All for Acceptance

By: Rod
(© 2010 by the author)

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

Chapter 10

“Mr. Townsend and Mr. Appleton, would you please accompany Tony into my chambers?” asked the judge.

“Court will be in recess, we will reconvene at 1 o’clock this afternoon.  Mr. Romanov, I expect your brief outlining your claim be presented to my clerk as soon as possible so that I may review it.”

“Certainly Your Honor, I have it here I can present it now.”

“Thank you. I will expect to see you at 1 o’clock when we reconvene.”

Tony had been assisted by James, Justin, and the bailiff into the Judge’s chambers and was seated on the couch.

“Thank you, Justin and Mr. Townsend.  Do you have a copy of the records as they pertain from the time Tony came under the jurisdiction of DCFS?”

“Yes, Your Honor, right here.”

“Are you aware of any basis on which there could be any validity to the claim just made?”

“Your honor when Tony came to our agency his last name was Dabrowski.  The couple who became his foster parents has the last name of Bartowski.  With Tony’s age they began using their last name for his to prevent anyone from realizing that he was not their son.  Tony was too young to know the difference, so he has grown up thinking that his name was Bartowski.”

“Eric Mathers was aware of this wasn’t he?” inquired the Judge.

“In a way. Eric was away for special training when Tony’s case came through.  There was an interim director in charge who left about a month after Tony was placed.  When Eric checked up on them afterwards they were using their own name and he didn’t question it.  He felt the idea was a good one and with Tony’s age it could prevent problems different last names could cause.”

“So, whoever just presented this brief in the courtroom does not know Tony’s real name and his claim has to be fraudulent.  I believe it’s time we find out just who this individual really is or what is going on.”  Picking up the phone and dialing the Judge continued, “Detective Jones, please.  Judge Hamilton here, yes, the reports you sent were fine, just what I needed.  I have something else for you. Can you come to my chambers as soon as possible? You’re within a few minutes?   Good, oh by the way, when you come bring your evidence kit; we need to get a fingerprint for identification.  Thank you we’ll see you shortly.”

“What’s on your mind Judge?” asked Justin.

“I want to see if we can find something out about our Mr. Romanov and then see what we may be able to find out as far as their intentions, why do they want Tony?” replied the Judge.

There was a knock on the door and Detective Jones entered the chambers.

“Glad you’re here.  This is a brief presented to me by someone claiming to be Nicoli Romanov attaché to the ambassador from the Polish Embassy.  I want you to see if you can lift a fingerprint and run an ID to see who he is.  If my understanding is correct if he is who he claims he is we will have his prints on file somewhere won’t we?  Then I want you to check wherever possible to see just what he may be up to.  Do you think it will take very long?” asked the Judge.

Detective Jones had already carefully taken the brief with gloved hands and seemed to be smiling as he found the cover to be one that should be very good to lift prints from.  “Who has handled this since Romanov?” inquired the detective.

“Only myself and only along this edge,” replied the Judge as he pointed to the brief to indicate just where he had held it as he brought it to his chambers.

“Good, I think I will be able to get a few good prints from this.  Do you have a scanner here in your office your honor?”

“Right here just let me know what you need to do I will help in any way possible.”

In a matter of a few moments the detective had a couple of prints on cards ready to scan.  With the help of the Judge he scanned them into the proper file and accessing some other data bases began the search for the identity of Nicoli Romanov.  Once the data bases had begun their searches he accessed Interpol and entered a request for identification for the same name.  He thought he would see if anything came up under that name and if the fingerprint analysis came up with another name he would search that one too.  It was only a matter of a few minutes when he received a call on his cell.

“Detective Jones here.  Yes, I just entered an inquiry concerning a Nicoli Romanov.  I am with the Minneapolis Police Department, Detective division.  Yes, the individual presenting himself as Mr. Romanov is here in Minneapolis.  He presented a brief to a juvenile court judge not very long ago and is petitioning for the custody of a young boy here claiming he is with the Polish consulate and trying to return the boy to his family in Poland.  Arrest and detain him?  Certainly, we would be happy to.  I can expect someone to be here before the close of today’s business to file proper paperwork to escort him into your custody?” After hanging up his cell phone he turned to the Judge. “It seems that the fingerprint hit, but instead of notifying us, it connected directly to Interpol.  When my enquiry came in at about the same time, an agent was alerted and they called me.  It seems that this Nicoli Romanov is indeed Polish and with the Consulate, however there have been a series of young boys disappear mysteriously in the last two years and an investigation has lead the Polish government along with the assistance of Interpol to believe he has been an important key in the process of smuggling the boys back to Poland.  What has happened to them there is too gruesome to discuss other than they were placed in a form of slavery.  We don’t know why, but just lately, Interpol has discovered some communications between our previous ADA Anderson and Romanov. Before the information I just gave them, they had no idea what the communications may have concerned”

“Anderson would not have known about the name difference and, for whatever reason, could have fed the faulty information to Romanov to seek to remove Tony, either for spite or perhaps some form of financial gain.  With a little more evidence Detective, I think we may have a few more charges to bring against Mr. Anderson.  When we are to go back into sessions I will request Mr. Romanov to join me in chambers so that we can go over his brief.  I believe that between my bailiff and yourself I should not be in danger and you can make the arrest here.  I will then settle this case and we can look forward to the superior court taking care of Mr. Anderson and whoever else seems to come to light as being involved.”

As the Judge finished his statement of intentions he looked over to the couch to realize that while all this was being discussed and discoveries made one little boy was in tears.  James Townsend had not participated in the adult discussion.  Tony was on his lap with his arms clinging around James’ neck, seemingly holding on for dear life, as the tears were falling, and soaking James’ shirt.

“Tony, I am so sorry you had to hear everything that was said but I’m sure you will be happy in just a little while.  How about we get something for lunch? Is there something you would like?” asked the Judge.

“Sir I don’t think I could eat very much right now.  All of this talk of me being taken away and maybe becoming a slave makes my tummy really hurt.”

“Tony, did you see the hot dog wagon set up downstairs in the hall?” asked James.

“Yeah I did, it reminded me a lot of all the times when on TV Mr. Matlock would stop there to eat when he was at the courthouse with a case.  I was beginning to wonder if I needed him to help me get to stay with Allan and Travis.”

The men all chuckled a little at the reference to the TV courtroom show.  “How about we get one of them hot dogs and see if that will go down for you.  Maybe we can find something to drink as well then you can see how good a dinner you’ll be able to have this evening,” said James.

“I think that is an excellent idea,” said the Judge.  “Who would like what?  I have my bailiff accompany Tony, James, and myself down to the hot dog wagon and we’ll see what we can get.”

“Your honor, if you don’t mind how about we all go down and stay together, I think Tony might like that and I’m sure we can all see to it that everyone is fine and can get just what they might want.  Besides I think Tony might enjoy the little excursion with everyone along,” commented Detective Jones.

“I think you just might be right,” replied the Judge when he realized what the Detective was suggesting.

While the rest were discussing what they were going to do the bailiff had called down and requested additional security be on alert and the hot dog stand be ready to handle a few special customers.

Tony was in much better spirits when they returned to the judge’s chambers each with hot dogs, chips, a drink and a few chocolate chip cookies.  James and Justin weren’t Allan and Travis but he was beginning to trust them and enjoy their company as well.  The other men, the bailiff, the detective and the Judge certainly made him feel safe.  They wouldn’t let anything bad happen to him.

Soon it was time to reconvene in the courtroom.  The bailiff had taken Tony, James and Justin back to their seats, the courtroom was again filling up.  Allan and Travis along with Phillip II, Earnest, and Mammy had returned.  Just before the bailiff announced the court in session, Nicoli Romanov strutted in and seated himself at the table opposite Tony, Justin, and James.  The bailiff announced the court to come to order and the Judge entered and took his seat. 

“I have begun to examine the brief you presented Mr. Romanov, but would like to ask a few questions in my Chamber.  In all fairness to the other side I would invite Mr. Appleton to accompany us as well.  Bailiff, would you please accompany Mr. Romanov and Mr. Appleton to my chambers.”

Romanov and Justin rose and followed the bailiff as he headed towards the judge’s chambers.  Once all four were inside the bailiff closed the door behind them at which time Detective Jones stepped forward in front of Romanov.

“Nicoli Romanov, or should I say Alexis Romanski, by request of Interpol you are under arrest, to be held in the facilities here in Minneapolis until such time as Interpol can take you into custody.”

“You can’t do this I have immunity as a representative of the Polish Consulate!” stated Romanov vehemently.

“Interpol has the cooperation of the Polish government and is taking custody within your government’s order of your recall.  Your immunity has been nullified to allow your arrest to take place.  You will accompany me.”

“Detective, might we ask a few questions before Romanov leaves with you?” asked James Appleton.

“You are welcome to ask, whether or not he gives you an answer is certainly something else,” answered Detective Jones.

“We have found out about you communication with Mr. Anderson, and we are aware of your activities removing boys from the United States to be forced into slavery in Poland.  Interpol has documented everything.  What we want to know is why Tony?”

“Under the circumstances I’ll answer what I can of that.  For you must understand that your law enforcement system is so different than ours.  Once I arrive in Poland I will have no rights at all.  The interrogators can and will do anything they want to me to hear what they want to hear.”

“Before you go any further I want my court recorder in here, bailiff,” ordered the Judge.

It was only moments when the court recorder was positioned and had begun taking down all that was being said.

Romanov continued, “Mr. Anderson called me and told me that because of Tony and the people supporting him everything had come unraveled.  He had lost his position as ADA, and he couldn’t see anyway to keep Allan and Travis from being able to get Tony.  He wanted revenge so why not see to it that Tony could never be with Allan and Travis.  Besides, our organization had been caused problems several times because of that Phillip

Samuelson II.  It was too good to be true, by taking Tony it would settle several situations, besides the Church could use the donation that would be paid to purchase Tony. If we got away with it several scores would be settled.”

“Detective, get him out of my sight.  If you need, I’ll issue the warrant to bring the new charges against Anderson and if you can give me any knowledge of the Church knowing about the arrangement we will begin issuing warrants for whoever we can at the church,” stated the Judge. “At this point I think it is time we get back into the courtroom and send a certain young man home with his parents.”

“All rise, the honorable Jeffrey Hamilton presiding, court is now reconvened,” called out the bailiff.

“Allan Scott and Travis Wainman please take a seat next to Tony Bartowski please,” ordered the Judge.

“Allan Scott, am I correct in the understanding that you and Travis Wainman have petitioned to become licensed as foster parents?”

“Yes, Your Honor, we have, “replied Allan rather nervously.

“Travis Wainman, am I correct in the understanding that you have along with your half brother and I am informed, partner, petitioned to become licensed as foster parents with the intention of fostering one Tony Bartowski?

“Yes, Your honor,” answered Travis becoming more worried as the moments were fleeting.

“Why should this court make such a recommendation?”

“Your Honor, there are similarities in our situation with Tony’s loss of his foot.  For that reason I feel I am better able to help him not only with his recovery but with his adaptation to life with his situation.  I will not call it a handicap because I believe it is not, it is only a challenge to perhaps do things a little differently than some. I also feel that considering our desire to assist and raise at least one child if not more, Travis and I can offer Tony the love and understanding he will need to grow and mature as a man and a valuable addition to society,” spoke Allan with mist starting to overcome his eyes.

“Your Honor, I know this may be unbelievable but when I met Allan his missing appendage only made me love him more.  When I found that we shared the same father we only became closer.  Each day as we work together we become even closer yet.  Tony came into our lives and we couldn’t help but to fall in love with him the moment we saw him.  Each day he becomes a more integral facet of our lives.  We feel there is so much we can do for him and in so doing, without even trying, he does so much for us,” added Travis in the most solemn of voices.

Not a sound could be heard as the Judge sat and looked at the faces of the men sitting at the table.  Tony’s expression was one of disbelief.  Allan and Travis could not have looked any graver as they waited for what they felt was the most crucial decision yet to come into their lives.

The courtroom fell totally silent as Judge Hamilton began to speak. “This entire case has been most unusual.  There has been the intervention of outside influences attempting to sway the outcome; there has been intrigue, attempts of revenge, stories of abandonment, revelation of feelings in public normally confined to the most private of lives. There has been bigotry and insensitivity to others brought into the light, some involving governmental employees.  In examination of all the facts before me I can not with due diligence and conscious grant a foster license to Allan Scott, and Travis Wainman…”

An intelligible sound of anguish could be heard throughout the courtroom as the gravity of the Judges statement took hold and all understood just what had been proclaimed.

The Judge after pausing then continued, “No, I cannot agree to allowing these two men to foster Tony Bartowski, instead I, with the powers vested in me by the State of Minnesota, do declare Travis Wainman as the adopted father of Tony Bartowski.”

Before the Judge could finish his statement the courtroom broke out in cheers and applause.  The Judge began to hammer his gavel to regain order.

“At this time I will entertain any name changes that may be so petitioned,” added the Judge.

Tony, Allan and Travis turned to Justin and after a quick conference Justin spoke, “If it please the court, I have conferred with my clients and hereby request that Tony Bartowski be from this point forward be named Tony Scott Wainman.  I have been also requested to petition the court that Allan Travis Scott shall be known as Allan Travis Scott-Wainman and Travis Allan Wainman be here to forth known as Travis Allan Scott-Wainman.”

“Gentlemen, I trust the appropriate paperwork will be in my hands without delay and in considering as such I do hereby grant the requests.  Tony, Allan, and Travis Scott-Wainman I hereby declare this case closed.  Take care and continue to love each other.”

“Justin, how come Travis is my daddy now and not Allan?” asked Tony.

“Tony, Allan is just as much your daddy as Travis is but with Travis being the age he is and Allan being the age he is, the court could not allow Allan to adopt you.  In just a few years he will be of an age that we can file a petition to do that and I’m sure there will be no problem for it to happen.  Just remember Travis being named your daddy in court is for legal reasons.  Allan and Travis are both your daddies now because of what is in your hearts.”

“If that’s the case, then how is Phillip IV related to me now, if my dads are his uncles?” asked Tony.

“Since you are my son and Phillip IV has always been referred to as my nephew, then I would say you two are cousins, don’t you agree Allan?” said Travis.

“I think so and I guess that let’s you decide how you want to refer to Phillip II, of course you know Earnest and Mammy fit in there somewhere too,” Allan added.

“I think I want to call Earnest and Phillip II grandpa and granddad. Mammy is grandma and Phillip IV is my kissing cousin!” said Tony.

Everyone just laughed as the happy party headed out of the courtroom and for the mansion.  Phillip IV would soon be home and would be very interested in the turn of events.

As they exited the court house they were almost to their cars when shots rang out.  Travis acted instinctively as he pushed Allan towards the ground while pulling Tony to his chest as he too attempted to hit the ground for protection.

To be continued...

A special thanks to Jesse Mercer for editing.

Posted: 10/22/10