Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. The people do not exist except in my mind. This work is copyrighted and I ask that you do not copy, post or electronically download without my express permission. If you are too young to be in here or it is illegal in your state then please leave, as I do not wish anything bad to happen to you.
NOTE:
I know that we all enjoy these pages and wish for them to be here for a long time. We, the writers, take pride in being able to give you all a few minutes of pleasure. So please think of the time spent putting these pages up and donate just a bit to Nifty so we can keep going.
I want to take this time also to thank everyone that has sent me a note. A special thanks to Larry in California, Ricky in Louisiana and to a great writer and friend, Miguel Sanchez.
CHAPTER FOUR
WASHINGTON:
It was raining when Malcolm and the police officer landed at the Ronald Reagan airport, after that it was into a car and off to the Washington Hyatt hotel. When he was booked in to his room, the officer told Malcolm not to leave, that a car would be there first thing in the morning to take him to the hearings.
Smiling Malcolm just nodded, there was no way he was going to stay in his room, he wanted to see something of Washington. Malcolm didn't know how long he would have, so when the cop left he grabbed his jacket and key card and slipped out. Walking around he saw a few museums and did some shopping, he stopped and picked up a chain for himself and then seeing another he bought that also.
He was just getting into the elevator again when a couple black suited men joined him. "Mr. Daniels I thought you were told not to leave your room." One spoke.
"Yeah so what, I had to get out and do something's, so I left." Malcolm said a slight smile on his face as he stared at the man.
"Well you won't be leaving again. We are here to make sure of that." The man spoke again.
"No. I will do what I want. I am not in jail, so leave me alone." Malcolm snapped this time.
"We can't do that."
"Fine then, let me pack my bag and you can take me back to the airport. I'll just go home."
"We can't do that either, you have to be at your hearing in the morning and you will be there."
"Who says?"
"We do."
"Then good luck."
"What do you mean?"
"Just that."
"Just so you know kid, we will be watching."
"Good just do it outside my room."
"Now see here young man we have been told to watch you and that means being in your room so we will be in there."
" No you won't because you're not invited in, so you would be breaking and entering."
"Fine we'll sit outside your door."
Back in his room Malcolm smiled, he quickly grabbed the phone and call the Washington Post, telling them that a fourteen year old was being confine to a hotel room by the police because they wanted him to show up at a senate hearing the next morning. He went on to tell the reporter that the boy had no idea why he was to be at the hearing, just that the police had picked him up at his home in Florida and flew he to Washington.
Hanging up Malcolm went and got into a hot shower a huge smile on his face as he pictured the faces of the police and the senate the next morning when the newspaper came out. Ordering a steak dinner and a pitcher of juice, Malcolm sat and watched TV he was eating dinner when the news came on. "Good evening I am Eric Stobbel reporting for the Channel two news groups. Our top story tonight is the senate hearings and what their plans are about the growing student strikes that are happening across our nation. In Speaking with a few members of the senate committee we have learned that they have planned on three days of hearings. However some members think that the students should just give up and go back to class.
Still on the student strike and the hearings we have learned that this morning Malcolm Daniels, who lives in Florida was today picked up by the police and flown to Washington. We have learned that he is to appear before the committee this week. We also learned that Mr. Daniels, who is only fourteen, has no idea why the senate wants him here to speak with them. The police have him confined to his hotel room and refuse to let him out to go anywhere.
It will be interesting tomorrow when Mr. Daniels finally gets a chance to come out, we are hoping for a chance to interview him before he has to testify. This is Eric Stobbel for Channel two."
After watching that; Malcolm shut the TV off and started laughing. He then called his dad and told him that he was okay, that he should watch the news especially out of Washington. The night flew by and the next morning Malcolm dressed in jeans and shirt walked out the door and down to the elevator. "Where are you going boy?" one of the men asked in a tired voice.
"Why I am going to have breakfast, you got a problem with that?" Malcolm answered.
" No, but don't go anywhere else." The man replied
"Bite me."
The door closed before the two could even get to it. That gave Malcolm a good chuckle. He was still laughing when he walked out the front of the hotel looking for a place to eat. Stopping at the door man he was soon pointed to a place just down the block. "Have a good day Mr. Daniels." he spoke.
"I plan on sir and you too, oh there will be a couple guys coming out soon, tell them where you sent me." Malcolm laughed.
"Will do."
The restaurant wasn't too crowded and finding a seat was easy, Malcolm knew he would need a place for three, but he decided to get a seat where no one could join him. The waitress came over and after taking his order walked away. The two men walked in just after that and seeing Malcolm walked over. "Are you trying to be funny?" The man asked with anger.
"No I am trying to have breakfast, now please go find your own table and leave me alone." Malcolm said
"I should smack you kid, but I can't so when your finished here I am going to place you in cuffs and drag your butt to that hearing." The man snapped.
"I don't think so."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because I have other plans for today, as a kid I don't have to stand before a bunch of people and talk. Also I want to visit the museums here. I mean may as well make use of this free trip."
"It isn't free it is costing the Federal government a lot of money."
"No it is costing the tax payers you mean. So beat it, tell the committee that I have decided that I won't becoming there."
With breakfast over and the bill paid Malcolm left his two guards walking behind him. Checking his watch he made his way over to the Senate buildings there he could see reporter of all kinds standing there. He was just walking up the steps when he saw a man walking towards him. "Are you Malcolm Daniels?" The stranger asked.
" Yes who are you?" Malcolm asked, as he stopped and glared at the man.
"I am Mr. Larry Baxter Jr. I was contacted by a Mr. Stillman and asked to be your lawyer here." Mr. Baxter stated as he shook Malcolm's hand
"Oh kewl, you know what this is about?" Malcolm asked.
"Don't you, I mean they called you to be here?"
" I have an idea, but who knows."
"Mr. Daniels, Mr. Daniels it is true that you were not allowed to leave your hotel room last night and that the police were sitting outside your door?" A reporter asked
"Yes it is." Malcolm answered
"Do you know why they feel you should be guarded like that?" The reporter asked.
"Well I have an idea, but who knows, maybe they think I am a threat to there way of thinking."
"Mr. Daniels what do you think of the student strike that has hit the nation."
"I think that is a question the committee might be asking so why not come in and hear what I have to say."
"We have been told that it is a closed hearing, how can you invite us in then?"
"I had no idea it was closed, however since I have invited you in I think there is the freedom of the press, and I want you there."
Malcolm could see the slow anger building in the two men that were shadowing him. His lawyer was trying to pull him away. "Mr. Daniels I wish you luck in there."
"Why thanks, but like I said come on in."
Going in Malcolm and his lawyer headed for the front table as the seat and bench behind him filled up. Looking up he could see that there were nine seats all were empty at the moment. His lawyer was talking to him explaining things and how they worked.
Ten minutes later the nine seats were full the people sitting there looking down at the table where Malcolm sat. "This hearing is in session. It is a closed hearing so all reporters are asked to leave." the chairman spoke up.
"No, they are here at my request." Malcolm spoke up.
"Young man you were informed that this was a closed hearing so they have to leave."
"Really who informed me of that, not the cop that picked me up in Florida, nor the two that sat outside my room last night?"
"I see, well your informed now."
"To bad, they stay."
"Mr. Daniels, that could be called contempt."
"Really I thought it was speaking my mind."
"Mr. Daniels where is your suit?" A second member asked.
"I think it is at home." Malcolm answered a huge smile on his face.
"What's it doing there?"
" Should be hanging in my closet."
"You think this is a joke?" The chairman spoke again.
"I don't know what to think, I am just a kid." Malcolm retorted.
"An impertinent one at that." The chairman stated.
"What ever, what do you want with me anyways?"
"Well since you have asked, we want to know why you started the student strike."
"Who said I started it?"
"We ask the questions. Now answer the question."
"I did."
"Do you know how far your strike has gone?"
"Well since it isn't my strike I don't know."
"Young man do you think one voice can make a difference?"
"I don't know maybe it can if some one hears it."
"Do you know what started this strike?"
"Don't you?"
"Mr. Daniels, I do not like questions being answered by questions."
"Then maybe you should do your homework, sir if I was your teacher I would give you a failing grade."
"Mr. Daniels, again the question is do you know what started this strike?" the Chairman asked."
"Of course I know what started it."
"Would you care to fill us in?"
"Are you sure you really want to know, I mean your all old people, Like my papa told me, when he was a kid, he was always told that kids should be seen not heard. I would have to say you all think the same way."
"Mr. Daniels, We are looking for answers not ridicule."
"Really you could have fooled me."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well since you asked, tell me just how many kids are out of school?"
"Mr. Daniels this strike goes all across the U.S. And it has to stop."
"Really why?"
"Because education is important."
"It is? I thought lies and deceit were important?"
"Mr. Daniels how can we stop this strike?" The ninth member asked."
"Easy. Change the way the school system deals with bullying and lying teachers."
"Teachers don't lie."
"Really, and politicians are perfect?"
"Mr. Daniels how can we make changes?"
"Stop the bullying, stop the suspension of those that stand up for what they think is right."
"Young man, are you telling this government what we have to do."
"You know Mr. you really ask stupid questions, why don't you listen, or is it just cause I am a kid, I have nothing to say. Well I tell you what, I have lots to say. First of Mr. you are a complete idiot, you think you know everything well you don't, so sit back and get educated.
For the past three months the students at the school I attended have stage a strike, it first started because the principle ignored what some students had to say in regards to a fight. A fight I might say that was being pushed by three grade tens against an eighth grader. This eighth grader warned the bullies three times before they decided to take a swing. Then when the boy had his back to them they tried again, the boy put them in the hospital. The principle expelled the eighth grader for fighting then he was charge with aggravated assault. Now on the stand the English teacher decided that the boy didn't conform to school policies, had stood up to her in class, and quite a few times told her she was wrong. She didn't like that. The principal lied in court while he was on the stand.
Now that wasn't the worse, when friends of this boy went to an emergency school board meeting, they told the board what happened. The school board also ignored what the kids had to say. The judge ordered the school board to change there policies, but they refused. The leader of the strike, when he asked the principal if the eighth grader was allowed back in school after being found not guilty, was told no and that they all had to go back to school. The students stood up for what they felt was right. Today you say that the strike is all across the U.S. I ask myself why, the answer is simple, since one voice can't be heard maybe ten to twenty million will be.
You sit there looking at me with contempt, thinking I don't know what I am saying, but the news reports tell you different, you also sit in nice cozy, well paid jobs, your kids go to some fancy schools, while other kids strive to make good grades and better themselves, well Mr. if anyone is trash it is you, not those kids out there wanting a better life."
"Mr. Daniels, I am insulted."
"Why all I did was speak the truth."
"Mr. Daniels." The chairman spoke up. "I see that you are very adamant in that changes are done to the system."
"I am, however the leader just doesn't want the system changed, he is also asking for the English teacher and Principal to resign. All the students know he was in the wrong, they know the teacher stands with him."
"But the system works well just as it is." the second member spoke.
"Then, I guess that you will find that a lot of students are finding jobs that don't pay your outrageous wages. You sit here and say the system works, so be it. I stand here and tell you that the armed forces are bullies, doing what ever they want. Are you going to send your son or daughter to a school, where their lunch money is stolen, or their clothes torn? Do you want them to come home with a black eye, or worse? By you saying the system works you are saying yes to all that. Now I have had my say, you do what you have to, either change it or resign and let some one sit there and do it for you."
Having finished Malcolm stood and started walking out of the room. "Mr. Daniels we are not finished with you, the second member said. Stopping Malcolm smiled. "Sir that is where you are wrong, I am finished here, I am finished listening. You think your better than anyone, sir I hope that you never have kids." with that Malcolm left the room the reporters scrambling to find phones and places to send in their stories
When Malcolm made it back to the hotel it was two and he was hungry, so instead of going in he walked over to the restaurant he was at for breakfast. Sitting at a table he was looking at the menu when the waitress came over. What can I get you this afternoon young man?" The waitress asked.
"Can I get a glass of chocolate milk and a super burger and hold the fries please?"
"Sure. " The waitress smiled as she walked away.
"Thank you."
With lunch done he headed back to the hotel. He was tired and mad at himself, he let the committee get to him and he shouldn't have. He had just gotten back in his room when the phone chirped. "Yes?"
"Mr. Daniels there's a couple gentlemen here to see you." The desk clerk informed Malcolm
"Tell them to come back tomorrow, I am tired and going to sleep for a while." Malcolm answered.
"Very good sir, I will let them know."
Malcolm slept till eight the next morning. He hadn't realized how tired he was. Getting up and showering he dressed in jeans and t-shirt and headed back down to the restaurant where he was having breakfast. "Mr. Daniels?" A tall man asked as he stood in front of Malcolm's table.
"Yeah who's asking?" Malcolm answered.
"I am." The man said with a tone of authority
"Doesn't tell me dick all, who's asking?"
"I am, kid now stand up and let's go?"
"I am not going anywhere, I am going to eat my breakfast, then I am going out to the museums, after that I am going to go to the airport, board a plane and go home."
"Listen kid, if you don't come with us I am going to bust your ass."
"Mr. Are you so dumb that you have to ask your partner what one plus one it. Take a look around you. I have done nothing against the law. Since you refuse to tell me who you are, that makes me think your out to cause me a hard time."
The speaker started to reach for Malcolm when he felt his hand pinned to the table. "I told you I am going to have my breakfast, not back off."
"Let him be Stan, he's right." The second man finally spoke
Letting him up Malcolm made room for his breakfast. Then he smiled and started eating. The two men standing there watching. "Miss, may I have another glass of juice please."
"Listen kid hurry up and finish, I have things to do."
"Then go do them. I told you I am not going with you."
Paying his bill Malcolm walked out of the restaurant and back to his hotel there he packed his bag and called down to the front desk and asked for a cab and to have his bill ready. Closing up he left and soon was on his way to the airport. Four hours later he was sitting at home relaxing. "Malcolm come and eat." Papa called out
"Coming papa." Malcolm hollered as he ran down the stairs.
"Well how did it go?" Papa called out
"Okay I guess, I don't think most liked being told they were wrong. But oh well now we have to see what happens." Malcolm said with a laugh.
"True."
"Hey Dad how was your day?" Malcolm asked
"It was good, when did you get home?" Richard answered
"About one maybe two I didn't look at the clock." Malcolm said as he started eating.
"Have you called Patrick since you got in?" Richard asked.
"No. I figured I would do that later."
"Before I forget there are a couple cheques here from your publisher."
"Cool, can you put them with the rest and maybe put some in my account."
"I can do that tomorrow for you."
"Thanks." Malcolm was going to say more when the phone rang. Instead he watched has his dad got up and answered it. "Yes he is here can I tell him who is calling?" Richard asked. "I see, okay just a minute."
"Malcolm it is for you, it is a secret service agent."
"Now what do they want?" Malcolm snarled as he took the phone
"I don't know, here you talk to him."
"Hello?"
"Mr. Daniels, I am surprised you are at home, not many can lose two agents of mine." The Agents spoke.
"I never met them so guess they weren't all that good."
"Oh, you met them in fact one has a few cracked fingers."
"Oh you mean those jerks this morning."
"Yes those two."
"Oh well maybe they should have said who they were."
"Are you saying they didn't identify themselves?"
"No, in fact the one that has broken fingers was rude and threaten to bust my ass. Then he reached for me and well you know what happened. Now what did they want with me?"
"Well they were suppose to bring you to sixteen hundred Pennsylvania Avenue. When we heard that they got beaten by a fourteen year old, the office had a chuckle and so did the boss. Now I was wondering if you could possibly come back and meet with us and our boss."
"No, I can't, I have commitments here."
"I see, so you're saying no, to meeting with the President."
"I think that is what I am saying."
"I will convey that to the President, I will be in contact with you again soon."
"I hope not like I said I have commitments here that need doing."
"I understand."
"Good, now have a good night, my dinner is getting colder."
Hanging up Malcolm sat back down, his dad and papa looking at him strangely "What was that all about?" Richard asked.
"Oh just that the president wanted to meet with me." Malcolm calmly answered.
"And you said no? Son even I don't have to guts to tell him that."
"Well I've been told I'm a rebel."
"That you are. That you are." Papa laughed.
Thinking about it Malcolm started laughing also, here he was the only person he knew of who said no to the president. "I really can't see what you two think is so funny." Richard spoke.
"Lighten up Richard, your son just told the president of the U.S. No, think about it and you will see what is so funny."
"Darn the news I wanna watch it, can I finish dinner in there please?"
"Sure go ahead I'll join you after I fill my cup." Dad said.
Malcolm had just got comfortable when he dad came in the TV had just started to news and Malcolm was watching closely. "Good evening this is channel two news from Washington D.C. I am Eric Stobbel, our top story today is the senate hearings on the School system and there policies. The hearing started this morning with quite a shock to the members. Fourteen year old Malcolm Daniels walked into the hearings wearing jeans and t-shirt. When asked where his suit was he said it was at home hanging in his closet, which brought a titter from the crowd that was there.
Fourteen Year old Malcolm Daniels is making a name for himself as he defies not only the School board in Florida, but also with his blatant speaking before the hearing. At one point it is said he called one member and idiot. He is said to have given a failing grade to another for not doing his homework.
Mr. Daniels, as we have learned was expelled for defending himself against three boys in his school, the students there thought the school was wrong and walked out, it seems now that schools all across this country stand behind Mr. Daniels as he pushes for changes in the school boards policies.
What started out as one school is now all schools, we didn't have a chance to speak with Mr. Daniels after he left the hearings, but from what we have learned since, is that he flew home and is supposedly relaxing."
"Damn it son, did you know it was that big?" Richard asked.
" Not till the hearing." Malcolm replied.
"Well looks like a hornets nest now. What are you going to do now?"
"I don't know, I am a victim of the school system, I didn't start this strike."
"I know son, but something is going to have to change now or it is all lost."
"I think after this the changes will come."
"I hope so son, but you realize that from now on anything you do will be front page,"
"I know that is why I need to stay away from this."
"You won't be able to now." Papa spoke up.
"Then what do we do march on Washington, or the governor's mansion?"
"What you need to do is get more parents involved. Then maybe everyone will stand up and notice that you all mean business."
"Who's going to listen to me?"
"Seems like the news people are listening, so get out there and speak not just to the news but to the people, use the news to your advantage."
"Use the weapons you have at hand, I get it, mind, words and publicity."
"That's it."
"Thanks papa, now I know what I have to do."
Calling Patrick he asked him to meet at Mike's Place in the morning, along with his brothers and sisters. Then he showered and went to bed. Sitting at his table the next morning Malcolm had just gotten a glass of juice when Patrick and the others showed up. "Dude did you really give that guy a failing grade." Patrick asked as he sat laughing.
" You saw the news I take it." Malcolm giggled.
"Yeah, man I almost pissed myself when I heard that. Dad didn't think it was funny, that is till he heard you called one guy an idiot. That was it we all broke out laughing."
"Well they pissed me off, but you want to really freak out, the secret service phoned me last night saying the president wanted to meet me, I told the guy that I couldn't do it."
"Oh man, you are nuts."
"Now look we got to end this strike and do it fast, so here is what I am thinking." For an hour Malcolm explained what he was thinking the others throwing in ideas to help. The outcome was that they needed to reach the parents. Malcolm was still talking when he felt Zeke slip under his arm, and watched as Aaron moved over and sat on Patrick's lap. "Morning turkeys, are you two hungry?"
"Uh huh." Zeke nodded.
"Good because Maggie should be bringing out breakfast soon."
"Good am glad your here, I missed you yesterday." Zeke whispered.
"I'm glad I am here also, I missed my turkeys also."
"Umm, can we still live with you?" Zeke asked.
"You bet, how would you like to come home with me later, today I have to get a lot of people working with us."
"Okay."
"Aaron are you okay?" Malcolm asked, seeing Aaron's face was a bit pale.
"Uh huh, I is hungry that all." Aaron answered.
"Right, let me go get Maggie to bring out some extra plates. You want to come with me Aaron?"
"Uh huh."
In the kitchen, Maggie was busy helping Mike get the meals ready. With Aaron at his side, Malcolm stuck his head in the door. Maggie, can I get two more plates."
At the table Patrick looked over at Zeke. "You know your brother is sick don't you?" Patrick asked.
"Yeah, but nothing I can do." Zeke mumbled.
"There is so, tell Malcolm. He can get him help."
"But then Aaron gets taken away?"
"No, Malcolm won't let that happen. Trust him Zeke."
"Okay."
With Zeke and Aaron back at Malcolm's, the place was in a bit of a turmoil, papa had Aaron sitting in a bath as Zeke showered. Malcolm's dad was busy looking for clothes for the two. Malcolm had called a doctor and he was going to be coming over to see the two. After getting everything done Malcolm told the two to stay here as he had to go help his friends get things working. Zeke was shown where the computer was. Then he left.
In town Patrick and the others were busy writing flyers when he showed up. Looking them over he smiled. "Now we have to find a place that can print them then we have to get them out, I was thinking also of a web sight, maybe I can get some one to donate something to help."
"Okay, if you can find that then go for it, I will talk to a copy company and see if they can help."
"Okay, what else, can I do help?"
"You can see about getting CNN to come out and help?"
"That would take a miracle." Patrick's older brother spoke up.
"No it won't, my dad said I was going to be watched closely now. So anything I do will be front page."
"Wow, not what you wanted is it?" Patrick asked.
"Not really."
Email me if you wish me to continue. thewriter1@live.ca