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: I would like to thank Colin and John for their continued support and patience while I try to write this story. Their support and efforts at editing and correcting my errors contribute significantly to the reader's pleasure.
Like 'feel good' stories? Go to Adult/Youth section and try "Brad's Idol" or "Never Take Love For Granted". One is another of my stories, the other is written by a talented friend.
Chapter Forty-Three: New Horizons
Daniel and the boys had to leave early to make Sean's appointment in Orlando. It was up, shower, brush and in the van. A couple of the boys decided to take a nap during the trip, but only after devouring the egg sandwiches Barry had prepared. While Sean underwent tests on his heart, the other boys would serve lunch in the senior center. Daniel laughed to himself thinking about the seniors being entertained by the almost naked young boys. They did look attractive and the ladies, especially, always wanted to hold and hug each of them.
The vans were parked in the customary spots. Daniel remembered their first visit here with all the anxiety and fears. These visits, aside from affirming Sean could lead a normal life, allowed the boys to get away from the compound and give a pleasant smile to the grandparents they no longer had. Daniel entered through the lobby and approached the receptionist.
"Good morning, I believe we are expected?"
"Good morning, Mr. Thompson, it's nice to see you and the boys again. I hear a number of our seniors have been asking when they would be back to visit with them. The boys can use the regular room down the hall to change. Oh, and Mr. Thorpe would like to see you in his office. I believe Captain Jackson is already there." Daniel pointed the way for the boys and then turned to thank the receptionist before heading to the administrator's office. Brad and Michael left with Sean for the cardiology wing.
Daniel approached Clayton Thorpe's assistant. She recognized him, mouthed that the Captain was inside and pressed the buzzer for Daniel could enter.
"Daniel, welcome." Clayton cordially greeted his guest.
"Clayton, nice to see you." Daniel turned to Clayton's other guest. "Captain, and I see you have the boys with you. Hi, guys." They timidly smiled and waved to Daniel.
"Daniel, before I forget and have my two monsters all over me," the Captain teased his sons, "my boys were kind of hoping they could get to be Cherubs for a day?"
"Cherubs for a day." Daniel leaned back and acted as though he was giving it deep thought, teasing the two boys. "I don't know. Let's see what kind of smiles you have." The two boys beamed with exaggerated smiles. "Wow! That's pretty good. I think you just might make good Cherubs. The key is to smile at the older people and make them feel good. Can you boys do that?" Both boys nodded enthusiastically.
"Okay, then I'll tell you what we'll do. We serve two lunches. Each Cherub brings his uniform plus a spare. How about we wait for the second lunch service and we'll know which uniforms we have that you can wear. You'll be Cherubs with the other boys. That okay with you?" The boys again nodded with youthful enthusiasm. "Let me call Mr. Mark to come get you. He'll take you to the dressing area where you will get your hair done like a Cherub so you'll be ready on time."
Mark came for the two boys who were really excited. The Captain gave Daniel a questioning look.
"The Cherubs get some highlights in their hair to match the cloth they wear, or it will be done in gold. It's nothing permanent; I don't want the boys' mother after me." The three men laughed a knowing laugh.
Clayton Thorpe's tone turned serious, but he continued to smile. "Gentlemen, it's nice to have a laugh, but I'm afraid I didn't ask you to join me so we could all be amused at the Captain's sons learning to run around in loin cloths, but it was funny. I have been asked to give each of you an envelope." Clayton places the envelopes on his desk, one in front of each man.
"Please don't ask me who requested these envelopes be delivered to you because I'm under an oath not to reveal the party's identity. I have been told that each envelope contains the same material and there is a self-explanatory letter in each."
The Captain and Daniel exchanged questioning looks. Both men opened their envelope and removed what appeared to be a cover letter. The letter read as follows:
Gentlemen:
Attached to this letter are partial copies of affidavits setting forth facts
that should be sufficient to right an egregious wrong. When you read
the affidavits, or parts which you have been provided, you should be
able to identify the victims.
Mr. Thompson, it will be up to you to discuss the matter with the
appropriate parties and determine if it is in their best interest to pursue
restitution and compensation for the wrong they have suffered. If the
decision is in the affirmative you will need to notify Captain Jackson.
A time would then be reached where these boys should be able to return
to a loving home. However, the structure of that home will be another
issue. The families know how these boys survived and seem to have
disclaimed all relationships. If this fact remains, then the boys will
require a guardian and a conservator for their estates until they have
the capacity to manage their own affairs. While there may be many
capable of fulfilling this requirement, Daniel, we believe there are few
as qualified as yourself.
Captain Jackson, the responsibility is placed on you to consult with the
appropriate personnel in the police department to determine if the facts
set forth in the affidavits is sufficient for a conviction. At your request,
the complete, original affidavits will be provided. If additional facts are
required, you will be given the names of parties that can provide the
information. Both private parties, business people, bankers and attorneys
are involved in this fraud and need to be brought to justice before they
have the opportunity to harm other innocents.
When you have reached your conclusions, please advise Mr. Thorpe, who
will notify the appropriate parties to deliver the promised information.
Also, please be on notice that Mr. Thorpe is under a sworn and enforceable
contract not to reveal the identity of any persons known to him subject to
substantial financial penalties.
After reading the letter, Daniel and the Captain remove the proffered affidavits. Both men are surprised by the detail of the facts contained in the affidavits. They are also very curious about who sent the information and how they obtained the data. Both men look first at one another and then to Clayton Thorpe.
"Gentlemen, please. I'm obligated to say nothing under severe monetary penalties. If we are subjected to those penalties we lose the ability to provide treatment to those in need, such as Sean."
"Mr. Thorpe," the Captain began, "from your statements I presume you do know who sent the envelopes. Do you realize that by withholding information you could be arrested and charged with obstruction?"
"Yes, Captain, I do." Clayton answered very calmly and matter-of-factly. "You gentlemen were specifically picked to present this information for several reasons. First, of course, is your dedication to doing what is right for not only the boys at New Horizons, but pursuing assistance for those boys who could easily find themselves in the same position. Integrity is probably the best qualification I can give you. Because of your integrity it is assumed you would not try any strong arm tactics with the benefactor or the messenger."
"Daniel," the Captain returned is attention to the affidavits, "do you realize that somewhere not only do you have a very mysterious supporter, he's very influential. Do you recognize these names? Many are associated with what we shall call questionable activities?"
"I recognize the names only because of some phone calls we had to make with the problem a while back with Evan. I know these people would buy, sell and use kids without a second thought." Daniel was serious and a bit confused as he spoke. "Why would this be coming out now?"
"These people stick together and take care of their own, whether that's good or bad. It's all part of their code for work and life. Your man here has broken that code and my guess is he turned on family. He's being surrendered for punishment."
"Daniel, there's more." Clayton interjected. "This is a donation to New Horizons. The parties doing this know what you are trying to do and want you to know they support your position. They have both political and financial connections that can help you. They also recognize you will be incurring some extraordinary expenses with your debates and campaign. Further, you will need attorneys for the boys, both the boys mentioned in the affidavits, but also situations such as with the two British boys you just took responsibility for." Clayton handed Daniel another, smaller, envelope which Daniel opened and was pleasantly surprised.
"Clayton, this is for real, isn't it?" Daniel asked while looking at the numbers on the bank check.
"It's all for real, Daniel. The second check is a donation to the legal costs involved with the suits and injunctions. Now, shall we check on our Cherubs and wanna-be Cherubs?"
As the boys served lunch, TJ and Evan watched for Grandpa Smith. It had been a while since their last visit and both boys hoped the old gentleman would be waiting for them, but he wasn't in the room. About half way through the service they saw him being rolled in by the orderly that was with him on the last couple of visits. Grandpa had added some personal decorations. He gave them a smile and nodded towards the familiar door.
The orderly held the door open for TJ and Evan to enter. Upon seeing Grandpa, they had to smile. When he saw the boys he smiled and a twinkle shown in his eyes. The orderly exited the room and closed the door. He would stand outside the door to assure privacy for the man and two boys.
"Boys, it's been a while. Actually, it's been longer than I would have liked, but that's the impatience of an old man. Now, are you two going to just stand there gawking at me or are you going to let me appreciate two of nature's more pleasing creations."
The boys knew what Grandpa was asking. He enjoyed looking at their naked bodies. He called it appreciating the natural beauty of youth. The boys did not hesitate to pull the slip knot on their thongs and allow the flaps to fall away.
"Sir," TJ began, "should we call you 'Colonel' now?"
"Ah, TJ," Grandpa answered, still smiling and now appreciating the beauty of what he considered to be 'his boys', "you've noticed the additions. What do you think?"
Grandpa had grown a goatee and mustache since the boys last saw him. His hair was white as snow and contrasted to the tan on his face.
"Very nice, sir." Evan responded while TJ nodded in agreement. "Are we having chicken for lunch?"
"Well, I don't know about you, but I plan on it." Grandpa stood and held his arms out. "Come on over here and let an old man enjoy the smoothness of your bodies."
TJ and Evan stepped up to the older gentleman, just as they had several times previously. Grandpa enjoyed running his hands over their young bodies. The boys didn't mind because Grandpa didn't have the rough or calloused hands of many senior citizens. His hands were soft and smooth; they were also gentle and loving. While he held a cheek on each boy, TJ and Evan began a slow and enticing scenario they had worked out for undressing the gentleman. Each movement was designed to tease or touch a sensitive area of the man's body and give him pleasure.
"You know boys, meeting you here is one of the best things that's ever happened to me. After our visits I always feel much younger and invigorated. I've decided it must be the vitamins or something I get from drinking from the fountains of youth that you provide. Today, I think I need a good drink, maybe a double shot if you know what I mean." Grandpa spoke with a big smile a look of pure mischief in his eyes. "Of course, there are those that believe it is much more effective if the stimulants are delivered more directly into the body, without having to be absorbed through the stomach lining. So, I think to be sure that I get an ample dose of medications, I need to both drink it and receive a direct injection. Can you boys handle that?" The two boys looked at one another and smiled before TJ spoke.
"Grandpa, we've heard that today's youth does not appreciate the knowledge of the older generations. We've also heard that we should allow ourselves to benefit from the experience of the older generations. Sir, Evan and I would really appreciate it if you would share your seeds of experience with us. We can take our medicine either orally or by direct injection, at your pleasure. Also, we know that the body will absorb the medicine much better if it's relaxed; say, by a massage?" Grandpa gave a loving an appreciative look to both of his boys.
The boys escorted Grandpa to the bed and made sure he was comfortable. Both wanted to give the gentleman the massage, so the decision was made both would administer attentions simultaneously. They climbed on the bed with each straddling a leg; Evan on the left, TJ on the right. Grandpa enjoyed feeling the warmth of their silky smooth sacs as they lay across his legs. Each boy leaned forward and propped themselves with one hand on the bed. With their arms crossed over one another, Evan began to massage Grandpa's right and TJ his left pectoral regions; concentrating on the areolas which responded almost instantly, evidencing their need for attention. Grandpa kept his arms extended along his sides, maintaining a firm grip on the anchor of each boys defining part, helping them to keep centered and focused with a light, but steady, squeezing action.
"Boys, if you feel a desire or need to communicate or connect with each other in any way, don't let my presence stop you, okay?"
The boys grinned as Grandpa stated an obvious invitation. Looking into the other's eyes with obvious compassion they gently touched lips and then opened to receive the other's exploring tongue. Grandpa lay there watching the muscles in their young throats pulsate with the probing and sucking each gave to his lover. Subconsciously, the boys began to express their pleasure with moans that sounded more like pleas for more attention. Grandpa could hear them exchanging saliva and see it seep from the corner of their mouths.
"Boys, you know it's a little dry down here, too."
The boys broke their kiss and then quickly kissed for the briefest of moments before turning to their companion who was so expertly giving them pleasure in their lower regions. TJ bent down and placed a compassionate kiss on the gentleman, pushing his tongue out for Grandpa to suckle and enjoy. While TJ was busy, Evan bent over and nibbled on the man's left ear, rewarded with the feel of the man first cringing and then moaning his approval; Evan then sent his tongue out to probe the ear canal. TJ broke the kiss and moved to the Grandpa's right ear, again the nibble and then he probed the ear while Evan allowed Grandpa to suckle his tongue.
Shortly, when Grandpa could take on shallow, sharp breaths, the boys moved down to nibble and suckle on older nipples. As they kissed, sucked and licked their way across his chest and then down his sides, they began the lubrication for direct injection. Each boy had a lubricated butt plug that all the older Cherubs wore when out. Carefully removing it, TJ slipped his into Grandpa. Whispering for him to clamp down, TJ pulled the plug out, leaving the lube in the soon to be filled canal. Evan repeated the process.
With both plugs now emptied inside the canal, TJ reached down and inserted a finger to begin the process of spreading the lube and loosening the point of entry. Evan followed TJ's lead and soon, both boys had a finger inside the man, stretching him to minimize any discomfort when the moment came. The boys turned to exchange another kiss while Grandpa watched, feeling their pleasure and feeling them pleasure him.
Nothing was rushed. Nothing was said. The three were able to communicate through movement and the look in their eyes. Grandpa was in heaven. He wondered where these boys, or two other like them, were when he was young. He knew that if had to choose a way to die, this is how he wanted to go. However, for the moment, he would just accept and appreciate this private piece of heaven and his angels.
At some point during the mutual exchange of pleasures, Grandpa had released the boy's tools and now held in the palm of each hand a silky smooth and warm sac that produced the seeds of youth; seeds he so wanted deposited in his aging body. He knew that by taking the seed he would not regain his youth or, most likely, any additional time on this earth, but what a fantasy!
"Boys, we have to shift before you two wear this old man out. Remember, I'm supposed to be getting a taste of the fountain supplemented by a direct injection. Let's get on our sides. Evan, I'll drink from your fountain while TJ works on injection."
The boys laughed at the way Grandpa said he was ready to take it up the rear. Both boys knew Grandpa loved getting pig stuck. They also knew he didn't care to use street lingo when asking for it, at least not all the time. This session he wanted to be a little more polished. Grandpa rolled to his right side; Evan got in the sixty-nine position on his right side. The two shifted their lower legs so they could become pillows. TJ lay behind Grandpa at a slight angle for maximum penetration.
Each took their time. This was no race to see who could unload first or even to see who could exercise the most control. This was a session of mutual pleasure between man and boys, all of whom trusted and cared about the other. The boys appreciated the way Grandpa treated and spoke to them. They felt a respect coming from him they rarely experienced on the street. He treated them as young gentlemen, not trash off the street. They also liked the way he touched them. He was gentle and loving. If they could choose a Grandpa, they knew this is who they would choose.
Grandpa loved the boys. His daughter had disowned him many years earlier when she discovered his love for boys. They never caught him doing anything or talked with anyone that could say he actually did anything. They did find some pictures and letters that let them know he was different. It was a difference she neither wanted nor tried to understand. Grandpa simply thought adolescent boys were among nature's most beautiful creations. He knew he had a grandson; he knew he would never see him much less get to know him.
Regardless of how they tried to maintain control and pace their lovemaking, at some point nature took over. All three were covered in sweat. All three moaned and whimpered the pleasures permeating their bodies. Grandpa felt full and never wanted TJ to leave him. He not only felt Evan's youthful skin, he could smell and taste the essence of boy. Evan began whimpering and then tried plunging in and out of Grandpa's mouth. Grandpa recognized the signs and began giving Evan long, deep suction action intended to draw the boys seed out in an explosion.
As Grandpa applied the suction to Evan the muscles in his older body tightened and flexed. TJ felt the contractions around his shaft and began a longer and faster pumping action into Grandpa's talented hole. Grandpa tried to concentrate on pleasing both boys simultaneously. He wanted to feel them explode simultaneously and hear their youthful cries of joy. He knew when they did, so would he.
"Oooohhh Grandpa --- mmmmmmppphhhh --- ooohhhh -- ooohhhh --oohh - oohh -oohh - I'm - almost - oooooohhhh - fuuuuck -- ooohhh -- mmmmppphh -- mmpphh -- oohh - mmmmppphhh -- mmpphh -- mmpphh ---mmpphh -- aaahhh" TJ tried to muffle his cries by burying his face in Grandpa's shoulder, he didn't want anyone hearing them. It had been a long time since TJ had felt anything this powerful, this good. Experience and talent were the only things that could bring these feelings about. "- aaahhh -aahh -aahh - aahh- oohh - I'm almost THERE! -- OOOOOHHHHH -- OOHH - OOHH - AAHH - AAHH - AAAAAAHHHHH!"
TJ exploded inside Grandpa. His breathing became gasps for air in aching lungs. His whole body shook with the force or his orgasm. At the same time Evan let go of shot after shot, filling Grandpa's mouth. On feeling the boys let go Grandpa released. His wasn't as much but it was more than enough to send the man into a state of pure bliss and fill Evan's mouth. Evan swallowed some, but held the rest in is mouth.
When they were able to catch their breaths and return to some semblance of normal breathing, Evan propped himself up on his elbow. Seeing his friend, Evan rose and leaned over Grandpa. The two boys entered into a passionate kiss. Grandpa could see the boys moving their tongues inside the other's mouth. He could see the boys' throat muscles moving and knew they were sharing his experienced seed.
"We like to share experience, sir" TJ said, grinning like the proverbial Cheshire cat.
When Daniel entered the dining hall, he saw the orderly standing outside the door. He walked over and looked at the orderly who raised his hands palms out to Daniel. Daniel held up two fingers and pointed to the door, the orderly nodded. Daniel knew the boys would be with the older gentleman. Both boys had let him know the gentleman would not hurt them and they enjoyed being with him. Daniel still worried about his boys and stayed near the door. Occasionally looking at the orderly, the man remained, standing guard.
The first luncheon session was about half over, but none of the seniors had left. A couple of the older boys moved from table to table, refilling glasses. All of the younger boys were being held in some way or another. Little Danny had been caught by the older, overweight lady that seemed to get him every visit. She was busy rubbing his bottom under the flap. When she turned Danny's head into her substantial breasts to give him a hug, a look of panic came across his face, but he didn't run.
Other boys sat in the laps of the seniors of both genders. Most appeared to enjoy just making small talk with the boys. A couple were getting a good feel of a boy's bottom while others rubbed the boys back, something grandparents seemed to do subconsciously. The twins were being held by two men at the same table. Both men openly caressed the boy's bottoms; both boys openly grinned and wiggled their butts. Daniel could only shake his head. The only two boys Daniel couldn't visually check on of course were TJ and Evan. If there was a problem, both boys were wearing their necklace alarms.
During the short break between lunch sessions the boys were able to take care of any personal needs. A couple had food spilled on them and headed to the dressing area to change. After the boys refreshed themselves, Daniel asked if there were any problems. The only complaint was from Danny who said the lady tried to smother him and kept feeling his bottom. Daniel laughed the way the little guy said it and decided to give him a break, at least in the beginning of the second session. The Captain's two boys stood in the dressing room waiting on someone to tell them what they could wear. When Daniel looked, both boys had gotten naked. Daniel left them in Mark and Clay's care.
Daniel, holding Danny, resumed his position near the door where he knew Evan and TJ were. He thought he occasionally heard sounds coming from the room, but they were so muffled he wasn't sure. The orderly didn't seem to be phased. When the boys returned to serve the second sessions Daniel immediately noticed the Captain's two sons. Of African-American descent, the boys had dark skin that shown with a light coating of oil, and green eyes. Their facial features were closer to what one associated with Caucasians. One boy wore a tangerine colored flap while the other wore a darker orange color. Their hair had received copper highlights. Their color with their natural soft features made the boys extremely good looking.
Daniel was pleased with the way things were going until he noticed that each of the Captain's boys was holding the hand of one of the twins. Daniel wasn't sure how much the Captain's sons knew, but he was sure he didn't want the twins necessarily teaching them anything. Daniel knew he would have to speak with the Captain before they left.
After the lunch was served and the pattern for the lunch session appeared set, Daniel set Danny down. An elderly lady who definitely appeared to be the grandmotherly type with her hair in a bun, conservative dress and 'granny' glasses signaled for Danny to come over. Danny looked at Daniel and then approached the lady. Daniel couldn't hear what was said but could see the ladies friendly smile. She didn't appear to be pushing Danny for anything. Soon he sat in her lap. She rubbed his back as she spoke to him and then they shared a small dish of ice cream. Danny didn't have to fear being smothered except by love.
Daniel remained where he was. He knew he wasn't leaving until he knew TJ and Evan were alright. Again, he thought he heard muffled sounds. He could tell they were coming from more than one person. Soon, there was no doubt he heard muffled moans and then someone cried out. Daniel recognized the type of sound and grinned. A couple of older boys standing nearby also heard. They turned and started to laugh until Daniel motioned for them to settle down. In a few minutes, Daniel heard the sounds of a beeper and saw the orderly turn, knock twice and enter. He returned in a moment and let Daniel know that Grandpa was asking to speak with him. Daniel followed the orderly.
Daniel entered the room. TJ and Evan had apparently just had a shower and were putting the final touches on dressing. Grandpa, fully clothed, sat at the table as though he had been sitting there all day. Daniel had no way of knowing that Grandpa had TJ put one of the butt plugs in him as a temporary measure so he didn't embarrass himself.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Thompson, Grandpa greeted Daniel with a friendly smile. "Won't you please join us?" Daniel looked at the boys to be sure everything was alright as he sat. The boys smiled and nodded their heads.
"Mr. Thompson, before I ask you what I really want, I'd like to tell you what well mannered and considerate boys you have here. If I was younger and able, I'd be tempted to take them home with me and offer them a good future. However, we can all see I'm not that young anymore." Grandpa continued to smile as he spoke. Daniel nodded his thank you.
"Mr. Thompson, as I said, I'm not that young anymore. Realistically, I have the same problem others have; we never know when our time is coming. Please forgive me, I don't mean to be morbid; I'm just trying to get you to understand my motives here. Until you started bringing these boys in I'd reached a point I just didn't give a damn about much. Now, when we hear you are returning for a visit, the time can't go be quickly enough. If you don't mind I'd like to give the boys a little memento of our time together."
"Mr. Smith^Å"
"Most everyone calls me Grandpa or Grandpa Smith. Please, let's be less formal, shall we?"
"So long as I can be Daniel." Daniel responded with a smile. "Before I can say yes, I need to know more detail. I don't want these boys put in a position where the other boys feel TJ and Evan are getting special treatment."
"I understand." Grandpa signals for the orderly to come over. While he speaks the orderly hands Grandpa two small packages. "Boys, I need to say something and I want you to understand that it's just reality, so don't go getting all sentimental on me, okay?" The boys nodded. Grandpa addressed Daniel. "I'm seventy-eight years old and have a bad heart. Odds are I won't live long enough to see these two finish growing up. I had these made last week for them to have mostly as a token of my appreciation."
Grandpa opened both packages. Each package contained a ring box. Inside each was a diamond horseshoe shaped ring. Each ring contained an inscription inside the horseshoe. One read "TJ love Grandpa" the other "Evan love Grandpa".
"Daniel, if I had been fortunate enough to have known grandsons, I would hope they were as good as these boys. I'm asking you to put these away until the boys are of age. Hopefully, they will be able to keep them and remember me and what I think of them. However, I'll tell you each ring contains a little over four carats of top quality diamonds. Daniel, I think you know what that could mean if they had to have the money."
Daniel sat, looking at Grandpa and the boys. He had never anticipated an event like this. His mind raced trying to be sure there would be no problems. The boys looked both sad and anxious. Grandpa waited on Daniels decision.
"Daniel, there is one other thing. Captain Jackson told us he and some other members of the force will be going to Fort Ogden to baseball teams for the boys to have a tournament. If I can arrange transportation, I would really enjoy seeing them play. I promise you I would not ask for any private time with the boys. I'm just an old man trying to enjoy what time he has left. Besides, except when your boys visit, this place is boring as hell."
Daniel looked first at the boys. "Boys, I don't think it'd be a good idea to keep these at Fort Ogden. I'd like to think they're safe there, but if you started wearing them it'd be too easy to lose them. I'll have these locked in a safe deposit box. When you are of age or need them, they're yours." He then turned to Grandpa. "Sir, on behalf of the boys, we thank you. I'm sure they will treasure them. On behalf of all connected with New Horizons, it would be our pleasure to have you visit us. If you don't mind roughing it a little, we might even be able to find accommodations."
Daniel shook Grandpa's hand. The boys each were in tears and gave him a hug. As TJ hugged Grandpa, he whispered in his ear. "Any time you need me, I'm there. Evan, too."
When Daniel and the boys walked into the dressing room, they found the Captain and four boys they hadn't seen that day. The Captain's boys were with the twins, getting dressed for the trip home.
"Daniel, a couple of the men brought their boys by for a visit. I assume that it's still okay?"
"Sure, that's no problem. Barry could always use some more boys on KP duty, especially scrubbing the pots and pans." Daniel and the Captain laughed at the shocked look on the boys' faces. Daniel motioned for TJ and Evan to go ahead and change. He then motioned for the Captain to step outside with him.
"Captain, there's a resident in the senior center that has me real curious. They call him Grandpa Smith. Somehow, I don't think that's his real name. Also, every time we see him he has the same orderly with him. The orderly doesn't act like any of the other orderlies. The only patient he handles seems to be this Grandpa Smith. Let me show you what Grandpa just gave to Evan and TJ." Daniel showed the Captain the rings.
"Wow! Daniel, do you think these are real? There must be three carats or more in each of those rings. Some Grandpa."
"He claims there's four carats in each. Do you have any idea what those rings are worth? I told him I'd have these locked up for safe keeping and the boys could have them when they came of age or needed them. He claims he wanted to do it somewhat out of the goodness of his heart and to make sure the boys had a chance at a decent life. Any way you can check this gentleman out? He also wants to visit the boys at Fort Ogden and watch them play ball if he can get transportation."
"There shouldn't be any problem with having him checked out. I should be able to have a report by this weekend. Now Daniel, you saw we have six extra boys in there. If that's going to create an inconvenience, I can send them home. I'm sure you have your hands full as it is."
"Nonsense. Feeding six more is nothing. As far as sleeping arrangements, the boys have already figured that one out. They plan on taking the mattresses off two beds, toss them on the floor, and four of them can then sleep across the mattresses instead of up and down. Actually, I don't think they really care if they have a mattress at all."
"Good. We have a break down on the teams based on what Paul sent us."
"Hold it." Daniel interrupted. "That's changed. We have one thirteen year old and one fifteen year old that can't participate."
"We can adjust for that. If they can play later we'll make sure we find a spot for them. We'll have ten teams and we'll make sure each team will get the full age spread. What we don't want is one team loaded with older boys playing against another team loaded with younger boys. When we choose the captains, they'll draw names from hats. Each hat will represent a specific age. That's the only way we could come up with a fair distribution." As the Captain spoke, Brad and Michael approached with a beaming Sean.
"Mr. Dan'l! --- Mr. Dan'l! Guess what!" called out an ecstatic Sean.
"What? Do I have to guess or are you going to tell me?" Daniel teased the boy, pretty much guessing it had to be good news.
"I'll tell." Sean responded. "The doctor said I'm normal, AND, I can play ball or anything the other guys do now. Ain't it great!?" Everyone had to laugh at the boy's enthusiasm.
"Yes, Sean, it's great; and, we get to start playing ball this weekend. You know what else this means?" Daniel paused to enjoy the quizzical look on Sean's face. "This means you can start doing KP duty and working in the garden and orchard with the other boys, too." The others really laughed when the look of sudden shock and realization appeared in Sean's expression. Daniel then turned back to the Captain.
"Captain, one more thing, if you don't mind. We'd like to get a copy of the reports on that accident involving the two British boys. They'll need an attorney to get them some type of settlement. It won't bring the parents back, but it will help guarantee them a future." When the Captain nodded, Daniel began gathering his charges and their guests for the ride home.
As the group walked towards the administrative wing, the Captain let Daniel know that no executions or writs were being processed on any children until the person seeking the execution obtained a court order finding the child was not protected under the statutes cited in the injunction. Also, no federal orders had been received since the federal ruling came out. Both men smiled, pleased with the results.
When they were outside, Daniel talked to the Captain about the twins and the kind of background they had. He also mentioned that the boys had no inhibitions about talking or playing sexual games.
"Daniel, my oldest is not naïve nor ignorant about sex and sexual games. Seems he found his way into some computer sites when his mother and I weren't home. They haven't admitted anything to me directly, but I know he and his younger brother have been talking. It wouldn't surprise me to learn they've been doing some little boy experimenting such as belly-rubs and what have you. They're going to learn somewhere, somehow, after all they are boys. So long as nobody tries to push them into something they aren't ready for or tries to take a cherry, I'm fine. But, thanks for saying something, it meant a lot."
The two men shook hands as the last boy climbed into the vans for the ride home.
On the drive back to Fort Ogden about half the boys, mostly the older boys, took a nap. The younger boys were playing and goofing off with their guests. Daniel watched the Captain's boys and the twins interact. Sometimes it was best not to ask questions. Daniel decided he would be better off using this time to call his mother and check on Jeremy's progress.
"Mom, it's Daniel, how's it going?"
"Daniel, you're the only person that calls me 'Mom', I can guess it's you. How's it going? Well, why don't we say it's a challenge."
"Uh-oh, that doesn't sound too good. What's making this, whatever it is, a challenge?"
"It's Jeremy," she answered, "it began right after you left. That night Arthur spent quite a bit of time with Jeremy. They talked, Arthur showed Jeremy where the pool equipment was and the schedule for maintenance. He showed him the tool shed and what needed to be done. I thought they were doing really well at bonding. That night we were in the family room watching television. I rubbed his back and held him. When he went to bed, he first lay on the floor. I put him in the bed and tucked him in." Linda paused to let Daniel soak all this information.
"The next day Jeremy couldn't do enough. We had lunch on the patio. Outside, he doesn't seem to be embarrassed for me to see him naked. He wears the diaper inside. Then yesterday, everything went crazy. He's moody, he doesn't show the enthusiasm he started with, he's becoming withdrawn. Right now, I have a call in to your dad to see if he had this kind of experience ^Ö no offence, honey."
"No offence, mom. Has Arthur talked to the boy? Will the boy talk to Arthur?"
"Arthur's tried, but he didn't think he was getting anywhere. Arthur thinks we should go ahead and get the psychologist here working with him."
"Mom, I'm almost willing to bet something has happened that he's not telling you. Tell Arthur to try again and tell him to remind Jeremy there's no way you can help him if he keeps secrets from you. I'd suggest you remind him it's improper for a slave to keep secrets from the master, but that would probably just do more harm. I'm supposed to be over there in another week with Michael to meet with a psychologist for Jeremy. In the interim, don't give up and have patience."
"Daniel, we knew this probably wouldn't be easy when we started. We have no intentions of giving up, but that doesn't keep us from getting a little frustrated. By the way, I did talk with your dad, day before yesterday. He told me about some of your little exploits. It seems someone managed to present some of their own unique challenges, mister."
"Yes, mother. I love you, too. Talk soon, my best to Arthur. Bye now." Daniel knew it was best to bail out of that conversation. He didn't want to know what his dad had told on him. More to the point, he didn't want to reveal anything his dad didn't tell on him.
End Chapter Forty-Three