Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2015 13:23:37 -0400
From: Eff Del <nolitimere156@gmail.com>
Subject: Green Grow the Rushes O- Chapter 21

Green Grow the Rushes O- Chapter 21

By Eff Del

Nolitimere156@gmail.com

If we learn to live peacefully in the current moment, we can truly
appreciate and savor the past while at the same time happily consider the
future.

This present moment in time is the only point in our lives that we can have
any influence over. We cannot change or eliminate what is past and the
future holds so many possibilities that to actually plan a course of action
is almost certainly setting ourselves up for a tremendous surprise.

Make `NOW' the primary focus of your life and you can then appreciate the
past and anticipate the future.

I was brushing my teeth getting ready for bed happily reviewing the weekend.

Saturday had been the boys' fourth baseball game and they were as-yet
undefeated.

Brian...or should more properly say; `Spider' had pitched a one-hitter. Arlen
had been working with him on developing a nasty `sinker'. It was turning
out that Arlen knew more about pitching than he'd initially let on when he
first started working with the boys.

Despite Brian's constant pleas however, Arlen refused to teach him anything
about throwing a curveball. He insisted that all medical evidence concluded
that young boys throwing curveballs was usually detrimental to developing
young arms and wrists.

"Curveballs are for when you're seventeen or eighteen Brian. Stick with
what I'm showing you for now." He always told the boy gently.

Brian's new arsenal of two-seam and four seam fastballs, his mean slider
and new his sinker made him a very difficult pitcher to hit at this age
level.

Sean on the other hand was turning into one of the most feared sluggers in
the league. In Saturday's game, he had come to the plate in the third
inning and blasted a grand slam over center field and that had proved to be
the only scoring in the game. Those four runs were all his team needed
considering Brian's dominance at the plate.

Saturday's grand slam also meant that Sean had hit a home run in every game
they'd played so far.

Jack was getting stronger every day and was now getting around quite well
with just the occasional assistance from the cane I insisted that he carry.

He'd balked at first but we'd all ganged up on him and managed to convince
him that it actually made him look cool.

He'd expressed his readiness to start driving again and John and I agreed
that on Monday, he could try as long as John was with him. We stressed that
he would need to take it slow and John and I would decide when he was ready
to take the car out alone. He understood and agreed. Although he was only
sixteen, Jack had been through more adversity in this short time, than most
people experience in a lifetime. He was not a whiny impatient teen-ager.
Although he was still very much a boy with all of the fun attributes that
`condition' implied, he was patient and realistic far beyond his years.

Sunday had been the cookout hosted by Chris, Richard, Barry and Uncle Phil
to officially christen the new pool at their condominium complex. It turned
out to be a wonderful time.

I was pleased with it. It was a full Olympic sized pool just like the one
at the main house and it had a low and high diving board. I'd had the high
board installed just so Chris could keep in practice I didn't know if the
other three were interested in it at all. I was relatively certain Uncle
Phil wasn't.

I'd also had a sunken Jacuzzi type spa installed at the far end of the pool
and it proved to be so popular that I decided that this fall (after I'd
closed down the pool at the big house) I was going to have one installed
there.

Besides the boys and me, the guests were; John and Jenny, Doc Swaim, Gary
and Bobby, Daniel and Arlen, Andy and Anna, Kevin and Grace as well as Tim
and Alice; John's parents.

Martha had been invited, but gracefully demurred stating that she and
direct sunlight `didn't get along'.

It had been a wonderful afternoon and everyone seemed to have a glorious
time with the possible exception of poor Jack who was pretty much limited
to wading up to his chest in the shallow end of the pool being careful to
prevent any water from entering his left ear.

He seemed to make up for it though by managing to have more than the two
beers I'd told him he was allowed. I wasn't very worried because he was a
bigger boy and more experienced and though he drank more than I'd indicated
he should, he did know enough to stop before going over the edge so while
he wound up being happily buzzed for the afternoon, he never got drunk.
Therefore, I decided to overlook his minor transgression.

I smiled knowingly as I noticed Bobby was very careful to limit his beer
consumption to two; spread cautiously over the afternoon, and that both my
little ones (Sean and especially Brian) scrupulously avoided all alcohol.

The food was wonderful. The ribs were succulent, sticky and delicious and
the teriyaki London Broil, sliced thin and served with beans and grilled
corn on the cob along with a simple but wonderful salad, left us all
patting our full bellies and smiling.

In my memory, this was the first big party on the grounds that had not
taken place at the mansion and I was truly delighted and told the guys so
as we took our leave about 9:30 that evening.

Sean allowed Brian to drive us all back to the big house in the Red Kitty
and we all chatted happily about what a good time we'd had.

After rinsing my mouth, I turned off the lights in the bathroom and headed
into the bedroom.

If I'm being honest, I wasn't in the least bit surprised to find them both
sitting naked on my bed with big grins lighting their wonderful faces.

"What's going on here guys?"

I asked as if I hadn't the slightest idea.

"Silly Dad, we're sleepin' with you." Sean spread his arms out as if to
indicate that it should be perfectly obvious.

I put my hands on my hips and tried to look stern before realizing how
stupid that must look since I was standing at the foot of the bed
completely naked.

Finally, I grinned.

"OK, since you both played so great yesterday and were so good at the
cook-out today, I've got no problem with that but...the operative word here
is `SLEEP'."

"An cuddlin' of course." Sean added.

"Well, that goes without saying. What would be the point of all three of us
being in bed together if we didn't cuddle right?"

"Right Dad!" they both answered in almost perfect unison.

Sean pulled his legs up to his chest so that I could scoot into the middle
of the bed and I leaned over and kissed his nose, his forehead and then his
lips. I turned around and did the same to Brian before reaching over and
turning down the lights.

Instantly, I had a small body fast up against me on each side and an arm
and leg from each side thrown across my chest and legs.

"G'night Dad."

"Good night Sean."

"Good night Dad."

"Good night Brian. I love you both."

*******************************

I was sipping on my second cup of coffee as the three boys were finishing
their breakfasts. I wondered for the multi-thousandth time how they ate so
much and never seemed to gain a pound.

Daniel entered the room and said;

"Eric, Dr. Sam Raymond is on the telephone for you. Since he's still
officially Jack's attending physician, I thought you might like to take it.
I've transferred the call to your study."

"Thanks Daniel. Would you be kind enough to escort these three over to the
classroom for me when they've finally finished eating?"

"Of course Eric." He smiled.

I grabbed my coffee cup and headed down the hall to my study.

"Hello Sam? Eric here. I hope nothing is wrong."

"No, no Eric nothing's wrong and I'm sorry to be calling you so early but I
wanted to try and catch you before you got too involved in your day.

I'm wondering if you could come down to my office at the Hospital sometime
today and bring Jack. As I was lying on the sofa the day after your
wonderful dinner party I had an idea that may solve a big problem for Jack
but I need to have him at the office for about an hour."

"Well Sam, you've surely got me intrigued and certainly we can be at your
office today how's this morning at about eleven?"

"Perfect. I'll see you then. Just stop at the front desk and they'll direct
you to my office."

I hung up the phone and drained my coffee cup wondering just what that was
all about. It couldn't be bad news because that wasn't how the conversation
had gone. What problem of Jack's was Sam thinking he could solve?

I dialed John's apartment knowing he was probably still be lingering over
breakfast since Mondays were one of Jenny's days off.

"Morning John. Since you were planning on going for a drive with Jack
today, do you think he's strong enough to be able to drive down town to the
hospital?"

"Why Eric? What's wrong?"

"Nothing seems to be wrong John." I then told him about Sam's mysterious
telephone call.

"Well, candidly Eric, yes, I think Jack can easily make that drive I think
he's stronger than we realize. Besides, if he gets tired, he simply has to
pull over and I'll take over the driving."

"Great John, we'll meet you on the car park at about ten. Would you move
`Bonny Blue' out there? I'm not sure Jack's ready to negotiate garage doors
yet."

I then called up to the classroom and asked Doc Swaim to send Jack down to
my study by nine thirty.

I considered making a drink and decided that those days were behind me.
Whatever Doctor Sam had up his sleeve, I would face it without alcohol on
my breath in the morning.

Jack was tapping at my door about eight twenty-five.

"Dad, Professor Swaim said you needed to see me?"

"Yes Jack, as you know I had a call from Doctor Sam this morning and he
wants to see you in his office this morning."

Jack's face turned grim and his face blanched.

"No, Jack. Don't be concerned. I don't think it's anything serious. In
fact, he indicated that whatever it is, it was about solving a problem for
you.

I'm completely in the dark but I'm certain that it's not a cause for
anxiety.

I've talked to John, and we've decided to let you try to make the drive. If
you get tired or in any way apprehensive, all you need to do is pull over
and John will take over."

He broke into a large smile.

"Thanks Dad. I sincerely appreciate that. I really think I'm strong enough
to make the whole drive. I hardly ever even need my cane anymore. I'm
feeling solid and very healthy. If my eardrum heals the way Doctor Sam says
it should, I'll be joking about this whole experience a year from now."

"That's great Jack although I assure you that I'll never joke about it."

John was standing by the blue Beemer holding the driver's door open. He was
smiling and he watched happily as Jack strode strongly across the car park
and climbed in behind the steering wheel. I climbed into the back seat
while John took the `shotgun' position.

Just as John had trained him, Jack carefully adjusted the driver's seat for
optimum comfort and pedal control and then meticulously adjusted all three
mirrors.

"Do you know where we're going Jack?" John asked.

"I'm pretty sure I do."

"Well, I'll be your navigator just in case OK?"

"Perfect John. Well, here we go. I hope nobody tries to blow us up."

"Don't even joke about things like that Jack!"

"Sorry Dad. I know that wasn't funny. I don't know why I said it."

The wonderful red haired boy put the car in gear and soon we were headed
down the driveway.

Jack never noticed that one of Richard's Skuggor SUVs that had been parked
at the side of the road, pulled out behind us as we passed through the
gates.

He was driving well and both John and I told him so. After about twenty
minutes John asked him how he was feeling.

"I'm great John. It sure is neat to be driving again and I'm not in the
least bit tired."

"That's wonderful Jack. We're only about ten minutes away so I guess you're
going to make the whole drive."

Jack broke into a wide grin that I could see through the rearview mirror.

After locating a parking space, we headed for the main entrance. I swear
there was more pep in Jack's step as we walked. Driving had obviously been
a real tonic for him.

The volunteer at the front desk gave us directions to Doctor Sam's office
up on the sixth floor and soon we were sitting in the waiting room.

We only waited a couple of minutes before Sam himself opened the door
leading to the back.

"Hi guys, come on in."

He shook my hand and then Jack's before taking John's big hand.

"Hello again John. As you can see, I'm considerably more sober than when
you drove Andrea and me home. That was certainly a night to remember. I
have to thank you again Eric. Andrea can't stop talking about it."

He escorted us into his comfortable office. The walls were decorated with
an array of beautiful photographs of trees, flowers and other natural
fauna. As I expressed my appreciation of them, Sam proudly revealed that
they were all Andrea's work.

"That gal of mine could have made a very good living as a photographer if
she hadn't dedicated so much of her time to watching out for my butt and
keeping me on the straight and narrow. I'm a very responsible Doctor...always
have been, but in the early days, I was also a young Marine and could have
wound up raising a lot more hell than I did. She's my compass and my guide."

He picked up the telephone on his desk and spoke into it.

"Lila, would you please call up to Don Silver's office and tell him we're
ready for him down here?"

He sat down behind his desk and indicated we should all sit.

"So, after touring your wonderful house, I was struck by the fact that
water and swimming seems to be such an important part of your lives. I
realized that because of his eardrum damage, Jack was being deprived of one
of his great pleasures I felt bad about that, and thought to myself that
there had to be a solution.

The next day I was sitting in my study being very lazy... I DID consume a bit
of alcohol at your house. I remembered our conversation about recreational
reading and I suddenly recalled that a couple of years ago I'd purchased
another Nate Mentor novel but had never read it. I searched my bookshelves,
found it, and decided that starting to read it would be the perfect way to
spend a lazy day. Andrea was napping and I'd cleared my entire schedule.

The book was; `Tantalus Requiem' and I really became caught up in it. I was
reading past the part where the main character; Devon has a chemical tossed
into his eye and has to wear an eyepatch until the eye recovers.

You no doubt remember the doctor telling him if light entered the eye
before it healed, it could permanently damage the retina.

Suddenly, I stopped reading and thought of Jack. I got out some paper and
sat at my desk making some sketches and the next day when I got to the
hospital, I met with Don Silver who is the head of our prosthetics
Department and is a kind of genius.

I showed him my sketches and explained what I had in mind. Later that
afternoon, he presented me with this..."

He reached into his desk drawer and produced what looked like one earphone
with a wide elastic strap.

"Now this is just a mock-up but essentially, it's intended to be an
`eye-patch' for the ear. Come here Jack, let me show you."

He placed the cup of the earphone over Jack's left ear and then pulled the
elastic over his head letting it rest just above the right ear. I realized
at once, what he was getting at.

"Now, as I've told you, this is just a mock-up for demonstration purposes.
Don will be here in a moment and he's going to take you upstairs Jack and
make a mold of your ear. From that, he will fashion a protective cap that
will fit over your ear perfectly. When pulled tightly by the elastic strap
the cap will form a seal around your ear.

As a further protective measure, Don will also fashion a form-fitting
earplug from that same mold.

You'll first insert the earplug and then place the cap over your ear and
you'll be free to swim, to put your head under water...almost everything
Jack.

The only restrictions will be diving and any roughhousing that might cause
the protective cap to become dislodged."

"So, for instance, no water polo Doctor Sam?"

"Sadly, that's a perfect example of what I mean."

Jack smiled.

"If I can swim, that'll be just wonderful. I can put up with those
restrictions."

Just then, a portly balding man with the merriest twinkle in his eyes
entered the room.

"Don, please meet Eric Tucker, his son Jack and his associate John...I'm
sorry John, I don't believe I ever learned your last name."

"It's Costa Doctor...John Costa."

"Guys, please meet Don Silver. Don is both a genius and an artist and he's
the guy that's going to make this work."

The portly man smiled and his smile perfectly matched the twinkle in his
eyes.

"Well Jack, are you ready to come upstairs with me and let me take a cast
of your ear? I promise that it won't hurt in the slightest and we'll be
done in less than an hour."

"Yes Sir, Mr. Silver."

Don indicated Jack should follow him and as they left the office Sam said
to us;

"As Don said, this will take about an hour. Perhaps you guys wouldn't mind
going down to the cafeteria for coffee or something? I've got a couple of
patients I'm going to try to see while we're waiting is that OK?"

"Of course it is Sam. Should we be back up here in about an hour?"

"Sounds like a plan to me Eric."

John and I took the elevator down to the ground level and walked to the
cafeteria. After just a couple of sips, we both agreed that the coffee was
perfectly horrible but we sat and drank it just the same.

We talked about Sam's brilliant idea for Jack and couldn't help but marvel
that such a busy Doctor would take the time to worry about what was
ultimately just a sad inconvenience for one of his patients and go further
by figuring out a solution.

I'd felt from the first that he was a wonderful doctor now however, I was
convinced that he was remarkable.

After about an hour, we headed back up to the sixth floor and we were
informed by the attractive young lady at the desk that Don and Jack were
already back in Sam's office and we were to go right in.

Jack and Don were laughing about something as we entered and Sam said;

"OK we're done for now. Don, why don't you tell them what's going to happen
next?"

"Well I'm going to first cast the ear plugs. I'll make a few of them in
case one should get lost...they'll be relatively little. I'll then cast the
cap from the whole ear. The cap on the mockup that Sam showed you is rather
large. Jack's actual cap will be much smaller and will be more like a form
fitting sheath around the ear but with the elastic strap's tension, it will
form a water tight seal."

"Do you think everything will be ready so that he'll be swimming for a good
portion of the summer?"

Don smiled and said;

"Mr. Tucker, I expect you to be here Wednesday morning for a fitting.
Unless, something is amiss, Jack should be swimming by Wednesday afternoon."

I was stunned.

"Sam, Don, how can I every repay you?"

"Don smiled and said;

"Don't worry Mr. Tucker, your wonderful insurance will do that and do it
quite sufficiently I assure you."

We shook hands and agreed that we would be back here at eleven o'clock
Wednesday morning.

"Do you feel like driving back Jack?"

I asked my boy. He grinned at me.

"Dad after this news, I feel like I could fly back."

"Well, on the way let's keep an eye out for some place that looks good for
lunch."

**************************

Jack was back at class in the South Wing and John and I were sitting in my
study sipping on a drink.

"You know Eric, the driving and now being able to go into the pool and swim
is going to completely change Jack's attitude and speed up his recovery a
lot."

"I think so too John. He's lucky to have you and Doctor Sam looking out for
him."

My big friend actually blushed and moved to the bar.

"Let's have one more drink in celebration then I'm going to make a call to
see how the repairs on the Red Cat are coming.

Have you and Richard made any decision as to whether or not he's going to
let you drive by yourself anymore?"

"Jeeze! Does everybody on the estate know about that?"

John grinned as he handed me my refreshed tumbler.

"Yeah, pretty much everybody. Cheer up Eric, if Richard slams the hammer on
you, between Arlen and me, you can still go any place you need to or want
to."

"Yes, but it's not the same. Even my Grandfather liked to drive himself
sometimes and HE just loved being chauffeured around as a rule.

Anyway, we're having a meeting on that very subject tomorrow morning so,
we'll see what happens."

"So, on another subject Eric, if I might intrude upon our friendship, what
about little Brian? What are the future plans for that sweet kid?"

"Well, keep this very confidential John. I don't think I have to tell you
how happy he is here and how well the other two boys like him."

"It's more than that Eric, in his mind and his heart, you've become his
father. Everyone can see that and we all hear how often he calls you `Dad'
and we can't miss the love in his eyes when you pay attention to him.
Doesn't he have a mother though? Where does she fit into this picture?"

"Well, it's complicated and after I tell you this, only you, Doc Swaim and
Uncle Phil will know."

"Certainly you know you can trust me Eric."

"Of course I do John it's just that...if you can help it; I'd rather you
didn't even talk about it with Jenny for the time being."

"I'll try not to Eric but I can't make any promise in that regard. She is
my wife and we have no secrets from each other."

"I understand John it's just that this is currently a very delicate matter.

I've been having almost nightly telephone conversations with Mrs. Williams;
Brian's Mother.

She was raised in a very religious family...very strict and devout Catholics.

Since her childhood, it had been more or less assumed that when she grew
up, she would become a nun devoting her life to God and the Church. It
would be her younger sister who would marry and have children.

As often happens in families like that, the younger sister rebelled and
began hanging around with an unsavory crowd and...well, long and short of it,
she was found dead in her bedroom one morning. She'd overdosed on heroin.

The shock and grief proved too much for her father who (despite his
professed strong faith) took his own life about three weeks later.

Her Mother withdrew into herself and essentially spent all of her time in
church virtually ignoring her remaining daughter.

Eventually Maria, (Brian's Mom) moved away to San Diego where she met a
young Navy officer. After a quick courtship, they were married and as such
things go, a year later little Brian was born.

They had six years of loving happy togetherness and then Brian's father was
diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was gone in five months.

Maria was devastated and feared that for some reason God was punishing her
for marrying rather than becoming a Nun.

She devoted her life to her little boy who she loved very much but feared
that God's retribution was going to reach for him next.

I've never been able to understand how people can believe in a god like
that John.

It was all she could do to let him out of her sight in order to attend
school and later to play sports which he excelled at (as we all know) and
which seemed to bring him at least a little joy.

It must have been a hard way for Brian to grow up. His mother loved him
intensely but she was very protective. She also made certain that his
upbringing was centered around the church and, she recently told me, she'd
hoped and planned that he would eventually enter the priesthood. This is of
course interesting because Brian when he is with us, shows no religious
proclivity at all.

She has recently told me that after her mother passes, she would truly love
to enter a convent but can't because of her responsibility to Brian.

After she told me that, I've been gently talking to her about the
possibility of my becoming Brian's custodial guardian perhaps of her
actually releasing her parental rights to me legally.

All this is still in the formative talking stages and everything may change
when Brian's grandmother passes away. I can tell you that Uncle Phil has
prepared legal documents for each of several possible contingencies one of
which would be my actually adopting Brian if his mother is willing to
terminate her parental rights and of course, if Brian is agreeable."

John snorted.

"Agreeable? I think the kid would give his left nut for you to adopt him.
It's obvious to everyone. He'd be a perfect fit in this new little family
of yours Eric."

"Well, nothing will happen as long as Grandma is still alive and Maria is
involved in her daily care. I have found it interesting though that after
the first few days he's been here, she's expressed no desire to see him and
frankly, he's expressed no desire to see her. I think he's found happiness
here and I hope he can continue to enjoy it. Yes John, I'd be proud to call
him my son and for him to really be able to call me Dad but, I don't want
to get his hopes up."

John left and shortly, Uncle Phil and Chris came into the room for our
daily review. Once again, there was very little to go over, we'd recently
closed on two huge deals and while there were several others pending, they
were not ready to be acted upon.

"Great party yesterday you two. I really enjoyed it. Thanks very much."

"It was fun wasn't it? We'll have to do it again real soon." Uncle Phil
said.

"Well, don't forget the next big shindig is Sean's birthday in a less than
two weeks."

"Who could forget that?" Chris interjected.

"Well what about your Mom and Aunt Rita? Why don't you hang around after
we're through with our business and we'll plan on when you're going to fly
up and bring them back here Chris."

After Uncle Phil left, we mixed a couple of drinks and sat down across from
each other.

"Sean's actual birthday is on a Wednesday but we'll just have like a
special dinner or something, his actual party will be on Saturday so why
don't we set it up so that you'll fly up north Tuesday morning and bring
them back here that evening. That way, they'll be here for his actual
birthday dinner and then have Friday to relax before the party. They should
plan on staying at least a week; longer if they'd like."

"Thanks Eric, that sounds great."

"Good, then I'll set it up with Captain Lucas, you call the ladies so they
have lots of time to get ready."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Speaking of plans, why don't you plan on having dinner with us tonight
but, don't plan on going back to your condo?" I waggled my eyebrows at him
in what I knew was a stupid juvenile gesture but he got the message.

He grinned.

"I should probably start keeping a toothbrush in your bedroom."

I grinned wickedly at him.

"Chris, I'm arguably the richest man in the world. Don't you suppose I
might keep a few toothbrushes in my bathroom for special occasions?"

Later that afternoon Jack approached me and asked if he could drive the
boys to baseball practice.

"I feel great Dad and Arlen will be with us in case I suddenly get tired or
something."

"If you feel well enough Jack, then by all means you should do it. I
completely trust Arlen if you should have any problem."

"Thanks Dad. While I'm at deer run, I want to talk to coach Sal about
training on the bags in about a month so that I can keep in shape. When my
ear heals, I still want to box again."

*******

Dinner was happy and a little boisterous. The boys had apparently had a
very good practice, Jack had driven both ways with no difficulties and he'd
had a great talk with `Sal' Salvatore and the coach was going to design a
training program for him to build up his stamina and strength.

Sean was finally getting excited about his impending birthday and Jack was
excited about the ear cap he would receive hopefully on Wednesday.

Brian just seemed to be excited to be involved in all of it.

After dinner, I led them all down to the game room and indicated the card
table in the far corner.

"It's high time that you guys learned how to play poker." I told them. I
handed out chips and explained for the first few times, we'll just play for
chips but eventually; we'll play for money because that's what happens in
the real world.

Oh, that reminds me. Up until now, when you've needed money, I've just
given it to you. Starting next week, I'm going to set you up with an
allowance so that you'll have money of your own to spend or save as you see
fit. That includes you Brian."

The brown haired boy looked surprised but very pleased.

"Ok, we're going to start with basic five-card draw. We'll go slowly
tonight and probably the next few times but I expect you to pay attention
and to learn. Poker is a game that every man and boy should know how to
play."

I carefully explained the hierarchy of the possible hands from `high-card'
through `royal flush'. Chris pointed out a few nuances that I'd overlooked
in my explanation and then I dealt the first hand. Rather than join the
game, Chris elected to be a neutral advisor and moved around the table
helping each boy with their choices.

I wasn't surprised that the boys caught on rather quickly and by around the
fifth hand, they were drawing cards and placing bets quite intelligently
only asking for Chris' advice on occasion.

I looked at my watch and was shocked to notice it was ten thirty. I stopped
the game and gathered them in for hugs and kisses before shooing them all
up to bed.

Chris and I wandered down to the library where he mixed us each a drink.

"Mom and Aunt Rita are really excited about coming down." He told me.

"I'm glad Chris. I want them to be proud of you."

"Oh, I think they are and they love you and the boys. Wait until they see
you've added Brian to the mix. They'll go nuts."

"Tread carefully there Chris. For now at least, Brian is a temporary guest."

He gave me a crooked smile.

"You're not fooling me Eric. You've got something up your sleeve regarding
that boy."

I just smiled back at him and didn't say a thing.

We had a second drink and then got up from our chairs. He walked over and
wrapping an arm around my neck, he pulled me into an extraordinary kiss.
When our contact finally broke, I once again considered that Chris was the
greatest kisser I'd ever known.

I ran a hand gently down his cheek as I looked into his loving lusty eyes.
I said in a voice barely above a whisper;

"I've been meaning to tell you all night how attractive those slacks you're
wearing are. Let's go upstairs so I can see what they look like when you
take them off."

With his hand around my waist and mine upon his ass, we walked down the
hall to the elevator.

*********

I woke up and was surprised to see that he was standing at my side of the
bed with two mugs of coffee in his hands.

"Beat you up this time boss." He smiled and handed me a mug. I took a sip.

"Hot." I said as I placed it on the bedside table.

"That's because we both drink it black although this morning, I was
thinking I might enjoy mine with a little cream."

With that, he pushed me down onto my back and pulled the sheet down to my
ankles. Swiftly but sensuously, he lowered his head down to my groin and
took my semi hard cock in between his lips. The heat of his mouth soon
brought my member to full attention and Chris began a slow methodical oral
ministration that quickly had me moving on the bed in rhythm with his
actions.

Despite the frantic sex we'd experience together last night, I realized
that I wasn't going to last long and soon was expelling a surprising
quantity of cum into his eager mouth. Considering the number of times I'd
cum just a few hours before, I was delightfully pleased.

As we were all eating breakfast, I commented to them all;

"I've got a meeting with Richard and a few of the guys this morning. It's
an important meeting and you all need to know that I might be in a bad mood
when it's over. If I am, just ignore it and don't worry. It has nothing to
do with any of you."

Chris leaned over and whispered;

"Would you like me to come with you?"

"No Chris. This is really a matter of Skuggor business and it's nothing
personal. Thanks though."

When breakfast was finished, the boys gave Martha her hugs and we all
headed for the South Wing.

I walked into the command center and the three of them looked in my
direction with serious expressions on their faces. There was a fourth
figure sitting at the table but I didn't recognize him. As soon as he
realized who I was, he was on his feet standing at attention.

Richard, stood up and made the introduction;

"Eric, this fine Skugga is Brutus. He has been training to alternate at the
com and has been doing a rather outstanding job. He's going to take over
the command seat while we four meet in the small conference room."

"At ease please Skugga.

 Brutus, I'm happy to meet you. I've been hearing good things about you."

"Thank you Sir. That is an honor coming from Launcelot."

I smiled and patted his shoulder and indicated the door to the small
conference room.

"Shall we?"

Richard addressed Brutus;

"Skugga, you have the command."

"Yes Sir."

The four of us entered the small conference room and sat. Richard spoke
first;

"This meeting could just as properly have taken place between the two of us
but I've asked my number two and number three in command to be present to
witness everything that we say here."

I nodded my head in acknowledgement. Richard continued.

"The incident that occurred a few weeks ago; specifically your careless
distracted driving not only placed your life in jeopardy, it also
jeopardized the security and possible future of Magnus Venatus which we as
Skuggor are pledged to defend and protect.

Had you died, you would have left the organization with a titular new
`Launcelot' who knew nothing of the organization and who at twelve years
old would hardly have been fit to assume his responsibilities. The
consequences would have been dire at best and very possibly devastating.

As `Galahad', I have the authority to issue any order I deem reasonable to
protect the safety of `Launcelot'...you.

Although you are `Launcelot', you do not have the authority to over-ride
any such order that I issue if I have issued it to ensure your safety."

Again, I nodded my head in agreement and replied;

"You are correct in what you say, but I DO have the authority to remove you
from your position and replace you with a new `Galahad' who will withdraw
any such order you might have issued."

He locked eyes with mine.

"Correct, but you won't do that."

"I will if you try to take away my right to drive around. I would truly
regret it Richard but I'll do it the second after you issue the order
taking away my freedom to drive myself."

He didn't blink and neither did I.

"I have no intention of doing that I was merely establishing my authority
to do so."

"And I was merely establishing my authority over this entire organization
and my willingness to exercise it."

He smiled a tight and almost bitter smile then and said;

"It won't come to that I believe. What I want from you are some common
sense concessions."

"Such as?"

He pulled a sheaf of papers from a folder on the table and slid one over to
me and passed a copy each to Barry and Wolfman.

"First, you will never get behind the wheel of a car if you are mentally or
emotionally distracted or impaired such as you did during the recent
incident. You have too many viable alternatives for your personal
transportation.

Second, you will never get behind of the wheel of a car if you are
chemically impaired. If anyone should question your fitness to drive
including the Skugga at the gate, the matter will be referred to me and I
will make a judgement as to your current condition. You will under no
circumstances attempt to drive a car if you've consumed more than two
alcoholic drinks in an hour. Again, you have far too many viable
alternatives for your safe personal transportation.

Third, at the very minimum when leaving the property, you will let the
Skugga at the gate know exactly where you are driving and provide an
approximate duration for your trip. Of course, there are allowances for
variations, but you will agree that if your itinerary should change while
you are driving, that you'll place a courtesy call to the Command Center
informing us of your changes.

It would of course be preferable if you could actually inform the Command
Center of your itinerary, at least a half an hour before you plan to drive
rather than wait to inform the gatekeeper.

Fourth, you will only drive vehicles that have active GPS location devises
installed. This will soon be a moot point because within two months every
one of your vehicles will be so outfitted.

Fifth and final, you will acknowledge that from now on, whenever you drive
off the property, you will be shadowed by no less than one Skuggor vehicle.

Excluding any incidents, this vehicle will be an unobtrusive presence and
will in no way interfere with your personal activities. You in turn will
make no attempt to elude these vehicles or in any way avoid their quiet
scrutiny."

I'd been reading along with him and I realized he'd paraphrased a lot of
what he'd just said to me and that the document in my hand was actually a
pledge accepting these conditions and I was expected to sign it.

I could see in his face that he was prepared for an angry rebuttal from me
and I could tell that Barry and Wolfman were staring at me apprehensively.

I took a deep breath and I saw Richard tense up.

"Well Richard, these are certainly quite reasonable and sensible
concessions. Considering my increasingly active position in our vast
organization and my occasional tendency to become distracted either
emotionally or chemically, these restrictions are...just as you said; `common
sense' and I agree to them whole-heartedly.

Judging from the way this document is presented, I assume that you'd like
me to sign it as a gesture of good faith."

His smile of relief was almost humorous. He quickly passed the three other
copies of the document to me.

"If you'll sign all four copies, one is yours and we'll each keep a copy
and this will be just between the four of us."

I signed all four papers and passed them back to Richard who signed under
my signature as witness. He then passed them to Barry and Wolfman who did
the same.

We each kept a copy and I rose from my seat.

I smiled at him warmly.

"You're a good man Richard. You've assumed a very hard responsibility long
before you ever thought you would have to and you are performing beyond
expectations. This little exercise we've just been through demonstrates to
me your concern for my personal well-being but also your very professional
concern for the organization you are sworn to serve and protect.

The day I first interviewed you up here I sensed that someday you would
become an important part of my team and while karma has forced you to prove
your value all too frequently as of late, this simple little exercise of
what you knew to be your responsibility speaks volumes about your integrity
and your worth.

Barry and Wolfman, you both have my admiration and thanks as well. I know
this wasn't easy but it was the right thing to do. I value people who do
the right thing especially when it's difficult to do so.

Now gentlemen, since I have no intention of driving myself off the property
today, I'm going downstairs and I'll probably consume more than two
alcoholic drinks in an hour."

With a smile, I turned and left the room. I certainly would have liked to
be a fly on the wall to hear what they said after I left. I'd caught them
completely off-guard and I reasoned that a good commander should be able to
do that from time to time.

Uncle Phil and Chris joined me in my study and we reviewed some of our
long-range plans. Chris presented a proposal he'd put together regarding
suggested adjustments in some of our stock holdings.

"We'll do these slowly and as unobtrusively as possible. We don't want to
show our hand too soon and we certainly don't want to trigger either a
buying or selling stampede."

Uncle Phil smiled.

"This young man is a genius. No one would believe us if we told them we
found him working in a hotel up on a mountain in a National Park." Chris
blushed almost crimson but his smile indicated his pride in Phil's praise.

I smiled and said;

"That reminds me, we have some business to perform here." I reached behind
me into the lower drawer of the credenza and withdrew a blue mortarboard
graduation cap and placed it upon Chris' head. He looked baffled.

"This arrived yesterday and I wanted you to have it so that you can show it
off to your mother and Aunt Rita. Congratulations." I handed him a diploma
from the University indicating he had earned a BA in business
administration.

"I assure you Chris this is one hundred percent legitimate. If you don't
mind, I'll keep it right now because I'd like to have it framed for you
before your Mother and Aunt get here. I'll have it hung on the wall in your
office right behind your desk."

"Eric...I...I'd forgotten all about this part of the deal. Mom will be so
proud. She'll be pissed I didn't invite her to my graduation." He gave me a
goofy grin.

"Explain to her that the work study program you're involved in here
accelerates your matriculation so you don't participate in formal exercises
like commencement ceremonies.

Placate her further by telling her that you're already involved in a
similar Master's Degree program and that you should complete it in about a
year. That should keep her happy.

Uncle Phil and I have decided we need you to earn a PHD because that will
be a big boost to your international credentials.

What will your Mom think about `Doctor' Chris Hanuchek?

By the way, after you've received your diploma, you're supposed to flip the
tassel to the other side of your cap."

He giggled as he did just that.

"I think we ought to have a drink to celebrate the new college graduate."
Uncle Phil said as he moved to the wet bar.

Arlen drove Sean and Brian to baseball practice. John stayed behind to
consult with some Skuggor agents about the installation of the GPS devices
in my fleet of cars. Since the `Red Cat' was still being repaired, the
first three selected were the limo, the van and the XKE.

I was sitting on a lounge chair by the pool happily naked and sipping on a
gin and tonic when Jack came around the hedge. He gave me a warm smile as
he quickly shed his clothing and walked down the steps into the shallow end
of the pool. He carefully walked into the water until it was about chest
high and stopped. He smiled in my direction.

"If Doctor Sam and Don are right, by this time tomorrow I'll be able to be
swimming."

He moved his arms and legs and I realized he was treading water just
because I'm certain that it felt so good to do so.

After a few moments, he stopped and walked back to the steps and climbed
out of the pool.

"Is it alright if I get a beer Dad?"

I smiled at him. He was looking so much better. He was regaining a lot of
the weight he'd lost and his face was bright and energetic. Jack was coming
back from the dark depths he'd so cruelly been cast into.

His wonderful young body was covered in small scars that were a result of
the removal of the shrapnel he'd suffered. I assumed they would for the
most part vanish with time.

"You bet Jacamo. Help yourself."

His smile was wonderful as he walked to the fridge under the awning around
the pool house and returned with a Stone IPA... his absolute favorite.

He lay down on the lounge next to mine and was quiet for a while as he
sipped his beer.

"Dad?"

"Yes Jack."

"I know I'm still kinda weak and I'm not supposed to exert myself and all
that, but do you think it would be alright if a just slept with you tonight?

I know I can't do stuff yet, but I'd sure like to cuddle with you."

I smiled over at him.

"I can't think of anything I'd enjoy more. You've got a date Jack."

His grin lit up his face.

"Thanks Dad."

After dinner, the boys and I played about ten hands of five-card draw. We'd
reached the point that we rotated the deal in a normal fashion and the boys
were playing intelligently and wining their fair share of hands. I thought
to myself that a couple more nights like this and we'd move on to
seven-card stud.

I noticed it was ten thirty and I hugged Sean and Brian and sent them up to
bed. Jack walked down to the library with me and I poured him a beer while
I made myself a scotch.

"Tomorrow morning, don't even bother going up to class. We'll leave right
from here and perhaps get there a little early. If all goes well, by the
time they get out of class, you'll be doing laps in the pool. That will be
a great surprise don't you think?"

"Yeah, but Sean will sure love it."

"Oh I think Bobby and Brian will love it as well Jack. They've been
terribly worried about you too you know."

"I know, it's just that I haven't had much experience in the pool with
Brian yet but we'll make up for lost time."

"Speaking of time, finish your beer. We should head up to bed, I can't wait
to run my hands all over that sexy body of yours."

He swallowed the last quarter of his beer glass in one pull and as he set
the glass down, he emitted a loud resonating burp.

He blinked twice and then grinned at me in satisfaction.

We were both giggling as we walked hand in hand to the elevator.

It was a very bright night and he stood by the big window as I slowly
removed his clothes. Finally, he was down to his boxer briefs and I
indicated he should remove them himself.

He pushed them down past his thighs and then with a little wiggle of his
legs, they dropped to the floor. He stepped out of them with an almost shy
smile and moved over and onto the bed.

I quickly undressed as he watched reminding me of that first horrible night
we'd spent together in Houston seemingly so very long ago. I looked at him
in the bright light streaming through the window. His poor body was marked
with little scars from the shrapnel damage. No doubt these would mostly
heal with time but right now, they were heartbreaking.

"Roll over Jack, I want to see your back."

He rolled onto his tummy and sure enough, his back too was marked with the
little scars, as were his calves, his ass cheeks and his lower legs.

I choked back a sob. If the perpetrators of this atrocity hadn't been so
inept and if John hadn't had the little car armored, each of these tiny
wounds would have been a deadly missile that would have torn my sweet young
boy's body apart like a paper passed through a shredder.

I rolled him onto his back again and pressed my lips against his and we
kissed for what seemed like an hour. I finally pulled back.

"You're not supposed to exert yourself Jack so just lie back and let me do
all the work."

He moaned deeply and his cock rose to full attention as my lips closed
around it.

******************************************

Almost instinctively, Sean and Brian had known not to try and join us in
the shower. I'd slowly and tenderly washed Jack's poor marked body and we'd
kissed frequently during the process.

We were now all downstairs and finishing up breakfast.

"Professor Swaim already knows that Jack won't be in class today boys but
we'll both walk you down to the South Wing."

Sean and Brian were up and offering Martha her morning hugs and kisses.
Jack was next and as he hugged her, she whispered;

"Good luck today sweetheart. I know it's going to turn out wonderful for
you."

He smiled and kissed her lovingly and the four of us walked outside in the
direction of the wildflower garden.

Bobby was just pulling up as we approached and the three boys scurried off
to class. Jack and I took the elevator up to the top floor just to check in.

Richard and Barry were at the desk, which I supposed meant that Wolfman and
Brutus were sleeping.

"Anything I need to know about guys?"

"Not this morning Eric." Barry smiled.

"As far as we're concerned, it's a peaceful planet. Last night we
apprehended two guys who had been attempting to use one of our ships to
smuggle drugs into one of the Florida ports. We sent them to the cornfield
and they seem to have been a silly two-man operation.

We've got an eye on a couple of employees in one of our companies in France
who we're pretty certain are about to attempt to pull off a stock scam.
We'll nab them the second they try. We don't think that will be `cornfield'
serious but we'll come up with something.

We'll keep you informed."

"Well in keeping with our newly established guidelines, I'm reminding you
that in about a half an hour Jack will be driving John and me down to the
hospital to meet with Doctor Raymond. That visit should last about an hour
then we'll stop for lunch on the way back so I'd estimate we'll be gone
about three hours tops."

Richard smiled broadly.

"Thanks for the itinerary Eric and good luck Jack. We all know that this is
going to work out great for you."

"Thank you Richard. I sure hope so."

As we were walking towards the car park, Jack asked me;

"Dad, what was Barry talking about when he mentioned sending people to the
`cornfield'?"

"Well Jack, I don't want to go into too much detail with you right now but
simply put, in our business it means we make them go away forever.

This is some of the stuff Sean is learning about when he meets with Uncle
Phil and Richard every afternoon.

It seems Jack that you are destined for a life of science and exploration
and Sean is destined to assume my responsibilities in time. We'll talk more
about it on another occasion. Don't let any of it bother you right now."

"The guys that did this to me...I know you caught them because I overheard
you talking. Did...did you `send them to the cornfield'?"

"Yes Jack, I did...very swiftly."

He nodded his head and smiled grimly.

"Good."

John was waiting holding open the driver's door for Jack.

************************

Don Silver was smiling as he tried the ear plugs and then the flexible ear
cap on Jack as we sat in Doctor Sam's office.

"They're perfect. I don't have to do any trimming or make even a minor
modification. Jack, your ear molded and cast perfectly.

So now, let me show you how to put these things on. Mr. Tucker, you might
want to watch this as well.

First Jack, take one of the earplugs out of this box. I've made five for
you by the way but I'll retain the mold in case of an emergency. Go ahead
Jack, I want you to do it. Good, now smear the earplug liberally with this
water resistant gel. I'm sending you home with five large tubes but we can
always give you more if you need it. Good job Jack. I think you should be
able to tell from its shape which way it goes in."

"Like this Don?" Jack asked. The portly man smiled.

"Excellent Jack yes, just like that. Press it firmly into your ear opening.
Don't worry, it will only go in as far as it needs to...perfect.

Now, the ear cap. Bring it down and over the top of your ear and then
gently run your finger around the edge and it will snap right in place go
ahead and try it."

Jack did as instructed and very quickly was smiling in surprised delight as
the flexible cover did indeed snap over his ear forming a tightly fitting
cover.

Don leaned over and examined it.

"That fits so well that it would almost be enough but just for safety sake
Jack, pull the elastic strap over your head and down just above your right
ear. That will enforce the watertight seal even more.

I've molded everything in black so that there will be no doubt that you're
wearing an appliance."

After examining everything one last time, he smiled and said;

"Well Jack, if I were you, I'd go home and go swimming."

Jack impulsively hugged the smiling portly man.

"Thanks Don, I don't know how to thank you."

"Well Jack, I just made the thing. If you want to thank someone, you should
be thanking Sam. This is his brainchild and I think this idea is going to
go a long way in helping other people with eardrum damage."

Jack moved over to Doctor Sam and wrapped his arms around him.

"Thanks again Doctor Sam. I guess I was sure lucky it was you on duty when
they rushed me to the hospital."

Sam smiled and patted Jack's shoulder.

"You're a fine young man Jack and helping you has been a real pleasure. Now
go home and enjoy your Summer I'll see you in the early winter when we
remove the remaining shrapnel."

"We'll see you sooner than that Sam. You and Andrea are going to be coming
over again this summer and you too Don. We'll set it up for some time in
July."

"I'd like that Eric and I know Andrea will love it. Don will love it too...he
just doesn't know how much."

Jack carefully removed his headgear and packed it into the special carrying
case.

I watched with pride as Jack, splendidly naked, installed his new headgear
exactly as instructed.

When everything was in place, he gave me a nervous smile.

"Well, here goes."

He descended to stairs into the shallow end of the pool and then in one
swift fluid motion, he was under water and gliding into the deep end. After
touching the wall, his head broke water and the look of joy on his face was
priceless.

"Whooo Hooo! It works perfectly Dad! Come swimming with me!"

I was in the water in a split second and we swam together for about two
hours.

Sean Brian and Bobby walked around the hedge and stopped at poolside.

"Jack! You're swimmin'! That's sooo great! This is gonna be a great summer
after all!"

With that, Sean was in the water swimming next to his older brother. Brian
and Bobby soon followed.

"Now guys, he can't dive and he can't rough house but he can swim and he
can go under water."

"Who cares `bout that other stuff? Come on Jack, I'll race you... any stroke,
two laps.

Both their faces were alight with smiles as they swam the first length of
the pool.

The happiness of summer had finally arrived in full force at Joyous Gaurde.

(to be continued)

As I've told so many of you in private correspondence, this story often
seems to take on a life of its own and it feels like my whole job is just
to type it as it writes itself.

For those of you who were expecting to attend Sean's Birthday celebration,
hold onto your party hats...that will be next chapter. Everything in this
chapter just seemed like it needed to be told.

Thanks to all of you who took the time to write and comment after last
chapter. I value and enjoy each of your notes and as you know, I answer
them all.

And...don't forget to make a contribution to NIFTY in order to keep this
forum free.

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