Date: Fri, 30 Dec 2016 13:53:25 -0500
From: Eff Del <nolitimere156@gmail.com>
Subject: The Oak and the Ash chapter 19

*The Oak and the Ash- Chapter 19*

*By Eff Del*

Nolitimere156@gmail.com

*Positive change can only occur from within us.*

*You need only use as your example a simple egg;*

*An eggshell that is broken from the outside destroys any chance that the
egg will produce life.*

*On the other hand, an eggshell that is broken from the inside is only
broken by a chick emerging new into the world.*

*Wonderful things always come from the inside. *


I stared blankly at the Skuggor leader before I was able to blurt out
something slightly less articulate but to the point of;

"W-what the hell are you talking about? How could Sean be under arrest? He
was buying souvenirs!"

"Please calm down and review protocols with me as we are required to do.

Richard officially suggests that I take you to that tavern across the
street and buy you a drink. I think that's actually a great idea.

You come with us as well Doctor Mohamed if you don't mind."

Doctor Mo nodded his head and with a big smile he said;

"If I keep up with this Tucker family, I may wind up as one of the first
alcoholic Islamists in the country. The problem is, it's so exciting.

Let's go get the boss a drink."

I was still very much in a fog as Skuggor Level-10 Frank and Doctor Mo
escorted me into the little tavern and sat me down at a corner table. There
seemed to be no single malt scotch on the shelves above the lovely antique
bar, so, I settled for a glass of `Chivas Regal' while Doctor Mohamad to my
surprise, sipped on a gin and tonic and Level 10 Frank took a swallow of
his `Jack Daniels'" and water.

"So now Eric, this is all happening quickly but from our point of view, it
is happening very efficiently. Richard is currently putting the entire
scenario together to share with you and the local law enforcement people.
We already have two of our high-priced lawyers down there protecting Sean's
rights through every inch of the process.

He's safe and though certainly not happy, he's secure."

Suddenly, his telephone sounded. After answering and speaking into it
briefly, he said;

"Richard would like to speak with you." He handed me his phone.

"So our perfect little boy seems to have finally fucked up eh?"

"I doubt that seriously Richard."

He chuckled.

"I doubt it as well Eric and actually, I can prove it. He's very innocent
of any wrongdoing and I've got it well documented. This is a total mistake
by the police officer actually.

Once I've got the video and eye-witness testimony in the hands of our
lawyers I'll let you watch and listen to their interaction real time via
`shadow fly' seeing as how one of our lawyers is wearing one." He actually
giggled over that bit of information.

"What seems to have happened; and this can all be verified by video from
three security cameras and recorded testimony from six eye-witnesses'; is
that Sean was leaning over a counter examining some items that he was
interested in buying when an older and bigger boy sidled right up behind
him and attempted to lift his wallet from his pocket.

Sean, either felt or otherwise detected the attempt and spun around. The
older boy was obviously used to the possibility of detection and was ready
for it...he punched Sean in the eye.

Much to his attacker's surprise, Sean reacted instantly and punched the
older boy twice in both eyes and then four times in the stomach.

The bigger boy sank to the floor and Sean was quickly on top of him
throwing punches when the Police Officer grabbed him and pulled him off the
larger boy. He literally slammed Sean into the wall, pulled him violently
around and quickly placed him in handcuffs.

Right at that point, many eye witnesses were yelling at the police officer
that he'd arrested the wrong guy but he ignored them dragging Sean off to
his squad car.

Level 10 Frank and his Skuggor of course took the time to apprehend the
actual perpetrator and he'll be presented to the police after we deliver
our video package to them via our lawyers.

Wait!... Barry tells me that they've gotten the package and are going into
a meeting with Police Captain Fulbright. Have you got your tablet L10?"

"Yes Sir I do and I've got the images right now." Frank responded. Soon, we
were witnessing the live meeting.

"Captain Fulbright, thank you for responding so quickly to this sad
situation. My name is Martin Cole and this is my colleague Monique Rhodes.
We are attorneys specifically hired to protect the rights and privileges of
the son of our employer who we believe we shall demonstrate to you was
improperly incarcerated by one of your officers and with your co-operation,
we believe we can prevent unpleasant repercussions beyond those that have
occurred thus far.

Perhaps the best way to begin this would be for you to view this video that
has been compiled from the near-by mall surveillance cameras. "

As the video played out to its conclusion, it was obvious that Richard's
earlier short synopsis had accurately described the incident.

"Where did Sean learn to fight like that?" I asked Richard over the
telephone.

"Well, it started with Jack. He decided that his two little brothers needed
to know something about self-defense and so; he began teaching them some
boxing and wrestling.

It wasn't long before Wolfman and later Brutus were helping.

The boys learned fast since they're both so damned smart and so athletic. I
have no doubt that the boy who tried to lift Sean's wallet received the
surprise of his life.

Right now though Eric, I think you guys had best head down to the Police
Precinct because I suspect that based upon the video they're going to cut
Sean loose very soon."

I agreed that was a good idea and while L-10 Frank drove, Doc Mo and I
continued to watch the events as they were transmitted from the shadow fly.

A very red-faced Captain Fulbright almost yelled into his intercom;

"Send Stauer into my office right this minute!"

He turned to the two lawyers...

"What you've just shown me is so different from the version I received from
Officer Stauer that these could have been separate altercations.

This indicates to me that my officer is not only lazy and careless; he is a
liar as well."

Just then, a medium build uniformed police officer entered the office.

"You wanted to see me Captain?"

"Yes I did. It seems that your little incident was well documented on video
and it had eyewitnesses none of whom you bothered to question.

Sit down over there, watch this video, and then let me know if you want to
change any parts of your original story to me."

Obviously flustered, the officer sat at the table and Attorney Rhodes began
the video. As it progressed, the already flustered officer began to sweat
profusely.

When it was finished, Captain Fulbright stood over the man.

"Well, what have you got to say for yourself?"

"It was just about my lunch time Captain so I didn't actually see what
started the fight. When I got there, they were both on the ground and the
kid I collared was on top whaling away on the other boy so I grabbed the
top one and put him against the wall...uhmmn...I guess if the truth were told,
I kind of slammed him into the wall.

I guess I should have spoken to the witnesses but I was pretty certain I'd
got this one right and I was in a hurry; like I told you, it was my lunch
time so I just cuffed him and brought him down here.

I put him in a holding cell and figured I'd do all the paperwork when I was
finished with my break."

"So then, you didn't actually question the boy and you haven't actually
placed him under arrest either? You didn't even file any official written
report?"

"No Captain. At least not yet, Like I told you it was my lunch time.
Actually, I was just about to before you called me in here."

"So you've had this poor kid locked up for almost two hours and you've done
nothing about it?"

"Well, no...like I said: at least not yet."

Looking at the officer in disgust the Captain muttered;

"Stauer, that ranks among the worst pieces of Police work that I've ever
seen. I'm taking you off patrol until a hearing is conducted regarding your
performance. After which, you may not have to worry about lunch anymore
because you'll probably be out there working at a fast food joint.

We'll talk about that after we've undone this fuck-up of yours."

Attorney Cole interjected;

"Captain, the boy's father; Mr. Tucker would like to be present when he's
released. He should be here shortly. Some associates of his are bringing in
a boy who they've placed under citizen's arrest. I think you'll recognize
him from the video as the potential pick-pocket."

The Captain nodded and spoke into his intercom again;

"When Mr. Tucker and his party get here, they're to be escorted directly to
my office."

By this time, we had arrived in front of the Police Precinct and L10 Frank,
Dr. Mo and I were soon ushered into Captain Fulbright's office.

After introductions, the police captain could not have been more profuse in
his apologies. It became obvious that it had dawned upon him who I was and
he did everything just short of telling me that Officer Stauer would be
dismissed.

I suggested that a better course of action might be intensive retraining.

Officer Stauer, still red-faced and perspiring looked at me gratefully.

"Well then, let's attend to the most important thing; releasing your son
from custody." Captain Fulbright exclaimed.

 His professional demeanor could not disguise his relief over my seemingly
magnanimous attitude.

"Stauer, go down and bring the young man up here."

"I'd like to accompany Officer Stauer Captain."

"Of course Mr. Tucker, just follow him."

I nodded in assent and accompanied the nervous police officer through the
door.

I must confess to some trepidation as we walked down the hall.

In my life, I have watched a fair share of movies and read countless
novels...enough at least to stir my imagination into action.

In my mind, I envisioned that soon the officer and I would be descending a
long dark staircase into the stygian depths far below the precinct building
to the place where Sean languished in a dark cold cell.

Happily, the reality turned out to be quite different from what I had been
imagining.

We walked down just one level onto a brightly lit corridor. There were two
large floor to ceiling windows on either side. Through these, I observed
several people variously sitting on the long bench at the back of the room
or even on the floor.

A few were standing and some were nervously pacing the length of the
confinement area.

Through the first two windows, the men held inside were accepting their
current predicament with very divergent levels of apprehension.

"There are four holding cells in this section." Officer Stauer explained.

"These windows are actually unbreakable one-way glass. From the inside, the
detainees essentially have a mirrored wall.

This way, we can keep them under observation. Out here, we can see into the
room but they cannot see out.

I placed your son in the cell down the hall on the right side. He should be
alone unless there's been a large influx of arrests."

"But you told your Captain that Sean hadn't actually been arrested yet."

He nodded.

"That's why I placed him in a cell by himself."

By this time, we had reached the far end of the corridor and I turned to
look through the large glass to my right and saw my boy.

He was indeed quite alone in the confines of the brightly lit room.

He was sitting scrunched up on the bench that ran the length of the back
wall.

There was a red/purple mouse under his left eye where the pickpocket had
initially punched him. Somehow, this just served to make him cuter if that
were possible.

His legs were pulled up and his arms were wrapped around his shins almost
hugging them to his body while his chin rested upon his knees.

His shoes and belt had been taken from him and I smiled as I observed his
toes wiggling absently within his socks.

His fingers thrummed distractedly against his legs and his face; his
beautiful face bore an expression of bewilderment and anger.

Anger... It suddenly occurred to me that I had never seen Sean angry.

I guessed (from what I knew about him), that this was an emotion very new
to his nature. I sighed softly as I realized that yet another shard had
broken away from the inherent naivety that had been such a part of his
character when I'd first taken him from the NEST and drawn him into the
center of my world. This was why the anger that occupied his sweet
countenance was tempered by confusion.

I stared at him through the one-way glass and caught my breath as I
silently drank him in with my eyes. He had no idea that anyone (let alone
me) was watching him and therefore his actions were natural and not
contrived.

Although the anger on his face was not in itself attractive, it didn't
spoil his beauty and to an extent; added a certain charm that complimented
his slowly emerging maturity.

He was my boy...the owner of my heart and I stood silently appreciative of
everything about him as I watched through the glass.

The sound of the door to his holding cell opening broke his reverie.

He was on his feet at once; assuming a pose that was tense and wary. His
fists balled at his side, as he stood poised to react to who or what had
suddenly interrupted his silent solitude.

He recognized Officer Stauer at once and his face tightened into what was
almost a scowl. There was no fear on his countenance. He knew too much of
the world and his position in it to be afraid; rather, he looked at the man
disapprovingly. He knew that he had been treated unjustly and this troubled
his innate sense of fairness and trust.

To his credit, it was the police officer who spoke first;

"First of all, I need to apologize to you young man. My actions were
improper and unprofessional. I have treated you badly and I'm very sorry
for that but I'm even sorrier if my poor performance at my job affects your
opinion of police in general.

If you'll come with me now, we'll get your shoes and other personal
belongings and you'll be free to go."

"I need to contact my Father and let him know what's happened."

"Your Father knows Sean." I said as I stepped away from the glass and into
the doorway so that he could see me.

He was in my arms almost instantly and I hugged him to me tightly. We stood
together wordlessly for long moments.

Eventually I cupped his chin in my hand and raised his face up to look into
mine. His extraordinary gem-like eyes were moist but no hint of tears
escaped them.

He had obviously made a private promise to himself that he was not going to
cry in front of this stranger.

I nodded to Officer Stauer and placing my arm over Sean's shoulder, we
followed him out of the bright room.

Sean stopped for a moment after leaving the holding cell and looked at the
Policeman locking him into eye contact. He spoke one sentence;

"You should know that when you see a person winning a fight, that doesn't
mean he started it."

Officer Stauer swallowed hard and nodded his head.

He didn't say anything. He simply turned and led us silently up the stairs.

My opinion of the man was very mixed. He certainly wasn't the sharpest
knife in the drawer but he didn't seem to be evil or ill intentioned either.

I couldn't tell if he was nervous about what his own future had in store or
if he was genuinely remorseful over the careless way he'd treated Sean.

Ultimately, as Sean and I followed him up the staircase, I decided that his
fate was a matter between him and his Captain. My lawyers would have
already taken care of all legal documents so; we would be free to go short
of enduring the mandatory flood of apologetic rhetoric directed at Sean
from Captain Fulbright.

I thought to myself that things didn't look so good for Officer Stauer even
though I knew my Lawyers had assured the Captain that we didn't intend any
litigation.

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

In the back seat of the car, Sean had retained a very introspective mood
and he nuzzled tightly against me grasping my hand as L10 Frank drove us
back to the Hay Adams.

I'd decided we would spend one more night there and fly to Boston in the
morning.

Doctor Mo had gone to his own room leaving Sean and me alone in our suite.
We'd agreed to meet later for dinner.

I sat holding the boy I loved as we gazed at the view from the balcony in
stillness but I knew the silence needed to be broken.

"I guess I owe your brother and some others a great vote of thanks. You
certainly handled yourself pretty well with that guy."

He giggled.

"Dad, I knocked the snot out of him." His eyes twinkled as he looked up at
me.

"Jack an' Wolfman told both me an Brian that if we ever needed to start
throwin' punches, we shouldn't stop `til the thing was over an I wasn't
gonna stop. `Course then that cop pulled me off the guy.

Then Dad, the Cop let that jerk get away!

He'd tried to steal my wallet an' I wasn't gonna let that happen cause it
wasn't right an I knew that I could stop it from happinin' you know what I
mean? "

I nodded my head as I drew him closely against my chest.

"Yes Sean...yes my son I know what you mean because you have always known the
difference between right and wrong."

"Dad...Dad I-I just..."

I pulled him tightly to me.

"I don't know how it happened Sean, but you are the finest boy in the world
and I'm so proud to be your Dad and have you to share your life with me.

Now, what about a shower and a change of clothes and supper up on the roof
of this great hotel?"

His smile was electric.

"You're gonna shower with me right?"

I grabbed him and raised him up to my face.

"You little jerk! How could you think that I'd let you shower without me?"

He giggled and kissed my nose.

Moments later we were both naked and working body wash over each other
under the hot stream of the shower.

As I worked my hands over him, I realized once again that he was growing.
His muscles were developing and they were hard and well formed. The little
eleven year old that I'd brought home with me what seemed so long ago, had
grown into a sturdy newly teenaged boy and he would continue to develop
into a strong young man.

 Thirteen seemed so young but I realized that sadly, it was not. It was
just the crux of a fast coming maturity.

I hugged him to me under the hot water and wanted so much to enjoy him
young, pure, and innocent.

I wanted him to remain my little boy but I understood that couldn't happen.
He would grow into a magnificent man and I knew that I would continue to
love him. In the meantime, though, he was my little boy. I had lots of time
to enjoy him as he grew.

I reflected on the wisdom of Professor Swaim way back when I'd first
discussed adopting the boy. The big "wizard" had warned me that nature
would take its course and this would happen.

I realized that without a doubt, I'd made the right decision and I would
love Sean as long as we both lived.

Everything else aside, he was still a young boy and a great treasure to me.

*******

The three of us sat comfortably at our table near a window overlooking
Washington.

Dinner had been delicious and Doctor Mohamed and I sat enjoying a cup of
coffee as we watched Sean methodically destroy a hot fudge sundae.

We would be flying to Boston in the morning but Doctor Mohamed had informed
us we would be parting company there as he intended to return to Joyous
Gaurde with Captain Lucas and the jet.

"My presence on this wonderful little adventure was really just to observe
your behavior and confirm your stability Eric.

I'm satisfied with your recovery as will my colleagues be when I report to
them.

You two should enjoy the final stage of this trip without me tagging along."

Although I had actually enjoyed his company, I didn't put up much of a
protest as the idea of just Sean and I was very appealing.

"That being the case, there is one more thing we need to do together."

I pulled out my phone and arraigned to have a car waiting for us.

"I'd always intended that this be a part of this trip. It's something every
American should see."

It was a very short drive to the West end of the National Mall and just as
I remembered it, the Colorado marble of the exterior looked yellow gold
under the bright but somehow appropriate lights. It would have looked
perfectly at home in Greece or Rome. It was an almost perfect structure
with its 36 doric columns.

I didn't give them much time to look or wonder. I ushered them up the
marble stairs and into the central chamber and stood back and watched as
the magic, the wonder and the awe overtook them.

It is carved out of Georgia white marble and is so heavy that it had to be
cut into twenty-six sections to be shipped to this site.

The pensive figure is seated and still measures nineteen feet tall. If he
could stand up and walk, he'd be just short of thirty feet...a big man but
then, he actually was a big man not just in stature.

I was fourteen when I first came here and looking into the stone face of
the great man, I suddenly felt fourteen again.

There is a French word; `formidable' and there is no word in English (that
I know of) that describes an encounter with this sculpture better or more
honestly.

Sean grasped my hand and spoke in an almost whisper;

"D-Dad...it's like he's looking right into my heart."

"Yep little man, just like he looked into the hearts of everyone in this
land once."

"Dad, his face looks so sad but also so full of love and worry. It almost
makes me wanna cry but it also makes me proud an' happy."

I hugged him to me and squeezed us together for a long time.

"Here's something most people don't know about this sculpture Sean, the
artist; Daniel French had a son who was deaf and so, if you look at
Lincoln's left hand, he is signing the letter `A' and if you look at his
right hand, he is signing  `L' .

This is a very special place little man and I'm so glad to have been here
when you first saw it."

Doctor Mohamed walked over and grasped my arm.

"Thank you Eric. This is magnificent."

I just nodded and then allowed them to explore and enjoy the entire
building including the words of the great man inscribed in marble.

Later that night, he pulled his sleek naked body against mine and rested
his head upon my shoulder.

He murmured softly;

"Dad I love you so much."

I paused for a moment and then responded;

"I love you too my little Jail Bird."

It didn't take long before he began giggling only to be replaced by kissing
and hugging.

My son was all right and I was more than all right.

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

Author's Note

I have nothing but gratitude for those many of you who have written over
the past five months almost universally expressing concern for my wellbeing.

I am mortified that I've been unable to respond to you but I have truly
been fighting for my life.

It seems that I have won this particular long battle and for better or for
worse have (as you can see) begun writing again.

Thank you my many friends and I hope that you understand that I have not
been rude in not answering your kind messages. I assure you that I have
read and appreciated every one. It is my hope that in the future you will
all receive a grateful reply from me but until that time, I truly wish you
all a Happy New Year.

God Bless!

-Eff