickly went into the men's room. After removing my shirt, I went inside the leather case I had over my shoulder and took out the shoulder harness for my 9mm pistol. Once I got that secured in place, I took out the Beretta 9mm that was in the bag also and secured a magazine containing 15 rounds of high jacketed hollow point bullets. I put the weapon in the holster and secured it with the safety strap. I put my shirt back on and caught up with Jay and Tito at the elevator.

Jay looked at me and said, "You have it, don't you?"

I just smiled and we got onto the elevator. Once down on the main floor, we headed towards the main entrance. I had to make a decision whether to bring the Hummer to the door or to walk out to the vehicle. Since Tito's arm was in a sling, I thought it best I bring the Hummer to the door. I looked at the two of them and said, "I want you to wait here while I get the Hummer and bring it to the door."

Tito looked up at me and said, "Daddy, be careful. I love you and don't want the bad man to try to hurt you."

I leaned down and kissed him on the cheek. "Don't worry son, I'll be fine."
Then I turned and walked out the door. I noticed several people trying to move towards the Hummer without my noticing them unsuccessfully. I used the remote I had to unlock the door and I was just about to reach for the door handle when I heard Tito yell, "Look out Daddy. That's the man who wants to take me today."

I turned around and looked this man right in the face. When I saw him, there was something very familiar about this person. He had a baseball bat in his hand and he was ready to use it. I went into my defensive stance almost out of instinct. As soon as he saw this he took a step backwards.

He looked at me and said, "Hey slingo, have you finally got some balls? Something tells me you don't."
As soon as I heard that voice, I figured out who he was. I couldn't remember his name, but the voice brought back memories from thirty years ago I wish I could forget.

I was 11 at the time and not much older than Tito. I was living on the streets alone when I found myself hungry one evening. I was walking around when I met a couple of boys and they told me how I could get food. I was new to the streets and for the past two nights, I was alright. I had a little money and food but that was now long gone. We walked over to a local bakery where the shop keeper kept some of his wares outside. Carlos, the oldest of the group, walked past the store and lifted a loaf of French bread and kept on walking. I watched Manuel do the same thing. I thought this was easy. I didn't take into account that both boys were a good 5 inches taller than I was and they could hide the bread under their shirt without anyone seeing it.

I waited until Manuel turned the corner and I made my move. I took the bread but when I went to stick it inside my shirt, there was a good 3 inches of it sticking out the bottom of my shirt. I kept walking but I didn't get very far when this big ugly guy grabbed and said I had to be punished for taking things that didn't belong to me.

He took me into the shop and said he was going to punish me. He closed the door and told me to remove my shorts and underwear. He took off his pants and I couldn't understand what that had to do with punishing me.

There was a bench in there and he picked me up and laid me on it. I thought he was going to spank me then all of a sudden I felt something cold and nasty in my little hole. The next thing I felt was hot and made my ass burn like it was on fire. I don't remember anything after that.

What I do remember next was waking up outside the shop and I was dressed again and my butt hurt badly. My friends were no where to be found. I slowly got to my feet and tried to walk back to where I was staying but my legs felt like rubber. I leaned against the building and I was about to fall on my face when this young man caught me and picked me up in his arms. There was this nasty stuff running down my legs and I was embarrassed but I hurt so badly I couldn't do a thing except cry. He took his hand and gently laid my head on his shoulder and stroked my hair. "Shush my little one, don't cry. I'm not here to hurt you. What is your name?"

At this point, I was crying hysterically and all I could say was, "Marco."

In a soft soothing voice he said, "Hi Marco. My name is Miguel, Miguel Sanchez and I'm going to take care of you. Come on son, let's get you home and cleaned up.

He carried me a short distance and we got into a real nice car and I heard him say, "Come on Luiz, let's get this young man home."

Soon I was in this real nice house and being carried into the bathroom. Miguel was drawing me a warm bath then he sat on the toilet and stood me in front of him. He looked at me and smiled saying, "It's alright little one. I'm just going to get you undressed so you can soak in that nice warm tub. I know I told you my name, but I think I forgot to tell you that I'm also a doctor. I felt that stuff coming out of your bottom. I know what it is and I also know that you didn't participate willingly in what happened to you. I also want you to know that the man that did this to you will never do that to you or any other person again."

I looked up at him and said, "Is he in jail?"

Miguel replied, "Yes son, he is. He's never going to hurt any child again."

It wasn't until I was older that I learned the truth about what really happened to him. I wasn't as shocked as I thought I would be though. I looked at this guy with the baseball bat in his hand and said, "Rico, Jr., as I live and breathe. I'll never forget what your grease ball of a father did to me. I'm glad Miguel made Recife a little safer for kids like me back then. Now you have a choice. You can leave and take your scum friends with you or you can risk ending up just like your old man. It's your choice."

Rico, Jr. turned to walk away which really disappointed me. I wanted to get in some paybacks for what his father did to me and for what he had done to Tito. I kept my eyes on him just in case he didn't disappoint me. After taking two steps, he didn't. It's a good thing I had my eyes on him because he went to swing on the third step. I saw him shift his weight so I dropped to one knee and he missed me but I was in the perfect position to deliver a kick right where it would do the most damage. I kicked him hard, right square in the balls. He dropped to his knees and let the bat drop out of his hands. I squatted down to pick the bat up and my right hand was in my shirt on my weapon just to be safe. I noticed him reaching for something inside his pants. I drew my weapon and told him, "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

He looked up at me and said, "You still don't have any balls do you Chica?" With that, he continued pulling out the gun he had in his trousers. He went to extend his arm to shoot, but I fired one shot killing him instantly.

I used my cell phone to call the sheriff. The sheriff along with two other deputies came out to investigate the shooting. I gave him my statement and he talked to a few bystanders before letting me leave. It seems Rico has been under investigation for some time now concerning the whereabouts of some missing street children.

I got into the Hummer, drove around and picked up Jay and Tito and we went to Miguel's house for some much deserved rest.

To be continued...

Posted: 07/25/08