Brother's Mate
Chapter 32
When John arrived at work the next day he went straight to his manager and explained what had happened and that he might need to take some unplanned time off. His manager told him that there would not be a problem with that as he knew John would catch up as quickly as he could once he was back at work. John then set about getting as much as he could done while he waited for a phone call which he was sure would eventually come. About mid-morning that call was put through to his office. Only it was not from the person he expected to it be from. Instead it was Rose and she sounded quite agitated.
"John, I think we need you to come home as soon as you can, please. Susan has arrived here and is accusing us of kidnapping David. I haven't let on that David is upstairs still asleep. But she is demanding to be allowed into the house to search it. I've refused to let her in, saying that after what she has told the school she is not welcome and I've asked her to leave our property. Do you think I should call the police?" Rose told John.
"Do not let her in, or David out. I'll get there as quickly as the traffic will allow me and I'll call Grant on the way. Is that her banging on the door?" John asked as he could hear a loud noise in the background.
"Yes. It's horrible. But better that than having her rampaging through our house."
"Are either Callum or Alex awake yet?"
"Callum is here with me. Alex is awake and staying in the room with David. I don't know how David has managed to sleep through the screaming and now this banging."
"Good. Tell Callum to get some rope handy. If that woman manages to force her way in somehow, tie her up and inform her you are arresting her for trespass and breaking and entering. I'm leaving now so if you need me call me back on my mobile but remember I'll also be phoning Grant as soon as I hang up here. Stay inside and try to ignore the banging on the door. I love you and will get there as fast as I can." John hung up, stuck his head in his boss' office to let him know he was leaving and then began calling Grant Castleford as went out to his car. After telling Castleford what was going on he was told to just concentrate on getting home and to leave everything else to Castleford to sort out.
John pulled into his driveway to see Susan picking up a rock to throw through the window or at the door. "Susan," he called out quickly as he got out of his car, "Don't make things any worse for yourself by doing what I think you might be intending with that rock. I'm sure we can work something out."
"You deviant, kidnapping, perverts had better give me my son back or I'll destroy you." Susan McAllister shouted at the top of her voice and threw the rock against the door leaving a bad scar on the woodwork. She then went forward to pick the rock up again. John began to move towards her but before he got very far there was a blur of movement and a police officer ran between John and Susan, catching her and pinning her arms to her sides as he held her in a bear hug. A second officer, also running but seconds behind the first quickly cuffed one of her hands to his own.
The first officer released his hold on her and began to inform her that she was under arrest and told her, her rights. She was then led away to the police car where she was locked in the back of it with her hand cuffed to a special pole fitted inside the car. As she was led away the first officer then turned to face John and said, "Good morning Mr. Ashbourne. We've got to stop meeting like this." He held out his hand smiling.
"Officer, or is it Sergeant, Cooper, isn't it?" John said holding out his hand to shake the policeman's hand.
"Yes, it's me and Sergeant Smith again, I'm afraid. Your lawyer phoned our precinct as we were on patrol near here we got despatched. We heard what she said to you just before she threw the stone, so you've got two witnesses to this little scene which is why we were able to place her under arrest straight away. You will be pressing charges, I hope?" Sergeant Cooper said.
"I don't know yet. I'll need to discuss it with my family and see what we want to do. I presume you need to get some statements now?" John said.
"Yes, but I believe your lawyer is on his way here and we'll wait to take those statements with him present and advising you. After all you have been accused of kidnapping. Although why anyone would report holding a child they have kidnapped to the police I don't know. I was doing an extra shift last night when your lawyer phoned in that information." Sergeant Cooper explained as he saw the puzzled look on John's face.
"And there I was beginning to think the police force had greatly improved their communication systems." John joked.
"Not with the budget cuts we're facing." Cooper replied.
"John, can I come in or do I have to go away?" Bradley was calling from the pavement at their gate.
"Come on in Brad. Although you've missed all the excitement." John said.
"Al phoned me and told me some of it. He's very worried." Bradley explained.
"Well you'd better go in and give him some comfort then. I ought to do the same for my wife and older son." John invited Bradley in. "Do you want to come in and maybe we can get a brew on while we wait for Mr. Castleford." John asked Sergeant Cooper.
"Thank you, but I'll stay out here with Sergeant Smith while we wait for the paddy wagon to come and collect that woman. Then I'm sure we'll both be glad to accept a cuppa." Cooper replied.
Callum had chanced taking a look at what was going on outside and when he saw the police officer standing talking to his father he thought the worst and quickly went to the front door and opened it with the intention of putting the police officer right. Then he saw John hold out a hand to the officer and smile as they shook hands. "Thank God for that. I thought the policeman was going to arrest you." Callum told his dad as he walked towards him.
"Hi Cal, no, but they have arrested David's mum." John said.
"Hi Cal," Bradley greeted his friend.
"Oh! Hi Brad. Sorry I didn't even notice you there. Al's going to be happy to see you. He's nearly wetting himself." Callum greeted Bradley.
As they entered the house John told Bradley and Callum to go upstairs and get both Alexander and David and have them come down to the lounge. Then he went to find Rose. He pulled Rose into a hug and she broke down in tears. It only took a few moments for Rose to regain control with John comforting her and they both moved into the kitchen to put the kettle on.
"That woman is evil." Rose said.
"I think she needs some psychiatric help and maybe now she'll get it." John said.
"She was saying the most awful things. I don't know if I'll be able to face the neighbours again." Rose said and her whole body shuddered.
"I think you two need to go and sit down with your sons. I'll make the tea and bring it through. I know where everything is." Bradley said as he walked into the kitchen.
"You're a good friend Bradley. Thank you." John said and gently steered Rose to the lounge.
David ran up and threw his arms around Rose and said in a quavering voice, "Callum says they've got mum in the police car?"
John put his hand on David's shoulder and said, "Yes, they've arrested her for damaging our front door. I don't know what will happen but I'm sure your dad will try to help her.
"If she goes to jail then me and dad will be alright." David said looking at John with wide pleading eyes.
"Oh, you poor boy! What have you been through?" Rose said sadly.
Bradley came in with a tray laden with cups and the makings for the tea and put it down on the table. "Shall I act as mother?" he asked and began to turn the cups over before getting a response. His work was interrupted by a knock on the door and he went to answer it. Returning with both police sergeants and Grant Castleford. "I'll put the kettle on again and get some more cups." He smiled as he walked out the room.
"I didn't realise that your income stretched to butler service John," Grant joked.
"I would certainly look to employing that boy if it did. He's a really good guy." John replied.
"That's why I chose him as my boyfriend." Alexander said proudly.
"Chose him?" Callum said, "I think you'll have to admit that he chose you first; and also, he was my friend before he picked you up."
"Okay boys, I think we need to leave that discussion till later. These officers and Mr. Castleford need to get back to work." Rose said.
"Strictly speaking, we are at work." Sergeant Smith said.
"I think we need to drop the semantics and let's get on with it." Grant said. "Officers I guess it would be best if you get your statements first then I will discuss the way forward with this unfortunate family."
"Before we begin there's just something I want to get clear in my mind. Alexander you said Bradley was your boyfriend, right?" Sergeant Smith asked.
"Yeah, he is." Alexander answered.
"Oh, okay, it's just that I thought Callum was gay, not you." Smith said.
"We're both gay." Callum answered quickly.
"Right, that makes sense now. Sorry I misunderstood. I hope I haven't embarrassed any of you by this." Sergeant Smith said.
"Not at all. We're not ashamed to be who we are." Callum responded.
"Now that my thick partner has sorted his little brain out, can we get on with the statements. I think that there is no need to take each person's statement privately and we probably can get it done faster if we take one general statement with each of you adding in your own bits." Sergeant Cooper said. "Would you agree with this Mr. Castleford?"
"I have no problem with that if these people don't." Grant answered.
Sergeant Cooper took out his notebook and pen and began by writing down the date and times and then asked Rose to begin with what happened first. As Rose was relating the story with the odd interjection by Callum, David's eyes got bigger and his face got redder. When Rose and Callum started to recite some of the things that Susan had shouted out at the top of her voice he burst into tears. John moved over and pulled David into a hug and quietly told him that he was not being blamed for any of it and none of it was his fault. Once they had finished taking the statement Sergeant Cooper said they would get it typed up and would return for them all to sign it.
"Make sure you do two extra originals, please." Grant asked, "The Ashbournes need a copy and I would like to hold a copy too."
"No problem. At least that is one thing the police department has been able to modernise in the budget cuts. We've got computers and printers now, instead of the old Remingtons. We'll print off the extra copies and everyone can just sign and sign again." Sergeant Smith said, smiling.
Before the sergeants left David pulled away from where he had stayed in the arms of John and asked, "What's going to happen to my mother?"
"We can't answer that David. But my guess is, she will have a psychiatric evaluation and then she might have to go to a special hospital, or she'll have to go to court and will probably get a fine. Whatever happens, your dad will be kept informed." Sergeant Cooper said.
"And what about me?" David asked.
"I've got a very good lady looking into that for you. Until she has found out what she needs to, you will stay here with the Ashbournes. That might mean you have to spend another night here, but I rather think she'll get something sorted before then." Grant told him. He then took John aside to have a private talk with him before he left to go back to his office. John decided that he was going to stay home with the family for the rest of the day, and if nothing had been sorted for David he would stay home the next day too.
Towards the end of the afternoon John took a call from Grant and then called up to the boys who were all in one of the rooms upstairs, "Boys, you'd better make sure you're dressed decent enough for visitors."
Callum arrived at the top of the stairs fully dressed in seconds, "What's up dad?"
"There's someone from Social Services coming to collect David." John told him.
"Wouldn't it be better if he stayed with us? At least he knows us?" Callum asked.
"Don't worry. I don't think David will want to stay when he knows the options." John told him. "Just get yourselves down here soon."
Callum went back to the room and moments later four fully clothed boys were sitting in the lounge waiting. David was very nervous, but John on instruction from Grant had purposefully not let on what was about to happen. When the doorbell sounded David got more agitated and clearly was very nervous. Rose went to answer the door and the others could hear a lady introducing herself as being a support worker for the social services. All eyes were on the door as the lady entered the room but she was not alone.
Suddenly David jumped up and shouted, "Dad," and then ran to be gathered up in his father's arms.
There followed a short time of organised confusion but the lady eventually got David sitting in front of her and she crouched down to be level with him. "David, if you know your mother will not be at home, do you want to go home with your father, or would you choose to stay here?"
David looked up at his dad, "Mum's not there?" His dad shook his head. "She's not going to come back in the night and hurt me, or lock me up?"
"No, David, I promise you, mum is not going to be with us ever again." Derwent assured his son.
"It's been really nice staying here, but I think I want to go with my dad." David said.
"That's the right decision David. We've been happy to have you and you can come and visit any time, but your place is at home with your dad." John told him.
"And will I be able to stay at my school?" David asked.
"I don't know. I'll have to go and see the head first I think." Derwent answered.
"I've got his number, would you like me to phone him and you can ask him now?" John offered.
"That would be very kind. At least it could help David to settle more." Derwent replied.
John pulled out his mobile and spoke to Amos Crowther before handing the phone to Derwent who started off apologising for the trouble's that had been caused. He then asked the question and once he hung up he relayed the answer to David. "He says that as we had not written a formal letter to the school yet and as there has not yet been an official transfer request from the new school you are still on their books and expected to be present the first day of term."
"Yippee. We stay together." David yelled as he grabbed Alexander's hand.
"And that confirms my thoughts on that one too. Mr. McAllister, remember we shall make some periodic visits until we are sure David is doing okay, but other than that, I don't think we will need to interfere in your home unless Mrs. McAllister gives us cause to." The social services lady told Derwent and then she left.
After she had departed Callum asked, "Dad, I think you knew David's dad was coming too. Why didn't you tell us?"
"It was a bit of a test. You see the social services had learnt that the main problem was with David's mum and they wanted to see his reaction when he saw his father. What they saw, was what they were hoping to see. David wouldn't have behaved like that unless he knew he was safe with his father." John explained.
"John, that scar on the front door was Susan's work wasn't it?" Derwent asked.
"Yes, I'm afraid so." John said.
"Well, I'm sure I can get that fixed. We make that exact pattern of door at the factory. I'll get someone out tomorrow to measure up and it will be replaced as quickly as I can organise it." Derwent said.
"I wouldn't worry about it. I'm sure it will be covered by our insurance." John said.
"No! Please, you saved my son from something that I was powerless to stop. From what you've described to me, I'm not sure that David would be alive today if you hadn't taken him in. Another night in the cold and being wet might have taken a heavier toll than I care to think about. Please let me do this and save your no claims bonus. It's the least I can do to say thank you." Derwent asked.
"Have you made plans for tea tonight?" Rose asked.
"Not yet. We'll probably get some takeaways on the way home." Derwent answered.
"Well I have." Bradley interrupted. "Mum is on her way over here now with the stuff and I'm cooking dinner for all of us."
"Brad, we couldn't ask that of you." Rose said.
"Then don't. I've already got things worked out so there's nothing more to ask." Bradley said.
"I've said it already today, but you're a good friend Bradley Wright." John said.
"And good friends get to stay the night, don't they?" Alexander asked looking at John.
"Bradley is welcome to stay if he wants to. But he needs his parents' permission too." John answered.
The sound of a car in the drive heralded the arrival of the ingredients for a meal and Bradley went out to his mother to help carry them in.
"You know this is something we just don't see with our other friends. You people are like one big family and the moment there is a need you're all rallying around to help. I hope you'll find your way to letting us join in." Derwent said.
"You already are. You're eating dinner with us tonight aren't you?" Rose said, smiling.
Derwent just shook his head. "You know when David asked to come here for that first sleepover, we had no idea what would come of it. It took a lot of persuasion to get Susan to agree to it. I know, Rose, you spent a lot of time on the phone with her and I too had to do a lot of talking. But in some ways I'm glad we did. It's been a tough few months and these last couple of weeks have been a nightmare, but I know that things are only going to get better now. And I also know that David has got good judgement when he chooses his friends. You boys will be just as welcome in our home as you've made David in yours."
"Thank you," Bradley answered for the boys. "Cal, can I ask you to help me in the kitchen please?"
"I'll help too." Alexander offered.
"I think you need to keep David company for a while and I think he's had enough stress for a long time that he doesn't need it in the kitchen today." Bradley said. Then turning to the adults he said, "I'm afraid if you need a re-supply on your drinks you'll have to fend for yourselves." Taking Callum by the arm he almost dragged him through to the kitchen.
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