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Note: The characters Special Agent Rich Mason, Ben Jacobs and Bennie Jacobs are from his story The President's Son and are used with the express permission of the author, Miguel Sanchez.
LIL BROS (2)
SUMMER HOLIDAYS
High school was over, Michael had graduated. The summer was about to begin and it was holiday time. Time to rest and relax, Cory still had a few weeks left before he was finished his classes, and that gave Michael time to plan a vacation for them both, but first he had to get some school to teach him how to drive. Michael also wanted to hire a housekeeper, cook so that Michael could spend more time with Cory and with college starting in the fall he really wouldn't have time to do everything.
The third week of June and Michael had his license, and was about to buy a car. Michael was looking at a Ford Mustang with its six air bags, and all the bells and whistles that a teen would want. The selling feature of the car, was the new addition of the my key program that could be set.
Now that Michael had his car and license, he started getting ready to take Cory on a holiday that he wouldn't forget. Michael decided to fly out to California and then hire a car and driver to take them around.
Two days after Cory had finished classes, Michael and Cory were flying out to California. For Cory this was his first time in a aircraft, so he was bouncing around, staring out the windows and giggling away. After Michael and Cory had lunch, Cory seemed to settle down a bit, snuggling up to Michael, Cory soon was sleeping. Michael was too nervous to sleep. He was remembering that his parents had died on a flight, so Michael sat wide awake.
California is a land of sunshine, movie stars and smog; but it is also a land of enjoyment. Especially for a boy who was nine. When the flight landed Michael took Cory's hand, and together they walked to the baggage area and waited. Cory thought it was cool how the bags would come out of hiding and then go around in circles as others tried to grab them. Soon the two had their bags and was heading over to where their car and driver were waiting. "Good afternoon. You must be the Caine's?' The driver asked as he took the bags and placed them in the trunk of the limousine, then held the door for Michael and Cory.
"Yes we are answered Michael. Were you told of our destination?" Michael asked as he took his seat.
"Yes sir, we should be there in about an hour. The driver replied.
Siting back Michael started to relax, the tension from the flight leaving him as they got closer to their hotel. Michael had not told Cory where they were going, so when Cory saw the sign for Disneyland he screamed and hugged Michael tightly. "You're the bestest bro. I love you." Cory laughed and cried into Michael's chest.
"For you bro only the best fun you can have this week." Michael whispered pulling Cory tighter to him.
Signing into their hotel the bell hop took their bags and showed the boys too their suite. The suite was huge with two queen size beds, a large Jacuzzi bath, and a window that over looked the park. Cory's squeals of delight and his running around the room; soon had Michael falling on one of the beds laughing. Michael was laughing so hard his sides hurt and he had tears running down his cheeks.
Way to early the next morning Cory pounced on Michael's bed telling him to wake up that it was time to go to the park and on the rides. Looking at the clock beside the bed Michael saw that it was only six. "Cory, it is to early yet, the park doesn't open till nine. Come on curl up and sleep a bit more." Michael said as he yawned and pulled Cory down beside him.
"Awe, but I wanna have some fun; I wanna meet Mickey and all them people." Cory pouted.
"I know you do buddy, but until the park opens we have to wait." Michael answered as he closed his eyes and snuggled Cory closer to him. For another hour the two lay in bed, before Cory started to fidget. Opening his eyes again Michael groaned and then smiled. "Cory go take a shower then get dressed in shorts and t-shirt." Michael told Cory.
"Okay, but you gotta get up too." Cory said as he bounced off the bed and ran to the bathroom.
As soon as Cory had finished his shower Michael took his and soon the boys were taking the elevator down for breakfast. Bacon and eggs, waffles and juice, a strange combination for Cory to eat, but he was hungry. Michael just had some eggs and toast with a glass of juice. As soon as the boys were finished eating and Cory had washed his hands and face again, they walked out side and waited for the shuttle that would take them to the park. The wait wasn't long but Cory was jumping around, his excitement was intoxicating to the others that were gathered and waiting for the shuttle also.
Once on the bus it was just a short ten minute ride to the park, but it was loud with the kids getting more excited the closer they got. That first day Cory was dragging Michael around wanting to go every where at once. Cory had his picture taken with Mickey and Minnie, then took Michael over to the bumper cars. An hour of trying to crush his brother with the cars Cory soon tired and together they left and started looking around. Stopping at a souvenir shop Michael bough some t-shirts and mouse ears for Cory. The day was getting on and Cory had taken Michael on most of the rides. The last, being a roller coaster that was made for little kids. Though Michael wasn't pleased with the ride, the look of pure joy in Cory's eyes was more than enough for Michael. This was a holiday that neither would forget and that was what Michael wanted.
A week in California really is not long enough to see everything, but the two boys had a blast. They got a tour of Paramount studios and then went and saw a movie at the Chinese theater. The last night in California Michael took Cory to the Hard Rock Café, by the time they got back to their hotel room Cory was sound asleep on Michael's shoulder.
After a good night's sleep, followed by a large breakfast, Michael and Cory soon were being driven to the airport for their flight to Edmonton, Alberta. There Michael planned on taking Cory to the exhibition and to the Indy car races. This would be two weeks of fun. Neither Michael nor Cory had been to a car race, so this was something new for them both.
The flight wasn't long, but the ride from the airport to the hotel seemed to take forever as cars moved slowly through construction zones and past an accident. The hotel MacDonald looked down over the river valley. The sun glinting off the water threw shadows of ethereal figures against the shore. This was one of the things Michael noticed when he stood at the window after getting into his suite. Cory had run to the bathroom and was still in there, so Michael having left the window unpacked their bags and then called for Cory.
With Cory at his side Michael left the hotel and together they walked up the street and past the library. At Churchill square the boys heard some music, so crossing the street they ambled through the crowd listening and looking around. Seeing Edmonton city hall, the two walked towards it as the glass pyramid look to it fascinated Michael. Cory saw the wading pool with the fountains spraying. Letting go of Michael's hand, Cory took off his sneakers and socks, but before Michael could stop him Cory ran into the water and soon was splashing and laughing with a few of the other children that were there.
The first week that Michael and Cory spent in Edmonton was going really well. The two had gone to the Valley zoo, taken a tour of all the animals, even spent time with Lucy the elephant. The next thing Cory wanted to do was take a ride on the miniature train that ran around the zoo. A quick lunch and then Michael suggested that they go for a ride on one of the paddle boats, that way their lunch cold settle and they both could relax a bit. For most of the afternoon the two boys stayed with the paddle boat, and then it was a bus ride back to the hotel and a warm shower before dinner. Cory had just stepped out of the bathroom when he looked over at Michael. "My belly hurts Michael." Cory cried.
"Come lay down for a bit and see if that helps." Michael said as he patted the bed beside him.
Crawling up Cory curled tightly to Michael and closing his eyes. "Did you have a hot shower?" Michael asked as he noticed that Cory's body was really warm.
"Nah uh, I had a cool one, cause I was feeling hot." mumbled Cory.
"That is okay, just try and relax. I'll get you some cool water." Michael said as he started to swing off the bed, only to have Cory cry out, forcing Michael to stop. "Cory I think I am going to take you to the hospital. Just to get you checked out. Okay?" Michael said as he leaned down and put his lips on Cory's forehead and noticed he really felt hot.
"Uh huh, I'm sorry Mike." Cory whispered.
"Its okay buddy, you didn't plan on getting sick.
"But I wrecked our fun."
No buddy, we have had lots of fun, now just relax. I am going to call for some help."
Michael didn't know what he hated more the hospital or the fact that it seemed to take forever to see a doctor. He knew that if he was home Cory would have been seen right away. Michael was just about to go find a doctor when a heavy set nurse walked in. "Mr. Caine, we seem to have a problem, since you don't have a parent with you, we can not treat your brother." She said.
"What do you mean you can't treat him, this is a hospital?" Michael asked slowly as he started getting mad.
"Sorry, but those are the policies and we have to follow them."
"Lady, I don't give a damn about your rules, my little brother is hurting, now find me a doctor, or do I find a lawyer. I may not know how you do things up here, but back home he would have been seen right away."
"Then I guess you had better go back home." The nurse said not giving in.
Michael was doing a slow boil then he remembered he had a copy of Judge Montoya's adoption papers with him. He reached into his pocket and took it out and handed it to nurse Battleaxe. "Here's the reason I don't need my parents here, it's because I'M HIS FATHER."
The bitch snatched the paper out of his hand and read it. What she did next was send Michael into a full rage. She wadded up the court order then threw it at him. "Those are forged papers. I'll have you arrested for trying to pass yourself off as this boy's father. Now, take that brat the hell out of here before I throw him and you out of here on your ass."
"That's it, get me your boss."
"I'll do no such thing; now take your brother and leave." She said as she started to storm over to the bed Cory was lying in.
"What's going on here?" A young doctor interrupted as he walked up.
"This woman refuses to have some one look at my brother." Michael snapped.
"Oh and where is your brother?" The doctor asked
"Lying on one of your beds in there," Michael said as he pointed towards Cory.
"Well come with me, let's go see your brother and try to help him."
"Doctor, he does not have any parents." The nurse snarled.
"You just don't listen, lady, I tried to tell you I was his guardian, I even tried to show you the papers, but no you balled them up and threw them at me." Michael stated with anger.
"Well we'll see if you get help now, your attitude stinks." The bitch said to Michael as the young doctor listened intently.
Michael was going to say more when Cory let out a loud scream. Turning Michael ran to his said and gently grasped his hand. "Hang in there buddy, the doctor's here and he will look after you." Michael whispered.
"My tummy really hurts Mike, make it stop." Cory sobbed.
"The doctor will, just relax, let him look at you."
As Michael was trying to calm his brother, the doctor was slowly checking Cory over. "Young man I need to take his temperature, so if you can keep him from moving for a few seconds that would be great." The doctor spoke
The doctor continued his examination, with Michael sitting there holding Cory's hand when the curtain was pushed aside and an elderly gray hair man stepped in. "Doctor I want you to stop this exam and have the patient sent home." The man spoke.
"I can't do that." The young doctor spoke. "This young man from what I can tell so far has acute appendicitis and I refuse to send a sick child out of the hospital on your say so."
I am the head of this department." The man snapped.
"I don't care if you're the pope, this is a sick child and he comes before your damn rules.
"I don't care who the hell you two are, just help my brother." Michael yelled.
"Young man we can not take care of him without his guardian's approval." The man spoke up surprised at Michael's outburst.
"I am his guardian." Michael spoke taking the balled up papers from his pocket then smoothed them out and handed them to the old man.
"I see, where are your parents, why aren't they with you?"
"They are dead."
Having read the papers the head of the department turned and looked at the nurse that had started the problems. "Did you read these?" he asked.
"Of course not; the brat didn't show those to me." The nurse answered.
Michael had finally had enough of her. "I did so," Michael screamed. "How do you think they got balled up? She even told me they were forgeries but if you look, you can see the raised seal from the district court in Naples, Florida."
"She tried to cover her ass. "Naples Florida, She rebuked. "Everyone knows Naples is in Italy."
The old man looked at her. "You obviously failed world geography," He said. "There does happen to be a city in Florida named Naples."
She got huffy. "I don't believe you."
"Very well," The man said. "You're relieved of duty till further notice; this isn't the first complaint we have had against you."
With the nurse gone the two doctors then took time out and drew some blood sending it to the lab. Within minutes the results were back and the old man was able to confirm what the younger man had said. Calling for an operating room the two doctors took Cory back to the examination room where he would be with his brother. "Young man.," The old doctor spoke. "We have to operate and remove your brother's appendix. It will take about 90 minutes, when we are done we will come and get you."
"Thank you both," Michael cried, "I can't lose him."
"You won't, I promise you that." The young doctor said as he placed a warm hand on Michael's shoulder.
Once Michael knew his brother was being looked after he went outside and called home to see how things were and to talk with Scott. Michael hearing that the house was okay and that the brothers were all looking after it gave Michael some peace. Scott then asked Michael. "When are you and Cory coming home?" Scott asked.
"Don't know, I had to take Cory to the hospital, they are operating on him now." Michael answered as he stared at the hospital doors.
"What happened?" Scott asked.
"His Belly started hurting, and when the doctor's looked at him they said he had appendicitis. They had to operate"
"He'll be fine right?"
"Yeah, he'll be fine, just worried."
"Do you want me to come join you?" Scott asked with a worried sound in his voice.
"No, we should be okay for a few days then we'll come home. I know that it will be a couple weeks before Cory can do anything."
"Okay, but if you need me just call, we'll get some food in the place for you guys."
"Thanks, I'll call you and let you know what is happening and when we'll be home." Michael said.
"Okay, Michael I miss you, really can't wait till you're home, hope you got lots of pictures."
"Miss you too. I got to go, don't want to stay out here to long."
"Relax dude, he's going to be fine, you're not losing him." Michael said trying to put Scott's mind at ease.
"I'm just worried that's all."
"I know; I am also."
Michael was waiting just outside the recovery room when the young doctor came up to him. "Young man," the doctor started. "I have to tell you that your brother is going to be alright, however when we got him into surgery he appendix burst, we have managed to get him cleaned up, but his fever spiked and now he's in a coma.
As the doctor was talking, Michael started to pace back and forth in an agitated state, the doctor noticed this and the clenching of Michael's hands. "Son you have to relax, we are doing the best we can right now, he is on strong antibiotics and the nurses have him covered with cool towels to help lower his fever. He is being monitored around the clock, so we are doing everything humanly possible for him."
Michael listened intently to what the doctor had told him but once again, fears of losing another brother were taking over his thoughts. The doctor tried to talk softly and calmly to the teen but it didn't seem to help. Michael started shaking and crying and became inconsolable. "WHY? I CAN'T LOSE ANOTHER. GOD, WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME? HAVEN'T I DONE EVERYTHING YOU'VE WANTED OF ME?"
Michael was going through a full meltdown. The young doctor had no choice but to sedate him.
He returned with a couple of orderly's but by now the teen had gone totally limp. The doctor lowered the boy's jeans and stuck the needle into his hip, delivering the sedative. Gently placing Michael on a bed the young doctor had him placed in the same room as his brother. Hours later when Michael woke up and saw his brother laying there, the tubes and machines, whirring and beeping once more brought tears to Michael's eyes. Slowly getting up he stepped over and carefully sat on the edge of Cory's bed, taking his hand and holding it. He was still holding it when the young doctor came back in. "Well young man, are you feeling a bit better?"
"Yes, but he looks so peaceful. Doctor, thanks for all you have done." Michael whispered.
"You're more than welcome. Now I may not know a lot of things, but I can tell you are holding onto a lot of hurt, and sooner or later that is going to cause you problems. If you want and since Cory is going to be here for a few days, I can set you up with a youth psychologist, maybe you can talk with her."
"I don't know, it might help, but, well I think I'll wait till I get home, I can talk with my friend's mom. She has always been there for me when I needed her the most."
"Well it was just a thought, now come on let's go see your brother."
Back in Naples, Fla. Scott having just spoken with Michael hung up and walked into the kitchen where he saw his mother and Richie sitting at the table quietly talking. Looking up Richie saw a worried look on his brother's face.
"What is it Scott?" Richie asked. "Was that Michael?"
"Yeah, it was he was just checking in." Scott mumbled.
"And?" Richie asked sounding frustrated.
"Well he had to take Cory to the hospital, Michael says he is going to be fine, but I could tell he was worried, maybe even scared." Scott said still sounding worried.
"There is nothing you can do Scott." Richie said trying to reassure his brother.
"I could go be with him."
"He'll be home in a few days, so just relax." His mother interrupted.
That night Scott had a very restless sleep, his thoughts on Michael and Cory, some where not pleasant. His dreams were more like nightmares. With a scream Scott woke, sweat dripping off his forehead. Getting up he grabbed his cell phone and called Michael, but all he got was the voicemail. Going over to his brother's room he knocked and went in. "Richie wake up."
"What is it Scott, and what damn time is it?" Richie mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes
"It's like 2 am, something's wrong."
"What could be wrong at this time of morning, other than you disturbing my sleep?" Richie groaned.
"I don't know it's just a feeling, I think I am going to go and be with Michael."
"You know mom's not going to let you go." Richie said trying to keep from shouting and waking their mother in the process.
"I know that is why I am not going to tell her, you will after I leave." Scott said starting to leave the room.
"Oh no, I am not doing that, you got to talk to her."
"You gotta do this for me; I can't wait till she wakes up." Scott said stopping at the door.
"No bro, this you have to do, beside Michael could be sleeping, now go back to bed and try calling Michael again in the morning."
"Okay maybe your right. It's just, I don't know," Scott started, "This feeling that he's on edge."
"Well you did say Cory was in the hospital, just think what that would do to you if you were him."
"Probably freak out big time."
"There you go, now go back to bed, I need my sleep."
"No kidding, you do need your beauty sleep."
Leaving Richie to fall back to sleep, Scott went into the kitchen and grabbed a glass of juice, sitting at the table he got lost in his thoughts and before he knew it the sun was starting to peek through the windows. He was still sitting there when his mother walked in. "Scott what are you doing up so early?"
"Huh, oh morning mom, I had a bad night and I needed to think. Also I wanted to talk to you before you left."
"Okay, let me get my coffee and you can tell me what's bothering you."
"Mom, I want to go up and be with Michael, I had a bad feeling last night and I think he needs some one."
"Scott, I know you want to be with him, but what can you do?"
"I can be there for him, I wasn't when he lost Tommy, and now with Cory in the hospital who knows how Michael's doing." Scott said pleading his case to his mother.
"Have you tried phoning him?"
"Yeah when I first woke up, but all I got was his voice mail."
"Well why not try again, that is after you have had your shower and something to eat."
"Okay, but you haven't said whether or not I can go."
"No I haven't and I won't till we hear more on how Michael and Cory are doing."
"Thanks mom, I'll call soon as I get done." Scott said finishing his juice the heading for the shower.
"Good now I am off to work. Call when you know something."
"I will."
At the hospital Michael had fallen back to sleep sitting on Cory's bed and was still there when the nurse came in followed by a different doctor. The nurse who was new to the pediatrics unit saw the way Michael was sleeping and gently woke him. "Young man you can't sit there, like that, it's not good for you." The nurse whispered.
"Why not, this way Cory knows I am here for him." Michael replied in a tired voice.
"Well it's not good for you and what if you fell over as you were sleeping?" the nurse said in a caring voice.
"Then I fall, not that it will matter, if Cory doesn't wake up. He's all I care about."
"I understand, now come sit in the chair, while the doctor looks your brother over and I will see about getting you something to eat."
"Thanks, but I'm not hungry."
"Now you have to eat, and I am not going to have you arguing about it." The nurse smiled as she said that. "Besides I bet I can find you some ham and eggs."
"Fine, you win." Michael said relenting.
"I know; there is one thing I learned from an old friend and mentor and that was to listen and hear what a person was saying, I also know a friend sometimes helps more than just a smile. If you need anything just ask for Sarah and I will come see you."
"Thanks Sarah, I am Michael, and that turkey lying there is my bro Cory."
"Okay now let me help the doctor here and then I will get you something to eat." Sarah said moving over to the bed to assist the physician.
"Thanks."
For the rest of the day Michael stayed with Cory, not wanting to be far away from him, even going so far as to ignore his phone vibrating in his pocket. At lunch time when the Doctor came back to check Cory he noticed that his temperature was slowly dropping, so he had the nurse keep up the cool towels. Michael watched everything closely. By supper time, Michael had noticed some slight movements in Cory's fingers, so he went out and spoke with Nurse Sarah.
With Sarah beside him, the two went back to see Cory, and were surprised to see that he had his eyes open a bit. Rushing over Michael leaned over and gave Cory a kiss on his forehead. "Oh bro you had me so scared." Michael whispered as tears started to roll down his cheeks.
"What happened, the last thing I remember was some one giving me a needle?" Cory whispered.
"Well they operated, on you and there were a few problems, but now you're gonna be fine. Oh and this is Nurse Sarah, she's been looking after you, she's kewl."
"Hi and thank you." Cory whispered a bit louder this time.
"Well Cory, looks like you're doing great. I am going to call the doctor and he will come and look at you, then maybe we can remove some of these wires and things." Nurse Sarah spoke a big smile on her face.
"That would be okay, just no more needles please." Cory said with an almost pleading look in his eyes.
"Well I can't promise you that, but I can promise you some chocolate ice cream if you like."
"Uh huh." Cory nodded his head smiling. "Um how long do I gotta be here?"
"That is up to your doctor, but I would say maybe a day or two."
"Oh man we'll miss the car races." Cory cried.
"I don't care bro, just as long as you get better." Michael started. "When they let you go we will have to go home, and you can finish getting better there, beside I bet your missing Scott and the others."
"Kinda, but I really wanted to see the races."
"Well we can do that next year maybe even get tickets for the Indy 500?"
"Oh man that would be so wicked." Cory said starting to get excited then sat up.
"Now calm down Cory." Nurse Sarah said as she placed her hand on Cory's shoulder.
With the nurse and doctor checking Cory over, Michael sat back watching thinking on how to get his brother home without to many hassles. He was still thinking about this when they brought in dinner for him and some soup for Cory, the doctor had ordered it not wanting anything heavy on Cory's stomach so soon after waking. As Promised Nurse Sarah had gone down and gotten Cory a large bowl of chocolate ice cream.
"Here you go little man." She said as she placed the bowl in front of him.
"Thanks, you're the best nurse around."
"I try to be, but we all make mistakes even me." Sarah laughed as she walked away.
Just after Cory had finished eating he fell asleep, this gave Michael time to go outside and Call Scott and his family. The phone hadn't even rang once before it was picked up. "Hey it's your nickel place your bet and I'll take it." Richie answered.
"You're one wacked out dude, Richie, is Scott around." Michael asked when he had a chance.
"Michael, what the hell, Scott's been trying to call you all day. What is going on?" Richie said, almost shouting into the phone.
"I knew someone was trying, but I didn't want to leave Cory, now that he is awake, well sleeping now since he ate, I thought I would come outside and call."
"Man you had us all so worried, how is the little guy, is everything alright?"
"He's doing better, he,, oh god, his appendix burst and well when his temperature spiked he went into a coma, now that his temperature is back to normal he's awake, I don't now when we'll get out of here, but I am hoping it will be in a couple days." Michael said fighting to hold back tears as he related Cory's tale of woe.
"Oh man I am sorry, you tell Cory we miss him and he had better get well soon."
"I will, and can you tell Scott and your mother for me, let them know I will phone tomorrow when I know more."
"Sure dude, and hey you take it easy, Scott said you were on edge."
"How would you be if this happened to you?" Michael snapped.
"Honestly I don't know, but I do know you've been through hell these last three years."
"Sorry Richie, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that and yeah I have. I just wish it would end."
"It's okay bro, you under a lot of stress; I think if I was in your shoes I would be flipping out on every one."
"Well with everything that is going on I had hoped that this vacation would ease things, but then we didn't plan on this happening."
"True. Now how are you guys getting home?" Richie said.
"Well I have been thinking that I might charter a plane, that way we get there faster, but it would be better for Cory."
"Yeah it would be faster, but why better for Cory?"
"Well he still has stitches and if some one bumped into him and he fell they could break open and then we are right back in the hospital."
"Good point, you call and tell us when you're flying home and we'll come and pick you two up."
"I'll do that, as I said it could be a couple days. I better go back in I don't want Cory waking and me not being there."
"Sure and bro take it easy, remember we're here for you."
"I know buddy, give Scott a hug for me would you?"
"Hmmm sure, but you know I don't normally hug my bro."
"Just tell him it's from me. Talk you soon."
The most of the night Michael sat beside Cory's bed until a nurse came in and told him he needed to sleep. Curling up beside Cory, Michael gently draped his arm over his brother and soon was sleeping also.
Then next morning when Nurse Sarah came in and woke them, she smiled and told the two that breakfast would soon be here and then the doctor would let them know if Cory could go home. Hearing that Michael quickly used the bathroom then told Cory that he had to make a phone call, but that he would be back in about ten minutes. "I'll stay with the little guy." Sarah said knowing that Michael hated leaving Cory alone.
"Thanks, I'll try to make it fast."
Quickly going outside Michael called a charter company and arranged for a flight home, He knew that it was going to be costly, but when he was told the price he almost dropped his phone. Thanking the lady he hung up and stood there. "Oh well I guess I will just have to borrow a wheel chair,' Thought Michael as he headed back inside.
Once back in Cory's room and eating breakfast the two boys were talking when the young doctor that had first seen Cory walked in. "Good morning boys." The doctor said as he walked over. "How are you two doing?"
"Okay, when can I go home?" Cory asked.
"Well let me look at you and then I can tell you, but if everything is good how would tomorrow sound?"
"Ungh," Michael said frowning "I'll just have to get a wheel chair for when we are at the airport."
"I am sure they can get him one." The young doctor said smiling. "I will even give you a note so that they know it is doctor's orders."
"Thanks, we'll just have to go pack our bags and sign out of the hotel first, but that shouldn't be a problem."
After breakfast, Michael called a cab then went over to the McDonald Hotel so he could pack their clothes and check out. Since he was staying at the hospital there was no need to pay for a room no one was using. He had the driver wait on him then he went to his room and packed Cory and his clothes. He had a bellman bring his things down and put them into the waiting taxi. When he went to the desk, the clerk smiled. "How may I help you?"
"I'm checking out." Michael said as he put the two key cards on the counter.
"What's the name sir?" The desk clerk asked.
"Michael Caine."
The clerk typed the name into the computer. "I see you're booked here for two weeks."
"Yes that's correct." Mike said.
"Well, we're going to have to charge you for the full two weeks." The clerk said rather rudely.
"What, WHY?" Mike said almost shouting.
"The clerk was giggling. "Because I said so and if you don't you'll be arrested for defrauding an innkeeper."
"That's blackmail," Michael screamed raising holy hell in the lobby.
The desk clerk started typing into the computer. A few minutes later, he presented Michael a bill for $4,578. 41. "Shall I put this on the card you presented at the time of check in?"
Michael was livid. He snatched the bill out of the clerk's hand and the key cards off the desk then stomped over to the elevator. He saw the cart with their luggage on it and pulled it into the now open elevator. "I'll be back." He said then pushed the button for his floor.
`Yeah and your bill will be even higher when you return.' The clerk thought.
A few seconds later the doors opened and Michael wheeled his luggage down the hall. He opened the door to his room then went inside and made a phone call to his friend, Judge Alonzo Montoya. "Hello Your Honor."
"Michael, what a pleasant surprise, how are you and better yet, how is Cory?
When Mike heard his brother's name, he broke down completely. "Oh Judge Montoya, I almost lost another one."
"WHAT?" The jurist almost shouted. "Michael, calm down now, everything will be alright, I promise."
Michael told his friend everything that had happened to Cory and how he felt he almost lost his brother when he slipped into the coma. Michael was still crying then he told this Judge what the hotel was trying to pull. Judge Montoya was furious at the thought of a business trying to extort money from a teenager. "Your Honor, what am I going to do? I can well afford to pay the bill but it's..."
"That's not the point Michael." Alonzo said firmly. "He's basically trying to extort money from you and that's a felony. Now, please call me Alonzo."
"Yes Sir," Michael answered the jurist. "So what do I do Sir?" Michael said wiping his eyes and blowing his nose.
"Can you send me a copy of the bill?" Alonzo asked.
Michael took a photo of the bill with his smart phone then emailed to the judge. "It's on its way. You should have it in your email."
The judge opened his email and saw the bill. "Good God Mike, did you have luxury food every night along with champagne?"
Michael broke down crying again. "N...no Sir. Honest." Mike managed to get out through his sobs.
The jurist had his work cut out for him. "Mike my friend, calm down now. I believe you."
It took several minutes but Michael finally got his emotions under control. "Yes Sir," Mike said through the hic cups.
Michael calmed down and told Alonzo that from the second day they were there, no one had been in the room and he could prove it. "Michael, I want you to relax and let me handle this now. Do you understand me?"
"Alright Alonzo," Michael said then the judge ended the call.
He made a phone call to a friend of his. "Judge Romero's court." A voice said.
"May I please speak to Judge Romero please, this is Judge Alonzo Montoya."
"One moment Your Honor." The voice said then a minute later he hears. "Alonzo, this is indeed a surprise. How are things south of the border?"
"Not bad my friend, but I'm sad to say this isn't a social call."
"Oh oh, how may I help you, my friend?" Judge Romero asked.
"I have a friend who is staying at the McDonald Hotel." I started.
"Alonzo that is a very fine hotel." Albert said.
"After you hear what I have to say, you might not think like that." Alonzo replied. "As I was saying, I have a young man who is staying there and his adopted son was admitted to the hospital there. He had made a reservation and booked the room for two weeks but with what's happened, he decided to check out because he couldn't see it necessary to pay for a room that wasn't being utilized. Albert, please check your email and you'll see a list of charges that according to Michael, are false as he was not even there. His son was in the hospital in surgery at the time those charges allegedly were made."
"Hummm," Albert said. "That's fraud and falsification of a bill which is a crime here. I will issue a warrant for his arrest."
"Thank you my friend," Alonzo said. "Here is his phone number. Give me a minute to call him and explain things to him so you he won't freak out when you call him."
"You're welcome my friend. I hope we can see each other soon." Albert said.
Alonzo ended the call then quickly called Michael and filled him in. A few minutes later Michael received a call from Judge Romero. Michael and Judge Romero talked and agree to be in the lobby in thirty minutes and check out. At the appointed time, Michael went down to the lobby and once again he met the desk clerk. "I'll be checking out now."
The clerk printed out another bill. "Do you want this on your credit card Mr. Caine?"
Michael looked at the bill. In the time he was upstairs his bill jumped from $4,578. 41 to $5,257. 96. "Would you like to tell me what these charges are?
"Well let's see here," The desk clerk said. "We have today's room fee, the room service charge, meal fee, meal taxes, gratuities, and service charges."
"I'll take that, if you please," A well dressed man said as he took the papers from Michael.
"Excuse me Sir, who are you and why are you looking at this man's private bill?" The clerk said.
The man reached into his pocket and removed a badge case. "I'm Officer Eric Holbrook from the Edmonton Police Department. I'm with the fraud squad and I'd like for you to explain all of these charges." Holbrook stated.
"Uh, well, these are all usual and customary charges for services here at the McDonald Hotel."
"Is that so," The officer asked. "Do you charge these when the guest isn't even in here?"
"Of course not," The clerk said. "That would be illegal."
"Yes it would and it just so happens that Mr. Caine wasn't even here for the last two days yet you've billed him for meals and things he never had."
"Of course they were." The clerk said.
"Then let me see the signed receipt authorizing the meal to his room." The constable said.
"Ah let me see if I can find it." The clerk said then started looking for something he knew wasn't there. "There seems to be a problem. Those receipts are missing. I'll fix his statement right away."
Just then the manager came out. "Is there a problem?"
The officer reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. "I have a warrant for your desk clerk charging him with fraud."
The clerk looked at his boss. "There's been a mistake Sir, I'm correcting his bill now."
The manager heard enough. "You deliberately did this Adam."
"It was a mistake, pure and simple." Adam fired back.
The officer pulled out another piece of paper. "Sir, if you look at this, it will verify Mr. Caine wasn't even here but at the hospital with his brother who was undergoing emergency surgery."
The manager looked at the clerk, "An accident huh?"
"Yes Sir," Adam said.
"Bullshit, you're fired." The manager said. "Officer, he's all yours. Mr. Caine, please accept my deepest apologies for what our employee tried to do to you. Your stay is on the house and the next time you're in Edmonton, you have a free room and meals for you and your brother for two weeks."
The constable went around and cuffed the desk clerk as Michael stood there not knowing what to say. "I ah thank you." Michael stammered.
"No Mr. Caine, we thank you for calling this to our attention so we can continue to live up to everyone's expectations. I'm sorry about your brother. I hope he'll be alright."
The manager extended his hand and Michael shook it. "Yes, he'll be fine. We're heading home tomorrow so he can finish recovering."
"Well, that's good news. Remember, you have a standing reservation here at the McDonald Hotel anytime you're in Edmonton."
The manager took Michael's luggage out to the cab personally and put them into the trunk. "Have a safe trip home Mr. Caine."
The cab took Michael back to the hospital where he could be with his brother Cory.
To be continued.
A lot more to come. Your comments welcome at
thewriter1@live.ca flames ignored.