Date: Thu, 15 Nov 2018 06:54:56 +0100 (CET)
From: jacoblion@tutanota.com
Subject: A Neglected Boy    Chapter 40

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This is my first story at Nifty. Thanks Nifty staff for all your help.
Your comments are always welcomed and appreciated at jacoblion@tutanota.com
Please remember this is fiction and all the characters names are simply
fabricated. **Note** All locations are accurate including mileage, &
descriptions of Yale, restaurants, & our meals & Mountain Biking

*Although there is some sex in the story it will be very gentle and loving.*

Chapter 40

Kori, Jake, Liam and Garret;  A Story of Love

Please enjoy; A Neglected Boy

jacoblion@tutanota.com

   . . . Chapter 40 . . .  We were asleep and I thought I heard the door.
It was midnight and I was having a bad dream.  I nudged Kori and he and
Liam woke.  I called Garret's name, no answer and walked to the kitchen.
He was not there nor in the boy's room or either of the baths.  Kori, Liam
and I checked the house and the barn.  His bike was by the porch and all
his clothes were here.  Maybe I didn't hear the door, but it was midnight
and he was not home.  I think I started to panic.

   My heart was racing and I felt funny I was becoming nauseous and scared.
Kori and Liam kept looking and going around the house.  I called them in
and had them sit at the table.  I looked at them and said they must be
having a real good party.  "Kori fix us some OJ and sprite" . . . I'll give
his mom a call and see what time she will drop him off.

   I was afraid to make the call . . . . . . I picked up the phone and
dialed the number . . . . . . It was a recording; "the number you called is
no longer in service" . . . . I must have dialed wrong . . . . I dialed
again . . . "the number you called is no longer in service.

   I panicked and ran to my cell phone and pressed call back for her number
. . . . . . . . "The number you called is no longer in service" Now I was
in a state of panic.  All the things that were going through my head lead
in only one direction.  I told the boys to get dressed and grab an extra
shirt or jacket it was cool and now almost 1,am.

   We jumped in the truck and while I was driving Kori called Neil.  We ran
to Neil's house and he was just putting on his shirt.  He went with us to
where Garret's mother and father's house was.  There was no car, no lights
we walked around the house while the boys continued to knock on the door.
There was no one home . . . . .  My worst fear was coming true.

   The only thing we could do was to stop at the Sheriff substation and see
if there was an accident reported.  We all went in; there were no reported
accidents in our area.  The on duty officer was able to check the phone
number and found it had been disconnected early around 5pm.  We only had a
description of the car and knew it was a rental.

   I told the boys to go to the truck.  Neil and I explained everything in
detail to the duty officer.  He asked if we knew where the father was
staying and we didn't.  We had his phone number and the Deputy called.
Garrets father answered and the Deputy asked if he knew where his ex-wife
was or was staying.  Garret's father had no answers.  It was beginning to
look like Garret's mother had a taken Garret.  We had no idea what to do at
this time.  The only thing we could do was to file a report.

   I had the attorney's card and the officer found his home address and
dispatched a car to his house to question him.  It turns out Garret's
mother fired him; he said he would not have continued with her in any case
because she was impossible to work with.  The sheriff's office had called
both Boston and Albany airports and requested a name search for any flight
leaving.  Nothing came up.  At this point we were at a dead end.

   Neil and I went to the truck and Liam was asleep and Kori was crying.
Now what?  I took Neil home and helped him in but he just wanted to stay in
the living room.  We were both tired and angry.  I drove home and we went
in and I put the boys to bed and just sat on the couch.  I must have walked
to the boy's room and the barn 50 times during the remainder of the night.
I found Garret's t-shirt from early today and just held it, I could smell
Garret; I just cried.

   At some point I fell asleep.  It was 3am when I awoke and Kori and Liam
were on the couch with me.  Liam was curled up against Kori and Kori had
his blanket from his bed.  We never went to bed the rest of the night, we
just waited all night for Garret to come home . . . . . . But he didn't.
Garret was gone and we had no idea where.

   It was almost 8am when we finally tried to move.  I was stiff from the
position, Kori and Liam looked as if they had not slept.  I looked at the
boys and I couldn't ask them to stay up.  Liam asked if Garret was home and
I said no.  Two things struck me . . .  he asked if Garret was "home" . . .
it was our home and Liam now had a real home.  Second . . . Liam started to
cry he wanted Garret.

   There was something I had missed.  Liam always sat with Kori, well
almost always, and I did see Garret playing with Liam but didn't make the
connection.  Liam had two best friends both were his protectors, but each
played a different role in his life and Liam needed both Kori and Garret to
make his "home".

   I went to the master bathroom and filled the tub.  Then I went and told
the boys to get in, just them not me.  I washed their hair then their backs
and then their faces, they had both been crying on and off all night.  I
rinsed the boys and dried both, picked up Liam and put him in my bed.  I
told Kori to get in and cuddle up and I would call them when breakfast was
ready.  I had turned to the air down low and the bedroom was getting very
cool.  I don't think I was even out of the room and they were asleep.

   I walked out on the porch and as I did a sheriff's car pulled in.  It
was Morgan he had already been to see Garret's father and an investigation
was already underway.  For now it is a waiting game.  It appears that
Garrets father has to take every step to force the issue.  We are almost
one hundred percent sure Garret's mother has taken him.  The question is
where and in what direction did they go.

   The boys didn't wake till noon.  I made eggs and bacon and toast but
they hardly touched it.  I needed to get them active and out of the house.
I said . . . "Kori and Liam I know this is very difficult and you are sad
and upset but we also need to take good care of our horses.  I promise if
anything happens if there is any news I will tell you as soon as I get it.
I promise I won't wait I will tell you everything right away."  Jake
continued . . . . . .

   "We need to get chores done and how about riding Eric and Dusty and then
we go get Neil and have him over for dinner.  Hey I have a good idea we can
call Peter too.  I think we can have a big cookout and everyone can be here
and get the news all at the same time."

   The boys actually smiled and were ready for chores.  We took the horses
out and released them to the two paddocks and then Kori and Liam went to
cleaning the stalls.  I feel better that they are doing something and maybe
it will help get their mind off Garret.  My problem is no matter what I do
I can't stop thinking about him.

   I called Neil and said . . . "we are having a big cookout and I am
picking you up at 2pm."  Then I called Peter's mom and told her and she
said great idea and she and Peter will be here about 3pm.  I thought and
decided that I would let some other friends know.  I called Garrets father,
Helen, Edith Benson, Mr. Prince, Ron our DARE officer and Morgan.

   I went to the barn and told the boys that there would be at least 12 for
a cookout so we needed to get things together.  Now the boys became excited
and I know with everyone here we would all share in some good stories.
With this in place I could see a big difference in Kori and Liam.

   Oh sh _ _, I need to get more food, burgers, cheese, tomatoes, chips,
rolls, potato salad, soda, oh and big sheet cake for desert.  I think that
is everything.  The boys finished the barn and we jumped in the truck to
get Neil and do shopping.  On the way to pick up Neil I told the boys that
I wanted them to show everyone how well they ride and no excuses.

   We drove in and Neil was waiting at the steps.  We need to help Neil in
the truck because it is a real large step up for someone with a cast and
crutches.  Once he was in we were off the Wal-Mart and there he could ride
a cart and of course he would have company with Liam in his lap.  It was
down one isle and up the next.  Kori and Liam picked the cake and then
wanted ice-cream to go with it.  When we checked out the shopping cart was
full.  Best of all was Kori and Liam had smiles all the time.

   We arrived home at 2:55 and Peter and his mom drove in right behind
us. It was a beautiful day and now we needed to get tables and chairs out
on the porch and things set up for when people started to arrive.  I told
the boys to take a break and go ride their bikes and be back by 4:30.  This
gave me, Neil, Peter's mom a chance to talk without the boys around.

   We talked about what are the possibilities that they will find Garret
and if he will return.  I said honestly I don't know what will happen or if
we will ever see Garret.  It is having a detrimental effect on all of us
but severely on the boys.  Liam has been lethargic and very depressed and
this afternoon is the best he has been.

   It was just four o'clock and Helen drove in followed by Edith Benson and
her husband and five minutes later Mr. Prince and his wife.  As everyone
was shaking hands in drove Garrets father, Morgan and Ron.  The boys were
not in sight and this gave me and Morgan an opportunity to fill everyone in
on what has taken place.

   Morgan explained what was happening with the investigation to this
point.  The new info which included, with the help of the Visa card she had
given me; and the receipt from the purchase of the Garret's bike, they were
able to get her bank accounts.  With this new info they found the ID on the
car she had rented in Boston at the airport when they arrived from
Beijing. However that is where everything is and they are expecting new
info at anytime.

   Here came the boys.  Maybe we could have some snacks then get the boys
to ride and plan dinner for seven.  That way they will be busy most of the
night.  Everyone gathered around to welcome the boys as they walked up on
the porch.  The boys were all embarrassed when there were hugs and a few
cheek kisses from Mrs. Benson.  I thought Kori would just about die when
Helen kissed him.

   Ron picked up Liam and gave him a big bear hug and Liam hated it and ran
and got in Neil's lap.  Then it was great news everyone recognized Liam had
put on weight and looked so good.  Peter nearly died when his mom hugged
him and kissed him in front of everyone.  We all snacked on chips and dip
that Helen brought.  Then the best part was when Mr. Prince asked to see
the boys ride.

   Liam was first on Dusty and he took of a slow trot in and around the
upper pasture.  Much to my surprise he began posting and was nearly
perfect.  And he ended with a beautiful canter diagonally to the gate.
Everyone cheered and Liam was a very happy boy.  He came and stood by me
till Neil picked him up on his shoulder.

   Next Kori and Peter on Eric and Dusty.  I watched in amazement.  The
boys rode side by side matched perfectly.  They were posting at the same
time and it was beautiful to watch.  What I didn't know is that they had
been working on this to surprise me.  The boys ended with a diagonal
crossing of the upper pasture in that move that looked like a dressage
passage.  Both horses were in an extended movement, collected and the trot
appeared powerful.  Everyone was applauding and I was about as proud as
could be.

   The grill was hot and Morgan and I dropped on the burgers and some
Italian sausage he brought and while everything was cooking the boys kicked
around a soccer ball with the rest of the men.  Wowww the food smelled so
good.  Dinner was served and we sat enjoy everything with lots of
conversation.  The Italian sausage was a hit and I would love 10 pounds of
it for the freezer.  As we were all talking and asking the boys a thousand
questions Morgan excused himself.

   I saw Morgan motion to me and I excused myself and we walked in the
kitchen.  Morgan said . . . "Jake they have found the car Garret's mother
turned it in at an Avis rental place in Syracuse, New York.  They have a
picture of Garret at the parking lot.  At this point it appears she is
heading west.

   We returned to the table and Morgan filled everyone in on what is
happening at this point.  Minutes later we received and second call
alerting us that other agencies were now involved.  Peter, Liam and Kori
were all talking all at the same time.  They had so many
questions. Unfortunately Morgan had given us all the info he had.  It
remains a waiting game.

   We all sat and talked till just after 9.  Mr. Prince and Ron excused
themselves and needed to leave and that was followed by everyone but Peter
and his mom and Neil.  We picked everything up and cleaned the kitchen.  I
looked at the boys and it was back to long faces.  I asked Peter's mom if
perhaps Kori and Liam could sleepover at Peter's house maybe that would
help.  Peter's mom thought that was a great idea.  I told the boys
. . . "Hey you all go over to Peter's and have a sleepover I need a night
off."

   It was just the thing.  The boys all left and I took Neil home then
returned to take care of night chores and put the horses in.  It only takes
a few minutes to take care of three horses.  Drop hay, oats and water and
turn off the lights.

   Now the tough part, the house was empty there was no sound, no TV, no
X-box, no laughter, no bickering there were no boys.  My heart was sad; my
eyes shed tears and more tears.  I could only think of Garret and how he
must be hurting, did he think I abandoned him?  Will we see Garret again?
I was beginning to feel sick.  I turned and threw up; I cried and blamed
myself for allowing this to happen.

   I thought of Kori and Liam I know they liked going over to Pater's house
and they really liked his mom and she always had good stuff to eat.  I just
needed to know if they were ok.  I called and Peter's mom she said they
were playing a game and things were ok.  She said the boys looked tired and
would be going to bed soon.  I thanked her.

   I walked around the house over and over.  I just couldn't go to bed.  I
sat on the couch with the TV on but not watching.  I still felt sick to my
stomach.  Nothing helped.  There is no way to explain the hurt, the anger
the loss I am feeling.

   The night was dreadfully long.  The minutes passed like hours and the
hours felt like days.  I held the phone praying it would ring.  My prayers
were not answered.  The grief I am feeling, the agonizing pain, and the
torment is crippling me.

   It was 5am the sound of the phone startled me and I grabbed at it as if
it were a life line.  It was the state police.  There is new information;
Garret's mother withdrew a large amount of money from the bank in Buffalo,
New York.  Her direction is definitely in a westward direction however the
fact the she now has a large sum of money means she is avoiding renting
another car.

   The Massachusetts State Police are working hand in hand with the New
York authorities to track her movements.  This is new information but it
doesn't help with how I feel.  As I rethink what they have said I discover
that I feel worse as Garret is moving further away.  The despair I am
feeling is making me feel that all hope is lost.

   It was 10am and Kori and Liam were shaking me.  I looked at Kori and he
said . . .  "Jake you look awful."  Peter and his mom were looking at me.
Peter's mom said . . .  "Jake I think a shower and something to eat will
make you feel better."  Kori and Liam ran and started a shower and I wasn't
asked I was told to go shower, shave and put on clean clothes.  I didn't
feel like it but I was embarrassed enough that I did.

   Peter's mom and the boys made French toast and when I finished my shower
they made me sit and eat.  The coffee tasted good.  The French toast was
good but it was hard to swallow and I could only eat one slice.  I asked
Peter's mom if she could get Neil.  I wanted Neil here, I needed Neil here.

   While Peter's mom and the boys went to pick up Neil I called Garret's
father.  We shared the information we had but it was mostly the same.  He
realized how much he has lost and wanted a second chance to know and love
his son.  We decided that we would have dinner each night until . . .  just
until; neither of us wanted to say what would come after until.

   Neil and Peter's mom and the boys were back.  Neil looked at me and said
. . .  "Jake you look awful."  I just said . . .  "I already heard that."
We talked and the boys went to turn out the horses and clean the barn.  I
explained everything I had learned.  They both knew how I felt and we
decided that we would all have dinner together until we knew one way or
another if Garret was here or in China.

   For the next four days and nights it was the same.  The boys were here
and Peter stayed about every other night.  They slept in the boy's bedroom
and I slept on the couch.  The first two nights Liam came out and cuddled
up.  He would cry for a few minutes then fall asleep.  Each night I would
carry him back and lift him to be with Kori.  I thought perhaps it would
get easier for the boys but it didn't.  It was taking a toll on everyone
and I was seeing a difference in Peter.

   I talked with Peter's mom and it seemed he was exhausted, argumentative,
and becoming aggressive.  I asked her if it might be better to have him
sleep at home and just for them both to come for dinner.  She said no that
she thought it would be best if Kori and Liam spent more time at her house
with Peter.  She said that being at home with me is a constant reminder of
Garret.  I agreed.

   I decided that we would continue to have dinners at my house but Kori
and Liam would sleep at Peter's house for now.  Kori was very upset with
the decision.  I explained several times and finally Kori reluctantly
agreed.

   We were at dinner on the 5th night a really great meatloaf when we
received a call.  Her credit card was used in Scranton, Pennsylvania and we
were told it appeared that she may be headed to one of the major airports
around New York City.  The police were looking at Newark, JFK, or
LaGuardia.  This was the first news in four days.

   The emotion at the table changed and there were heightened hopes.
Thankfully we had some news.  Garrets father was wishing that they would
have them by tomorrow.  The boys begged to stay home tonight.  I agreed.
It was about 8pm when Peter and his mom and Garrets father left.  Kori and
Liam were active and were in high spirits.  It felt so good to have my
boys.  We had something to hang onto with that call.  Liam wanted a movie
and so we snuggled on the couch for about two hours.  Kori whispered in my
ear . . . . . . . . "Jake we need a bath."

   I smiled at Kori and said you better go turn the tub heater on.  He ran
to the master bath and was back in a flash.  We waited about ten minutes
then I grabbed Liam threw him over my shoulder and off we went.  That was a
very good idea that Kori had.  It was the first sign that something might
happen is a day or two.  We may hear something good.

   The tub was almost full and Kori had added bubble bath.  I stepped in
followed by Kori and then Liam.  Kori was leaning against me and Liam
against Kori.  I wish we had a picture of us all covered in bubbles and
suds. While I was lathering Kori he was lathering Liam and the warm bath
felt so good.  Even so the phone was only inches away.  But for a time our
minds rested and we enjoyed the feeling of being together.

   I think after 45 minutes we were starting to look like prunes and I
think Kori almost went to sleep.  And sleep was what I was looking forward
to.  We opened the drain and sprayed off the soap and I dried the boys and
said . . .  "I think we can all go to bed, I turned the air down to low so
we can snuggle."  Kori and Liam were ready for that.

   We pulled back the covers and crawled in bed and pulled the covers up to
our necks.  I held Kori tight and was looking at Liam as he looked at Kori
and then I heard Liam say to Kori . . .  "I love you and thank you for
being my brother."  And with that he tapped Kori on the nose and said
goodnight.  Liam is a sweet kid and a real lover.

   In minutes Liam was asleep.  I held Kori tight and began rubbing his
tummy and kissed the back of his neck. I think I did this for five or six
minutes and he was asleep.  I think I just passed out I only remember I was
dreaming about bike riding with the boys.  I was so deep in sleep.  It was
almost 4am when the phone rang.  It startled me and jolted me awake.  I
knew it was the police and I grabbed the phone and . . . . . . . . .

It was Garret . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 41 Next

Kori, Jake, Liam & Garret; A Story of Love

**Your comments are very important to me.**

jacoblion@tutanota.com