DAVEY
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Written by Trevor
Editor Richie
Sorry about the delay with this and other chapters of my stories. Various events have taken place in my life over the past three months making life difficult.
Thank you all those who wrote requesting more chapters and I intend to get back into writing very soon including a special two to three chapter only story regarding an attempted gay suicide. This will be a true story, no sex but of lots of thoughts and dramas to pond over.
"We have subpoenaed an expert witness Dr Peter Johnson." The defence lawyer stated producing the paperwork needed for the prosecution and the judge. The prosecution attorney looked at his second chairperson asking, "Were have I heard that name before?"
"He's one of the top psychologists in the USA today, he was called in to see Margaret Buchanan not long after her arrest and is certainly a top man in his field plus it will be costing them a fortune. He doesn't come cheap.
"Is it possible to get our hands on his initial report so that we can be prepared?" His assistant thought that wouldn't be a problem.
Finally the trial got under way with the charges being read. The first charge was under the rather obscure law which made Margaret Buchanan the leader of the gang who assaulted and raped Davey. This was the first trial in Texas to use this law but several successful prosecutions had taken place in other states.
Other charges included the offences she committed against Garrett from his early childhood until his teens. Margaret was then asked how she pleads and the answer was as expected, "Not Guilty."
Then came the assistant DA's opening statement. It covered the rest of the day as he went into great detail how Margaret had encouraged her son to rape and kill Davey. He also explained the complexity of the law they were trying her under, and the fact she was the leader of the gang by association. Plus she manipulated her son into committing horrendous acts on a poor innocent boy. His tirade continued for several hours and by the time he had finished Judge Garcia called it a day.
At Providence Hospital not all the results of Edwin's tests were in. Those results that were apparently in according to the Drug Company doctors had good and bad news. They didn't of course elaborate any further to Edwin or Garrett who wouldn't understand anyway but called a temporary halt on the administering of the drug.
Garrett never left Edwin's side cleaning up if he messed, consoling him if he cried or just holding his hand talking to him about anything and everything.
Garrett was worried because he could see Edwin slowly getting weaker and weaker and he was terrified that he was going to lose him. He spoke to Dr Evans about that and he was assured that all the doctors and staff had every confidence that the new drug would pull him through, "But and there is always a but Garrett and we must also keep the thought in the back of our minds that we may lose someone we love dearly."
Young Garrett began to quietly cry and Dr Evans held him in his arms, "Death of a loved one never comes easy and it will hurt if it happens but somehow I have a feeling that Edwin will make it, but and there's that but again, we must still be prepared for the possibility."
The visiting doctors came back into the ward at about two in the morning and started Edwin back on the drug, but on a much smaller dose. It appeared that they didn't take into account his tender age when working out the dosage, but then most of the work at this stage was very much hit and miss.
Edwin a bit later fell asleep with Garrett at his side thinking how peaceful he looked with a slight smile on his face almost as if all his pain was gone. Garrett laid his head on the pillow next to his young charges head and he too slept peacefully.
Sally and Bethany had settled into their joint quarters at the hotel but all was not well. Bethany had always been an independent woman not used to taking many orders and with Sally as her superior she was finding it difficult to be told what to do by her lover. Plus every night since she moved in they had been interrupted in their lovemaking by one or more of the younger boys having trouble sleeping because of recurring nightmares.
Sally, while she was frustrated at the inconvenience was more dedicated to her job and the welfare of the boys under her care than Bethany was. It was obvious that a big row was looming and it was just a matter of when not if.
That evening after eating in the dining room with everyone they headed for their room and no sooner had the door closed than the phone rang. It was Joey asking Sally if she could come down to the office for a quick meeting. Bethany was fuming as Sally agreed, "It's time for you to knock off work and not to be going to meetings at this time of the night." She yelled.
"Bethany baby you have to realize that Joey goes to school and can only have meetings either very early in the morning or at this time in the evening."
"Don't baby me I'm sick and tired of how this job is interfering with our personal life and how we never have any private time together. I think you should just point this out to Joey when you go down there and tell him straight we need some time off together and not be working twenty four seven like we are now."
"You know I can't make demands like that, these poor boys that rely on us need us to help and comfort them. Don't forget the terrible torture they have been through before they were rescued. No I'm sorry Bethany, I can't and won't shut these kids out."
"Then you might as well not sleep in the same bed as me. You obviously think more of these poor boys as you call them, more than you do me. So fuck off to your meeting and maybe find another room to sleep in at the same time."
"If that's your attitude I will do just that and fuck you too." And with those words Sally stormed off to her meeting.
In fact all Joey wanted was to have a progress report on the younger boys who were causing her and Bethany to be up most nights. Sally explained which boys were having problems and Joey listened intently. "I'd like Doctor Jamieson to see all these boys but he is very busy and is due to return to Britain soon as well." Joey explained.
He continued, "I have been looking at the budget and can afford a full time guy like Dr Jamieson on the staff but I don't just want anyone. I'm going to try and persuade him to stay on and not return to Britain, but I don't think it will be easy and he might just want too much money."
"From what I have seen and heard about Dr Jamieson he puts his patients before money. However; there is another problem, his boyfriend is working at Prospect hospital and I don't think they want to be separated. So you might want to try and get him a job here in El Paso for him as well." Sally told him.
"Leave it with me Sally and I'll see what I can do." Joey replied. Just then his phone rang and Sally was wanted in one of the boy's rooms who was yelling and screaming and having a nightmare. Apparently Bethany was already attending to one young guy so Sally excused herself and rushed off to help the poor boy in trouble.
Luke as assistant chief in charge of detectives had decided to go out on a sting that night and despite protests from Pru, pointed out that a good leader should occasionally show his men that he too is not afraid to get his hands dirty now and again.
The plan was simple to raid this house which was a known drug haven and intelligence also had discovered that a meths lab had been set up in a shed at the back of the property. The job entailed a large number of officers including some uniformed police, so his counterpart of the uniform branch and good friend Paul decided to join him.
About thirty officers attended the briefing and all were given detailed instructions of what and were they had to do. Paul and Keith didn't lead the briefing leaving all the details and planning to their senior detectives and uniformed officers. Once everyone was fully briefed a convoy of vehicles left police headquarters heading for the property which was already under surveillance.
Everyone took up their position and soon the signal to go was given, then all hell let loose. It soon became apparent that the occupants were expecting them and opened fire with some heavy guns and weapons resulting in a hail of bullets stopping the officers in their tracks.
Several police officers were hit, one quiet seriously and they had to retreat and regroup. Luke was determined that this gang were not going to get away with it and ordered gas and other deterrents to be used. The result was a gunfight never experienced in El Paso before with three gang members being killed and several other officers injured although none seriously.
Luke ordered one last charge into the property and as he was moving forward with his men he felt a sharp pain in his knee followed by a burning sensation. Then he fell down losing consciousness.
Several officers came to his aid along with Paul and he was carried from the scene to a waiting ambulance and then to hospital. That night he was operated on and when he woke the next morning Pru was waiting at his bedside.
"What hit me? I remember running with the rest of the guys towards the house and then suddenly I woke up here with you by my side."
"I don't know the entire details darling but I got a phone call to come to the hospital saying that you had been hurt. When I arrived you were in surgery were they removed a bullet from your knee and the doctor told me that you should make a full recovery."
Just then the door burst open and in came Sally looking worried sick having just gotten word that her son had been shot. "My god Luke what were you doing being out there in the line of fire?"
"Just doing my duty mom and don't worry I'm going to be all right." Sally stayed for a while but left when Paul and the chief of police came in to check up on him. They told him that just after he fell the police managed to gain entry to the house and shed. Four of the gang were finally shot dead and the rest were now in lockup.
Because the bullet that entered Luke's knee was recovered they had every hope that it would be matched to one of the many guns recovered at the scene. "Now listen up you two I do not want any of my senior officers going out on this type or in fact any operation ever again. Your job is to organise and delegate is that understood?" Chief Falster said.
Both men nodded and the chief left them telling Luke to hurry up and get better. Once the chief and Paul had gone, Pru also laid down the law pointing out that she was nearly a widow before she was a bride. Luke agreed saying that he would obey both the chief and her.
Edwin had a peaceful night and when he woke next morning to find Garrett's head touching his on the pillow. He tried so hard not to move and disturb his friend but that didn't work and Garrett began to stir turning and smiling at his him. He mouthed the words good morning before reaching out and kissing Edwin on the lips.
At first Edwin didn't respond but then gently kissed him back. Their lips became locked together as the kiss continued until Garrett suddenly realized what he was doing and jumped back breaking off the contact, "I'm so, so sorry Edwin I don't know what came over me." Edwin put a finger on his lips saying, "That's OK I'm not complaining, in fact I thought it was good but does this, does this mean we're gay?"
"I don't know, I think it was just a kiss between two good friends who care for each other." That answer appeared to satisfy Edwin but Garrett decided that he would talk about what happened with Keith Jamison when he saw him next.
One of the catering staff brought breakfast around, just fluids for Edwin but a big hearty breakfast for Garrett. While they ate both chatted and joked with each other it appeared as if Edwin had forgotten the kissing incident completely. But he was still thinking and liking what had happened but was worried that this would make him gay, because he was sure he wasn't.
Strangely Garrett was thinking the same thing and was just as worried and confused as his young friend. Straight after breakfast the doctors gathered around checking on Edwin and being pleased with his recovery. Since they had adjusted the dose, even in that short space of time, there had been a marked improvement in Edwin's condition, although they all warned it was to early to tell yet.
Jake, Garrett's roommate and gay lover was going crazy. He loved Garrett dearly and couldn't stand being separated from him. Since his roommate had moved into the hospital he had become lonely and despondent. He wanted Garrett by him all the time and was finding it difficult to cope with life.
At the training workshop he had become disruptive and on several occasions lately he had to be reprimanded by the staff. Right now he was alone in his room at the hotel laying back on his bed thinking about the young guy he loved so much.
His thoughts turned to anger unable to understand why he couldn't have his man back in his bed and beside him. While it was obvious that Garrett wasn't gay, Jake still wanted him and this was weighing on his mind and he was getting madder and madder. In fact so mad that he got up from his bed and began throwing things around the room all the time muttering to himself that it wasn't fair. A chair went flying into the mirror on the dressing table; he upturned his bed and methodically began trashing the room which until recently he had shared with the man he loved.
The noise soon attracted attention and couple of the guards who looked after guys on this floor began banging on the door which was locked. Finally as the destruction continued they had no other option but to break down the door and after a struggle they were able to place Jake in handcuffs and also tie his legs together to stop him kicking and causing further damage not only to the room but to himself.
All the time he was cursing and swearing yelling out for his lover to be returned to him. Finally he began to calm down and his yelling turned to sobs and crying.
Sally had been called and she arrived surprised at the damage which had been done by this young man. He wouldn't listen to her as she tried to calm him down and get a better understanding on what was wrong, so she had no other option but to have him removed to the local jail for now. This was an action she didn't want to do but had no other choice. She also made a mental note to try and arrange for Dr Jamison to see him as soon as possible.
In fact right now everyone was feeling a bit tense including Davey and Johnny. The previous evening they had been in bed making out and their kisses and groping got more and more exciting. Finally the two young guys got into the sixty-nine position and both of them began probing each other's holes.
Finally Davey came to his senses and pulled away saying, "No, no we can't." Johnny looked at his boyfriend saying, "You could have me if you want Davey."
"No that wouldn't be fair because I can not return the favour. If we want this to be a fair partnership that's the way it's got to be. I'm sorry Johnny but I am too frightened right now to go any further."
He could tell that Johnny wasn't very happy with these words and even began to have second thoughts about trying to satisfy his lover. That was before deciding to take heed of his doctor's advice and abstain, "I'm sorry Johnny but I'm begging you to be patient, much as I would dearly love to go all the way with the guy I love and want as a partner for life I just can't. I know I've said this before and I'll say it again, if you want someone to have full blown sex with then I will understand, but I beg you to try and wait for me.
One day our love will be fulfilled of that I'm sure but not right here and now. I'm sorry Johnny, so very sorry."
Davey burst into tears and automatically Johnny took him into his arms telling him, "I'm the one who should be saying sorry. We both got carried away and I should have stopped myself. I know we just can't go all the way right now, after all the pain and stuff you went through and are still going through, but it's hard not to love you fully and want to go all the way." He realized then that the way he had explained that it wasn't quite right and quickly corrected himself.
"What I mean is I do love you fully and I do want to spend the rest of my life with you. I understand we can't go all the way with our love making yet. I promise you Davey I will never ever go looking for someone else."
They lay together for a long time in silence gradually calming down and after a few kisses closed their eyes and slept.
Luke's wound while it was serious didn't mean that he had to stay in the hospital for an extended stay. Once he was able to get out of bed and walk with the aid of a cane he was allowed to go home with strict instructions not to overdo it and definitely no going into work.
With Pru fussing over him and attending to his needs he felt much happier than being stuck in a hospital bed. Any urgent police business which required his attention was delivered to his home and he thought working from home like this was good, but realized it couldn't last.
The coming weekend they had previously arranged for both sets of parents to have dinner with them so they could celebrate their engagement. Despite Pru's protests, Luke decided to go ahead and have the celebration anyway.
Luke was puzzled and a little bit upset when Sally told him that Bethany wouldn't be coming using the excuse that one of them had to be on call, but he sensed by the tone of her voice that something else was amiss. He didn't push the issue knowing that his mother would tell him in her own good time.
Chief Falster held a staff meeting of all his top men at least twice a week and asked Luke and Pru's permission to hold it in their apartment. This sent Pru into a panic as she arranged refreshments and cleaned the place from top to bottom although the chief had told her not to go to any trouble.
At the meeting there was the chief, his two assistant's, their executive officers and Pru who was taking minutes, which one of the three secretaries usually did anyway. The main topic was the fact that Luke and Paul went into the field and because of this Luke was injured. "As I told you in hospital, in the future none of my top executives will go out on such an exercise. You are all too valuable to lose and your job is to supervise not to be actively involved on the ground. I hope I have made myself clear on this?"
All of those present agreed and he moved onto the next subject which was the budget restrictions which the Mayor and council had placed on them, "We can't operate on the money they are allotting us for the next financial year, so the problem is what action can we take to convince the powers that be we just can't work under these conditions?"
They all sat around in silence for a while trying to come up with a valid idea. Paul was the first one to speak, "What if we go to the media over this and make the public aware of what is happening?"
The chief answered, "Part of the terms of my contract is that I never contact the media without first gaining permission from the mayor's press officer which will of course alert the mayor and his people."
"Yes but what if the budget concerns is `leaked' by person or persons unknown?" Paul suggested, "Just as long as the leak cannot be traced back to any of us here then we should be all right."
"It might be better if I know nothing about this and Pru do not include any part of this conversation in the meeting minutes. So who is going to organise this leak to the media?" The chief wanted to know.
Luke came in this time saying, "All that is needed is a phone call made from a public phone and I suggest it is a female voice that is in no way connected to the police force. I am sure my mom Sally would be happy to do the deed. I will write everything down for her so she gets all the facts right. Is everyone in agreement with this?"
All agreed that was the way to go and the meeting closed. Pru brought out refreshments and an hour of socializing took place before everyone left to go back to work. The last to leave was Chief Falster who thanked Pru for her impeccable hospitality and to make sure that Luke had to be completely fit before even thinking of coming back into the office.
Once they left Luke settled down with Pru, cuddling on the couch and thanking her for being the perfect hostess. He also explained that he was a bit worried that Sally and Bethany's relationship wasn't going too good, "We will have to try and find out what's going on and if we can help when we get together on the weekend. Although I will have to call her and talk about the leak to the press anyway."
At ten am the trial of Margaret Buchanan got under way again with several expert witnesses' giving evidence explaining how she had corrupted her son's mind and in turn other members of her gang. The prosecution kept emphasizing the gang and the fact that she was the leader. Once again the defence went the other way denying any gang involvement and making sure the jury got the message that Garrett and he alone was responsible for the assault and rape on Davey.
During the lunch break the prosecutions second chair pointed out that she had been watching the jury carefully they appeared to be equally divided between Margaret and Garrett.
The assistant district attorney wasn't too happy with this news deciding to step up the argument regarding Margaret Buchanan's role in the assault. "I think now might be the time to begin talking about the corruption of her son Garrett from the time when she took him into bed as a baby. This means we need Garrett tomorrow to give evidence."
His assistant agreed that she would arrange for Garrett to be there in the morning. When she called the hospital and spoke to Garrett he became quite upset and Dr Keith Jamison came on the line to talk to her. He explained that Garrett was currently in a very vulnerable state of mind and suggested that he bring him into the court and keep an eye on him.
Once they had finished talking he took Garrett back to Edwin's bedside. He decided to talk to him in front of his friend thinking that Edwin would be able to provide moral support if needed. Garrett this is going to be a trying time for you and there is nothing much we can do to get out of it. All I ask is that you keep your cool, do not lose your temper and believe me the defence will try very hard to make you lose it.
The prosecution intends to talk you through everything that happened between you and your mom and what I want you to do is imagine that you are talking to me just like we did a few days ago and tell your story as you told it to me. I will be in court the whole time and will try and sit somewhere close so you can see me. If you feel overwhelmed or are getting upset just look my way and I will try through my eyes and body language to calm you down. So you have nothing to worry about at all."
While Garrett wasn't very happy about what was going on he knew that he would have to do whatever Doctor Keith asked him to do and trust him explicitly. Edwin reached over taking hold of both of his hands, gently squeezing them to gain his attention, "My dear friend I wish I could be in the courtroom for you tomorrow but I will be thinking about you all day waiting for you to return back to me. I don't believe I'm gay but I love you dearly Garrett and hope and pray that if I survive this terrible disease that I can be with you for the rest of my life."
This brought tears to Garrett's eyes, "And I love you Edwin, ok I'm confused about my sexuality as well right now and I hope Keith will be able to help me discover who I really am. What my mother did to me totally messed up my mind. I would love to be able to remain in your life for ever if that is at all possible, but right now as doctor Keith told me we both need to take it one day at a time." He leaned forward kissing his friend gently on the lips, nothing heavy this time just a loving tender expression of love.
After school Davey had another session with Doctor Jamison and the first thing he did was talk to him about what happened the previous night. The doctor was silent for a moment before giving his answer, "Ok, you are two horny young guys with raging hormones and that's natural for guys your age and they won't calm down any time soon. There are two options, one you are both very strong willed and resist the temptation, the other is to sleep in separate beds and somehow I don't think either of you will agree to that, will you?"
"We'd rather not Keith, we love each other too much and I don't want to be apart from him, but it is getting very hard not to go all the way because we both want to do that so much."
"You must remember Davey, your body suffered some terrible injuries not once but twice, not only that but you suffered mentally as well. That part I hope I am managing to cure but the physical scarring is going to take a lot longer, so please I beg you to say no and I will talk to Johnny and explain the same thing to him. You could end up doing permanent damage which could finish your sex life for ever. You will get better so please be patient."
Davey promised that he would and Keith said that he had to cut their chat short today because he had a long list of people to see. On the way out he spotted Johnny Walker waiting for Davey and took him to one side explaining to him what he had already told Davey.
He then headed off to the local jail at Sally's request to talk to Jake about why he trashed his room. He had already told Sally that if he was satisfied with the answers he got from this young man he would bring him back to the hotel, "I don't think he needs to be punished for what he did if I can get a reasonable explanation from him for his actions."
It was a very quiet and meek Jake who sat across the table from Doctor Jamison. Once again the doc, like he did with all his patients, asked him what happened and why and to explain in his own words. Jake explained about his love for Garrett and how he missed him dearly, "But Garrett doesn't believe he is gay and right now is a very confused young man and needs his space so he can straighten his mind up."
Jake hung his head down tears forming but he said nothing as Keith continued," Be patient Jake try and get on with your own life and give Garrett a chance. I'm sure he likes you as a friend, no correct that he loves you as a friend because after the initial humiliation you helped him settle in to life in detention and he told me how grateful he was for that. I have spoken to the authorities and they are willing to allow you back into the hotel and the program just as long as there are no more problems. Do I have your word that you will behave yourself if I take you back with me right now?"
"Yes, I'm truly sorry for the problems I have caused but I would like to see Garrett and explain my feelings and say I am sorry personally to him."
"Ok, I'll see what I can do, he has to go to court for his mom's trial tomorrow and I don't think he will want to talk to anybody after that so give it a day or two and I will arrange for you both to meet for a chat." Jake thanked Keith for everything he was doing for all the guys as they signed him out of jail and eventually drove back to the hotel.
Sally was waiting for them and first thing Jake did was to apologize to her as she showed him to a new room while his was being repaired. She was surprised at the calm well-mannered Jake who was so different and hoped dearly that Joey would be able to be persuaded to allow him to stay on.
In fact when she got back into her office there was message for her to go see Joey. She knocked on his office door and when told to come in she found a very nice young man sitting there. Sally this is Jonathon Mars, he is going to be coming into the hotel two to three times a week as needed to provide extra tutoring for the younger boys who are missing school because of their problems. Principle Michael's recommended him and that was good enough for me.
They shook hands and Sally welcomed him to the team. Joey suggested that they both meet up in the morning and discuss which boys require help. After making the arrangements Jonathon left and just as Sally was about to leave Joey asked her to sit down, "I have spoken briefly to Doctor Jamison and he would love to continue his work here in El Paso. I have also contacted the Providence hospital board and they are so impressed with his boyfriends work that they are going to be offering him a permanent residency, so your wish to have him full time looks like it's coming true.
We won't have him all the time because he will have to set up a private practise. After all we don't have the funds to keep him entirely to ourselves but it looks like everything is coming together."
He paused unsure how to raise the next subject, I believe that you and your girlfriend are having problems right now and you are even sleeping in separate rooms. This is none of my business unless it is affecting your work, which right now it isn't, but with Bethany it is a different situation. One of the staff spoke to me about the situation and the fact that she shouted at one of the young boys telling him to shut up is unacceptable.
Sally I want you to try and patch up your differences so that this does not happen again. If you can't work things out between the two of you than we might have to consider replacing Bethany which I don't want to do."
Sally promised to work things out and as she walked out of the office she marvelled at how quickly over the past few weeks Joey had matured.
With a heavy heart and a sickly feeling in his stomach Garrett said goodbye to Edwin with a quick kiss on the lips. The recovery of his young friend was remarkable and he was becoming more healthy looking every day. The drug company doctors had left now that they had found the dosage for him. This morning that didn't help Garrett any and he slowly followed Keith Jamison out of the hospital and into his car for the trip to the El Paso court house.
They arrived early and the Assistant district attorney had time to chat to him and explain what line of questioning he would be taking and also warning him about the defence attorney, "You will be the first witness called today Garrett and I expect you will be on the stand at least until lunch." After he had gone inside Garrett was left with Keith Jamison who once again went through all he had told him last night.
The prosecution told Keith that he could sit just behind them and look as if he was part of the team that way he would have close eye contact with his young charge. Just after ten am the court Bailiff came looking for him and with trembling knees and sick feeling in his stomach he slowly entered the court room.
One of the first people he saw was his mother who glared threateningly at him as he made his way to the witness box. After being sworn in he stated his name and all the formal stuff before the questioning began. The assistant DA took him through the trauma of what happened to Davey and his involvement before asking the main question, "Why did you do what you did to this young man?"
Garrett thought for a minute before answering. Looking at Keith who nodded and smiled encouraging him on, "Because my mother and her social worker friend told me to do it."
This statement brought a few gasps from the court room as did the next question, "So in theory your mother was the leader of your little gang is that right?"
"Yes I suppose she was because that is what she told me to do. "
"Can you remember her exact words and Garrett don't be afraid to use any swear words which may have been used."
"She said that all fucking gay faggots should be killed and removed from the face of the earth."
Again this brought forth a lot of noise from the public area of the court and the judge had to call for order, "Do you always do what your mother tells you Garrett?"
"Yes, she told me if I didn't I would be a bad boy and she wouldn't allow me to sleep in her bed." This time the courtroom erupted in noise and the judge had to warn everyone that another outburst like that and he would clear the court. The prosecution continued, asking him what he meant by being in his mother's bed.
This time Garrett found it harder to answer as he was slowly taken through the whole business of being forced to sleep with his mother from an early age and the look on the faces of some of the jury members said a lot. Slowly he was taken through his early life right up to the time when he committed that awful act on Davey.
Several times the questioning stopped so that Garrett could compose himself as tears ran down his cheeks. He kept looking at Keith and noticed he too was crying at times as he felt for his young charge. "And all through your childhood did you ever think that what you were doing in your mother's bed was wrong?"
"No because my mother told me this was normal for young guys to do if the father wasn't there to sleep with her." Satisfied with all the answers he had received the prosecutor sat down and the defence lawyer began his questioning. He began speaking quietly and gently to Garrett asking him general questions before saying, "Is it not true Garrett that everything you have told us this morning is nothing but a pack of lies to keep you out of jail for life. Did you not do a deal with the District Attorney to tell these lies so that you could be counselled by Doctor Keith Jamison who even now is sitting just behind the assistant DA so that he can coach you in your answers."
This brought a strong protest from the prosecution table which the judge upheld warning the defense to be more careful with their wording and instructing the jury to ignore the last statement.
Margaret Buchanan, his mother had been sitting there not moving a muscle just staring at her son, until finally she could stand no more, jumping up and calling Garrett all the filthy rotten names under the sun. That did it, the judge called for order warning the defence to keep his client under control but he could see that the damage had been done as far as the jury was concerned.
Poor Garrett burst into tears sobbing his heart out and the judge called for an early lunch so that everyone could calm down. Keith was at Garrett's side in an instance calming him down and helping him out of the courtroom. They sat quietly with Keith talking almost non-stop to him in a soothing voice until it was time for them to resume their places.
Obviously during the lunch break the defence had words with Margaret and then surprised everyone by telling the judge they had no more questions for Garrett. It was plain to see that he was trying to recover from the beating the defense had received during the morning session and wanted no more to do with his client's son.
As he left the witness box he received several sympathetic glances from the jury which pleased the prosecution. The prosecution now called several police witness's during the afternoon who gave evidence regarding Margaret Buchanan's inebriated state after she was arrested and also another expert witness who told how she was now disbarred from practising as a psychiatrist. That brought the prosecution case to a close and the judge called it a day until they the following morning.
Back at the hospital Garrett explained in some detail what had happened and Edwin began to tear up when he heard what his friend had gone through. He reached over to hug him and hold him tight saying, "It's my turn to help you tonight Garrett after everything you have gone through. I feel so sorry about the way your mom treated you.
While my parents were good to me until the day it happened with that horrible man and they threw me out, the way they treated me was nothing compared to you." They clung together for some time until sleep overtook them. Keith stood watching from a distance hoping and praying that Edwin made a full recovery so that they could support each other through life.
Sally knocked on the bedroom door which Bethany was using right now and waited patiently until the door was opened, "May I come in?" she asked and Bethany moved to one side to allow Sally to enter.
They stood looking at each other for some time until Sally spoke, "We have to sort out our problems, not only for our sakes but for the sake of the kids under our care."
"That's the whole problem isn't it, the kids take preference over everything and our relationship has suffered and more than likely, ended."
"Is that what you want Bethany for our relationship to end, if so just say the word right here and now. Those kids are the most important part of my life right now and both of us need to be there for them. If one or the other of us can't handle that then we need to do something about it."
Bethany was silent for some time before calmly saying, "I must admit I am having my own problems coming to grips with the problems these kids have and maybe I'm not cut out for this kind of work but I am willing to give it another try and be more patient and understanding. As for our relationship well once again I was wrong and I'm so sorry Sally, I love you dearly and want you close to me for ever. If you'll forgive me I would like to give our relationship another try." They both began sobbing and clinging to each other until their lips met and they both knew they had to give this a try no matter what.
Of course just as they were getting into a heavy lovemaking session the phone rang asking one of them to go check on one of the boys. Laughing Bethany said, "You stay here darling and I'll go this time." A quick kiss and she was gone and of course didn't come back for several hours by which time Sally was sound asleep. Sighing Bethany said to herself, "Ah well, maybe one day we'll finish what we started." Then she curled up next to her lover.
The weekend came around and Luke and Pru arrived early at their favourite restaurant to make sure everything was right for the dinner with Pru's parents and of course Sally and Bethany to celebrate their engagement. Sally and Bethany arrived first with the news that Bethany was on call so more than likely will get a phone call before the night is over. Luckily the restaurant wasn't too far from the hotel so she could be there within ten minutes. Pru's parents arrived and while they didn't approve of Sally and Bethany's arrangement as they called it, they did act politely towards the pair.
Naturally they were concerned over Luke's injury because he was limping badly and required the use of a walking cane to move around. Luke explained that it was nothing really and was mending quickly although he wouldn't admit that at times he was in agony when the pain meds wore off.
The evening went off smoothly enough and just before desert Bethany got the call and had to leave. Pru's parents kept asking about the wedding date which annoyed Luke a bit because that was something the both of them hadn't even thought about just yet. Pru's mother kept on about how it had to a white church wedding with lots of bridesmaids, flowers and all the trimmings. This was against what Pru and Luke had agreed on, that it would be a quiet civil affair with just a few friends and family,
The way Pru's mom was talking it was going to finish up bigger than Ben Hur. Neither of them said anything except Luke pointed out it was early in the planning stage. By the time the group broke up, Sally along with Pru and Luke were sick to death hearing about weddings.
Once they got back to their apartment Luke spoke to Pru about her mother, "I'm sorry darling but you have to talk to your mother and explain what we want by way of a wedding. She's going to be upset but that's the way we want it."
"I know darling she can be domineering sometimes and needs to be brought back to earth. While it might upset her, we will have to be firm and get our own way and not be taken over by her way."
"Pru, I love you so much, I never ever expected to find a girl like you in my life and I want to be with you for ever and ever." He leaned over to kiss her and slowly undress her before carrying her off to bed and a session of making love which went on for hours and hours.
Judge Garcia called a three day recess so that certain parts of the testimony given so far could be gone over.
Both sides of the bench were relieved at the break because the speed at which the court case had taken so far was becoming very time consuming and wearing. The media attention given to the case increased more and more as the days went by. A special guard detail had to be posted at the hospital to shield Garrett from the public eye and also young Edwin who it was hinted in some of the press that he was Garrett's young lover.
The hospital staff kept all the newspapers and TV news broadcasts away from the boys because this was the kind of news which could bring about a recession in Edwin's fragile condition.
To Be Continued.
Writers corner:- Finally another chapter for you to read and as I said at the beginning sorry about the delay. A lot has happened in my life recently which I won't go into details here and now except to say that I hope by getting back into writing my own mind will become more stable.
The story itself? Well a lot happened including the developing relationship between Garrett and Edwin and I received a lot of mail regarding the direction this part of the story should go. Let say here and now that I still haven't made up my mind on this.
The court case got under way and to some extent was predictable but not yet fully cut and dried. And of course the galloping hormones of our two young fourteen year olds are making their relationship a bit difficult.
On the good news side Sally and Bethany look as if they may have made up for now and Luke being shot during a raid caused a big stir and upset in the El Paso police department.
Meanwhile it looks like Joey has grown balls and is prepared to run the hostel just how he wants with the arrival of a part time teacher to help some of the boys missing a lot of school and of course our two English doctors Keith and Gareth Evens.
Jake went berserk and wrecked his room because he was missing his lover and I believe more help will be needed in the future for this poor boy.
So much happening and again thank you so much for your letter and support which has now made this my number one story. Cliff & Derek will be next and then Living in a lie so please keep coming back to Nifty to read more and more of my stories.
Editor's Corner"-
Well this editor is so pleased to be able to edit one of Trevor's stories again. I am particularly fond of this one.
Well, I would love for Joey to be able to find someone to assist Sally and Bethany in the evenings, so that they can have some time off from work so that they can work on making their relationship even stronger. All relationships in order to last need both physical and mental bonding time, something they do not have now.
I think Luke and Pru are going to have their hands full trying to convince Pru's mother to let them have the wedding they want, not the wedding her mom wants. Believe this will be quite a battle. Will be interesting to see who wins.
I was extremely pleased to see that the drugs seem to be working for poor Edwin. I love how his relationship with Garrett is going. One thing for sure, Garrett is not the same person who beat up poor Davey. Now that he has gotten away from his bitch of a mother he is showing what a wonderful loving person he can be. Love it.
Again, I love this story and definitely look forward to Trevor giving us lots more.
With hugs to all of Trevor's fan.
Richie