The Professor and Sean II
By: Scotty
(Copyright 2006 by the author)
 

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

Chapter 26

(Sean narrates)

The morning of the adoption meeting dawned gray and rainy. It was a depressing day. I was immediately filled with an apprehension that the weather was a reflection of what was going to happen. I was getting depressed, when I felt Ry move and soon he began to kiss my back, starting at my neck and slowly giving me little kisses all the way down my back. When he got to the small of my back he began licking my back, slowly moving to my ass, where he spread my cheeks and began to work his tongue into my crack and finally he tongued my hole, driving me wild and causing me to forget everything else except my intense desire to have him in me.

I didn't have to ask, for shortly after working his tongue deep into me, he mounted me and pushed his erect penis deep into me, rubbing my prostate which caused me even more pleasure. He fucked me slowly and deliberately, giving me pleasure and enjoying the pressure that my ass muscles were giving as I tightened and relaxed them.

"Oh, Baby, you feel so good, so right. I love you."

"I know you love me, Hon, but right now just fuck me hard and deep. Make me scream when I shoot my load."

No other words were spoken as Ry increased his speed and he long dicked me, rubbing my love spot, giving me unbelievable pleasure, the friction of my hard cock rubbing against the bed sheets in rhythm with Ry's hard fucking, helped to bring me to an amazing climax. My ass tightened around Ry's hard, long cock and he climaxed, filling me with his hot seed, as he moaned and shouted,

"Oh, my God, Baby, you are so hot, so wonderful. Don't move; I want to stay in you for a bit, our closeness makes me happy."

Instead of speaking, I began to flex my ass muscles, squeezing his semi-erect cock. Ry began to sigh and as much as I knew he wanted to get hard again, he couldn't. Obviously he had to piss, and he had just ejaculated what seemed like a cup of semen deep in my guts. He slipped out of me, much to my disappointment.

"I'll get even with you later today, Hon," I told him.

"You had better fuck me all night, Baby. I want to ride that beautiful cock of yours for hours, but only after I suck on it for a while," he said with a laugh.

I rolled onto my back, my sticky cock laying against my right thigh. I was about to get out of bed, when Ry was on my cock, licking and sucking. Before I knew it, my cock was hard again and I knew what I wanted. I hoped he wanted the same thing.

"Fuck me, Baby," he growled.

And fuck him I did.

********

(Mrs. Crosby narrates)

I had awakened to a dismal day. I hated these meetings when we had to decide the future of children who were in desperate need of love and attention. Curiously, I had a feeling that the meeting today would be short and a decision could be made, maybe while the couple waited. My only fear was Larry Bigotan; his approach might be to delay a decision.

I drank a swallow of hot, dark coffee, remembering that the committee was made up of five members. Majority would rule; so even if Larry voted 'no', four 'yeses' would control. How he would hate us all, but more than that, he would hate and berate the couple.

I suspected that Daniel Hazelton, their attorney, knew more about the makeup of the committee than he let on. It was all in the public record. I thought this because he had informed me that he would be sitting in on the meeting, and if I felt it necessary, I should have an attorney present. I pondered that for sometime, finally calling our attorney, Benjamin Costin. He suggested to me that it might be prudent to have him present. I discussed Larry Bigotan's views and he emphasized strongly that he be present.

He warned me that if the committee was to reject the petition to adopt based on sexual preference, we would be in for a long and bitter court fight. This would mean that the children would be without a real home with loving parents. I reminded him of the four vote majority, but he warned me that a person with such strong views might be able to convince others on the committee to delay the decision, especially if he campaigned privately and not at the meeting. He cautioned me that it could be costly to state government and it would certainly hurt the reputation of the adoption agency. I agreed and told him we were meeting at Darrell and Jones, Attorneys.

I had been surprised and relieved to discover from materials forwarded to me by their attorney showed that both of the men were very well off. One was a multi millionaire in his own right, and the other a millionaire who was in line to inherit many millions. Money would not be a problem and the boys would never be wanting for material things. My heart wondered if they would receive the love they so desperately needed. That is what I would be trying to determine at the meeting. I had learned in my own life that love sustains the spirit more than money.

My son had died at age fourteen from cancer. He had fought valiantly and his father had spared no expense to get him the very best medical care. But that panicked effort did no good; money, we discovered, couldn't buy everything. And so, the son we loved so deeply, passed quietly away from us. In the long run our marriage fell apart as we could not deal with the loss. Two years later my husband died suddenly. I have always thought that he wanted to be with our son.

After this trauma in my life, I began to spend time with the agency, attempting to find homes for children abandoned by their parents in one way or another. After five years, it became the central effort and interest of my life. In each child, I could see my son whether it was their humor, their fears, whatever. In them I found a new desire to live. I have never regretted my work with the agency.

I finished my coffee and light breakfast. I began to get things ready for the meeting, all the papers, the forms, the housing questionnaires now neatly in my case. I went to the bedroom, used the bathroom for a quick shower and a quick run of a comb and brush through my short, gray hair. It might not be the most luxurious haircut, but it served me well.

I decided on a plum suit with a cream silk blouse and black pumps. I wanted to look formal, but not too imposing. I checked myself in the full length mirror and decided I looked okay.

The last thing I did was to call St. Anthony's Home and speak with Sister Mary. After making my request to her and being assured that it would be taken care of, I took a deep breath and headed out to the garage and the car for the drive to Darrell and Jones.

I hoped for peace and happiness for everyone.

********

(Dan narrated)

Craig and I left Vermont in the darkness of early morning. The drive to the meeting would take over an hour and a half or even two hours depending on traffic.

Craig had been quiet this morning, even during breakfast. I let it be, not wanted to move into his space. He would talk when he felt the need. It was one of those grey almost limpid days, not given to raising your spirits.

"You're worried, aren't you, Dan?" Craig finally asked me.

I was surprised by his question. First it broke the silence rather sharply, and secondly I wasn't sure how I felt about the meeting. Was I worried?

"I don't think 'worried' is the right word. I think I'm concerned, Lover. After chatting with Mrs. Crosby, I have some reservations about it all," I told him.

Silence again. Then Craig began to whistle. I hated it, but chose not to tell him that at the moment. Then he stopped abruptly, much as he had begun so spontaneously.

"You know, Sweetheart, you always answer like the fine lawyer you are. But if you were to put that aside, would you say you were worried?"

I had to laugh because he knew me well enough now to know that I didn't always say the way I really felt, especially if it had to do with a client or a case.

"Why are you laughing?" he asked.

"Because you are so fucking right. I'm worried."

It would be a long ride.

********

(Blake narrates)

I had a couple of difficult days and nights with Jer. At first he seemed fine, but after the short service at the crematorium, he plunged into a bad period of despondency and grief. I tried all the tricks I had learned, but nothing seemed to be helping. I thought he seemed lost, floating around with no anchor and no port in sight. He became uncommunicative, distant, and at times angry at me. I didn't try after a while to try to help him out of his funk, deciding that he needed to work it out for himself.

Our first difference of opinion happened when we arrive at my place. I wanted him to sleep in my bed and I would take the sofa. He refused. He would sleep on the sofa and I would sleep in my own bed and he refused to discuss it.

Thank God Gerry Taylor had brought some of Jer's clothes to my place. He looked presentable at the little memorial service. There were few people there: Jer, myself, Sean, Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, Cathy and Janet, and that was all. His parents didn't show up which broke Jer's heart even though he suspected that would be the case.

The ashes were to be turned over to Ryan Taylor. It would be a week to ten days. No decision was made on the scattering of the ashes. It was nice to see Jer gravitate to Ellen and Gerry Taylor, treating them as he might his own parents. They didn't fail him, comforting and encouraging him.

Of all the people there, it turned out the Sean was the strongest. He needed to be for his lover and for his best friend. I stayed in the background, trying to offer comfort, but avoiding becoming the center of the affair. Sean did not cry, but everyone else did, including the Taylors who I understood couldn't see Ryan in such grief. The same, I guess, provoked the tears in Cathy and Janet. I even shed a few tears watching the almost uncontrolled tears of Jer.

Sean held firm, his arm about the two most affected by the tragedy, Ryan on his left and Jer on his right. Stalwart but gentle, he managed to keep control and offer help and sympathy. I was impressed.

So it was that I slept in my bed and Jer slept on the sofa. I had thought I sensed someone in my room, but when I was awake enough to judge for myself, there was no one there. The night after the memorial service, I felt a presence again, and when I looked, there stood Jer, tears running down his face, his body trembling. He was naked but not aroused. Between sobs he asked if he might get in bed with me.

I didn't really want to do it, but I couldn't refuse, so I invited him into my bed. He slipped in next to me, but tried not to touch me or provoke anger in me because I might think he was coming on to me. Finally, I reached out to him and he came into my arms. I held him, our naked bodies touching, but he did not do anything but stop crying; he then fell asleep. I was asleep shortly thereafter.

The next day, after leaving Jer in bed sleeping soundly, I went to the kitchen and made coffee. Sitting naked at the kitchen table drinking my morning coffee, I wondered what would happen if I let him into my bed again. My head was whirling. I was straight. But somehow I found Jer handsome, sexy, and I knew I wanted to touch him again, to have our bodies rub against each other. What was the matter with me? I was frightened by these thoughts. Jer did not want me in that way. He had just lost his lover. No, I needed to cool down and have as many heterosexual thoughts as possible.

Would it work?

********

(Jerrod narrates)

After we left the hospital, Blake drove me to his apartment. He was gentle and kind. We had a little argument about where I was to sleep. He wanted me to take his bed and he would sleep on the sofa. I told him I wouldn't do that. I would sleep on the sofa or I wouldn't stay with him. He relented, under duress, and agreed to my desire.

Blake took me to the memorial service at the crematorium. Sean and Ryan were there as were Mr. and Mrs. Taylor and Cathy and Janet. Kevin's parents did not attend! I again hated them for what they had done to their son and what they were now doing to his memory. Blake left me standing with Sean and Ryan, and drifted back, more a spectator than a participant. There were few words spoken, just a short eulogy from Mr. Taylor. It was too much for me, though, and I was sobbing as was Ryan.

The surprise was that Sean held us both, strong and loving. He offered words of encouragement and sympathy to both of us. When it was time to leave, I didn't want to go with the others for lunch. I wanted to go home and drown in my sorrow. They understood, and Sean told me that he would check with me or with Blake later to find out how everything was going and if I needed anything.

"Look, you and Ryan have enough to worry about with the interview with the adoption committee. You concentrate on that and with Blake's help, I'll get through this," I said.

Mrs. Taylor added,

"Jerrod, you know that Mr. Taylor and I are here and we will be happy to help in anyway we can. Our number at the hotel is 555-9087, Extension 34. Call us if you need anything."

After some thanks, hugs, and a couple of kisses we went our separate ways. Blake and I to his apartment, the rest to lunch. Blake was really quiet on the ride home. I didn't have much to say either. I wondered if he had sensed me standing by his bed last night when I couldn't sleep because of the multitude of images that kept flooding my mind. I kept seeing Kevin's bloody head, then it would be our lovemaking, then his hitting me, then my nursing him when he was ill. I didn't sleep much.

When we arrived at the apartment, Blake hurriedly made us a sandwich for lunch. I wanted milk; he had a beer. He asked me about school, what I was taking for courses, which profs I liked, which ones I disliked? I knew he was trying to keep my mind off the ceremony and the suicide. I wanted to hug him for being so thoughtful.

When we finished lunch, I insisted on helping him pick up the kitchen. He washed the few dishes and I dried them. He asked if I might like to watch a DVD? Even though I was a little sleepy, I said I would. In an attempt to make me forget what had happened, he choose the cartoon feature "Shrek". It was funny and I enjoyed the beginning of it, but in a short time, I fell asleep.

I awoke in bed, my clothes neatly placed on the chair by the bed. I knew immediately that I was naked. Blake had seen me naked, completely naked. I blushed. I usually let people see me naked when I want them to see me naked. But Blake had seen me naked when he put me in bed.

Had he enjoyed looking at me? Was he gay? My gaydar hadn't been working too well so I didn't know if he was. My calm rational side kept telling me that he was straight. I thought, 'Jerrod, you are a real slut. Your lover has not been dead for even a week and you already have hots for another guy'. But that wasn't it. Kevin and I had not had sex for a very long time and I was hungry for human contact, for love making. I knew just one thing: I didn't belong in his bed as I had agreed only to use the sofa. I pulled on my shorts and wandered into the living room. Blake was watching television.

"Well, sleepy head, did you enjoy the nap?" he asked.

"You know I'm supposed to sleep on the sofa," I said in an irritated voice.

"I know that, Jer. But if you slept out here, I wouldn't be able to watch TV. So I put you to sleep in my bed for your nap. I'm sorry if that upset you."

"You took off all my clothes?"

"I did."

"I'm a little embarrassed."

"Why?"

"You saw all of me, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"Well, that's embarrassing."

"It shouldn't be, Jer. You don't have anything that I haven't seen many times at the hospital."

"Yeah, but this was here, not the hospital."

"Calm down, Jer. Look, so I saw your cock and balls. Big deal. Do I have to show you mine to make us even?"

"No, I didn't mean that. Look, Blake, I'm sorry for this stupid little scene. It's just..."

"Don't apologize. I would probably be upset if the tables were turned. So, you hungry for something to eat. I have a couple of great steaks, some corn on the cob, baked potatoes, a nice salad, and how about vanilla ice cream with strawberries for dessert?"

"That sounds super. Can I help with dinner."

"No, not tonight. This is my treat and your welcome dinner. Maybe after you have been here for a week or two."

We had a wonderful dinner, some wine which I loved, and a great dessert. Blake did let me help with the cleanup and the dishes. Later we watched another movie. It was a science-fiction thing. I don't even remember the name. Blake kept falling asleep. Finally I convinced him to go to bed. He left me in the living room watching TV. I switched off the DVD and flipped through the channels for awhile. That soon grew boring so I went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth and as I was returning to the living room, I peaked into the bedroom and saw Blake sound asleep on the bed. He was so fucking cute. My cock began to rise, so I hurried to my bed, doused the lights and was asleep in minutes.

Kevin kept chasing me with a gun. I ran faster than he did, and when I turned to look, he put the gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger. His head exploded into a million pieces, but his mouth still laughed and his eyes still glared at me. I awoke with a start, covered in persperation and shaking. I needed company. I quietly went to Blake's room and stood by his bed, naked and afraid, waiting. I saw that he was awake and looking at me. I was sobbing, but I managed to ask,

"May I please get in bed with you. I have been having terrible nightmares. Please."

Blake pulled back the covers and I crawled into the bed being careful not to touch his naked body. He reached for me and pulled me toward him, our naked bodies touching. I felt safe for the first time in months. Soon we were both asleep.

When I woke up the next morning, I was alone in bed. I got up and went to the bathroom to piss and brush my teeth. I went out to the kitchen and found Blake sitting naked at the table drinking coffee.

"Morning," I said sheepishly.

"Morning. Did you sleep well? he asked as he looked at me, examining me from head to toe. I could feel my cock beginning to stir. Blake got up from the table, standing there in front of me his penis also rising to the occasion. I tried to hide my privates with my hands.

"Forgive me, Blake. I mean, I'm embarrassed again. I didn't want to throw a woody."

'Jer, don't worry about it. Did you sleep well last night after you got into bed with me?

"I fell asleep immediately after you pulled me over and held me. I felt safe. I slept all night. Thanks, Blake, for being willing to hug a fag."

"Jer, don't use that term. I hugged a young man who needed to be hugged. And I enjoyed it. I liked having you close. I'm not sure what's going on, Jer, but I am willing to let things develop. And, you will sleep with me in my bed. I'm not afraid of you and my bed is much more comfortable than sleeping on the sofa," he told me.

I felt tears running down my face. He was so kind, so thoughtful, so caring. I wanted to say something, but words were caught in my throat. Blake noticed my tears and came to me taking me into his arms. He held me tightly and almost immediately we both were erect. Neither of us said anything nor did we move.

'What? I wondered, 'what would come of this.'

Whatever would happen, I was loved at this moment and that made the world bright and sunny.

********

(Gerry narrates)

It was one of those damn grey and half-rainy mornings. Days that started like this always put me off. Ellen was still asleep, so I moved quietly around the room. I got some clean underwear and went into the bathroom and got in the shower.

As the warm water flowed down over my body, I began to think about how we change as we age. I once had a remarkably fine body, toned, and tanned. Now, even though, I worked out at the club, played tennis and golf, things had begun to sag. I guess I was thinking about the early times when I first met Ellen and fell in love. It had been a wonderful time.

Ellen and I were deeply in love, and our lovemaking was intense and sweet. We were overjoyed when she became pregnant with Ryan. But soon there were complications after his birth and the doctor sadly told us that we could not have any more children. We were devastated. So Ryan became the center of our lives. We lived for him.

I remember the day when Ryan told us he was gay. He was a junior in high school. The prom was coming up, and Ellen had been asking him for weeks about who he would be taking. He always had an excuse, an explanation. I began to wonder about his sexual orientation, but I never let on to Ellen that I was having these thoughts. One night as we were relaxing after making love, Ellen said to me,

"Gerry, Ryan is gay."

"What?"

"He's gay. I know he is. That's why he's not going to the prom. We need to tell him that it's okay, that we still love him."

"Ellen, I've been wondering about the same thing. But I think we should let him tell us. If he doesn't tell us before he leaves for college, then I think we should talk to him about it."

"I don't know, Gerry. There are so many diseases and such out there in the world. If he is sexually active, he could contact one of them. It would ruin his whole life and I would feel guilty."

"Ryan has a good head; he's smart and up-to-date on things. I'm sure he wouldn't do anything stupid. Let's give it some time before we say anything."

It was left that way. Two days later, it was a Saturday, and we were all sitting at the breakfast table. Ellen had made waffles, Ry's favorite. I was reading the paper as the two of them talked about his classes and sports teams. I heard Ellen say something, and then the room was quiet. I put down the paper and looked across the table at Ellen. She sat straight, smiled at me and ate a forkful of waffle. Ryan sat, his head down, no eating.

"Dad, Mom, this is really difficult for me to tell you, but, well, I'm gay!"

"So?" asked Ellen.

"Aren't you disappointed in me?"

"Should we be?" I asked.

"I hope not," he replied.

"Ryan, we maybe a little disappointed that we will not have grandchildren, but we want you to be happy. That's important, Ryan, we want you to be happy," I told him.

"You're happiness is the most important thing in our lives, dearie," added Ellen.

"Thank you for being so understanding. I'm not surprised since I know you are open minded about many things," he said.

"There is one thing, however, Ryan. If you find someone to love and he ever does anything to hurt you, I'll kick the shit out of him. Do you understand?"

"Ryan, is there some young man you would like to take to the Prom?" asked Ellen.

In the midst of much laughter, Ryan said,

"My God, Mom, of course not. I'm taking Judy Cranfield. She's a lesbian, so we'll make a wonderful sexually-screwed up couple. At least you won't have to worry about any illegitimate grandchildren."

Ellen's voice broke through to me,

"Gerry, are you going to be in the shower much longer. You'll be all wrinkled like a prune. We're both wrinkled enough already. Get moving."

"I'll be done in a second. And, by the way, I love every wrinkle you have."

My thought as I dried off with a large soft towel was that today might end with us becoming the grandparents of three young boys. 'Imagine,' I thought, 'three grandsons in one day.' Then I prayed,

"Dear God, let this happen, not for Ellen and me, but for those two young men who have so much love to share. Please let it happen."

********

(Benjamin Costin narrated)

I slipped out of bed and stood for a moment watching Karen sleep. How lucky I had been to have met and married her. She had given me three children and was my major support as I struggled early on with my law career. My children were growing, Travis was a junior in high school and an outstanding student and athlete. He was already looking at colleges and had his sight set on Dartmouth. I had hoped he would like Yale, but he wanted the rural campus and the nearby skiing. I would not try to dissuade him. Faith was in eight grade, a good student, too and musically talented. Our youngest was Cory, now in fourth grade. A jokester, verbally talented, the funniest of us all. I think he may be Karen's favorite. I leaned a little toward Travis because I saw a mirror image of myself.

I hated the thought of today's meeting. Hopefully, Mrs. Crosby would be able to keep things in check. But I wondered about Bigotan. Would he take the meeting in a direction that would spell disaster for all of us? If he screwed up, the agency would be in court for the next ten years.

From what I knew about the two wishing to adopt everything was good. One was a professor of English at State. The other was a student at State, a musical genius, and a multi-millionaire. They could provide a good home with all the essentials that a child would need. But they were gay! I could just hear Bigotan having a field day with that.

These thoughts ran through my head as I worked out for my usual half hour, then to the bath for a long hot shower. When I finally was dressed and went downstairs, Karen had breakfast waiting. Travis and Faith were already eating as they had an early school bus to catch. Cory, as usual was late for breakfast, but his bus arrived later. Over small talk about school and the day's activities, we ate our breakfast. A hug and a kiss from Karen and the kids and I was off the the office for some quick correspondence, and then off the the meeting.

I hoped the day would brighten up a little; I disliked gray days.

********

(Ryan narrates)

After our shower and a light breakfast, we returned to our bedroom to dress for the meeting. I was really a little anxious about what to wear. I knew that I didn't want to appear at the meeting looking like a fag queen. I never had, but I worried that something I might wear would give the committee that sense.

Sean was busy selecting his clothes, apparently not worrying about what the committee would think of him because of what he was wearing. I smiled as I saw what he had decided to wear. He was going to wear a dark suit, cream-colored shirt, and a plain blue tie. He had taken out his black tie shoes and he had selected black dress socks. I almost laughed aloud as I saw him pull on one of his black thongs. As he turned and I saw his beautiful ass, I had an enormous desire to have him, but I pushed it from my mind and went about dressing.

I had selected a brown herringbone suit with a white shirt and a dark brown necktie. I chose dark hose and brown tie shoes. My underwear was a little more reserved than his. Mine were white boxers which Sean had had embroiled with the words, "This belong to me." across my crotch. I knew it wouldn't show so I wasn't worried about that turning off the committee.

I noticed that we both wore our watches and our rings, but we had no other jewelry that might offend someone. Sean's curly hair looked shiny and beautiful. My hair was combed and in place. I had a quick haircut the morning of the cremation. So, all in all, we looked presentable. We were clean shaven and wore only minimal cologne.

"You're a handsome dude," I told Sean.

"And you, Hon, are the sexiest professor at State. If we weren't in a hurry to get to an important meeting, I might ask you to take advantage of me," he told me with his famous giggle.

"Wrong!"

"What do you mean, 'Wrong!'" he asked.

"If we didn't have this meeting to attend, you wouldn't have to ask me to take advantage of you, because at this moment, I would be making passionate love to you," I told him as I pulled him to me and gave him a light kiss on the lips.

"That's the man I married. He knows what I want and he knows how to give it to me," he replied, again with his giggle. He returned my soft kiss.

We left the townhouse, got into the Rover, and were on our way to the meeting. My guts were rolling, and I didn't have butterflies, I had flying elephants. Sean was quiet for a bit, then he said,

"Ry, I think I may have to vomit. My stomach is doing strange things. I'm so nervous."

"Me, too," I added.

"What should we do?" he asked.

"Think happy thoughts about the boys and our new home. That should take care of our nerves," I suggested.

********

(Rita Crosby narrates)

I was the first of the group to arrive at the offices of Darrell and Jones. The receptionist was pleasant and welcomed me and then directed me to the conference room where the meeting was to take place. I gave her some instructions, which she understood, so I left and went into the conference room.

The first thing I did was to count the chairs. There were nine chairs, five for the committee, two for the couple, and two for attorneys. I pulled three more from the wall and placed them around the table. That seemed appropriate, so I let it be.

There were pads and pencils in a pile at the head of the table. I quickly distributed them to each of the twelve places. I wondered about water when Margot, the receptionist came in carrying two pitchers of iced water.

"I have glasses to bring in, Mrs. Crosby. Mr. Darrell has arranged for coffee and donuts for a bit later. I'll be sure to knock before I come in. I'll wait for you to tell me to enter. I think that's all."

"That sounds great. Has anyone else arrived?" I asked.

"Not yet, but they should be arriving shortly as the time of the meeting is only ten minutes away. I'll shoo them in when they arrive. Is there anything else?"

"No. Thanks, Margot."

Margot left the room with the door ajar. I sat at the table and reviewed the order I hoped the meeting would follow. As I pondered what the two men would look like, Benjamin Costin came into the room. He shut the door behind him.

"Morning, Rita. I have a couple of things I wanted to speak to you about before everyone else arrives. First, if Bigotan gets to explosive, let me handle him. Also, be very careful what you ask the two men seeking this adoption. The wrong question, especially if the committee doesn't approve could lead to a protracted legal battle. Be sure that you allow the couple ample time to speak themselves. To do otherwise might also produce a problem for the agency. That's about it. If I see anything else that is a problem, I will stand which will be a signal for you to call for a break in the meeting."

"Fine, I understand all that. Ben, are you worried about this meeting? You sound as if we had to walk on glass."

"I am not worried. I just want to be sure that we do everything the correct way. I'm sure they will have an attorney present who will be watching and listening carefully to be sure that their rights are not infringed upon." Before I could respond, there was a knock at the door.

"You may come in," I said.

The other four members of the committee came into the room. Richard Silverstone led the way, smiling and happy. Marion Cantor and Sheila Devonsted came in more or less together, and Larry Bigotan came in last, scowling and petulant. Ben Costin glanced at me and frowned. I had a deep desire to laugh, but I contained myself. I asked them to sit in seats I had selected, keeping Larry as far as possible from the two men.

After they had seated themselves, I discussed the ground rules. No one was to speak unless I recognized them. There would be reasonable limits on the amount of time any members of the committee could use.

"Sounds like we can't say anything. Some kind of a control thing going on. What's the matter, Rita, afraid I might turn be a pain in the butt. I'll be a good boy, at least for a while."

Benjamin Costin, speaking firmly and clearly interrupted,

"Larry, and the rest of you. Understand this. If we don't conduct this meeting carefully, we're going to be in court for the next ten years. And don't think the courts won't tackle it. So watch you tongue, understand."

Bigotan was laughing, tipped back in his chair. He asked,

"What they gonna do, Ben, shoot us?"

"Worse than that, Larry. They could tie up your assets for years. That is before the court gave it all to them in payment for damages. So be careful."

There was a knock at the door.

"You may come in," I said.

Two gentlemen, one white and one black entered the room. Immediately, Biogtan's eyes became snake-like slits and he almost hissed in displeasure, assuming I think, that he thought this was the couple. If it hadn't been so serious, I might have laughed aloud.

Looking directly at me, the white gentlemen spoke,

"I am Daniel Hazelton, attorney for the petitioners. This is a partner in the firm, Craig Danvers. We are both handling the legal work for Mr. Kelly and Mr. Taylor. I hope that it will be acceptable with you that Mr. Danvers be in the room during the meeting. Also, Mrs. Crosby, I wish to record the meeting so that there is no confusion about what is said. Is that acceptable?" I looked to Ben, who smiled and spoke,

"Glad to meet you Mr. Haselton and Mr. Danvers. I am Benjamin Costin, the attorney for the agency. I see no problem with Mr. Danvers being in the room. And it is fine if you wish to record the meeting."

Larry Bigotan, grunted and pushed his chair away from the table. Standing rigidly at his place, he spoke,

"Mr. Costin, Mrs. Crosby, I wish to have it in the record that I disapprove of the recording of the meeting, and think it is an unfair situation to have two lawyers for the applicants." That said he sat down immediately.

With a smile on her face, Rita Crosby replied,

"So noted. Everyone is now present so I will ask Margot to have the applicants come into the room. They have been waiting in a nearby room. First, I will ask them to introduce themselves, next I'll ask them if they wish to address the committee on the reasons they wish to adopt. Is that acceptable to everyone?" No one answered so I walked to the door and asked Margot to bring in Mr. Kelly and Mr. Taylor.

All eyes were on the door.

To be continued...

A special 'thank you' goes to my editor and proof reader, Wayne. His contribution is significant and greatly appreciated.

As Sean would say, "He's "Awesome!"

Feedback always welcome:     

 

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