Date: Sun, 19 Jun 2005 23:18:39 -0700 From: Phantasm Subject: Jasons-Haven-22 Jason's Haven by Phantasm Warning The following story is purely fictional. Any similarities to real persons or events is strictly coincidental. This story contains graphic descriptions of sexual acts between males of varying ages, including minors. If such material offends you or is illegal in the location from which you are reading it, please seek your reading enjoyment elsewhere. This story is copyright protected under the pseudonym of "Phantasm". This story may not be redistributed in whole, or in part, without the expressed written consent of the author. This story may not be used by anyone in the pursuit of monetary gain. The author of this story in no way condones the physical, mental, or sexual abuse of anyone, particularly minors. Author's Note Comments, sent to phantasmic1@hotmail.com, about this story are welcomed. You can also visit the Fiction By Phantasm discussion group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/phantasm/ where the latest chapters are available for download. A map of Jason's Haven can be viewed there as well. Chapter Twenty Two "Your Honor, if it pleases the court, I call Timothy Ryan Stevens to the stand." Michael stated. He waited until I was sworn in, and seated, before he began speaking. "Please state your name, address, and occupation for the record please?" Michael instructed. "My name is Timothy Ryan Stevens. My address is 48796 Dorothy Circle in Miami. I am the President and CEO of Eric Stevens Enterprises, International." I replied. "Mr. Stevens, does your company operate a licensed social program called 'Care for Kids' in the state of Florida?" Michael asked. "Yes sir we do." I replied. "'Care for Kids' has offices in all fifty states." "Was the testimony of James Simmons an accurate account of how you came to be involved in his situation?" Michael asked. "To the best of recollection, yes sir it was accurate." I replied. "Does your company in fact have a position available for James Simmons, and have you informed him of such a position?" Michael asked. "Yes sir we do have a position available for James, and yes I did inform him of the position." I replied. "What makes you believe that a fifteen year old boy is mature enough to handle a position with your company?" Michael asked "Well, James is around me quite a bit and he takes a keen interest in ESEI. He suggested something to me one day, and his suggestion led to a very successful subsidiary of ESEI. The whole thing was his idea. We just financed it, and it took off. It is now one of our most profitable enterprises." I replied with a touch of pride. "So you believe that James would be able to financially support himself if he were to be granted this emancipation?" Michael asked. "Without any doubt or reservation, I can say that James has a solid financial future ahead of him. He is one of the smartest young men I have ever met." I replied. "Thank you Your Honor. I have no more questions for this witness at this time." Michael said before sitting down. "Mr. Pendigrass; does the State wish to question this witness?" the judge asked. "Yes Your Honor we do." Gavin said as he rose to his feet. "Mr. Stevens, you have stated that you are prepared to offer James Simmons a job. Can you tell us, with any certainty, that this job would remain available to James long enough to meet his needs until he reaches the age of eighteen?" Gavin asked. "Yes sir I can. As I have stated, James is one of smartest young men I have ever met. He will have a job with ESEI for as long as he chooses to keep it. Our company has been in existence for over a half century so our stability is well established. Our assets were recently valued at over twelve billion dollars." I responded. "Thank you, Mr. Stevens. I have no further questions for this witness Your Honor." Gavin stated before sitting down. "Mr. Price, any rebuttal?" the judge asked. "No, Your Honor. I have no further questions for this witness. If it pleases the court, the plaintiff rests, Your Honor." Michael said before sitting down. "The witness is excused. Mr. Pendigrass, you may present your case." the judge stated. Mr. Pendigrass waited for me to take my seat in the gallery before beginning his case. "Your Honor, if it pleases the court, the State submits three sworn statements from three experts in their field. The first is from the Florida State Education Examiners Office stating that James Simmons has been tested and is capable of performing at a twelfth grade level. The second is from Dr. Ethan McKinney, certifying that James Simmons is healthy and free of handicap. The final statement is from a State Certified Psychiatrist who attests to the fact that James Simmons has no detectable mental illness or learning disability. It further shows that James has a mental maturity level high enough to care for himself as an adult." Gavin replied. "Very well, the documents will be entered into the record and I will read them in chambers after hearing your witnesses. Please call your first witness." the judge instructed. "Your Honor, the State does not wish to issue an objection in this case. Given the testimony before this court, and the findings reported in the documents we have just submitted, the State finds no reason to contest the petitioner's request." Gavin said. I was thrilled beyond belief. Apparently, it really was just a formality. But just as I was about to burst from joy inside, Judge Thayer dropped a bombshell. "James. In accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, you are required to meet several criteria before a Declaration of Emancipation can be issued. You must prove that you are capable of assuming adult responsibilities, which you have done. You must prove that you are capable of residing on your own, which you have done. Your guardian must agree that you are able to assume the responsibilities of an adult, which I gather, he does. You must also prove that becoming emancipated will not put you at any risk. It is this criteria that I am not satisfied you have met." the judge stated. "Your Honor, the plaintiff has proven himself capable..." Michael objected. "Your point is well taken Mr. Spicer." the judge interrupted. "I will review these documents carefully, and this court will reconvene at 3:30pm. At which time, I wish to interview Mr. Simmons myself before making my decision. This court is in recess." she said before rapping her gavel on the bench. James and I were stunned. We walked out of that courthouse looking like we had both just received a death sentence. My worst fear was about to be realized. This judge was going to deny the petition. I looked into James' eyes, and for the first time since he brought the issue up, I saw raw fear. He was now realizing that he may actually be placed into the care of the State. When we got outside, I motioned to Marcus at the end of the parking lot to bring the car around to the curb. Michael came running down the stairs to catch up with us. "What the hell is going on here Michael? I thought you said this was supposed to be just a formality!" I exclaimed. "I told you she was not the best judge for this type of case. But she hasn't said no yet." he replied. "That sounded a hell of a lot like 'no' to me!" I replied angrily. "Just calm down. Let's go somewhere and talk." Michael said. "I am going to go somewhere and talk, Michael. But what I have to say, you can not hear." I replied. "Don't do anything irrational, Tim. They will come looking for the boy if he is not back here at 3:30pm. If they don't find him, you will not like it when they find you." Michael said in a concerned tone. "We'll be here at 3:30pm Michael. You just fix this! I don't care how you do it, but fix it!" I exclaimed as I climbed into the car and slammed the door. I instructed Marcus to drive us to the residence. James sat curled against my side for the whole drive. His body was trembling, and my efforts to comfort him yielded no success. Tears were strolling down my face, and my heart was breaking. When we arrive at the residence, I told Marcus to wait for us outside. I told him to make sure that we were not disturbed by anyone. Not even Mihai or Franklin. I wanted to be alone with my angel for what looked to be our last few hours together. James and I sat together on the sofa locked in an embrace. Every few minutes we would kiss before returning our heads to rest against each other. Neither of us knew what to say. What could we say? We just sat in silence for well over an hour. I finally suggested that we eat something, and we went to the kitchen to make sandwiches. We took the food out to the table by the pool and we ate lunch with very little conversation. James just sat there mumbling "I won't stay in a foster home. I will run away." When we finished lunch, we cleared the table of the paper plates and threw them in the trash. We returned to the sofa in the living room and sat back down. I was just about to say something to James when the telephone rang. I let the answering machine pick it up and after the outgoing message played, I heard the beep. "Tim, it's Michael Spicer. I know your there. Pick up the phone, Tim. It's urgent that I speak with you. Pick up the..." "What is it Michael?" I asked as I picked up the phone. "I think I know what the judge's concern is. I have a plan." Michael said, before detailing what he wanted me to do. I jumped up and ran into the office. A minute later I returned and told James that we had to go. "It's not time yet, Tim. We still have an hour before we need to leave. What's going on?" James asked with a look of confusion. "Michael needs to prepare you for your interview with the judge. I'll explain on the way. Let's go." I said as I ushered him out the door and into the car. On the way to the courthouse, I explained that we had a plan. I told him that whatever I said in court, he should act very surprised. We arrived at the courthouse at 2:30pm. Michael took us into a consultation room to prep James for the judge's interview. He told James that whatever the judge said, he could not appear disrespectful or uncooperative. James agreed, so we waited until it was time to head back into the courtroom. "Oyez, Oyez, Oyez. The Eleventh Circuit Court of Miami-Dade is now in session. The Honorable Judge Margaret Thayer presiding. All those with business before this honorable court, draw near and you shall be heard. All rise." the Bailiff barked out. Judge Thayer took her seat and rapped her gavel on the bench. "Please be seated. I have read the recommendations of the experts that were consulted in this case. All of their findings support issuing a Declaration of Emancipation. But I still have a major concern." she stated. "James," the judge began. James stood to his feet. "It's alright son. Keep your seat." she instructed, so James sat back down. "The world can be a very big and dangerous place for a boy your age. You may think that you are mature enough to protect yourself. But the reality is that it takes a lot of money to live safely in this world. I am afraid, at age fifteen, you would simply not be able to make enough money to provide yourself with a 'safe' place to live." "Your Honor, if please the court, Mr. Stevens would like address the court." Michael stood to his feet and stated. "This is highly irregular Mr. Spicer, but I will hear Mr. Stevens. Please approach the bench Mr. Stevens." she said with an intrigued look on her face. I walked up to the bench and began to address the court. "Your Honor, I had anticipated such a concern on behalf of the court. The position offered to James Simmons pays an annual salary of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars." I said. "What kind of position could a fifteen year old boy possibly hold that would pay so much?" the judge asked. "James would be the President and CEO or the subsidiary that his idea founded." I replied. "I have been hiring senior executives for a good many years, Your Honor. I know pure business instinct when I see it. James Simmons is an extremely gifted young man and I am prepared to pay him six years worth of salary, in advance, to reserve his talents for my company. ESEI will pay for James to finish his High School education and then earn a college degree in Business Management." I stated. "Are you prepared to guarantee this in a sworn statement?" the judge asked. "I am Your Honor. But I have my corporate check book right here, and I am prepared to write a check covering all of the expenses I just mentioned. If the court prefer, I will write the check directly to the court, to assure you of its validity." I replied. "Very well then. The court will consider your generous offer in the determination of this case. We will adjourn for five minutes while I consider my decision." She rapped her gavel again. "All rise." instructed the Bailiff. I returned to my seat after the judge entered her chambers. James had acted very surprised at the offer I had just made. I only hoped it had played well with the judge. The next five minutes were agonizing. My insides were churning as if they were inside a blender. James sat with his head down on the table until the judge's door opened. "All rise." instructed the Bailiff. The judge rapped her gavel. "You may be seated." she stated before beginning. "Mr. Stevens, the court has estimated the value of your offer at two million two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Is this amount agreeable to you?" "It is Your Honor." I said after standing. "Mr. Simmons, it appears that Mr. Stevens places a great deal of trust in your abilities. The State's experts have submitted sworn statements in agreement with Mr. Steven's assessment of your intelligence. Are you prepared to accept the offer presented by Mr. Stevens?" the judge asked. "Yes Your Honor." James said with a renewed vigor in his voice. "Mr. Pendigrass, does the State wish to add anything before I make my ruling?" the judge asked. Gavin stood up after conferring with the well dressed lady sitting next to him. "Yes Your Honor. The State would like express its gratitude to Mr. Stevens, and to ESEI, for their commitment to the marginalized youth of Florida. And for the extraordinary generosity now being displayed in the case of James Simmons." "Your remarks will be made a part of the official record. I am now prepared to render a decision in this matter. James Simmons, in as much as you have petitioned the court for emancipation, and have satisfied the burden of proof in accordance with Florida State law. It is hereby adjudged and decreed that you are an emancipated minor. Mr. Stevens, please make your check out to James Simmons. The Bailiff will escort Mr. Simmons to the bank office on the first floor of this building. Mr. Simmons, once your account is open, you may pick up your Declaration of Emancipation from the clerk's office." the judge instructed. "You are being given an extraordinary opportunity here Mr. Simmons. I trust you will make the most of it. This hearing is adjourned." The judge stated before rapping her gavel. "All rise." instructed the Bailiff. When the judge had left the courtroom, the Bailiff walked over to James. I wrote out the check and walked up to James. I handed him the check and shook his hand. "Welcome to the management team of ESEI young man." I said cheerfully. "Thank you sir, I won't let you down!" James exclaimed. "I am sure you won't James." I said with a broad smile. "The corporate car will be waiting for you outside the courthouse when you are finished." I said with a smirk. "Thank you again sir. I assure you I am up to the challenge." James added as the Bailiff escorted him out of the courtroom. The little imp would pay for that one later. I thanked Michael and shook his hand. I told him that he made a great save. I am sure he thought I was referring to his plan. But in fact, I was referring to his job. "James will no doubt be interacting with you, from time to time, in his position. Don't you ever downplay the seriousness of a legal matter to him again." I said in a very serious tone, before turning to leave the courtroom. I walked out to the parking lot and climbed in the car. I told Marcus to watch for James and to drive up to the curb when James emerged from the courthouse. Afterwards, he was to drive us to the immigration office. Fifteen minutes later, James appeared on the steps and we picked him up. "So you are 'up' to the challenge?" I asked, as I playfully grabbed his crotch. "I'll be damned, you are 'up' for the challenge!" I exclaimed. "I told you!" he exclaimed. "I'm so very happy Tim." "Me too angel. I was afraid I was about to lose you. You did a wonderful job in court, James. You got a lot of talent kid." I said as I kissed him. "Excuse me! I'm not a kid anymore!" he exclaimed as he held up his Declaration for my inspection. "Well, you are still my angel boy. And now you have your wings." I replied. "So where are we going? This is not the way home." he observed. "The immigration office. Your attorney is dropping off your birth certificate and social security card as we speak. We just have to get your photo taken, and in about twenty four hours we will have your passport." I replied. We arrived at the immigration office with twenty minutes to spare. We walked up to the 'Rush Passport' counter and got James' photo taken. We paid the fee and we were told we could pick up the passport any time after 3:00pm tomorrow. "So will we be going back to Jason's Haven on Wednesday morning?" James asked as we drove out of the city. "I don't think so James. We should really take advantage of being here and do some interviewing since we still have so many vacancies to fill." I replied. "Will I be able to help you do the interviews?" James asked with a smile. "Of course you will James. There is no time like the present to train you since this will one day be your job." I stated. I called all of my Florida specialists and told them to set up as many interviews as they could for the next three days. My goal was fifteen a day. If we did not get any turn downs, we would have to send a flight out on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. James and I would plan on returning on the Friday flight. We made a stop at the cemetery and James asked why we were stopping here. I told him there was someone I wanted him to meet. James reminded me that we had not stopped to buy a rose. "All of my roses are for you now, my angel. Besides, this is not where Jason is buried." I said as I led him to the grave side. James looked at the wide headstone and read the names April Stevens and Eric Stevens. "I thought it was time you met my mom and dad." I said as I bent over and kissed each of their pictures on the headstone. "Mom and Dad, this is my life partner, James." I said, looking at their pictures. "I bet you miss them a lot don't you?" James asked softly. "I never knew my mother. She died giving birth to me. So I really have no memory of her to miss. But I do muss my Dad terribly." I replied. "How about you? Do you miss your parents a lot?" "I don't miss them at all." James quickly replied. "If I knew where they were buried, I would spit on their grave." "You need to let go of your bitterness my love. Bitterness does nothing but gnaw at the one who holds it." I explained. "Don't do what I did by holding on to bad memories of the past. For whatever else the past is, it is gone." We got back in the car and Marcus drove us to a very elegant restaurant. We had a very romantic dinner to properly celebrate James' birthday. The meal was absolutely divine and the ambiance was rather incredible as well. I gave James a very passionate kiss and I was quickly reminded of where we were. The general reaction from those sitting around us was that of disgust. "I sure don't miss this." I said as I looked around the room at the staring faces. "Me either." James replied. "Let's go back to the residence, my love. I have a birthday present for you!" I exclaimed. "Oh yeah, you're not my guardian anymore." he said with a coy grin. "That wasn't the present I was referring to but I will certainly give you that as well." I said before calling the waiter. "Check please." To be continued...