All rights reserved. Other than downloading one copy for personal enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author. As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually and are kept to a realistic level. Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com
This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between males, adult and minor. As such it is homoerotic, designed for the entertainment of mature adults. If you are not of legal age to read such material, or if the subject matter would create irresolvable personal moral dilemmas, please exit now
Note: Once again, I would like to thank Colin for his support and efforts at editing and correcting my errors. His suggestions and comments have been a significant contribution to the development of this story.
Chapter Thirty: New Horizons
"Daniel", Paul called over the intercom, "Captain Jackson's on line one for you."
Daniel answered the phone. "Captain, good to hear from you."
"Daniel, just called to confirm we're still on for this weekend. We have all the materials and equipment we think we'll need to build the basketball court and ball diamond. Are you prepared for us to come in tonight?"
"I'm told we are. We're talking about ten men, right?"
"Daniel, a few of the men have sons they'd like to bring with them, including me. I have two. I think there'd be about seven or eight boys. We can bring sleeping bags for them, if that's alright."
"No problem at all, Captain. I'll assume all the men know the boys run free here?"
"Daniel, we're policemen, but we're also fathers. Mine run free quite a bit of the time and I know some of the other men let their boys do the same. My guess is once we get there the boys will want to lose it all and stay that way till we make 'em get dressed again. Daniel, we don't want to be messin' up your schedules or supply allotments. We can bring our own provisions."
"Nonsense, there's plenty of room and plenty of food. Did I ever tell you the man running our mess hall is a certified chef? Be sure to bring good appetites or he's liable to be insulted."
"No problem. We'll leave here about mid-afternoon; three or so. That should put us there before dark. Daniel, I have a situation I want to talk with you about. I think your boys could be a big help."
"Captain, we'll try. Would you like to give me a hint?"
"I'm not supposed to speak of it on a non-secured line. We can talk when I get there. I think this problem may be right up your alley. See you tonight."
After Daniel hung up the phone he asked Paul if he knew where Rick was. Paul knew that Rick hadn't said anything about leaving so he guessed he was on the grounds. Daniel left to find him and confirm they were prepared for tonight's visitors.
As Daniel walked around searching for Rick, he spotted Danny wrestling in the dirt with Ian and Ryan. Daniel watched the boys at play. If the amount of dirt they had on them was a measure of their fun, they were having a great time. When Danny spotted Daniel he came running to the man with his arms open.
"No way little guy. Do you have any idea how dirty you are?"
"Me and Ryan and Ian been playin' wrestlin'."
"I saw the three of you. You looked like you were having fun." Danny and Ian nodded their heads. "You boys go ahead and have fun, but do everyone a favor and stand under the shower by the pool before you go in for lunch, okay? Have you thought of getting one of the new little bikes or a skateboard or wagon from Mr. Paul and playing with that? It's a lot cleaner." As soon as he said it, Daniel knew he shouldn't have said anything about being cleaner. Clean and little boys did not seem to go together.
The boys nodded, turned and ran back to their play area. They didn't even hint at heading to administration to get something to play with. As they ran off Daniel thought he should consider taking one of the other boys on the week tour to give Danny some company his own age. One of the boys could also learn what Danny does just in case they needed a backup one day.
Late in the afternoon and some of the boys had finished their supper and exited the dining hall. As they walked into the courtyard they spotted the caravan of trucks and equipment turning off the highway. One of the boys ran back inside to alert Daniel that somebody was coming. Daniel told the boys it was most likely the policemen that were going to help build the new court and ball field. Daniel and Rick walked out to greet their guests.
Rick guided the trucks to an area where they would be out of the way, but easily accessible. There were seven trucks. Mostly pickups, but there were two two-and-a-half ton stake-beds pulling trailers. One had a big dozer with a blade. The other held two bobcats. The beds appeared to be loaded with building supplies and small equipment. Daniel also saw that the truck cabs carried both men and boys. Daniel also noticed something else that was going to be interesting.
All the boys at New Horizon were white. Some of the policemen were black, and had sons with them. The subject of race and racial bias had never come up before. Daniel didn't know what the boys' attitudes would be. This would be an interesting lesson in diversity and acceptance.
When all the vehicles were parked the drivers exited the cabs and gathered in front of their vehicles. Daniel noticed a number of boys in various stages of dress. Two were in the process of getting undressed when an adult said something to them. Captain Jackson approached his men and their sons. He said something to them very briefly and then approached Daniel.
"Daniel, we made it. Good to see you."
"Captain, welcome. We've been waiting. The boys know why you're here and are really excited. I think you will have more volunteers to help with this project than you'll be able to keep busy."
"No such thing. The more workers we have, the faster we finish and the sooner the boys can enjoy the facilities."
As the two men exchanged pleasantries they both watched the boys. The New Horizon boys stood naked, eyeing the new kids. The new kids, in various stages of dress, stood eyeing the group of naked boys. After watching the two groups for a couple of minutes Daniel and the Captain signaled for their respective groups to step up.
Daniel was the first to speak. "Boys we have guests. Don't you think you should welcome them?"
The Captain called out to his group. "Fellas, we can't get any work done hanging around the trucks. Time to get friendly."
The Captain then turned to Daniel. "As you can see, some of the boys were already getting comfortable as we pulled in. I stopped them and told them they should ask first."
The men stepped forward and introduced themselves to Daniel and Rick. It was obvious which boys belonged to which man since the boys stuck to their parent like glue. When the introductions were complete the visiting boys stood in front or next to their father waiting for instructions. Daniel counted twelve boys, five of whom were black. He saw the look of excitement and anticipation in his boys' eyes and the visitors' eyes.
"Gentlemen, and boys, I'll assume you drove straight in and haven't had supper. Our chef was anticipating your arrival and has supper waiting for anyone that's hungry." This announcement brought smiles from several of the boys. "Also, we want all the boys to feel right at home. Subject to their father's approval, you are welcome to make yourselves just as comfortable as you like. As you can see, our boys believe in being very comfortable and you are welcome to join them. You may do so now, or later, what ever is more comfortable to you. The boys in the dining hall are just as comfortable as the boys you see here."
All the boys received a nod from their parent and were stripped before they even got to the trucks to store their belongings. When the boys rejoined the group they all headed for the dining hall. The group entered through the side door normally used by staff. The room went eerily quiet after the visitors entered. Daniel took advantage of the quiet to introduce the visitors and let the boys know what was expected of them. As the visitors were served, the quiet mumblings began.
Daniel signaled for Danny to step up. Danny was introduced to one of the younger visitors who happened to be his age, and was black. The visitor's name was Kai. Daniel thought it was interesting how the two boys eyed one another. At Daniel's request, Danny took his guest through the line and then led him to their table. Two of the older boys followed the example and stepped up to welcome the visitors and invite them to sit with them.
"Daniel, we were a little concerned about letting the boys come. We weren't sure your boys would appreciate them being here. Looks like we worried over nothing. Our kids seem to have mixed right in with your boys."
"Captain, I've learned one thing about kids. They like being with other kids and usually don't go looking for something to cause trouble. I was curious, though, about one thing. You'll notice all the boys here are white. I was curious to see how they would react to some of your boys. Right now I'd say they are all color blind; that's how it should be."
"We talked about the same thing before we left. You're right, though. We, as adults, seem to look for the worst. The kids seem to just accept things at face value and move on. I think there's a lesson in that for all of us."
"Captain," Daniel said, changing the tone in his discussion, "you said you had something important you wanted to discuss. Can you do that now or is it better to wait?"
"I think we can talk now. Of course, I'll have to ask you and your staff to understand that what I'm about to tell you is not for publication. Daniel, we've been receiving a lot of complaints lately about thefts and vandalism in a particular area of downtown. The general belief is the problem is caused by a small group of homeless people. When I say homeless people, of course, I'm really saying street kids. Kids in the same position as Brad and his group that we processed for you."
"The issue has to do with petty thefts and some minor property damage. There's enough going on that the mayor is catching some heat and the heat is being pushed all the way to Tallahassee. I've received orders to do a sweep, and do it soon."
"By sweep," Daniel interrupted, "I assume you mean you have orders to raid the buildings and pick up the kids?"
"Exactly." The Captain responded. "We've conducted some reconnaissance and located a small cell staying in one of the garages downtown. We know where they are and could move in with force to get them, but I'd rather do it another way. You've heard me mention that I wanted to change the perception these kids have of the police force. We want to help these kids. We have already announced our policy of asking the boys if they want to come to New Horizons, assuming you have room. If we move in on them in uniform and en masse, they will most likely panic. Of course, when we try to clear them if we find there is a warrant out, then that kid has to be enslaved."
"Captain, I don't understand. Other than being willing to accept more kids, how do we fit into this?" asked Daniel.
"Daniel, there's no way these kids are going to trust us. We are the police; we are the enemy. However, we believe that kids will listen to kids. What we are proposing is simple. Let us borrow a couple of your boys as volunteers to work with us. We know where the cell is. We will let your boys go in and talk with them. Tell them everything that's going on. If there are boys that can't qualify they don't have to come out. Those that do qualify and want into your program, let them walk out with your boys. Your boys will have a laptop to check the registry. We'll be parked two blocks away and come when your boys call us. We'll accept those on the sidewalk and assume there are no more in the building. We have to do this next week." As he spoke the Caption gave Daniel a 'do you understand what I'm really saying' look.
"I understand what you're saying. I'll have to talk to the boys. Remember, Captain, our original group really isn't that far removed from the street either."
While the adults talked, most of the boys finished their supper and were outside. Daniel asked Paul to post a sign for a meeting with all level four boys at ten the next morning and then offered to show his guests their accommodations. They said they preferred to view the area for the proposed basketball court and ball field. The adults left with each staff member escorting one or more guests.
Daniel showed the men the area used for playing basketball. The plan was to use the same area, but with a proper court rather than the existing clay. Walking over to the area for the ball field the group walked passed the swimming pool. Some of the boys were enjoying the pool with a couple of their guests. They also passed an area covered with hedges. Looking just beyond the hedges the group could see Danny with Ian, Ryan and Kai. The boys played their version of 'doctor' or 'personal inspection'. Kai's father stood with Daniel to observe the activity.
Kai was bent over. He was holding Ryan's butt cheeks apart and seemed to be making a serious visual examination of Ryan's private parts. Danny was doing the same thing to Kai. Ian was on his knees holding Kai's penis between his thumb and first finger. He held the boy's penis away from the scrotum, examining both very carefully. After watching the boy's for a couple of minutes they saw Kai encircled by the other boys. Danny wiped his hand over Kai's back and then held his palm up to examine it. Was he expecting something to rub off? Kai's father gave the signal for the men to move on.
When the group was out of hearing range of the four boys, all began to laugh. Particularly humorous was Danny's inspection of his palm after rubbing Kai. He looked as though he expected his hand to turn brown. Kai's father laughed and acknowledged he never knew his son was so curious about a white boy.
They arrived at the site behind the buildings. Daniel explained this area was chosen because of the open space and the boys wouldn't be hitting the ball towards a window. The men surveyed the topography and soil conditions. With no trees to worry about the group thought this project would take less time than planned. Initial steps included staking, stripping and grading, and then irrigation. Equipment and supplies were on hand for the heavy work to be accomplished by machines.
The group headed back to the center of the compound. They again saw the group of young boys who were now absorbed in a game of tag. It was getting a little late and Kai's father was about to call him in when Daniel stopped him.
"The two older boys you see walking towards the little ones, they are the boys' mentors. People ask how we care for so many boys with a small staff. Watch and you'll see."
Sean and Isaac were mentors for Danny and Ryan. The older boys approached the little ones and then called to them. The little ones stopped to listen. The frowns, followed by those angelic pleading expressions, told Daniel the little ones were being called in for the evening and pleading for a few more minutes. At first, Kai looked a little lost, being unfamiliar with the routine, and then put on his pleading expression. Ian tried to give them some trouble. Daniel guessed he was letting them know his mentor hadn't called him in. Isaac didn't say anything to Ian, he just picked him up and threw him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. It was hard to tell if Ian screamed in protest or delight. Soon, Sean and Isaac were escorting the four little ones to the dorm.
"The mentors," Daniel explained, "are taking the boys in to get cleaned up. It looks like the boys have adopted Kai. The young ones think taking a shower or bath is punishment and a waste of time. They figure they'll just get dirty again tomorrow. Every day they protest and every day they lose. The mentors will make sure they are properly cleaned and brush their teeth. Afterwards, they can go to the rec room and play a game or watch some television. The televisions are separated to let different age groups view different shows. Danny's group has to be in bed no later than nine, but preferably around eight thirty. The older boys go to bed around ten."
"Daniel, I have Kai's sleeping bag in the truck. I better get it. I was going to keep him with me tonight, mainly so he wouldn't be frightened. Looks like he'd rather be with his new friends, if you don't mind."
"Whatever's good with you. We want the boys to feel comfortable and right at home."
Later, Daniel and a few of his guests made the nightly round of the dorms. When they approached Danny's area they saw that he wasn't on his bed, neither was his mattress. Kai's sleeping bag was still rolled up and on one of the beds. As they got closer they saw an interesting sight on the floor. The boys had pulled three mattresses off the beds and laid them on the floor. All four boys were curled up with one another, sound asleep. The men walked out as quietly as possible.
Making the tour the men found all the visiting boys sleeping with their age groups. In more than one instance a couple of the resident boys put mattresses on the floor and three or more boys were sleeping on them. One of the Captain's boys was sharing mattresses on the floor, sleeping with the twins. Daniel hoped that the twins didn't try to teach the boy anything. His other boy was just lying on the floor with Kyle's group. It'd be interesting to hear the stories these boys would tell when they returned home.
After an early breakfast, the boys were divided into groups under the supervision of the policemen. Daniel reminded the boys the men were not here as police officers, but as private citizens who volunteered their time and efforts to make life a little more normal for the boys. The men understood the boys' apprehension and hoped by working together they could build a stronger relationship. At ten o'clock the level four boys left their groups to meet with Daniel in the dining hall.
Daniel first inquired about any problems with the current projects. The boys assured Daniel that things were going good. He then told the boys about the discussion he had with Captain Jackson and the Captain's request to have a couple of the boys work with the police department. The boys' primary responsibility would be to act as lead liaison between the street kids and the police.
"Mr. Dan'l", one of the boys spoke up, "is he askin' us to help him arrest these kids?"
Daniel saw the expressions on the boys' faces and realized that they didn't fully understand what the police were asking. "Guys, to say the police want your help in arresting these kids isn't a fair statement. The Captain is asking you to help them get these kids off the street. Understand, they will be taken off the street. The Captain has orders to conduct the sweep and he can't ignore those orders. Now, I want you to think about the interview at the hospital when we brought Sean back. Not all of you were there, but all of you have seen the interview more than once. What would be the advantage of you going in first? Think about the last group of boys that just came in."
Daniel watched the faces. Some of the boys were thinking about his question. Other boys were mumbling amongst themselves. Daniel decided to help them. "In the interview the Captain said his men would ask the boys that qualified if they wanted to come to New Horizons. What about the boys that don't qualify, what happens to them?"
"They'd be sold as slaves." One of the boys responded.
"Exactly," stated Daniel, "Now, think about if the Captain gives you a lap top and access to the warrant postings to check the boys. What happens if you find one of them on the warrant list? What happens to them if the police find them listed?"
"We could warn 'em so they could get away, but if the police have 'em, they'd get enslaved?"
"Correct," Daniel stated. "So, are the police trying to hurt these boys or give them a chance?"
"Give 'em a chance one way or the other." Another boy stated.
"That's right. Now, does everyone understand?" Daniel waited for any questions. When no one said anything he continued. "Boys, I'm not going to say you have to do this. We are looking for volunteers. Think about this though. Those men came here without being asked. They are trying to prove to you they can be your friend. Aren't they just asking you to help convince other boys that the police can be their friend? Think about it guys and let me know."
"Mr. Dan'l," Kevin stood to ask his question. "When do you need to know and who will come with us? Will you be with us?"
"Kevin, we would like to know something before these men leave here. So far as someone being with you, I hadn't really thought about that. Would you feel better?"
"Yes sir, I think so. Mr. Dan'l, understand, we were street kids and when we got picked up, well, you know. We appreciate what they are out there doin' for us, but right now we're bein' asked to put a lot of trust in people that we feared and haven't really had a chance to get to know. Understand what I'm sayin'? Suppose they decide not to let us come back?"
"Okay, I understand what you're saying. Let me talk to the Captain about that part and you boys talk between yourselves. Let me know what you want to do. I don't see any reason we can't work something out to satisfy everyone. Right now, though, I think we need to get back outside."
When the boys left the dining hall, Daniel noted most went directly to their work group. A small core group of boys gathered together and were discussing something. Daniel assumed it was the issue they just met about.
"Kevin, you think we can trust these cops? Maybe they just came here to make us think they care, but they're really tryin' to get us away so they can have us enslaved."
"Joey," Kevin started with a little exasperation in his voice. "think about what you just said. If they wanted us they could've given us trouble at the hospital in Orlando. I think what they're sayin's for real, but I'd feel better havin' Mr. Dan'l or somebody else from here with us. Brad, you had the most recent experience with 'em. What do you think?"
"At first, I didn't trust 'em. When Mr. Dan'l said we had to go to the police station for processing I was ready to run. When we got to the station I was more than ready. So was a couple of the other guys. Mr. Dan'l and Mark was with us and kept us from getting panicky. Mr. Dan'l stayed with us through the whole thing 'cept right at the end when he had to sign papers."
"The Captain, I thought at first he was kinda gruff. He came out and talked to us. He stayed with us through the whole thing, too. In fact, he said he had a special crew set up to handle us all together instead of one at a time. Thought we'd be more comfortable that way. The Captain tried kiddin' around with us some, but you know how it is with cops. They don't got a very good sense of humor; it's kinda warped. Know what I mean?"
"Guys," Kevin spoke up to refocus the conversation. "Let's suppose that Mr. Dan'l or Mark or one of the other guys will go with us. What do we do? Do we volunteer? As for me, I'm goin' to tell Mr. Dan'l I'll go if he says it'll be safe. I'll probably be scared shitless the whole time, but I'll do it for Mr. Dan'l."
Daniel watched as the last peg for the basketball court frame was hammered in. One of the boys was working with two men measuring the frame and verifying the dimensions were correct. Kevin and Brad were by the building mixing concrete in wheelbarrows. Kyle and Jamie were shoveling dirt at the older boys' directions. Sean handled the water hose. Daniel laughed when he looked at the boys. Running around naked, the older boys had developed a dark tan and the new boys were catching up. The white cement powder stuck to their sweaty bodies making them look like characters out of a Keystone Cops movie. Daniel knew the boys would not have any trouble sleeping tonight.
Daniel complimented the boys on their hard work. Lots of praise was given to the younger boys for their hard work and help. Daniel did have to question whether some of the help from the younger boys was constructive, but knew they needed the praise. When all the boys had been acknowledged, Daniel moved out to the ball field area.
Captain Jackson directed the work on the ball field. The field was already scraped and graded. Two trenching machines worked to dig the trenches for the irrigation lines. One crew composed of one man and three boys followed the machines dropping pvc pipe and sprinkler heads. Another crew worked to run a line from the water plant to the primary box containing the area valves. Daniel couldn't even count the number of men and boys hauling off the dirt pile created by the grading. Daniel approached the Captain.
"Looks like you have a very efficient operation going here."
"Well, thank you, Mr. Dan'l" replied the Captain, being a little sarcastic. "We try to please." Then the Captain became more serious, "Daniel, I wouldn't have believed how hard these boys would work. Most of the time when you're working boys this age it's easier, and faster, to just do it yourself. Some of the men were questioning whether we needed to come back next week. I believe we'll finish this weekend, though."
"They're good boys Captain. They just need for someone to give them a break and let them be kids again. Knowing they have a good chance at a decent future doesn't hurt, either."
"Hey, Mr. Dan'l," one of the boys called out, "you gonna stand there or are you gonna help?"
"From the looks of it, you guys don't need my help. You're doin' great without me."
"Strip on down, Mr. Dan'l. The exercise'll do you good. You're getting' pale too, like a tourist." Another boy called out.
"Are you sayin' I'm out of shape?" Daniel called back.
"You said that, Mr. Dan'l, not us. But, the old sayin' is 'if the shoe fits^Å'"
The Captain watched and listened as Daniel bantered back and forth with the boys. Listening to them he understood why Daniel was able to handle them as easily as he did. The banter was friendly, filled with caring and mutual respect.
The Captain looked at Daniel who was removing his shirt. "Daniel, are you going to strip down and join them?"
"I was thinking about it. Are you going to arrest me?"
"I don't see or know a thing, Daniel. Besides, this is state property and I don't have any authority here. I'm guessing you've done this before?"
"Many times Captain. Unless you're real shy, you might try it. You'd be surprised how a little step like this goes a long way to winning a lot of trust. Have you ever been skinny dipping with your boys? No different, just more boys. I will warn you, be prepared for a lot of razzing."
The Captain thought about what Daniel said for a moment. Giving a 'why not' shrug of his shoulders, he began to strip. While stripping he saw Daniel's back and froze.
"Daniel, your back ^Å" the Captain stammered.
"Sorry, Captain, I should have warned you. All of the boys have seen it. You know, I was once a slave. My back is my constant reminder of my treatment and why I want to protect these boys."
The Captain didn't say anymore. When both men were naked they joined the boys. When the Captain's men saw him they gave some wolf whistles and hoots, then joined him in getting comfortable. The boys teased all of them about having lily-white butts, except for the black men who surprised the boys when they said they could get sunburned, too. The visiting boys joined with their hosts to give the men a very loud and unforgettable 'welcome to our club' afternoon.
Supper was hamburgers and hot dogs cooked on an open grill. The group gathered around the pool and the volleyball area. After supper men and boys mixed, talking and laughing openly. Daniel noticed the boys seemed much more at ease now with their guests. Stripping down and joining the boys at work had the desired effect. Funny, after everyone stopped working and rinsed off at the outdoor shower, no body bothered to get dressed again.
As the evening wore on the boys began to retire without being told. Daniel knew they were tired. Regardless of how they felt, the mentors took care of their charges, some of whom had to be carried in. The Captain and Daniel stood watching the boys as they all appeared to run out of energy.
"Daniel, it was a good afternoon. Working with the boys the way we did accomplished more than ten days of talking could do. However, there was a price to pay. The boys elicited a promise from us that we must fulfill."
The Captain looked at his men and gave a nod. On signal, his men tackled all the staff members and unceremoniously threw them into the pool. Most all the policemen, including the Captain, wound up in the pool also. The sound of the men shrieking their surprise and hitting the water was matched by the cheers from the boys standing by the pool. All the men laughed and started reaching for the leg of the nearest boy who soon found himself joining them.
"Mr. Dan'l?" Kevin called out, he was accompanied by Brad and Sean. "Mr. Dan'l, can we talk?"
"Sure, boys, you know I'm available any time."
Kevin spoke for the group. "A group of us got together and we figure since those men came here to help us, and considering the sports equipment donation, that, well, maybe they are tryin' to be friends. Anyway, we figured we are the best ones to work with the police. We probably owe 'em something for the sunburned butts they got yesterday. Brad may know some of the boys, same with Sean. Plus, with all the television and paper stories about finding Brad, they may recognize him. I can speak to them about how it was for the rest of us and what you did to help us.
We do have two questions though. First, when do they want to do this and how long will we be gone? Some of us was kinda hopin' you'd take us on the week long tour. That's just over a week away now. Second, could Mr. Mark go with us? He's still kinda young and the boys would talk to him, and we'd feel better."
"I understand, guys. Let me talk with the Captain, I'm sure he'll understand. The sweep has to come down this week. He's been pushing it off until he could see you guys, but he thinks he's pushed it about as far as his superiors will let him. Also, I promise not to tell Mark you said he was just 'kinda' young."
Daniel found the Captain working on the ball field. The work moved along faster than anticipated and there was a good chance of finishing today. The field would be seeded, so it was up to nature to stay warm and let the grass grow. Daniel noticed that Danny and Kai were no longer working, but had discovered the pleasures of a mud pit. The two boys turned themselves into mud monsters. Daniel signaled one of the boys with a hose and pointed to the mud covered boys. The older boy waved and acknowledged what Daniel was asking.
"Captain, I just spoke with the boys. They've picked a group of three they think will function best for what you want to do. They are asking when and how long they'll be gone. They also want to take Mark with them."
"Well, Daniel," the Captain said "guess I really can't blame them for wanting to have someone with them they trust. The sweep has to be this week. I think the boys can tell us the best time to find all of the group or gang together. Given what some of these kids have to do to survive, we're guessing early morning is best. If the boys are willing, I'd like to take them with me tonight and pull the sweep as soon as possible. We can process in the afternoon and, hopefully, have everyone back here that night or the next day.
Daniel, would it help if I were to leave my boys here with you until I bring your boys back? Assuming they'd want to stay, of course."
When the Captain asked his boys if they'd like to stay and play with their new friends for an extra day or two, the boys were real excited. The other boys, hearing this, told their fathers they wanted to stay too. The other boys were disappointed when told they had to go home, but could come back for a visit before long. Some of the boys were really unhappy. As a consolation, since the boys were of a legal age their fathers told them they didn't have to dress but could remain running free. The boys didn't act overly excited or happy, but neither did they protest. All of them procrastinated and found more excuses than anyone could count not to leave. However, leave they eventually did.
Daniel and the boys thanked the volunteers. A couple of the boys gave advice on how to handle the sunburned buns. The fact the boys grinned from ear to ear and couldn't avoid laughing took some of the sincerity out of the advice.
Mark drove the New Horizon van with Kevin, Brad and Sean. All four wore identification necklaces and knew how to use them if necessary. The boys would stay with the Captain who assured Daniel the boys would be fine unless his wife thought they were too thin and decided to keep them up eating all night.
When they left, Daniel spotted Josh and called him over. "Josh, one of the Captain's boys has been hanging around the twins. How about making sure they don't get into anything we wouldn't want them repeating to their parents, okay?"
"Uhhhh ^Å Mr. Dan'l," Josh responded hesitantly, "that may be a little too late. Yesterday I caught 'em out back." Daniel looked at Josh with his 'go on' expression. "All three were on there knees comparing equipment ^Ö up front, around back and underneath, if you know what I mean. Then I caught 'em sword fighting, but they weren't using sticks. Last night they were all three on mattresses on the floor. They were kinda spooned."
"What do you mean 'kinda' spooned?"
"Well, the twins were bookends. One of the twins was facin' the Captain's boy. The other twin was behind the boy. They were in as close as they could get. I think they were belly rubbin', but stopped and acted like they were sleepin' when they heard me comin'. That's all as far as I know. I don't think they did anything real bad, Mr. Dan'l, they were just bein' little boys satisfying their curiosity."
Daniel let his head fall so his fingers could massage his temple. After taking a deep breath he spoke. "Josh, do us all a favor and sleep with the three of 'em tonight. Please, try to keep them out of trouble. I hope those twins haven't taught that boy anything else, and if they have, I don't want to know about it."
Josh couldn't help but smile at the way Daniel spoke. "Yes sir, I'll keep 'em straight."
End Chapter Thirty
To Be Continued; comments welcome, contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com