Goldstein, Johnson & Cole - 7. Chapter 7 Getting To Know Joseph Part 1

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.”

*****

After a lunch of chicken schnitzel followed by baklava the lads were driven back to Isaac's home by Jacob. The journey was uneventful if you ignored the extra dent and scratch inflicted on the large SUV by a driver in Jerusalem's traffic. They were amused by Jacob's heated discussion with the nervous, cowering driver responsible who offered cash as compensation for the damage. They correctly guessed that being a six foot seven inch giant had it's advantages in an argument.

Arriving at the house on Derekh Brekhot ha-Ya'ar they appreciated the air-conditioning that Isaac had installed when he purchased the house. Joseph welcomed them on their return and offered cold drinks that were gratefully accepted. They also liked Joseph's suggestion that they take a rest from the heat in their room. The house was quiet as Shamira and the twins were napping in their rooms.

Later in the afternoon, while the twins played, Ian and Kevin sat down with Joseph and Shamira to give them a short explanation of the mornings meeting. Shamira went to great lengths explaining to Joseph that things could still take a long time and that there were no guarantees. Joseph again became emotional and hugged the lads who considered his brothers, in his mind they were his Ahkh.

The following day Jacob met them at the house to take them for a day of shopping in the shopping malls of Jerusalem. Before they set off Jacob gave each of them a mobile phone. “You should each have these during your stay in Israel, Joseph you should keep yours until you can join Ian and Kevin in England.”

“Thank you Jacob, but why do we need these?” Ian was holding the phone which looked similar to a Nokia 6310, but older.

“You could still use your english phone here but it is expensive, so it is best if you just keep that on incase you get any calls from England. These are on a local network which is quicker and easier to use to use if you need to make any local calls, they have some numbers that you may find useful programmed on speed dial. To call them press the hash key first followed by the number of the person you need then the green button.

“1 is Isaac's home. 2 is Isaac's mobile, 3 for Shamira's mobile and 4 for when you need a car. If for any reason I cannot come you will be given the name of the replacement driver and you should check it before getting into any car.”

“It all sounds a bit cloak and dagger to me. So why the phones and what do we do if the drivers name doesn't match? And just as important how much is this going to cost us?” Kevin quizzed.

“This is not unusual for the company I work for, we are under contract and provide these phones for our customers. If the driver's name does not match it is probably one of our competitors which is not good, if the name does not match then please call again and let them know. If you are ever separated from your driver or are in any trouble press star hash and someone will be with you very quickly. The phones are fitted with GPS so we will know where you are, and there is no charge it is all covered in the contract and a normal part of the service for companies like ours.”

“Okay then Jacob let's go, we have some serious shopping to do and need to find the best shops, can you give us any ideas?” Kevin turned on his phone and put it in his pocket.

“You tell me what you want and I will take you where you will get the best quality and the best prices.” Jacob started the car and headed into Jerusalem.

Jacob was as as good as his word and they had a great day, he even encouraged them to haggle hard for better prices which they would never have done without him. By the end of the day they sampled some delicious street food and had bags full of shopping. Ian, Kevin and Joseph felt that Jacob was more than a driver to them, he had become a good friend.

Ian and Kevin asked Joseph to give Jacob the small pouch containing a gift for him. When Jacob tried to protest Joseph was firm. “Sorry Jacob you cannot refuse, you have not just been good to us today, you have been a friend, this a token of friendship.”

Not wanting to offend Jacob removed the contents of the pouch and smiled. It contained a larger, but otherwise identical, version of the friendship bracelets that he could see on three arms raised in front of him. The simple leather bracelet with a silver clasp was fastened on his wrist and he wore it with pride. With happy hugs they parted company for the night.

Ian and Kevin bought new lightweight clothes more suitable for the hot weather. Joseph was bought clothes that were appropriate for a twelve year old growing boy, one who would hopefully be living in the UK soon. Swim shorts had to be included as Shamira wanted to take them and the twins to the outdoor swimming pool in Beit Zayit. They also bought gifts for Isaac, Shamira and the twins to show their appreciation for helping Joseph.

Over the next few days the lads and Joseph visited some of the sights that Manny had told them of, The Israel Museum, The Museum of Natural History with it's kid-friendly exhibits and the Bloomfield Science Museum where Joseph enjoyed the interactive exhibits. The most moving was The Garden Tomb, set in well maintained gardens it is believed to be the last resting place and site of the resurrection Jesus Christ. Each day Jacob proved to be a good friend and invaluable guide.

When they visited the The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens it was an all day affair and included the Lehrer family. Jacob arranged for an extra SUV with driver and guide. As each vehicle could carry four passengers Isaac and his family were in one car, the guide accompanied Ian, Kevin and Joseph.

Kevin was even impressed with the honesty of the locals when one young man ran up to him to hand over his wallet which he had apparently 'dropped' when someone had bumped into him, he even refused point blank to accept a reward of any kind. Nobody noticed the quizzical look that Isaac gave to the innocent looking drivers who were trailing behind. Unknown to them Jacob had quickly gone into action when he spotted the slight-of-hand as another young man had 'accidentally' bumped into Kevin.

Much quicker than anyone would imagine Jacob moved as fast as a gazelle and soon caught the youths trying to run away. Jacob's sense of diplomacy and negotiation was very simple. Go and give back the wallet and walk away empty handed or, he would take back the wallet breaking an arm in the process and hand them over to security who would call the police. Unsurprisingly they chose the first option and Jacob returned to the group with no-one being aware of the true events.

The morning was spent taking a leisurely walk around checking out the array of exotic animals and birds of prey. Shamira provided a pre-packed light lunch which was eaten early afternoon in the shade of one of the carefully sited picnic areas, where they also had a well deserved rest. Feeling rested and no longer hungry they spent the rest of the day in the petting zoo. Aaron, Asher and Joseph were in their element and thought it was the best part of the day.

On the way back to the cars the twins complained of being tired. When they were scooped up and high up on shoulders by their guide and driver they thought it was great being taller that everyone else, even taller than the giant Jacob. Joseph jokingly complained and pouted that it wasn't fair as he was too big for such fun. The look of shocked surprise on his face made everyone laugh as Jacob picked him up as though he was as light as a feather and placed him on his shoulders. Tears of joy were in his eyes as he whooped and laughed with delight revelling in the fun and attention. Isaac reached for his camera, this had to added to today's collection of photo's.

When they arrived back at the house Isaac saw the flashing light of the answer machine and went to his study to check his messages. Shamira served a buffet style evening meal insisting that Jacob and his colleagues joined them.

After the men left in their SUV's Isaac asked Ian and Kevin to join him in his study.

“While we have been out today my secretary has left a message letting me know that we may now be in a position to proceed with the application for legal guardianship of Joseph. It seems that she also has some ideas that could speed things up, possibly making it easier, I don't know what these ideas are, I'll check things out tomorrow morning when I'm in the office. I'll keep you informed when I've had a chance to look things over, do you have any plans for tomorrow?”

“Nothing that can't be rearranged, can you tell us anything?” Kevin was hopeful.

“Not until I get to the office, when I've read the documents and spoken to my secretary I'll give you a call. Now I think we have got three boys out there falling asleep, let's get them and ourselves off to bed and keep our fingers crossed for a good day tomorrow.”

Entering the lounge they saw all three boys curled up on the lounge rug and out for the count. Goodnight's were said as Isaac and Shamira picked up the twins and Ian picked up Joseph, Kevin led the way to open bedroom doors.

“Kev, I've got an idea that might help with getting Joseph home with us, but only if you agree with me.”

“Ian, let's put Joseph to bed then we can discuss and if I think it's a good idea and could help then I'll agree.”