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Chapter 9-C
Patrick returned Malcolm's kiss, and then the two just stood there gazing out over the soccer field, neither of the boys needed to say anything. They both knew how the other felt. The trials were over, the strike was almost over, and the pressure on the two boys would lessen. The two had just sat down, when they were attacked by two squealing giggling little boys. "Uncle Patrick, gibe me a piggy back wide." Aaron said with a huge smile.
"Okay turkey, but where is your dad?" Patrick asked as he looked around.
"He said he would meet us over by the swings, he wanted to park the van." Zeke answered.
"Then I guess we had better get over there." Malcolm laughed as he stood with Zeke on his shoulders. "You're getting heavy bro."
"Nu-uh. You're just lazy." Zeke giggled.
With his brothers on their shoulders, both Malcolm and Patrick walked towards the play area. Along the way they met up with Ryan and Kurt. Setting Zeke down, Malcolm turned to Ryan. "Are you okay buddy, your text had me worried?"
"Yeah I am fine, and thanks to you, both mom and I can relax now. By the way this is Kurt Bronson, he lives a block from my place." Ryan said.
"Hey Kurt, nice to see you," Malcolm and Patrick said with a laugh. "Ryan, I am glad I could help, I just wish I had known sooner." Malcolm remarked.
"Nothing you could have done, I mean we had just met and I almost screwed that up. Hey Aaron how's Midnight?"
"Hi wyan, and he doing good." Aaron mumbled.
Kneeling Ryan looked Aaron right in the eyes. "Come on dude, I know you can speak better than that. You aren't scared of me are you?"
"Nu-uh, and I can speak really well when I want to." Aaron said throwing his arms around Ryan and giving him a big hug.
"Wow, little guy. I don't think your brother would like you giving me a hug like that?" Ryan blushed.
"It is okay Ryan, just shows you that you made some friends. Besides I think we all need a hug once in a while, so relax. Now let's go meet up with my dad before he has a fit." Malcolm answered.
The six boys found Richard sitting on one of the swings, his cell phone held against his ear and quietly talking. ".. Hang on a second Carmen, Malcolm the soccer ball is in the back of the van, and I think there are some old jeans in there you and Patrick might fit." Richard said with a grin.
"Thanks dad, what do you guys say, do you want to kick the ball around for a while?"
"Yeah, please." Zeke yelled. "Ryan, Kurt you want to play also?"
"I think that would be cool." Kurt laughed. "I'll have Zeke and Patrick on my side. I heard how Aaron likes to steal the ball."
'Nu-uh. I don't do that." Aaron frowned.
"It's okay Aaron, when you play soccer, you're supposed to steal the ball from the other team if you can." Ryan said as he ruffled Aaron's hair.
As the Boys were about to play soccer Tony Marchand was sitting in the Vice President's office. "Sir, I can't argue with these DNA reports, but I need to know why she did this. Why she lied to me, but more importantly why she lied to our son Jamie."
"Mr. Marchand I can understand all that and I wish I had some answers for you, but the only one who has them is Susan." Matt stated.
"I know that sir, that is why I want to go see her, but I understand that you have security watching her?"
"I do, but I can call them and let them know that you are on your way, and that you are not to be disturbed when you two talk."
"Thank you, now I guess it is time to talk to Jamie and let him know the truth?"
"I would wait until you have spoken with Susan."
"You might be right."
"When do you plan on seeing her?"
"I was thinking right away, that would give me a chance to think things over and with whatever she tells me. It would help me think of what to tell Jamie. I know that no matter what, he is going to be one very pissed off boy and I don't blame him. Hell I am pissed. I missed seeing my son grow up."
"Tony, I can't say I understand how you feel, but I know that Susan never had children with me, she told me outright that she didn't want kids."
"That is the feeling I am getting now."
"Well go talk to her, oh and see if you can get her to tell you who this MMJ is. No one in law enforcement has ever heard of this person."
"I'll see what I can do, no promises. Right now my first concern is Jamie, then there is the Daniels family."
"Well get out of here, and maybe you can be back out there with them soon, I know Jamie would like to see them all again. Every time he talks with Zeke he seems happier."
"That is a good thing, that family is special. Now I am off, I will see you for Dinner. Can we meet at the Blair house, my treat?"
"Get out of here, do what you need to, and the Blair house sounds good, but this office will pay for it. I think that is the least I can do, since I really messed up a couple of your days."
"Fine I won't argue, but sir, I think you might have made me a happy man. I just hope that Jamie can accept this also?"
"He will, he is a strong young man."
Leaving the Vice President's office Tony slowly made his way out of the White house. Standing just outside the door Tony took a deep breath before walking over to his rental. The drive to the hospital took Tony twenty minutes, the time alone gave him a chance to think about what he wanted to say to his ex. Finding a parking spot was difficult, so parking in a lot two blocks away Tony slowly walked over to the main entrance. There he was met by security. Showing his badge and ID, the guard led the way to the elevator.
Susan's room was brightly lit when Tony opened the door, the window was cracked open so there was a bit of a breeze. The monitors had be taken away, and Susan was reclining on her bed when she looked up and saw Tony standing there. "I was wondering when I would see you again. In a way I was hoping that the day would never come." Susan said as she brushed her hair back.
"Good morning Susan. I hope that you are doing well. I am sorry that you have been hurt." Tony responded.
"I will be fine, the doctors say I will be able to go back home at the end of the week. Now I know why you're here, so let's cut the small talk and get this over."
"All I want to know is why?"
"That is easy, when you became a Secret Service agent I knew that you would be working long hours and sometimes you would not be home for days. I also knew that you wouldn't be making the money that you would have, had you stayed as a chartered accountant. So I decided to file for the divorce, just a simple irreconcilable differences, hell you fell for that, I figured you would have worked it out that all I ever wanted, was money and prestige."
"I never did fight the divorce, but I should have had visitation rights for our son, but you even took that from me. Then to hear that he was dead, that hit me even harder."
"Tony, I never wanted kids, when I found out I was pregnant with Jamie, I almost went and had an abortion, but then I saw how happy you were so I couldn't, after the divorce I had some friends fake his death, they even forged a death certificate for me. Sometimes it is nice to have friends in high places."
"I could charge you with forging a false document."
"If that was going to happen then Matt would have done it, besides if you charged me, then you would also have to charge two senators, a judge, the director of child services in Florida, and a couple of police, even a few Secret Service agents. Think about the headache that would cause."
"I will make you a deal, you tell me who the senators are, and who this MMJ is and I will forget everything you have done to Jamie and I. That is the only deal you are getting. If you say no to that, then you will be in jail." Tony snarled, his dislike for this woman laying before him was intense, more than he could imagine.
"The senators are going to deny they had anything to do with me, you know that."
"I don't care, I just want their names."
"They are the same ones that want the box that Daniels R&D came up with. Hell everyone wants that damn box. The fact that Marcus was able to even build it boggles my mind."
"So everything is related back to Marcus Daniels, it has nothing to do with Malcolm?"
"Malcolm Daniels is just in the way to these people. Don't you understand, if Malcolm sells that box to the government he makes billions."
"So everyone decided to get rid of Malcolm, steal the box and make money for themselves?"
"Hell yes, that damn kid doesn't know what he has."
"Do you?"
"Yes, if he markets that box to our government then the death toll in wars for the Americans becomes nil. That damn box turns everything or everyone virtually invisible. You can't shoot what you can't see."
"So who is MMJ?"
"She is a secret service agent, I have heard that she feeds a lot of people information that is very harmful to our nation. And she is the one that is keeping the pressure on that Daniels brat."
"Is she the one that is paying everyone?"
"Hell no, that comes right from someone in our government."
"Oh hell. That means just one thing."
"Yes it does."
"Susan, you get better and go home, don't ever come back to Washington or even to the east coast, if you do I will charge you."
"I have no intention of ever coming back here."
"Good bye Susan, I hope that you do have a good life."
"You to Tony, and if you find Jamie, you take care of him."
"I will and he is a strong boy, looks like my father did when he was a teen."
"Good bye Tony."
Leaving Susan, Tony drove back to his hotel. He was still angry at her, and wished that he could do something about what she had done, but all he could think of was Jamie, and how much he had missed.
Going into the bar Tony ordered a bottle of Whiskey and a single glass. Finding a table in the back of the bar away from everyone Tony poured himself a full glass. He was about to start drinking when the waitress came over. "Sir, are you Tony Marchand?" She asked.
"Yes I am, why?"
"Well the hotel manager has a message for you, also well, I was wondering, if after I get off work if you would like to join me for dinner, I have seen you in here the last few days and you are always alone."
"I am here on business, but I would be glad to have you join me for dinner, I am meeting the Vice President and my son at the Blair house, would you care to join me there?"
"Oh yes, I would love to. I'll tell you what I will go get the message from the manager for you."
"Thank you miss."
"Oh silly me, my name is Janet. Oh and I will have to call my babysitter, and see if she can stay with my twins until I get home."
"Why not bring them with you, I am sure that they would love to spend time with their mother, more than some babysitter."
"Are you sure, I mean, what would the Vice President say, if more people showed up?"
"I will call him and let him know that there will be three more joining us. I am sure he would be delighted. I know he loves children."
Pushing the bottle towards Janet, Tony smiled. "I guess I really don't need this anymore."
"I don't think so either, so I didn't charge you for it, just the one drink. Now I have to get back to work."
"Okay, you do that, and I will call the Vice President and let him know. Do you need someone to pick you up after work?"
"No I have a car. I will meet you at Blair house whenever you tell me."
"Sure, but I think it would be easier for a car to pick you all up, that way you don't have to fight traffic or fight to find a parking spot."
"Okay, if you insist."
"I do." Tony said with a smile. "I will let you know what time dinner will be, then maybe the manager can let you off earlier so you can get home and get ready."
"Oh you, It doesn't take me long to get ready. It might take the twins a while but then that is how they are."
"Well, have fun." Tony said as he dialed the Vice President's office number.
"Good afternoon, what may I do for you?" The secretary asked.
"Good afternoon, this is Tony Marchand, may I speak with the Vice President please, I am sure he has been waiting for my call?"
"Yes sir he has, I will put you right through."
"Thank you."
"Tony, how did things go this morning?"
"Well sir?"
"Cut the sir crap, call me Matt."
"Okay Matt, things went as well as I expected and then some."
"Oh how so?"
"I really can't say over the phone. The reason I called was to ask you if it was okay if three more joined us for dinner tonight."
"Are they some people I know?"
"No sir, in fact I just met the lady. She invited me out for dinner, but then I thought what a better way for things to go with Jamie. So I sort of invited her and her children to join us. I did tell her that I would phone you and see if it was okay before we made it official."
"Tony you sly bugger, sure bring them. I am sure they all will enjoy the treat. Then too as you say it might make things easier for Jamie. Oh I did invite him to my office for the Presidents and Malcolm's speeches tomorrow, would you like to be there with us?"
"That is a given sir, all the time I get to spend getting to know my son again will be a blessing"
"Great then I will make sure there is lots of coffee and juice, maybe you can invite your girlfriend also?" Matt laughed.
"You are evil Matt, and she isn't my girlfriend."
"Yes I am evil, I will meet you at Blair house at seven. That is the time Rose was able to get for us. I will just have her call the restaurant and let them know that there will be three more joining us."
"Thank you Matt. I will inform the young lady."
"Tony tonight I am going to forget about work, so let's not talk about anything along those lines."
"You're the boss."
Back in Naples, Malcolm and the boys were having a great time kicking the soccer ball around and laughing. Richard who was watching was smiling, as he could see a lighter bounce in Malcolm since the trial was over. Richard knew that right now there was still some pressure on his oldest son, but that stress didn't seem to bother Malcolm too much. On the field the game had stopped. Richard looked up and saw the six boys all seated in a circle talking. Walking over Richard caught the last bit of the conversation. "So I was thinking we all have a party after the speeches tomorrow, I am sure that we can get this park, or if we have to wait we can do it on the weekend."
"I think the weekend would be better, gives us more chance to get ready and get our parents to help." Kurt said looking up and seeing Richard standing there. "Who are you and can we help you."
"Oh sorry Kurt, that is my dad. Dad this is Kurt Bronson, his dad manages the bank here."
"Hi son, and I am glad you are weary of people. Don't ever lose that."
"I won't my dad taught me better, and nice to meet you Mr. Daniels."
"Malcolm I was going to go get us some ice-cream do you think your two friends would like some also?"
"I am sure they would, but ask them not me." Malcolm answered with a huge smile.
"One of these days brat, I am going to show you that I am still your dad."
"OOOH," Ryan laughed. "Going to turn little Malcolm over your knee are you?"
"Maybe I should have done that a long time ago, but I have never hit or spanked my son, and Ryan, I am sorry that your father did that to you. I found that there are other ways to punish someone that doesn't include violence."
"I know sir, and I would like some ice-cream, I can pay for it." Ryan said, blushing a bit.
"No son, this is my treat. What about you Kurt would you like some also?"
"I would sir, but I can't, I am lactose intolerant."
"Oh then how about a juice or soda then."
"Yes please sir a juice."
The rest of the day was spent playing soccer or just hanging out, Aaron and Zeke had gone and played on the swing with their dad for a while. Midnight was laying there close to the boys as the security men stayed a few paces away always watchful, but even sometimes they can miss things and it was the sound of Midnights growl that brought everyone running. When they got close they saw that Zeke was standing with Aaron behind him. Malcolm and the other three boys came running. Malcolm not stopping as he ran head first into a young man about eighteen standing there taunting Zeke. "What the heck you doing picking on my brothers." Malcolm yelled as he drew back to hit the guy.
"Malcolm no." Donnie yelled.
"Yeah listen to your little daddy." The teen sneered.
"I don't need this, get the hell out of here."
"This is a public place, we are allowed to be here to, so piss off kid." Another boy taunted.
"Guys I would do what he said, before he gets really mad." Patrick said, as he stood beside Zeke and Aaron. Kurt and Ryan standing with him.
"Yeah who is going to make us? The teen on the ground asked.
"Trust me guys if you don't leave I am sure that these men will make it easy for you." Richard stated.
"Like he said this is a public place, so go to hell we're staying."
"Let him up Malcolm." Donnie stated. "Now you three have a choice leave the park or be charged with disturbing the peace and attempted assault on a minor."
"Yeah right like you can do that." The second boy stated with a sneer.
Hearing the boy say that brought laughter from Patrick and Ryan. "What's so funny?" The second boy asked.
"Dude you just said the wrong thing." Ryan laughed harder.
"Guys I would leave. I don't think you want to end up in jail. Kurt stated firmly.
"Like that would happen. Hell my dad would have you all for breakfast if he found me in jail, for just being in a park."
"So you dad is a big shot lawyer, is he, what is your name young man?" Real asked.
"Peter Walkerton, these are my cousins, so now what are you going to do."
"I am going to do nothing, but I am sure that Officer Watkins and her team will be more than happy to take you downtown."
"Huh. Who is Watkins and where is he?"
"I am right behind you and it is she. Now you three put your hands behind your back." Casey ordered.
"Oh hell. Peter you ass."
"Shut up Mario." Peter snapped.
With the older boys gone, Malcolm turned to Kurt and Ryan. "Thanks guys. Look why don't you call your folks and have them join us for dinner, we can all meet at Michael's place. I will pay."
"I can call dad at the bank, and see what he says." Kurt smiled.
"I would have to go home and ask, since I don't have a phone." Ryan mumbled.
"Here use mine." Patrick said handing Ryan his phone.
"Thanks, but are you sure?"
"Very sure, now call."
"You know dad, I was hoping for one day of peace, but damn I am never going to get it am I?"
"Doesn't look like it. Let me call Papa, and see if he wants to join us. I am sure that a night of not having to cook for us would be more than a welcome thing for him." Richard stated.
"Aaron, Zeke are you two okay?" Malcolm asked as he walked over to them.
"Uh-huh, I knowed you wouldn't let them hurt us." Aaron answered.
"You're right, but you have to thank Midnight also, he was the one that warned us."
"Yup he a good puppy." Aaron giggled as he hugged Midnight.
With okay from their parents and a promise to meet them at the restaurant, Ryan and Kurt rejoined Malcolm and the others. Richard got them all together in the van and drove home. Donnie, Real and Marsten followed in their car. The drive home was slow as traffic was starting to build up as people got off work. Then there was a detour around the school as the police and secret service had the area shut down for the President's visit the next morning.
As Malcolm and the others were heading home, Maurice Marshall had slipped past the security, and was not laid out on the rooftop of a building just across from the high school. Marshall had a clear view of the school's front from where he lay hidden. Marshall knew that his chances of getting away were at a complete zero, but he didn't care as long as he got a chance to take the Daniels brat with him. Marshall had gotten himself really comfortable for the night, he had brought a few snacks and bottles of water so he wouldn't get hungry or thirsty.
As the sun set and the streets grew quiet, Marshall settled in for the night. He had just gotten his cover over him when he heard a scraping sound coming from his far right. Laying perfectly still and barely breathing he waited for whoever it was to leave. "Looks like a good spot to watch everything from Maurice." The soft whisper of Jordan Martin's voice said close to his ear.
"I think it is a perfect spot. Now what are you doing here?"
"I came to watch the show. Don't worry, no one knows we are up here."
The two were soon sleeping, the moon hidden behind low clouds and a breeze coming in off the gulf made it a comfortable one for them.
Thursday morning, Maurice had woke when the sky grew light, rolling over he saw that Jordan Martin was still sleeping. Quickly wiping his rifle down, Maurice moved over to the edge of the roof. Looking down towards the school he could see the police cruisers and other cars blocking off the roadway. Maurice was thinking just how lucky his was, and that so far he had not been seen. Moving back he glanced at his watch and saw that he still had a few hours to go before the president showed. This time Maurice knew that Malcolm would be an easy target.
Leaning back against the parapet Maurice glanced over at Jordan laying there and wondered what was going through his mind. Eating a few granola bars, Maurice had to smile as he remembered the first time he saw Jordan, and that was when Jordan had first walked into the high school wearing his tight jeans and t-shirt. Now four years later the two were still together.
At 9:00 Am the crowd around the school was getting large as more and more students and parents gathered to hear the President's speech. Maurice just smiled as he watched and waited. He jumped a bit when he felt Jordan move up beside him, Jordan's hand resting on his back. "How much longer?" Jordan whispered.
"About an hour." Maurice responded, his voice catching a bit as he felt Jordan's hand slip over his backside.
Turning onto his side, Maurice just looked at Jordan. He could see something in Jordan's eyes, but couldn't say for sure just what it was. "Tell me Maurice." Jordan said as he rubbed Maurice's chest. "What is it with everyone wanting Daniels dead?"
"It really doesn't matter why we want him dead, we just do."
"My dad, Danvers, my cousin and uncle, how many others feel this way?" Jordan asked.
"A lot. Believe me when I say that with Daniels gone, certain people will make billions, and I plan on being one of them."
"Money that is what this is all about?"
"Sure, that and what that kid has."
At 9:45 the presidential motorcade showed up. Maurice watched as Ben Jacobs and his son were taken into the school surrounded by the secret service. Maurice knowing that time was close moved his rifle and laying on the roof, waited. He didn't have long before he saw Malcolm and his family to show up. Seeing the boys and their father sitting in the front row made Maurice grin even more. Both Maurice and Jordan watched as Malcolm moved to his seat at the top of the steps. "Now would be a perfect time." Jordan whispered.
"No, I want the Jacobs brat to watch his friend die." Maurice snarled.
It was five to ten when Patrick and his family showed up and once more Maurice watched as Patrick took the seat beside Malcolm. Right at ten the high school band started playing Hail to the Chief. Maurice with his finger on the trigger waited a few more minutes. He watched as the president walked out of the school followed by his security, his son moving over to the seat between Malcolm and Patrick.
With the microphone on, Maurice didn't have any troubles hearing the start of Ben's speech. He was adjusting his aim, when he saw Malcolm move. It was too late, Maurice pulled the trigger just as Malcolm shoved the President aside. Maurice never got a chance to see if Malcolm was dead as Jordan, who was kneeling beside him, yelled. "He was mine damn it, you all have taken from me what I wanted the most." Jordan screamed as he pulled the trigger on his little .38 the bullet striking Maurice in the left temple and killing him instantly.
Tossing the pistol down beside Maurice, Jordan stood and slowly made his way off the roof, the confusion from the crowd would help him escape. Walking out of the mall Jordan had made his way over to the crowd, where people were whispering, some even saying that Malcolm was dead.
When the first shot had been fired, and the crowd had seen Malcolm fall, there was a collective gasp and a cry of anguish, then the rush of security and police as the president and his son were pushed back into the school.
Sam Johnson, hated waking at four in the morning, more so when he knew he didn't start work until seven, but this morning he was up early, and seated at his dining table having his first cup of coffee. Sam had sent his dress uniform out last week to the dry cleaners, and now as he sat drinking his coffee he stared at it. "All for a few minutes of standing in front of the president." Sam thought. Finishing his first coffee he went and had a shave and shower. Then it was into his uniform and off to work. Sam and a few other officers had been chosen to stand close to where the president was going to speak, and then there was the Daniels boy who was going to be speaking also. Sam admired the young man. He thought that Malcolm had a strength that fooled everyone.
Getting to the department early, Sam met up with Liza Patterson from the swat team. Seeing her dressed in a skirt and looking real pretty, made Sam's heart skip a beat and his face turn red. "Sam, are you alright, you look a little flushed?" Liza asked.
"Oh yes I am fine. Good morning Liza. Tell me, were you chosen to stand up close to the president also?"
"Yes, and the rest of the team, and god knows how many other officers will be in the crowd. Looks like you were chosen also."
"I was, but I was also told that the President wanted to meet with me once all the speeches were done."
"Oh you been a bad boy have you?" Liza said with a laugh.
"Not that I know of. Listen Liza, when this is all over would you join me for dinner?" Sam whispered.
"Sam, I would love to have dinner with you. What time shall we meet?"
"I will make arrangements and pick you up at six, how does that sound?"
"Sounds wonderful."
Now here Sam stood listening, while at the same time watching the crowd. Sam worked for the Naples Police department and had been there for some time. Lately he had been helping the Secret Service with one of their cases and that was finally being ended here on the steps.
Sam was watching as Malcolm Daniels and his family showed up, the crowds parting and applauding as he made his way towards the seats behind the dais. It wasn't long after Malcolm had sat, that the Jacobs family showed up to more applause, then Patrick Jacobs joined Malcolm in on the steps.
President Ben Jacobs, and his son Bennie were inside the school, their security tight as they waited for the two minute warning that it was time to go. Ben was reading his little note cards and Bennie was walking the hallways with his Bodyguard Rich "Ace" Mason. "This is where it all started I guess Ace." Bennie said with a frown."
"Yes, just at those three lockers there."
"I am surprised it has taken 18 months to get this strike over with, but I guess when you know you are in the right, nothing will stop you."
"No, nothing will, and both Patrick and Malcolm felt that they were right. I am just surprised it went as far as the White House and your dad's office."
"So am I a bit, but then I am glad it did, because I got to meet some very strong minded guys."
"You sure did, but you also helped those boys out a lot, don't forget that."
"I can't forget them. Especially little Aaron, that guy was hurt real bad, I just hope that Midnight, and the counsellor he is seeing can help him."
"I pray that he becomes a fine young man. Now let's get back, it is almost time for your dad to make his speech."
Walking back to the front Bennie and Ace soon joined up with the rest as they all stood at the front door. Standing beside his dad, Bennie couldn't help but smile as he listen to the Press secretary announcing the President of the United States. The U.S. Marine corps band played Hail to the Chief as Ben followed the secret service. As everyone stepped out onto the landing, Bennie headed over to his seat between Malcolm and Patrick, while his dad walked over to the dais.
The President had just started his speech, when he was pushed aside, then came the echo of a gunshot followed closely by a second one. The agents around the dais, surrounded both the President and his son and was soon rushing them both back into the school.
Seeing Malcolm laying, there Sam rushed over and slowly rolled Malcolm onto his back. Opening Malcolm's jacket Sam could see that Malcolm was seriously hurt and that is he didn't do something fast the boy wouldn't make it.
MORE MUCH MORE TO COME
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