Date: Fri, 25 May 2012 13:13:47 -0600 From: Michael king Subject: Lives changed 4-A revised Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. The people do not exist except in my mind. This work is copyrighted and I ask that you do not copy, post or electronically download without my express permission. If you are too young to be in here or it is illegal in your state then please leave, as I do not wish anything bad to happen to you. NOTE: I know that we all enjoy these pages and wish for them to be here for a long time. We, the writers, take pride in being able to give you all a few minutes of pleasure. So please think of the time spent putting these pages up and donate just a bit to Nifty so we can keep going. Note: The characters Special Agent Rich Mason, Ben Jacobs and Bennie Jacobs are from his story The President's Son and are used with the express permission of the author, Miguel Sanchez. Lives Changed Chapter 4-A: Special Agents and Special Friends Stepping inside the stadium concourse and out of view, Malcolm stopped, leaned against the wall and used his jacket sleeve to wipe the sweat off his face. "Kid, I have heard a lot of speeches," Stan started, "And I have been to a lot of rallies, but what I saw today was just some kid trying to fool everyone. Don't you realize that you all are just kids and don't know anything? You will never change the system, so give it up." "Thanks, Stan," Malcolm said as he turned and wiped the tears he felt running down his cheeks. "Malcolm, you are so awesome dude! I wish I could speak like you do," Patrick screamed as he ran up. "You did fine; you got them listening. Now all we have to do it wait and see what happens," Malcolm said as he hugged Patrick. "How soon do you think we will know?" "That's hard to say. Now, I saw that you had some petitions for people to sign, so let's see how many people are with us?" "True, but it will take some time. My brothers are going to gather the petitions tonight after this is over, and then comes the fun of counting the names." "Excuse me. Mr. Daniels, we have to get you home," Tony spoke with urgency in his voice. "Yeah, sure, hold on. Patrick, why not bring them over tonight and we will count them together," Malcolm suggested. "Okay, what time?" "Make it about six." "Sounds good. I hope you have lots of room." "Mr. Daniels, please, we have to get going," Tony snapped this time. "Okay, see you later, Patrick," Malcolm said. "Yeah, get out of here before they cuff you," Patrick said as Malcolm was led down a tunnel and out of the stadium. Back at home, Malcolm quickly changed into jeans and t-shirt again. Then he headed downstairs to the family room. "Dad do we have any long tables?" Malcolm asked. "The Jacobs are coming over tonight and we're going to need a few." "I'll run over to the office and get a couple for you. Is there anything else you're going to need?" Richard replied as he grabbed his jacket and keys. "Yeah, lots of juice. Oh, and some pens and paper." "Okay, looks like I will be busy for a few hours." "Sir, I can help if you want. I can go get the juice, and Stan can stay with the children," Tony spoke up. "Thanks, I could use it." "Okay, then lets get going. It looks like a long night for all of us." "Malcolm, can we help?" Zeke asked. "Sure you can. We are going to need a bunch of seats, so why don't I start getting them ready and you can go ask Papa for some juice cups. Maybe you could see if he has any snacks for tonight, too." "Okay! Love you, Malcolm." "Love you too, Zeke. Where's Aaron?" "He's napping." "Okay. Off you go." Leaving the house to go get the juice, Tony could not stop thinking about his partner Stan and his attitude towards Malcolm and his friends. Tony knows he can't come out and openly support Malcolm, but he understands all too well that getting things changed when it comes to school bullies is going to be an uphill battle. When Tony was a little kid, he was a victim of bullying, so he knows firsthand what it's like, and how little will be done about it. Perhaps, he suddenly thinks, there is someone who can help. Once in the store's parking lot he takes out his cell phone and makes a call to his supervisor, Special Agent Rich Mason. "Mason," a voice says. "Agent Mason, this is Special Agent Tony Marchand." "Yes, Agent Marchand, what can I do for you?" "Call me Tony, please. Well, it's Agent Wiley; he made a bold and I think inappropriate statement to Malcolm after his speech at the rally today." "Are you someplace you can speak freely?" "Yeah, I volunteered to go to the store for juice so I could get away and make this call." "Okay, what did he say, Tony? Since I can call you Tony, please call me Ace." "Alright, Ace. He said, "Kid, I have heard a lot of speeches. And I have been to a lot of rallies, but what I saw was some kid trying to fool everyone. Don't you realize that you all are just kids and don't know anything? You will never change the system, so give it up." "Are you sure about this?" Ace asked. "Yes, Ace, I taped it. In fact, lately I've been taping everything he's said around Malcolm. His attitude is something we were told at the academy was unprofessional and conduct unbecoming of an agent." "Tony, you've learned well and you're right, his conduct is against everything the service stands for. Now, here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to recall him back to DC then I'll get another agent out of our Miami field office to take his place." "Ace, I don't mean to question your decision, but will he be a good agent and not another Stan?" "Tony, I like you and that was a proper question. It tells me you're thinking of Malcolm and protecting him and his family. I happen to know this agent and he's one of the best. His name is Donnie Osborne and I'll let him know when I hang up. I'm putting you in charge after Stan leaves." "Ace, when you recall him, he's going to know something's up." "Leave that to me. When you get back to Malcolm's place, you're not to let on you've spoken to me. Understood?" "Sure, Ace. Now I better get going before he realizes I've been gone longer than necessary." "If he says anything, tell him there were a lot of people at the store." "Okay, Ace, and thanks for the help." "On the contrary! Thank-you for bringing this situation to my attention. We need to weed out trashy agents." Tony ended the call then hurried up and got the juice and things Malcolm needed then flew back to the house. Meanwhile, in another part of the White House, the afternoon sun was still hidden behind heavy curtains as President Ben Jacobs and his son Bennie sat together where they had watched the live telecast of the rally that Malcolm and the students were holding a couple hours ago. Both seemed deeply consumed in thought. "Dad, that Malcolm kid sure has a way of reaching people. The things he says are true. I know you care about what is happening in the schools, more so since I took those hits in gym class," Bennie stated as he stared blankly at the now dark TV. "You're right, Son. Malcolm sure has a way with words. I think I will have him invited to the White House and maybe we can get this all settled so everyone can go back to class," Ben said, hugging his son. "Hey, maybe Ace can help him. Well, he has a way to get through to people, and I think Malcolm needs a friend." "I think you're right. Let me call Ace and make the arrangements." Grabbing the phone beside the couch, Ben called Ace's phone. "Good afternoon, sir. What can I do for you?" Ace asked as soon as he knew who it was. "Ace, I want you to call this Malcolm Daniels and invite him to the White House, I would like to meet with him and deal with this strike," Ben answered. "Sir, why not get Bennie to call? I have a feeling that if the service calls he is going to tell us where to go." "You're right. I'll ask Bennie. Can you find Mr. Daniels' home phone number?" "I can call Tony Marchand, one of the agents watching Malcolm and get it from him." "Thank you, Ace. I'll send Bennie down to your room and you can make the call from there." Ben turned towards Bennie. "So, you heard my side. What do you think, can you call this Malcolm and invite him?" "Sure dad, but wouldn't it be better if you or Ace called." "It was Ace that suggested you call. Malcolm has had some difficulties with the secret service, and I'm not sure just how much he trusts adults in general." "Oh, then I'll try." "Don't worry, Ace will be with you. And please make sure Malcolm understands that it is just a friendly meeting and not me trying to pressure him." "Dad, if you tried to pressure him, I think Malcolm might walk out on you and then things would never get solved." "Go make the call. Try for Thursday so that Malcolm can spend some time here as our guest. He can stay as long as he likes." "Well, since he has been expelled, I guess he can stay as long as he likes," Bennie giggled. "True, but he is the strike leader and his mother is still on the loose, plus he may have other things going on also," Ben replied, concern hidden in his voice. Springing off the couch, Bennie walked down to his room. Entering, he gave Ace a hug then sat on his bed. "Ace, what do I say to this kid? I mean we've never met and here I am going to invite him to the White House," Bennie asked. "Just be yourself, relax, and ask him to come. Try to explain to him that it is going to be just the three of you and no one is going to be pressuring him," Ace replied as he rubbed Bennie's shoulders. Taking the phone Ace punched in the numbers to call Tony. Tony was, like everyone else around the Daniels household, trying to relax or catch a nap before the signature counting started. After only a few days of chasing a teenager around, he wasn't sure he still envied Ace his job as Benny's caretaker and bodyguard. Keeping tabs on an active teen was hard work. He was startled by his cellphone chirp, and more so when he saw it was the White House calling. "Agent Tony Marchand speaking." "Hi, Tony, it's Ace again. I need the Daniels home phone number and, even better, Malcolm's cellphone number. Do you have those available?" "Sure, Ace. Hold on a second," Tony replied reaching for his notebook. He proceeded to give Ace the numbers he needed and the added, "Can you tell me why you need these numbers, Ace?" "Yes. It is no secret that the President wants to meet Malcolm but has already been refused once. We think if Benny calls and invites him, kid-to-kid, that perhaps he will come and visit. He is right here with me waiting to make the call." "Ace, right now Malcolm is tired, stressed, and wound so tight that if anyone outside his closest inner circle called today he would likely get chewed up, spit out and told to buzz off. I really think Benny should wait until tomorrow evening to call." "Thanks for the warning, Tony. We will indeed wait until tomorrow evening." The tables were set up, the chairs in place, and everything was ready. After a quick dinner and cleaning up the dishes, Malcolm was downstairs waiting when Patrick and his family showed up. The parents opted to stay upstairs, and Zeke led the others downstairs. Besides Patrick and his brothers and sister there were five others there. "Malcolm, we're here. How do we do this?" one of the students asked. "Okay, there are twelve of us, so what we do is pair up. Patrick, you count then your partner recounts, that way we don't make a mistake, it is the same with all of us, when we have finished we put the total aside and restart, lets count them twice just to make sure." Malcolm responded. "Sounds good, but that will take all night." The students laughed. "Would you rather do it now or wait until morning?" "Let's do it now." Eight hours later they finished their first count. "Okay, everyone, sleep time! Find a place to curl up. We will start again at ten. Breakfast is at 9:30," Malcolm told the group. Malcolm lifted a sleeping Zeke, carried him upstairs, and tucked him in. He smiled and adjusted the blankets on Aaron before he went to his own bed and crashed. At nine o'clock Sunday morning, Malcolm was up and was making breakfast for a dozen hungry kids—with some help from his dad and Papa. It wasn't long before everyone started showing up, each grabbing a plate and finding a place to sit, some on the floor and others at the table. Aaron was once more sitting on Malcolm's lap with Zeke at his side. "Malcolm, how did it go last night?" Papa asked. "Well, about two this morning we had our first count done. Now we are going to redo it just to make sure we have it right. Then I guess it is sending it over to the state capital and the Commissioner of Education," Malcolm said as he yawned. "That's good. What do your numbers say so far?" "Well, if the count is right, we have just over a hundred thousand signatures." "That is a lot son," Richard spoke up. "Yeah, but as I said, we have to recount them just to make sure." "Well I guess you better get started. I will run out and get more juice for you and your friends." "Can I go with you, Pops?" Aaron asked, "I can't count so good." "Sure, Aaron, come on along. And give it time; you will be able to count good soon," Richard chuckled as he repeated the obvious grammar error. By six o'clock that night, everything had been recounted and boxed. The total number of signatures each box contained was written on top of each one and then the box taken upstairs, ready to be sent out. All the helpers had left, each agreeing that they would meet up in a couple of days with the hope that something would be heard from the capital by then. Malcolm joined his brother watching the movie Hulk. Malcolm's dad was in there with them and Papa was in his room resting. He was already fighting falling asleep shortly into the movie when the phone rang. Tony yelled, "I'll get it, and picked up in the kitchen. Confirming that it was Benny on the line, he shouted, "Malcolm, it's some kid wants to talk to you." "Hello?" "Malcolm Daniels?" the young voice asked. "Yeah, who is this?" Malcolm asked." "We haven't met, but my name is Bennie Jacobs." "Like, in the President's kid?" Malcolm asked. "Yeah, that's me," the voice giggled. "Okay, but why are you calling me?" "To invite you to the White House. We've been following everything you have been dealing with here and my dad would like to talk with you to see how he can help you get his resolved." Yeah, so what? There isn't much anyone can do without things going viral. Think about it, kid, the whole friggin' nation is out of school and nothing is being done. Now, tell me why?" "I can't really answer that. Malcolm, I've been through what you have. The teachers and staff at my school won't put up with it and neither does my dad. Please give him a chance; he's not like those butthead senators." "Yeah, right! You know nothing about me, or what I've been through," Malcolm stated with a bit of anger in his voice. "About the only thing you have to put up with is butthead bodyguards," he added with a smirk. "Maybe not, but I've had my butt jumped by two kids and ended up with a number of bruised ribs and a sore jaw. But thanks to Ace and Tonka, the two teens were arrested, tried and now they're paying for what they did. Now, I really don't know about you personally, but I've been on the receiving end of bullies. "Look Malcolm, I can understand your hesitation. You've had adults treat you like a dumb kid, but we here all know better. I can almost promise you we can get things sorted to where everyone will be happy. Well, maybe not totally everyone." "Fine I'll come, but the first agent that gives me a hard time or starts getting mouthy, I'm gone." Malcolm, this is Special Agent Mason. I will be picking you up personally and I will treat you the same way I treat Bennie. "Oh hell, I guess I better just stay home then; you sound just like this dickhead Stan. "Stan? Who is he?" Ace asked, as Bennie chimed in. "Malcolm, Ace is one cool agent. He's my personal bodyguard." "Stan is some secret service agent; he and Tony are guarding me." "I take it, you don't care much for Stan. Can you tell me why?" Ace asked trying to get though to the teen, as well as confirm the information he had received from Tony. "Why what? And why would you care? You're an adult, I'm just a nobody kid." "Malcolm, Ace isn't like that. To him everyone is important, even us kids." Bennie said. Now what did this Stan do to you?" "Like I said, I'll come; as for Stan, I hate him. He's just a rude, mouthy, butthead; even when I was in Washington he was like that. Didn't you hear of some agent getting his fingers broken?" "I saw the report. Did you break them?" Ace asked almost giggling. "Not on purpose, he just tried to grab me when I was having breakfast. Tony is alright, and he seems to like kids, but I can't talk to him." "Alright Malcolm, trust me when I say that I will personally deal with Agent Stan Wiley. When I'm done with him, he'll be walking a beat checking manhole covers." "Oh, my god! That would be so funny, but still..." Bennie took over: "Ace doesn't put up with agents acting like they're above the law. He should have never put his hands on you. If that Stan guy had grabbed me like that, I'd have flattened him and Ace wouldn't have done squat to me for doing it." "Well, I didn't know that. Besides, I don't need more crap in my life, like going to jail for kicking some jerk's ass." "Trust me, Malcolm. Ace will have a piece of his butt. The only time he's ever put his hand on me was to pull me down when he sensed something was wrong or dangerous. No one will arrest you for defending yourself. When you're here, you're under his protection and Tonka's. "Okay, then when do you want me there? I have to tell my dad and Papa so they can watch my brothers." "How about, say, this Thursday? I'll make the arrangements," Ace said. "If your dad or papa has any questions here is my cell number and they can call me anytime. Also, you might want to tell them you'll be here through the weekend." Bennie broke in. "Hey! Don't forget to bring your swimming trunks. We have a great pool here and we can all go swimming." Not to worry, we'll handle that here. You'll be flying first class as a guest of the US Secret Service. What is a good time for you? I don't want you to have to rush to get to the plane on time." "Anytime after ten," Malcolm giggled. "I wanna try and sleep in." "That's fine, Malcolm. I'll see what's close to around eleven and I'll pick you up at the airport myself." Ace stated. "Why can't Tony bring me? No, I guess he would have Stan do it." Malcolm asked. "No, Malcolm, you will be flying on a private flight, and Stan will fly coach. As for Tony, I'd like him to stay in Florida to continue protecting your family. I also know another agent who would be perfect to work with him. I want to apologize on behalf of the Secret Service for they way Stan treated you. He will be punished for his actions," Ace replied with a bit of venom in his voice. "Okay, then I'll see you Thursday some time. Now I got a little brother trying to climb my leg. Hang on, Aaron, I'm on the phone," Malcolm whispered to his little brother. Ace and Bennie laughed. "Well, we'll let you take care of that little guy. If this was under different circumstances, your whole family could come with you." "Well, maybe next time. Thanks, guys. I do kinda feel a bit better." "We look forward to meeting you." Bennie said as they ended the call. Monday morning a courier company came and took the boxes, assuring Malcolm they would be delivered the next day. The rest of the day, Malcolm made notes and prepared his thoughts, for he knew that soon he would once again have to face others and speak. Tuesday was a quiet day for Malcolm. He caught up on some much-needed sleep and generally lazed around the house. Not even Stan was going to ruin this day for him. Wednesday that all changed. Mid-afternoon Stan walked bruskly into the kitchen and informed Malcolm that he would have to fly out to Washington again, and this time he wasn't able to say no. "What? Another hearing with a bunch of people who won't listen?" Malcolm asked with a ring of irritation in his voice. "No. This time you are meeting with the President of the United States, and he has said that you are not allowed to say no," Stan blustered. "Oh. Well, in that case, I guess I gotta go then. I can't say no too often and end up pissing someone off, especially the President." "You got that right, kid. Now go pack a bag. We leave at six in the morning, and have to be at the airport by 4:30." "May I ask where you got your information on the travel schedule?" "My ticket was sent to me from Washington. They put us in the back of a crappy milk-run plane for the cheapest fare there is. Some thanks for hard work! They said yours would be sent separately." "Ah, and so it was. It seems I am leaving at 11:00 AM on a private flight to be met and accompanied by one Special Agent Ace Mason whom I will meet up with at Andrews Air Force Base. Like you said, some thanks for hard work!" "Why you conniving little bastard! I should pound you into the ground right now!" said Stan taking a threatening step towards Malcolm. "Ah, ah, Stan. I know how to break bigger things than fingers just as effectively," Malcolm responded. "And I know how to fire this service weapon! Get out of my face and out of this house you son-of-a-bitch!" yelled Tony as he stepped into the room. "You have been relieved of command." Thursday morning, Richard took Malcolm to the airport to board the plane sent by the President to pick him up. Malcolm was the only passenger and he felt like royalty with the personal attention of the stewardess. Two hours later, Malcolm was in Washington and the stewardess guided Malcolm off the plane. "Well, Malcolm, you ready for this?" she asked. "Not really." "No one ever really is, but you will be okay." "Thanks." "Just think of the people you are helping, just like at the rally." "I know. I was scared then, but this is way different." "Not really. Here you are only talking to a few people." "Yeah, but I bet some are from that hearing." "Oh, the one you gave a failing grade to?" "Oh, great! That makes me really feel good." At the White House, Ace was sitting in Bennie's room going over his reports for Adam when Ben knocked and entered. "Ace did you forget that Mr. Daniels was arriving today?" "Honestly, Sir, I did. Do you know what time he is getting in?" Ace asked. "Around one. He'll be landing at Andrews. Can you meet him?" "Me, Sir?" Ace asked wondering why Ben asked him to do this. "Yes, Ace. It seems when I sent another agent to invite him to the White House, he stuck his foot in it." "Then I'll send another agent." "No, Ace, you have spoken with Mr. Daniels, and you told him you would meet him. He is already having trouble trusting the Secret Service, so let's not add to it. "Who was this jackass?" Ace asked, although he already knew. "Agent Stan Wiley," Ben replied as he left the room. "I've already dealt with him," Ace replied with a bit of venom in his voice. "Was that Dad?" Bennie asked looking in from his bedroom. I smiled. "Yes, it was, love. He wants me to pick up a young MISTER Daniels from Andrews." "Isn't he the kid we spoke with and the one who was at the senate hearing?" "That's the one," Ace replied. "Can I come?" Bennie asked. Ace shook his head. "Any other time love, I'd say yes, but he had a bad experience with the Secret Service and I sure don't want to spook him again by having an extra security detail there. Besides, I want to have some time alone getting to know him. Once you two get together I won't get a word in edgewise." "I understand, love." "I think you two will hit it off right away and you can help to calm him down. He's had a lot of bad experiences in his life lately. I think you picked up on that when you were talking with him." "Oh man, that sucks, and yeah I did. I'll be glad to make him feel at home here." Ace gave his lover a hug and kiss before he left the residence. Climbing into his Charger, he left the White House and drove to the Suitland Parkway, which would take him straight into Andrews AFB. He pulled into the base and saw the small plane Ben had sent for Malcolm. As he got closer, he saw the door was already open and the plane looked empty. He drove over to the terminal and saw a teen standing around looking lost. He parked the Charger, walked in, made eye contact with the boy and asked, "Are you Malcolm Daniels?" "I am." Ace extended his hand. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Special Agent Rich Mason with the Secret Service. I've been sent here to bring you to the White House as the behest of The President," Ace said reassuringly. Malcolm stepped back. "Man, you sure don't act like the last agent, and you don't sound like you did on the phone. Stan was a real dickhead." Malcolm retorted. "I heard about that and you won't have to worry about that agent again. I want to apologize on behalf of the service that you were treated with such disrespect." "I like you, but as you know, I tend to speak my mind." "So I've heard," Ace replied giggling. "Did you really tell a senator he was an idiot?" Malcolm started laughing then turned a little red. "Yeah, I did, but he was a real jerk. Those old geezers think they know it all when they haven't a clue how it is in school." Ace put his hand on Malcolm's shoulder to lead him out of the area. Malcolm drew away from Ace's gesture. "Sorry, buddy, I didn't mean to spook you. I was just trying to lead you out to the car. I heard about the bullies at your school and how you went to bat to protect a friend." "That's what I was trying to tell the senator about but he believes everything is just fine and dandy and nothing needs changing." Ace took the lead back to the Charger. "I know exactly what you mean, Malcolm. Stick close to me, please. Do you have another bag to pick up?" Malcolm lifted his small carryon bag. "Nope, everything I needed fit right in here. How do you know what I mean? Don't go patronizing me, Agent Mason, I hate that." "Oh no, buddy, I'd never do that. Bennie's had his fair share of being bullied." Malcolm had a shocked look on his face. "You mean some kids tried to take on the President's son? I know he told me about some of it, but I thought he was just trying to make me feel good." Ace nodded his head. "Yes, and Bennie got jumped by two boys during gym class after he took off running ahead of me and the class when they were out running laps. I took off trying to catch up to Bennie when someone's arm came out and clotheslined him in the chest then he and another kid managed to get in a punch to his face and the other got in a few kicks." Malcolm stopped dead in his tracks and Ace saw him trying to fight back tears. "Why did they jump him?" Ace put his arm around the boy's shoulder but this time he didn't shake it off. He wiped his eyes then looked at the big burley agent. "They jumped him just because he is Jewish." "Just because he's Jewish, Agent Mason?" Malcolm asked again in total disbelief. Ace nodded his head, "That's right, buddy, and please call me Ace. All my friends do." "You consider me a friend already? I'm just a smart-mouthed kid who will never amount to anything." "Yes, you're a friend, and don't ever talk down about yourself." Malcolm looked down. "Well, that's what my English teacher says about me and to me." "Well, she's a jackass. She doesn't see what I do." As they stepped outside, Malcolm saw the car his eyes got huge. "Man, is this really your car?" Ace laughed at the excitement in the teen's voice. "Well, I get to drive it, but it's owned by the service. If you want to see a car, you should see the other one I drive most of the time." Ace reached into his pocket and pushed the unlock button on the remote. When Malcolm opened the door he got a surprise. "Man this door swings like it weighs a ton." They got in and Ace started to explain a little about the car. Malcolm sat there in awe of the machine. "Why is the car bullet proof?" Ace smiled then looked at the teen. "Think about it, who else rides in here?" "Bennie?" he said more as a question than a fact. "Yep, and he has to be protected at all times." "Well, what happened when Bennie got jumped at school?" "Well, I managed to get one of the kids and Tonka got the other one." "Tonka, I keep hearing about a Tonka. What's a Tonka?" Ace broke out into a huge belly laugh that caused Malcolm to smile. "A toy truck." Malcolm looked at Ace: "You're funny." Ace smiled. "Thanks, I try." "Yeah, but looks aren't everything," Malcolm fired back. Ace really started laughing then. "You're quick on the draw, too. Now, to answer your question, Tonka is Bennie's dog and is also used as Secret Service canine." "He's a police dog?" Malcolm's tone suddenly changed. "Well, yeah, he's a police dog, but he's also a great judge of character. Once he's smelled you and given you his approval, you're a friend for life. Tonka used to be owned by one of our agents until his apartment manager said he couldn't keep him." "Man that sucks. Didn't he know he was a police dog?" Ace shook his head. "Johnny didn't want to play that card because he didn't want to be forced to move so he brought him over to the residence and when Tonka met Bennie, the two of them fell in love. He's saved Bennie's life and has even been awarded a commendation." "Wow, that has to be some dog." Ace nodded his head. "That he is, and I know you'll have Tonka as a friend for life also." They chatted and talked about this-and-that until they pulled up at the back gate to the residence. Malcolm's eyes got huge. "Wow, this place is huge." Ace giggled. "Yeah, it can be a bit daunting the first time you see it." Just then it dawned on Malcolm. "Uh Ace, we didn't stop at a hotel." Ace reached over and patted him on the shoulder. "Not to worry my friend. You're the special guest of the President." Malcolm's eyes almost popped out of his head. "Guest, as in I'll be sleeping here?" "That's right. You'll be staying in the Queen's Bedroom." Malcolm was blown away. "Wow, that sounds like it's for royalty; I'm nothing that special." "What did I tell you about talking down about yourself?" "It's a hard habit to break, Ace." "Well, Bennie will help you break it. I know you and he will hit it off right away." They pulled up in front of the residence and got out of the car. When they did, Ace heard Tonka bark as he came running towards him. "Ace, what's that?" Tonka stopped then put his front paws on Ace's shoulders and started licking his face as they heard a familiar voice. "Hi, Ace." Ace managed to get Tonka back on his feet and then greeted his charge. Poor Malcolm was frozen like a statue as Tonka was sniffing him. The wolf/hybrid mix licked the teen's hand then sat and barked at him. "It's okay, buddy, he wants you to shake his paw. Once you do you'll have him as a friend forever." Malcolm reached out and shook the dog's paw. "He scared the crap out of me Ace." Bennie started laughing. "Once you get to know him, you'll find out he's really a big baby, but now he'll protect you from anyone he doesn't know. By the way, I'm Bennie, so you must be Malcolm." The two teens shook hands then they headed inside the residence. Ace took him over to the West Wing so he could get his credentials, then walked around to the residence. Malcolm and Bennie started talking as if they had been friends for years. They were about to walk into the residence when a voice shouted, "What the hell is going on?" Malcolm froze, and Bennie and Ace turned around wondering who was really stepping into it. "Isaac, who the hell died and put you in charge of security?" "Ah, Agent Mason, Bennie..." he started stammering. "That's right, now don't even try and say 'I didn't see you.'" Ace said going nose-to-nose with the chief of staff. "What is..." Isaac started, but Ace interrupted. "Don't go sticking your nose into things that don't concern you, or should I have a talk with the President?" "Ah, no, Agent Mason," Isaac stuttered. "Good!" Ace fired back. "Now, this young man is Malcolm Daniels, he's a guest of the President." "Why wasn't I told about this?" Isaac spouted acting like the arrogant ass that he is. "Why can't you get your head out of your ass and open your ears, you were just informed about it," Malcolm said, forgetting where he was and causing Bennie and Ace to fight to hold back their laughter. "Now see here, young man," Isaac said, trying to save face but not working. Ace stepped in between the two as he glared at Isaac. "What is it you want or are you just trying to annoy the hell out of me?" Isaac turned and returned to the West Wing while Malcolm, Ace, and Bennie went inside the residence. Bennie looked over at his new friend. "Are you thirsty?" "Sure am," he answered. "What would you like?" "Coke, if you have it." "Come on with me." Bennie said as he took off for the kitchen. "Hola Señor Bennie, and who is this handsome muchacho?" Malcolm turned as red as his hair. "Hi, I'm Malcolm." Bennie saw his friend was uncomfortable. "Gloria, this is Malcolm. Dad invited him here." "Well, Señor Malcolm, welcome to the residence. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask." Bennie went over to the fridge and grabbed two Cokes. "Come on, I'll show you my room." The boys went back into the dining room and Malcolm got another surprise. Bennie went over and gave Ben a big hug and kiss on his cheek. "Hi Dad, this is..." Ben stuck his hand out. "This has to be Malcolm." Malcolm lost his voice momentarily. "Y...yes, Mr. President." Bennie giggled. "Relax man, that's just my Dad." Ben ruffled the teens' hair. "How was your trip?" Both of them shot him a look. "It was fine, sir." Malcolm replied starting to relax a little. "Bennie, why don't you and Malcolm go into the living room and attack the video game? Oh, and Malcolm, when we are here in the residence you can call me Ben, but in the office it is either Sir or Mr. President," Ben said with a smile. Bennie looked at his friend. "Are you up for that?" Bennie laughed. Suddenly Malcolm was excited. "Oh, hell yeah!" he gushed then slapped his hand over his mouth as Ben let out a huge laugh. "I'm sorry, Mr. President, I mean Ben," Malcolm blushed deeply as only a redhead can. "It's alright son, Bennie has slipped before too. It happens, just try not to make a habit of it," Ben laughed. Bennie took Malcolm by the hand. "Come-on man, the games are waiting for us," Bennie said as he started to pull Malcolm towards the living room. The boys took off and Ben sat back down to finish his coffee. While Bennie was getting the game going, Malcolm got really quiet. Bennie went to hand him a controller and noticed Malcolm looked like he was a million miles away. "Is anything wrong buddy?" Malcolm looked then took the controller. "Just thinking, Bennie." "What's on your mind?" Bennie asked. Uh, well, Ace was telling me about you being bullied and I can't believe kids would bully you—of all people—over being Jewish." "Well, there are idiots and assholes in every walk of life. Tell me about what happened to you." "It was nothing really. There are these three jerk jocks that think they can go around the school and do whatever they want. They started picking on Patrick, this boy who is in several of my classes, so I told them to back off." "I take it they didn't listen," Bennie added. Malcolm shook his head. "No, they didn't, not even after I gave them several chances to back off. I put one them on his butt and thought it was the end of it. I started to go about my business when Patrick yelled to me to look out." "The three of them were going to blind side you?" "They tried, but I just did what I had to in order to protect both Patrick and myself." Bennie noticed something about the way Malcolm mentioned the boy's name. "Is Patrick a close or special friend?" Malcolm, realizing he had let his feelings slip, started withdrawing. "He's just a little kid." Bennie realized he'd touched a nerve. "A little kid who get's bullied because of his size, or something else?" "The bullies started calling him faggot and queer. That really got to me, I hate those words." Bennie put his hand on the teen's shoulder. "Don't feel like the Lone Ranger; Ace and I can't stand that f-word either. It's degrading. May I ask you something?" Malcolm felt like he was trapped. "I...I...guess so." Bennie scooted closer then put his hand on Malcolm's knee. "I see the way you light up when you talk about Patrick. Is he more than just a friend?" "Bennie, can you promise me that whatever I tell you will stay just between us?" "I can't tell Ace?" "Oh no, please, Ace would hate me then dump me with some other agent." "Trust me, Ace would never do that. He's the most open-minded person you could ever meet and once you're his friend, he'll never ever turn his back on you." Malcolm thought about it for a few seconds then began to answer. "Umm, well, I sorta like him a lot," Malcolm said in a whisper. "Have you told him how you feel?" Bennie asked. Malcolm looked at the floor and started shaking his head. "Oh god, no; he'd hate me." Bennie patted his shoulder. "I don't think you should underestimate him. Ace was in his room going over some files when he got a text message. He opened it and started reading. He was halfway through it when he reached over to turn on his work computer. Once it booted, he found the file that was sent to him. In it was a full report on Malcolm Daniels. He noticed an MP3 file attached so he put on his headphones and started listening. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. No agent on the Presidential Security detail would act in such a disrespectful manner. He listened to the recording again and then made of copy of it. After he shut down his computer, he decided to nip this problem in the bud, once and for all. Ace went out to the living room and saw Bennie and Malcolm quietly talking. "Bennie, I'm heading to my office in the West Wing, will you two be alright?" Bennie got up and walked over and gave Ace a hug. "We'll be fine Ace." Just then it hit Bennie he had his arms around Ace. Ace ruffled his hair then headed for the West Wing. "You really like Ace, don't you?" Malcolm asked. Bennie turned red. "Yeah, he's my best friend." "That's some way to say good-bye to a best friend." "Does that bother you?" Bennie asked. Malcolm then turned red. "No, I wish I could do that with Patrick, but he'd slug me if I tried." "Have you sat down and talked with him?" "And have the press get wind of it? No thanks!" "Tell them to buzz off and close the door on them. Malcolm, I don't want to sound pushy but I read something about you and your mother." Malcolm looked at the floor again. "Yeah, she thinks I'm doing things that are a disgrace the Daniels' name." "Just be you, that'll be your legacy." "You don't understand. Bennie, we're well off financially and my mother lives, well, lived, in the snooty world of her hoity-toity friends." "So what is it you're doing that doesn't seem to meet with her approval? Does your dad support you?" "He's great, and so is my grandfather—I call him Papa. As to what I do that she doesn't like—just about everything. My hair's too long, I am disrespectful, but most of all, I like to write." Bennie sat there stunned. "She doesn't like you because you like to write? What do you write?" Malcolm looked down and in a very soft voice said, "Poetry and short stories." "Poetry?" Bennie asked a little louder. "Yeah, pretty lame, isn't it." "Hey, don't talk down about yourself. Do you know what I plan on doing?" "You have it made, man, you can do anything you want." "Sorta, dude, but in the fall, I'm off to Georgetown University." "Sweet, what will you be majoring in?" "My goal a master's degree in criminal justice and a bachelor's in computer technology." "Wow, that's a lot of work. So, what do you want to do?" Bennie smiled. "Go to work for the Secret Service." "Man, that sounds cool, but my mother would say that's beneath me. See, I like helping those whose life has given them a raw deal, especially kids. But my mother says they're just gutter trash and aren't worth shit." Bennie sat there with his mouth hanging open. "Dude, she's the one with the issues, not you." "Yeah, she really went off on me when she learned I sent some of my poems to a publisher." "Why, did they reject them?" Bennie asked. Malcolm shook his head. "Oh no, they published them and even sent me a huge check as an advance on royalties." "That's great man." "Well, that's when it really started. My mom said no Daniels would belittle oneself by writing. She even tried to throw me out of the house." Bennie was steaming. "You're a kid, she can't do that." "Well, she wanted to until my dad told her who the house really belonged to." "Oh," Bennie said surprised. "Yeah, my dad told her the house really belonged to me. It seems my uncle left it to me in his will along with all of his money. 'Her' house and every penny she had really belonged to me." "So she married into it and did nothing to earn it, huh? "Yeah," Malcolm replied giggling. "All she did was go out and spend it until I put a stop to it." "Good for you." Bennie said smiling. "Well, that went over like a fart in church. She still tried to have me put out, but I told her to pack her things and leave, and to leave behind all her fancy jewelry bought with my money." "What did your dad say?" "With the way her attitude was, he agreed." Bennie was laughing. "Man! That was good. I'm glad you stood up to her." "Yeah, but she is still my mother. I just wish she would change her attitude, but she hasn't. In fact, she took me to court to be declared incompetent and have me shipped off to a private school or mental hospital. She lost that one, too. I guess now she lives in a small apartment and works in a doctor's office to survive." "Well, you gave her every chance but she didn't get the message. It's her loss, not yours, man." "Yeah, I guess you're right." Bennie reached down and turned the video game on. "Come on, man, let's play. I'm so going to kick your butt." Malcolm saw what game was loading. "Oh yeah? Well bring it on," Malcolm said. The boys got into the game and forgot about everything else. A lot more to come. Your comments welcome at thewriter1@live.ca flames ignored.