Date: Sun, 12 Aug 2012 10:13:47 -0600
From: Michael king <thewriter1@live.ca>
Subject: they Ran Away chapter 6

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THEY RAN AWAY
CHAPTER SIX:
Peter's heartache:

Since Jesse's time in the hospital, and the times he spent sitting beside
him holding his hand and quietly talking to him, Peter felt as if a curtain
had fallen over him. He started to get depressed, he was losing sleep and
his grades had started to fall, nothing Richard or Jeff did was able to
stop the cycle, though they tried.

Each night Peter would sleep with Jesse wrapped in his arms, keeping him
safe even though Jess was taking sleeping pills, the screams and nightmares
continued, this also added to Peter's depression. The longer these nights
continued, the harder it got on the whole everyone. The two weeks of
waiting for Jesse's appointment was mind numbing. The endless nights
dragged on and there seemed to be no let up.

After a week of watching Peter holding his brother safely and not getting
that much sleep, Jeff finally told Peter to take one of Jesse's sleeping
pills and that he would stay with Jesse. This would allow Peter to try and
get a good sleep.

The day of Jesse's appointment was upon the Martin house and everyone was
apprehensive, Jesse more so since the tests were being done on him. Leaving
Peter and Jeff at home, Richard took Jesse to the hospital. On the drive
over Jesse was silent, this left Richard wondering just what he young son
was thinking. "Jesse, no matter what happens or what you're told, please
know that your brothers and I love and care for you."

Jesse just looked over at Richard and nodded his head, his shaggy blonde
hair falling into his eyes. "I have an idea, after the tests are done, why
don't you and I got out for lunch? How would you like Bobby to come over
the weekend?" Richard asked smiling.

Jesse's face lit up at the thought of Bobby coming over, nodding his head
Jesse was bouncing in his seat with excitement.

When Jesse and Richard had checked in with the nursing station the two went
and sat in the waiting room, where Richard started reading a magazine and
Jesse when and played with some of the children's toys that were there. The
two had not been sitting for long before the nurse came over and led them
down to the examination room. "Jesse," The nurse started to say. "You have
had this before, so don't worry, stay relaxed and everything will be
fine. Don't you want some ear plugs?"

Jesse shook his head no then lay on the table. The noise was loud as the
machine started Jesse couldn't see anyone, but he knew that his adopted dad
was there waiting for him, an hour later Jesse was finished and both he and
Richard left the hospital. Instead of going back home Richard took Jesse
for lunch and then the two spent an hour walking around the mall and
playing in the arcade. At home Jeff and Peter weren't talking, the
sleepless nights had caused a rift between the two and their moods were
sour. For Peter there were days when he was in a good mood, but other days
he didn't want anyone around him, and this was hurting not just Jesse but
everyone.  These mood swings were also getting to Jeff who was Peter's
boyfriend. Jeff noticed Peter slowly pulling away spending time alone,
whenever Jesse was sleeping or staying in his room. The long walks Peter
took to sit beside the lake, or just sitting with the horses. There were
times when Jeff would come upon Peter talking to one of the animals, a lost
lonely voice. Sometimes Jeff found him crying, but still there was nothing
Jeff could do, there was no way Jeff could reach Peter.

Each night Peter would sleep with Jesse wrapped in his arms, keeping him
safe, even though Jesse was taking sleeping pills, the screams and
nightmares continued, this also added to Peter's depression. The longer
these nights continued the harder it was on Peter and the others, and soon
tempers were getting short.

After an argument between Jeff and Peter, words were said that left the two
boys in tears. Richard decided that it was time to sit everyone down and
talk with them. Letting Peter and Jeff know that he was going to have a
family meeting, Richard went upstairs and gently woke Jesse, asking him to
come downstairs to join everyone for a few minutes.

As these problems were happening at the Martin home, a light was barely
seen coming from a third floor office in the city. Mr. Talbert the lawyer
for Peter and Jesse was working late. There were files scattered all over
his desk, but the one he was reading at that moment was causing him a lot
of discomfort. The file consisted of a petition and court order allowing
someone named John Ryan Anderson to become the executor for the trust funds
of Peter and Jesse. Mr. Talbert did not like it, but for the moment there
wasn't a thing he could do. Putting the file aside, Mr. Talbert leaned back
in his chair and stared at the ceiling.

Quickly sitting up Mr. Talbert scanned the file once more then went
searching for his files of both Peter and Jesse. He was looking for the one
thread that could stop this Mr. Anderson from taking over. Not finding
anything he could use. Mr. Talbert grabbed his phone and quickly dialed his
friend at S.C.U (Special children's Unit) a group that worked out of the
San Antonio Sheriff's office.  "Sheriff's department how may I help you?" A
woman's voice answered.

"Yes this is Mr. Talbert, may I speak with a Sam Johnson in the
S.C.U. please." Mr. Talbert asked.

"One moment please."

The one moment turned into a few minutes and Mr. Talbert was just about to
hang up when a youthful voice came on the line. "Sam Johnson here, what can
I do for you Mr. Talbert?" Sam asked.

"Sam I need some help. It seems like two of my client's father is trying to
gain access to their trust funds." Mr. Talbert spoke.

"Well Sir there isn't much I can do." Said stated

"Not even if my two clients are children?" Mr. Talbert Snapped.

"You didn't say they were children, to me that make's a huge
difference. Who is this person and what can you tell me."

"There isn't much I can tell you other than he is from California and goes
by the name John Ryan Anderson. He is claiming that he is the father of a
Peter and Jesse Anderson."

"Does this Mr. Anderson have any proof that these two children are his?"

"Not from what I have been sent."

"Then I would say stall, and in the morning you and I can meet and see what
he has to offer."

Back at the Martin home, everyone was in the living room waiting for
Richard to say something; instead he stood and got everyone something to
drink. Finally with his thoughts in order Richard looked at the boys,
patting his lap he had Jesse come and sit. "Boy's your all wondering what
is going on, why Jesse is having these nightmares and why you Peter seem to
be withdrawing from everyone." Richard stopped talking waiting a few
seconds, wondering if the boys would say anything. When they hadn't he
continued. "It seems as if Jesse here is having what is called
P.T.S.D. that is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and it came be brought on
by many things, in this case it is all the abuse that both Jesse and Peter
have gone through. On top of that, there is the operation that Jesse had
and the uncertainty of what is going to happen next. Peter you are going
through the same thing but to a lesser degree."

"It's all my fault." Peter cried.

"No, Peter, it isn't your fault, nor is it Jesse's, the fault lays with
your mother and her friends." Richard said with a calming voice. "You did
everything you could to protect Jesse and yourself."

"Yeah bro, don't ever say shit like that." Jeff interrupted

"But it's true. I mean look at him, I just wish he could talk." Peter
sobbed.

"No buts. The feeling of guilt is part of the disorder." Richards
whispered.

"I can talk." Jesse whispered. "It's just that you all have been so
concerned about other things, and I just get in the way, maybe I should
have stayed at our mom's place."

"No way bro, I couldn't let you stay there, you'd be dead by now." Peter
gasped as he grabbed Jesse into a tight hug.

"Jesse, never think you're in the way, we all love you here and if
something is bothering you just say so." Jeff stated, looking at his dad.

"Jeff and Peter are right Jesse, and you are my son now and I want you to
be happy." Richard said as he stood and went to grab the house
phone. "Anyone want pizza for dinner?" He asked, trying to soften the
tension that everyone was feeling.

"Yeah." All three chorused. "Dad when will you know what is wrong with
Jesse?" Jeff asked when he joined his dad in the kitchen.

"Well, it will be about three to seven days, but I think we will find that
Jesse is okay, that there is nothing left of the tumor that was there. I
also think that maybe the nightmares will now start to slowly go away."

"That will be so kewl, maybe it will help Peter relax also, more now that
he knows Jesse can talk."

"Yes and I think maybe you want him back to being the old Peter you first
met."

"Well, duh." Jeff laughed as he ran from the kitchen only to jump on the
couch beside Peter. Grabbing him in a hug Jeff kissed Peter. "I love you
lots." Jeff said.

"I love you to. I guess I been a jerk huh?" Peter asked.

"Kinda, but it's okay, I'd have been the same way if it had been you, but I
got you both as bros and nothing is gonna change that."

As Richard was ordering Pizza, a few states west John Ryan Anderson was
just packing up his office for the day, as a CPA, with his own business,
John could leave whenever he wanted and today he just wanted to leave, go
home pack a few bags and drive to San Antonio. Then he would find his kids
and bring them home, whether they wanted it or not.

John was good at what he did, for the last ten years he had cheated people
out of millions of dollars and they were never the wiser, but now he could
do it legally with his own kid's money. The long drive gave John time to
think about what he was going to do. He could force the brats to sign over
their money or he could just get rid of them. All these thoughts were
running through his mind as he sped down the highway.

John had spent the night in Phoenix.  Arriving early at the hotel John
checked in and had dinner, before he decided that he wanted to see what the
city had to offer. Walking around John found the area where the working
boys hung out. John caught the sight of a young teen boy in low hanging
jeans and tight t-shirt. Slowly walking over John started talking with the
young boy, finding out what was going on John invited the boy back to his
room for a while. Three hours later John left the boy badly beaten behind a
dumpster at the train station. The boy could never tell anyone and if he
was ever found John would be long gone.

In San Antonio Special Agent Sam Johnson was sitting in his office waiting
for a call back from a friend of his with the FBI. Ever since Mr. Talbert
had called him in regards to his client's father trying to take their
money, Sam had been digging and the more he dug the uglier the boy's father
turned out to be, that was when he called his friend.

In the north east corner of San Antonio, sits the FBI office, in a small
back office a large man sat behind his desk, his chair seemed rather small
for his 6.6' 210 solid muscle frame. Liam Cummings was just about to end
his day when his phone rang. "Cummings `ere, what can I do for you?" Liam
spoke in a loud Irish voice.

"Liam, this is Sam, over at S.C.U. I need some help any chance we can get
together?" Sam asked.

"Fer you mate I would drop anything I was doing. Shall we meet at your
office?" Liam spoke as he looked at the small clock on his computer.

"Yes, that way you can see the file I have."

"It sounds like you have a hot one."

"I would say. So how soon can I expect you?"

"Well give me an hour, I can pick up a bite to eat and bring it over. "Does
Chinese food sound to you?"

"Good, I haven't eaten all day."

Oversweet and sour pork and stir fried rice, Sam and Liam went over
everything that Sam had on John Ryan Anderson, which wasn't very much.

"Sam why don't I see what my office has, this guy's name is sounding alarm
bells in my head." Liam said as he reached for Sam's phone.

When Liam left Sam's office, the look on his face wasn't a pleasant one, it
seems as if his boss wasn't happy to have one of his agents working with as
he put it a piece of scum like Sam Johnson.

As Sam and Liam were having lunch and going over Sam's file. John Anderson
had gotten himself a room in a swank hotel and was lying on the bed waiting
for the night life to start. He had called the boy's lawyer Mr. Talbert and
was told that there was to be a hearing for the change of executors and
guardianship. Anderson was told that there was nothing he could do till the
courts had decided. John had ordered up a bottle of Johnny Walker black
label and had consumed a third of it after he had spoken with
Mr. Talbert. So now he was drunk and thinking of finding some fun, but
where to go in San Antonio? This wasn't a city that John knew and he
couldn't very well ask the desk clerk where he could find a little
hustler. As the evening progressed John got more and more into his bottle,
becoming drunker and louder.

When the sun had set a drunk John left his room and hailed a taxi, asking
the driver to take him to where the girls worked, knowing that by going
there John would find what he wanted not that far from them. As soon as the
taxi and driven off John exited the area and went over a few blocks from
where he had been dropped off. Finding what he wanted John and the boy soon
left the area, but John wasn't taking him back to his hotel, instead he let
the boy take him to a secluded place that the boy had used before. Again
John left a badly beaten boy lying in the dirt, not even paying the boy for
his services. That was how the boy's best friend had found him and called
the police. Once the boy had been checked out and the police had been given
the details, the boy and his friend left the hospital and went back to
their rooming house apartment.

For Jesse the rest of the week went by slowly as he waited for his friend
Bobby to get there, he hung around with Peter and Jeff and slowly things
went back to a sort of normalcy, though Jesse was still having his
nightmares, the screams weren't occurring that much anymore, this let Peter
sleep a bit more every night. When Friday morning came Jesse bounced out of
bed and ran across the hall to the bathroom where he quickly
showered. Going back to his room he dressed then ran across the hall and
pounced on Jeff and Peter waking them both with giggles. Wake up I am
hungry and Bobby is coming today" Jesse squealed.

"Okay squirt." Jeff said as he grabbed Jesse and started tickling
him. Peter in the meantime had slipped out of bed and gone to the bathroom
and started his own shower. He was still in there when Jeff came in and
joined him, giving him a quick kiss before he started to wash. "How did you
sleep last night?" Jeff asked as he rinsed his hair.

"Good, I didn't hear Jesse scream once. I hope that they are over with."
Peter answered.

"So do I, but I think dad still plans on you guys going to see a
psychologist."  "I know, and in a way I am looking forward to it, but oh
well let's wait and see what happens."

"Yup, just remember I am here for you if you need me."

"I know; I still don't know why you still want me around after the way I
acted."

"It's because I love you, you silly goose."

With their shower over and the two boys dressed, they ran down to the
kitchen and joined Jesse and their dad at the breakfast table. No sooner
had the boys started eating there eggs than the phone rang. Richard who
wasn't eating got up to answer it. "Hello." Richard said as he picked the
receiver up.

"Mr. Martin, this is John Anderson, I understand that you have adopted my
sons Peter and Jesse?"

"Mr. Anderson, I don't know who you are, nor do I know how you got that
information, but I assure you that I intend to find out, now if you have
anything more to say, I would suggest that you talk to the boy's lawyer."

"I have spoken with him. I actually have an appointment with him this
afternoon, now you haven't answered my question. Did you adopt my boys?"

"I can't answer that. Again I must say talk to the lawyer." Richard said as
he hung up the phone. Richard was just about to walk into the kitchen when
he turned around and called the boy's lawyer.

"James Talbert and Associates, may I help you?" A young woman's voice
answered.

"Yes John Talbert please, you can tell him it is Richard Martin calling."
Richard stated.

"One moment please sir."

"Richard, James here, what can I do for you so early in the morning?"

"James, I just received a call from some person claiming to be the boy's
father. I want to know how he found out." Richard said as calmly as he
could.

"You're right, that is highly irregular I will look into it right away."

"Thank-you sir."

In a rundown motel, on the outside of Waco, Texas Gina Davidson was feeling
good. Months ago she had tracked down Peter and Jesse's dad out in
California, and then started things going so that John Ryan Anderson would
get the boys money, sure she would be getting a good share of it. She had
tried many schemes and con jobs to get wealthy and each one had blown up in
her face, her job as a social worker had given her a look at some of the
children that when they became adults would not have to work, so she tried
to steal that money and it cost her time in jail and her pension. Gina had
also told John where the boys were living and had gone so far as to give
him the home number. What Gina didn't know was that she would never see a
cent nor would she see John Anderson again except on TV as he was led into
a court house.

John Ryan Anderson having called the Martin home was now sitting back and
enjoying his morning coffee and reading the newspaper, His appointment with
the boy's lawyer wasn't till 11 am and it was just past nine thirty, so he
had time to waste. John was just about to put the paper aside when he saw
an article on the beating and rape of a young street worker. `So the police
are looking for me." John thought as he read the whole story. `Well I had
better get the kids and get out of town before it's too late.'

Putting the paper down, John stood and paid his bill then walked off down
the sidewalk. Mr. Talbert's office wasn't that far away and John figured
that being a few minutes early wouldn't hurt. Walking into Talbert's
office, John was surprised to see no-one at the front desk. He could hear
people talking, so he called out. "Hello?"

Waiting for a minute he then watched as this elderly lady came walking up
to him.

"Yes, may I help you, young man?" She asked.

"Yes I am John Ryan Anderson I have an appointment with Mr. Talbert for 11
this morning." John answered.

"Oh yes, I can see that here in his book, please would you have a seat and
I will let him know you are here. Would you like a coffee while you wait?"
The lady asked.

"Thank-you, but no, I just finished one not that long ago."

"Very well."

Three minutes later John was being led into Mr. Talbert's office. There
were three chairs facing the desk, two of which had large men already
sitting in them. The third which was between the two was open and so John
sat in it and got himself comfortable. "Mr. Anderson. My name is James
Talbert; these two gentlemen are friends and acquaintances of my. Now I
have gone over your very slim application here in regards to having the
adoptions of Peter and Jesse Anderson overturned. I have also spoken with
the Judge in this matter and we both feel that it would not be in the best
interest of the boys if the courts were to allow this. Now I understand
that this morning you called the Martin home asking about the boys. Could
you please tell me how you knew where to call and even how you got the
phone number to Mr. Martin's home?" James Talbert asked.

"Am I to understand sir; that my application has been turned down?"

"I am afraid so."

"Was there a hearing before a judge on this?" John asked starting to get
angry at the thought of losing close to twenty million dollars.

"No there was no hearing, and there won't be."

"Okay, then I shall be on my way, seems like I wasted my time driving up
here."

"You still haven't told me how you knew to phone the Martin home?" James
stated.

"I have a friend, she used to be a Social worker she made some inquiries
for me and gave me the number and address."

"Do you have her name?"

"Yes I do why?"

"I would like to ask her a few questions that may help you out here."

"Oh in that case her name is Gina Davidson and she is staying at the hotel
just out on highway 10." John said with a smile.

"Thank-you Mr. Anderson, now if you would go with these gentlemen they will
escort you over to your new home." James said with a smile.

"What are you talking about?"

"Let me introduce you. John Ryan Anderson, I would like for you to meet Sam
Johnson, San Antonio SCU, he works out of the Sheriff's department. And
this is Liam Connors with the Florida's FBI."

"WHAT THE HELL?"

"Mr. Anderson, you are hereby under arrest for child abuse, conspiracy to
commit theft, assault causing bodily harm and eight counts of attempted
murder. Please stand up." Liam stated. "Sam will you read him his rights?"
"John Ryan Anderson, you have the right to remain silent. If you give up
that right anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of
law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney,
one will be appointed for you. If you choose to answer question 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?" Sam
asked as he read the Miranda card.

"I have nothing to say." John said angrily.

"Please watch your step." Liam said as he led Anderson from the office.

"Well Sam that is one headache taken care of." James said as he stood and
walked around his desk.

"Yes it is, but now you have given it to me and Liam. Thanks a lot." Sam
said with a grin.

"Well it should an easy case for you."

"Easy here, but then we have to transport him back to the other states. I
just wish we could have them all brought here."

"Hell Sam; that would give him the DP (Death Penalty) not that he doesn't
deserve it."

"You're right. Well I will talk with the new DA and see what he can do."

Thursday night after the Martins had finished their dinner and the three
boys were outside playing, Richard had called and talk with Bobby's parents
asking them if Bobby could come over for the weekend to try and help
Jesse. Richard told the parents that Jesse was talking, but had some issues
of feeling that he was in the way. As Richard was talking on the phone,
Jeff, Peter and Jesse had walked over to the lake and were trying to skip
stones on the water and have a good laugh.

The three sat and talked about what the new school year was going to be
like and what sports they all wanted to play. Of course Jesse told them
that he was going back out for soccer maybe even try to get on the swim
team. Both Jeff and Peter thought that getting back into soccer would be
good, but gave a bit of a laugh when they thought of Jesse trying to swim,
even Jesse laughed at that as he knew he wasn't that good of a swimmer.

As the sun started to go down the three boys headed back to the
house. Jesse trailing the others as they joked and shoved each other. Jesse
was about to call Peter and Jeff when he heard a small whimpering sound
coming from the side of the trail. Stopping and listening closely, Jesse
heard it again "Peter, Jeff come here I think someone or something is
hurt." Jesse called out. Walking over to the side of the path, Jesse saw
what looked like a bunch of leaves and twigs pushed together. As he watched
he saw the bundle move and again heard a whimpering sound. Moving slowly
and getting closer Jesse saw that it was a puppy about a year old.

"What did you find Jesse?" Peter asked.

"A puppy, and he's been hurt." Jesse answered

"Well be careful he doesn't bite you." Jeff cautioned.

"You won't bite me, would you boy?" Jesse asked the pup.

Jeff and Peter both took off their jacket and then carefully put the puppy
into them, that way they all could carry the puppy home and get their dad
to help him. Carrying their bundle in through the back door, Richard
stopped them in the mud room and had them take their shoes off. "What is
that bundle you have, there boys?" He asked as the three came into the
kitchen.

"Jesse found a puppy: we think he's been hurt." Jeff answered as they
placed the puppy on the kitchen table

"Well, let's have a look." Richard said as he took the jackets off the pup.

"Don't hurt him." Jesse said.

"Jesse that is the last thing I would ever do, you should know that by
now."

"Yeah Jesse, let dad have a look." Jeff said as he rubbed Jesse's back

"Having got the jackets off, Richard saw the pup for the first time, the
little guy was shaking and to Richard it looked like he had been hit with
something.

"Boys, I think it would be best if we took this little guy to the vet, just
to make sure that he is okay. Richard said calmly as he stroked the pups
head.

"Can we keep him?" Both Peter and Jesse asked at the same time."

"Well, I think we can do with a pup around here, but you boys have to keep
him fed. Keep him in fresh water and mostly make sure he goes outside to
use the bathroom." Richard said with a grin.

"We will." The three boys chorused.

"Jesse, have you thought of a name for him?" Richard asked.

"Uh huh. I'm going to call him Waffles, cuz he's the color of them."

Hearing Jesse call the pup Waffles, Peter and Jeff started to giggle, and
Richard just smile. The pup on the other hand, looked up at Jesse and
started to wag his tail.

Because it was late in the evening Richard set up a small bed in the mud
room for the puppy. As he was doing that Jesse got a small metal bowl and
filled it with fresh water. "Dad what can Waffles eat, we don't have any
food here for him?" Jesse asked.

"Well I can fry up some hamburger and he can eat that after it cools off
and in the morning after we visit the vet we will pick him up his food and
some dishes along with everything else he well need." Richard said with a
smile.

"Oh and Jesse don't forget that Bobby is coming for the weekend."

"I didn't forget. What time is he gonna be here, cuz I wanna go with you."

"Oh his dad is dropping him off in the afternoon, between two and three, so
we will have lots of time."

"Okay, Waffles you be a good boy and get some rest." Jesse said gently
petting the pup.

With Waffles on his bed with fresh water, Peter and Jeff ran upstairs and
into the shower. Jesse sat with Waffles for a few more minutes then he too
went upstairs for his shower and then quietly slipped into bed. For the
first time in months Jesse didn't have a nightmare nor did he wake up
screaming, and when he woke the next morning, the first thing he did was
run downstairs and check on his new puppy.

TO BE CONTINUED

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