Date: Wed, 27 May 2015 11:12:48 -0600 From: Michael King Subject: Lives Changed: 9-b 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. A special thank you to Miguel for all his help in some of the work we did together. 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. Lives Changed 9-B Malcolm was sitting at his desk when he heard Tony leaving. He was trying to finish his latest chapter in his new book, but with Tony gone he felt lost. Malcolm was just staring at his computer screen when Zeke walked in and sat on his knee. Hugging his little brother Malcolm just sat with him neither saying a word for a while. "Malcolm, is something wrong?" Zeke asked in a low voice." "No Zeke, I was just thinking." Malcolm lied. He hated lying to his brother, but this was something he had to figure out by himself. "Okay, can we play a game?" "Sure we can play for a bit, then it will be shower and bed time. Did Aaron take Midnight outside?" "Uh huh, he really love that puppy, I am glad Mr. Hawks gave it to him." "So am I little guy, but you love him just as much." "Uh-huh. Now let's play." With Zeke beside him Malcolm slowly lost the funk that he was in and soon forgot, at least for a while the feeling of something wrong. For the rest of the night and all day Sunday Malcolm stayed close to home and his security people. He spent a lot of time with his brothers, either watching movies or playing games. He called Patrick Sunday night and the two spoke for a while about everything and yet nothing, just two boys rambling on. Monday morning as Malcolm lay in bed his eyes closed, but not sleeping, just lost in thought when he was jarred from his rest by two little boys bouncing on his bed. Looking at the clock beside him Malcolm saw that it was eight and time to get up. Elizabeth Daniels on the other hand had been awake since five, the sound of slamming cell doors and the heavy footsteps of the female guards made it impossible to sleep much past that time. Elizabeth hated her son Malcolm more than ever. When she had heard that the Robertson brothers had been found guilty, she was adamant that she would make a deal with the DA's office, but so far Masters had been stalling her. Today was her last hope. She went on trial tomorrow for not just child abuse, but for everything else also, including conspiracy to commit murder, and that was her brother-in-law Marcus. Why couldn't he have made it easier for everyone and just given up the designs for his box. Her brat Malcolm was just about to make billions if the armed forces could get their hands on it. Elizabeth didn't understand how the box worked, or for that matter even if it did. When Sam Morrison had mentioned the idea over fifteen years ago, it seemed too farfetched to have a box that could hide not just a plane, but the pilot as well. Not only that, but apparently it worked on the uniforms of the ordinary solider. If the box worked like Morrison thought it would, then the men and woman of the military would no long die. How Marcus came to know of Sam's idea no one knew, but all of a sudden Marcus had millions pouring into his little crap company, and now was one of the top R&D businesses around. When her little group of friends tried to get Marcus to go public, or even share with his friends, he refused. Sure he had paid back his loans, but damn it they all wanted more. Elizabeth was jolted from her thoughts when she heard her cell door click open. "Daniels, get your butt out here, you have a visitor." One female guard yelled. "Great, not even eight thirty and my day has gone to hell." Elizabeth thought as she stepped out of her cell. Stepping out Elizabeth waited for the door to close and the guards to tell her to walk. With one in front and another behind Elizabeth didn't have a chance to say hi to anyone. Not that they would have answered her. Everyone knew she had beat her kid, and even though some of the women were in on similar charges they didn't like her. Taking her to the outer area, they told her to sit in one of the rooms that had nothing but a table and two chairs, one bolted to the floor that was the one she was told to take and not move. Elizabeth sat for about ten minutes when her lawyer Mr. Jefferies walked in followed by Dylan Masters. The two men took the seats facing her and sorted through their briefcases before even looking at her. When Dylan placed a pad and pen on the table, Elizabeth flinched. "Mrs. Daniels, this is how it is going to work. First off I am going to read you your rights again and if you agree to them and agree to talk with me then I will have you sign a paper stating to that fact. I will then have Mr. Jefferies here sign it and so will I. do you agree to this part?" Dylan asked. "Yes, let's just get this over with." Elizabeth spat out. "That is the second condition, and that is you keep a civil tongue in your head, the first time you spout off any and all deals are off." Dylan stated forcefully. "Fine." "Mrs. Daniels, you have the right to remain silent. If you give up that right, anything you say can be use against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak with an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed for you. If you choose to answer questions without an attorney you can stop at any time and an attorney will be appointed for you. Knowing and understanding your rights as I have explained them to you, are you willing to answer my questions without an attorney present?" Dylan read. "Yes I understand them, and since my lawyer is here, can we please proceed." "Very well, here is the deal. You plead guilty to child abuse, disturbing the peace and conspiracy to commit murder and I will have you sentenced to five years in prison, with ten years of probation. For that to happen you must also tell me everything you know about the murder of one Marcus Daniels, and the attempted theft of the Daniels' company along with the attempted theft from your son Malcolm." "You don't want much do you, but I agree to tell you all I can, but I don't agree to the guilty plea on child abuse, you remove that and the disturbing the peace and we can talk. Remember I go on trial tomorrow so make it fast." Elizabeth stated, thinking she had the upper hand. Dylan hearing what Elizabeth wanted, packed up his briefcase and stood. "Mrs. Daniels you heard the deal, I am not going to change it. Now either we have a deal as I stated, or we don't. You make your choice right now or I walk out of here." "I guess I will take my chances with the Judge then, because I am not taking your deal." Walking out of the room Dylan smiled to himself as he thought of the time that Elizabeth now faced. When Dylan had walked out of the interview room, Elizabeth exploded. "Just who the hell does he think he is, I thought you told him that those charges were to be dropped, if we were going to have any sort of deal?" "I did tell him, but it seems that you like to demand things and have everything going your way, when sometimes it is best to take what you are given. Now all I can see happening is you going to jail for the rest of your natural life." "You can't be serious?" "I am very serious, now I have to get your case ready for the morning. Oh and you better believe that your son Malcolm will be there watching." "Can't you have the courtroom sealed?" "Only to those who have nothing to do with your case, or have any dealings with the court itself." "Then ask the judge to make sure that Malcolm is not allowed in the courtroom." "I can ask, but this guy doesn't play games, if he thinks that your son has the right to be there then he will tell us that, and then there is nothing that we can do or say to change that." "Well I don't want him in there, and that is final." The rest of the day Elizabeth, either sat in her cell or was in the library reading, though she couldn't tell you what she had read as her mind was overwhelmed with what was going to happen the following day. Dinner and a shower soon followed her reading, and the dried hamburger and soggy potatoes left her feeling like she could tear some one's head off. Laying on her bunk Elizabeth found that she couldn't sleep, she tossed and turned all night and when the guards came to get her at seven the next morning she snarled and cursed them more than she did her own son. The holding cell where she was place while waiting to be transported to the courthouse was cold and crowded. She was given and warm cup of coffee, a muffin and an orange for breakfast. Elizabeth could feel the eyes of the other inmates watching her as she ate her muffin, but when she went to eat her orange it was taken from her. "This is mine bitch." The inmate whispered. "Whatever, it is soft anyways, which means that it is old. So go ahead and eat it." Elizabeth snapped back. The trip to the courthouse was quick and cold. The Marshal's didn't bother turning the heat on in the back so now all the inmates were short tempered and ready to fight. At the courthouse the inmates were taken into the holding area and Elizabeth was place in a separate cell away from everyone. The Marshal's knew that something was up and that Elizabeth was the target, how they knew that was thanks to one of the other female inmates that curried favors by snitching on others. This bit of information got the snitch another cup of coffee that was hotter than what she had been served at the remand centre. "Daniels, don't get to comfortable, you will be going upstairs in a few minutes. Your lawyer wants to talk to you before you enter the courtroom." One female Marshal stated. "Yeah okay." Elizabeth snarled. Twenty minutes later she was led upstairs to a room just outside of Judge Graham's courtroom. Marsha, the female marshal that had been with Elizabeth when she was arrested just smiled and told her to sit. When Mr. Jefferies, her lawyer showed up he was smiling. "Elizabeth, Dylan Masters is going to give you one last chance. If I was in your position I would take it." "Tell him to go to hell, he had his chance yesterday and he walked away." "Okay, but don't say I didn't give you a chance." When Marsha led Elizabeth into the courtroom it was empty except for Malcolm, Richard, Patrick and the bodyguards. "What is that piece of trash Jacobs doing here, he has nothing to do with this case?" Elizabeth whispered in anger. "He has a right to be here since he too is a victim of your abuse, so keep you tongue still. Judge Graham will not hesitate to gag you." Jefferies whispered back. Adam was already sitting behind the bench when Elizabeth was escorted in. He watched as Elizabeth was guided to the prisoner's box, a frown on his face as he stared at the woman. "Mr. Jefferies I hope that your client remembers not to spout off." Adam remarked. "I did warn her that you would gag her if she did, your honor." Jefferies replied. "Good. Now Mr. Masters are you ready to proceed?" Adam asked hopefully. "We are your honor, and please be advised that Mrs. Daniels turned down a deal with the DA's office." "I see, very well please proceed. Bailiff please read the charges." "Yes sir. Mrs. Daniels you are hereby charged with one count of disturbing the peace. One count of child abuse in that you did strike your son Malcolm Daniels. Three counts of conspiracy to commit murder in that of your son Malcolm Daniels. You are further charged with one count of conspiracy to commit murder in that of one Marcus Daniels. You are further charged with eighteen counts of conspiracy to commit theft and one count of theft from the state government." The bailiff intoned in a dead voice. "Mrs. Daniels, how do you plead?" Judge Graham asked. "My client pleads not guilty your honor." Mr. Jefferies stated. "Let the records show that a not guilty pleas has been entered. Mr. Masters please proceed." "Yes sir. "No." Elizabeth yelled. "I plead guilty to all but the first two charges." "Mrs. Daniels, please make sure that you know what you are saying, because if I change your plea there is no changing it back." Adam stated. "I know that. I am willing to accept whatever the court decides." "Your honor. If Mrs. Daniels is willing to change her plea, then the DA's office is willing to drop the disturbing the peace and child abuse charges." Masters spoke from his table before continuing. "However your honor, under these circumstances I would like a chance to speak with the two that she abused." "Mr. Jefferies, do you have a problem with Mr. Masters' application?" "No your honor, in fact I was going to ask the same question." "Very well then court is in recess for fifteen minutes." Adam stated with a grin. Out in the hallway Patrick and Malcolm stood close together, both quietly talking to each other when Jefferies and Masters walked up. "Mr. Daniels, Jacobs," Jefferies started. "Do either of you have a problem with what Mrs. Daniels said in there?" "No sir I don't." Patrick answered. "What about you Mr. Daniels?" "Well, if she wants to think she can get away with abusing people, whether it is physically or verbally, she had better think again. So yes I have a problem with it. I think she should be charged with everything that was read out this morning." "Isn't that being a bit vindictive?" Jefferies asked. "Not at all, she has to learn that everyone is human and that no one should be treated as trash or dirt like she has done in the past." "Very well then I have nothing more to ask you. I had hoped you could forgive her, but I see that you can't." "That is where you are wrong sir, I can forgive her, but only when her attitude changes. You can tell her that if you wish." "Oh not to worry there, I shall be telling her just how you feel." "Mr. Daniels, may I have a word with you in Private?" Dylan asked as he watched Jefferies walk away. "Mr. Masters, Dylan, whatever you have to say to me you can say also in front of Patrick here. I don't keep secrets from him." Malcolm said with a grin. "Okay, Patrick, Malcolm, I know you stated what was on your mind, so I am going to be up front with you both. I am going to drop the two charges. However I am going to ask for the maximum penalty for the other charges. That means that your mother will never see the outside of a prison again." "Do you think that is fair?" Patrick asked. "It's okay Patrick, Mr. Masters here knows what he is doing." "Yeah, but life in jail, I mean think about how you felt when you were in Juvy?" "I have, and honestly Patrick I think everyone is going to be surprised." "Oh, this I have to see." Patrick giggled. The fifteen minutes had been used up and as everyone walked back into the courtroom, Malcolm was still whispering to Patrick. "Dad and I had a good talk last night, and since I am allowed to make and Impact statement before mother is sentenced, I am going to ask for something wacked out." "Do you think the judge will sentence her today, or take a day or two to think things over?" Patrick asked. "I have no idea. I hope it is today that way we can put this all behind us and just concentrate on Thursday." "I can't wait to see Bennie again, and my brother Robert wants to meet him if he has the chance." When everyone was seated again, Malcolm looked over at his mother and gave her a small smile. Closing his eyes he thought back over the last eleven years and how his mother was so snobby. Looking at her now he came to realize that she was just an insecure person. That she wanted what was best for her, and try as hard as she did, she just ended up alienating those that loved her the most. The banging of a door startled Malcolm from his thoughts and sitting up straighter he watched as Adam took his seat. "Gentlemen, I do hope that you have everything worked out and that there will be no more delays." Adam spoke from his bench. "Not from the DA's office." Dylan spoke up. "Nor from the defence your honor." Jefferies stated. "Good. Mr. Masters please begin." "Your honor, since Mrs. Daniels has decided to plead guilty to the more serious offenses, we are willing to drop the abuse charge and the disturbing the peace." "So noted. Are you going to want to go through all the evidence that you have for these other charges or can we dispense with that and move to your sentencing submissions?" "That is up to Mr. Jefferies, your honor." Dylan stated, looking over at the defence table. "Your honor, I don't think we need to hear anything, though that is up to my client." Jefferies said. "Mrs. Daniels, do you want to hear everything?" Adam asked. "No sir, I just want this over with." Elizabeth answered. "Very well, then Mr. Masters please state what the DA's office has for a sentence." "Sir, the state is asking that Mrs. Daniels be sentenced to no less than life in prison without the possibility of parole." "Your honor, the state is asking too much. We ask that Mrs. Daniels be given no more than fifteen years with every chance at parole for good behavior." Jefferies argued. "Your honor, Mrs. Daniels conspired to kill her brother-in-law, then proceeded to conspire to have her own son murdered. I do believe that what we are asking is fair and just." Dylan argued back. "Gentlemen, both your arguments are valid, however I wish to think this over, but first I know that Mr. Daniels has something he wishes to say to the courts and to his mother. So Mr. Daniels please come forward." Adam spoke with a slight smile. "Thank you sir. Gentlemen, Mother, it is my wish that justice be served, however, Mr. Masters, I have to agree with the defence in this case. Your honor I feel that Elizabeth Daniels should serve some time, and I hope and pray that what I am asking is justified. People, sending Mrs. Daniels to jail for life isn't justice, so I recommend a sentence of fifteen years, but she only serve five in prison, with the remainder on probation. The main condition of her probation being, that she work as a volunteer at a homeless shelter, doing twenty hours a week for a period of five years and then as a volunteer working in a youth shelter. I feel that by doing this she might learn about people. That she might learn that those who don't have money are still human, and should be treated as such. If the court feels that I am asking too much, then that is for them to decide. I feel that what I am asking not only serves justice, but teaches Mrs. Daniels a lesson. Thank you for the time and chance to speak." Malcolm stated before turning and sitting back down. "Mr. Daniels, not many people would ask the courts to do what you have asked. I truly believe that sending Mrs. Daniels to prison for life is more than justified. We in the DA's office feel that she is a threat to society and more so to your family." Dylan said as he stared at Malcolm. "That sir, is your opinion and sometimes we make assumptions based on those. I however, feel that what I asked is in a way giving my mother a second chance to change." Malcolm argued. "Mr. Daniels I am glad you are not a lawyer, I feel that if I went up against you in a courtroom I would lose, but now it is for the judge to decide Mrs. Daniels fate." "Gentlemen, Mrs. Daniels, I am going to need time to think this over. I do hope that I can have a decision by the morning, if however I don't I shall phone you both and let you know. Court is adjourned until ten am tomorrow morning." Adam stated as he rose from his seat. Leaving the courthouse with his security Malcolm walked over to the park and sat on one of the benches. Patrick sensing that Malcolm need some time alone told everyone that he was going to head home and that he would be back in the morning to be with Malcolm. Donnie sent Real and Morrison with Patrick, since orders were that he have security also, at least until the strike was over, after that it was up to the President what happened. Sitting with Malcolm, Donnie remained quiet for a bit then turning looked at the young man. "Is something bothering you Malcolm? These past few days you seemed to be withdrawing from everyone." Donnie asked. "Not really, I just wish this was over. I have been thinking of this day and I feel that mother isn't going to learn, but I at least tried to help her. I hope she sees that." "I am sure she does. Just don't let it get you down." "How can I not, she is my mother, I love her, I just don't respect her, and I'm guessing that is saying a lot in itself." "Yes, but the respect she lost a long time ago, now she has to earn it back and that could take forever." "Well I am willing to try if she is." "That is the spirit. I think you are a special young man. Right now though you have too much on your plate, so to speak. When this is all over you can relax and just be the teen you are supposed to be." "You and I both know that won't happen. Both Patrick and I have become too famous. You watch, soon you will see schools and other committees sending us letters of invitations to speak. Our days are no longer ours. "You have a point there, but you both have the right to say no, and in some cases I think that might be a good thing. You both need to get out of the spot light." "Well the spot light is something I never wanted, even as a writer I kept myself secluded." "That was a smart idea. Now what do you say I treat you to a smoothie and banana split." Laughing Malcolm stood. "You're a bad man Donnie. Besides I was always taught not to take candies from a stranger, in this case, sweets." Having said that Malcolm laughed even harder as he tried to stumble away. "Oh you're funny." Donnie said as he tackled Malcolm and started to tickle him. The two were still horsing around when Marsten hollered at them. Quickly looking up Donnie could see a couple of police running there way, both had their batons out and were about to strike when Real stopped them. "I wouldn't do that officers, he is a Secret Service agent." "Then why did he attack this boy?" One officer asked. "First off he didn't attack me, we were horsing around, and secondly he is one of my protectors. So mind your own business." Malcolm spat out. "Malcolm, calm down." Donnie started. "They are just doing their job and that is protecting the citizens of this city." "Well he doesn't have to be arrogant about it." "Sorry kid, but the man is right, from where we were it looked like an attack to us." "So you always run at people with your sticks drawn?" "What can I say, I thought you might be in danger." "I am only in danger from people like you that think they can butt in whenever they want, so now leave us alone." "Kid I could take you in for being offensive to an officer." "Try it, and see how you like counting manhole covers in the Antarctic." "You got a mouth on you kid." The two officers said. "Yup it is the only way I can eat." Malcolm laughed, before turning and walking away. "You still gonna get me that split and smoothie Donnie?" "Yes." Looking at the officers Donnie shrugged his shoulders. "He is right, and he does have a sense of humor. I also know that right now he has the power to do what he says. So I would forget you even thought of arresting him." "Who is the kid, and how does he have that power." The second officer asked. "That is Malcolm Daniels and he is a personal friend to the President and the ADA of the Secret Service, so be careful." Marsten stated as he watched Donnie and Malcolm walking away. "Now I have to join them so have a good day." Malcolm's little group went to the closest dairy queen and while Donnie was inside getting everything Malcolm had gone and sat down at an outside table. Real and Marsten were close by watching. Malcolm was staring off into space when a shadow covered his eyes. Squinting Malcolm leaned back and gaze up into the face of a stranger. "Malcolm Daniels I am Arthur Danvers and I am wondering if you could come with me please?" "Not a hope sir, first I know who you are related to and I am sorry that he is dead. I also know you son Ryan and he has told me what you believe, and right now I feel that you are determined to cause me problems. Problems that I don't need." "Listen carefully punk. I have it on good authority that you are the one the shot and killed Collin, I don't need to hear garbage from some stupid secret service agent. Now I am asking you again to come with me." Danvers stated. "Again I say not a hope, now please leave." "You don't get it do you, I am the one that gives the orders here not you now get your butt up and get moving." "Sir, I do hope that you understand the word no." Danvers was going to say something more when Donnie came out and seeing the two sitting at the table almost ran over. Setting everything down Donnie gazed at Malcolm then at Danvers. "Excuse me, but who are you and what are you doing sitting here bothering this young man?" Donnie asked. "I am Arthur Danvers and I want to speak with Mr. Daniels alone. Who are you?" Danvers asked angrily. "Secret Service, Donnie Osbourne, now I must ask you to leave." "I don't think so, not until this punk answers my question." "What question was that? All I heard was you making accusations that I killed your brother." Malcolm stated. "Well you did it, I know that much, a police officer doesn't lie." "Oh really. Which officer told you this?" Malcolm spat out. "Officer Rosetti, he is looking into my brothers murder and he has shown me the proof that you did it." Hearing this Donnie froze for a second. "When and where did Rosetti tell you this Mr. Danvers?" "Just before we moved down here three weeks ago. Why?" "Because I find it strange that he even knew of the case let alone was working it. You see I happen to know the officer that was given the case and I also have seen the reports. All which show that there isn't a hope in hell that Malcolm here committed the crime. I also know that at the time of your brother's death Malcolm was roughly five hundred miles away." "That is bull. You can't prove that he didn't do it." "Actually I can, you see we do have all the receipts for Malcolm's where abouts, further more I doubt that you would call twelve state troopers liars, then there are the eight secret service agents that were with Malcolm when Danvers was killed." "Now who are you going to believe and disgraced police officer or the evidence that say the truth. Furthermore didn't your son Ryan give you our cards and tell you to call us?" "Yes he did, I thought he was lieing." "Well it looks like you owe your son and apology." "I owe him nothing. He wasn't even supposed to leave the house." As Donnie and Danvers were talking Malcolm's phone buzzed, signalling a text message. Reading it Malcolm's face went from calm too angry in a flash. "Malcolm, if you're a friend I need help. He beat me when I got home, said I was a liar and that I was nothing more than a pain in the ass. I had to wait until I was alone to send you everything I could. I don't know where he went and mom is out getting her hair done. Please if you can help I am begging you. Ryan." "Is that why you beat him?" Malcolm asked, surprising both Donnie and Danvers. "I did not such thing?' Danvers snapped back. "So the text and pictures I just got from Ryan are fakes?" "Let me see them Malcolm." Donnie ordered. Handing Donnie his phone Malcolm stared at Danvers. "I don't know about Canadian law, but I know down here in Florida you are looking at maybe five years." Malcolm snarled. "I also know that when Ryan left us on Saturday there wasn't a mark on him, so I say bull to your story. You sir are a bully and a child beater. It is people like you that I am fighting against. Donnie I want him arrested right now." "Kid you can't be serious, all you have is the word of a spoiled kid." "No sir I have the pictures and I will hope that the police talk to him and his mother, but right now you are going to jail." "Not likely kid." Danvers said as he stood and started to walk away, only to be confronted by Real and Morrison and the two officers that had been at the park. After Danvers had been taken away. Donnie asked the two officers to go to the Danvers home and check up on his son Ryan. "We will need those photos and the text message for our report." The officer stated. "You will get them, I can forward them to your phone or e-mail them to you if you wish." Donnie said as he waited for their answer. "Send them to our e-mail. We can print them off, but if we need the one there we will ask you for them." "Don't worry when we get home I shall burn them to a disc, not just for you, but for my boss as well. Now go talk to the young man. Malcolm can you send Ryan a text telling two officers are coming to talk to him." Donnie asked. "Well duh, he did ask for help. Got to let him know they are coming." Malcolm giggled and grinned. "Smart ass. "Donnie said before standing. "Come on brat let's get you home and into bed." "What, are you kidding it is like two in the afternoon?" Malcolm said in surprise. "Well little man you need a nap. You're getting to witty." "I'll witty you." Malcolm grinned then ran off. The next morning the court house seemed ghostly, voices were subdued, people staring off into space every one avoided looking at others if they could. The smell of coffee hit Malcolm when he stopped at the cafeteria for a Danish and while there he bought a small coffee and loaded it with sugar and whitener almost killing that coffee taste. Malcolm was sitting out in the foyer when Patrick walked in. Smiling Malcolm stood and gave his boyfriend a hug, then let him have a sip of his coffee. "How are you feeling this morning, I hope you got things worked out okay yesterday." Patrick whispered. "Sort of, Ryan's Dad showed up and tried to play the bully, then I got a text and pictures from Ryan so now his dad is meeting with a judge this morning." "Dang, dude you attract everyone don't you. Is Ryan okay?" "Yeah I think so, his dad beat him Saturday after he left us, so he is a bit black and blue, but I am hoping he can text me back and we can all meet either for a soda or he can come over to the house and have dinner with us." "That would be cool. What's his mom like do you know, has he said anything about her?" "No.." "Mr. Daniels, the courtroom is open now if you want to go inside and have a seat." Casey Watkins said with a smile. "Don't worry boys, this will all be over before you know it. Then you can both go home and be kids." "Thanks Casey, I am glad you're still with us." Malcolm said with a smile as he stood and walked into the courtroom. Inside the seats were packed, mostly taken up by one news group or another. Making their way to the front the two boys sat in the seats that had been reserved for them by Dylan. Glancing at the clock, Malcolm saw that it was three minutes to ten. He was still looking at it when he felt a small hand slip into his. Smiling he gave Patrick's hand a squeeze and then just held it. Leaning over he blew on Patrick's neck then whispered. "I love you silly boy." Blushing Patrick turned his head away smiling, then turning back whisper back to Malcolm. "I love you too big guy, now and forever." The two were still whispering to each other when the bailiff called the courtroom to order, making Malcolm and Patrick let go of each other and stand. Be seated." Judge Graham intoned. "Do either of you gentlemen have anything further to add to this case?" "No your honor." Both men replied. "Then let's get this over and done with. Mrs. Daniels please stand." Both Jefferies and Elizabeth stood. The judge saw the marshal step closer to the accused and frowned a bit. "Mrs. Daniels life is a strange and yet wonderful gift that we all share. We are given many chances to mess it up and in some cases we do, but we are also given the chance to improve on one's life and those are the chances we should take. I have read everything I could and everything I was given on these charges against you and I can say that you were given quite a few chances to change your attitude and that you didn't. Yesterday in this courtroom I was asked to give you another chance, though I must admit a very strange chance. I took the evening to go over it all in my mind and I can tell you that if I had a son like Mr. Daniels there I would love him and cherish him for not just his ability to help others, but for the fact that even after everything that you have done he is still willing to give you a chance. That ma'am is the true love of a child. A love that you do not seem to care for or to even want. Murder, attempted murder or even conspiracy to commit murder always in my books deserves nothing less than a life sentence. However, I am not going to give you that, what I am going to do is sentence you to five years in prison and ten years- probation. Once release you will have the following conditions. You will keep the peace and be of good behavior. You will report when and as directed by your probation officer. You will work as a volunteer at a youth shelter for a period of five years working no less than thirty hours a week. You will work as a volunteer with the homeless for a period of five years working no less than thirty hours a week. You shall have no contact with Malcolm Daniels, Patrick Jacobs or the Daniels family during your time in prison or while on probation. Should you breach any one of these conditions you shall be sent back to prison where you shall serve out the remaining time of your sentence? It is the hope of your son and that of the court that while you are incarcerated and while working with the homeless and the youth that you have a change of attitude towards your fellow man. It is my hope Mrs. Daniels that you see and learn from your son, that no matter what he still loves you and only wants what is truly best for you. Do you have anything to say to this court Mrs. Daniels?" Judge Graham asked. "No sir, I don't." Elizabeth answered. "Very well your sentence will include the time that you have been in remand. Mrs. Daniels I do believe that this is your last chance, use it wisely. Case dismissed." Hearing everything Malcolm and Patrick stood and walked out of the court house. Malcolm rapidly blinking his eyes as he tried to hold back the tears he felt at the joy and sadness of ending the threats to his life. When the two boys walked into the park they both stopped, Malcolm turned to Patrick and kissed him right there out in the open. More to come: Comments welcome e-mail me at thewriter1@live.ca.