Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2022 00:31:38 +0100 (CET)
From: jacoblion@tutanota.com
Subject: A Neglected Boy: Defensive Maneuver

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fiction, names fabricated, locations may be accurate. Included links are
fun. ... There may be some sex; it will be gentle and loving.

Chapters most often are told by Jake Roberts, however, sometimes they are
told by the boys.... Copyright © Jacob R. Lion 2018 - 2023 All
Rights Reserved. License is granted to Nifty Archive Alliance, Inc. and
WordPress for electronic publication on the Nifty.org website and WordPress
@ https://aneglectedboy.wordpress.com/ ... All rights reserved.

"Defensive Maneuver"
A fictional story by Jacob R. Lion
Told by Jake

   At the end of the last chapter Kori, Liam and I were listening to Lili
Sheng as she said ... ...  "Xi has called their Consulate, and has already
`received an email' that says, they have notified `U.S. immigration' that
"Bin is here illegally", and the Chinese Consulate will take custody of him
for his immediate return to China".

   Like Hell they will! ... That was my thought.  I know I was red-faced,
Liam was clenching his teeth, and his entire body had tightened up.  Kori
had lost all color, turned pale and honestly looked quite
sick. ... Mrs. Puccini looked about the same as Kori ... I think she really
loved the boys.

   I got hold of myself, back in control.  I looked directly at Xi Chau and
calmly thanked her for her observations. ... I didn't give her, or anyone
else a second to respond, and said ... Xi-Chau, understand this, Bin was
found on United States soil, in the State of Massachusetts.  He has been
placed in my custody for protection, and by State Law shall remain in my
custody as directed.  Thank you for your time, please allow me to see you
to the door.

    Mrs. Puccini took my hand, smiled and softly said ... "I'll be in
contact" ... She along with Xi-Chau, and Lili Sheng left quietly.  In
silence we watched as they drove away.  I don't think things went as
Mrs. Puccini thought they would.  Certainly things didn't go the way Liam,
Kori, or I thought they would.  We `all' thought this was just a formality
in the course of making Bin part of the family.  The thought of Bin being
taken and returned to China never entered our minds.  That is until now.

   The boys, Bin, Justin, and Kyle, were now in Bin's room playing with the
`Hot-Wheels'. ... Liam was already on the phone to Henry when Ethan and
Keith walked in.  One look at Kori, me, and Liam, and they knew something
was very wrong.

   Thankfully Kori took the situation in hand saying ... "How about the
three of us get dressed and go over to the barn turn the horses out, and
clean the stalls." ... That was as far as Kori got when Ethan asked
... "It's that bad?"

   Kori's answer ... "It's best we talk over there, let's give Liam and
Jake some quiet while they talk to Henry." ... ... The teens didn't say any
more, they just went to the mudroom, put on winter jackets and went with
Kori to the barn. ... Knowing Keith and Ethan I can imagine how upset they
will be when Kori explains the situation.

   I remember how Keith felt when his parents decided to take the position
with Red Star Aviation in Australia.  Yes, he did get to stay with Ethan,
and he did get to stay in school but, deep-down inside he felt a little
abandoned.  Ethan, on the other hand, felt completely abandoned.  He always
felt he was just in the way and his parent's money kept him out of the way.

     The teens love and protect `their tyrants', Kyle and Justin, and were
looking to be the `new' big brother to Bin.  I can easily imagine their
emotions.  I'm sure Kori will take time to help them understand the
importance of not showing those emotions to `The Three Musketeers'.  No
anger, no disappointment, no negative comments.  For now everything has to
go along as `normal'.  Kyle, Justin, and Bin don't need to know what
Xi-Chau said.

   Liam ended his call with Henry; then turned to me saying ... "Henry is
already on his way.  He'll make a quick stop to pick up Antonio and Kris.
Oh, Henry's on his way with Antonio and Kris?!? ... Then Liam went on to
say ... "and Henry thinks it'll be good to call Peter and invite Lars and
Lukas n let the boys have a big sleepover."

   I thought about it, at first I thought `not a good idea' ... then I
thought how perfect Henry's idea was.  All the boys will make a living room
campsite while Liam, Kori, and I have time to listen to some ideas that
Henry may already have to turn the situation around.

   Liam is already organizing things.  Down the hall he headed to Bin's
room to let the boys know that Henry, Antonio, and Kris will be here
shortly.  Well, I thought Kori, Keith, and Ethan might have heard the
excitement all the way out in the barn.  The three munchkins came running
into the kitchen to tell me, what I already knew, that Antonio and Kris
were on their way and they were having a big party.

   Who said anything about a big party? `LOL' ... Just about that time the
teens and Kori came walking through the back door.  It would have been nice
if the wet shoes had been left with their winter coats in the mudroom.
Just look at the kitchen floor! ... Get the mop Ethan! ... forget it
... I'll do it myself while they're making `big party plans'.  ... Oh, and
Antonio and Kris aren't even here yet.

   5:15 ... It was just 5:15 and Antonio, Kris, and Henry walked through
the back door.  They were more thoughtful and left their wet shoes in the
mudroom.  Even more thoughtful were the gifts of 5 extra-large pizzas, and
3 dozen garlic sticks, and a gallon of Italian ice cream.  All that `stuff'
got dropped on the kitchen table and "poof" no kids in sight! ... Yep, it
was a magic act ... they just up and disappeared.

   I'm sure Peter, Neil, Lars, and Lukas will tramp through the back door
at any moment; and they did.  Actually it was Peter and the boys, Neil had
other problems at `The Country Village'... the name for the `Boy's Home'.
Peter stayed with us in the kitchen ... Lars and Lukas "poof", another
magic act.

   Henry needed to make some calls, so he and Liam headed off to the
office/den.  Kori and I filled Peter in on all that has happened to this
point.  Then Peter, looking at me, began ... "I know you both knew Henry
before Neil and me.  We know how he helped with Ethan, Kris, and Keith, and
made the arrangements for you to adopt "The Twins". ... I need to tell you
that Henry has friends in high, very high places and if anyone can protect
the best interests of Bin ... it'll be Henry".

   Hearing Peter say that made me and Kori feel better.  I'd like to know
what Liam and Henry are working on but I think it's best to just let them
deal with things without interruption. ... Ha-ha, I was thinking that when
Kori spoke up ... "Jake what do you think Henry and Liam are planning?
Henry has more tricks up his sleeve than our boys do on their best day".

   Kori smiled, and then chuckled a little. ... ... Ummm, was that noise
from downstairs? ... Peter was first to hit the bottom of the stairs, then
he started laughing. ... Kori was next, and he began laughing too. ... I
reached the bottom step and it was a very amusing site indeed.

   Bin had Ethan's `extra tall' T-shirt on, so Bin looked like he was
wearing an oversized dress ... the length was dragging on the floor while
he was doing some kind of dance.  I think Kyle and Justin had been teaching
him one of those K-Pop dances.  Yes, yes that is funny, what was more
hilarious was that Penny was wearing Bin's T-shirt, and Silence had on
Bin's shorts.

   As Kori, Peter, and I looked at the rest of the boys we realized none of
the boys were wearing their own clothes.  Kris had squeezed into Lars sweat
pants ... some `things' were quite obvious.  Antonio was wearing Kyle's
shirt and Justin's shorts, and he couldn't zip up the shorts so a little
pink skin was visible. ... It was nothing but fun.

   I headed back up the stairs followed by Kori and Peter still laughing a
little.  It was time for a glass of wine ... large ice filled glass, add
Sangria, and then diet Sprite and a squirt of lemon. ... I nearly choked
when that crew (dressed/undressed as they were) from downstairs came
charging in requesting drinks and snacks.

   Kori pointed at Keith and Ethan ... "You're in charge! n don't make a
mess! and be quiet! ... Oh, Ethan maybe just drinks and some pretzels
... Pizzas in the oven in about an hour." ... the reply - - -"Yep, sure
thing `Dad' wouldn't wanna spoil our appetite ... you know we're a bunch of
picky eaters."

   I had to laugh at Kori and Ethan, especially Kori; like you can ruin
these kids appetite? ... only if you're serving liver and onions.

   Keith and Ethan were pouring the drinks when Liam and Henry walked down
the hall and into the kitchen.  Henry, with a huge smile, picked up a
freshly poured drink ... drank it and asked Keith to pour another saying
... "dang Keith, you make a darn good OJ and sprite!"

   All the boys were laughing and that included Peter, me, and Kori.  Henry
winked and nodded indicating we should follow him and Liam.

   Once in the office Henry began ... "I've made calls to Yale, Brown, and
Harvard and explained the situation.  I'm sure you know how important it is
that many countries need to `save face' not be embarrassed ... especially
for what would be an insignificant minor matter like this.  It's really a
case of one person trying to look important in the eyes of her superiors."

   Henry's statements, along with the involvement of three Universities are
more than very interesting as he continues ... "The `plan' and perhaps a
little like a `trap' has been set.  Brown, Yale, and Harvard all stand
behind the plan.  They've agreed to set up a special `full scholarship'
education for Bin.  Three professors, one each from the three Universities,
will construct a Chinese `History and culture' course that will begin at
grade 5 and continue through high school."

   Henry has our undivided attention as he continues ... "When Bin finishes
high school he may choose which of the 3 Universities he would like to
attend; of course that is also with a full ride scholarship.  All 3
Universities have sent a document to the Chinese Consul General advising of
this `Very Special Gift' ... in addition all Boston TV networks have
received copies.  I would think tomorrow may be quite interesting with
calls from those stations requesting interviews with Bin, Drs. Preydon and
Roberts"

   One thing Henry hasn't mention Kori jumped on ... "Henry that all sounds
fantastic ... what about her saying U.S. immigration has been notified?"
... "Kori that is also in the works, and I don't think there is any
problem.  I think we can let some friends in Washington take care of that
matter." Said Henry

   So, Henry has laid a `trap' so to speak.  The National News stations, in
Boston, will make a big issue of the `gift' that is being given to
Bin. ... For Xi-Chau to push to have `Bin' taken into custody and returned
to China, after receiving the gift of an amazing education, would end in an
embarrassment to them.  I could see one person in this plot finding `her'
demoted to emptying trash cans or shining shoes.

   Tomorrow looks to be very interesting, but right now we need to get 3 of
the pizzas in the oven along with some of the garlic sticks. ... Peter and
Kori took care of that while I took a short walk, about halfway down the
stairs, to let the boys know "being in your own clothes for dinner would be
good" ... I didn't dare go any further ... I already spotted some naked
skin.

   Henry and Liam had returned to the office to make a few more calls.  I
don't know what we'd do without Henry.

   The house began to have the aroma of a good Pizzeria.  One by one the
younger crew began to appear. ... "Is there pepperoni pizza? ... is there
Hawaiian pizza?  ... I like the 3 cheese pizza, are the garlic sticks
ready?" ... I love it when Peter takes control ... "Hey, next one to ask a
question does all the dishes! ... "Poof!"... the magic act.

   3 sizzling, pepperoni, sausage, and veggie pizzas with bubbling melted
cheese landed on the table, and another veggie, and Hawaiian pizza were
slid in the oven.  Everyone's favorite and garlic sticks to dip in Italian
dipping sauce. ... OMG this was Pizza heaven.

    Any other thoughts were forgotten.  This was a party, and everyone was
in the process of stuffing their mouths with the Italian treats. ... It was
wine for some of us, and a special fruit punch for the younger crew to
enjoy with their dinner.

   Kori, Peter, and Liam took care of the kitchen clean up.  Henry was back
on the phone and I had the challenge of helping turn the living room into a
campsite complete with a large movie screen.  The idea was that the boys
would get the projector and watch Avatar on the big screen; of course with
Dolby surround sound.

   With the kitchen cleaned Peter headed home to see if Neil had taken care
of problems, Henry had finished with the phone calls, and was using Bin's
bedroom, the `crew' were content watching Avatar, and Ethan and Keith were
in charge of snacks. ... Kori looked at me, he had that look, and all he
said was "shower?" ... Yes, yes ... definitely! ... I didn't need to say
the words.

   When we had Neil, so many years ago, enlarge the bathroom, and install
this huge tub with shower; we never imagined the enjoyment it would bring.
I think everyone has enjoyed it ... and in different ways.

   The bathroom was all nice and warm.  The shower set to gentle rain,
that's Kori's favorite setting, the boys occupied, and Kori and I are
already in a slightly excited state. ... We were definitely enjoying
ourselves.  There was lots of romantic touching and kissing. ... then......

   then...... it was the door, ... there wasn't a knock, the door
definitely opened. ... and without asking two very naked teens stepped
right in.  It wasn't the first time. ... Kori and I could have rejected
their uninvited intrusion.  We could have told them to `get out' ... we
could have,

   Ethan and Keith were getting snacks, and told them we'd love the
company. ... Ethan and Keith this time were wrong.  There have been a few
times that Kori and I have enjoyed the company of Antonio and Kris.
Tonight was a little different. ... Tonight was just for us ... sooo, we
could have told them to `get out', and that's just what we did. "GET OUT!"

   Kori and I agree that our shower was absolutely exciting, amazing, and
exhausting.  We both had to laugh a little when we thought about turning
those two teens away.  Then we agreed it was our time to enjoy a little
needed romance. ... I'm sure Antonio and Kris will get over it.

   The house was very quiet. ... Well, not so quiet that we couldn't hear
the muffled sounds of Avatar in the `movie theater' campsite.  Kori was
tempted to go check on them ... he was tempted then decided to just crawl
in bed with me.  Covers pulled up ... all snug and warm ... that was the
last thing I remember till the aroma of coffee.  Yes, yes it was my
Amaretto Coffee.

    Liam, Keith, and Ethan were hard at work creating another Ashfield Farm
breakfast.  The `crew' was in various states of awakening.  That is to say
that some were awake, some were standing but still asleep.  Some, not
mentioning names like Antonio and Kris, had those morning `wood' problems.
Some others were pointing at Antonio and Kris and asking about the `wood'
and if it hurt.

   I was very amused.  I was also enjoying my coffee while listening to
Liam telling Kori he needed to get with the program and start drinking
`Coffee' like a real country boy. ... Liam's comment didn't go over well
with Kori; he likes his tea, Earl Gray British Tea.

   Phone glued to his ear, a wide awake Henry walked in grabbed a cup, and
held it up pushing it toward Keith. (I'm more amused, this is quite an
interesting morning) ... Keith, as if it were a normal routine, picked up
the pot and poured Henry's coffee; Keith was not quite finished pouring
when Henry turned, phone still glued to his ear, and marched out of the
kitchen.  With a smile, and shaking his head a little, Keith just wiped up
the spilled coffee.

   The crew, finally all awake, swarmed around the table devouring toast,
scrambled eggs, sausage, apple muffins, OJ, half a jar of peanut butter,
and a pint of strawberry yogurt.

   Then it started.  The chatter around the table was deafening, the phone
was ringing off the wall and Henry entered the kitchen spouting "QUIET"!

   He picked up the phone ... "Yes, this is Judge Zeneli" ... there was a
slight pause ... then we heard Henry ... "yes, I'll get this crew organized
for photos, and the news crews; understand that it will be informal,
everyone in casual dress, no, I repeat, `NO' questions to the `little one'
... ask all the questions to me or Liam Roberts ... yes, 2 pm will be fine,
Thank you see you then."

   The kitchen was dead silent.  I could hear hearts beating.  Every eye
was on Henry. ... Kori asked the question ... "Henry what's going on?"
... Henry had this big smile as he said ... "Oh, nothing much just the
network news stations will be stopping by this afternoon to film our boy
`Bin' and the family ... so, everyone `will' be on their best behavior
`Antonio'!"

   The boys were all pointing at Antonio ... that was till Henry cleared
his throat.  ... Kori looked at me saying; "we need to clean the back porch
it's the best area for them to shoot family clips" ... he was right, and he
was the perfect person to direct the project.

   I remained with Liam and Henry to see just what Henry had in mind and
what had he been creating. ... Henry's idea is to have the news pick up on
how happy, well-adjusted and `little' this 9-year-old is.  Not an
immigration fugitive, not a criminal, just a little boy, a victim.  Now
with the incredible generosity of three major Universities `Bin' has the
opportunity of an amazing education; as well as being part of a loving
family with the support and love of two gifted parents.

   Henry continued with what he'll be saying to the reporters, pretending
we are the reporters ... "Let me ask you ... After `Bin' has lived here
with Drs. Roberts and Preydon, and their boys ... can you imagine how this
little child would feel being taken into `custody' by some unknown person,
then placed in a holding room of some kind, and then `shipped', like a
common criminal, back to China to live 9 years in a cold orphanage with
little or no education; not to mention the dietary conditions in places
like that."

   Oh, Henry is very clever.  The media will pick up on everything.  The
object is to `play' to the audience, and that includes a government that
will not like to be embarrassed by rejecting such an offer like that of the
three Universities ... no, not for `one little 9-year-old boy.' ... At
least that is what we're thinking.

   There was a great, loud, disturbance coming from the back porch and
yard.  Liam, Henry and I dashed out the backdoor to see what all the noise
was about. ... Last I knew Kori was in charge of getting the porch cleared
of snow; swept clean.  The table and chairs moved to the yard so there
would be plenty of room.  That was what I thought. ... I shouldn't think so
often.

   The snow had been removed.  It was removed and piled just off the far
end of the porch.  This huge pile of snow is now the landing area for a
summersault exhibition.  Boys of various sizes were tumbling from the porch
rail onto the pile of snow. ... OMG, Keith and Ethan had `Bin' by the feet
and hands swinging him ... over the rail he went landing in the snow and
disappearing right out of sight.

   A very small head covered in black hair and snow emerged laughing
hysterically.  The TV cameras should capture this. ... Looking at the yard
in front of the porch did show the group of delinquents had used some
imagination.  The area from the steps all the way to the fence had been
shoveled.  I think plenty of room for TV cameras and crew.

   "Uncle Liam, what's for lunch? ...  Why did the word Lunch get the
attention of Penny and Silence?  How does spaghetti sound `brat'? ... Oh,
and it was Lars that asked the question. ... But ... all eyes were on Liam
for the answer.  Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner are only 3 of the 6 or 7
meals of the day.

   Liam looked at me ... "Dad, it's already noon ... I think the boys are
right we best get lunch on the table quick." ... Spaghetti, Ragu thick and
chunky sauce, garlic sticks, and Italian ice cream.  Plenty of time before
the news crew arrives.  Kori and I will do the cleanup while Henry and Liam
get the boys organized. ... That should be interesting!

   Spaghetti and Ragu sauce is fast.  Believe it or not Liam and his
associates, Keith and Ethan, had a good hot Italian favorite on the table
at 12:40.  At 12:45 everyone was enjoying a fun filled lunch.  It was
nonstop chatter, laughs and seeing who could slurp in the longest piece of
spaghetti.  I think Henry is pretty good at that.

   Penny and Silence jumped from their kitchen bed and charged to the front
door.  I know at least 6 or 7 of us looked at our watches.  Yes, that was
an unmistakable knock at the door.  Kyle and Justin reached the door first,
and opened it. ... no ... oh yes......

   "Hi I'm Justin" ... "Hi I'm Kyle, his brother, we're twins" ... that was
what Kyle was saying while pointing at Justin ... "Oh, that kid there is
`Bin' he's why you're here." ... I think the rest of the crew standing
behind me know "The Twins" aren't shy. ... ... The rug-rats got all that
out before I had a chance to invite them in.

   I nearly had to push those two brats out of the way so I could ask the
news crew to come on in.  Well, it really got interesting in a hurry.  A
soundman, cameraman, and reporter were shaking my hand and introducing
themselves when 2 more TV vans pulled up right behind the first one.

   Oh, these news crews are much like Kyle and Justin `not shy'! ... Why
they just continued to walk right in, and here come 6 more across the front
lawn, up the steps and right through the door.

   Problem! ... `Bin' froze!

   `Bin' froze ... for just a few seconds till Justin and Kyle stood next
to him.  Kyle whispered something in `Bin's ear ... I have no idea what it
was but `Bin' smiled from ear to ear. ... Well, next thing we knew we were
back at the kitchen table. ... Video camera's rolling ... what?  Is eating
spaghetti going to be on the evening news? ... We finished quickly `while
being filmed' ... ... put on winter clothes, and out the back door to the
porch.

   It was kids running around the back yard, snowball fight, and diving
over the rail into the pile of snow.  Even one soundman got into it.  The
reporter said 3 or 4 times how perfect this was.  Henry made all his
points; I think he made his points 2 or 3 times.

   We thought things were about finished when two, nicely dress men, walked
around from the front.  They looked official.  The older of the two,
perhaps 30-years-old, introduced himself ... "I'm Agent Torres with
Immigration Service; are you Dr. Roberts or Dr. Preydon?"

   "I'm Dr. Preydon", ... Kori answered then pointed at me saying "this is
Dr. Roberts" ... I felt sick but shook his hand ... this was all being shot
by the news crews.

   Agent Torres explained ... "Please don't be alarmed, we are here to
simply take some photos of you both, and the little boy; I believe his name
is `Bin'.

   Kori and I were asked to step in the house with `Bin' and the rest of
our boys.  The two agents set up a small portable photo backdrop and took
photos of me, Kori, `Bin, the rug-rats, Ethan, and Keith.  They excused
themselves and returned to their "black" government van.

   Meanwhile the TV crews and all the other boys were on the back porch or
showing the various crews around the house.  There has never been this much
activity in this old farm house ... I hope the house will recover.

   A knock at the front door and Agent Torres walked in.  He had a black
zippered folder.  On the front in white lettering it said U.S. Immigration.
He opened it and pulled out what looked like a passport then explained.

   "This is not a passport ... it is a government ID for `Bin' using your
last name.  He is now in the `custody' of U.S. Immigration.  It contains
his U.S. ID registration number, social security number, and U.S. Treasury
account number.  Dr. Roberts, you and Dr. Preydon must understand you are
not his legal guardian, the government is, however he has been placed in
your custody, like being a foster parent, pending a full investigation.  We
wish you the best."

    Whoa! ... then I asked ... Agent Torres just how long will this
investigation take. ... His answer made me smile ... "I think perhaps 9 -12
years ... of course that would be to complete a full investigation."

   9-12 years was great news, and with that Agent Torres shook my hand,
saying there was an information packet in the pouch.  There was one
stipulation, and that was that the news crews were not to know about the
pouch ... it will leaked to them in about a week.

   The TV stations had already packed up as Torres walked across the back
porch and down the steps.  He waved a friendly wave as he opened and closed
the gate to the back yard.

   We walked around to the front yard to watch the TV crews pack and drive
off.  I think this was the first time Kori or I have ever heard Justin or
Kyle say they were tired ... but they did.

   Clothes were wet from jumping in the snow pile; faces were red and
burning from the snow and cold.  It was time to get everyone inside and
change into some warm dry clothes or PJs ... then hot chocolate and cookies
for everyone.

   The living room was a mess of bodies here, there and everywhere.  `Bin'
was comfortably snuggled between Kyle and Justin.  The conversations were
all about what they thought the evening news would be.  I never thought
Kori or I would see so many kids excited about the evening news.

"To be continued"

If you have a minute please drop a line ... I enjoy reading your comments.

Stay safe... and be kind to animals.....
Jacob ... ... jacoblion@tutanota.com
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