Goldstein, Johnson & Cole - 6. Chapter 6 The First Meeting

“Do you mean it? You would be my Ahkh? My brothers?”

“Yes,” was whispered in to each of Joseph'e ears as the grip was tightened.

*****

Isaac and Shamira looked on, although cautiously optimistic, they were happy for Joseph, this was the first time they had seen him genuinely happy and smiling. It was plain for anyone to see that an instant bond was forming. Now the work needed to begin to make sure that this boy remained happy.

The light meal of chicken accompanied by salad and fresh baked bread which was followed by a fresh fruit medley with ice-cream was perfect for the evening that was charged with excitement and hope. When the evening wound down as everyone grew tired there was a hint of disappointment on Joseph's face. He was happy, he felt an instant bond with Ian and Kevin when they hugged. He knew he would be sleeping well and having good dreams that night as he laid down in his bed, its just that he wanted to sleep with his 'big brothers'. There was no ulterior motive he just wanted to sleep surrounded by them and the love that he felt.

The next morning Kevin was woken up by a tapping on the door, a little groggy he made sure that Ian was covered by the sheet then called out, “come in.”

The door opened slowly as Joseph made his way in carrying a breakfast tray loaded with fresh coffee, fruit juice, croissants and fresh fruit.

“I want to show you that I will be a good brother, I have prepared breakfast for us. Would you like to eat where you are or would you like me to prepare the table on the balcony?” The smile on Joseph's face couldn't be any bigger.

“Thank you Joseph, the weather looks good so let's have it on the balcony. While you set up I'll wake Ian and we'll join you in few minutes.” Kevin was impressed and touched by the gesture.

He shook Ian awake. After telling him about breakfast waiting on the balcony they both relieved themselves in the bathroom, quickly brushed their teeth, then dressed in shorts and t-shirt. Ian was drawn by the smell of coffee and made his way to the balcony followed by Kevin.

Breakfast in the sun was enjoyed by all three, Joseph was excited as they chatted about life in Manchester and made tentative plans for days out during Ian and Kevin's stay in Israel. Joseph knew that he would not be going back with them on this trip, he just hoped that the wait wouldn't be too long. He was eager to start a new life with his brothers. When breakfast was finished Joseph returned to the kitchen with the tray to tidy up while Ian and Kevin showered and dressed for the day ahead.

Shamira met them in the lounge, where two happy boys could be heard playing on the open patio. Joseph went to join them, knowing it was one of their favourite toys he took a large box of lego. This brought squeals of delight as the boys settled for a morning of construction and probably demolition.

“Isaac has asked me to apologise for not being here, he received a call from his secretary and has some urgent business that he needs to attend to for one of his clients before seeing you. He also asked if you would meet him there so that you can discuss the matters concerning Joseph without distractions. Joseph will be happy playing with the boys while you're gone, as you can tell he is popular with Aaron and Asher, he is very good with them.”

“That sounds sensible, what time is best for us to be there?” Asked Ian.

“If we get a taxi there maybe we can organise a hire car later, that would give us some freedom for while we're here.” Kevin suggested.

“Isaac will be there all day so really it's when ever you feel ready to meet. As for transport don't worry, a car and driver have been organised for you. They will be at your disposal for the duration of your stay, the driver will also act as your guide. I'll call them when you're ready.”

“That's good of you but we had planned on a hire car, that's more within our reach.” Kevin felt awkward.

“Kevin don't worry about it, it's all been organised and is covered by trust funds set up by Manny, they will only be paid for sitting about doing nothing otherwise.” This had been arranged by friends of Marty and The Major, Shamira had been asked to keep it confidential. “It also gives you more time to get properly acquainted with Jacob.”

“It's probably for the best Kev, we'd only get lost anyway and that would cause problems. If you're ready we may as well get the meeting out of the way, I doubt it will be the only one. Then we can spend time with Joseph and maybe Aaron and Asher too, if that's okay with Isaac and Shamira.”

“Yeah, I think you could be right, they drive on the wrong side of the road here and while I like playing Mario-Kart on the Wii I don't fancy trying it out on real roads.”

“If you are sure you want can cope with two energetic six year olds I know the boys would like that. I'll call the car for you, it should be here soon, and as for driving on the wrong side of the road I'll leave that to you Brits.” Shamira was laughing at Kevin's analogy of driving on Israeli roads, but she did agree with it.

The drive into Jerusalem was uneventful, but on entering the city the roads were packed and slow moving. It was very much the case that the more aggressive drivers made more progress. The large blue SUV that they were in was intimidating to those in smaller cars, if that wasn't enough the sight of the behemoth of a man driving definitely was.

After parking in the underground parking lot Jacob, the six foot seven inch giant of a driver, escorted them to the reception desk. There he explained that he had brought Mr Johnson and Mr Cole to meet with Isaac Lehrer. Before they were taken through he told them he would be waiting for them at reception.

When seated in Isaac's office they welcomed the offer of bottled cold water he kept in small fridge near his desk.

“Ian, Kevin, please make yourselves comfortable.” Isaac was stood behind his desk and sat when Ian and Kevin did. “I'm sure that you understand that this is only the first meeting that we will need, but I promise to keep them to as few as possible.

“Joseph speaks, understands and can read and write the english language very well, he is intelligent and a very good student. What you may not be aware of is that Joseph is not of the jewish faith, nor is he a muslim, from what he has told us he is a christian. This may surprise you but it's not unusual, Israel is not exclusively jewish.

“Regardless of the on off troubles here in Israel, jews, muslims and christians can and do live in harmony in many parts of the country. The troubles here are nothing to do with religion, it is territorial and always has been, although religion has been and is used as an excuse by many.

“Joseph has been taught to be respectful of all faiths and religions, he lives a mainly jewish way of life as those of us taking care of him are of the jewish faith, and out of respect for Manny who rescued him. I met and knew Manny, I know it was his wish to adopt Joseph and take him to the UK to live with him, he wanted him to meet and know both of you. I don't need to tell you this but I will say it, he loved both of you and held you in high regard. The fact that you are here and want to welcome Joseph into your lives, and your home tells me all I need to know. I will do whatever it takes to make sure it happens.”

Hearing this brought back many happy memories of Manny, holding back their emotions they continued to listen.

Isaac went on to explain that as things stand and with the current documentation Jacob is without a legal guardian and this being the first thing that needed to be addressed. Isaac would remain his legal advocate for as long as necessary and do all he could to push for a fast resolution. They discovered that Manny had instructed that they were to take over as trustees of the fund set up to support various local charities, one of which had been set up to take care of Joseph. As soon as the 'irregularities' were discovered that support had been withdrawn resulting in those responsible disappearing without trace and Joseph being found without support or supervision. This is why he is currently residing with Isaac and his family.

There was a small stack of documents requiring their signatures. They included the acceptance of the trusteeship, appointing Isaac as their representative to act for them in their absence, and granting him permission to collate any and all information and documents to apply for legal guardianship of Joseph and start those proceedings. Following a conference call with Mark and The Major back in the UK they signed all of the documents, which Isaac then gathered and handed to his secretary to be filed away.

He then checked his watch. “Well gentlemen that is everything we can do for now and seeing what the time is, I think it's time for some lunch. I take it that Jacob is waiting for you, so let's meet him in reception and find somewhere to eat.”