Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2007 19:27:33 -0800 (PST) From: John Colorado Subject: Sunset on the Edge of the High Desert Chapter 7 If you are here illegally, then it is time for you to leave. This story contains man to man sex. If this is bothers you, then it is time for you to leave also. This story is fiction but some of it is based on real situations. The names and places have been changed. Sunset on the Edge of the High Desert by John of Colorado cldjhn@yahoo.com Chapter 7 The DA had been able to expedite the procedure and was able to get an early grand jury hearing for today. It usually took a little longer, but since it was nearing the close of the term and the docket was almost completed, he was able to get an early trial date. Adam, Dan and I showed up at court 15 minutes early. We would not be allowed in the courtroom but could be called to testify before the Grand Jury. We were taken into a waiting room, and there sat all the other possible witnesses. I told them I was going to retain some counselors and make them available for anyone and their families who wanted to use them. Everyone appreciated my offer. Dan would arrange all the details. The young kids were scared to death. Adam, Dan, two other adults and my self sat hugging them and trying to sooth their fears. The DA was able to convince the jury that enough evidence was available to bind Roberts over for trial. He would not need our testimony at this time but might in the future when the actual trail began. We were held in the room until Roberts and his attorney had cleared the room. Then we were allowed to go. One of the men involved in our beating lingered a bit. What he told us really shocked us. He told us where to look in Robert's church office for a box that contain money Roberts had taken from the church. Dan called the DA into the room and the man told his story again. The DA smiled, thanked the man and released him. "OK, guys Let's go get ourselves a warrant." We found the box and sure enough it was full of money. We counted the money with the help of a church official and two law enforcement officers. The was almost $600,000. The DA wanted to see the church record books but they were no where to be found. The woman from the church said she would try and find the books. She was sure they would find some shortages. The church was wondering what was happening to the money. They all knew that they were taking in more than was being reported. They barely had enough to meet their monthly obligations. We all headed back to the courthouse. Roberts was going to enter a plea this afternoon. He was going before Judge Ruth Moore. She was a very fair judge but rather strict in her enforcement. Mr. Roberts would not have an easy time with her. Court was called into session. The DA asked to be heard by the court. Permission was granted. "Your Honor, We have $598,727 dollars that was taken from Rev. Robert's Church office. It was hidden in a box. I have two people, one the Church secretary and another member who will testify that he was told where the money was and that it belong to the church. The Church secretary is going to bring the books in for Audit. I would like to have the money returned to the rightful owner, the church." "That is my money. Those fags have no right to it. They got it illegally." "Sit down Mr. Roberts. I will hold you in contemp for one more outburst like the last one. Counselor, Please control your client." "Yes, Your Honor. May we have a 15 minute recess?" "Granted! Court is in recess for 15 minutes." After a few minutes, the bailiff came in and spoke to the DA. "Rev. Roberts and his counselor could like to speak with you. If you would follow me, Please." They wanted to know if Rev. Roberts plead guilty would he agree to a lesser sentence than the max allowed by law. The DA said that he could go with 30 years without parole, considering the defendant age of 55. He would spend most of his natural life in prison. Roberts sat sobbing quietly. "The court is now back in session." "I hereby declare that the money mentioned before the break be returned to its rightful owners." Rev. Roberts, Please stand and face the court. How do you plead to the charges against you?" "Guilty, your honor." As we were leaving the court room, Dan asked the DA how he accomplished the guilty plea. The DA said he had nothing to do with it and that Roberts' lawyers did the whole thing. We stopped by where all of the victims were waiting. They had just received word of the plea. There was joyous celebration going on. Their dark ugly secrets would be protected and not made public. "Adam and Louie, your unfortunate beating brought all of this about. We are so sorry that you got hurt and had to suffer so." one of the accused men said. Everyone in the room agreed. Adam said, "My wounds were just physical and will heal. All of you are the true victims. Your wounds will take a lot longer and your scars will be a lot deeper. You are all free now. Go start your new lives and God Bless! Keep your faith and trust God." Adam, Dan and I joined the tears that were already flowing." On the way home, I told Adam to swing by his mother's. I felt like a celebration and wanted his family to be part of it. From the minute we walked through the door, we could feel the electricity in the air. We knew something was up. Before we could say anything, Gene knew something good had happened. "Ok, guys, Out with it. I know that you have good new for us." We told our story and then Adam said, "Mom, we know something is up. You know you and the kids can't keep a secret." Before she could say anything, Debbie and Josh were bouncing off the ceiling. "We are going to Oregon to live with you Grandpa Louie!" both at the same time "Yes, it is true. We have all decided to accept your offer. We think that we wanted the kids to grow up in a calmer environment. The opportunities you offered us were just to good to pass up. We want to accept them." beamed Tim. Sarah and Gene were just about as bouncy as the kids. "I think this calls for a celebration. Adam bring out the champaign." I said. We had stopped and purchased a bottle. Sarah and Gene started to get glasses. "Debbie and Josh need one also." Adam pulled out a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling cinder. "They have their own bottle." "What about you, Adam, are you going to accept Louie's offer?" asked Gene. "Mom, I haven't decided yet. I am torn. One part of me wants to say yes and the other part says no. I want to join a troop touring our troop bases and entertain our service men and women. I just don't know yet." replied Adam. "I will make my decision soon." "Adam, I think you just made your decision. Why don't we both join an organization and see the world for 6 months. Then you can decide. OK?" inquired Louie. "Actually, I have already. I am just stalling for time. I do want to entertain the troops. However, I am going to turn down you offer. I would just like to work on the ranch and be near you. I am not asking for a relationship. I don't think I am ready to become your partner maybe sometime in the future. I really need some time to get over my last partner. He was just such a jerk. Can we still be friends?" Adam wanted to know. "Mom, I am sorry you are hearing this discussion. You have always been so supportive and I really appreciate everything you have done for me. Thanks!" "Hey, what are mothers for?" said Gene giving Adam a big hug. "Uncle Adam, does that me you are coming to Oregon with us. "Yes sport! That is what it means." "Hurray!" shouted both kids at once. "Uncle Adam are you and Grandpa Louie lovers?" asked Debbie. "Yes we are!" "Does that mean we have two Uncles or two Grandpas?" asked Debbie "How about just one of each for the time being? Adam replied. "Gene, Save us! Let's move on to something else. How would you like to sell your house and furniture to me. You have a large three bedroom log house waiting for you in Oregon. You can buy all new furniture. Adam has a friend who may be coming to Tracy to be a minister in Lila's church and could use a place to stay. I don't think the church has a parsonage. So if I bought your house, I would just sign it over to the church for a parsonage. This way you would not have to put your house on the market and go through the hassle of selling it. You would make a nice profit since your house and restaurant won't cost anything." "Hey, That doesn't sound like a good deal to me. How about I just sign the deed over to the church and then we would be even." Gene asserted. "Louie, you might as well give up. Mom has her mind made up and you won't change it." "Well, maybe not but I sure can try to bend it a little. How about this Gene? I need all the tax breaks I can get. I give you fair market price for your house and turn a round and give it to the Church. Then I sell you the house and restaurant in Oregon for the same price. No cash ever changes hands. I get a tax break and you get another house plus restaurant. Of course, I will take a big loss and will be able to write this off as well. You won't have pay any taxes because you get a one time break without paying any taxes. That is if you re-invest with a short period of time, I think it is a year but that will be no problem." explained Louie. "Now that makes sense. Adam you lose. I am changing my mind. Louie how about a big hug and a kiss to seal the deal?" Gene said. "Adam, You lose all the way around. That will be one less hug and kiss for you! "That is ok. I will just steal a few to make up for the loss." And Adam roared with laughter. "Good deal! Mom. I still think you came out winner." "I have a deal for everyone. You had better listen up or you will be left out completely. Since Adam and I don't have to testify in court, I have a super idea. What would you say if all of us went to Hawaii for two weeks. I mean do everything possible.-luaus, scuba diving, culture center, touring the islands. I mean every thing and go 1st class all the way. No wait! I am not finished yet. Then we could go to Disneyland for a week.. I don't want to hear that cost to much. Adam, Tell them that I can afford anything I want. I love spending money on my family and friends. How does that sound? Louie offered. "Can we? Mom, Mom, Can we? Can we.?" Debbie and Josh said jumping up and down. "I don't know! Maybe we should get a sitter and just the adults go!" said Sarah. "No! Mom, that is not fair!" complained Debbie. "Gocha! Just kidding. You can call the travel agent and make the arrangement tomorrow." said Sarah. Adam, Tim, Sarah, and Gene joined Josh and Debbie yelling and dancing around the room . "Adam, I can't take any more excitement today. What do think about going to the motorhome and grabbing some shut eye?" Asked Louie "Can we camp out with you tonight?" pleaded the kids. "Only if you sleep in the bags on the floor." said Adam winking at Louie, who winked back and grinned.