Salvation - 38. Chapter 37

“Don’t you ever do this again!! I know that this is hard for you. You had me scared to death. I thought someone had kidnapped you or something.”

“Alex, I can’t lose another boy no matter what. I’ll do as you ask, but it will be my way.”

Jimmy set down my coffee, “Jimmy, do you have another one of those and maybe something else to eat.”

Alex phoned someone, “Yes he’s okay…A little upset…because he would never want to put his boys in danger…you would think that, but that isn’t the way it is in America….no, he can’t have guards around them all the time… Dad, he isn’t running a prison. Okay I’ll ask him and let you know.”

“It’s hard for them to think about things like you do. Dad wants you to hire protection.”

“I’ll think about it. I’ll have a draft of my speech next week. But mind you, it’s my speech, and I’ll cover your concerns but in my way.”

Alex smiled, “I’m glad we met.”

“I was also, but now, I’m not sure.” Then I smiled.

“I have a passenger for you?”

As he said that, I saw a police car pull up to the plane, a young police officer got out of the passenger side, open the back door, and a young man got out. They boarded the plane.

“Carleton, this is Officer Amar of the Holland police force. This is Daniel, he’s 16 and needs your help. Here are his papers.”

“Jimmy, get Officer Amar a cup of coffee and this young man some hot chocolate.”

“Welcome aboard, Daniel. Has anyone explained to you what’s about to happen?”

“Yes, Sir, Alex explained that I’d be going home with you to live with you.”

“You’re comfortable with that, coming to America and living with my sons and me?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Carleton, Office Amar will also be flying with you. Dad has asked him to evaluate your home for security and to make recommendations.”

“I should ask you the same question, Officer Amar, are you comfortable with that knowing not when you’ll return.”

“Yes, sir, that’s my assignment as I understand it.”

“Good, may I asked what’s your first name?”

“My friends call me Sal.”

“If you have luggage, I suggest you get it on board. We’ll be leaving in a few minutes.” I watched as Sal and Daniel went to the trunk of the police car, removing two suitcases.

Once they were stowed, “Mr. Jeffries, the Captain needs time to bring on provisions for the trip home.”

I knew that this was an unexpected change. “That’s okay, Jimmy, do the best you can. I want to get home as soon as possible.”

Alex came back on board, “Carleton, are we still friends?”

“Yes, why not? I don’t like doing what you asked, and I think in our future, there will be other requests I won’t like, but that will not affect our relationship.”

“Good,” he left the plane, and I watched as he was handing Jimmy his suitcase.

Jimmy came on board, “Sir, a local restaurant is sending over food, the airport catering service will be here shortly, and Don said we needed fuel. It’ll be about an hour before we’ll be ready to leave.”

“That’s okay, Jimmy.”

I guess my nerves had quieted down a little. I called Judy to arrange the limo and Peter.

In the quiet, my mind began to draft my speech. I thought of the high points and the sensitive information I wouldn’t include in my address, the boys, and other information that would not be pertinent to this subject.

Daniel came and sat beside me. “Sir, is what Alex said true?”

“I don’t know Daniel because I don’t know what he told you. If he told you I have a big family of sons, he’s correct. My boys call me Dad, and you may as well. I have a big house, the boys have chores and go to school. They have their interests, some like reading, we now have a liter of dogs, we have a conservatory where the boys grow flowers, herbs, and some vegetables. Our latest addition is a grove of fruit trees, apples, plums, cherries. The boys take care of those things. What do you like to do?”

“I like to draw and paint.”

“That’s great. A few of my sons share the same interests.”

“You said I’d have to do chores?”

“Yes, you’d have to keep your room clean, do your laundry, and help in the kitchen. With all of the boys, it wouldn’t be fair to have one person to do that. It doesn’t take long with everyone pitching in.

“What about school?”

“We have our school. The goal is to prepare you for the GED test to get into college, if you pass. I have my oldest son starting college this spring. He’ll be going to New York University. I’m quite proud of him but a little sad as well.”

“Why are you sad?”

“Because once he get’s his degree, he’ll be leaving me to start his own life. That’s how it should be, but parents feel the void.”

“Have you had anyone ask to come back here?”

“No, I haven’t. But if anyone asks, I’d bring them back. I can’t force you to stay, and I won’t, but I think you’ll like it there.”

“Mr. Jeffries, we’re ready to take off as soon as the tower clears us.”

“Thank you, Jimmy.”

Jimmy went into his safety presentation, I listened. Daniel was very attentive. “Daniel, first flight?”

He nodded, yes. “Relax and enjoy it.”

Taking off is always a little exhilarating for me. The idea of flying into the wild blue yonder. I need to get that music and have it played when we take off. I smiled

“What’s so funny?”

“Every time we take off, I’m reminded of the lyrics, flying into the wild blue yonder. I think I’ll get that song and have Jimmy play it when we take off.”

Alex smiled. He nodded. Yes, I was feeling better. I had a mental outline of my speech.

I listened to Alex and Sal chat. Daniel was watching the movie that Jimmy put on as soon as we reached altitude.

I closed my eyes and rested a little. I didn’t sleep well last night.

“Sir”

“Yes Daniel”

“May I have something to drink?”

“Sure, I’m sorry. Jimmy, my new son, would like a snack and a hot chocolate.”

Jimmy brought Daniel some crackers and cheese and his hot chocolate. He smiled and thanked Jimmy.

I put my arm around him and squeezed him. He looked at me. His eyes had a shine to them. They were wet with tears that hadn’t dropped yet.

I wondered how many boys and girls had missed hugs, a kind word, or a kiss on their heads. How many have never heard the words, I love you.

“Carleton, what are you thinking?”

“Why”

“Your eyes are tearing up.”

“They are just dry. The tears help to moisture them.”

One look at Alex, and he knew I was lying.

I drifted off again when Jimmy asked me if I wanted to eat. “I’m sorry, Jimmy, I didn’t realize that it was time for dinner.”

“I thought I better wake you, sir before the others cleaned out the kitchen.”

I chuckled. I knew with Alex it was a possibility that we’d run out of food. Jimmy served us the food from the restaurant. It was good but not as good as when Jimmy cooked from the supplies we usually stock. It didn’t make any difference to Alex, food was generic.

After dinner, I had a cup of coffee while Jimmy served pie to the rest. I looked at Daniel. He was enjoying his dessert with another cup of hot chocolate.