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Lives Changed Chapter 3-C: Trials and Tribulations
Tuesday morning Malcolm was sitting in the courthouse dressed in jeans and a shirt. His lawyer still hadn't shown up and Malcolm was getting worried.
"Mr. Daniels if you will follow me, please, your case is about to be called," a sheriff's deputy spoke up.
"Okay, which case though? I am supposed to be in two different court rooms," Malcolm answered.
"Oh, it's your competency hearing."
"Okay, let's go."
Sitting in the front of the courtroom, Malcolm was alone when the judge came in.
"Mr. Daniels, I see that you are alone. Would you care to tell me where your lawyer is?" the judge asked.
"I wish I could, sir, but it seems that someone messed up. You see, sir, I am supposed to be both in here and also in another court room at the same time," Malcolm replied.
"Well, that does seem to present a bit of a problem."
"Your Honor, I am Mr. Jeffries for Mrs. Daniels. I don't see the problem here. We are ready to proceed and we wish to have this matter heard and over with."
"Mr. Daniels, do you have a problem dealing with this on your own?"
"Yes and no, sir. I mean, I can answer a lot of questions, but when it comes time to ask them I will be lost. I am not a lawyer."
"Very well then. Bailiff, find out what other court room Mr. Daniels is supposed to be in, and find out if his lawyer is there."
"Mr. Jeffries, state what you have and let's get started."
"Yes, Your Honor. Mrs. Daniels here claims that her son is incompetent and that he should be placed in a school or facility that can control him. Mrs. Daniels also claims that Malcolm Daniels kicked her out of her house, going so far as to tell her to also leave behind her jewelry. As a result of his actions, Mrs. Daniels now lives in a run down apartment and works as a secretary in a doctor's office. What she is asking of the court is to commit young Mr. Daniels to a school or psychiatric facility and to order him to let her back into her home."
"Mr. Jeffries, do you have any proof that she owns the house?" Malcolm asked.
"No, I do not. From what I understand you didn't let her take anything with her except some clothes. Your Honor, I would like to call Mrs. Daniels to the stand."
"Your Honor, I object to this, since she is my mother I feel that what she has to say would be objectionable and one-sided."
"Mr. Daniels, I understand what you're saying, but the court has to hear both sides before a decision could be made."
"Yes, sir. I will retreat a bit."
"The word is withdraw, but I understand what you meant," the judge laughed.
"Thank-you, sir."
"Mrs. Daniels, please take the stand."
Mrs. Daniels had just been sworn in when the bailiff walked up and whispered to the judge.
"Mr. Daniels it seems that your lawyer is busy trying to stop a bench warrant for your arrest from being issued."
"Your Honor, this further demonstrates that Mr. Daniels is unable to handle his life," Mr. Jeffries spoke.
"I think just the opposite, sir. Now ask your questions of Mrs. Daniels and let's get this done," the judge stated.
"Yes, sir. Mrs. Daniels, how would you say your relationship is with your son?" Mr. Jeffries asked.
"There isn't one, not since he kicked me out," Elizabeth said as she glared at Malcolm.
"What about when you were at home?"
"He was rebellious, mouthy, kept telling me to go to hell. He was just too hard to handle."
"Mrs. Daniels, what was the cause of most of the contention?"
"His long hair, and the people he hangs out with."
"What is it that bothers you about the people he hangs out with?"
"Why, they are nothing but trash! I've told him that over-and-over."
"What else was there?"
"Well, he wrote to some publishing company in New York, and to me that was below the Daniels name."
"Mrs. Daniels, I don't understand that. Please explain," the judge asked.
"Simple. A Daniels should not be associated with writers and people of that nature."
"So you're telling the court that Malcolm Daniels has soiled the Daniels name?" her lawyer asked."
"Yes, he has."
"I see. Tell me how many books does he have published?"
"I wouldn't know."
"What caused him to kick you out of your home?"
"Well, there was a fight at school for which then he got expelled. Then he was arrested because of it, but was found not guilty in court. Then he got involved with the kids who are doing the strike. I told him he had put even more shame on the family name and that I was going to send him to a private school. That was when he flipped out and told me to leave and to leave behind all my jewelry."
"Did you leave?"
"Yes, I left my house. I had to get an apartment and find a job. I am not even allowed to be near my home."
"No more questions."
The judge spoke: "Mr. Daniels I am going to call a break here, and I hope you can get your lawyer in here when we come back."
"Your Honor, I will try, but I feel that we will need at least an hour so I can tell him what has happened so far," Malcolm answered.
"Your Honor, Mrs. Daniels has to be back at work this afternoon. I wish to have this continued as quickly as possible," Mr. Jeffries intoned.
"I understand, Mr. Jeffries. However, in all fairness I feel that Mr. Daniels should be allowed to have his lawyer present before we continue."
"Yes, sir."
"Mrs. Daniels you may step down for now, but when we reconvene you will have to come back to the stand."
"Sure thing, Your Honor," Elizabeth smiled sweetly at the judge as she took her seat.
Malcolm was in the hallway rewinding his small cassette recorder when Mr. Stillman joined him.
"Well, Malcolm, I'm here and sorry for the delay. I had to argue for a date change on your other case," Mr. Stillman said as he took the cassette from Malcolm.
"I heard. Now, listen to the tape and let's get back in there. So far my mother has got things going her way."
Half-an-hour later Malcolm and his lawyer were back in the courtroom. The judge came back in, and, seeing his lawyer beside Malcolm, smiled.
"I see you found your lawyer, Mr. Daniels," the judge smirked.
"Yes, sir, but I think I might have to get a leash for him," Malcolm sat back down laughing.
"Very well. Can we now continue, please? Mrs. Daniels, would you return to the stand. Remember, Mrs. Daniels, you are still under oath."
"Yes, sir."
"Mr. Stillman are you ready to proceed?" the judge asked.
"I am, Your Honor."
Turning, he looked at the witness. "Mrs. Daniels you claim the house is yours. Is that right?" Mr. Stillman asked.
"I do, yes." Elizabeth answered.
"Did you buy the house?"
"Well, no, I didn't."
"Who did buy it?"
"Objection Your Honor. The house isn't the purpose of this hearing." Mr. Jeffries shouted.
"Overruled. Answer the question, Mrs. Daniels," the judge snarled.
"That would have been a Marcus Daniels," Elizabeth answered, a sheen of sweat forming over her upper lip.
"And who is he?" Mr. Stillman asked.
"Malcolm Daniels' uncle."
"Where is this Marcus Daniels now?"
"Dead."
"So he left the house to you in his will?"
"Yes, and all his money."
"I see. Do you have a copy of the will?"
"No, I don't."
"So you can't prove to the court that you actually own the home or are the sole beneficiary of Marcus Daniels will?"
"No, I can't."
"No more questions."
"Mrs. Daniels, you may step down," said the judge.
"Thank-you, Your Honor," Elizabeth whispered.
"Mr. Jeffries do you have anything else?" the judge asked.
"Yes, Your Honor, we have a psychologist's report and police reports regarding Malcolm Daniels. I wish to submit them into evidence," Mr. Jeffries responded.
"Your Honor, this is something I wasn't aware of. I haven't seen these reports that he wishes to submit, and they may be prejudicial to my client," Mr. Stillman said as he stood.
"Is this true Mr. Jeffries?" the judge asked.
"Your Honor, I don't know what Mr. Stillman has or has not seen," Jeffries replied.
"I see. So you are coming in here without allowing Mr. Daniels' lawyer to give the best defense he could."
"Your Honor, that is not the case. I was just not aware that Mr. Stillman didn't have access to these reports."
"Your Honor, that is not true, Mr. Jeffries knew I was Mr. Daniels' lawyer and as such he should have had them copied and sent to my office as soon as he got them," Mr. Stillman stated.
"Mr. Jeffries, I find that your reports are inadmissible. Secondly, I hope that you have nothing else that should have been given to Mr. Stillman," the judge snapped.
"No, Your Honor, I don't, although I believe these reports are of importance." Jeffries mumbled.
"Your Honor, if Mr. Jeffries will allow me time to review these reports, I may request that he be allowed to introduce them," Mr. Stillman spoke up.
"Very well. Mr. Jeffries, please hand then to Mr. Stillman," the judge ordered.
"Yes, Your Honor," Jeffries said as he handed over the reports.
"Your Honor, I request that Mr. Jeffries have this Dr. Thompson brought to the stand," Mr. Stillman said to the judge.
"Mr. Jeffries?" the judge asked as he stared at the man.
"Umm, Your Honor, I don't know. I hadn't planned on needing his testimony," Jeffries replied.
"I would suggest you get him in here by this afternoon. In the mean time, we will recess for lunch. Court will resume at one thirty."
Malcolm left the courtroom and headed out for lunch, his lawyer and two security agents with him. When they got to Mike's Place, Malcolm called his dad.
"Richard Daniels' office may I help you?" the receptionist answered.
"Hi, Sandy, is Dad still there?" Malcolm asked.
"Yes, he is, Malcolm. Let me buzz his office," Sandy replied.
"Thanks."
Glancing up as he held on, he saw Maggie standing there.
"Hey, two Big Mikes and a strawberry shake, please," Malcolm ordered.
"Sure, Malcolm. And for you gentlemen?" Maggie asked.
"Hey, Dad, have you got the will from Uncle Marcus?" Malcolm asked, tuning out the others around him.
"Sure, but I thought you made copies." Richard said.
"I did, but I forgot to bring them."
"Okay, I will get them and bring them to you at the courthouse."
"Okay, thanks. See you there. It starts again at one-thirty."
The rest of the afternoon was taken up with Mr. Jeffries' questioning Dr. Thompson. At four o'clock the judge recessed for the night, making it clear that the case would resume promptly at nine the next morning.
Dinner that night was great. It was only spaghetti, but watching Aaron eat it was a joy. Malcolm was laughing at his spaghetti sauce covered face when his dad looked up at him.
"You were just as messy when you were his age. In fact, I remember you getting it on your clothes, too," Richard laughed.
"Dad, I wasn't that bad," Malcolm pouted.
"I have pictures of it," Papa smiled.
"Oh, oh! I guess we won't go there then."
"Can I see those pictures, Pops? I wanna know what he looked like," Aaron asked.
"After dinner I will show you; well maybe after a shower also," Papa answered.
"Goodies!"
"I'll get even with you, Papa," Malcolm whispered.
Malcolm was in his room while Zeke and Aaron were sitting with Papa laughing at the pictures. He was writing the last chapter to his current story. He had just ended it when the phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Malcolm Daniels?"
"Speaking."
I just thought I would warn you not to go to court tomorrow."
"Why?"
"If you do, you will get hurt."
"Okay. Thanks for the warning."
"No problem."
Hanging up, Malcolm went downstairs. Seeing Stan and his partner he walked over to them.
"Guys can we talk?"
"What you want kid?"
"I want you to lighten up, but I also need your help. Would you come upstairs, please?"
"Sure, let's get your dad also."
"Thanks."
Back in his room Malcolm waited for the others to show up.
"Malcolm what's wrong?"
"Dad, you heard the phone right?"
"Yes, I supposed you answered it."
"I did. Someone warned me not to go to court tomorrow. They said if I did I would get hurt."
"They're just trying to scare you, kid," Stan spoke up.
"Well, they succeeded. What am I supposed to do?"
"Go to court, you have no choice," Stan chided."
"I know that, but what about the warning?"
"We will protect you. That is what we were sent here to do."
"Thanks."
"Son, I will call the Jacobs and see if they can look after Zeke and Aaron tomorrow. I will be with you in court."
"Thanks, Dad."
"Now off to bed, all three of you."
"Love you, Dad."
"Yeah, love you, Pop!" the brothers chimed in.
The next morning, showered and dressed, Malcolm was about to leave for the courthouse.
"Not so fast, young man. You have to wait for Stan and me."
"Sorry, I just wish this was over."
"Malcolm, phone call for you."
"Okay, hang on. I'll get it in the hall."
"Okay."
Picking it up, Malcolm held it close to his ear.
"Hello."
"Remember the warning last night? I was serious; don't go to court. You're being watched all the time."
"I don't have a choice, I have to go. If I don't then I lose the case and the judge will send me away."
"Look, I know what you have to do. I am just trying to save your life."
"Who are you?"
"A friend. Just leave it at that."
"Okay, but I can't let her win, and I am not going to let the bullies win their suit either."
"Okay, I will try and help. But get your big boys to cover your back."
"They already do."
"Good, and lots of luck to you, Daniels."
"Thanks."
Malcolm quickly told the agents the gist of the call.
"Stan, call the courthouse, I think we need a shield. I will call the police and see if we can get a special ride for Malcolm."
"Okay, but I don't think he deserves it."
"Stan, I don't care what you think or feel. Just do it."
"Whatever."
Court was delayed for an hour as the courthouse was searched and a Lexan shield was put in place. Finally, Malcolm was lead in. Sitting down at the defense table, he waited with his lawyer for the judge to appear. There was another shield protecting Mrs. Daniels and her lawyer, which surprised them both.
"All rise. Court is now in session," he bailiff called out.
"Be seated, and good morning to all," the judge started. "I am sure you noticed the plates of Plexiglas behind you. I have been informed that one or all of you are in danger, so this is for your protection. Any questions?"
"No, Your Honor" both lawyers spoke.
"Mr. Stillman, can we begin?"
"Yes, Your Honor. I recall Dr. Thompson to the stand," Mr. Stillman replied.
"Dr. Thompson, please take the stand. Remember, you are still under oath," the judge reminded him.
"Yes, Your Honor," replied Dr. Thompson.
"Dr. Thompson. Yesterday you said that you interviewed Mr. Daniels. Do you still hold to that?" Mr. Stillman asked.
"I do." Mr. Thompson answered.
"Can you tell me when and where you did this interview?"
"It was February fifth, and it was at my office."
"Dr. Thompson, do you know the penalty for perjury?"
"No, why should I?"
"Tell me, Dr. Thompson, how can a person be in two places at the same time?"
"They can't."
"Tell me then, how you could interview Mr. Daniels in your office at the same time he was in Washington, DC sitting in front of a senate committee?"
"He was in my office."
"I see. No more questions. Oh, and Mr. Thompson please stick around," Mr. Stillman added.
"Re-direct, Mr. Jeffries?"
"No, Your Honor," Mr. Jeffries responded.
"Very well. Continue, Mr. Stillman."
"I call Mr. Daniels to the stand."
"Come on up, son." the judge stated.
"Not this one, Your Honor, I meant his father," Mr. Stillman laughed.
"Oh, I'm sorry," The judge said with mirth in his voice.
"Mr. Daniels, do you know why you are here?"
"Yes. I have papers showing that the house and money my wife claims is hers belongs wholly to my son, Malcolm."
"Would you please give them to the court."
"Sure, but you have to know they are just copies. The originals are locked safely away," Richard said.
"Mr. Daniels before you hand them over, would you please identify them and read them for us?" Mr. Stillman asked.
"This is the Will of Marcus Malcolm Daniels. It was probated by a judge Martinez on the third day of June nineteen hundred and ninety nine." Richard said, and then started reading.
"I, Marcus Daniels, do hereby state that this is my Last Will and Testament, and that I am doing this in good health, both physically and mentally. There are many things in my life that I am sorry for, things that have made my family turn their backs on me. But through it all, one family member has stood by me with neither question nor animosity, and so I hereby bequeath everything I have, monies, homes and all personal property, except as noted below, to that one person, Malcolm Richard Daniels. It is my desire that all monies be held in trust until Malcolm reaches the age of eighteen. The amount as this document is written is some seven hundred million dollars. I also leave to Malcolm my house in Naples, Florida, my ranch in San Antonio, Texas, and my seaside villa in Naples, Italy.
To my brother Richard, I leave one hundred thousand dollars to help in raising his son, Malcolm. To his wife Elizabeth, I leave twenty-five dollars, and hope that she learns that not everyone is trash.
To my father, Eric Daniels, I leave two-hundred-thousand dollars and pray that he can learn to forgive me for my mistakes."
"That is the full and complete contents of my brother's Will," Richard choked; his voice was cracking as he read it.
"Mr. Daniels, are you alright?" the judge asked.
"Yes, sir, I'm fine, Your Honor," Richard said after a minute.
"Mr. Daniels, would you say Malcolm Daniels is incompetent?" Mr. Stillman asked.
"Quite the opposite, sir. I find him very competent, especially considering his age," Richard answered with pride in his voice.
"Were you aware that Mrs. Daniels was going to send your son to a private school?"
"She mentioned it a few times. I told her that my son was not going to a private school and that was to be the end of it."
"How did you feel when you learned that Malcolm had kicked your wife out of the house?"
"Upset, but I knew that sooner or later something had to give. They were like the immovable object and the unstoppable force."
"I don't understand."
"Well, Malcolm and Elizabeth were always fighting. Neither would budge from their position. Ever since Malcolm started grade four, she wanted him to get his hair cut, and he refused. They fought over that, they fought over his friends, and then they fought over the idea of him being a writer. She wasn't happy with the way he was going on with his life. She felt his chosen lifestyle was beneath her."
"How did Malcolm learn that the house was his?"
"He overheard Elizabeth and me talking one night after we had a fight."
"No more questions."
"Mr. Jeffries?" the judge asked.
"No questions, Your Honor."
"I call Malcolm Daniels to the stand, Your Honor."
"Mr. Daniels, you realize that you do not have to testify?" the judge asked.
"I do, Your Honor, but I feel I have to; it is the right thing to do," Malcolm stated as he walked forward.
"Very well, come on up."
Malcolm had just sat down on the witness chair when he felt he was falling backwards, then his head banged against the floor. The echoing sounds of a gunshot filled the room as people scrambled to their knees trying to hide.
"Seal the courtroom!" yelled the judge.
Slowly sitting up, Malcolm shook his head.
"Owww, damn that hurts!" he said looking at his right shoulder.
Ripping his shirt off he wadded it up and held it tightly against the bleeding wound. Standing up, he righted the witness chair, sat down, and looked at everyone, a small smile on his face. "Well, what're the questions?"
"Mr. Daniels, I am afraid you are in no shape to continue," the judge replied.
"No, I'm okay. I just got shot at and it hurts, but I won't let whoever did it win."
"If you are sure, then let's continue. However, if I feel it is too much on you then I will stop it."
"Okay."
"Bailiff, please find out if the police have whoever it is that shot Mr. Daniels in custody," the judge ordered, anger tingeing his voice.
"Mr. Daniels, you are a man of amazing constitution. Tell me, do you feel that you are out of control?" Mr. Stillman asked, his voice still shaking with fear.
"No," answered Malcolm.
"Do you feel that you were in the right when you told your mother to leave the house?"
"Yes."
"Are you sorry that you had to do that?"
"Yes."
"Would you let her back?"
"Only if she changed the way she acts towards me and towards my friends."
"How does she treat your friends?"
"Like they are trash. She would rather I hang only with rich society kids."
"And you don't do that?"
"No. I don't care if a person has money or not, they all should be treated the same."
"No more questions."
"Mr. Jeffries, your witness."
"Mr. Daniels, how are you feeling?"
"A bit dizzy, but okay."
"That's good. Is it true that you flipped out on three boys in your school and sent them to hospital."
"Sir, that has nothing to do with this case and I can't comment on it due to the fact that there are legal actions being taken with it."
"Is it true, then, that the three boys are suing you?"
"Again, I cannot comment on that."
"Mr. Daniels, are you a writer?"
"Depends on what you mean by a writer."
"I mean have you had any books published?"
"I think so. I mean there are books out there with my name, or at least the name I write under, on them."
"Mr. Daniels, did you write to a publishing company in New York?"
"Objection, Your Honor. These questions have nothing to do with this case."
"Mr. Jeffries, I have to agree. Move on."
"Mr. Daniels, have you ever told your mother to go to hell?"
"Yes."
"Why would you do that?"
"She was in my face, riding me about my friends, about my hair, and about the student strike. I'd had all of it I could stand from her."
"So you told her to go to hell."
"Yes."
"No more questions."
"Mr. Stillman, anything more?" the judge asked.
"No, Your Honor, except that I think Mr. Daniels should be taken to the hospital," Mr. Stillman responded.
"I agree. Court is in recess until nine tomorrow morning. Mr. Stillman, if your client is unable to attend, please inform us prior to court time," the judge ordered.
"I will do that, Your Honor."
"Court adjourned."
Malcolm spent the night in the hospital, his dad, Zeke, and Aaron with him. Aaron was curled up asleep beside Malcolm when the nurse came in.
"Sir, visiting hours are over, but I can see about bringing in another bed if you want to stay," she whispered.
"Thank-you. I don't think these two want to leave their brother," Richard whispered back.
"Okay, I'll get one sent right in."
The next morning the doctor was in early to check on Malcolm and he saw Aaron curled up with him. Malcolm was awake and just smiled.
"Good morning, young man. Tell me, why didn't you come right to the hospital when you got shot?" the doctor asked.
"I had to testify," Malcolm said a frown on his face.
"So you put your life in danger for that?"
"I didn't think it was that bad."
"Well, it was. Now I know you have to be back in court this morning, so what I am going to do is temporarily release you. However, if at any time you feel like you're going to faint, I want you back here. If you don't agree to that, then you are going to stay here until I say otherwise. Do I have your word?"
"Yes, sir, you do."
"Okay, then I will give your dad some painkillers in case you need them. Now let's get you up and dressed, and this little guy beside you, also."
"Yeah, I think he might be hungry."
"Uh huh. Morning, Malcolm," Aaron yawned.
"Morning, turkey. Now get yourself up and into the bathroom," Malcolm smiled as he brushed Aaron's hair from his eyes.
"Okies.
"Can we get some waffles, Pop?" Zeke asked as he stretched.
"Well, lets get Malcolm to the courthouse and then I'll take you to Mike's Place," Richard answered.
"Yeah, maybe Pat will be there also," Aaron squeaked, breaking into a smile.
"That might just be," Malcolm said as he swung his legs off the bed.
At the courthouse, the courtroom was searched and extra bailiffs were called in. When the time came to reconvene, the courtroom was cleared of everyone except the lawyers, Malcolm, his mother and the court staff.
"All rise, court is now in session," the bailiff intoned in his usual bored voice.
"Be seated. Mr. Daniels is it good to see you here. However, I have been informed by your doctor that if you feel faint or if I feel that you need to rest I am to stop the proceedings. I know that doctors really do not have any say in the ways courts are handled, but I had to agree with him. So, do you feel ready to continue?"
"I do, Your Honor."
"Very well then. Mr. Jeffries, are you ready to close?"
"I am, Your Honor."
"How about you, Mr. Stillman?"
"Yes, sir, I am."
"Then lets begin. Mr. Jeffries?"
"Thank-you, Your Honor. Sir, we heard testimony that Mr. Daniels kicked his mother out of the house, and he even admitted to it. We heard how he beat those three boys."
"Mr. Jeffries, we did not hear anything to that effect, so please stick to this case and nothing more," the judge cautioned.
"Yes, Your Honor. We heard testimony that Mr. Daniels is a writer, much to the dismay of his mother. He refused to follow her orders to get his hair cut, and to stay away from the kids that he was hanging around with. Sir, that testimony should prove to the court that Mr. Daniels is rebellious. It further proves that he has no respect for authority. He has also shown this lack of respect with the way he speaks against the members of the school board. He even showed it when he testified at the senate committee hearing. Your Honor, I ask that you find in favor of Mrs. Daniels and rule Malcolm Daniels incompetent. Thank you."
"Mr. Stillman do you have anything to say," the judge asked.
"I do, indeed, Your Honor. However I wish to hold off for the moment and have Mr. Daniels taken back to the hospital. I don't think that my client is up to much more of this."
"Very well, court is adjourned until Monday at 9:00 AM. Mr. Daniels, I do hope that you are feeling much better by then," the judge stated, his face showing concern.
"Thank-you, sir, and I am sorry for this," Malcolm whispered.
"Don't be sorry, young man, just get better."
The next four days Malcolm spent in the hospital. Friday his dad came in with a huge smile on his face. Malcolm could see Zeke and Aaron hiding behind the door, also smiling.
"Malcolm, how are you feeling?" Richard asked.
"Okay. My shoulder and arm are sore as hell, but I am kewl," Malcolm said smiling at his little brothers.
"Good. Now I have to ask you something."
"Sure, what is it?"
"Well, how would you feel if you had two new brothers?"
"Oh, wow! Dad, you did it? I always thought of them as my brothers, but this makes it legal right?"
"Yes, it does, son, and now Zeke and Aaron really are your brothers."
"Alright Dad! Come on in brothers. I can see you hiding out there."
Aaron was quickly into the room and was soon was again curled up beside Malcolm, hugging him tight.
"You happy, Malcolm?" Aaron whispered.
"You bet, turkey. I now have two great brothers," Malcolm said as he hugged both Aaron and Zeke.
Monday morning Malcolm was back in the courtroom as over the weekend the doctor had released him to go home. Mr. Stillman was there at the door waiting for him along with six sheriff's deputies and his two secret service agents.
"Well, Malcolm it is good to see you up and doing better," Mr. Stillman spoke when he saw Malcolm.
"Thanks, what about the other case?" Malcolm asked.
"Well, we still have that to deal with, but that should only take a few hours, I hope."
"And what about the person who shot me?"
"The police have him in custody and he has confessed. However, he wants to make a deal."
"What does he have to deal with? I mean if he confessed to taking the shot then what?"
"I don't know."
"Well, I'm not going to worry about it. Now, can we get this over with?"
"Sure, lets go in and take our seats."
"I wish I could stand through this. I've been on my back for the last four days."
"I don't think the judge would like that."
"I know. I was just kidding anyways."
For the next half hour Mr. Stillman spoke, showing the court that Malcolm was not incompetent and, due to the fact that the house was his as was proved by the will, that he had the right to do what he thought was necessary. Finally, he asked the judge to deny Mrs. Daniels' petition.
"Gentlemen, if neither of you have nothing further to add, this court is in recess for thirty minutes while I think this over," the judge related as he stood up to leave.
As the judge left for his chambers he gave Malcolm a wink and smile. Malcolm stood up and made his way out of the courtroom, only to find the hallway packed with his friends. They parted and watched as Malcolm made his way through the crowd, coming to stop in front of his new brothers and Patrick.
"What's this Patrick?" Malcolm asked.
"Not my idea, dude, and why didn't you tell me you had two new brothers?" Patrick replied.
"Well, first off, who's idea was it and, second, if you had come to the hospital you would have been told," Malcolm said.
"Oh, well, we've been kinda busy, and this was Zeke's idea. He wanted to show you that he cared about you."
"Well, I care about them both. Come here Zeke," Malcolm smiled and hugged his new brother. "Thanks, bro, this means a lot to me."
"You're not angry then?" Zeke whimpered.
"No way, dude, but does Dad know?" Malcolm asked.
"Uh huh. He's busy doing some stuff, but he said that if we stayed with Patrick and his friends then it would be okay to come here," Zeke whispered.
"Well, I guess you will have to stay with them a bit longer, 'cause this isn't over yet, and they won't let anyone else in there, not after what happened."
"We know, and we will wait out here, even if it takes all day," Patrick spoke up. Oh, and you had better read this. It is a list of changes we want to see happening with the school board."
"Who wrote this up?"
"We all did. Mr. Lawson and a few others helped, so it should be done right."
"Okay, I'll read it over. Anyone got any juice?"
"Malcolm, you don't have time to read that or to have juice. We have to get back in there," Mr. Stillman spoke up.
"Sir, I know we have to go back in, but if my friends came here to support me then I think it would be only fair to read what they have written since we are fighting beside them also," Malcolm stated.
"And you expect the judge to say okay, that this school strike is more important that his verdict?"
"Well, if you will just let me read this I might get it finished before it is time to go in."
"Oh, I guess I never thought of that."
"Malcolm, take it with you and read it in there or afterwards, but you have to be ready because we are calling another rally for next weekend."
"Is it being covered?"
"Yeah, CNN has agreed to come back."
"Great! And just where is this rally being held?"
"The stadium. The theater's manager said we couldn't use it again."
"Okay. What about a sound system?"
"Malcolm, sorry to interrupt but we have to go back in."
"Okay, be right there. Look, let's meet at Mike's Place after this and you can fill me in on everything."
"But Malcolm, dad is picking us up."
"Oh, I guess that is out of the question then."
"We'll meet you here after you're finished."
"Okay, and again, thanks."
Turning, Malcolm started walking back towards the courtroom as the students started applauding. Malcolm was about to enter the court when he turned, smiled and waved, and again thanked everyone.
Approaching their table with his lawyer he could see the judge looking at him.
"Mr. Daniels, this is a courthouse. Now, would you care to explain what all that clapping was about?" the judge asked.
"Well, sir, I guess you could say it was my support team. Sir, my two new little brothers told my friends that I was here and they came to show me that they cared. The clapping you heard was their way of saying they are happy that Zeke and Aaron now have a great home," Malcolm answered, a small smile playing on his lips.
Email me if you wish me to continue. thewriter1@live.ca