Beneath the Mask - 14. Chapter 14

(BOBBY’S POINT OF VIEW)

As soon as I finish breakfast, I am to be moved back to Building ‘A’. Somehow Alex came through for me, or should I say Mr. Flores. It doesn't matter because the only thing that means is that the rest of my time here will be relaxing.

I gather the little stuff that I have here the infirmary. So where I will be ready the moment the guards come and get me. I am tired of being cooped up here in the infirmary all day long and not going anywhere.

I turned as the door to the infirmary opened to see Officer Jackson walk in. He said a few words to the guard at the desk before coming over to me. He doesn't look bad, but he doesn't look happy either.

“Listen up Bobby, and listen good! I pulled an awful lot of strings on behalf of Alex to get you into Building ‘A’ once again. I know people like you, and I know you can’t change who you are.

With that said, you had better put aside any plans you may have to get even with either Alex or Carlos. The way I see it, you guys are even. Even if you don’t feel like that, I really don't give a damn. There will be no trouble in Building ‘A’ or any other part of this facility. We finally have peace and quiet in all of our buildings.

You need to know that I will only deal with Alex and Carlos. If they come to me and asked me to remove you from Building ‘A’, I will. I hope I am making myself very clear. If I am forced to remove you from Building ‘A”, you will be going straight to lock down.”

Officer Jackson lowered his face to mine. In a soft whisper he started to talk. “If you think that you can go to any other officer or to Mr. Henderson to turn me in, I will know and you will be royally fucked! If that happens, what had happened to you in County would be nothing compared to what will happen to you in here.”

Officer Jackson looked at me for a few moments. He turned and yelled at the guard that I am ready to be taken back to my room. As he walked out the door he looked once more at me with daggers in his eyes.

I know this might sound weird to many, but I don't want anymore trouble. I just want to do my time and get the hell out of here. I don't even know why I did what I did to Alex. I look back at it and just kick myself in the ass for it.

Even if I would've succeeded on assassinating our gang leader, not only would I not have gone higher in rank in the gang, more than likely within days after the killing Alex, I would have joined him in the ground.

We don’t kill our leaders in our gang. That is one cardinal rule that can’t be broken by anyone. The only one that can make a call of that nature is the main one in charge. At the time I tried to kill Alex, his dad was a gang leader. I really had my head up my ass thinking back on it all.

I got brought out of thought, by the nurse taking the IVs out of my arm. Just as she was placing a bandage where the IVs were, a guard walked up. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed to be ready to go when the guard gives the order.

I started walking and realized I was still very sore in my groin area. The doctors and nurses told me they will take months before I could even start to feel even a little bit better. Still I didn’t want anyone seeing me walking all weird.

I walked into the building to find most of the residents in the dayroom watching the football games. I slowly followed the guard to my new room. As I walked in, the guard pointed out which side of the room is mine. I nodded to show the guard I understood what he is telling me.

I walked over to my bed and sat down as the guard left me. I looked around and realized this isn't Carlos’ room. The pictures on the bed and wall are of a white teenage boy and his family, and maybe a girlfriend.

I decided to get up and go to the dayroom to join the others. I made my way out into the hall and found Alex and Carlos walking towards me. I figure these guys want to speak with me sooner rather than later.

Alex pointed to his room for me to go in. I walked in and stood against the wall by the door. Alex and Carlos walked in right after me. They sat down on opposite beds. At first, no one moved or said a word. I heard this is the way Alex likes to make the others think and question themselves. It's sure as shit working on me!

Alex turned to me and waved me over to sit down next to Carlos. Still freaking out a little over everything that has occurred so far today, I walked over and sat down as Alex requested. I just want this to be over and done with.

“Carlos here has already spoken with you about the new ways the gang operates. I won’t go over those rules and changes with you again. It's not only happening in this facility but is happening all throughout the gang.

The only reason I called you in here today is because I want to make one thing very clear to you. We can either deal straight up with each other and do our time in peace or one of us will go. I can guarantee you I won’t be the one to go.”

I didn’t hesitate a second to reply; “Um, I, um, understand what you're saying. I won’t act, plan or get involved in any plans against you. Every moment of every day I get a reminder of the reach that you have. I don’t want to be reached out to again because I know I won’t walk away from it the next time.”

“That’s good, and I'm glad we understand each other. Let's just get along, do our time and everyone will get out of here alive. Now let me explain to you what is going on in this building and in our gang.”

Alex took me through the aspects of the changes. Everyone that was in lock down is now back in the dorms. Leadership in the dorms has not changed from Ashton to anyone else that might be higher up. Alex went on to explain that only he or Carlos are allowed to speak with the guards dealing with our gang.

He went on to explain to me that we sat at the same table, but we don’t terrorize the other residents. We get the same portions and same treatment as the others in this building. We don’t control anything in the dayroom and we respect every resident.

That means the old days of walking into the dayroom and changing the channel to what we want to watch is over. Everything is done in a democratic fashion, not a dictatorship. Also, we don’t force the other residents to buy us stuff on their commissary. We don’t force them to clean our rooms, do our laundry or give us portions of their food during meal time. All of that is in the past.

I’d better start getting money deposited on my books from outside and get used to all these changes. I was actually looking forward to moving back here and get all this stuff done for me. Now I find out we are just like everyone else.

“If you have no questions or concerns about anything I have said here today, Bobby, I figure we’re done and you can go on your way to wherever you were going when we caught you in the hallway,” Alex concluded and dismissing me.

I nodded my head as I got up to head out the door. I made my way down to the dayroom just thinking about all these changes that have happened since I've been gone. I wonder if these changes are just for me only or does everyone has to follow them.

One thing is for sure, I will need to keep a watchful eye out. Although, Alex and Carlos have made it clear to me that they want to do their time in peace, I know there has to be more than that to the story.

(FRANSECA’s POINT OF VIEW)

Between goings out shopping with the Hernandez family, unpacking and working, I can’t find any time to visit my son. Even in the past it was very rare that I had time to visit Alex, but I made a sworn promise to visit my son as much as possible.

I want him to see there are people waiting for him to get out; people that love him and care for him no matter what he has done! For far too long in this family, emotions have been hidden from all those who see us. I need to change that, not only with Alex but with my two younger boys.

I finally getting a glimpse into a family that doesn't fear the emotions of love and caring for each other. Don't get me wrong. The Hernandez family has their share of problems but they don’t hide that care for each other from anyone.

Once we got home, and I made sure everything was good with the Hernandez’s. I made my way back over to my new home. The boys stayed over at Jacob's house to play in the game. I really didn't mind because I wanted some peace and quiet.

I walked around this beautiful home and couldn't believe that Beth gave it all up. She had been given everything free of charge. Yes, she worked over there at the house, but once I started working I took on the majority of the house chores and cooking. Therefore, she did really get everything she wanted for free.

I sat down and started going through my finances for the first time since I got offered this live-in job. My expenses are way down without paying a monthly rent and utilities and more than likely my food costs will go down since we are going to be eating at the main house most of the time. What all this means to me is I'm going to be in a very good financial position of the very first time in my life!

I can’t remember the day that I didn’t work at least two and more often, three jobs a week and still couldn't make ends meet. Now I am going to have money to save for the very first time. I also have money to buy my kids what they need when they need it. I don’t have to say ‘no’ anymore, because I am now in a better spot.

I put away my notebook that I write down my finances in a drawer in the kitchen before going to take a nice cool shower. After getting showered I looked at the clock and saw I actually have time to visit Alex.

I quickly went over to the main house to get my boys. We got into the car and made our way to where Alex is locked up. I got a parking spot and then headed in. I signed in with the guards and told him who I am here to visit. He told me to take a seat, and he will go and get my son for the visit.

Not even five minutes passed when the guard came back to escort me and my sons to the visitation room. We sat down and waited for Alex to come. The opposite door opened and several young men, including my son, walked into the room. Alex looked over to where we are sitting and walked over.

“I didn't know you were coming down to visit with me today mom!” Alex said as he hugged me and then his two younger brothers.

“I made a promise to myself to visit with you a lot more than I have in the past. You're my son, and I love you. It should be no special reason for me to make a visit with you.”

“No, I know mom, there isn't a need for special reason for you to visit with me. I just don't want you to lose any time from your jobs. I know how much you depend on the money that you get from all your jobs.”

I forgot that I had not told Alex about everything that had been going on since the funeral. He has no idea that I am working for Jacob and his family or that we moved into the house, connected to Jacob’s.

“There is so much I need to tell you, Alex! A lot of things have changed and changed for the better. So, please let me tell you everything without any interruptions.” I looked straight into Alex's eyes as he nodded his head up and down.

I told Alex everything from going to work for Jacob to what just recently happened this week. Alex just sat there across the table listening to me with concern in his face as I spoke.

“I think you told me mom about going to work for Jacob, but not moving into his house. I really hope we are not starting to depend on him and then we get shown the street. You know, whenever Joey and Beth show back up.”

“I already spoke with Mr. Al and Jacob about that very subject. I made it clear that I can’t make a move like this with two young boys and then several months from now I am asked to leave. They assured me that it won’t happen.

Joey isn't coming back, but if he does, there is no way they will allow Beth to live in the house again. There is something they are not telling me about this whole breakup between Joey and Jacob. I am pretty sure it has something to do with whatever involvement that Beth had. The little I can put together, she had a lot to do with the breakup between the two boys.”

“Oh, it is sad to hear that those two are no longer together. I always thought that they were a couple that would last a lifetime. I see I am wrong about that. How is Jacob taking all this? I know the guy really loves Joey with everything in his heart and soul.”

I sat there explaining everything that has been going on in the house. At least the stuff I knew I wasn’t breaking any confidence that the family put in me. I left some things out because they was told to me in confidence.

Eventually we got out on that subject and started talking about how everything that is going with Alex. He seems to be very happy and he is actually growing his hair out. Alex has always shaved his head since he started making decisions regarding his hair cuts. Now he is growing his hair back out and I think you looks very handsome.

“Our time is almost up. Alex, do you need anything from me? Before I leave, I will deposit money into your account. That way you can buy little snacks to eat during the evening or the weekend.”

“To tell you the truth mom, I'm doing pretty well right now. Someone has been depositing money into my account. I know who it is and I dropped him a letter thanking him for his generosity.”

“Let me guess, Jacob has been depositing money on your account.” Alex nodded his head up and down in agreement to my statement. “Still Alex, I will sleep better at night if I put some money on your account. There were too many years that I couldn't do that for you, and now I can.”

The guards in the visitation room called out that visitation is over and we have to say our goodbyes. Reluctantly, Alex agreed to let me deposit money into his account. I hugged my son and I didn't want to let him go. I would trade places with him if I could. He is such a tough young man who had to grow up way too fast.

I let go of Alex so he could hug and say goodbye to his brothers. We stayed in the visitation room watching him being escorted back through the door. We walked out and I immediately deposited money into his account.

All the way back to the house, I held back my tears so my two younger sons didn't see me cry. I miss Alex so much and I still have five years of him being locked up in that place. I can only hope that time flies by fast.

(ROBERT’S POINT OF VIEW)

Since everybody is either waiting for a visitor, get ready for school tomorrow, or still watch TV. I decided to take this time, like every week, and do my laundry. I put everything together, grabbed my laundry soap and headed on over to laundry room.

I walked in to find it completely empty. That’s just the way I like it. I walked to the end of the row of washer machines because they're the ones that work the best and are almost brand-new. I started to separate my clothes just like my mother taught me. All of a sudden the door flew open making me almost jump onto the wash machines.

I turned to see who the one that slammed the door opened was, and to my surprise, Steve, He came walking in with his dirty laundry. He walked up and took the next couple wash machines next to mine.

He quickly separated his clothes and threw them in the machines, threw in the soap and closed the lids. He turned and jumped up onto a machine and started to smile down at me as I continued to put my clothes in my machines.

“I don't know what you are so taking to be this happy, but whatever it is, give ME some! I've never found doing laundry fun.” I looked over to Steve, as I closed my wash machines.

“I don't find doing laundry fun, but with you anything is fun. I just love being around you and doing anything that we can do together,” Steve replied.

I jumped up on my washer machine and sat down. I leaned against the buttons on the machine and started talking with Steve. He started to scoot over in order for him to be closer to me.

I closed my eyes so I didn't see Steve lean in to kiss me. Our lips touched and I didn’t resist him. I opened my mouth and let his tongue enter. We kept swapping saliva back and forth as we kissed.

Both of my arms wrapped around Steve and brought him closer to me. I know that Alex warned us about this, but I want to be with Steve. I know now, Steve wants to be with me every bit as much as I want to be with him.

I felt Steve's hands on my thigh and moving up towards my cock. Once he reached my cock, he rested his hand on top of it. Now knowing that his hand is actually on top of my cock, it started to jump in my pants.

Steve noticed my cock jumping around; he quickly unzipped my pants and put his hand into my boxers. Now Steve has my cock completely in his hand and it is leaking like a water faucet. All he is doing is holding my cock, but it won't turn off.

Carefully, Steve pulled my cock out of my pants and slowly started to jerk it off. Once he got it nice and hard, he broke the kiss and immediately went down on me. Before I knew it, Steve swallowed my entire cock.

Here we are, on top of wash machines and Steve is giving me a blow job! Anyone can walk in at any time and catch us. There is no way we can jump off of these machines and put my cock back in my pants in time!

Right now, I really don’t care! I love the feeling I am getting with Steve's mouth around my cock. He says he's new at this, but man, he surely knows how to satisfy me when it comes to a blow job.

Steve let my cock fall out of his mouth as he came back up and started kissing me again. Man I can’t stand when a person gets me close to my climax, and then just stops. That is a major case of blue balls!

Still with my cock hanging out with my pants hard as hell, I decided to return the favor to Steve. I unzipped his pants and pulled out his hard cock. This time I broke the kiss and went down on Steve.

Immediately I swallowed his cock and started to give Steve a blow job. Steve reached around my waist and started to jerk me off as I was going down on him. I can’t hold it in much longer. I don’t know how close Steve is to reach his climax.

Just then, the washer machines went into their spin cycle. With the vibrations, that was it for both of us. We both started moaning. As our cocks started shooting cum all over the machines, our bodies and wall. I have never had an orgasm like the one I'm having right now!

I feel like I'm never going to stop cumming all over the place. I don't know if it's because of the chance of getting caught or the machine is going to spin cycle or both. Whatever it is, my orgasm won’t end!

Both Steve and I stopped almost at the same time. We just sat there on top of the washing machines, trying to come down from our climax and catch our breath. I looked over at Steve seeing sweat beads all over his forehead. I can feel sweat or water or maybe even cum leaking down my face.

Without warning, I reached over and started scooping up as much of Steve's cum that I can get. Steve started to do the same thing with me and we ate each others cum, and then went in for seconds. We didn't stop until we had each other completely cleaned up. There’s not one drop of cum left on neither of us!

The door started to open, which brought both of us back to reality. We immediately jumped off the machines and started to stick our cocks back in our pants. Lucky for us, whoever it is coming in got stopped by someone at the door. That gave us enough time to straighten out our clothes and turned around towards machines to hide our still hard cocks in our pants.

We look at each other as the guy came in and started to do his laundry. We actually started laughing, and that made the other guy to turn around a think he thinks that we are actually laughing at him on what he is doing. He is halfway right that we are laughing at him, but not because of what he is doing but rather for what he almost caught us doing.

We switched our laundry to the dryer and sat down on the seats. This time, we just talked to each other instead of having fun with each other. I’d rather have fun with Steve right now, instead of talking with him. The simple reason behind that is that I am still very horny and need to get off again.

(OFFICER JACKSON’S POINT OF VIEW)

Just like every Monday morning we have a staff meeting. I hate these staff meetings. We really don't get anything done because everybody argues about what they think should be done. The results are we never come to a solution because everybody thinks their idea is better than the others.

I was right. The entire meeting is full of nothing but bickering back and forth. Finally, Mr. Henderson ended the meeting. He excused the rest the staff, with just left him and me in the conference room.

“You know something that I find very funny Tustin. Everything is so quiet here now; the staff is trying to find other things to disagree over. Never will guards get along with office staff. I've been at so many different facilities and that doesn't change. Officers think they're right and staff thinks they're right.”

“I have no argument on what you're saying here. No matter how peaceful everything gets, our personnel will always fight. At least we don’t have to worry about shanks being pulled out in our fights in here!”

Both of us started to laugh at my remark. To tell you the truth, in several of our staff meetings I thought it was going to come to blows. Neither side wanted to back down on what they were fighting for.

“Okay, let me have it. Did you find out if our new guard is the only other guard on the take? I know it's going to be hard, but we need to know.”

“I reached out to everyone to get an answer without talking with the guard in question. Nobody, and I mean nobody is talking for the fear of what is going to happen. I even talked to a few of the guards that had been let go.

They call me up once and a while to hear the gossip about this place. They keep warning me to watch out because my days are numbered. Anyways, no one can tell me for sure who and how many may be on the take.

I was about to give up when Alex approached me and requested to talk with me. First it was about that subject I spoke with Carlos about. I can tell by the look in his face that he is very uncomfortable talking about that part of his life.

Before I go on, I think it might be good if you bring him in and talk with him like a father. I really do think if this guy would've had a real father in his life, things would have been very different for him. Don’t get me wrong; who he loves would be the same no matter what kind of father figure he had.”

“You’re right on everything concerning his love life. Still, he needs someone to talk with at the same time. I will block off some time sometime this week to speak with him in private.”

“Thank you for that, Mr. Henderson. I don’t want to say the wrong thing to him, and it backfire on us. We really need to keep him on our side. Let me tell you why I think that more now than before.

As I was saying, Alex pulled me aside and we talked about that first thing. Then, as we were about to leave the room, he handed me a piece a paper. I looked at it and then looked at him and asked him why he gave it is these paper. All he told me to do is read what he had given me.

So I unfolded the paper and started reading what he handed me. He had been given this by the officer in question earlier that day. It is a letter from Mr. Flores, which lists all the guards that he can go to in order to get things done.”

I handed the list to Mr. Henderson and give him a chance to read it. I want him to make it to the very end and see what had been written about me. We need to be very careful with this bit of information that has been handed to us on a silver platter.

“Mr. Flores believes that you can’t be trusted. I figured the number of guards that I let go it was going to cause problems. I knew we were taking a chance when I fired every single one of those guards and left you intact. I knew some kind of red flag would be raised because that.

We realize that we can never totally clean up this house. When we get rid of one bad guard, two replace him. Do you think, and I need you to answer this question honestly, do you think we can trust one hundred percent Alex on everything?”

“Alex didn't need to give us this list, but he did. Neither of us knew he had been given a list of the new guards on the take. Because of what he has done, I know we can trust him on anything.”

“Okay, that still said we will continue as we have been with Alex. But here is how we are going to change things up from now on. First, you step back out of fear of getting fired. We will put on some kind of scene in front of some of these guards that looks like I am catching on to you. That way when you do step back, they don't question it at all.

Second, before we do the first part, we need to sit down and speak directly with Alex. We bring him into our plans and let him know he will no longer deal with you for favors. He will go straight to these guards on this list to get it done.

That way it works in our favor in many ways. You will get cleaned up with Mr. Flores, and he will believe you are still on the take. It will also allow us to build cases against every one of the dirty guards.

Finally, once we do part one and part two we sit back and allow those guys to hang themselves. Alex looks good with Mr. Flores, you look good as well, and I get to take down some more dirty guards eventually. No one will get hurt, and all sides will think they won, except we are the only ones winning here.”

Mr. Henderson's plan is devious, but good. We can actually make this work across the board. Alex has shown us that we trust him and that is why we are able to put this plan into effect. Alex could be taking most of the chances, but if it works, he might be able to actually get out of here earlier than his twenty-first birthday!

“I'd like the plan very much and it will work. I will get with Alex in on this before the end of the week. I can’t let the other guards see me running to him, and then us placing our plan into action.”

Mr. Henderson agreed with me as we walked out of the conference room into his office. The great thing about this conference room is that the only entrance into it is through Mr. Henderson's secretary. No one can ever eaves drop on our conversations in that room.

I walked out of Mr. Henderson's office and got hit with questions from my guard staff. It seems that they didn’t get paid their overtime once again. I don't understand why they come to me when all I can do is send them directly to payroll.

(ALEJANDRO’S POINT OF VIEW)

Damn, for some reason I woke up before Matt this morning. I walked over to the door to make sure there’s no one around before heading over to Matt's bed. As I reached Matt's bed, I stuck my hands underneath his covers for my morning Popsicle.

It is never difficult to find Matt's cock because it's always hard in the morning. I wrapped my hand around his cock and started kissing him on the lips. Little by little, Matt opened his eyes.

“Good morning, my very handsome boyfriend. I love waking up to you kissing me and holding me tight.”

I started to laugh at the last part that Matt said. The minute his eyes open, his brain starts to work. He comes up with some doozies every morning. He is the one that keeps a smile on my face all day long.

“You know how much I love you Matt, and always will. I want you so bad right now, but we can’t do anything. Give me time, and I will find us a place to do our lovemaking. I promise with all of my heart, I will get that done.”

Reluctantly, I let go of Matt's cock and just kissed him on the lips. I don't want to drive him so far up the wall and not be able to finish him off. Plus I want both of us to enjoy every minute of our lovemaking.

I broke the kiss and started to get ready for school. Matt jumped out of bed and the entire time we were getting ready, we played around with each other. We’d grab one another’s clothes and then run around the room with each other on each others’ heels. By the time we got dressed, we were ready for another shower.

One week left of school, and then there is Christmas break. The first three days the week is filled with exams and the final two days are just kickback time. I find it weird because of where we are at. They should flip the schedule round and make the first two days kickback in the last three exams.

Anyways, those are just my thoughts, and I need to go with the flow as they say. After breakfast we went to the dayroom because it’s way to cold to do much outside. We fooled around in the dayroom until the bell rang for class.

Immediately, our teachers started to give us instructions about the finals we are about to take. They're not timed, but must be finished within the period. So I find it kind of funny when he says that they are not timed. But we only have the period to complete the exams in.

I opened up the exam book and flew right through my first final exam. It seems to be the same questions, but in a different order than we had on our six weeks exams. Who cares, as long as I got it done? That’s all that matters right now to me.

I walked my exam booklet and the bubble sheet to my teacher. He looked up at me with a confused look in his eyes. I really hope he doesn't think that I am cheating on his exams. They are way too easy or he thinks I am way too dumb to take real exams.

Before heading back to my desk, he handed me a book. I looked at the book and him and then back up the book. I decided not to say a word about it. Instead, I opened the book and started reading it as I made my way to my desk.

Once the last exam was handed in, he excused everyone from class except me. I waited for everyone to leave before heading to the front of the class. Either he's going to ask me about the debate team or accuse me of stealing his tests.

“Alex, I see that you opened the booklet I gave you, but did you actually read it or did you skim through it?”

I looked at Mr. Simons and then back down at the booklet he’d given me. I really didn't look and read the book, but I did skim it. I thought he just gave it to me to pass the time since I finished before everybody else.

“Mr. Simons, to be honest with you, I just skimmed the booklet. I thought you gave it to me just to pass the time, and nothing more.”

“That's okay Alex, I figured that much. Let me explain why I gave you a booklet and what the booklet is all about. The reason I want you to have the booklet is because I have never seen anyone like you.

Let me explain what I mean by that Alex. You were put in here and I thought I was going to have a major gang problem on my hands. Instead I got one of the most intelligent individuals I have ever had the privilege of teaching. Now don't let that go to your head Alex! You still have plenty of learning ahead of you.

A new program has started in all the detention facilities involving our youth in Texas. Our new Governor believes that if we catch the youth now and give them the opportunities for the future they won’t continue breaking the law once they reach adulthood. He really believes it's cheaper to fix and teach the youth now than supporting them in the prison system in years to come.

I agree with Gov. Lopez and his thinking that if we get to you guys now we won’t see you again after the age of twenty-one. When you leave here, you will have a better chance at a future than you had before you came in here.

The program allows the youth in the detention facilities to start up companies. These companies can produce or do anything they think can make money. We have grants from the State to get the company going but after that, it is up to you guys to keep it going.

Use good business logic when it comes to developing the basis of your business model. It can get you guy’s money to spend on personal items and even money to buy things for the facility like a bigger TV, better games, game systems, and I could go on and on and on. The better the business gets, the more you guys can get and the facility can get.

I really do believe you are the one to lead this program. You have the smarts, the leadership from running your gang, believe it or not, and patience to begin to build a business from the bottom up.

So in other words, I would like you to head up this program here and choose who should be part of it. You will have complete say on the program. Just keep in mind that you need to put an even mix of everyone in the program.”

I just looked at Mr. Simons not understanding why he wants to help me out so much. There are so many others to choose from that don’t expose him to risk as I do, because of my affiliation with the gang life.

“Mr. Simons, let's say I say yes to this, do I run the program, the entire time while I am locked up here or does it get switched off every year or so?”

“The way the program is set up. The only time, the leadership is changed, is when the CEO, which is you, gets released to the free or does something stupid and end up in lockdown or with new charges.

This program is to keep you occupied and out of trouble. Gov. Lopez believes in rehabilitation over incarceration. He will give you the tools to succeed. It is a matter of you taking those tools and succeeding with them.”

“This sounds like we got a way different Governor in office now. He seems to care for the souls that our society has deemed unworthy of another chance.

Mr. Simons, I appreciate that you are giving me this opportunity. I won’t let you down at any point. I have another question for you. Let's say I choose a few people from the other building, how do they participate in the business?”

“I recommend that you do choose from the other building as well. The program is set up to cool all levels of risk. What I mean is this building is lower risk because there is no fear of trouble or escape. Building ‘B’ on the other hand is higher risk, and everyone in there needs to be in lock down because of the worry of violence and escape.

The program needs to be able to show that it will take the higher risk individuals and turn them around just as much as the low risk inmates in the detention facilities. We will set up an area between the two buildings to house the company. That way, they are not in this building, able to cause problems for anyone in here.”

I sat there thinking of what a great opportunity this is. Create a business from the ground up and leave it in place for other inmates to take over. Once I leave here, beyond reforming the gang, I can actually leave a positive mark from my youth years, That’s a change I’d not even dreamed about because everything so far in my life has been negative.

“Okay Mr. Simons, I am willing to take this on. But I would like to set some ground rules on how to handle each resident that comes to the table.”

“I have no problems with rules Alex, trust me! But why don't you go and have lunch and then return back here with the rest of class and we will talk more about it. I promise you, we will have plenty of time to discuss what to do and how to do it.”

I agreed with Mr. Simons and walked out to the cafeteria. I quickly grabbed my lunch before they closed down the kitchen and met the guys at the table. They actually waited for me. As I ate, I explained everything to everyone at the table about the program Mr. Simons has asked me to head up.

Everyone at the table jumped at the opportunity to be part of this program. They see the benefits of being part of a program that can actually put money in our pockets. Of course we’re not going to get all the money the program makes because a good percentage of it will be used for better items for the facility.

I need to remember that because when I speak with Mr. Simons I need to clarify if we get to choose what the money gets spent on as far as the facility is concerned. Paying guard staff, or uniforms isn't where the money will go.

Although I completed my exams before everybody else, I didn't get a chance to speak with Mr. Simons about the program. Once the final bell rang, Mr. Simons asked me to put together a board, and then the board puts together the staff.

Instead of going straight to the dayroom and watch TV as I normally do, I decided to sit at the card table and start to put together a board. Of course, the board is going to include my boyfriend and my best friend.

I decided one of the lower levels of the board positions will go to Ashton. I need him as part of the board, but not in a major decision making position as far as the business is concerned. I can get an even mix of everyone is concerned, like Mr. Simons wants me to.

By the time dinner was called, I had my board and all I have to do now is ask them. As we sat down and ate dinner everyone kept asking me who I decided to bring aboard this program. I decided to go ahead and tell them.

“You have to understand that I can’t bring everybody here at this table as part of the board. It would look like favoritism and we would not even get off the ground. But everyone will be involved in this program one way or another. So don't worry, you guys will all get money in your pockets for the work you do in the business.”

I started going down the list of the board members I chose. I told them to get with me by the end of tomorrow with their answer. If they choose not join the board, I will need to choose another person to take their spot.

Before I made out of the cafeteria, everyone at the table that was invited to join the board gave me the positive answer. I then decided to go and offer the others a position on the board. Believe it or not, several of them actually declined the invitation. I couldn't believe they would actually do that.

By the time I went to bed, I already had new names for the positions which were declined. During breakfast I offered the positions and they were accepted. Now, I can walk into class and hand. Mr. Simons a completed board list.

The only thing Mr. Simons needs to do is get the three individuals in Building ‘B’ on board. You may be thinking that's a lot of board positions but also includes all management, and/or lower management positions.

The next two days of final exams went by quick. I am so anxious about starting this program than I've been with anything in my life. I don't remember ever feeling this way about anything to date.

Mr. Simons pulled me to the side on Wednesday to inform me about the answer he received from the three in the other building. Of course, Ashton took the position but the other two declined. They think is a trick in order to get them alone.

I didn't give it much thought. I just handed two more names to replace the ones that declined to participate in the program. I'm trying to be as fair as possible by including every nationality and skin color. If they refuse to participate there’s not a thing I can do about it.

“Okay, already we got clearance from Mr. Henderson to use the old gym as your base of operation. It's between the two buildings, but underground. Guards will be at both entrances and a couple in the room.

We have to agree to pay for the guards’ salary from the money that the business makes. None of it to can come from the grant once the business is up and running. Your business will be responsible for those guards’ time. Mr. Henderson has to take guards from somewhere or pay them overtime. Instead, we agreed to have specific guards for this venture.”

“I have no problem with that Mr. Simons. Just as long as we are not paying for their overtime as well! I know there has to be guards where we are at. Once we are in the room, there is no need to have guards outside locked doors. I’d rather have all four guards inside the room just in case something comes up.”

“I don't see a problem with that change and I will have Mr. Henderson make it. I agree with you on your thoughts on overtime. I agree with you, they can’t double dip. I think you guys should have your first board and management meeting either by tomorrow or Friday.”

“Let's get those other two on board, and then set up the management meeting.”

“One of the main things you need to talk about in that management meeting is your business model. So brainstorm with those that already agreed and have ideas when you walk into the door tomorrow.

As far as your list of rules is concerned, I agree with them all. I have nothing to add to them, but I would submit them to your board. See if they have anything else to add, and please, keep it simple and just address this with your board, not the managers.”

By the time I left the classroom we had everything already settled for our first board meeting. The meeting didn’t occur until Friday with the delay on getting the other two on board with us.

In the two-hour meeting we didn't accomplish much. We did more bickering back and forth about the ideas than settling on any of them. An hour in we broke off the managers and left just the main board. The only thing we accomplished is the agreement to the main rules that we are to go by. A couple more rules were added and a few were amended, but basically, I got what I wanted.

I walked out trying to figure how to bring everyone together. It seems that there's no way to get everyone to agree on one thing. What needs to be done at this point is to get the majority to agree on something. And then go forward from there.

Just as it was about to sit down with the others, Officer Jackson came to get me. I looked at him and he had a very concerned look on his face. Whatever he has to say at this time it looks like it's very important.

“Alex, what I have to tell you stay just between you and me. Mr. Henderson and I discussed what to do about the issue of the other guards. Let me explain what we decided on because you will be taking a bigger risk.”

We sat in the attorney's room discussing everything that had been discussed prior. There was no lie when Officer Jackson told me I would be taking a bigger risk out of us three. I really have no problem with it just as long I have backup when needed.

“Officer Jackson, nothing you said bothers me. I have taken bigger risks before and I’m daring to hope not to take any more after this. I'm going to take advantage of everything you guys are giving me here. That way when I walk out of here, I have a chance to succeed where my father didn't.”

“Alex, I promise you this much. When you walk out of here, you will walk out, holding your head up high. You are going to have a lot more behind you when you leave, than you had when you came to us. I will make sure to keep you safe as best I can.”

“Talking about keeping me safe, I only got one problem with your plan. Yes, take a couple steps back, but for Mr. Flores to believe you are not a double agent I still need you there whenever I meet with members of the gang.

That may explain why I put my foot down in this area. These guards are dirty as it is. And they would not mind one bit, turning their head. As another inmate, shanks me in the back during one of these meetings.

I will speak with Mr. Flores as far as the meetings are concerned. You are the only one I can trust. I will say some kind of lie, like you are the only one that can pull the strings to get it done.”

“Okay, I have no problem with that Alex. Just make it believable and run it by me, before you say it. I need one thing from you, and that is what should Mr. Henderson call me on in front of all the guards? What are your thoughts?”

“That one is really easy for me the answer. Mr. Flores and the others can’t understand how easy it was for me to go to you and get the personnel moved around. Have Mr. Henderson see the paperwork and come out and confront you about it. Those guards that are dirty will report that back to Mr. Flores and the others.”

“I love that idea and will tell Mr. Henderson about it. Now, Mr. Henderson would like to speak with you for a few moments about a different matter.”

I didn't say a word once Officer Jackson told me Mr. Henderson would like to speak with me. I just keep wondering as we walked towards his office. What it is that he needs to speak with me about and not let Officer Jackson just tell me?

(MR. HENDERSON’S POINT OF VIEW)

I delayed the talk with Alex as long as I could. I didn’t enjoy this talk with my daughter. Now after what had happened to my daughter I really don’t want to have the talk again. I'm so afraid that the same thing is going to happen.

I heard several knocks on my door before it opened. I looked over to see Officer Jackson escort Alex into my office. Alex actually looks as nervous as I am right now. I think he believes that he might be in trouble or something like that.

“Thank you Officer Jackson, that will be all for now. Please Alex, take a seat on the couch that way we can talk a little more in comfort.” I walked over and joined him on the couch across the couch.

“I understand that you took the offer from Mr. Simons to run the business here in our facility. Mr. Simons could not pick a better man for the position. I really do believe our model here will be the best in the State.”

Alex just kept nodding his head up and down as he looked around the room. I was hoping to shoot the breeze a little bit longer but without Alex responding verbally, I have to get into the subject a lot faster then I tended to.

“Alex, the main reason I called you over here this evening is to talk about something very important and dear to my heart. At anytime during this conversation you feel uncomfortable or want to leave, just say the word.”

“No problem, Mr. Henderson if I feel uncomfortable about anything, I will let you know, and that will be it.”

I got up from my couch to grab a couple sodas from my little refrigerator. I handed one to Alex and I sat down opening mine. I took a couple drinks from my can of soda, placed it on the table and cleared my throat; “Alex I don’t know how much Officer Jackson has told you about my daughter. We lost her several years ago because we were blinded to reality. She came to was one night and told us the hardest thing a teenage kid could tell her parents. It took her time that evening but she got to the point. She told me and my wife that she is a lesbian.

We just sat there not knowing really what to do or say as our daughter sat in front of us in tears. I regret to say that I didn’t take it very well. In fact, I acted pretty damned stupid and now I wish I could take back that night.

I should have given support my daughter and telling her we are here no matter what she is going in her life. Instead we did the opposite and demanded her to change or she will be kicked out of the house.

I even knew then that she didn’t choose that lifestyle. You are either straight or gay, but you just don't wake up one morning and decide to be one or the other.” I stopped talking and cleared my throat before going on.

“As I was saying, our daughter spilled her guts out to us and we just sat there. I got up from my chair and walked away from her. I turned my back and never once looked back. As I headed over to my room I kept thinking that my daughter has to be mistaken.

“My wife joined me about an hour later and tried to talk me down. I wouldn’t hear a word of it. I kept telling her that our daughter either has to shape up or move out. I won’t have a lesbian daughter or a gay son under my roof. Those are the rules.

For the next week, I didn't even talk to my daughter. To me, at that point, my daughter is dead to me until she decides to live right. Now that I think back to it, I can’t believe how idiotic I was about the whole thing with my daughter.

I never got the chance to correct the wrong I committed. The next time I saw my daughter…” I wipe the tears out of my eyes trying to keep control myself as I continued to tell the story about my daughter; “um, excuse me, as I was saying; the next time I saw my daughter, I was pulling her out of the bathtub. My wife was yelling and screaming in tears right behind me as we ran out the front door to my car!

My daughter's sliced her wrists and bled to death. When we found her, she already was dead. There was nothing we could have done at that point to save her life. That was the hardest thing I've ever had to hear my life.

I think back on it now, trying to figure out if I did one thing differently would it have changed anything? One thing I do know for sure is, if I would have accepted my daughter as she is, maybe I would still have her today.

The reason I am telling you this story is because of what I have found out. You are in an area that is even worse than my daughter. You have grown in a life that being gay means basically being dead.

I fear for you so much every day. Alex you are as equal of a person just like the rest of us. You don’t deserve less or be treated less than anyone else. But the sad thing is, the majority of the people think the same way that I once thought about homosexuality.

Just as easily as Officer Jackson found you out, many others can as well. We can’t control who walks in and then goes and spreads what they have seen around. If that happens, you are in major danger of getting hurt really bad, or even killed.”

“Mr. Henderson, Officer Jackson and Carlos have had this conversation already. Carlos in return passed on the facts of the conversation he had with Officer Jackson to me. Once he had done that, we stopped everything immediately and won’t do anything anymore.”

“Alex, please don’t take what we have said the wrong way. We are trying to help you and to make sure nothing bad happens. You are a teenager, with teenage hormones. I can remember back to when I was a teenager and what was always on my mind at that time.

You could do your hardest to keep away from having sex. It is a lot easier when your partner doesn't live in the same building and the same room. But in your case, that isn't possible. You will see your partner every single day and sleep in the same room every single night. That makes it even more difficult than it would be otherwise.

You could hold off for only so long, and then it's going to take over. When that happens, you guys won’t be careful enough about it. In fact, you guys will be going at it so hard and not care what is around you at the time.”

At this point, Alex is looking very agitated. It seems like everything I'm saying, I am stepping all over myself. This is what I didn't want to happen and that is why I didn't want to have this conversation. I just don’t know how to deal or talk about this.

“Mr. Henderson, with all due respect, we will never get to that point. I don't know when Officer Jackson saw me and Matt, but he must've. That will never happen again because Matt and I have way too much to lose. If I have to give up on love while I’m here, I will.”

Everything I am trying to do with this conversation is just backfiring on me. I can’t seem to say the right thing to get Alex to understand. I am here for him and Matt forever. They need to be comfortable in here.

“I am not saying Alex that you and Matt are reckless. What I'm trying to do here is give you a place where you and Matt can be together without any interruptions and no chance of your privacy being compromised. You have done so much for me. It is time for me to try to start returning back some favors to you. I know you’ll probably not accept them, but I am going to try anyway.

I'm not going to go as far as saying that it's because of Matt that you are succeeding here. Love does some crazy things to each of us; we will change everything about ourselves to keep a hold of the one that we love and want to spend the rest of our life with!

Again, I'm not telling you that Matt is the one because I don't know. What I am trying to tell you is that you are very happy and outgoing. You seem to be in love with not only life but everything around you. You have changed in such a small amount of time from the person you were when you walked in here to the person you are now.

Please, don’t give up on love. No matter where you are, a love between two people is so strong it can get you through a lot. You and Matt seemed to be a correct fit and you both deserve love and happiness in your lives.

Don't make any rash decisions here today. I'm just telling you that my door is open at any time for you. I don't care what it is, come and see me. Whenever you are ready to trust me enough to help you and Matt, please come and see me. You guys be safe and take care of each other. When the shit hits the fan, the only one that will be standing there with you is Matt. Very few friends stick around when it gets tough”

We both got up from our couches and walked towards the office door. I shook Alex’s hand as I opened the door. Officer Jackson waited for me to finish my conversation with Alex. It seems that Alex has grown to trust Officer Jackson.

As Alex walked out the door and joined Officer Jackson I hoped that I may have made some headway with Alex today. He actually smiled at me as we walked out of my office. I really do believe I can correct to a point the wrong I did with my daughter by helping out with Alex. I can’t replace my daughter, but I can help out another in the same predicament that she was in.

TO BE CONTINUED……………………

WRITER’S CORNER:

{Okay, everybody another chapter without any violence in it. Before I go into the summation of my thoughts on this chapter, I would like to say thank you to a reader that e-mailed me a plot to write into this story.

Just as I was writing the part where Alex was waiting for his teacher to speak with him, I was going to go totally different direction. Just then I got an e-mail from a reader, telling me about an article he had read. He told me that there was a school that actually did a business model as I wrote in to this story, by his suggestion.

Over and over again I tell my readers to give me their thoughts and I might use their suggestions. This reader took the time to write me and give me a little bit of a background about this program, and I took it and ran with it. Without giving his name because I don't have his permission, I thank him for his suggestion and please keep sending them to me.

Let's talk about where we are at this point the story. The kids are about to go into the Christmas break. I remember when I was in high school. I couldn't wait to be away from school for a month. But for these kids, they live each and sleep at their school. So they really are not going to get much of a break except no classes.

We have several hanging plots dealing with Alex and his school. One plot I brought up in the last chapter and that is the debate team. I don't know if I am going to do anything with that plot. I would like to hear what you readers think about the subject.

With the business model plot, I plan to go all the way with it. It starts to tie in this story with “Shadow of My Father”. Plus, it will give Alex something to do and learn from. He can also take his experiences for good use later in his life.

Don't forget about the community service at the retirement home. That's still going to go on in the chapters to come. I just don’t want to bore or kill the plots off way too fast, because I am overwriting the plot and the readers get tired of it.

We see that Robert and Steve are getting closer to each other. They had sex in the weirdest place. They are very lucky that they were not caught by that kid that was walking in to do his laundry. Still, in the chapters to come, you will be reading more about those two since you know about them.

Francseca, Alex's mom, is a character in two stories. She was developed in this story, but is appearing in “Jacob Finding His Way” as well. I really wasn't going to make her a big character, but now she is involved in with two of my stories.

Her past keeps haunting her. She did everything that a single mother could have done for the kids. Working three jobs in order to keep a roof, food on the table and close on the back of three growing boys is quite an accomplishment. To add to that, a husband that demanded a huge chunk of her hard earned money every month!

So no, I don't think she has any reason to feel bad. She is getting better as far as work is concerned and with the husband gone. A lot of turmoil that he caused in the house is gone as well. So that means their lives are going to be a lot better.

We learned that a lot more about Mr. Henderson. In this chapter, he spoke about the worst days of his life; how he regretted his reactions and how wishes he could take it back but can’t. Now he is taking this second chance that has been given to him and is trying to help out.

So many plots open and not enough paper to write it in one chapter. This story is developing into a very good story from the officers to the teachers to the love stories and all the way to Alex living in the detention facility. Plus a lot, lot more. Some plots may not be talked about or written in every chapter, but they are not gone. Give me your opinion on anything about this story, I would appreciate it.

There is so much going on right now and so much to come! As I did with “Shadow Of My Father”, the cliffhangers are gone. I will do the same with “Jacob Finding His Way” as well. I believe I have three pretty good developed stories I don’t need the cliffhangers to bring you guys back the next week. I really hope I am right!

I don’t want to say too much more and spoil the future chapters to come, so I won’t. I warn you though! Don’t skip a chapter, or you will be lost. There is a so much to answer in the chapters to come. Keep reading the future chapters, and enjoy! Please email me and let me know how I am doing at jacobmillertex@aol.com, Thanks!}
EDITOR’S CORNER:

Jacob, GREAT tie in with the business program being instituted by Gov. Lopez! Now this story has things happening that come from both of the other stories. I will be most interested to see what business the Board comes up with. I’m wracking my brain to come up what sort of enterprise could be done from behind the walls of the detention center. Well, I know that our author has, if nothing else, a fertile mind. He never ceases to amaze me with his ability to weave a tale; something I can’t do and admire in those that can.

Franseca is going to be what I call a “glue character”. She’s going to have a lot of influence in both stories and will be a force keeping “her boys” on track. She’s a good mom with enough of that “mom” thing going to take care of a whole bevy of boys. I’m curious about her two younger sons. What are their names and what are they all about?

I agree with Mr. Henderson that Matt is so very good for Alex. He’s a positive influence with the power of the love between the two. Matt doesn’t push Alex anywhere, but he sure moves Alex to see the possibilities in life from a perspective Alex hasn’t known existed before. Many people are working as mentors for Alex, but Matt is the driving force in his life that will make the most impact.

Mr. Henderson, I sense, is going to become the “father figure” that never truly existed in a real way in Alex’s life. Henderson has his own demons to slay and the way to slay those demons is to vindicate himself in helping someone like Alex. The dynamics between the two are going to be most interesting to see develop. Alex trusts Henderson, but Alex also is slow to allow even obviously good people into his head and heart. It’s a defense mechanism that is still in high gear. Henderson is doing it right. He puts things out there then backs up. Full head on pressure will always backfire with Alex. Matt made the mistake of trying full head on pressure once…and only once.

There was an interesting hint about Alex being about to parole out early. Hmmm….now should that happen, how would he feel about leaving with Matt still having time to serve?

Alex is going to prove to be brilliantly intelligent. Mr. Simons is going to be the mentor that will unveil Alex’s potential can make it so Alex actually sees it and begins to understand what his true potential for the future is going to be.

Like Jacob, I could write on for pages, but will let you up off the mat! There’s going to be so much happening and I, like you, anxiously await each new installment of each of the three stories.
Let us hear from you!

Until next time,
“Daddy” Rick