Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:40:43 -0700 (PDT) From: adm2780 Subject: New Horizons Chapter Forty All rights reserved. Other than downloading one copy for personal enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author. As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually and are kept to a realistic level. Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between males, adult and minor. As such it is homoerotic, designed for the entertainment of mature adults. If you are not of legal age to read such material, or if the subject matter would create irresolvable personal moral dilemmas, please exit now Note: I would like to thank Colin and John for their continued support and patience while I try to write this story. Their support and efforts at editing and correcting my errors contribute significantly to the reader's pleasure. Chapter Forty: New Horizons Saturday morning Daniel awoke feeling contented. He was spooned into Michael with Michael's arm wrapped around his chest. He wondered what the boys would think if they could see the two of them now. An instant later he smiled when he remembered four not so innocent boys wandering in from the grove. The look on the boys' faces was priceless when they realized Daniel was watching them and most likely knew what they had been doing. Then, their expressions when he let them off the hook and didn't embarrass them. It had been a good week. Clay had done a good job helping the boys to look better. Linda and Arthur were extremely generous and patient with the boys. Daniel thought about Jeremy, but knew he needed to let him have time with his mom and Arthur. Daniel would call his mom later. The television appearances went well and the appearance with David Arnold was particularly pleasing. The highlight of the week was the injunction and the affirmation on appeal. The federal court had not issued its ruling. Arthur expressed his opinion that if the federal court was going to overturn the ruling it would have done so immediately and not waited. This gave Daniel encouragement, but he would feel better when the ruling affirming the lower court was announced. Daniel could hear the boys. They were up and starting a new day. Daniel listened and could hear them following their normal routine. Almost all of them headed to the latrine for morning duties. They sounded half asleep walking in, but awake coming out. A few of the older boys were coaxing their young charges to hurry and use the bathroom so they could get breakfast before Mr. Barry ran out. Daniel wondered how many of the little ones believed that veiled threat of going hungry. Barry would never close the kitchen so long as he knew there was one boy still to be served. Daniel extricated himself from Michael's grip, found his duff kit and headed to the latrine to shave and shower. Daniel normally waited until the boys were out or dressed before any of them woke, not today. Still naked from the previous evening's activities with Michael, Daniel decided to not worry about it and left his room. The boys greeted him as though it was normal for him to walk among them as naked as they were. Daniel laughed to himself as he thought either being naked was perfectly normal to them or, their stomachs were a higher priority at the moment. Daniel quickly dressed and decided the boys' had the right priorities. Daniel headed to the mess hall for coffee and breakfast. When he walked in many of the boys greeted him. Little Danny ran over and jumped in his arms for their regular good morning hug. As usual, Daniel walked among the boys drinking his coffee, asking them how things were going and if anyone needed help with their lessons or anything else. The priests were due in this afternoon so Daniel knew many of the boys would be going to confession. He didn't know why but he had a sudden urge to ask TJ and his friends from the previous afternoon if they would be going to confession; Daniel mentally slapped the back of his hand for the thought. Two of the boys on kitchen duty brought plates over for Daniel and the rest of the staff. By then Michael had dressed and joined them. Mark sat at the table looking first to Daniel and then Michael. Daniel knew something was up. "Mark, you look like the Cheshire cat. What's going on?" "Oh, nothing. Just thinking." "Must be some thoughts from the look on your face. Want to share with the rest of us?" "Daniel, I'll assume you haven't heard the latest gossip or story running around here. Seems the boys believe you and Michael will be in a good mood today because you enjoyed yourselves so much last night. The other part is some of the boys were thinking they should share some of their favorite spots with you. The other boys said 'no way'; they didn't want you knowing where they like to sneak off to for a little personal satisfaction." "What?!" The staff members all had a good laugh while Daniel and Michael turned crimson. "You mean as open as I've been with them, they won't share the location of some of their hottest spots?" Michael said with a touch of sarcasm and laughingly, trying to get out of an embarrassing moment. The men sat there finishing their breakfasts and enjoying a final cup of coffee while the last of the boys filed out of the dining hall. Daniel wanted to let his staff know what had transpired during the week and what was planned for the near future. "After the first television appearance I realized the message would be much more effective with a visual aid. My step-dad has a model of Lady Justice sitting in the house and when I thought about the scales, I thought it was perfect for what we wanted to say. We think it was very effective." "Of course, between my parents and Mark's parents we were able to locate the boy; my mom named him Jeremy. Poor kid, you wouldn't believe how lost that kid looked. He'd just flat given up hope. I don't think he cared if he lived or died, or what anyone did to or with him. He turned twelve less than a month ago." "Do you think he'll come around, Daniel?" Barry asked. "We hope so. Michael is taking care of the physical problems now. That kid was penetrated so many times and so often that the sphincter muscle wouldn't close. He has to wear a diaper or a plug to avoid embarrassing himself. Mentally, he's been beaten into total submission as a slave." "The boy has withdrawn to the point of using his withdrawal as a survival mechanism, if you can call it surviving." Michael interjected. "Sometimes when you can't deal emotionally with the problem, the way to deal with it is to block it out. In Jeremy's case we're guessing his withdrawal is due to a number of things. Daniel and I talked about it and we think that when Jeremy can function without embarrassing himself, we're going to bring him here for a visit. We're not talking permanently, just a few days. Let him be around other boys his age. These boys can relate somewhat to the things Jeremy has experienced, but they can also show him a way back." "Do we know where the boy's parents are?" "We know where they lived. We have a picture of the house. Would you believe they had plenty of equity in the home to borrow the money to pay the debt, but the creditor wouldn't give them time to arrange the loan? This was a case of pure greed and not caring who paid the price. That was a key element for us in deciding to get this boy. Anyway, there's been no contact with the parents. That's something we have to address later. Right now, my mom is determined to free this boy and adopt him. She's trying to do for Jeremy what my dad did for me." "Daniel, if the boy is set free, doesn't he then return to the parents?" "Logic tells me on one side that the boy should go back to his parents. However, I know from experience that the boy we will have when he's freed will not be the same boy they lost. After his experiences, he can't be. Someone mentioned to me when I asked mom about naming the boy why we didn't use his original name. Understand that my birth name was Michael, not Daniel. My therapist said it was a new life and I should have a new name and not one that would tie me to the old life." "We're hoping the law suit provides a lot of answers for us. If this works out the way we hope it will, then each parent will have to petition for a finding on their child. The question will become, what happens to children who should have had this protection but didn't get it, and their parents don't petition the court for the child's freedom?" "Daniel, I don't mean to redirect this conversation or train of thought, but before I came in here this morning, I checked our answering machine. Your step-dad called and Captain Jackson from Orlando called last night." "Okay, Paul, thanks. Gentlemen, travel time is over. Time for me to get back to work. Oh, Paul, what about the new boys? Any word on their medical tests and school?" "All of them checked out clean on the blood tests. When the priests get here this afternoon they will have the evaluation tests for the boys to take. When do you want to set it up?" "Why make 'em sweat? Let's go ahead and do it this afternoon. Do you think we should let them see the priests before or after the test? They can ask for support before taking the exam or forgiveness for all they think and say during the exam." Daniel said with a smile. *** "Arthur? Sorry I didn't return your call sooner, I just got the message." "That's no problem, Daniel. I just wanted to keep you apprised of the latest developments. I received a call from Frank Dewey. The name most likely doesn't mean anything to you, but among attorneys, the guy is almost a legend. He's a senior partner in Boyd, Dewey, Bellum & Howe. The firm specialized in appellate law and argument before both the state and federal supreme courts. He's offered his services, pro bono, as co-counsel on our suit. Translated, that means some of the most prestigious firms around must think that we've got one helluva case." "Now, before you get too excited, let me explain something here. I said he's willing to do this pro bono. That's for right now. Understand that when we win this case, the attorney or attorney directly involved with the verdict and with the best public relations people will reap huge rewards down the road in the form of interviews, possibly television appearances, and future clients. Frank's a great attorney and an excellent business man." "Arthur, I'm going to leave the legal part of this up to you; you're the lawyer. However, one thing I can do is help direct some of the publicity through Walter and Elizabeth. If anyone deserves to benefit from this down the road, it's you. This was your brainchild." "I appreciate that, Daniel, but suppose we worry about that when the time comes. Right now, let's just win." "I can go along with that. Arthur, how's Jeremy? I was a little concerned about how much we were throwing at him the past few days, particularly given his age and what he's been through." "He hasn't said anything to us, but your mother and I think he's looking for you. You connected with the boy. We think he knows you can understand how he feels right now. Daniel, the adult-child relationship is difficult enough to understand for most people. In this case Jeremy had a master-slave relationship and it wasn't good. Your mother thinks that with lots of patience, lots of love and therapy, he'll come around, and I agree with her. We think it would be good for you to maintain contact with him. Do you mind if we call you every few days so Jeremy can have the opportunity to talk with you?" "Anything I can do to help the boy, I'll do. Same goes for the law suit. Give my best to Mom?" "You know I will. Take care of yourself and don't be a stranger." *** "Who was on the phone?" Linda asked as she set a cup of coffee on Arthur's desk. "Your son. He said to give you his best. Actually, he was returning a call I placed to him last night. I wanted to let him know about Frank Dewey. Where's Jeremy?" "In the kitchen. I'm trying to get him to sit at the table and eat with me. He keeps moving off towards a corner and standing to eat." "Linda, remember what Daniel told us. This boy's world changed when he was ten years old from what we consider as normal to a world full of brutality and abuse. He has been trained a particular way and if he didn't do exactly what was expected, he was punished. Michael told me he thought the boy was afraid to accept what we think of as normal. If he expects the worst and it happens, there is no let down. If he accepts our reality, to him there is a chance of having to relive the nightmare of being enslaved again. It's going to take time and patience, my love. Let me talk with him." Arthur picked up his coffee and walked into the kitchen. Jeremy stood to one side eating his breakfast. Arthur understood that slaves were taught they were not allowed to sit in the presence of their master and never sat at the same table to eat. The way the boy ate, using only a spoon for bacon and eggs, told Arthur he was not accustomed to this kind of food or manner of eating. "Jeremy, on mornings as nice as this one, I sometimes prefer to sit out on the patio. Why don't you and I sit out there and have our breakfast, maybe we can talk a little, too." Jeremy stopped eating as soon as Arthur said something to him. Arthur could see the confused expression on the boy's face and assumed it was because the boy wasn't sure what he should do. His slave training taught him that as soon as the master entered the room he stopped eating and assumed slave rest until either he was told otherwise or the master left the room. This new place was very confusing and unsettling to the boy. "Jeremy, I want you to sit at this table to eat your breakfast. I'm going to sit here with you so you and I can talk. The first thing that I'd like for you to understand is that it is okay for you to talk with me, do you understand that?" Jeremy looked in Arthur's direction and then quickly looked away. "Jeremy, the second thing I'd like for you to understand is that it's considered only polite that when you are talking with someone, you look at that person. In other words, we expect you to look at us. In fact, we'd like for you to look at us; we hope to see a sparkle in those hazel eyes one day." Jeremy forced himself to look at Arthur, who thought he saw a hint of a smile sneaking its way into the boy's expression. "Since you've been here we've told you a lot of things, mostly to try and make you more comfortable and get you to understand that we didn't bring you here to be a pleasure slave. It occurred to me that while we were telling you all the things you shouldn't or didn't have to do; we failed to tell you what you should do. We left you hanging with no direction." Jeremy again looked in Arthur's direction, this time waiting longer to look away. "Jeremy, do you know what a mentor is?" Jeremy's expression turned to one of being uncertain. The boy didn't know what a mentor was and wasn't sure how to answer. "No mas^Å^Åuh, no^Å" Jeremy now had a pleading look on his face. "That's alright son. I know, we said for you not to address us as master or mistress. We failed to tell you how to address us. Most children show respect to an adult by using the terms 'sir' or 'ma'am'. Would you feel comfortable with that?" "Yes ^Åuh yes, sir." Jeremy answered and the smile tried to sneak in again. "A mentor is an advisor, a counselor or teacher. The mentor is normally an older person who guides a younger person. Right now I think that may be the easiest way for you to look at Ms. Linda and myself; we are your counselors and teachers. There's one other important thing that happens between the mentor and student. In time they learn to care about one another and a trust grows between them. Ms. Linda and I hope that's what happens between us and you." "That's enough lecturing for one day. Do you remember Ms. Linda saying the pool and grounds would be your responsibility?" Jeremy instinctively nodded. "Let me ask you this, do you know how to take care of a pool?" "No, sir." "Well, in that case, maybe it would help if I showed you. Let's walk out to the shed and I'll show you how the pool is setup." Arthur gathered his dishes to take them inside. Jeremy quickly picked up his dishes and then reached for Arthur's. When he did Arthur looked at the boy, smiled, and thanked him. The look on the boy's face let Arthur know the boy was beginning to relax with him. "Jeremy, I didn't want to say anything near the house, just in case Ms. Linda could hear us; I didn't want to embarrass you. This little talk is just between us guys, okay? I can understand it might be a little embarrassing for you to have to wear that diaper all the time. When you're outside, if you prefer not to wear it we want you to know that's all right. You can take it off and if there's a little problem, just get the water hose and clean yourself off. When we're inside you should use it so nothing happens while you're sitting on the furniture. The doctor tells us it'll probably take three or four weeks for the muscle to heal itself so you won't have any problems. In the mean time, we'll work through it. Also, when we go back inside you need to follow me to our bathroom. I need to get your weight and waist size, that's how they sell those things and I'll pick up a supply for you this afternoon." Arthur and Jeremy walked into the shed where Arthur explained all the valves and timers to Jeremy. He also showed the boy where the chemicals and cleaning equipment was kept as well as the clipboard holding the maintenance schedule and records. It occurred to Arthur the boy might not be able to read the instructions and schedule, Daniel had told them how he had forgotten a large part of his reading vocabulary in a short period of time while a slave. "Jeremy, I want you to understand that if you understand the directions on the clipboard, ask us. That's what a mentor id for. That's how you learn. Okay?" Jeremy nodded and then answered. "Yes, sir." Jeremy walked out of the shed with the pole in one hand and brush and net in the other. When he got to the pool, Jeremy turned to look at Arthur and then removed his diaper. He walked around the pool and did not appear to be the least bit self-conscious about being naked. The boy had very little tan which meant he would burn quickly. Linda watched the man and the boy as they began to bond and build a relationship. She noticed that coming out of the shed Jeremy was much more vocal with Arthur than when they walked in. She didn't know why, but she did know that was a step in the right direction. She also noticed that Jeremy had no tan lines; in fact, he had no tan. Suppressing a mother's instinct to give him lotion to protect himself from burning, she stepped back; this was the guys' time together. That evening Linda, Arthur and Jeremy sat in the family room watching a movie on television. Linda noticed that Jeremy got a light sunburn during the day. She retrieved some lotion from her bathroom and motioned for Jeremy to sit next to her on the sofa. Jeremy looked at Arthur who nodded for the boy to move over to Linda. Linda squirted some of the cool lotion on Jeremy's back and laughed when he cringed and goose bumps appeared. She was pleased when she felt the boy relax and enjoy the attention she gave him. She could tell his bottom was also burned but didn't try to put any lotion there, knowing that if he had an accident while she rubbed the lotion in, the boy would be humiliated. Linda gave him the bottle of lotion, suggesting he rub more in wherever he might feel the sun burn. Jeremy stayed in the family room with Linda and Arthur until his bedtime. Linda waited, giving the boy sufficient time to go into the bathroom, cleanup and put on a fresh diaper. She then stepped into his room and found him curled up on a blanket on the floor, next to the bed. Lightly placing a hand on his shoulder, she got the boy up and put him in the bed. She told him not to worry about anything getting dirty; soap and water would take care of any problems. She pulled the sheet up, tucking him in, and gave him a kiss goodnight on the forehead. Jeremy watched as she walked out of the room and then began to shed tears, silently. *** "Captain Jackson, Daniel Thompson. How are you?" "Doin' fine Daniel, doin' fine. Listenin' to the news, I think you've been doin' pretty good yourself. I called about a couple of things. The fellas that came down and helped with the basketball court and the baseball field, they want to know when we're goin' down again; they're ready to spend some time with the boys and have fun." "Now, Captain, you know I have a hundred boys here who would just tell you to come on down. They'd be glad to show the older generation how the game's played." "You know, Daniel, I'm almost afraid of that. Actually, I'm serious, the guys promised the boys that they would come down and we'd put some teams together for a little competition. My guys were serious and they are definitely ready to go." "Do your guys have a date in mind?" "You say when, Daniel. We can arrange to be off with just a few days notice. Of course, my guys want to bring their boys with them too. All of us have had to put up with our sons nagging to get back down there." "What about next weekend? I'm sure the boys would love it and that will give Barry enough time to lay in supplies for a cookout. Captain, you know if the boys want to come for a visit and the parents don't mind, they're welcome any time. The bunks are still available for an overnight if they want." "Let's make it a date for next weekend then. I'll let the guys know and you tell the boys to start practicing. Unless my calendar is off, aren't you and the cherubs scheduled to be at the hospital next Wednesday?" "That's right. We'll be bringing Sean up for a checkup and the boys help serve lunch at the senior center. This is turning into one of those grand-adoption things. I just haven't figured out if the seniors have adopted the boys as grandsons or if the boys have adopted the seniors as grandparents." "Daniel, let me get real serious with you for a moment. I have two boys here that we're holding in juvie. They seem to be pretty decent kids to me. They aren't delinquents or street kids. I had them at my house for two nights, but that's against procedure, so I had to bring them here. My boys were keeping them occupied. They were traveling through here, probably on vacation, and the family got in a bad accident. These two boys lost both parents and three siblings; that was just three days ago. We haven't been able to find any family. We know they're from England and we've notified immigration; they notified the British Consulate. So far, we haven't heard anything. Daniel, the only kids we have in juvie right now are real hoodlums; these two wouldn't stand a chance. Can you take them?" "Captain, I'll assume you're asking that question just to be polite. Do the boys know their parents and siblings are gone? How old are they?" "They've been told, but I'm not sure it's registered yet. These kids walk around like their in shock; neither one has shed a tear. They're only nine and seven. Of course, if we can locate some of their family the boys could go there. Our main problem with locating family is that we believe they're from England; you'll understand when you talk with them. Daniel, there may also be some legal issues if the information I'm getting is correct. At least for these two, they could get a settlement out of this that would secure their education and a start at a decent future. They could be ready to go when you get here on Wednesday." "Do you think, Captain, they could be ready to go around 3:30 this afternoon?" "I was kinda hopin' you'd ask that. I know a judge I can call and have temporary custody transferred to you right away." Daniel sat back in his chair and watched the boys outside. There would always be boys who needed both a home and some one to care about them. It suddenly occurred to him he hadn't asked the names of the boys the Captain had called him about. It really didn't matter. All that mattered was the boys needed someone to care. As he sat thinking, Daniel heard the bell ring, signaling lunch was being served. He realized he had spent most of his morning on the phone. *** Barry and his crew had prepared hamburgers and fruit salad for lunch. Daniel listened to the staff making plans for the afternoon's activities as they ate their lunch. About half way through lunch Daniel let Rick know they had two more boys coming in. He told Rick as much as he knew and then smiled when Rick asked when the boys were coming and Daniel said he was going to get them right after lunch. Daniel decided he needed to let the boys know what was happening. "Okay fellas, can we bring it down to a low roar? Hey, guys!" Daniel gave up, set his drink down and placed a little finger at each side of his mouth. The resulting whistle caused the room to become eerily quiet. Daniel wondered why he hadn't thought to use that trick before. "A couple of announcements please. Everybody listen up. First, the thirteen new boys, you know who I'm talking about. They can be identified by either the light stripe around their butts or by their sunburned butts." Daniel paused to let the boys get the finger pointing and laughs out of the way. "Yeah, the thirteen that just got pointed out by the rest of the guys, report to the administration office at 3:00 this afternoon. I'll assume everyone knows the priests will be here shortly and you can participate in confession and communion if you like. The priests are also bringing the scholastic evaluation test for our thirteen new friends." Daniel saw the pained expression come over some of their faces while the older boys again pointed and laughed. "Sorry, fellas, but you were forewarned. Every boy here, including the littlest ones, had to undergo evaluation and get a study plan. Today, it's your turn." "Next, I'm sure you remember Captain Jackson and his friends that gave us all the sports equipment and helped build the baseball field. I spoke with him this morning. It seems he and his men are ready to come down and show you guys how to play some ball; if you're up to it, of course." Daniel smiled while he told the boys about the Captain. "Bring 'em on, Mr. Dan'l, we'll show 'em how it's done." Hollered out one boy. "Who's gonna show who?" called out another boy. "Well, I told him I thought next weekend might be a good time for them to come visit. That should give Mr. Barry enough time to lay in supplies for a cookout. Everybody on board with that?" "Don't worry, Mr. Dan'l, we'll be ready." "All right fellas, I'll let the Captain know. Now, one more item, and this is very serious. Dr. Mike and I are leaving in a few minutes for Orlando to meet the Captain. He has two young boys, ages seven and nine, up there that we're bringing back here. These boys just lost their entire family in an automobile accident three days ago. When they get here they'll need lots of support." The room grew quiet with the last announcement. The boys spoke to one another in whispers. After a couple of minutes a few of the older boys began looking around at one another. Gerry, one of the fifteen years olds stood up. "Mr. Dan'l, Jimmy and me would be glad to ride with you if you think it would help." "Gerry, I was hoping one of you would offer. I think it would help for the boys to be around someone other than just adults. From what I understand these boys may still be in shock, neither one has shed a tear yet. Jimmy would be good for the older boy and I'd like to have someone for the younger boy." Jamie, an eight year old, raised his hand. Daniel looked at the boy, "I'll go Mr. Dan'l." Daniel responded with a smile and a nod. They may be boys, but they were caring boys willing to give support and help when they could. *** "Elizabeth? It's Daniel, hope I'm not interrupting anything." "No, Daniel, not at all. I'm sitting here just editing my notes from last week and doing some research. Right now, an interruption is welcome. I know you well enough now to know something's happening or about to happen, what is it?" "It's pretty bad when I can't call and surprise you any more. Captain Jackson and I talked this morning. He has two more boys for me to take to Fort Ogden, but these boys are different. Evidently, there was a pretty bad accident in Orlando about three days ago; several people were killed. That's all I know about the accident except the victims were the family of the two boys we're picking up. The reason I called is simple. It seems to me that our system has focused so strongly on not draining public resources that we've overlooked another segment of our society that needs support, at least temporarily." "Captain Jackson had these two boys at his home. That was against departmental policy and he had to bring them in. The only place he could put them was juvie. These boys are locked up with other kids that are charged with or have been convicted of committing serious crimes. The Captain thought these two were too innocent and would be eaten up by the other boys, so he called us. Of course, what I'm getting at is that we need places set up and approved as temporary shelters for kids like these. I didn't know if you'd be interested in this side of the story or not." "Daniel, you know I am. When and where are you supposed to meet the Captain?" "At the police station; 3:30." "I'll see you there with a crew. I'll see what I can find out about the accident also." "While they rode along Daniel scolded himself for not having thought about these situations before. Not all children need a permanent home. Due to circumstances, some children only needed temporary shelter and support until they could be returned to their family. Daniel's only consolation was knowing Elizabeth would play the story up on the news broadcasts for the next several days, or even weeks, until a resolution to the matter was reached. As they entered Orlando, Daniel called the Captain to let him know where they were and that they would arrive in about fifteen minutes. The Captain advised Daniel the judge was en route to the station to sign temporary custody papers and would arrive about the same time. Daniel was to park his car out front in the no-parking area. A man would come out and place a short-term parking permit on the car. The television station van was already there when Daniel pulled up to the station. He, Michael and the boys got out and walked over to greet Elizabeth. While they spoke, the Captain came out to greet them. "Daniel, you said 3:30, you meant 3:30." The Captain then turned to Elizabeth, "Why am I not surprised to see you here, Elizabeth? I bet Daniel called you while he drove here, right?" Elizabeth just smiled at the Captain. "The boys are inside, upstairs. We can head inside so you can talk to them. The judge isn't here yet. He's exercising one of his prerogatives." Daniel introduced his boys to the Captain as they all walked inside. *** As the group exited the elevator they heard some of the boys yelling. "What's wrong? Is the baby goin' to cry? Boo hoo hoo^Å" "You like suckin' that thumb, squirt? Here, I got somethin' you can suck; try this. Suck it up good and I'll show ya how ta have a real good time." "Oh man! Look at his brother. I bet he's got one tight ass, don'cha boy? You ever had anybody shove somethin' up that tight hole? Com'ere lemme show ya how it's done." Just then the Captain burst into the room. "Hold it, right there! Guard, get in here, now!" His voice was loud, intimidating, and strictly business. "Who let this trash in here? I gave strict orders these two boys were to be kept sequestered. Get this trash outta here. Now!" "Who you callin' trash?" one of the older boys swelled up and challenged the Captain. "You, punk! In case you didn't understand that I'll repeat it. YOU! PUNK! You want to challenge me? I'll stick my hand down your throat, grab your balls and turn you inside out. Tell you what. You want to see somebody get stuck? You've already been found guilty of armed robbery and attempted murder, that's quite an accomplishment for somebody just turned fifteen. You know you're goin' to be enslaved for life so how about I send you next door to visit the big boys for some early trainin'? You want to talk 'bout somebody havin' a tight hole. Tell me punk, how many times you had somethin' stuck up yours? The boys next door would just love ta get a virgin. You know it's goin' to happen, now or when your new owner shows you who's in control. You'll most likely wind up bein' somebody's piece of fresh young meat and spend most of your time on your face, your back or your knees. In two or three years you'll be an old man, a has been, all washed up at eighteen. You wanna go next door and learn now?" A look of fear immediately came over the boy's face. "No sir. I mean, we was just funnin' with 'em. We wouldn't hurt 'em, honest. Right guys?" The boy became contrite and backed away from the Captain as he spoke. The Captain looked at the boy with contempt. The boy didn't fully understand that he had thrown his life away and what was in store for him. Daniel, Michael and the boys stood together quietly while the Captain handled the situation. Gerry and the younger boys just stared at the older boy who was to be enslaved. They had seen boys like that on the streets and knew to keep their distance. Daniel and Elizabeth took the two boys by the hand to lead them away. As the group turned to leave the trouble maker looked at Gerry and made a kissing sound, calling out "Sweeeeet, sweet, sweet, sweet." Gerry knew the meaning and turned to face the boy. On the streets, you didn't back off. If you did you were marked for trouble forever. The Captain caught Gerry's arm. "Son, no. He's not worth it. I'm almost tempted to let you go back and kick his ass, but then we'd all be in trouble. He's just tryin' to goad you into a fight. That boy's goin' no where but down. Remember one thing, he has nothing to lose, you do! His life's over, yours is still ahead of you." Gerry looked at the Captain and then Daniel who smiled and motioned for the boy to walk with him. Gerry looked back at the boy and snickered contempt in his direction. He then joined Daniel and walked out without looking back. The Captain showed them into a private visitation room. Right after they entered, Jamie stepped up to the younger boy. "Hi, I'm Jamie. What's your name?" When the boy didn't answer, Jamie turned and looked at Daniel who encouraged him to keep talking. "We're from New Horizon and you're comin' with us. We got a pool, and we got bikes and skateboards, too, to play with. I got a big brother there who helps take care of me." Jamie was getting louder and more excited the longer he talked. "And, guess what, we get to go naked all the time, too." With the last statement, the adults broke into laughter. Only an eight year old could say it with such innocence. The two new boys just stood and looked at everyone, wondering if this was for real. Daniel sat down in a chair and pulled the older boy near him. Elizabeth took the hand of the younger boy. "Son, what's your name?" Daniel asked gently. "Conner, sir. He's my brother. His name is Peter." "Conner, my name is Daniel Thompson with New Horizons and this is Elizabeth Risler. The boys call us Mr. Daniel and Ms. Elizabeth, you can too. These are some of the boys from New Horizons. That's Jamie that was talking to your brother, the older boy is Gerry and the other boy is Jimmy. We have over a hundred boys there. Conner, the Captain asked us to come talk with you. Do you know why you and your brother are here?" "Yes, sir. We're waiting for our mum and dad to come get us and take us away. We don't know why they left us and haven't come back for us." While the boy spoke his forehead wrinkled. He was upset and confused, he really didn't understand what had happened or was going on. "Were you and Peter here on holiday with your family?" "Yes, sir. We went to DisneyWorld. We've also been to the space place and were goin' to Sea World to see the whales; and we went to camp for a week. We were goin' to another fun park but we got in an accident." "Conner, can you tell us about the accident?" "A lorry hit our car. We were driving and then he hit us and the car started rolling over and over. Me and Peter were thrown out of the car, at least that's what they told us. Some people in uniforms took us away from there to a hospital and then we went with Captain Jackson to his house. He has two boys, too. Then Captain Jackson said the people he worked for said he couldn't keep us at his house and he had to bring us here. We're waiting on our mum and dad." "Mr. Daniel," the boy gave Daniel a pleading look, "we don't like it here. You saw the other boys, they want to hurt us and we don't know why." "Connor, we know you're from London. Do you have any family there you can tell us about?" "Yes,sir. We have a grandmum. She was supposed to come with us but got sick and stayed home." The boy didn't say any more. He looked at Daniel and then at the Captain. The boy looked around and then at the floor. No one said anything. He was thinking. When the boy looked up at Daniel, tears were forming in his eyes. "Mum and dad, they aren't coming, are they?" Daniel shook his head. "No, Connor, I'm afraid not." The boy looked at Daniel a moment and then fell into his arms and cried. Elizabeth held Peter while he listened to his older brother talk with Daniel. Peter didn't understand everything they said. He did understand that his brother was very sad. Where were his mum and dad? They would make everything better, they always did. Elizabeth held the boy close while they listened to his brother cry. End Chapter Forty To Be Continued: comments welcome, contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com