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Note: The characters Special Agent Rich Mason, Ben Jacobs and Bennie Jacobs from his story The President's Son are used with the expressed permission of the author Miguel Sanchez.
Lives Changed Chapter4-B Decisions
Over in the West Wing Ace was looking for an agent. He spotted him, "Wiley, my office NOW!"
"Yeah what?" Stan snarled.
Ace wasn't in any mood for his attitude. He closed the door then sat down. "First off, when you speak to me, you'll do it some respect, do I make myself clear?"
Stan looked up at Ace and he could tell he wasn't happy. "Yes Agent Mason, what can I do for you?"
Ace was sitting reading the papers Agent Marchand sent him. "Tell me what happened when you were sent to bring Malcolm Daniels here to the White House."
Stan started getting an attitude. "You mean that kid?"
"I mean Mr. Daniels." Ace said firmly.
"Not much to tell. He got snooty and flat refused to come. He even managed to get away from my partner and me."
"I see," Ace said doing a slow boil. "Why did he refuse to come with you?"
"How the hell should I know?" Stan fired back.
"Watch your mouth Agent Wiley." Ace said, setting the papers down. "Is it true that you never identified yourself as a Secret Service Agent?"
Stan sat there for a moment thinking of how he should answer. "Of course I did."
Ace was someone who hated being lied to and Tony's after action report stated Stan never identified himself. "Alright, now, how did you break your hand and don't try and tell me you closed your car door on it."
"What the hell is this?" Stan stood then started shouting. "You have my report and everything I said in there is the truth."
Ace looked up at him. "Sit down." He said as Stan flopped into the chair. "Now, I want the truth about your hand."
"Fine, here it is." Stan shouted. "That punk brat kid broke it."
"That is after you put your hand on him." Ace asked.
"I was given an order and I fully intended on carrying it out."
Ace was fuming. "Let's see, you don't identify yourself."
"I did too." Stan shouted.
"If you shout at me one more time, you'll have to stick your toothbrush up your ass in order to brush your teeth. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?"
Stan stood up then Ace did. Stan looked at ace and realized he gave up almost six inches in height and a good fifty pounds in weight. Ace was far from fat. All of his weight was solid muscle. "I don't know where you're getting your information but its all bullshit."
Ace decided to play his trump card. "Is that so huh? What do you have to say about this?" He asked as he turned on his digital recorder.
Stan sat there and listened as every word he'd spoken to Malcolm was played back. What clinched it was "Come on kid, I was told to bring you to the White House and that's what I intend on doing, one way of another."
After that, he heard himself screaming. "Alright let go, let go please."
"So you shut it in a car door, huh?" Ace asked him again.
"That damn kid, all he had to do was get with the program and he couldn't even do that. His principal and teacher were right about him. He's a smart mouthed punk who has no respect for authority."
"Respect is something that's earned. To him, you were some stranger who came up and started trying to assault him."
"If I ever see him again," He started then stopped thinking better of it.
Ace turned the recorder back on. They sat and listened for a good while then they heard "Kid I have heard a lot of speeches and I have been to a lot of rallies, but what I saw today takes the cake. You really do have them fooled, but you were never going to change anything else so get in the car and let's go back to your house."
Ace turned the recorder off. "I have worked with all kinds of agents in my time but never have I come across someone the likes of you. If I had the power to terminate you, believe me I would but I don't."
Stan was sitting with a smug look on his face. "You're soft Mason. You believe every kid out there is a goodie, goodie but I know better. That Malcolm Daniels kid is nothing more than a punk who has respect for no one."
"Is that so?" Ace fired back. "If you're such the super agent why weren't you made agent in charge?"
"It's because I don't kiss ass like I've heard you do so many times. You're always sucking up to the President, and to his brat kid."
When Stan started to talk about Bennie; it all became too much. And Ace started to lose his temper. "I never have been a suck up. Now, I know everything there is to know about you. You've been written up several times for conduct just like what happened out there these past weeks. Now, like I said, I can't fire you but there is one thing I can do and that is suspend you pending an internal investigation into your conduct and actions on your last assignment. Turn in your credentials and weapon."
Stan slammed his badge case on the desk along with his weapon. He took off and slammed the door behind himself. Ace got up and looked around but didn't see him. He grabbed his phone then pushed a button on the side of it. "This is Special Agent Mason, lock the place down. Be on the lookout for Agent Stan Wiley. He's under suspension and he turned in his service weapon but still consider him armed and possibly dangerous. I want two agents with the President NOW! He's not to be left unattended until I give the all clear. Johnny, get up to the residence pronto."
Ace sprinted through the corridors heading to the residence. He saw the West Wing door to the residence closing and he didn't know who had entered, Stan or Johnny. It didn't take him long to find out. "Bennie, that's the agent whose hand I broke." Malcolm spoke when he saw Stan entering the front room.
"Yeah, you got me once but now I'm going to get you." Stan snarled as he stepped forward.
Malcolm and Bennie both stood up. "You really think so?" Bennie fired.
"Yeah kid, I know so. So why don't you just sit your little ass down and make like a good kid and shut up."
Ace heard the talking as he slowly and quietly walked towards the living room then he heard someone behind him. He looked and saw Johnny walking towards the living room so Ace put his finger to his lips. When they made it to the doorway Ace saw Tonka beside the sofa watching everything that was going on. He looked over to Ace and he put him finger on his lips then Tonka returned to watching Bennie and Malcolm. Stan made a move towards Malcolm and had his fists clinched. "I broke you hand, so you really think you're going to hurt me?" Malcolm said almost taunting Stan.
Stan moved closer as Tonka slowly and quietly eased out from beside the sofa. Stan watched the teen then made his move. He swung on Malcolm but the teen was able to dodge the punch then let him have it in the chest with the heel of his hand causing him to drop like a sack of flour. "You punk, now your ass is mine."
He got to his feet then Tonka nailed him right in the cheek of his ass. Ace came in and called the dog off. "Wiley, you're so dumb I can't believe it." Ace growled
"Argh, my ass. That damn dog bit me." Stan cried out in pain.
"Shut up before I let him have you for a snack. Roll onto your stomach."
Stan was on his side but didn't move so Ace went over and pushed him on to this stomach with his foot.
"You asshole, that hurts."
"Oh such language, Mr. Potty Mouth" Bennie said.
Malcolm broke out laughing. "My poor ears aren't used to hearing such dirty words."
Ace put the cuffs on him then he called the paramedics so they could treat his wounds then went over to Malcolm. "Are you alright son?"
"I'm fine Ace. I knew that guy was all talk and no action."
That made Ace break out laughing. "That's right; make fun of a person who is wounded." Stan cried.
The medics arrived then after they put the bandage on his butt, Johnny took Stan over to the federal detention area at the DC Metro jail. "Looks like you just got yourself fired." Ace said as Johnny was waiting on the elevator.
On Monday morning after breakfast was done Ace led Malcolm down to the Oval office. "Please wait here Mr. Daniels." Knocking Ace entered. "Sir Mr. Daniels is here."
"Well bring him in Ace." A gruff voice spoke."
"Yes sir. Mr. Daniels please come in."
Stepping through the door Malcolm stood and waited. "Please Mr. Daniels come in." The president spoke from behind his desk.
"We meet again. How was your room? I'm also looking here at the report from the meeting you had with the Senators."
"The room was real nice, and nice to meet you again. Now since you have that Sir, you know, I know what's right and what's not."
"Well from where I sit, and what I saw last night I have to agree, and yes can I see that you are right in your beliefs. Now we have a very large problem and we need your help to solve it."
"Oh what problem is that?"
"The student's strike that is ongoing."
"Sir there wouldn't have been a strike if people would listen."
"Well from the news reports people are doing that, what started out as one district is now nationwide and we need to stop it."
"Then I would suggest you listen to what we the students are saying."
"Mr. Daniels you don't talk to the President like that." Spoke the other man."
"Sir I thought you learned from the hearing that I talk how I feel."
"I also see that time hasn't made you more respectful."
"Sir, I have just two words for you shut up." Malcolm snapped.
"Mr. President, I don't have to listen to this, not from some disrespectful brat."
"Actually Sam you do and I agree with him, shut up and listen. Go ahead Mr. Daniels."
"Sir despite what others think, I do have respect for some adults. What I don't have is respect for those who refuse to listen. For the last six months we have tried to make changes, nothing was done, I was brought to a hearing here and asked a lot of questions, the outcome was nothing being done, all because I am a kid and kids don't know anything."
"I know about the hearing, I know about the state of Florida standing by and letting this continue. Mr. Daniels what do you suggest we do?" Ben asked softly in a calm voice.
"Well it is simple, get your head out of your ass and see what really is happening. We all want to go back to school, but not the way things are right now. I have here a list of changes that the students feel would be better, we aren't asking for much, just that things are dealt with in a better manner."
"May I see it?" Ben asked
"You can have it, I have another copy."
"Thank you."
"Sir I pray that this meeting and the one hundred thousand signatures sent to the state legislature finally puts an end to this."
"I hope so to young man. I just ask that when I and the people who need to, see it and you will be willing to come back and speak to the nation with me."
"Sir if the people who are in charge make the changes then I will be glad to, if no changes then I feel that things will continue for a long time. It is now in your hands."
"Your right there, now if you will excuse me I have other meetings to attend, but I promise you I will get this going right away. Sam that is your department, I want a draft done up with these changes included."
"Yes Mr. President." Sam said but the look on his face said that he wasn't really happy because his plans of keeping things status quo was about to get shot down.
"Mr. Daniels this way." Ace spoke up.
Out in the hallway Ace looked at Malcolm. "Young man I have been in the service for a lot of years and I have never come so close to telling a president to take their head out of their ass as you did today. And the fact that you told a forty year veteran of the senate to shut up, well that took guts."
"Not really sir, the guy just pissed me off, just like he did at the hearing."
"Well you got my respect, you will have Tony still as your protection, and there will be a few others with also, now that you have become rather famous."
"Thanks but won't that take them from their families?"
"No son, the ones I picked are single."
"Okay and thanks."
After a bit of shopping Malcolm was back in his suite and soaking in the bath as he spoke with his dad at home. He got a chance to say hi to his brothers and told them he would be home tomorrow morning, and he missed them both big time. Dinner and a movie then a few hours walking around the city had made Malcolm tired so once back in his suite he just climbed into bed and soon was sound asleep. Malcolm was a sight the next morning as he walked into the airport sandwiched between four large men. Ace waited till Malcolm had found a seat in the lobby before he went to the ticket clerk and got the tickets for them all.
"Mr. Daniels, can we have a few minutes of your time?" A reporter asked."
"I guess, you from the post or what?"
"Yes I am Carmen Mannheim, it is true that you spent a few hours yesterday talking with the President?" She asked.
"Yes it is true." Malcolm said.
"Why now, I mean you turned him down twice before?"
"Well I guess three times is the charm as my papa would say."
"Did your meeting have to do with the nationwide student strike?"
" Yes, I can't speak for everyone, but I feel in my heart that we are tired of fighting for what we feel is right. I know I want to go back to classes and I hope that a lot of the others want to also, as I said I can't speak for everyone."
"Do you think you have finally reached the end?"
"I can only hope and pray that we have."
"If you had to do it over again would you?"
"Yes I would, life isn't a bunch of tea lilies, we have to do with what we have, whether it is riches or situations like this. We have to reach out and help when we can, we as teens should be listened to, actually let me rephrase that children of all ages should be listened to."
"So you're saying that it is time for everyone to have a chance to speak out?"
"Yes, if something is wrong then speak out against it, the school system is wrong. My papa says if it's not broke don't fix it, well the system is broke and it needs fixing. A small student strike should have done that, but it didn't so it went and grew bigger and bigger to the point where no student is in school."
"Thank you for your time; and Malcolm, good luck to you."
"Thank you. Now I have a flight to catch and brothers to hug."
The flight back was quick and soon Malcolm was in a car and being whisked home. He had just gotten out of the car when he got a three way slam.
"What is this? I was expecting two, but Patrick where did you come from."
"Your dad called and said you was coming back so I wanted to be here. I want to know if things went okay."
"They sure did and I am glad your here, Hey turkeys did you miss me?" Malcolm asked as he knelt and gave his brothers a hug.
"Uh huh, don't go away again please?" Aaron whispered.
" I wish I could promise you that I won't be going away again, but maybe next time I will take you both with me, how would that be."
"Wow that would be wicked." Zeke mumbled.
"You gotta take me too." Patrick said.
"Well I don't know it the white house could handle three extra turkeys." Malcolm laughed.
"Boys come on inside, let Malcolm get his stuff in." Papa spoke up from the porch.
"Okies papa." Aaron yelled back.
A month passed and the state government refused the petitions from the people. Malcolm received the news by letter the Friday after he had got back from Washington signed by the governor himself. . Taking the letter Malcolm sat at the kitchen table and quickly read it. "Mr. Daniels. After careful consideration, and after meetings with the principal and the State school board I find that you do not have any reasons for which to strike, nor do I find that you have the right to demand the resignation or terminations of the principal and English teacher. I am therefore asking you to withdraw these demands and return to school, which has a system in place that works properly, if you fail to return to the school, I will be forced to have the state police come and arrest you for truancy and failing to follow school board policies, and holding rallies without the proper permits. Setting the letter on the table Malcolm stood, staring out the window for a moment before he went and called everyone together and said that the final straw had been added. He was going to hold a news conference for the next Friday, after making his calls, Malcolm returned to the kitchen. "Papa I'm going for a walk I need time to clear my head." Malcolm said that she turned and walked into the hallway.
Grabbing his jacket and shoes Malcolm was just reaching for the door when Tony walked up and gently placed a hand on Malcolm shoulder. "Not so fast Malcolm tony started you have to have one of your security people with you." Tony said in a quiet voice.
"Why I'm just going to the beach?" Malcolm said.
"Malcolm even if you were to walk to the end of the driveway one of us would have to be with you. Now let me go get Osbourne to go with you.
"I would rather have you with me I mean, I know you better."
"Okay let me tell Osbourne then we can go."
Minutes later Malcolm and Tony were walking down the sidewalk, nothing was said as both were lost in thought. Malcolm his eyes were town cast staring at the ground. Stopping suddenly Malcolm turn looked up at Tony. "Tony" Malcolm whispered. "You like being here, I mean watching me and my family."
"Malcolm, I've had a lot of jobs, when I was told to come and watch you, at first I was upset, but now that I have gotten to know you I am happy to be here; you have a lot of courage."
"Tony how can you be sure you have made the right decision?"
"Well you ask hard questions, but the only answer I can give you is to go with what your heart says."
"But how do you know you have made the right one? I mean what if what you choose is wrong?"
"Malcolm, all decisions we make, no matter if they are big or small could end up hurting some one. You have to decide if what you choose is hurting some one. You have to decide if what you are choosing is right. So far from what I have seen and heard, you know what is right. When the time comes you will find your answers."
"Thank you that helps. Now can I be alone for a while, I promise not to leave your sight or the beach."
For the next half hour Malcolm walked the on the beach and as promised never left Tony's sight. Tired and still confused Malcolm walked back to where Tony was sitting. Malcolm walked back to where Tony was sitting. "Let's go home, I have lots to think about and papa will have dinner ready "Malcolm said as he waited for Tony to stand.
"Malcolm." Tony started. "Remember, you don't have to do this alone, you have your friends and your family to help."
"I know, but everyone looks to me for answers. Most of the time I go by what I feel." Malcolm said.
"So what makes this time so different?"
"I don't know...I mean I know, but the choices are way different."
"I wish I could tell you what to do, but in the end it all comes down to what you decide to do." Tony said softly.
"Can I ask you something personal, without you going viral on me?"
"Depends on what you ask."
"Well I was wondering how you felt about gay people."
"I see, well as far as I am concerned they are people too. Just because of who a person loves, does not give any one the right to harass them. They didn't choose that life style any more than you chose to hair red hair. I personally do not care who you love as long as you're happy."
"So you wouldn't hate me if I told you I was gay." Malcolm asked
"No, but felt you might be and that you are in love with Patrick."
"Oh, I.. Um well yeah, but he doesn't know."
"Is that what has you so up tight?"
"No, but do you think I should tell him how I feel?"
"That is a choice that you have to make."
"Thanks, but that doesn't help, though I know you're right. It's just another thing to be worried about."
"You'll do fine, now relax." Tony said trying to reassure the teen.
As Malcolm was talking with Tony, across town Patrick was in his bedroom, stretched out on his bed, his hands clasped behind his head as he stared at the ceiling. Patrick was thinking of his friend Malcolm and the pressures he was under, not only with the strike, but everything else. Malcolm had told Patrick about the governor's letter and that he was going to hold televised rally. Patrick was worried that Malcolm was taking on to much. When Patrick had talked with him earlier, he had sounded upset, tired and maybe a little frustrated. Patrick was so lost in thought that he hadn't heard his bedroom door opening, and when he felt the bed shake he jumped, a look if fright crossing his face till he saw that it was only his older brother Robert. "Anyone ever tell you Robert, that you're a jerk, you could have said something." Patrick yelled.
"Sorry Pat, but I don't think you would have even heard me. Now what's got you so lost?"
"Nothing really; I'm just kinda worried, that's all."
"What could have your little mind worried."
"Well Malcolm, he didn't sound like he usually does."
"I don't follow you." Robert said.
"Malcolm always sounds happy, well most of the time, especially when we talk. Today it wasn't like that."
"Why worry, besides he'll get back his cheerfulness the next time you two talk."
"Yeah you're right."
"That's not all that is bugging you, I know you bro something else is eating you up inside. So what is it?"
"Rob how do you, never mind" Patrick stammered, staring out his window."
"Come on Patrick, how do I what?"
"Fine, how do you tell someone you love them?"
"Whoa, you got a girlfriend I didn't know about, or are you talking about someone else?"
"You can't say anything, promise me please?"
"Easy bro, whatever you tell me stays here, unless it is going to hurt you or the family. Now I would have to guess that the person you love has flaming red hair and a wicked smile."
"Uh huh, but I'm scared to tell him. What if he turns on me?"
"So my little bro is gay?"
"Yeah, you can hate me now."
"Not going too happen Patrick. You are my brother no matter what, and if Malcolm turns on you he will have to deal with me, but I don't think he will. Now come on lets play some GTA."
Once Malcolm and Tony got back home, dinner was on the table. Malcolm was still lost in thought, didn't hear the conversation that was taking place; that was till his dad called his name. "Huh, sorry I wasn't paying attention Malcolm stuttered causing his brothers to laugh.
"I noticed that, what is bothering you?" Richard asked.
"Nothing really; the governor turned down our petition so I have been thinking of what to do next."
"Well if I can help, you just have to ask, but I know you son and you always think things out."
"I know that dad and thanks, but this is something I have to do."
For the next week, Malcolm spent some time alone in his room writing, other times he spent with his brothers watching movies or playing outside. His nights were troubled, he tossed and turned, sometimes staying awake for hours as he tried to sort out his problem. Thursday night Malcolm had come to a decision. With his decision Malcolm knew that now he was getting close to being taken back to court, but he felt he was in the right and the people with him felt the same way. If the elected people refused to listen to the people they were suppose to help then it was time for them to leave office.
Friday, the news people were standing outside the school where the strike had first started. Students, parents, teachers and many more were there to hear what Malcolm had to say. His dad brothers and papa, stood in the front row along with the Jacobs family. One family let Malcolm use their motor home to relax in before he was to speak.
In Washington the President had heard that there had been a news conference called by Malcolm and so he had the channel on and was listening to the reporter Eric Stobbel from channel two. "Good afternoon I am Eric Stobbel and we are live in Naples Florida we are waiting to hear from Malcolm Daniels. As you can see in the back is the school where this all started more than eight months ago when Malcolm was expelled for defending himself. I have just heard that Malcolm is coming out. So now we go live to Malcolm as he comes on stage to join us. Listen to this crowd folks, it seems like Malcolm Daniels has become a modern day folk hero."
" Ladies, gentlemen, friends and family thank you all for coming, I know that a lot of you can not afford to take even one hour off from work. I appreciate the sacrifice that you have made. I wish, as I have right from the first day I heard about this strike, that it never happened, well it has and we can not turn back the clock. I know that some people in the oval office are watching me this day and I hope they know that what I am about to say and ask does not come easy. All week I have been troubled and a lot of thought has gone into this. I have asked myself over and over if what I am doing is right, each time I get the same answer yes." Malcolm paused for a minute as he sipped a glass of water.
"Ladies and gentlemen the petition you all signed asking the state government to implement changes to the school system has been turned down. They feel that they know what is best for everyone and are refusing to listen to us. To me that is wrong, our parents elected them to office thinking that they would be better than those before, however it has proven to be a wrong choice for us. I want to go back to school, but not the way it is right now. Everyone I am asking you to stand up and ask the election committee to call for a new election, I am asking you all to stand and call for the resignation of the governor and all elected officials.
"If they refuse to listen to us in dealing with a simple problem such as this, how can they think to run a state? So please stand up and shout out, let's get a government that works for the people not there own glory. Thank you all and best of luck."
"There you have it Malcolm Daniels has fired his big cannon, defying the state government, standing up for the students and the people I don't think that Mr. Daniels knows the words back down. This is Eric Stobbel live from Naples Florida for channel two news."
In the oval office the President Jacobs and his son Bennies sat stunned. The office staff that were with him had a look of shock on there faces. " Sir, Mr. Daniels is inciting a riot." Sam spoke up.
" No Sam he isn't. He is doing what he feels is right, you heard him. He thought it over carefully before he made his decision, if I am any judge of character, Mr. Daniels is hurting right now, he didn't want to make that speech, but be did and it wasn't for himself it was for the people of Florida. That young man is going to go far if he keeps this up."
"Sir, what are you going to do?" Ace asked.
"Well I am going to review this outline for the school policies changes that I asked for, I am going to want updates on what is happening in Florida every twenty four hours and finally I want more security for Mr. Daniels and his family."
"But sir he already has four agents." Ace stated a small smile on his face.
"Then triple it. Get them there right away. That young mans family is to have twenty four hour protection."
"Yes sir. You like that kid don't you?" Sam asked as he stood to leave the office.
"Sam he is the only one to tell me no twice and then stands here and tells me to get my head out of my ass as if it was just a normal thing for him to do. So yes I like him and I respect him for what he is doing. I want him to see his fifteenth birthday and many more after that."
"He will sir, and I respect him also, even after he told me to shut up.
"Thanks Sam."
A lot more to come. Your comments welcome at
thewriter1@live.ca flames ignored.