It was five o'clock in the morning when the nurse came into Charles' hospital room to take some blood, check his blood pressure and take his temperature. The lad was not happy at all that they woke him up so early from a deep, sound sleep. He was equally unhappy when the nurse had him turn over when she told him she had to check his surgical site and his stitches.
Charles said something to the nurse about being woke up so early and that he hated having her, a woman, checking out his butt. The nurse playfully slapped his butt when she was done and told the boy to 'grow up' and that she sees hundreds of butts every week but that his was sure the cutest. That made Charles laugh and then he thanked the nurse for checking his cute butt. They shared the laugh and the nurse was gone.
Charles felt he no sooner had gotten back to sleep that they woke him up again when they brought him his breakfast. The twelve-year-old had never been in a hospital before, nor did he know anyone who had been, so he did not know what a hospital routine for a patient was like. There would be no doubt in his mind, ever again.
Charles's breakfast consisted of two eggs, two bland sausage patties, a roll and jelly and two cartons of milk. Charles was sort of happy with his breakfast, but he sure missed Momma Maria's cooking. The lad finished his breakfast within ten minutes of his taking the dome off the dish.
Over at The Cove, Ken Thomas had retrieved his morning newspaper and then sat down in the Kitchen Nook for his first cup of coffee. He opened the paper up to find the morning's headline staring at him.
8 MOTORCYCLE GANG MEMBERS ARRESTED
ALL CHARGED IN DRUG DISTRIBUTION
Ken Thomas read with anxious anticipation hoping this might mean the end of his 'son's' having to look over his shoulder. The article described how the Sheriff's department told of their having the gang members under surveillance for the past six months and that with a recent tip they were able to connect the dots and fit the final pieces together that brought about last night's arrests.
A Sheriff's spokesman said that the Sheriff's men, accompanied by DEA and State and Local police raided the motorcycle gang's local club along with the arrested members' homes in a coordinated operation. The article went on to say that the District Attorney was looking into the possibility the arrested gang members were associated with the Satan's Devils motorcycle gang that were caught up in a shootout with police two weeks ago. The Sheriff's spokesman released a list of the illegal drugs seized and monies confiscated revealing it totaled to well over a half million dollars.
Charles turned on his television after finishing his breakfast and walking to the bathroom to get rid of some excess fluids. The default station came up on the screen and just as Charles was going to change the channel he heard something about a motorcycle gang being arrested that caught his attention. The lad turned up the volume to try to get more information. When that station went back to regular programming he changed the channels until he came across a news station that was reporting on the raid and arrests.
Charles sat in his bed with rapt attention hoping to see the faces of some, if not all, of the motorcycle gang members who were arrested. It wasn't until the top of the hour news cast that the channel showed faces of three of the people arrested. Seeing the faces made his eye go big and he immediately called home.
"'Dad', 'dad', did you see … they arrested some of Smokey's friends? I saw it on the news this morning, just now. 'Dad' … I know some of those guys. They … they were some of the men who … who Smokey gave me to. 'Dad' … they … they were the men who … who … who used me,” now openly cried the distraught twelve year old.
Ken Thomas didn't stop to take his morning shower. He grabbed his car keys and rushed over to the hospital to be with his 'son'. When he entered the hospital room, he saw the nurses trying to find out why the boy was crying so hard. When Charles saw Mr. Ken he called out, "'Dad' 'dad'!”
Ken Thomas rushed to his 'son' and hugged him close. He then asked the nurses to give him and his 'son' a few minutes alone. The nurses looked at one another and then decided to leave and they closed the door behind them.
"Oh, Charles … 'dad's here. Let the hurt all out, 'son'. Those men can't get to you so don't be afraid,” consoled Mr. Ken.
"'Dad' I'm scared, I'm really scared they may find out that I was the one who gave the police the tip that connected the dots. I don't want to die, 'dad', I don't want to die,” cried Charles, as he melted into Mr. Ken's arms.
Just as Charles said that he didn't want to die and began to cry harder, the attending physician had come into the room. The doctor went over to the lad and then looked at Mr. Ken and wanted to know what he could do to help calm the boy down. The doctor told Mr. Ken he thought the boy might be having an after surgery reaction to the anesthesia which he said was not unknown to happen during the first week after the procedure. He asked Mr. Ken if he could tell him what his son told him.
Ken Thomas told the doctor that he knew that his 'son' wasn't having an adverse reaction to the surgery but was reliving a horrific moment in his life. He asked the doctor to try and call Doctor Doug Jennings to see if he could come to the hospital, right now. The physician knew who Doctor Jennings was so he did as he was asked.
Mr. Ken released his strong hug he had on his 'son' and looked into the boy's eyes and said, "Charles … I asked them to call Doctor Doug to see if he could come over here and talk to you. I think if you talk to him, he will be able to help you get past whatever it is you are going through right now. In the meantime, I am going to call our friend Dan Fischer and see if he could also stop by. He may be able to tell you more about the raid last night, which I believe is causing you so much trouble right now.”
"Thank you 'dad'. I knew you would be able to help me,” now sniffed the boy.
It was then the doctor came back into the room to tell the man that he got through the Doug Jennings who said he'd be there within the hour. The physician then noticed that the lad wasn't crying, but only sniffling, so he went over to check the boy's vitals. A nurse also came in and helped the doctor check out the boy. Mr. Ken thanked them both and asked them to bring Doctor Doug directly into the room when he got there.
As soon as the medical professionals left the room, Mr. Ken called Deputy Sheriff Dan Fischer. When he got through to the man; he explained why he was calling. Deputy Fischer told Ken Thomas that he would gladly come over to help calm Charles. The deputy knew the situation and had been involved with Charles after the lad was almost kidnapped. He also knew that the information the pre-teen had given his office a few weeks back was the key piece that resulted in last night's raid.
Dan Fischer arrived first and was directed to Charles' room. The sudden appearance of a Deputy Sheriff asking for the room of the lad who a doctor heard saying he was afraid to die caused some speculation on the ward. The attending physician decided to call the top doc and the administration officer and tell them what he knew, and that a Deputy Sheriff was now visiting the child. The two most important men of the hospital came immediately to the lad's room.
Inside Charles's room, Dan Fischer told Charles that his name was never used in any reports that resulted in last evening's raid. The Sheriff's Deputy promised the boy he would never have to testify at any of the motorcycle gang member's trials. That was when Charles told the Deputy Sheriff what those three men, whose faces he saw on the news, did to him. Hearing what he did brought tears to the Deputy's face. The man then reached out to hug the boy.
A knock was heard on Charles's hospital room door and Mr. Ken went over to see who it was. When he learned who the two men were he invited them in. The men wanted to know why the Sheriff's office was involved in the lad's cry of not wanting to die. Deputy Sheriff Dan Fischer had to be careful of what he said, so he did not reveal the confidence he had with Charles. What he told the men was that he was a friend of the family and was called by Mr. Ken to tell him about the lad's surgery and incidentally was told of the boys saying he was afraid to die, so he came over to see if there was anything he could do.
The administrator asked Mr. Ken if there was anything that happened with the lad that morning which would possibly cause the hospital any liability. They knew who Mr. Ken Thomas was and they wanted to cover their asses as quickly as they could. All Mr. Ken told the men was that he was very satisfied with the surgery and care his 'son' had received and that his 'son's outcry was an emotional response from a bad dream he had. The men looked at one another and decided to accept the man's explanation and they walked out of the room.
As the hospital men walked out of the room, Doctor Douglas Jennings walked in. Charles happily greeted the man and held his arms out for a hug which he received. They made sure the door to the room was closed before discussing what caused Charles's dismay. Doctor Doug listened intently and then asked the other two men if they would exit so he and his patient could talk in private.
Ken and Dan left the room as requested by Doctor Doug and walked down to the cafeteria for some coffee. There they discussed the previous evening's raid keeping only to what was revealed in the morning newspapers and news casts. Mr. Ken thanked Dan for his quick thinking back up in the room and told the Deputy Sheriff he'd get the tab for the coffee. They had a good laugh over it and agreed to meet later and discuss things that concerned Charles.
Up in Charles' room, Doug Jennings was able to calm the lad down and explain that the Sheriff's office was bound by law to keep their sources secret. Doctor Doug assured the twelve year old that his 'dad' and Deputy Dan would do everything in their power to keep him safe.
Charles was satisfied with the doctor's clarification of events so they talked over the other issues Charles presented to the doctor when they first met. Charles was a much happier person when his 'dad' came back into the room about forty-five minutes later. The men agreed to talk later and Doctor Doug went back to his office.
Charles' hospital room was like a revolving door that morning, because no sooner had Doctor Jennings left that Doctor Powers entered. That made the boy laugh.
"So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your laugh this morning Charles? I take it you aren't having much, if any, pain and are anxious to get back to your own bed,” teased Doctor Rick.
"Yes, I am doing real good, Doctor Powers,” replied Charles.
"I understand you had some issues this morning young man. You gave a scare to all the doctors and nurses on this ward with your crying. I take it Doctor Doug was called to set things right? I also heard Deputy Dan also showed up and the hospital's top doc and administrator came by to check on things,” now laughed Doctor Rick. "I'll bet you are going to be the talk of the hospital the rest of the week, young man. Everyone will be speculating what was it was all about and the good thing is they will never find out!”
That revelation got Charles and Mr. Ken to laughing. It was then Doctor Rick asked Charles to turn over so he could check the surgery site and the stitches. Charles wasn't embarrassed to turn over but he did tell the men how the nurse that morning, when she checked the site, smacked his bare butt and told him how cute it was. That got the men to laughing as the doctor took a thorough look at his handiwork.
"Charles, let me ask, do you have much if any pain? If you do, tell me on a scale of ten being the worst to a one being virtually no pain at all,” asked Doctor Powers.
"Well, I guess you could say it is something near to a four. It hurts when I laugh or when the nurse smacks my butt,” chuckled Charles. "But honestly, the pain is bearable, so it is probably a four. When I walked last night it was okay but, no pun intended (chuckled the lad) when I sat down the pain increased some then the nurse gave me something and soon the pain or discomfort went away.”
"That sounds good and it is good to hear we got the surgery right. Now, let me ask Mr. Ken if he is ready to have you back or does he want an additional day of peace and quiet in his house,” now teased Doc Rick.
"Hey, that's not fair, the adults ganging up on the little kid,” smiled Charles.
The men agreed Charles would go home, so Doctor Powers had to talk to the discharge people to get Charles his walking papers. It was close to noon when Mr. Ken and his 'son' exited the hospital. It was then they ran into Nurse Kirby. She hadn't known Charles had been in the hospital and apologized for not coming up to see him. Charles thanked the nurse for her concern but also told her he was very happy to be going home. The two shared a quick hug and Charles smiled as he waved to the woman as he and 'dad' Ken headed for the car and home.
Robert and Chief were waiting on 'dad' Ken and 'brother' Charles at the Foyer entrance when he knew they had driven through the Main Gate. He couldn't wait to see his 'brother' and talk to him about his overnight stay. He had no idea what happened in the hospital room that morning.
"'Dad', why'd you leave in such a hurry this morning? I don't think you even took a shower or changed your clothes from yesterday. That sure is strange. Anyway, how'd you sleep last night Charles?” quickly spoke Robert.
"I'll let you two talk about Charles's experience, while I go and take a shower. Charles, remember …if you head up for your own shower you can NOT let the water run a lot over your butt and your stitches. You can wash but, no pun intended, (laughed Mr. Ken) wash your backside real quick and … well, you know what the doctor said and meant,” advised 'dad' Ken.
"Ahh, 'dad' … should I tell him about what happened, you know, this morning?” wondered Charles.
"Sure, he's your brother. Just remind him that if he tells anyone you'll have to 'kill him',” teased Mr. Ken.
The three Covers headed in their own direction. Mr. Ken went to his master suite for a shower and a change of clothes and Robert and Charles headed upstairs so Charles could get a quick shower, himself. Robert decided to join him in the shower and be there if his 'brother' needed anything.
Charles didn't say anything to Robert about what happened that morning to him. He did talk about his overnight stay and being awakened every three hours for the nurses to check his pulse and take his temperature. Even though Robert pressed him for what he meant by asking 'dad' if he should know what happened, Charles told his 'brother' he'd tell him after he got cleaned up and into fresh briefs and clothes.
The lad's shower lasted a whole five minutes and he only let water to run over his butt one time during the whole time he was under the water. Charles did enjoy the feeling he had after his shower and would have loved to have stayed under the water but he knew he needed to protect the stitches. The boy had forgotten to take clean briefs into the bathroom with him so when he finished his shower and dried off, the pre-teen had to walk quickly to his bedroom to get some clean things to wear. Robert had to do the same.
Robert joined Charles in the lad's bedroom. "OK, now tell me what happened to you this morning that 'dad' didn't want to tell me?” demanded Robert.
Charles smiled at the way Robert spoke to him demanding information. Charles then told his 'brother' to sit down and listen.
"Robert, have you read the newspaper or listened to the news this morning?” asked Charles.
Getting a negative replay Charles proceeded to tell him about last night's police raid and how he thought the bikers would now be after him. Charles proceeded to tell him about his conversation with their 'dad' and how Mr. Ken rushed to the hospital and then called Doctor Doug and Deputy Dan to come there for him. Charles told Robert about the nurse calling his butt cute, the doctors and nurses being afraid they didn't know what was happening to Charles, and then the two top men of the hospital coming to his room to talk to Mr. Ken and Deputy Dan.
Robert sat there in awe of what Charles just told him. He couldn't believe all that happened but he understood that it did. The two 'brothers' turned on the news channel and watched the piece about the police raid together. After viewing it, Robert had a much better idea why Charles acted the way he did but was happy Doctor Doug came to the hospital to clear things up for his 'brother'.
The two lads headed down to the kitchen to ask Momma Maria to put something together for Charles since he missed lunch at the hospital. Momma Maria was happy to put something together and quickly made some mac-n- cheese. She already had applesauce and pudding cups available for Charles to eat as part of his low fiber/soft foods diet. Of course, Robert enjoyed the meal with his 'brother'.
The time was going on 2 PM now and Eric called to find out if Charles came home. He also wanted to know if the guys could come over to skate and swim. Robert told his best friend he had to ask Mr. Ken if they could come over and told Eric he'd call him back in about ten minutes.
Charles and Robert headed to the Study to ask their 'dad' if the guys could come over. Of course they saw Mr. Ken was deep in reviewing some papers, so they remembered about knocking on the door or the frame to get his attention. Once they got his attention they walked in and stood next to his desk.
"'Dad', can the guys come over?” asked Robert.
Mr. Ken thought for a few moments and remembering his quick chat with Mr. Chris about the noise yesterday, he decided he was going to take the lads with him to the office building and hotel construction site.
"Guys, I need to go over to the office building and hotel construction site and I want you two to go with me. We haven't been over there for a few weeks and I think it will be good for us all to go as a family. What do you think?” smiled Mr. Ken.
"Well, it might be fun, but the guys … what about the guys coming over,” persisted Robert.
"To be honest Robert, I'd like for us to do stuff together and this is one of the few things we can do,” said Mr. Ken.
"But why is that 'dad'?” asked Robert.
"Robert … Charles has only been with us a little over two weeks. I can't get permission to take him somewhere in the state until he's been with me for over a month. It will probably be late August or closer to Labor Day before the three of us can go visit some places here in Texas. I hope you will understand, Robert,” anxiously responded Mr. Ken.
Robert looked at Charles and then back at his 'dad' and said, "Yeah, 'dad', I remember how it was when I first came to you we had to wait. OK, then let's go to the construction site. But, can I tell the guys they can come over after dinner about 6:30 or so?” hoped Robert.
"Yes … I think that is a good compromise, 'son'. Sure call Eric … have him call the rest of the kids and tell them they can come by after 6:30,” agreed 'dad' Ken. "We'll leave in about ten minutes and there will be no need to wash up, all the way to your elbows, either.”
"Why's that 'dad'?” asked Charles.
"Well, you two just took your showers didn't you?” laughed 'dad' Ken.
The lads laughed at what their 'dad' just said and then went off to call Eric and drain their lizards before catching back up with Mr. Ken. It was about 2:30 when the three Covers left for the construction site. It took about forty minutes to get over to the site which was at an overlook on the lake.
Ken Thomas had bought the property when he saw the potential for an overlook hotel with some great views. He also figured an office building right next door would help bring people in the general direction. He got the parcel for a song and put options on other parcels knowing they would be worth a lot more if his hotel and office building were at least half full.
The lads followed Mr. Ken as he talked to the construction foremen of the hotel site. The foundations were almost completed and they said they hoped they would be setting iron by the end of the following week. The foreman for the hotel gave his visitors some hardhats to wear and then took the man and his boys to the edge of the hotel property that looked over the gorge of the lake. The kids saw how high they were up and asked Mr. Ken why he would build so high up.
Mr. Ken explained to the lads the views were going to be spectacular and the people would be clamoring for them. He also told the kids there would be a fantastic restaurant and a ballroom with space for expansion. Then, he told the kids how he envisioned there being a special water slide down to the water and WaveRunner and boat rentals at the water level. Hearing that got the boys excited now about the hotel. Even the foreman was surprised about what the man has planned. He told himself he needed to try to scarf up some of the nearby properties to get a piece of the action.
The trio then went over to the office building site and met with that foreman. There 'dad' Ken told the lads he planned for the building to be eight stories high with half of the top floor made into a four bedroom vacation home for him and his boys. He also told them he would move his architectural firm into the bottom floor, or at least a lower floor and they'd work out of there. He mentioned he planned for half of the bottom floor to be child care of some sort but that would have to be worked out with his leasing firm. The boys were impressed with what their 'dad' had planned and they were glad they came over with him.
They spent more than an hour looking over both construction sites and checking over the plans and the construction schedule. They also talked with some of the tradesmen around the site and the boys learned as the foundation was completed other tradesmen would show and start their own part of putting up the building. The boys told Mr. Ken they would like to come by even more now that they knew what the whole thing was all about. That pleased Mr. Ken to no end. He now had something they could do together as a 'family', but he also knew he couldn't just rely on it and that he would have to find a few other things they could all do together.
Momma Maria was happy they got back to The Cove in time for a hot dinner. She and Chief met them at the Foyer Door and told them their dinner was ready and for them to get cleaned up. Chief followed the boys around because she missed them and wanted to be beside them and have them play with her.
They all sat down for a beautiful dinner of spaghetti and meatballs accompanied with a tossed salad and hot garlic toast with vanilla pound cake and fresh strawberries and whipped cream for dessert. The boys were real hungry and they ate voraciously. They loved Momma Maria's wonderful cooking and tonight her meatballs were mouthwatering. They even shared a few with Chief who gave the boys a few kisses in return.
When the Covers finished eating, Mr. Ken reminded Charles he wasn't allowed to do anything strenuous other than walking and sitting. He also refreshed the boys with the hernia operation and he added to the story that the doctors went in through Charles's belly button so there would be no visible scar. The boys didn't understand what Mr. Ken meant at first, but when he told them the lads would probably want to see the scar they needed to expand the fib somewhat.
By 6:30 the lads' friends began to arrive. They all went to talk to Charles about his operation and Charles told them about the food and being awakened every three hours and the nurse saying he had a cute butt. That made the boys laugh and it also satisfied their curiosity. They all headed over to the ramps and practiced their moves.
While the lads rode their skateboards, the ones who were waiting their turn went over to talk to Charles some more. Charles was tired of answering questions about his operation, but he was anxious to tell the guys about the new hotel and office building Mr. Ken was building. That got the boys attention and they were interested in what was happening over there and what the buildings would look like. When the lads heard about the vacation home and the long slide to the lake water and the WaveRunner and boat rentals they all wanted to hear more about what Mr. Ken was building.
Charles might have embellished what was going to happen over at the construction site but he didn't know what else to tell them as they continued to ask him more and more questions. But with all the sitting he'd been doing while watching the guy's skate he told them he needed to go inside and take some medications. They all wished him well as Charles went inside in search of his 'dad'.
"'Dad',” called out Charles as he entered the Study.
Mr. Ken looked up only to see the pain on Charles's face. He ran to the boy and hugged him. It was then Charles told him he was hurting real bad and needed some medicine to help it go away. Immediately, Mr. Ken took the boy to the elevator and called it. When it arrived the man moved the boy inside the elevator car and pressed the up button. When they arrived at the bedroom floor Mr. Ken took Charles by the bathroom and had him get rid of any excess fluids. After that, he took Charles to his bedroom and helped him undress and put him into the bed with the lad wearing just his briefs.
"Charles, I will be right back with your medication. I wish you hadn't let it get this bad before asking for something. I'll be right back with your medicine and then I want you to go to sleep. You are probably tired enough that the meds will relax you enough that you will more than likely go right to sleep. I'll be right back,” was how Mr. Ken described what he was going to do.
Not more than five minutes later, Mr. Ken arrived with the medicine for Charles and had him take it with a drink of water.
"Thanks, 'dad'. I'm sorry for waiting so long, but I didn't begin to hurt until I got up off the ground. Will you check to see if I did anything that might make me go back to the hospital?” pleaded Charles.
Mr. Ken had the lad turn over and he slipped the briefs down far enough where he could spread the boy's butt cheeks. The man was as gentle as he could be and when he couldn't see the incision he asked the lad to pull his briefs off so the boy could spread his legs more and he could look better. Charles tentatively took his briefs off and then spread his legs more. That did the trick for Mr. Ken and he could now see that one stitch had pulled some and the area looked red.
Mr. Ken told Charles what he saw and said he'd check again in the morning and if it were still red he'd call Doc Rick. Charles agreed and when Mr. Ken went to put his 'son's briefs back on him Charles asked if he could stay that way. The man smiled and just put the covers over the lad and walked out of the room. Chief had been there the whole time and stayed when Mr. Ken left. She would go outside later, but for now she wanted to stay with her boy.
Robert came in looking for his 'brother' and learned he was hurting and went up to bed. Robert went back outside and told the guys what happened to Charles and then walked with the guys up to the Main Gate. Robert told his friends he'd have to call them tomorrow if and when they can come over. The lads moaned some but they understood about Charles needing to rest and Robert might have to spend some time with his 'brother'. The boy's parents came by to pick up their kid and were disappointed when Mr. Ken wasn't there to talk with.
Robert went in to talk with his 'dad' about Charles and it was then the teen learned Charles had overdone it and one stitch might be a problem. Mr. Ken told Robert he needed to watch out for his 'brother' and make sure he didn't over extend his butt these next few days. Robert said he was sorry he hadn't watched out for Charles and would make sure he did from now on. The teen said his goodnights to his 'dad and went up to bed.
Robert stopped by Charles's bedroom to check to see if his 'brother' was sleeping alright or having another nightmare. He saw that Chief was at the foot of the lad's bed. She raised her head to see who it was and when Robert smiled at her she put her head down on her paws and closed her eyes. Finding the lad was fast asleep the older 'brother' closed the door and went to his own bedroom. He called Eric after he had gotten ready for bed and the two talked until midnight.